Greatest loss to a United side

Decotron · 23rd June 2008, 13:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry Red

It is now 45 years since I first started supporting United and here's my opinion:

The greatest loss was at Munich - slightly before my time but it is blindingly obvious that the loss of the cream of the First Division's young talent would be a massive blow to any club.

The second greatest loss was when Sir Matt stood down - it was years before the board appointed the young Alex Ferguson.

The third greatest loss will be when SAF retires. I honestly feel that he is irreplaceable and no matter who comes in there will be a very painful transitional period.

As far as individual players are concerned, it just doesn't matter. No player is bigger than the club and therefore not that important in the grand scheme of things. We have obviously missed the short-term contribution of certain players when they have left but the team adapts; new players come in, new tactics and styles are developed and we move on. And this is why I would be happy to see Ronaldo go. It's obvious his heart isn't here so get as much money as possible for him, pack him off to sunnier climes and replace him.

Players are temporary - the club is permanent.

Best post Ive read here in a while. Life long fans opinions > Drama Queen teenager opinions!

Name Changed · 23rd June 2008, 21:32

Liam Whelan

Grunge · 24th June 2008, 01:18

If we are comparing Ronaldo's potential "exit" to join Real (assuming the fat lady is already in song) to Besties taste for all that alcohol brings to the table, then I would say the loss of Best (as a player) was the bigger loss.

As another golden oldie on this "station", I don't think we can compare the loss of Duncan because virtually the entire team was decimated. No loss of one player should be mentioned in the same breath as that horrific day in history. Oh how things might have been different; Think about it; Edwards and Best in the same team by the early-mid 60's!

That said, Best claimed that he felt his passion for the game (and for success) was not matched by the club post-'68. That no meaningful steps had been made by United to effectively replace the aging stars who had reached their holy grail with the capture of the European Cup. (He had a point!) The youth of the '58 babes had been largely replaced by more experienced talent with a much shorter shelf life.

I agree with his sentiment but also believe his general decision making, even by that time was likely in decline. I was on the stands eevry weekend in 69, 70 an 71. Could another great United team been rebuilt around his genius? Absolutely! Instead he chose the bottle and to be fair, Busby & United lost their way.

As for our wonder boy Ronny; His childhood dream of playing one day for Real Madrid has potentially come sooner that he could have ever imagined. If he does leave, it will IMO, be a callous move. Disrespectful to the management that has groomed him thus far. To the players that helped showcase his talent (to say nothing of "getting him out of jail" in Russia) and to a contract signed presumably in good faith by all parties.

As he's just shown playing for the Pork and Cheese (sorry, that epithet was probably uncalled for), he's just "one guy" and no match for a better "team".

I hope he listens to his mum, and stays another year or two. With him we have the chance to be truly dominant. Without him we will still add to the trophy case next year and for years to come.

So will we "miss him" ... will we fuck! NOBODY IS BIGGER THAN UNITED
and There's only One United!

Crumpsall Red · 24th June 2008, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonny Feehan

Edwards and Best would have played in the same team with Busby as manager. Add Charlton, Law, and Coleman to the mix and you would never have heard of Liverpool.

So fuckin true!

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 25th June 2008, 07:31

Edwards

R.Nilsson7 · 25th June 2008, 07:33

Jaap Stam.

hotshot2004 · 26th June 2008, 06:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulblight3r

Wasn't born during the Best era so can't comment but I think the biggest loss will be when SAF steps down

Agreed mate.

kinkster · 26th June 2008, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by soulblight3r

Wasn't born during the Best era so can't comment but I think the biggest loss will be when SAF steps down

spot on...if ronnie goes we will move on and find replacements...SAF goes who can replace..noone

topper · 26th June 2008, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecantona7

probably only the likes of topper and BR are the only ones old enough to make a valid judgement on this.

thanks very much you insolent pup

of the two Best was head and shoulders above Ronaldo in his love of United and ahead on football talent too . If he´d kept his head screwed he could have been at United lots longer than Ronaldo ever will be. So Best is def the one missed we´d miss most of the two.

but who United will miss most now or the forseeable future it has to be SAF.

Who United have missed most from the past would be the Munich babes - God bless them

711 · 26th June 2008, 12:25

Best. But it's close enough for another season or two to swing it Ronaldo's way.

Munich would be a good answer to a different question.

hotshot2004 · 27th June 2008, 06:04

I was unfortunate not to see Best playing in United colours. If Ronaldo is about same skill level as Best. Than he does not have loyalty that Best had i guess,

So Best was truly the Best - No questions!!

Chep · 27th June 2008, 09:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barry Red

It is now 45 years since I first started supporting United and here's my opinion:

The greatest loss was at Munich - slightly before my time but it is blindingly obvious that the loss of the cream of the First Division's young talent would be a massive blow to any club.

The second greatest loss was when Sir Matt stood down - it was years before the board appointed the young Alex Ferguson.

The third greatest loss will be when SAF retires. I honestly feel that he is irreplaceable and no matter who comes in there will be a very painful transitional period.

As far as individual players are concerned, it just doesn't matter. No player is bigger than the club and therefore not that important in the grand scheme of things. We have obviously missed the short-term contribution of certain players when they have left but the team adapts; new players come in, new tactics and styles are developed and we move on. And this is why I would be happy to see Ronaldo go. It's obvious his heart isn't here so get as much money as possible for him, pack him off to sunnier climes and replace him.

Players are temporary - the club is permanent.

I wish there was two more of you in this forum!

Tevez32 · 27th June 2008, 20:31

With all this summer transfer saga aside, Ronaldo has truly eclipsed Best as the best ever to play for United.

This has nothing to do with your character but the end product and the end of it delivering trophies.

But they were equally important to their sides.

bcubed · 28th June 2008, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Partizan

Not ragging on Georgie, he probably gave me more excitment, and sheer disbelief, tha any other player, and he did LOVE this club, just loved the bottle more.

Yes mate, I know what you're saying. It's not love of the bottle with alcoholics though - it is a disease, sadly no cure. No such thing as an ex alcoholic, you are one or you are not one.

Shane Bluck · 29th June 2008, 03:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Edwards

Who..

Martin?

paul teague · 29th June 2008, 19:05

With recent rule changes in football ,like the banning of two footed and tackles from behind etc which protect so called star players and their skill which they bring to the game, I find it amazing that they could compare Best and Ronaldo
Ronaldo is World class and is probably the best in the World at the moment . but ..........hes allowed to be by refs and other players .
Answer this ,,,,,Could you really see Ronaldo doing all the step overs and fancy tricks with the likes of Ron Harris or Norman Hunter marking him??
I DONT THINK SO! But Best DID ......so theres your answer!!!

topper · 29th June 2008, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul teague

With recent rule changes in football ,like the banning of two footed and tackles from behind etc which protect so called star players and their skill which they bring to the game, I find it amazing that they could compare Best and Ronaldo
Ronaldo is World class and is probably the best in the World at the moment . but ..........hes allowed to be by refs and other players .
Answer this ,,,,,Could you really see Ronaldo doing all the step overs and fancy tricks with the likes of Ron Harris or Norman Hunter marking him??
I DONT THINK SO! But Best DID ......so theres your answer!!!

I truly believe that Ronaldo wouldn´t have lasted 2 seasons in the old Div !

topper · 29th June 2008, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Bluck

Who..

Martin?

I hear he´s the founder member of Cunts Anonymous but theres nowt hidden about dirty Martin

23rd June 2008, 21:32	#42 (permalink)
Name Changed weso26 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dublin Posts: 4,439	Liam Whelan

24th June 2008, 01:18	#43 (permalink)
Grunge Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,328	If we are comparing Ronaldo's potential "exit" to join Real (assuming the fat lady is already in song) to Besties taste for all that alcohol brings to the table, then I would say the loss of Best (as a player) was the bigger loss. As another golden oldie on this "station", I don't think we can compare the loss of Duncan because virtually the entire team was decimated. No loss of one player should be mentioned in the same breath as that horrific day in history. Oh how things might have been different; Think about it; Edwards and Best in the same team by the early-mid 60's! That said, Best claimed that he felt his passion for the game (and for success) was not matched by the club post-'68. That no meaningful steps had been made by United to effectively replace the aging stars who had reached their holy grail with the capture of the European Cup. (He had a point!) The youth of the '58 babes had been largely replaced by more experienced talent with a much shorter shelf life. I agree with his sentiment but also believe his general decision making, even by that time was likely in decline. I was on the stands eevry weekend in 69, 70 an 71. Could another great United team been rebuilt around his genius? Absolutely! Instead he chose the bottle and to be fair, Busby & United lost their way. As for our wonder boy Ronny; His childhood dream of playing one day for Real Madrid has potentially come sooner that he could have ever imagined. If he does leave, it will IMO, be a callous move. Disrespectful to the management that has groomed him thus far. To the players that helped showcase his talent (to say nothing of "getting him out of jail" in Russia) and to a contract signed presumably in good faith by all parties. As he's just shown playing for the Pork and Cheese (sorry, that epithet was probably uncalled for), he's just "one guy" and no match for a better "team". I hope he listens to his mum, and stays another year or two. With him we have the chance to be truly dominant. Without him we will still add to the trophy case next year and for years to come. So will we "miss him" ... will we fuck! NOBODY IS BIGGER THAN UNITED and There's only One United!

25th June 2008, 07:31	#45 (permalink)
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber Thus says Kemo Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football Fanatics Central..Equator branch Posts: 19,992	Edwards

25th June 2008, 07:33	#46 (permalink)
R.Nilsson7 First Team Sub Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Dimitar Berbatov's balcony Posts: 5,316	Jaap Stam.

26th June 2008, 12:25	#50 (permalink)
711 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nearly all French are Bastards Posts: 1,411	Best. But it's close enough for another season or two to swing it Ronaldo's way. Munich would be a good answer to a different question.

27th June 2008, 06:04	#51 (permalink)
hotshot2004 Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: Promise Land Posts: 1,609	I was unfortunate not to see Best playing in United colours. If Ronaldo is about same skill level as Best. Than he does not have loyalty that Best had i guess, So Best was truly the Best - No questions!!

27th June 2008, 20:31	#53 (permalink)
Tevez32 Youth Team Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 326	With all this summer transfer saga aside, Ronaldo has truly eclipsed Best as the best ever to play for United. This has nothing to do with your character but the end product and the end of it delivering trophies. But they were equally important to their sides.

29th June 2008, 19:05	#56 (permalink)
paul teague Youth Team Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: limerick Ireland Posts: 404	With recent rule changes in football ,like the banning of two footed and tackles from behind etc which protect so called star players and their skill which they bring to the game, I find it amazing that they could compare Best and Ronaldo Ronaldo is World class and is probably the best in the World at the moment . but ..........hes allowed to be by refs and other players . Answer this ,,,,,Could you really see Ronaldo doing all the step overs and fancy tricks with the likes of Ron Harris or Norman Hunter marking him?? I DONT THINK SO! But Best DID ......so theres your answer!!!