Sir Mikel OBE

Under a different system and different manager(s). Our entire mentality has changed since then.

Even then does Lampard high press? Against united he was just kind of "there"

If we are parking the bus then why Lampard? Surely mikel is better suited for such a position. Also mata will have to force himself into the starting lineup...as it should be.

He learned from the AVB school of managing.

Oh god they're hyping our match tomorrow now.

I think its the league they come from too. People, who often dont watch the Brazilian leagues, may slate the defensive play, but you will often see attacking mids put on a more defensive shift down there than you would in la Liga. I think that has a lot to do with it. I dont think Mata grew up being expected to help defend, thus it is foreign to him now.

Because just being associated with a big club helps with not only promotion, but wages. He plays his cards rights and he is easily set for life with the wages players get now.

United are just pretty much trying to unsettle us the way we unsettled them. Hell, they dont even play their OWN attacking mid in Kagawa, what makes anybody think they would play Mata. Their player-coach Giggsy, when he isnt busy going after his Brothers missus, gets first priority as a sub. With Rooney being pushed behind Van Pussy there is simply no room for the players they have now.

This makes me smile. Nigerians fiercely loyal to their lads. Wish it was the same in England instead of the delusion we get by overrating ours.

He turns 24 today!!!! Happy birthday!!!!

And Ba could have came on and got a hattrick, but he didnt. Mikel got the block and that was all that mattered.

As a good agent should, although he should keep his mouth closed this early for the sake of Van Ginkel. MVG will have some regrets if he isnt able to force himself into the side and secure a spot in Brazil next summer.

Kind of weird seeing him get no minutes when he scored the winner there in May.

Was ok, really.

Ramires isnt a holding midfielder, yet he has to play that way next to Lampard. Essien or Mikel for Lampard, and unleash ramires.

Nervous moments now

I really like what I see from Benteke....really whenever he plays.

Mata clearly isnt fit either. Should have been saved for Manchester.

Demba starting where he left off

One man team and we still left him in the box like that

Morocco better try to get him.

Is this match coming on tv in Canada or United States?

His fitness levels are amazing. I cant believe he smokes during the off-season and is able to keep up the way he does.

I dont think any objective person is thinking we will do well in Europe this season. This is effectively a rebuilding year. Only reason people think we have a shot in league is because the 2 clubs that finished ahead of us have untested managers in this league(moyes sucks)

For not being the real ronaldo. You know that rubbed a narcissist like him the wrong way