Q & A For Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur

[Stretford End Arising]

Hello,

I run a Manchester United site (blog/forum) called Stretford End Arising.

As we face each other on Saturday are you interested in answering a few
questions regarding Tottenham Hotspur? The aim is to give my readers an
insight into United's next opponents.

1. What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game? How are Spurs likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected? Which players should United keep an eye on? Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Spurs?
2. Thoughts on Wayne Rooney declaring his desire to leave United, but then signing a new contract?
3. Are you enjoying Champions League football? In the past United have occasionally struggled the following weekend after a Champions League fixture. How are Spurs coping with this demand? Is the standard of football what you expected?
4. Bargain of the season - Van der Vaart or Javier Hernadez? What has Van der Vaart brought to the team?
5. Why the transformation in Gareth Bale?
6. Which young Spurs players are worth keeping an eye on for the future?
7. Favourite Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur match?
8. Favourite all time Spurs player?

Thank you in advance

[thfcire]

first of a very big welcome to the forum,and lads real answers no fooking about lol

[Stretford End Arising]

Hello thfcire, thank you for the warm welcome.

[Heroes]

I'll answer the easiest questions

1. Man Utd should keep an eye out for Modric, Bale and Van Der Vaart
2. Wayne's behavious was unacceptable. Private discussions should never be made public.
3. CL is great, but we suffer like Man Utd by struggling the following weekend after Champions League. Our victory against Aston Villa (after FC Twente) was a god send
4. Van Der Vaart of course, Bayern offered 18 Million, we nabbed him for 8 million
5. He's older so he's physically developed. Also he was played in a new untried position and excelled.
6. Stephen Caulker
7. When we drew 0-0 after Pedro Mendes' goal was disallowed (Roy Carroll days)
8. Chris Waddle

Welcome to the forum.

Are you happy to answer questions from us?

[Stretford End Arising]

Hello HeroesComesandGoes, thank you for the welcome. I'm more than happy to answer questions.

[Heroes]

Hello HeroesComesandGoes, thank you for the welcome. I'm more than happy to answer questions.

1. What do YOU think about the Rooney situation?
2. If fans wanted Glazer out...what can THEY do?
3. Berbatov for £30 Million...is he worth it?
4. What are your views on the rising of the Blue Moon...is power finally shifting?

[Stretford End Arising]

1. Personally, I’ve been very disappointed in Wayne’s actions, and perhaps on reflection since August. For many he will no longer have the hero status. He has vowed to win over the fans… Can he? In all honesty, I wanted him to leave. I’m going to find very difficult to cheer his name when it is read over the public announcer, to sing his song after scoring a goal, I will celebrate, but only as a consequence of the team scoring. I will never boo a player or the team, not like those that booed on the final whistle after the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion – which I found embarrassing. Will a repeat of last season’s goal scoring feats win me over? We know how fickle us football fans can be.

2. There has been talk of boycott. Personally, I'm against the idea. I believe a boycott will do greater damage to the club. There is an anti-Glazer march before the game on Saturday.

3. I'm a Berbatov fan. I've defended him while many have criticised. He was okay during his first two seasons, not brilliant nor poor. On the Stretford End Arising forum I've created a thread titled "Berbatov To Score 15 goals before 01/01/11. He hasnt scored in his last five games. Pressure is on now...

4. Them lot are bound to win the league at some point in the near future. Power shift? Nah, they will have to win three Premier League titles for the thought of a power shift. Though the media will believe otherwise. There was talk of a power shift occurring if they won the Carling Cup semi final last season...

[Javi]

1. What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game? How are Spurs likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected? Which players should United keep an eye on? Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Spurs? I am thinking Aryy will play a lone striker up front can't really tell what formation he and who he will play so it's kinda hard for me to decide. Bale is the one to watch out for the most IMO but some Spurs players can surprise so it's best not to divert attention to just a few. All honestly I think Hernandez is a threat and I am not just saying that because I am a Mexican hell while he was at Chivas I didn't really like him but he proved me wrong with his speed and developing acceleration he is a HUGE threat.
2. Thoughts on Wayne Rooney declaring his desire to leave United, but then signing a new contract?Nothing but a media circus.
   
3. Are you enjoying Champions League football? In the past United have occasionally struggled the following weekend after a Champions League fixture. How are Spurs coping with this demand? Is the standard of football what you expected? I am and others are enjoying CL football Spurs I say are doing ok after so long of not being in the tournament and with Spurs you really don't know what to expect it's an ongoing roller coaster but Bale really cheered us up with his hat trick against Inter.
4. Bargain of the season - Van der Vaart or Javier Hernadez? What has Van der Vaart brought to the team? VDV was a bargain financially but in the long run Hernandez is a good bargain buy since he is young and dangerous at the front and has a long promising career ahead of him.
5. Why the transformation in Gareth Bale? His dedication and hard work if you ask me.
   
6. Which young Spurs players are worth keeping an eye on for the future?I have to say Caulker and Rose maybe.
   
7. Favourite Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur match? Any one we don't loose :P.
8. Favourite all time Spurs player? Don't really have one I have been following the club for over 10 years still yet to learn about Spurs legends but I am just enjoying every new generation now.

A question for you now

How are you guys enjoying Hernandez do you see his future at United?

[BigDub]

What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game? How are Spurs likely to line up? What formation do you think they will adopt and what team do you expect to be selected? Which players should United keep an eye on? Which United player do you think poses the greatest threat to Spurs?

I expect a lineup of : Gomes; Hutton, Kaboul, Gallas, Assou-Ekotto; Palacios Modric; Lennon, Bale; Van Der Vaart; Crouch.
The obvious red flags for United are Bale and Van der Vaart. To be comletely honest, though, the biggest challenge for United could be on set pieces. I see Spurs scoring at least one through such an avenue. If this proves to be the case watch out for Kaboul, Gallas, and Crouch. All three have the ability to make a play on a set piece. A
As far as United, I would say I am extremely concerned about the form of both Chicharito and Berbatov. Keeping the two of them in check will be an issue for a back line missing our normal pairing of Michael Dawson and Ledley King.

Thoughts on Wayne Rooney declaring his desire to leave United, but then signing a new contract?

Publicity stunt. If I were a United fan I would be pissed at the lack of loyalty shown to your club by Rooney. Otherwise, though, I couldn't give two shits.

Are you enjoying Champions League football? In the past United have occasionally struggled the following weekend after a Champions League fixture. How are Spurs coping with this demand? Is the standard of football what you expected?

Champions League has been a true excitement for us this season. It makes midweek interesting and I love seeing Spurs play some of Europe's top sides. Many pundits have argued that we have had trouble balancing the CL and PL schedules well. I don't agree with this. We have been inconsistent this season due in large part to injury. It is not a matter of being tired when we have matches close to one another. The bigger issue is that we have just played inconsistently this entire season.
Bargain of the season - Van der Vaart or Javier Hernadez? What has Van der Vaart brought to the team?

VdV. 8 million? That is a joke if you ask me. He has been a fan favorite and is well on his way to establishing himself as a top player at Spurs for years to come. He brings balance to the side and really helps with flow and continuity from the midfield and the forwards. Most importantly, though, he makes other players better when he is on the pitch.

Why the transformation in Gareth Bale?

Because he is finally ready? Bit of a confusing question. Bale's transformation is due to him finally growing up and Harry Redknapp being the Spurs manager. I maintain that Harry is the biggest reason for Bale's transformation

Which young Spurs players are worth keeping an eye on for the future?

Danny Rose and Bale. I have high hopes for Rose. I dream about his goal vs. Arsenal just about every night. He will be a dangerous one I think.

Favourite Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur match?

Certainly none of the matches we have had to go to OT to play. We can never find a result there. This year might be different, though.

Favourite all time Spurs player?

Ledley King. Absolute legend in every way. Perfect teammate, undeniable talent, accomplished international. What more could you ask? Ledley is as class a footballer as you will ever find. Great player, great leader, great man.

[Stretford End Arising]

Hello BigDub and Javi. I am delighted with the answers provided. Thank you. I will publish the blog tomorrow.

Regarding Hernandez, Javi. He has been a breath of fresh air, especially considering the recent nonsense surrounding Rooney. He reminds me very much of a young Michael Owen. He has pace to burn, world class movement and has the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Will be interesting how Sir Alex handles the situation once Rooney is firing again. The Berbatov & Rooney partnership has not set the world on fire. Berbatov and Hernandez are linking up well - their partnership has potential. Rooney and Hernandez is also potentially exciting - plenty of pace and energy.

[Javi]

Thanks mate it's nice to know Hernandez is fitting in well there I had my doubts because Chivas sometimes puts out nothing but promises so it makes me happy to know that hes fitting in well.

[BigDub]

Not a problem, mate. Good luck with the blog.

[thfcire]

Hello BigDub and Javi. I am delighted with the answers provided. Thank you. I will publish the blog tomorrow.

Regarding Hernandez, Javi. He has been a breath of fresh air, especially considering the recent nonsense surrounding Rooney. He reminds me very much of a young Michael Owen. He has pace to burn, world class movement and has the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Will be interesting how Sir Alex handles the situation once Rooney is firing again. The Berbatov & Rooney partnership has not set the world on fire. Berbatov and Hernandez are linking up well - their partnership has potential. Rooney and Hernandez is also potentially exciting - plenty of pace and energy.

just on a side note mate,have you heard anything about signing keane in jan.im irish and theres been rumours flying around over here that he will sign for you in jan??.now its probily bollox but the jist of it is hes being signed basicaly to replace owen because of his injury record,cant see it myself but anythings possible

[Stretford End Arising]

just on a side note mate,have you heard anything about signing keane in jan.im irish and theres been rumours flying around over here that he will sign for you in jan??.now its probily bollox but the jist of it is hes being signed basicaly to replace owen because of his injury record,cant see it myself but anythings possible

Sorry for the late reply. I'll be surprised if United were interested in signing Keane. United have a couple of young strikers with potential - the likes of Josh King, Will Keane and John Cofie are three names to look for.

[Stretford End Arising]

Hello again, with United to face Spurs on Sunday can I ask a few questions?