Semi final - Manchester United vs AC Milan

Parks lives wrote:

Excellent as ever Merseyman. If we would of drawn that game 2:2 I would of been devasted (our chances would of been about 25:75). We created so many chances in the second half.

Fletcher is a Legend!! Feel smug that I backed him all those times now.

Well, you're absolutely right to be, Parks. His first touch tonight was an overhit pass that went out of play, and it's arguable that he shouldn't have let himself be pushed off the ball for Kaka's second goal. Other than that, he was nothing short of immaculate. THE class player on the pitch. I obviously don't see Fletcher as often as you do, but he's looked great every time I've seen him. And that includes his performances in a Scotland shirt.

This game reminded me of that 3-2 win against Juventus at OT a few years back. OK, the sequence of the goals was totally different (Del Piero put Juve ahead after 30 seconds on that occasion). But I was oblivious to the scoreline throughout both matches; United were creating so many chances that they simply had to put some of them away!

I guess it was surely mentioned a few times here already, but it was truly a great game tonight.

Indeed it was. Great entertainement for the neutral fan.

Merseyman

Great post as always, you should really post here more often as your posts are always a brilliant read.

Regarding the game Milan were a one man team, they didnt really create much and I forgot Pirlo and Gilardino were playing.

Kaka was fantastic in the first half, but when Brown and Heinze realised you could tackle him, he didnt really do that much. When Carrick missed an open goal, I diod think it was going to be one of those nights.

But Dazza Fletcher had other ideas, I dont think I have seen a player work so hard before and his passing was briliant. The outside of the boot pass to Giggs to set up carricks first chance was unreal, I saw Pirlo running up to him after the game, asking for tips on how to pass the ball, he was that good.

Its nice to see Rooney score 2 goals in the CL semi final, the Italians seem to bring out the best in him. If Ronaldo passed the ball to him in the first half, the Rooney show might have started earlier.

Its nice to see British players performing so well against our Italian friends, maybe they wont turn their noses up at us anymore.

The second leg will be tough, but the Milan players wont be able to sleep till then, as they will be too busy having nightmares of Darren Fletcher hustling them. In all seriousness, the game will be tough and I dont think it will be as good as the first leg. We cant go to play for a draw we have to go out there to score and win, as we cannt play defensive football.

It used to be he was better for Scotland than for us, he's last 2 games vs Roma and Milan have been superb though.

He's put in some great performances against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool as well, obviously the sign of a good player.

Just lacks some confidence at times and it's obviously helped that he's beefed up abit. He used to look like a rake!

borocooper wrote:I bigged him up at some point im sure.

borocooper wrote:

none of it changes the fact Fletcher isnt a very good player though. He'll end up in the Championship sooner or later.

There's more as well.

Rez wrote:Merseyman

Great post as always, you should really post here more often as your posts are always a brilliant read.

I thank 'ee! It's a question of time (or lack therof!) unfortunately. But I try to show up on the big occasions

Rez wrote:Regarding the game Milan were a one man team, they didnt really create much and I forgot Pirlo and Gilardino were playing.

Calling them a one man team is probably going a mite too far. But I would be worried if I was a Milan fan: Seedorf, Nesta and Gattuso (while he lasted) all put in good performances, but it's got to be a cause for concern if your attacking outlet consists of one player. Sure enough, Kaka was absolutely knackered after 60 minutes, and Milan were never dangerous again. And this against a team with the most makeshift defence you're ever likely to see; it's not as though Ferguson had even had much time to go through defensive drills with them.

I've a feeling that the choice of Evra was a desperation move. The guy's a fine player, but not match-fit. But with a defence already lacking Ferdinand, Neville, Vidic and Silvestre, the only alternative would have been to play Fletcher at full-back... a move that would probably have lost United the match (I'm sure he'd have played well enough there too, but we'd have been deprived of the best midfielder on the park tonight!).

I've criticised SAF for lack of tactical nous over the years; IMHO, he's more of a motivator than a tactician. But he's come up with a few gambits of late that have had me re-assessing the old dog... at the ripe old age of 65 (him, not me!).

Parks lives wrote:

borocooper wrote:I bigged him up at some point im sure.

borocooper wrote:

none of it changes the fact Fletcher isnt a very good player though. He'll end up in the Championship sooner or later.

There's more as well.

good times.

merseyman wrote:

Rez wrote:Merseyman

Great post as always, you should really post here more often as your posts are always a brilliant read.

I thank 'ee! It's a question of time (or lack therof!) unfortunately. But I try to show up on the big occasions

Rez wrote:Regarding the game Milan were a one man team, they didnt really create much and I forgot Pirlo and Gilardino were playing.

Calling them a one man team is probably going a mite too far. But I would be worried if I was a Milan fan: Seedorf, Nesta and Gattuso (while he lasted) all put in good performances, but it's got to be a cause for concern if your attacking outlet consists of one player. Sure enough, Kaka was absolutely knackered after 60 minutes, and Milan were never dangerous again. And this against a team with the most makeshift defence you're ever likely to see; it's not as though Ferguson had even had much time to go through defensive drills with them.

I've a feeling that the choice of Evra was a desperation move. The guy's a fine player, but not match-fit. But with a defence already lacking Ferdinand, Neville, Vidic and Silvestre, the only alternative would have been to play Fletcher at full-back... a move that would probably have lost United the match (I'm sure he'd have played well enough there too, but we'd have been deprived of the best midfielder on the park tonight!).

I've criticised SAF for lack of tactical nous over the years; IMHO, he's more of a motivator than a tactician. But he's come up with a few gambits of late that have had me re-assessing the old dog... at the ripe old age of 65 (him, not me!).

One man team is over the top, as Nesta, Seedorf and Gattusso were all excellent, but attacking wise everything went through him.

Evra had to play as we had no one else, apart from Richardson in which case I would prefer to play with 10 men. I know its been mentioned many times before but the injury crisis is horrendous. When the camera panned to the stands and Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, Park and Saha were sat there, it made me realise how well we did to win 3-2, with so many important players missing.

SAF is more of a motivator than tactician, but his attempt at playing tactical european football killed us in the CL. In the games at OT fergie lets our players play prem style swash buckling attacking football and it works.

I think he is slowly learning that if you have a team consisting of Rooney, Ronaldo, Saha, Giggs and Scholes there is no point playing defensive football. When we went 1-0 up the whole team started defending and then Milan went on top and scored 2 goals. Only when we were chasing the game and had to score did we play our best football.

He should leave the negative controlled football to Chelsea and Liverpool, it doesnt work at OT.

Lucas Deano Neill wrote:

COTR wrote:

Mexicanbecks wrote:

Lucas Deano Neill wrote: I love how Dida has been blamed for every goal or good chance United had.

really, the first and third goal were completely dida

not the third. it was so powerful most keepers would have struggled with it

but the first was a gift

however with the heinze/evra calamity it is 1-1 on the gift goals front

Everytime Man Utd scored or had a shot, all I read on here was "Dida's fault"
Easy target methinks...

how does a keeper EVER leave his near post with in 3 yards of his side? not taking anythign away from rooney it was a brilliant shot but dida's positioning was piss poor.

I missed the game, and regret doing so after reading about it and watching the highlights. Oddly, I'll actually be free tomorrow, and Murphy's Law dictates that it'll be a 0-0 snorefest (not a dig at Chelsea-Liverpool ).

Congrats to Man. Utd. for the win, I didn't expect they'd be able to come back and win it. Draw yes, but win was a surprise to me. Donkey Dida did his bit, and Kaka sure knows when and where to perform in order to keep his fan-base on this board [/i]

MOTM - Fletcher without doubt
IMO Heinze made ammends in the second half with some solid defending
The lob from Scholes for Rooney's 1st goal was awesome

2 great goals with fantastic finishing - Kaka for his first & Rooney for his second

And yes Milan managed to subdue Ronaldo to a good extent

Also kudos to the Greek ref, and his assistants. Havent seen such a performance in a while, almost flawless.

Fey wrote:Also kudos to the Greek ref, and his assistants. Havent seen such a performance in a while, almost flawless.

There was not much rough tackling in the game at all & not much controversy either for them to intervene. Altogether a fair game...except for one instance when Gila went down without even being touched by Heinze when going for the ball just outside the penalty area. Resulted in a Milan free kick

Great game and this should have been the final!
I hope Milan can win in san siro to get at least a second best final....

An all English Final is the worst thing that can happen to real and neutral football fans!

Tonight I definitely WON'T watch that game. It is a game with two "not so attractive" teams!

Ricardo Jol wrote:Great game and this should have been the final!
I hope Milan can win in san siro to get at least a second best final....

An all English Final is the worst thing that can happen to real and neutral football fans!

Tonight I definitely WON'T watch that game. It is a game with two "not so attractive" teams!

your loss ricky


though I simply do not believe you

Well, COTR enjoy your nil nil tonight! I'll enjoy the weather outside!

I only hope Mourinho and Kalou will win the tie overall from Kuyt, Zenden and Gerrard so this Liverpoor don't get a chance to win their 6th Champions League.

Kuyt vs Kalou!!!! Now that will be a mouthwatering clash!

Rio has a slight chance to play in the second leg according to SAF

Vidic maybe .. no official word, if he passes his scan next Monday.

Neville could return against Everton

Parks lives wrote:Thanks, Bobo. :Ale:

Milan at times were sensational, particular the last 20 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second.

I really thought we were going out at that stage.

Basically, right up until Gattuso got injured. He stays on, you lose.

theflyingfrenchman wrote:

Parks lives wrote:Thanks, Bobo.

Milan at times were sensational, particular the last 20 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second.

I really thought we were going out at that stage.

Basically, right up until Gattuso got injured. He stays on, you lose.

Swings and roundabouts. There is not a cats chance in hell Kaka would have scored that second goal against Ferdinand and Vidic.

Milan were unfortunate to lose the beast, but United were even more unlucky with the paperthin defence they had to start with.

Was a joy to watch 2 real World Class teams going at it last night. Best game of football ive seen in a long time in terms.

Trying to get through the Milan defence is like trying to pick a lock. Luckily there arent many more offensive sides in Europe than United

I Am Weasel wrote:

theflyingfrenchman wrote:

Parks lives wrote:Thanks, Bobo. :Ale:

Milan at times were sensational, particular the last 20 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second.

I really thought we were going out at that stage.

Basically, right up until Gattuso got injured. He stays on, you lose.

Swings and roundabouts. There is not a cats chance in hell Kaka would have scored that second goal against Ferdinand and Vidic.

Milan were unfortunate to lose the beast, but United were even more unlucky with the paperthin defence they had to start with.

Was a joy to watch 2 real World Class teams going at it last night. Best game of football ive seen in a long time in terms.

Trying to get through the Milan defence is like trying to pick a lock. Luckily there arent many more offensive sides in Europe than United

Not with Dida in net. People go on about how the second goal was gifted to Kaka, not looking at how much skill he had to put in to even get in a goalscoring position. That first United goal was gifted by Dida, and the third comes from a Milan throw in!

The Gattuso situation is very much like Vieira in the WC final - He stays we win. But Milan deserve no sympathy after that Back 4 Utd put up.

Dida pulled off a string of terrific saves though in fairness to him. He's a top shot stopper but terrible at crosses. In Italy its not such a big part of the game there: United made him look average because they use width and mix it up nicely, playing on his weakness.

Kaka's second was a disaster in defensive terms, he more or less ran in a diagonal straight line whilst the defenders were busy knocking each other out. It was schoolboy.

They play with that defence at the San Siro and it could be big trouble

I can't see many keepers stopping Fletcher's shot and he did well parrying Carrick's and Ronaldo's shots to relative safety.

Thought some might like to see the ratings from the Sun.

VDS - 6
Brown - 6
Heinze - 5
O'Shea - 6
Evra - 5
Carrick - 6
Fletcher - 6
Scholes - 8
Ronaldo - 8
Giggs - 8
Rooney - 9


Dida - 6
Jankalousvi - 6
Oddo - 6
Nesta - 7
Maldini - 7
Seedorf - 7
Ambrosini - 6
Pirlo - 7
Gattuso - 7
Kaka - 8
Gilardino - 6

Fletcher the same as Gilardino then.

Scholes 8
Carrick 6
Fletch 6
Giggs 8
Rooney 9
?
Did they even watch the game.

I doubt if they have even seen that game:erm:

theflyingfrenchman wrote:

I Am Weasel wrote:

theflyingfrenchman wrote:

Parks lives wrote:Thanks, Bobo. :Ale:

Milan at times were sensational, particular the last 20 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second.

I really thought we were going out at that stage.

Basically, right up until Gattuso got injured. He stays on, you lose.

Swings and roundabouts. There is not a cats chance in hell Kaka would have scored that second goal against Ferdinand and Vidic.

Milan were unfortunate to lose the beast, but United were even more unlucky with the paperthin defence they had to start with.

Was a joy to watch 2 real World Class teams going at it last night. Best game of football ive seen in a long time in terms.

Trying to get through the Milan defence is like trying to pick a lock. Luckily there arent many more offensive sides in Europe than United

Not with Dida in net. People go on about how the second goal was gifted to Kaka, not looking at how much skill he had to put in to even get in a goalscoring position. That first United goal was gifted by Dida, and the third comes from a Milan throw in!

The Gattuso situation is very much like Vieira in the WC final - He stays we win. But Milan deserve no sympathy after that Back 4 Utd put up.

Milan started the game with no injuries and rested the whole first team for todays game. United had 5 first team players out and rushed Evra back from injury, we were playing a left back in central defence.

Milan lose one player after 55 minutes and you claim that was thereason united won. If Rio and Vidic were playing Kaka wouldnt have scored the first one, as Rio is just as fast as Kaka, the second goal would have happened as Vidic would have brushed Kaka out the way. So how about saying united would have won 3-0 if Vidic and Ferdinand were playing.

Before Gattusso went of we had created lots of chances and Carrick had just missed an open goal.

Dida should have saved the first one, but VDS should have save Kakas first goal. Kakas second goal was just horrible playground defending. Uniteds third goal was brilliant Giggs made the tackle ran 30/40 yards played a perfect pass to Rooney, who outwiited one of the worlds best defenders with a fantastic shot.

Someone described Rooneys second goal as a visceral finish, he didnt look up to see were the keeper was, he didnt take a touch, he just had a luke skywalker moment (he used the force) were he just knew what the situation demanded, before the situation occured.

Rez wrote:

theflyingfrenchman wrote:

I Am Weasel wrote:

theflyingfrenchman wrote:

Parks lives wrote:Thanks, Bobo. :Ale:

Milan at times were sensational, particular the last 20 minutes of the first half and the first 15 minutes of the second.

I really thought we were going out at that stage.

Basically, right up until Gattuso got injured. He stays on, you lose.

Swings and roundabouts. There is not a cats chance in hell Kaka would have scored that second goal against Ferdinand and Vidic.

Milan were unfortunate to lose the beast, but United were even more unlucky with the paperthin defence they had to start with.

Was a joy to watch 2 real World Class teams going at it last night. Best game of football ive seen in a long time in terms.

Trying to get through the Milan defence is like trying to pick a lock. Luckily there arent many more offensive sides in Europe than United

Not with Dida in net. People go on about how the second goal was gifted to Kaka, not looking at how much skill he had to put in to even get in a goalscoring position. That first United goal was gifted by Dida, and the third comes from a Milan throw in!

The Gattuso situation is very much like Vieira in the WC final - He stays we win. But Milan deserve no sympathy after that Back 4 Utd put up.

Milan started the game with no injuries and rested the whole first team for todays game. United had 5 first team players out and rushed Evra back from injury, we were playing a left back in central defence.

Milan lose one player after 55 minutes and you claim that was thereason united won. If Rio and Vidic were playing Kaka wouldnt have scored the first one, as Rio is just as fast as Kaka, the second goal would have happened as Vidic would have brushed Kaka out the way. So how about saying united would have won 3-0 if Vidic and Ferdinand were playing.

Before Gattusso went of we had created lots of chances and Carrick had just missed an open goal.

Dida should have saved the first one, but VDS should have save Kakas first goal. Kakas second goal was just horrible playground defending. Uniteds third goal was brilliant Giggs made the tackle ran 30/40 yards played a perfect pass to Rooney, who outwiited one of the worlds best defenders with a fantastic shot.

Someone described Rooneys second goal as a visceral finish, he didnt look up to see were the keeper was, he didnt take a touch, he just had a luke skywalker moment (he used the force) were he just knew what the situation demanded, before the situation occured.

I don't disagree with any of what you said - Had United had their first tema defence then they probably would have won the gmae more comfortably - but that doesn't change the fact the turning point in the game was Gattuso's injury.

I Am Weasel wrote:Dida pulled off a string of terrific saves though in fairness to him. He's a top shot stopper but terrible at crosses. In Italy its not such a big part of the game there: United made him look average because they use width and mix it up nicely, playing on his weakness.

Kaka's second was a disaster in defensive terms, he more or less ran in a diagonal straight line whilst the defenders were busy knocking each other out. It was schoolboy.

They play with that defence at the San Siro and it could be big trouble

I said it before: Kaka pushed the ball between the two. Everybody said it was an incredible play by Kaka. From the way he took the ball, passed Heinze and got the ball thru the 2 defenders.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have heard a football commentator say recently? "Ooh that nasty Mr Puyol was trying to hurt Sheva there," or, "the way the blue Chelsea shirt compliments hunky Frank Lampard's eyes leaves me weak at the knees"?

Fair enough, those are obviously made up, but at the end of last night's game, just after Wayne Rooney's winner, the commentator on Italian state television's RAI coverage of the Manchester United AC Milan cracker said: "Attention! Some of the Manchester United fans are teasing Gattuso on the AC Milan bench!" - somehow managing to come across bitter, camp and whiny at the same time.

It was possibly the highlight of the season, hearing an experienced broadcaster sounding as agitated as a schoolgirl in the canteen as she sees her best friend losing her place in the lunch queue.

The late-night highlights then showed footage of the fracas, which started with some pesky Manchester United fans ribbing the stubby midfielder as he stood in the raised dugout. The Milan number 8 then gave them some lip and it escalated into shouting, before Gattuso tried to climb the wall and get in with the supporters to give them a dry slap. Luckily some team mates and club staff pulled him back. Then to really calm it down, grinning legend Cafu put himself between the naughty Mancs and the enraged Italian. Lovely move by Cafu - he showed great positioning and knowhow to take the steam out of the situation, just like the good old days.

Returning to the game itself, the people covering the game for RAI were less biased than in ppevious years. They absolutely loved Paul Scholes, especially his magical scoop for Rooney's first goal. Then again, the Italians have always had a soft spot for the explosive ginger fella. He got maximum respect from the men on the mics.

There also some kind words for the Geordie Pirlo, aka Michael Carrick. His two strikes versus Roma in the quarter-final had clearly left a scar on Italian football followers, as every time he had the ball outside the Milan area the shouts of "Don't let him shoot!" from the commentary box burst out of the TV speakers. Quite ironic considering that despite his steady improvement and tidy performances, you don't see many Premiership fans bricking it when the former West Ham and Spurs schemer gets near their team's 18-yard box, do you?

Naturally, from a 'home interest' point of view, the man of the match for RAI was assigned to Kaka. His double was indeed spectacular, and he was lauded for both goals. When he was asked in the post-match interview where he had disappeared to for the last 20 minutes of the game, he was slightly taken aback, somehow refrained from saying "up yours" to his interviewers and explained that the whole Milan team had struggled in the latter part of the tie, due to tiredness and United's pressure.

Rossoneri striker Alberto Gilardino was rightly hammered for his tepid showing by the pundits, because he was rubbish, although they were more diplomatic about their phrasing in the studio. It isn't his natural game playing as a lone striker, and the ball was bouncing off him back into midfield every 15 seconds, or so it seemed. His uncanny impression of football trampoline was inevitable though, given that his gifts don't include holding up possession at all.

On the other hand Rooney was given a glowing report by the experts' panel, even if his winning goal ruined things for the commentator, who had spent the last five minutes of the game telling viewers how Alessandro Nesta was now free from all injuries and one of the best defenders in the world again. Well, yes, he did okay, but he conceded three goals and Wazza left him behind for his stoppage-time decider.

The return leg on May 2 could be a modern classic - for the tactics and approach of both sides, Ronaldo versus Kaka part two, a potential late goal chase by United if Milan squeeze one in with 15 minutes to go, and, hopefully, if some of the home fans shout something unkind at Alan Smith on the bench, some aggro. What will Sky Sports make of it if a dastardly Milanese says spiteful things to Smudger?

Sheridan Bird