Midweek Fixtures (inc. Champions & Europa League) - 16-18 February

[Reg]

For a full list of Europa League fixtures, click here. (http://uk.soccerway.com/international/europe/uefa-cup/20152016/s11623/final-stages/matches/?ICID=PL_3N_02)

Kick offs 19:45 (UK time) unless stated.

Tuesday
Fenerbahce v Lokomotiv Moscow - 17:00 BT Sport Europe (In Play)
Benfica v Zenit St Petersburg - BT Sport 2
PSG v Chelsea - BT Sport Europe

Blackburn v Fulham
Hull v Brighton

Wednesday
Sporting Gijon v Barcelona - 17:30 Sky Sports 2
Chelsea U21 v Norwich City U21 - 19:05 Chelsea TV
Gent v Wolfsburg - BT Sport 2
Roma v Real Madrid - BT Sport Europe

Thursday
FC Midtjylland v Man Utd - 18:00 BT Sport 2
Fiorentina v Tottenham Hotspur - 18:00 BT Sport Europe
Borussia Dortmund v FC Porto - 18:00 BT Sport Showcase / BT Sport Extra 2
Villarreal v Napoli - 18:00 BT Sport Extra 3
FC Augsburg v Liverpool - 20:05 BT Sport Europe
Valencia v Rapid Vienna - 20:05 BT Sport Showcase / BT Sport 2 / BT Sport Extra 2
Sporting CP v Bayer Leverkusen - 20:05 BT Sport Extra 3
Marseille v Athletic Bilbao - 20:05 BT Sport Extra 4

[Reg]

Biggest game of the season for us. A draw would definitely be good. Can't see us keeping a clean sheet, however if we win 10-1 we go top.

[Lee]

I'm watching Benfica-Zenit tonight. I find PSG really boring.

[Waffdon]

Pretty attacking Chelsea team.

Unlike us. Three defensive midfielders and five defenders

[Toby]

Mikel over Matic is very welcome but that back four isn't filling me with confidence. Didn't realise Terry was out until now.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Traditionally I miss one leg of our spring Champions League ties, as I do tonight, because pre-season cricket training is every Tuesday night from February. It looks like this will be the last year of such clashes. I always thought it would be the end of my cricket career that ended the run. How wrong I was.

[Boydy]

What does pre-season cricket training involve?

Is it just throwing a ball around a hall and catching it?

[Magic]

Didn't realise Michelin had a football team.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What does pre-season cricket training involve?

Is it just throwing a ball around a hall and catching it?

Nets. Google image it.

[Reg]

That midfield and attack of PSG is proper good.

Another manager would feasibly play Ivanovic-Cahill so don't see a problem with that other than possible unfamiliarity.

[Magic]

Could be 8-0 this.

[Reg]

Love this already. Only the World Cup beats this as a neutral.

[John]

I'm watching Benfica-Zenit tonight. I find PSG really boring.

They're boring in general, but I love watching Verratti. He's like Pirlo's regen.

This could be any score. I can see the floodgates opening once PSG get one.

[Reg]

A lot more all-action than Pirlo, shirley. But yeah lovely player.

[John]

A lot more all-action than Pirlo, shirley. But yeah lovely player.

On the ball, I mean, but Pirlo at his age was a far more active player than the staic playmaking genius we remember from when his legs started to go.

[Reg]

Ah fair play.

Chelsea aren't getting a sniff. The Paris crowd actually seem decent.

[Magic]

Loving the Borinho tactics.

[Kikó]

Supporting Benfica tonight as they're my missus mob. Zenit are full of ex Benfica/Porto and seem to have Hulk score against them.

[Lee]

Does anybody know where I can find Libertadores highlights? Listening to Vickery more has got me interested. I'm not shelling out for Premier Sports. I'm sure I've read previously about live stuff on YouTube but can't see any evidence of that now.

[Magic]

Fuck me that would have been a delicious goal.

[Kikó]

Have you tried reddit?

[Bernanke]

Fucking hell that Trapp-save... :|

[Magic]

Keep hearing 'McTweedy'. Expecting to see some old bloke running around in a tweed kilt.

[John]

Germany must have about ten properly good goalkeepers now.

Verratti is in the Kompany bracket of bargains people forget are bargains because they play for a mega money team. They paid about six million quid for him and he can't be far off being the best central midfielfer in Europe.

[Lewis]

I forgot this wasn't on Sky. Balls to streaming. Fuck off.

[Boydy]

Nets. Google image it.

I know what cricket nets are. :moop:

[Magic]

Ibra gon get dat dick sucked good at half time from Blanc. :drool:

[Reg]

Four man wall from there?

[Magic]

Fuck sake. :harold:

[Reg]

I liked the "YES, OBI!"

I think PSG will get at least one more. Need to get more bodies around Ibra.

[Magic]

United surely relegated now. Surprised that Hibs are winning too.

[Raoul Duke]

Mikel has been at Chelsea for 11 years? Has he had a testimonial?

[Magic]

Cavani is so shit.

[Magic]

Fuck off. :D

[CJay]

That was lovely.

[Browning]

Hazard really is stealing a living these days.

[Reg]

Di "MOTMIACLF" Maria is having a good game.

Not such a bad score this for Chelsea. Quite nicely set up for the second leg too.

[Kikó]

:cool: Jonas

[CJay]

Di "MOTMIACLF" Maria is having a good game.

Not such a bad score this for Chelsea. Quite nicely set up for the second leg too.

I actually thought he was quite poor apart from / until that assist.

PSG have the most complete midfield trio in Europe. Maybe. Apart from Barca's.

[ItalAussie]

Cavani is so shit.

Fuck off. :D
Excellent. :D

[Smiffy]

.....

[Reg]

PSG have the most complete midfield trio in Europe. Maybe. Apart from Barca's.
It is tasty isn't it. A nice balance. PSG v Barca will be a cracking tie if it happens.

[Lewis]

If Chelsea go through Laurent Blanc should be sacked, so United need to sort their Mourinho position out sharpish.

[Reg]

http://i67.tinypic.com/314xj0l.png

I'm liking the look of that. We are near certs for the playoffs. I think Boro will pull themselves out of the slump, they're a very good team. So it's probably gonna be down to the nervy-as-fuck playoffs again.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I reckon we might do enough to pull that one back.

Mikel :cool:

[Waffdon]

http://i67.tinypic.com/314xj0l.png

I'm liking the look of that. We are near certs for the playoffs. I think Boro will pull themselves out of the slump, they're a very good team. So it's probably gonna be down to the nervy-as-fuck playoffs again.

I fancy Sheffield Wednesday to go up.

[Magic]

Did you go to Well tonight m8? :eyemouth:

[Giggles]

Didn't realise Hull were top, first mention of them I've seen or heard.

[Waffdon]

Ya. Left at half time and somehow missed all three goals. Just booked up for Ross County away in two and three weeks times. Love it.

Was in the Ship at the weekend - pretty shit tbh

[Giggles]

Is there anything in this Simeone to Chelsea talk?

[Jimmy Floyd]

No chance. He has a nice racket going on over there.

[Giggles]

No chance. He has a nice racket going on over there.

They mentioned doubling wages on TV3 there along with reports of him having told Atletico already that he's going.

Then again, if it's a Spanish media story then it's 99% certain go be made up.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I don't understand why somebody like that with guaranteed CL football would come to us at the moment. Needs a complete rebuilding job and liable to be fired by Abramovich if you have a dodgy 8 game spell.

[Reg]

At a club where he's brought unprecedented success (in this era at least), as far as I know is a hero, and is never ever going to be fired, it would be some jump to go to one of the most unstable clubs.

[Giggles]

If the double wages thing were true then there's the reason.

[Lewis]

They mentioned doubling wages on TV3

Yeah, and his barber is in Madrid.


They mentioned doubling wages on TV3

Chelsea are in transition at the moment as well.


They mentioned doubling wages on TV3

[Reg]

Anything involving Spanish media reminds me of the time Guillem Balague claimed to know about a transfer before the player himself did.


If the double wages thing were true then there's the reason.
Tell Atletico, make them match the offer = sorted.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I doubt it's actually possible to get his barnet in London. It certainly shouldn't be.

[Giggles]

Tell Atletico, make them match the offer = sorted.

Just as good.

[Lewis]

Chelsea have a greater revenue advantage over Atletico than Atletico have over me. If it is about money, they lose.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Toby]

I'd have taken 2-1 before kick off, so for Chelsea to get that with the away goal coming from Mikel is a nice outcome. Not convinced they'll go through but they're at least still in it.

[John Arne]

I'm sure you were all watching, but I'll let you know anyway.

Vietnam have just beaten Japan (one of the best Futsal teams in Asia, and current 2 time champions) 2-1 on penalties in the AFC Futsal quarter-finals, having scored a last minute goal in normal time to make it 3-3, and then another last minute goal in extra time to make it 4-4.

Scenes.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/16/referee-shot-dead-by-player-sent-off-argentina.

Police in Argentina are searching for a footballer who is said to have shot and killed a referee after being sent off in a match played in the Córdoba province.

According to local reports, the player retrieved a gun from his bag after being shown a red card, returned to the pitch and shot 48-year-old César Flores dead.

Nuts.

[John Arne]

If only the ref and the other players had guns :henn0rz:

[Magic]

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/feb/16/referee-shot-dead-by-player-sent-off-argentina.

Police in Argentina are searching for a footballer who is said to have shot and killed a referee after being sent off in a match played in the Córdoba province.

According to local reports, the player retrieved a gun from his bag after being shown a red card, returned to the pitch and shot 48-year-old César Flores dead.

Nuts.

I'm picturing in my head the parking ticket guy from Relatos Salvajes. :drool:

[Kikó]

United have sent a bunch of 10 year olds to midgetland. And Rooney is out for two months, hopefully that means he won't get the record before he moves to China.

[Reg]

:D

Reckon a move is on this summer?

Presumably means Martial up front. Rooney was due to inexplicably lose his touch and movement anyway.

[John Arne]

At least this may mean that he doesn't start in France.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Kikó]

Even if he loses a leg he'll start. Him and Sturridge with Gerrard just behind.

Reg - I think so yep.

[Jimmy Floyd]

United have sent a bunch of 10 year olds to midgetland. And Rooney is out for two months, hopefully that means he won't get the record before he moves to China.

I saw on the twitter that the Danes are charging £71 a ticket for that. Talk about small time.

[Smiffy]

.....

[Smiffy]

.....

[Jimmy Floyd]

They don't. 650 million is, what, 10% of the world population? That's a figure measuring how many sets of eyeballs are exposed to the United brand and their sponsors or whatever. People in Asia don't tend to 'support' one club anyway, but follow all the top teams.

[phonics]

We're going to get absolutely raped by Barcelona. Like a 10-x aggregate sort of raping.

[Giggles]

We're going to get absolutely raped by Barcelona. Like a 10-x aggregate sort of raping.

For Leicester, we can all only hope you somehow do them.

[Giggles]

Is it really 29 years since Madrid beat an Italian team over 2 legs? Have they even played many in that period?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Is it really 29 years since Madrid beat an Italian team over 2 legs? Have they even played many in that period?

2015 lost to Juventus 3-2
2008 lost to Roma 4-2
2005 lost to Juventus 2-1
2003 lost to Juventus 4-3
1998 beat Juventus in the final (so only 1 leg)
1996 lost to Juventus 2-1
1990 lost to Milan 2-1
1989 lost to Milan 6-1

And then in 1987/88 they beat Maradona's Napoli when they were famously paired against them in the first round of the much vaunted unseeded knockout.

[Magic]

Yaaaaas they've lost the commentato...oh noooo they're back. Owen. :(

[Giggles]

2015 lost to Juventus 3-2
2008 lost to Roma 4-2
2005 lost to Juventus 2-1
2003 lost to Juventus 4-3
1998 beat Juventus in the final (so only 1 leg)
1996 lost to Juventus 2-1
1990 lost to Milan 2-1
1989 lost to Milan 6-1

And then in 1987/88 they beat Maradona's Napoli when they were famously paired against them in the first round of the much vaunted unseeded knockout.

Quite a record. Though you'd expect 2016 to put an end to it.

[Magic]

You just know Zidane could lace up a pair of boots and absolutely clean up.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I read that the viewing figures for this stuff on BT was something like 200k. Absolutely woeful.

[Magic]

This is pathetic scenes. Roma captain acting like he's dead after blocking a cross with his head. Cunt.

[Giggles]

Madrid look like a team of goalkeepers.

[Magic]

I read that the viewing figures for this stuff on BT was something like 200k. Absolutely woeful.

That's for BT Sport Showcase, which is free to air.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That's for BT Sport Showcase, which is free to air.

Exactly. I had no idea that such a channel even existed so you can see how keen they are on it.

[Giggles]

Is that Chelsea Salah?

[Reg]

Indeed, Gigg.

Roma looking decent. Surprised they're getting this much of the ball. Silly really how much the home advantage effects football matches.

[Magic]

Exactly. I had no idea that such a channel even existed so you can see how keen they are on it.

The figures on actual BTS1/2/Europe will be much higher.

[Giggles]

Indeed, Gigg.

Roma looking decent. Surprised they're getting this much of the ball. Silly really how much the home advantage effects football matches.

Could have sworn it was this season I seen him playing for Fiorentina. Time flies :(

[Reg]

Yeah he was at Fiorentina, played well there. Hasn't done an awful lot for Roma whenever I've watched them; surprised to see him on 7 goals.

[Magic]

Look at the distance between the goals and the fans behind. :sick:

[Magic]

Not so easy to score 10 against a proper team rather than a bunch of siesta taking, paella munching farmers.

[Giggles]

Look at the distance between the goals and the fans behind. :sick:

It was an athletics stadium.

[Magic]

Also didn't the knockout games used to be played on a Tuesday then the Wednesday rather than over a few weeks?

[Magic]

It was an athletics stadium.

Yes, I know.

[Giggles]

Yes, I know.

Sorry, I thought you'd never seen it before or something.

[Magic]

Sorry, I thought you'd never seen it before or something.

:unsure:

[Kikó]

I saw on the twitter that the Danes are charging £71 a ticket for that. Talk about small time.

£23 quid for Southampton as well. Cunts.

I think there chairman is also the Brentford chairman, the thieving bastard.

I do like your stat about champion's league viewers. Fuck them taking it off free to air.

[Magic]

Lovely Wolfsburg goal.

[Magic]

Varane is immense.

[Reg]

Just seen Roma's bench. De Sanctis, Maicon, De Rossi, Keita, Falque, Dzeko, Totti.

So much stronger than they'd have had a year ago.

Fancy Salah to make the difference if anyone. Not a great game.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The figures on actual BTS1/2/Europe will be much higher.

400k, apparently.

[Reg]

That's terrible. Do they have the rights in other countries?

That goal on the other hand is a bit good.

[Magic]

What was it on Sky?

[SincereTheRebel]

This german central defender for roma looks like a good player.

[Jimmy Floyd]

What was it on Sky?

500k for last year's final according to this: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jun/08/sky-sports-champions-league-bt

I've seen a figure elsewhere that says Sky used to get more viewers for the League Cup than for comparable Champions League nights.

[Reg]

Seems I've been way off about the popularity. The final getting what, one in 120 people watching?

[Magic]

So BTS are getting nearly the same figures for these games as Sky got for the final?

[Jimmy Floyd]

The games in question involved English teams (the last English team final Sky got 1.5 million). Either way, it seems that European football behind a paywall just isn't attractive to people.

Sky gets 3 million for its top line Premier League games and 1.5 million for the average ones, to put those numbers into context.

[Reg]

I must be one of about 15 people who watch 500 series etc tennis.

Not sure what these numbers say about a theoretical Super League?

--
Well that's the tie done.

[Giggles]

200k for a last 16 tie without English clubs vs 500k for a final without English clubs is pretty good really.

[Jimmy Floyd]

The 200k was for English clubs in the group stage on free to air (the only issue being that nobody knows that the free to air channel exists because they don't promote it).

My point is not anti-BT but pointing out just how few people watch this on either Sky or BT, which is obviously BT's problem now that all of it is on BT. ITV were getting 4 million for any of it easily.

[Magic]

You're such a boring cunt, Reg.

[Reg]

You're such a boring cunt, Reg.
Someone's had a bad day. Apologies for not producing insight quite like yours. How many points were Leicester going to get again?

[Magic]

It's like following that @boringjamesmilner account on twitter.

[Weaver]

The 200k was for English clubs in the group stage on free to air (the only issue being that nobody knows that the free to air channel exists because they don't promote it).

My point is not anti-BT but pointing out just how few people watch this on either Sky or BT, which is obviously BT's problem now that all of it is on BT. ITV were getting 4 million for any of it easily.

Dortmund vs Porto and Gaz Nev's Valencia vs Rapid Vienna tomorrow.

Nearly 4/1 for Vienna to win. They're a good team as well.

[Reg]

Well I'm going to have less time to spend on here soon anyway, so you're in luck. Of course you could just use the ignore button.

[Giggles]

Well I'm going to have less time to spend on here soon anyway, so you're in luck. Of course you could just use the ignore button.

He's just on his moons.

[Samadini]

Sao Paulo look even worse than they did when they were shitting it up against The Strongest a few years ago. I'm not even convinced they're going to win this time.


Yep, they're losing. :harold:

The Strongest are fucking dons.

[Samadini]

This'll be the first time a Bolivian team has won in Brazil and they're doing it in some style, since the 70th minute they've been taking it in turns to leave the pitch on a stretcher because of 'cramp' :cool:

[Lewis]

Well I'm going to have less time to spend on here soon anyway, so you're in luck. Of course you could just use the ignore button.

RIP, mate.

[CJay]

Well I'm going to have less time to spend on here soon anyway, so you're in luck. Of course you could just use the ignore button.

Come on, don't get wound up by Magic. :D

[Reg]

Come on, don't get wound up by Magic. :D
Heh, I'm good bud.

[Lewis]

Come on, don't get wound up by Magic. :D

Why not? Magic does.

[John Arne]

700192096464928768

[Giggles]

Firmino should have knocked the cunts teeth out.

[John Arne]

https://gyazo.com/3145da979740a71a5578c511d1c0af2b.gif

[Giggles]

Yeah you're right, should have caved his skull in instead.

[John Arne]

https://gyazo.com/48fe2ad5123fddffb0e0b5f2a03321b1.gif

[Yevrah]

My point is not anti-BT but pointing out just how few people watch this on either Sky or BT, which is obviously BT's problem now that all of it is on BT. ITV were getting 4 million for any of it easily.

The amount that actually watch is probably of minimal concern to BT, it's all about the subscriptions.

[Jimmy Floyd]

It will concern UEFA and their much loved official partners though, for whom it's all about the eyeballs.

[simon]

Wait, Utd have a player called Donald Love?

[Magic]

We've already done this, Draper. Get with the programme.

[Jimmy Floyd]

That should be a 1970s crooner with an afro, a hairy chest and a large gold medallion.

[simon]

Where? :(

[Magic]

Last time Mr. Love played.

[Kikó]

mufc XI: De Gea, Love, Smalling, McNair, Blind, Herrera, Carrick, Lingard, Mata, Memphis, Martial.

#mufc subs: Romero, Poole, Riley, Pereira, Schneiderlin, Weir, Keane.

[Reg]

Midldlyttyland to score a corner and win 1-0, McNair losing the header.

Herrera where he should be though.

[Magic]

Are you watching the game tonight mate? I normally avoid the Boreopa League like the plague until at least the semis but some bigger teams in it this year.

[Giggles]

De Gea not starting now. Scenes if Romero gets injured :drool:

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Kadlec :harold:

Although that defending was fucking incredible.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Oh shit, Memphis doing something that helps the team rather than hinders it \0/.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Walter Samuel scoring for Basel. Will his career never end?

[-james-]

Sisto. :drool:

[Kikó]

Sisto :cool: this team is absolutely dog turd.

[Boydy]

Fuck off Spurs, you potentially bet-ruining twats.

[Giggles]

That's some stop from Romero.

[Sir Andy Mahowry]

Mata :D

What a nonce.

[Pen]

United getting donned by Midtjylland is probably a new low.

[Max Power]

Love this guy Sisto. Direct and skilful. Him and Mahrez on either flank :drool:

[randomlegend]

The number of defensive injuries is ridiculous and that back 4 are probably Championship standard, but the midfield and attack should be good enough that they are never under pressure.

It's an absolutely embarrassing performance.


Love this guy Sisto. Direct and skilful. Him and Mahrez on either flank :drool:


He's really good on FM isn't he?

[Kikó]

Look forward to our FA cup defeat.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Look forward to our FA cup defeat.

Say what you want about Rooney, and I frequently do, but the guy (correct me if I'm wrong) gives half a shit and can drag you to certain results, like at Anfield. What an opportunity for Shrewsbury at the weekend, who is leading United on the pitch now?

[Jimmy Floyd]

Oh dear, Sir Henry has called them 'pathetic' on twitter. RIP Louis.

[Lewis]

Did that Everton match that did for David Moyes rule United out of finishing fourth? Presumably 'LvG' will get chucked when the same happens this season, because you would expect him to have some sort of Champions' League clause to save the club a giant settlement (if not then lol).

[Reg]

Did that Everton match that did for David Moyes rule United out of finishing fourth? Presumably 'LvG' will get chucked when the same happens this season, because you would expect him to have some sort of Champions' League clause to save the club a giant settlement (if not then lol).
I would guess that's right.

Valencia (Gary Neville's Valencia, more to the point) are beating Rapid Wien 4-0 by 30 minutes. I guess Austrians don't like football too much.

[Jimmy Floyd]

Gaz Nev is running riot. Could step into the job tomorrow morning.

[TG09]

United getting donned by Midtjylland is probably a new low.

Is a new low

1. Away goals embarrassment
United are the third team to concede more than one goal at FC Midtjylland in Europe since 2008.


The other two?


BANGOR CITY AND THE NEW SAINTS. WE REPEAT, BANGOR CITY AND THE NEW SAINTS.


2. Young guns
FC Midtjylland were only formed 17 years ago.


17 years ago, Manchester United won the treble.


How times change…


3. They’re not even good part 1
Napoli beat Midtjylland 9-1 on aggregate in the group stage, beating them 5-0 at home and 4-1 away.


4. They’re not even good part 2
Before Thursday night, Midtjylland were on a run of one win in 10, with giants such as Legia Warsawa and Aarhus doing what United couldn’t.


5. It was their first competitive game this year
Midtjylland hadn’t actually played a competitive match in two months, with their last game coming on the 10th December against Club Brugge.


United have certainly had other low points, but it’s hard to remember a more embarrassing loss in their recent history…


http://metro.co.uk/2016/02/18/5-stats-that-suggest-fc-midtjylland-result-is-the-worst-in-recent-manchester-united-history-5705142/

[Magic]

Napoli are miles better than the Scummers so that point proves fuck all.

[Jimmy Floyd]

I'm warming to Gary Neville the manager, you know. Wanting him to do well is kind of like that old fashioned 90s feeling of wanting English sides that you don't support to do well in Europe. Even though you think he's a knob on home soil, away from home with his pith helmet and plucky lack of adequate supplies he's one of our boys and them bloody foreigners don't like it up 'em.

[Magic]

He'll be sacked and replaced by that assistant the board brought in.

[Ian]

Say what you want about Rooney, and I frequently do, but the guy (correct me if I'm wrong) gives half a shit and can drag you to certain results, like at Anfield. What an opportunity for Shrewsbury at the weekend, who is leading United on the pitch now?

I dunno if the same still carries but when he first went through that 12-18 month period of being megawank the results were still much, much worse without him. I dunno if it's still the case to the same extent but it wouldn't surprise me if it holds to a degree.

[Waffdon]

Adruiz's goal is a belter. He's turned pretty fkn good since signing for Athletic

[Jimmy Floyd]

Just looking at the coefficient, we need to pull our fingers out a bit, since as it stands Italy are ahead of us on the 2017 rankings (so a year hence). We should be alright for 2016.

Russia are going to end up 5th as well. What arses they are.

[Shindig]

Valencia have five goals from six shots on target. Phil's taken over the whiteboard, hasn't he?

[Max Power]

Braga player just picked up a second yellow for leaving the field too slowly when being replaced by a sub :lol:

[Toby]

I was sure I could remember that same thing happening to Henrik Larsson once, but I've searched for it and it looks like I've completely fabricated whatever memory I had.

[Shindig]

It was probably when he snapped his leg.

[Henry]

Van Gaal is such a dick. What he said about the keeper (who wasn't at fault) was a disgrace.

[Kikó]

He's the biggest fraud in football. Completely phoning it in, not got a clue what he's doing and yet he's still got a job. It's the club the Glazers deserve. An absolute disgrace.

[Yaysus]

did the fucking ref bet a lot of money on donezk? ruling out a legit goal and then not seeing the clear handball? what the fuck :confused:

[Jimmy Floyd]

"It is the law of Murphy I think," the Dutchman told BT Sport.

He's never topping that. Resign with your head held high.

[randomlegend]

Van Gaal is such a dick. What he said about the keeper (who wasn't at fault) was a disgrace.

What did he say?

[Henry]

What did he say?

That when you start with a keeper who has number 40 on his back, it plays on the players minds and the team is uncomfortable.
The guy even made some good saves.

[Kikó]

What a massive lying cunt.

[randomlegend]

Jesus :cab:

He played really well. That one save was absolutely brilliant.

[Magic]

That's brilliant. :D

[TG09]

That when you start with a keeper who has number 40 on his back, it plays on the players minds and the team is uncomfortable.
The guy even made some good saves.

Wow what a complete twat. That keeper must feel really great when he hears this.

[TG09]

Valencia did well, shame they can not do it in the league - http://www.fullmatchesandshows.com/2016/02/18/valencia-vs-rapid-wien-highlights/

[John]

Walter Samuel scoring for Basel. Will his career never end?

He's somehow only thirty seven.


United have certainly had other low points, but it’s hard to remember a more embarrassing loss in their recent history…

Getting biffed 4-0 by MK Dons tops it, and isn't at all hard to remember.

[Rubacava]

What Van Gaal said was "when you start a game and your goalkeeper is number 14 then you are not starting like usual." Pretty sure he meant that de Gea was the 14th player injured given that Romero's number is 20

[Jimmy Floyd]

I thought it was some oblique Cruyff reference. I'm probably trying too hard.

[Spoonsky]

What a win for FC Midgetland (usurping the title from Barcelona).

[Kikó]

He's somehow only thirty seven.



Getting biffed 4-0 by MK Dons tops it, and isn't at all hard to remember.

Both on van Gaal's watch I think this was worse though.

[Andy]

The one time I want United to win and they can't even beat FC Analytics.

Giggs should be in charge for the rest of the season.

[Kikó]

Fuck off he should. Bin him quicker than van Gaal the snidey wife shagging bastard.

[Lee]

Giggs would be fucking hilarious. Loads of people shag their wives though, Kiko.

[Kikó]

True. Most don't shag their brother's wife though.

[Henry]

What Van Gaal said was "when you start a game and your goalkeeper is number 14 then you are not starting like usual." Pretty sure he meant that de Gea was the 14th player injured given that Romero's number is 20

Ah. Must have picked him up wrong.

Still, who is benefiting by him staying in the job at this point?

[Andy]

Fuck off he should. Bin him quicker than van Gaal the snidey wife shagging bastard.

He'd at least rally the fans and players.

Not sure where United should go really. Mourinho would be good for 18 months and probably win you something but the football would be turd. Someone like Pochettino could end up being another Moyes, or he could thrive with a bigger squad. He looks a better manager at Spurs now he can get away with rotating the full backs and midfielders a bit.

[simon]

Not sure where United should go really. Mourinho would be good for 18 months and probably win you something but the football would be turd.

It comes to something when winning a trophy is seemingly second place to the GOOD FOOTBALL on show.

[Andy]

It comes to something when winning a trophy is seemingly second place to the GOOD FOOTBALL on show.

Depends what you're after I guess. Saints are playing terrible at the moment and winning so I'm torn.

As a fan though I'd be happy with terrible football in the bottom of league two. It would still be a good day out. Being a football fan is illogical at the best of times.

[simon]

Depends what you're after I guess. Saints are playing terrible at the moment and winning so I'm torn.

As a fan though I'd be happy with terrible football in the bottom of league two. It would still be a good day out. Being a football fan is illogical at the best of times.

The point I'm making is that winning football is good football. If you're a Utd fan, and somebody rocks up and gets you winning league titles again then it doesn't matter if you're literally just bombarding the shit out of every sides' back four with your big target man. The fans won't care, because they're winning. It's only when things start to unravel that 'negative football' or whatever rears its head.

[Kikó]

He'd at least rally the fans and players.

Not sure where United should go really. Mourinho would be good for 18 months and probably win you something but the football would be turd. Someone like Pochettino could end up being another Moyes, or he could thrive with a bigger squad. He looks a better manager at Spurs now he can get away with rotating the full backs and midfielders a bit.

He wouldn't rally me. Get rid of him and the fergie cronies.

The club is broken. Fuck the Glazers.

[Kikó]

The point I'm making is that winning football is good football. If you're a Utd fan, and somebody rocks up and gets you winning league titles again then it doesn't matter if you're literally just bombarding the shit out of every sides' back four with your big target man. The fans won't care, because they're winning. It's only when things start to unravel that 'negative football' or whatever rears its head.

Absolute bollocks. Football is not just about winning. Winning ugly happens but if that's your standard then I'd rather not bother.

[elth]

I dreamed a couple of night ago that United lost 2-0 so I was actually kind of relieved by the score when I woke up today. Away goal bitches, an inevitable 1-0 win from one (deflected) shot on target at Old Trafford in the return will see the mighty United through :cool:

[simon]

Absolute bollocks. Football is not just about winning. Winning ugly happens but if that's your standard then I'd rather not bother.

What do you define as winning ugly? Mourinho got hammered for negative football constantly in both stints at Chelsea. Would you say any of his title wins were ugly? I wouldn't. All three times the other 19 sides in the league just got completely dominated.

[Kikó]

I'd define Chelsea in his first stint as clinical. Exciting at Madrid. Pragmatic at Inter.

[simon]

I'd define Chelsea in his first stint as clinical. Exciting at Madrid. Pragmatic at Inter.

I'd agree. I mean, I can understand the point of view of wanting to see good/exciting football if you support West Brom and you're currently turning up to see 6 centre backs on the team sheet. But nobody is claiming that Tony Pulis' side plays winning football. They do more than enough to not be worried about relegation, but you wouldn't see anybody complaining about his style of football were they overachieving/sitting in the top four or whatever.

But that will never be the case at Utd. If Mourinho turned up at Utd and got you winning every week, it wouldn't matter what kind of football you were playing.

[Jimmy Floyd]

At our best under Mourinho we were like a top surgeon - precise, in complete control of the situation and with a clear idea of the job at hand. Experimentation not required. Unfortunately this season the surgeon decided to operate on himself.

[Samadini]

Check out the encroachment for the penalty in the 93rd minute. :cab:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT9G_jRGyvU

[Samadini]

Well that's a shitter, you could only rewind it if you were watching. I've tried to screenshot it as best as I can, I think about 9 players were firmly in the box before the guy hit the penalty, much more than I've been able to capture.

The keeper saved it and someone else scored the follow up.

http://s12.postimg.org/43nl7o5t9/wot.png

[Smiffy]

.....

[Jimmy Floyd]

Looks like a fix that only the ref is in on (as opposed to the losing team). You wouldn't try that otherwise.

[Samadini]

https://media.giphy.com/media/l4Ki3GxcoSEae4Yzm/giphy.gif

Just discovered Screen to GIF. :cool:

[John]

One of the losing team's players enters the area at basically the same time as the taker. What the fuck is he up to?

[Samadini]

I don't think anyone there knows the rules at all.

Even the ref's body language just looks confused as fuck, that little arm gesture at the end is almost just a shrug, "erm, okay".

[Samadini]

More shenanigans

http://s12.postimg.org/pnp5l3lv1/lol.png

[John Arne]

I read a story the other week about game simply not taking place. Somewhere like lower leagues of Albania. The guy who reported scores had managed to also fabricate fixtures and just made it up (with gamblers knowledge). Quality.

[Reg]

Looks like a fix that only the ref is in on (as opposed to the losing team). You wouldn't try that otherwise.
I don't think so. As John says one of the opposition players is cheating (intentionally or not) just as badly, with 2/3 others not far behind.

^The above Spartak game looks a little dodgy though...

[Samadini]

First goal was inside the first minute and there was a goal as the last kick of the game, which the ref decided was the 88th minute :D

[Lewis]

Tactics Draper would be appalled with this level of cynicism. That Andy Carroll MELTDOWN was all for nothing.

[simon]

I've grown.

Nah, I've always been about winning. It's just that I used to think that the best/only way to do that was to pass the opposition to death. Nowadays, football has swung so far to that way of thinking that teams like Leicester can do what they do with such great success purely because nobody bothers to defend properly anymore.

[AE]

Absolute bollocks. Football is not just about winning. Winning ugly happens but if that's your standard then I'd rather not bother.

We've been playing "beautiful" football forever. Look where that's got us.

[Toby]

Arsenal haven't played "beautiful" football for almost a decade.

[phonics]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmQfhkGPrM8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU2dQMz1FF0

I miss Wilshere :(

[-james-]

Don't think Myjava was blatantly fixed, odds seemed normal. They were almost full strength vs a rubbish 2nd tier side fielding a bunch of trialists, could have ended 10-0 really.

The past month has been rife with ref fixes at Mediterranean training camps (this (https://www.betfair.com/exchange/football/marketactivity?id=1.123134521&selectionId=579339) right now is likely one), some of it is brilliantly lol. There was one last month where the players cottoned on, ref gave a penalty for nothing and the taker just passed it to the goalie (http://webm.host/ffe23/), and another where the ref played on until he had any excuse to give a penalty, which was the 98th minute or something.

[Reg]

I'm not entirely convinced by Wilshere but that goal is a classic. Beautiful.

[Magic]

Cavani is so shit.

:uhoh:

[Boydy]

Fuck off Magic.