Happy Face 29 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will spearhead their attack as they begin the defence of their title. He has recovered from a virus, but Nani is suspended and Cristiano Ronaldo injured, so Michael Carrick may start. Newcastle have included new Argentine defender Fabricio Coloccini, but Joey Barton has not been considered. Skipper Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Andy Carroll are all injured and Shola Ameobi is talking to Ipswich, but Obafemi Martins is set to feature. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, R Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Evans, Evra, Silvestre, F Da Silva, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Possebon, Giggs, Martin, Tevez, Rooney, Campbell. Newcastle (from): Given, Beye, N'Zogbia, Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique, Cacapa, Bassong, Edgar, Butt, Geremi, Milner, Duff, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Martins, Smith, Edgar, Harper. BIG-MATCH FACTS Manchester United begin the challenge for a record 11th Premier League title. A second hat-trick of such titles would see Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils crowned champions of England for the 18th time, and put them on a par with Liverpool's 18-year-old record. Newcastle last won the league championship in 1927, and have not claimed a major piece of silverware for 39 years, since the European Fairs Cup in 1969. Manchester United ran riot against Newcastle last season. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first hat-trick for the club as they won this corresponding fixture 6-0, three days after the Magpies had parted company with Sam Allardyce, and four days before the arrival of Kevin Keegan. The Red Devils went on to complete the 'double' over the Magpies with an 11-1 aggregate. Distance between clubs: 152.9 miles (246 kilometres) MANCHESTER UNITED Last season's finishing position: 1st, two points clear 1. One of 10 founder members of the Premier League competing this season. 2. One of seven ever-presents competing in their 17th Premier League campaign. The others are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham. 3. Never finished outside the Premier League's top three. 4. Last week's Community Shield was the 30th piece of silverware United have claimed in the tenure of Sir Alex Ferguson, which this season moves into its 23rd year. 5. Starting the Premier League campaign at home for the third season running. 6. Held at home to a goalless draw by Reading on the opening day 12 months ago, and failed to win their first three matches, before building an eight-match winning sequence. 7. Lost on the opening day only once in 12 years; that being 1-0, away to Chelsea on 15 August 2004, which was Jose Mourinho's first match in charge of the Blues. 8. Challenging for a sixth successive home league win. Not dropped a point at Old Trafford since the 1-2 loss to Manchester City on 10 February. 9. Not brought in any players during the close season. Cristiano RONALDO was Manchester United's top scorer last season with 42 goals. The Portuguese also won the Barclays Golden Boot as the Premier League' top marksman with 31. He is one of only five different players to score 30 or more goals in a Premier League campaign. If selected:- Goalkeeper Edwin VAN DER SAR will be making his 100th Premier League appearance for Manchester United. Mikael SILVESTRE will be making his 250th Premier League appearance for Manchester United. If on the field from the outset:- Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United. Michael CARRICK will be making his 250th career league start (West Ham, Swindon, Birmingham, Tottenham and Manchester United). NEWCASTLE UNITED Last season's finishing position: 12th 1. This is their 79th season in the top tier, but only their 16th in succession. 2. Twice Premier League runners-up, in 1995-96 and 1996-97, but outside the top 11 for the last two seasons, and only managed one top-half finish in the last four years. 3. Gained 43 points last season, equalling their lowest ever tally in this league of the year before. 4. Average Premier League finish: 8th (7.93) 5. Beat Wigan and Bolton respectively in their last two opening fixtures in the Premier League seasons. 6. Won 25% of their league games in Keegan's current spell (four of 16). Michael OWEN was Newcastle's top scorer last season with 13 goals, and leading Premier League marksman with 11. Alan SMITH will be facing former colleagues. The 27 year old England international forward made 93 appearances (61 in the league) and scored 12 goals (seven league) for the Red Devils between May 2004 and his move to Newcastle in August 2007. HEAD TO HEAD Manchester United are vying for a fifth successive home league win over Newcastle. The Magpies have never won a Premier League match at Old Trafford. Their last maximum there was 36 years ago; a 0-2 top-flight triumph on 12 February 1972. The Toon have not celebrated a victory against the champions in 13 Premier League meetings, since an odd goal in seven victory at St James' Park on 15 September 2001. Home and away League (inc PL): Man United 68 wins, Newcastle 38, Draws 34 Prem: Man United 18 wins, Newcastle 3, Draws 9 at Man Utd only League (inc PL): Man United 43 wins, Newcastle 9, Draws 18 Prem: Man United 10 wins, Newcastle 0, Draws 5 LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME Manchester United 6-0 Newcastle United 12 January 2008 - Ref: Rob Styles Man Utd scorers: Ronaldo 49, Tevez 55, Ronaldo 70, Ferdinand 85, Ronaldo 88, Tevez 90 Sent Off: Smith (Newcastle) 90 REFEREE Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sima 0 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 We're going to get fucking mullered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JawD 99 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 We're going to get fucking mullered. I dont expect to win, but I do think we'll give a better show of ourselves than last time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face 29 Posted August 15, 2008 Author Share Posted August 15, 2008 We're going to get fucking mullered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 46088 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 We're going to get fucking mullered. I opened this thread to post something similar. I would love to think we could get a result, but...well..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2bias 3 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I dont think we will get "mullered" though being the first game of the season i think itll be a tight one. Im confident of a 0-0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sima 0 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I dont think we will get "mullered" though being the first game of the season i think itll be a tight one. Im confident of a 0-0 Fuck off man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMoog 0 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 Well, I guess the first game of the season is probably the best time to play them - how's their starting record been over the last few seasons? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face 29 Posted August 15, 2008 Author Share Posted August 15, 2008 Well, I guess the first game of the season is probably the best time to play them - how's their starting record been over the last few seasons? Lost one in 12 years...against Chelsea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ULSTER MAG 0 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I'm confident too!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Face 29 Posted August 15, 2008 Author Share Posted August 15, 2008 I'm confident too!! Yep. They're due a tonking. And Neville should be as vulnerable as a rabbit in the headlights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
@yourservice 67 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 Bad game to give the hair a debut in, confidence wise like Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj 17 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I really can't wait to hear those knackers sing 'Cheer Up Kevin Keegan' once again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayatollah Hermione 14069 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I'm going for 5-0 to us personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 46088 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I really can't wait to hear those knackers sing 'Cheer Up Kevin Keegan' once again. Would be quality to ram the "Hello....Hello....Keegan is back! Keegan is back!" chant that they were doing at SJP back down their throat, but unlikely to get the chance sadly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JawD 99 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I really can't wait to hear those knackers sing 'Cheer Up Kevin Keegan' once again. I often say, Man Utd as a team are there to be admired. The supporters I have down as the worst bunch Ive had the displeasure of meeting. Each and every one a tosser to the man. They have a rep of being arrogant wankers and Ive yet to meet one to convince me otherwise. At least with the Mackems its local rivalry but this lot? ... I need a cuppa... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ayatollah Hermione 14069 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 Reminds me of a top tip in the Viz which was something like "MAN UNITED FANS: Rather than shell out for a brand new replica football shirt, simply paint a penis on your forehead. That way, the team you support will be clear and you'll save some money" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ULSTER MAG 0 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I often say, Man Utd as a team are there to be admired. The supporters I have down as the worst bunch Ive had the displeasure of meeting. Each and every one a tosser to the man. They have a rep of being arrogant wankers and Ive yet to meet one to convince me otherwise. At least with the Mackems its local rivalry but this lot? ... I need a cuppa... Too true, even over here they are arrogant tossers. Neville is the weakest link, hope we can make it count. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stevie Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I often say, Man Utd as a team are there to be admired. The supporters I have down as the worst bunch Ive had the displeasure of meeting. Each and every one a tosser to the man. They have a rep of being arrogant wankers and Ive yet to meet one to convince me otherwise. At least with the Mackems its local rivalry but this lot? ... I need a cuppa... Too true, even over here they are arrogant tossers. Neville is the weakest link, hope we can make it count. Man Utd fans are wanks, but Liverpool's are worse. I have a positive feeling about Sunday, which will probably mean we'll lose respectably. I wonder what Nicky Butt would do if he got a last minute winner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattM4 0 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 This fixture is really troubling... I love opening day weekend, it's great. But like in 2000 it's ruined by having to play the champions away ... at the same time it's probably best to just get it out of the way and all that bla bla bla Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wykikitoon 20799 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 Were fucking raped for two reasons 1. Its Man Ure 2. Its Mike Reily! Thats their 12 man rule! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Gloom 22185 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 at least we're getting the trips to old trafford and the emirates out of the way early doors, when we traditionally do poorly. i'd rather get these two defeats out of the way early on while we're struggling to get out of the traps then start our charge up the table in september. there's your straws....clutching at them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Whitehurst 933 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 at least we're getting the trips to old trafford and the emirates out of the way early doors, when we traditionally do poorly. i'd rather get these two defeats out of the way early on while we're struggling to get out of the traps then start our charge up the table in september. there's your straws....clutching at them. Clutching the same straws myself. I'm treating the trips to Old Trafford and The Emirates as good match practice before we start our surge (ahem) up the table! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fish 10972 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Like Stevie said elsewhere, it's a respectable defeat on the cards. I want them to play with heart, play like they want to win, play like Keegan had us playing in our pomp... do that and I'll stomach a couple of goals difference and the taunts of the resident Man U fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Park Life 71 Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 0-1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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