Manchester United visit the Riverside - An interview
By Shaun • May 1st, 2009 • Category: Featured Articles, Match NewsWe caught up with Ed from United Rant for a quick fire interview ahead of the crunch game between Middlesbrough and Manchester United at the Riverside Stadium.
Introduce yourself, how long have you been an United fan and do you get to many games?
Hi, I'm Ed and I've been going to watch United regularly since the 1980s. If that sounds like a confession, then I admit I'm hooked but it's a great addiction to have.
A narrow win over Arsenal mid-week has left it all to play for at the Emirates, do you think Ferguson will risk playing a weakened team against Boro?
I don't think it's a case of Ferguson playing a weaker side against Boro but there will definitely be some squad rotation. The midweek win against the Gooners was United's 60th game of the season so there's a lot of physical and mental tiredness. It's inevitable that there'll be quite a few changes. But that's the reason United have such a big squad - so they can fight for trophies on all fronts.
And if so, who do you expect to see come in and go out of the side?
There's more likely to be changes in midfield and attack than defence... so I'd expect to see Giggs, Nani, Park, Scholes and possibly Macheda either start or figure. At least two of Berbatov, Tevez, Ronaldo and Rooney will get a rest. Ferdinand won't be risked, even if his injury isn't as bad as first feared so Evans will come into central defense. There's a chance Ben Foster could start the game too.
Who would you say has been United's player of the season?
I'm going to have to sit on the fence with this one and say Vidic and Ferdinand. Prior to our recent blip the entire season had been built on conceding very little. They were back to their best against Arsenal midweek.
Which Man United player has been the biggest disappointment so far?
I'm going to have to say two again. Nani and Anderson. Nani showed some great talent at the begining of his first season with us but he just doesn't seem to have progressed at all. Injuries haven't helped and he's still young so he'll get at least another season with us. Anderson's had a pretty poor season too prior to Wednesday's game. He had his best match for months against Arsenal - much closer to the Anderson that was too good for Steven Gerrard twice last season. He'll come good.
What do you make of the PFA award for Ryan Giggs? Fully deserved?
He's had a great season and transformed himself from left winger to a classic number 10. Of course there are plenty of arguments for other players - Rio, Vidic, and van der Sar were all superb this year, as have been (I hate to say it) Gerrard and Torres at Liverpool and Ireland at Manchester City. So the vote was split in a season where there hasn't been one outstanding performer. People say he's only started 12 games in the Premier League but he's played in 41 games total this year - that's more than Gerrard, so a riddiculous argument.
Who would be the dangerman or one to look out for in the Boro team from an United viewpoint?
Well if I was being cruel I'd say Mr. Complacency. Alves had a good game against United last season but by all accounts he's had a pretty poor season this time round. From United's point of view its not about the opposition, it's all about concentration and work ethic and their talent will see them through. But we've had some really tough games at the Riverside over the years so I don't expect it to be a walk in the park.
Boro are in desperate need of points, United are obviously competing on a few fronts for honours, what's your prediction for the game?
Sorry lads but I'm going to have to say 2-0 to United. We're coming back into form at the right time. Having said that, I'd love it, just love (!!) it if you send the Barcodes down so good luck in that game!
Shaun is A Boro fan and owner of BoroMania.com. Born and brought up in the North East. Favourite players are Juninho, Slaven and David Wheater.
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