Should the United legends pipe down a bit when talking about the club on TV?

Dancfc

Full Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2016
Messages
7,392
Supports
Chelsea
I was going to put this in the United section but I'm not sure how well an article by an opposition fan is taken there so ill put it on the football section.

Over recent years you have seen (in my opinion) United legends be a little to over opinionated on TV about the goings on at United. Whether it's Ferdinand openly pressuring the board into giving Ole the job, Neville going on the rampage about Jose's potential sacking or Scholes systematically moaning about LVG amoung other things.

I'm curious to know if United fans think that may be a small part of the problem, given their immortal status at the club what they say could put more pressure on the situation. From a Chelsea perspective when Drogba, Ballack, the Cole's and (when he was a pundit) Lampard spoke about the goings on at Chelsea it was all mild and they were never over opinionated about it on TV, I think they knew that trying to get involved was counterproductive and knew their place in that regard.

Do you think Rio, Neville, Scholes etc should tone it down a bit on the cameras? Or do you think they're doing them right thing publicly airing their grievances?
 

SadlerMUFC

Thinks for himself
Joined
Dec 7, 2017
Messages
5,746
Location
Niagara Falls, Canada
I have no problem with what they say most of the time because they are speaking their truth. I have also seen them all rightly criticize us when we need to be criticized, but I have also seen them praise us when praise is due. Even Scholes (who has been one of our hardest critics) said that if we keep playing like we did yesterday that we can turn things around...
 

YNWAManUnited

New Member
Newbie
Joined
Sep 20, 2016
Messages
14
There should be no holding back, we can take it. The club and the owners need to hear it. Bring it, legends!
 

kidbob

Full Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2012
Messages
8,068
Location
Ireland
They should talk loudly about what they achieved and any player who doesn't fit the grade of the level the club should be at should be ridiculed until they quit football or go play in a lower division.

We should never ask former players to lower their expectations in order to protect the feelings of players who shouldn't be at the club.
 

r3idy

Correctly predicted France to win World Cup 2018
Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
1,299
Location
Near Old Trafford
We got their loyalty when they were players for us. Be naive to expect loyalty or a watered down opinion now they are off the books. They are saying things controversial for a few reasons

1) They get paid to (its a ratings war)
2) Probably because it's true.
 

Tom Cato

Godt nyttår!
Joined
Jan 3, 2019
Messages
7,565
The players you mentioned all come with insane merit. They are way entitled to lash out if they disagree with what they are seeing, or have an opinion on what needs to be done. They have earned it.
 

shamans

Thinks you can get an STD from flirting.
Joined
Oct 25, 2010
Messages
18,226
Location
Constantly at the STD clinic.
We, who are nothings, moan about the club all they want. They are legends who deserve to have an opinion

Besides they are voicing our own concerns. Some fans are so stupid. If all they do is praise us, does that make us any better?
 

horsechoker

The Caf's Roy Keane.
Joined
Apr 16, 2015
Messages
51,393
Location
The stable
They're paid to give an opinion.

As long they're opinion is backed up with something factual or with substantial insight then it's fine.

The problem is there are pundits who are afraid of criticising certain things because of a conflict of interest.
 

Class of 63

Sourness
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
9,028
Location
Going through the Desert on a Horse with no Name
It's getting that bad now the I seriously think the club should gag former players for at least 10 years, probably longer.

Apart from a shitfaced George Best(possibly on Parkinson/Wogan) saying Ryan Giggs wasn't fit to lace his boots(which he apologised for when he was briefly sober)I can't really recall any former legend of the club being overcritical of any player whilst they were still at the club, if at all.

It's obviously happened at other times, but nothing on the level we see now, it's almost like they are protecting their own legacy(word), they just think kerching and sod the consequences for the club, and the player.

Gag 'em all.
 

VP89

Pogba's biggest fan
Joined
Dec 6, 2015
Messages
31,123
They have their bias when talking about the club, around Ole, around academy and the rest of it. So it becomes tiresome. I much prefer hearing what Charrager has to say from an outsider evaluating the state of affairs.
 

Amarsdd

Full Member
Joined
Jun 7, 2013
Messages
3,299
I was going to put this in the United section but I'm not sure how well an article by an opposition fan is taken there so ill put it on the football section.

Over recent years you have seen (in my opinion) United legends be a little to over opinionated on TV about the goings on at United. Whether it's Ferdinand openly pressuring the board into giving Ole the job, Neville going on the rampage about Jose's potential sacking or Scholes systematically moaning about LVG amoung other things.

I'm curious to know if United fans think that may be a small part of the problem, given their immortal status at the club what they say could put more pressure on the situation. From a Chelsea perspective when Drogba, Ballack, the Cole's and (when he was a pundit) Lampard spoke about the goings on at Chelsea it was all mild and they were never over opinionated about it on TV, I think they knew that trying to get involved was counterproductive and knew their place in that regard.

Do you think Rio, Neville, Scholes etc should tone it down a bit on the cameras? Or do you think they're doing them right thing publicly airing their grievances?
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
 

Finn MacCool

New Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2016
Messages
1,535
Supports
Liverpool
I think it's partly because some legends find it difficult to adjust to how much the game has changed since their era and to accept that good times don't last forever and even huge clubs can go thru stages of decline and rebuild. At its root you would hope its because they care so much and not just to get some attention.

It does happen everywhere though - I remember Ian St. John being very hard on Houllier.
 

0le

Full Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2017
Messages
5,806
Location
UK
You don't have to watch or listen to any of it. You also don't have to agree with any opinion. It doesn't mean they don't have a right to share that opinion. Indeed, its their job to give opinions. They shouldn't have to "tone down" their opinion just because you disagree with it.
 

pacifictheme

Full Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Messages
7,666
We got their loyalty when they were players for us. Be naive to expect loyalty or a watered down opinion now they are off the books. They are saying things controversial for a few reasons

1) They get paid to (its a ratings war)
2) Probably because it's true.
3) they actually care. Most of them have a bigger tie to the club than most fans.
 

kidbob

Full Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2012
Messages
8,068
Location
Ireland
It's getting that bad now the I seriously think the club should gag former players for at least 10 years, probably longer.

Apart from a shitfaced George Best(possibly on Parkinson/Wogan) saying Ryan Giggs wasn't fit to lace his boots(which he apologised for when he was briefly sober)I can't really recall any former legend of the club being overcritical of any player whilst they were still at the club, if at all.

It's obviously happened at other times, but nothing on the level we see now, it's almost like they are protecting their own legacy(word), they just think kerching and sod the consequences for the club, and the player.

Gag 'em all.
It's almost as if no player at the club right now is good enough to play for the club. Best apologized because Giggs made him look stupid. Any current player you see doing that? Every current player should be ridiculed until they reach the required level or leave. Every one of the past players proved themselves and have a right to see the standard they set upheld.

Everyone of these players (except De Gea who should have bailed years ago because he deserves so much better than our shit) should receive every bit of criticism until they prove good enough for our club or have the self reflection to quit United in embarrassment because they aren't good enough.
 

Majima

Full Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2016
Messages
4,038
Location
Kami's Lookout
Supports
Ralf Rangnick.
I was going to put this in the United section but I'm not sure how well an article by an opposition fan is taken there so ill put it on the football section.

Over recent years you have seen (in my opinion) United legends be a little to over opinionated on TV about the goings on at United. Whether it's Ferdinand openly pressuring the board into giving Ole the job, Neville going on the rampage about Jose's potential sacking or Scholes systematically moaning about LVG amoung other things.

I'm curious to know if United fans think that may be a small part of the problem, given their immortal status at the club what they say could put more pressure on the situation. From a Chelsea perspective when Drogba, Ballack, the Cole's and (when he was a pundit) Lampard spoke about the goings on at Chelsea it was all mild and they were never over opinionated about it on TV, I think they knew that trying to get involved was counterproductive and knew their place in that regard.

Do you think Rio, Neville, Scholes etc should tone it down a bit on the cameras? Or do you think they're doing them right thing publicly airing their grievances?
I think they are all massive hypocrites.

Now that Ole has got the job, you don't hear a murmur from them about the poor managerial performances we've seen since February. When they had no problem sticking the knife into LVG or Mourinho straight away in the past.

Listening to them, you would believe Ole is doing a wonderful job here, that the fact that we've been showing relegation form for months, horrendous performances throughout, were 16th a few weeks ago, now 10th, 10 points behind top 4 after 11 games, 10 points behind Lampard's Chelsea who was similarly inexperienced, lost his best player whilst having a transfer ban & replaced him with kids isn't actually happening right now.

I would rather listen to Carragher commentate on us nowadays. At least i know i won't be getting fed unobjective nonsense.
 

mu4c_20le

Full Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
42,729
I'm curious to know if United fans think that may be a small part of the problem, given their immortal status at the club what they say could put more pressure on the situation. From a Chelsea perspective when Drogba, Ballack, the Cole's and (when he was a pundit) Lampard spoke about the goings on at Chelsea it was all mild and they were never over opinionated about it on TV, I think they knew that trying to get involved was counterproductive and knew their place in that regard.
That's because your club are owned by a billionaire russian oligarch who is known for doing things his way or the highway. That's the difference.
 

2 man midfield

Last Man Standing finalist 2021/22
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
45,670
Location
?
You don't have to watch or listen to any of it. You also don't have to agree with any opinion. It doesn't mean they don't have a right to share that opinion. Indeed, its their job to give opinions. They shouldn't have to "tone down" their opinion just because you disagree with it.
This, basically.
 

Dancfc

Full Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2016
Messages
7,392
Supports
Chelsea
You don't have to watch or listen to any of it. You also don't have to agree with any opinion. It doesn't mean they don't have a right to share that opinion. Indeed, its their job to give opinions. They shouldn't have to "tone down" their opinion just because you disagree with it.
I'm not saying they ain't entitled to their opinion, the question I'm asking is is it helping the cause at United by doing it so publicly? For example if the decision to give OGS the full time deal was even remotely down to external pressure like Rio's comments on BT, then that's one clear example of it's hinderance right there.

Going back to the example with my club, i'm sure Drogs, Lampard, Ballack and co had some strong opinions watching Chelsea during 15/16, 17/18 and part of last season but we never heard any of them air out these potential grievances in public and i'm glad they didn't, would have (in my opinion) made already difficult situations worse.
 
Joined
Jun 26, 2014
Messages
21,612
Location
Behind the right goal post as "Whiteside shoots!"
I'm not saying they ain't entitled to their opinion, the question I'm asking is is it helping the cause at United by doing it so publicly? For example if the decision to give OGS the full time deal was even remotely down to external pressure like Rio's comments on BT, then that's one clear example of it's hinderance right there.

Going back to the example with my club, i'm sure Drogs, Lampard, Ballack and co had some strong opinions watching Chelsea during 15/16, 17/18 and part of last season but we never heard any of them air out these potential grievances in public and i'm glad they didn't, would have (in my opinion) made already difficult situations worse.
Rio had no bearing on Oles appointment.

And I'd rather they speak their minds (good or bad).

How do you know those ex CFC players had strong opinions? Especially if as you say, they never voiced them
 

Dancfc

Full Member
Joined
Oct 28, 2016
Messages
7,392
Supports
Chelsea
Rio had no bearing on Oles appointment.

And I'd rather they speak their minds (good or bad).

How do you know those ex CFC players had strong opinions? Especially if as you say, they never voiced them
Educated guess, all mentioned have remained as card carrying fans so i imagine they go through similar emotions as to what the fans do.
 

12OunceEpilogue

In perfect harmony
Scout
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
18,392
Location
Wigan
There should be no holding back, we can take it. The club and the owners need to hear it. Bring it, legends!
I agree to be honest. If Scholes says something I disagree with I think 'I disagree with that Scholesy', have a bit of discussion on here then move on. I think we're fooled by the likes of Sky and BT that they somehow 'set the agenda', but while I'm sure forceful interventions by Neville et al have sway with the general mood of the fanbase by far the number one factor is the performances on the pitch and the results. If we're performing well pundits will sing our praises and if we're stinking the place out pundits will let us have it, and that's fine whether they're club legends or not.
 

Steven Seagull

Full Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2010
Messages
9,207
Location
The Clockwork Orange tulip technician.
Let them say whatever they like. They know more and care more about the club than any tosser on the internet. I mean we literally have a large percentage of people who think Gary Neville looked annoyed when we scored against Liverpool the other week. How can you possibly appease these people?
 

Sparky_Hughes

I am Shitbeard.
Joined
Mar 26, 2008
Messages
17,537
Given that most footballers, past and present are as dumb as a bag of hair who really cares what they say?
 

Majima

Full Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2016
Messages
4,038
Location
Kami's Lookout
Supports
Ralf Rangnick.
I agree to be honest. If Scholes says something I disagree with I think 'I disagree with that Scholesy', have a bit of discussion on here then move on. I think we're fooled by the likes of Sky and BT that they somehow 'set the agenda', but while I'm sure forceful interventions by Neville et al have sway with the general mood of the fanbase by far the number one factor is the performances on the pitch and the results. If we're performing well pundits will sing our praises and if we're stinking the place out pundits will let us have it, and that's fine whether they're club legends or not.
But that's the thing, when we were stinking the place out under LVG & Mourinho, the class of 92 never held back on sticking the knife in at every opportunity. Yet, they have been silent on the current manager's even worse struggles?

We've been languishing in mediocrity for months now, producing rotten performances week in week out, yet i don't think i have ever seen any of them question the manager in this time even once?

We were 16th a few weeks ago, threatening a relegation battle, we're 10 points behind top 4 after 11 games. We're closer to the bottom 3 than top 4.

That's what makes them complete hypocrites.
 

Bulldog United

New Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2019
Messages
1,226
Location
Liverpool
But that's the thing, when we were stinking the place out under LVG & Mourinho, the class of 92 never held back on sticking the knife in at every opportunity. Yet, they have been silent on the current manager's even worse struggles?

We've been languishing in mediocrity for months now, producing rotten performances week in week out, yet i don't think i have ever seen any of them question the manager in this time even once?

We were 16th a few weeks ago, threatening a relegation battle, we're 10 points behind top 4 after 11 games. We're closer to the bottom 3 than top 4.

That's what makes them complete hypocrites.
Well yes, but it's human nature that people will judge friends much less harshly than people they hardly know at all.
 

Hughie77

Full Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2017
Messages
4,090
As long as it's constructive it's ok, if it's just have a dig because they can then no, most have spoken the truth the club is in disarray, it's going in a different direction of late in transfer policy that's for sure. Woodward mostly gets the stick now, Jose I believe made his own problems in regard of his demenor towards players etc, he had to go, same as when Chelsea sacked him he had to go, maybe he played his way into sack?

LVG, I think was just unlucky in getting the sack, his games against the top teams where very good, especially pool, I don't think he lost a game against them, but you will always get the ex pros having a go about whoever is in charge when most played under the best manager in a long long time.
 

Sandikan

aka sex on the beach
Joined
Mar 14, 2011
Messages
52,715
If you're the type to get aggravated by all the phony war in the press, simply avoid it. Easy.
 

Denis' cuff

Full Member
Joined
May 13, 2007
Messages
7,769
Location
here
Most of them talk a load of shite. Don’t offer any more than the average punter on here.

Don’t mind Rio.
 

VP89

Pogba's biggest fan
Joined
Dec 6, 2015
Messages
31,123
Pundits should say what they want and people should get offended less.
I agree people shouldn't get too touchy.

But in an age where we are paying a feck load a month for premium broadcasting, we should have a minimum standard of analysis. Don't think many people would give two shits if this was premier league on ITV and you had some silly comments made by the half time pundits.
 

Acole9

Outstanding
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Messages
12,503
No they shouldn't pipe down, some folk on here are too sensitive and paranoid.