The One Where The FA Cup Can Do One

When did I start to hate the FA Cup so much?

Was it five years ago when we lost to Arsenal on penalties, and I sobbed like a girl in the shower afterwards, thinking that was it for my Club?

Was it before that when we were chastised for not defending it, instead representing England at the inaugural World Club Championship?

I really don't remember.

All I will say is this... I want 19.

This weekend, with this break... well, it does nothing to get us closer to 19.

I know it';s Liverpool. I know I should want it more than anything... but, I'm pretty meh about it.

If Liverpool hadn't scored an outrageous last minute goal against Bolton, I would have this down as a Liverpool win, to get the crowd behind Woy. (If only for a little while).

But they did win that one.

So, I really don't know.

All I know is I hope it's a chance for the youngsters. Hernandez up front. Maybe start Bebe.

That way we at least get something from the game.

If not... *shrugs shoulders*

I used to hate myself for not caring about the FA Cup.

Now I think I'm 100% right not too.

It's a distraction.

I'd take 19 any day of the week ahead of another trip to Wembley.

Spoilt? Deluded? Selfish?

Yep. All three.

The One Where MUFC Need 3 Points, Nothing Less

I suppose my main memory of playing Wolves is them beating us 1-0.

Mrs T and I were on holiday in Turkey, and I couldn't watch the game. (One of those holidays, where you find out all too late most of the bars around the corner were showing it.)

Last week, in the Carling Cup (God, I'd love to win that three years in a row, by the way), the second half was a miinor classic.

United will have one eye on City and Wednesday, but this won't be a formality.

Last year, Mick McCarthy was accussed of fielding a weakend team. Didn't do them any harm in the long run, did it?

A part of me quite likes his honesty. But for the World Cup thing with Keano, I love getting one over on him.

I'll take a win of any sorts.

With Nani out, is it time for Bebe?

Hernandez has been brilliant at replacing Rooneys goals. Berba has carried on creating. No doubt who needs a goal more out of the two. So knowing the Boss, they'll both be sub.

The One With A Dear Rooney Letter, From SAF

I don't really have too many United Memories against West Brom. I sort of hope I don't have too many this time, either.

We've been class at home, so far. Apart from fielding a Carling Cup team versus Rangers, ofcourse.

So I expect three points today. And I hope Wayne finally puts his demons to rest. The reason I say that is because a little Mexican is banging goals in left, right and centre for his country. And I don't think we're too far off Rooney finally realising it's not a knock that's kept him out of the United team.

I did a FaceBook status the other day, which I quite liked - and think sums up perfectly how I feel about rumours that Wayne is stalling on a contract.

Dear Wayne,

I admit you didn't have a poorly ankle. The reason you didn't play was because you were shagging around, and it made you mental. And shit.

Yours Sincerely,

SAF.

ps. Don't ever think you're bigger than this Club again.

So, that's that. A win today. And maybe Fergie not tinkering with the team.

Or... tinker away, and unleash Hernandez.

The One Where MUFC Owe Liverpool

I have loads of Liverpool memories.

At Old Trafford, Rio with his left foot, then the header right on the 90th minute.

There's little doubt with how United are feeling, though. We're unbeaten so far, but it doesn't feel like it.

The One Where Rooney Needs To Grow Up, Or Go

Well, the good news is...

Even though Rooney is "allegedly" a cheating scumbag (tonights quotes suggest otherwise, mind), who would rather be with a £1200 escort (not a prozzie... there's a difference), it hasn't affected his game.

Friday versus Bulgaria, Tues versus Switzerland. Easily the best he's played for England in a year, yes?

So what next?

The One Where Manchester United > England

I did something very hasty last weekend.

Fed up of the criticism of Rooney, I got an England shirt with his name and number.

£15 in the sale. Not bad.

And that sums up my thoughts of England v Bulgaria nicely.

I watched for Wayne. Watched for Rio showing more leadership and poise sat in the stands than half of the team can muster.

Back to "cheering" when Stevie Me scores.

Back to trying to like JT.

Back to thinking Hart is the best young keeper in the world at the moment, and how United might tempt him.

Back to thinking out of everyone, I like Spurs players the most.

I wore an England shirt last night. And all I could think about was getting revenge over Everton next saturday.

Oh, and thank god Berba wasn't playing, eh? In this form, he'd ice skate around Upson and do a diving header on the floor if he wanted too.

United Memories will be back properly next Saturday, with some Everton memories. A bit earlier than normal, as that has been moved to Saturday, 1:30PM now. You know... because the big teams have Champions League commitments.

The One Where West Ham Spoil It #MUFC

Memories against West Ham...

Well, if we're honest, most of them are bad ones.

Andy Cole not being able to score for him on the last day of the season, with us losing the League.

More recently, and still gauling, is the Di Canio goal against Barthez.

The One Where MUFC Believe In Fate

Right. This is this.

Other teams can say what they like, this is the pinnacle of world football.

I realise, a few months away from it now, that the World Cup will never compete for me.

The One Where We Owe Fulham

United play Fulham tomorrow.

I have two recent memories of playing them.

One good, one bad...

The One Where The Season Kicks Off

In honour of Mr Lightfoot, whose been brave enough to come down and watch United v Newcastle on Monday night, with me.



Don't ever ask my Dad what he thinks about Philip Albert.

The One Where I Give You A History Lesson (AT Style)

"In 1908 Manchester United (the First Division champions) and Queens Park Rangers (the Southern League champions) contested what is regarded as the first official Charity Shield. The match was drawn 1-1, so the game was replayed with United winning 4-0. The competition was preceded by the Sheriff of London (Dewar) Charity Shield, which saw the best professional and best amateur team come together and since 2002, the competition has been known as the Community Shield."


- Taken from Independant 2009.

The One Where Even When We Won, We Lost

I was thinking t'other day... It's mental United haven't won the Champions League more.

The times we have, were two of the greatest nights of my life... but sometimes it's the nights you go out, you remember the most.

The One Where We Got Routed. Again.

"Why Do We Fall, Master Wayne? It's So We Know How To Get Back Up"

The One Where You Just Have To Laugh At Football

Haha. Calm down, calm down Liverpool fans... you'll like the next one.

The One Where Keegan Lost It

"I Will Love It"

I was thinking of this, the other day.

Sky announced the other day that United will play Newcastle on the first Monday Night Football of the Season. Exciting. Not nearly as much as the prospect of watching it with Russ, a.k.a Geordie, though.

Perfect time to come down, mate... if you're brave enough...? (Fair play, he has confirmed he IS brave enough... maybe it was the signing of the mighty Perch?)



Centre Parcs. We couldn't find a pub with it on. So we listened on the radio. Then... the next day, strolling through The Plaza.... a sign. From last night. Footy had been on. FFS.

Lets cheers ourselves up, eh?



It's other worldy, isn't it? Put Keegan into YouTube. It's the first vid. None of his goals. Not him leaving the pitch on a chopper. That makes me happy. I'm not sure there is a better example of someone losing it, live on TV. Not losing his rag, but literally looking like he has lost the plot.

When you think of the Managaers who have suffered with illness, especially heart related... isn't this an example of why they should look to protect more managers?

Keegan bottled it for England too, but what the ordinary fan doesn't always consider is the pressure. Itmust be immense. Look at Newcastle now. How different would it have been if Eric hadn't (beautifully) tucked that chance away.

Thoughts like that, and yes, united fans have them too, are why we love the game... Yes?

Lets leave it there with an alternate reality...

"One Thing Will Not Change... We Will Go Out To Win"

The One Where I'm Over England

Thankfully the press reaction this time hasn't focused on Wayne, like they were threatening too. Maybe they realised he would take it out on everyone on the pitch, this season?

I'll never forget '98, though. Probably *the* deciding moment for me, in the Club v Country debate.

What happened after '98 was inexcusable. Even more bizarre that most are lauding him as some sort of Ambassador after his performances in a sharp suit, on the bench. More passion than anyone on the pitch. Our Captain, and Wayne, included.

I'll watch Argentina v Germany around Flashes Saturday. England off my mind. Moments like this, make me kind of glad.

But, like all Hollywood movies... Becks had a happy ending.

"Whose Coming With Me? Whose Coming With Me?"

The One Where We Were Thumped At Home





Sometimes, just sometimes, Football throws one of these up.

The One With A Captain Marvel

I remember this like it was yesterday. The season...and the VHS! I tracked it down for my dad, for Xmas a few years back. Got me thinking... imagine they did this every season? Fascinating.





And of course, as a United fan... this deserves it's own post. David Hirst - Who are ya???

"Bow Before Zod"

The One Where We All Love His Little Beard

So I'll be at Flashes wedding, as this posts. Drunk. MC and I have hip flasks.

"Join The Dark side, Luke...."

The One Where Fi And Ad Fall In Love With A Pyscho

There is a dark side to my Club, no question. Almost a tribal nature of some of our players. I cant condone it... it's effectively cheating, I suppose. But after seeing Liverpool squander all of their great progress of last year, (*sicks in mouth*) - what would they have given for someone that almost cared too much?