Raining Yellow Cards at the Manchester Derby

Today’s Manchester Derby referee handed out yellow cards like they were going out of style.  Eight total yellows, six of which given to the Red Devils of Manchester United.

The most notable booking was the double yellow for Christiano Ronaldo, sent off in the 68th minute.  Rafael, Fletcher, Carrick, and Patrice Evra picked up the remaining four bookings.

Was Ronaldo’s second card worthy of being sent off?  Well he claims he heard a “beep” or a whistle.  But replays show no signs of a whistle heard.

Manchester United needed the 1-0 victory over City to remain in contention for the EPL championship race.  I’m sure they are back the Gunners of Arsenal today as they matchup with the likes of first place Chelsea in a classic London Derby.

Fergie’s faith in Rafael continues in Manchester Derby Day

Rafael Da Silva continues to impress Sir Alex Ferguson with today’s EPL first team start against Manchester City.

With Gary Neville and Wes Brown both watching the match from the injured reserved list, Manhcester City assumed a weak link in the back four for Robhino to exploit.

The young Brazilian, Rafael, silenced City’s expectations holding his ground against fellow countryman, Robhino.

What impressed me the most is Rafael’s ability to play hard against Robhino after his booking midway through the first half.

I’ve said many times how I think Rafael is a mix of Neville and Brown in the sense that he gets forward and makes good runs like Neville is known for, but he’s also got the ability to send in some sublime crosses as Wes Brown is known for. The added bonus? His Brazilian skill with the ball at his feet. Yes Rafael will indeed continue to impress for years to come at Manchester’s Old Trafford.

Man Utd question of the day: What lies ahead for Carlos Tevez?

With Tevez remaining in the shadows of the big 3, Ronaldo, Rooney, and Berbatar, what do you think lies ahead for Manchester United striker, Carlos Tevez?

Since the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov this season, Tevez has not really seen his fair share of playing time. It seems this has really disrupted the mental aspect of his game. He was replaced by Manucho in today’s matchup against Stoke City after coming up empty handed yet again.

So our question of the day; what do you make of Carlos Tevez’s future in terms of staying with Man Utd?

Manchester United striker to update CV?

Manchester United striker, Carlos Tevez, will soon need assurance from the club’s management whether he should be updating his CV for next season.

Many fans may have forgotten that Tevez is owned by Media Sports Investments (MSI) and is on a two year loan with Manchester United. United completed the Tevez loan deal in the summer of 2007 that will expire at the end of this season. So my question to you is: If in fact Man Utd offers Tevez a new contract, will he accept?

My feeling is that he is just too good to rest in the shadows of Wayne Rooney, Christiano Ronaldo, and Dimitov Berbatov. As much as I would like to see him stay at United, I have a funny feeling the lad might want to spread his wings with the likes of another club. (Wes Brown and Newcastle all over again?)

Before offering your input, we Man Utd fans can not even be sure Tevez will receive an offer (despite the club’s latest pledge that the deal is still on course). The club will need to come up with somewhere in the £30 million range.

Cold winter ahead for Man Utd right-back Gary Neville

Today’s lunch time clash with Arsenal in North London was a daunting task for Manchester United right-back and captain, Gary Neville.

While the own-goal halfway through the first half may not have been avoided, it certainly was not overcome at any time following.  Neville’s poor passing and marking today will definitely raise Fergie’s eyebrow as to who should be getting the start at the highly competitive right-back position.

It was a shame that Man Utd had to swap Neville for Rafael Da Silva (right back for right back) in a game where they are two goals down.  Fergie could have easily brought on an attacking midfielder such as Nani to try and salvage the game.

In the end, Rafael Da Silva was the one to get the first goal with a sublime strike, only minutes left in the game.

Who was the weakest link today?  Hands down Gary Neville; very disappointing.