From The Times: Wimps, cowards, and pretty boys. Who are we talking about? Manchester United, who have been called all those names and accused of ‘taking the easy road like a champion boxer ducking the top contender’. United will be taking part in a tour of America next summer during which they will play Celtic, Barcelona, Juventus and the Mexican side America. But they won’t be taking on the local teams because, according to USA Today columnist Beau Dure, Ruud van Nistelrooy could not get past the US goalkeepers. ‘These aren’t the second-rate Scandinavian goalkeepers he faces in England,’ says Beau, ‘where the only star keeper is Brad Friedel’ Does Beau Dure know anything about football? I would not dream to comment on the standard of MLS, because I dont watch it. Yes Brad Friedel is a good keeper..Great even. But I dont believe United are afraid....its a ridiculous statement. The tour s poorly conceived in that even when United went China they played a Chinese side..does that mean China's footballs teams better than the USA? I dont really think so. I wonder if its a hangover from the days of Pele playing in the US, that the promoters think there will be more interest in top European sides (plus a Mexican side) playing United? If you want United to play an MLS side you better start bombarding OT with letters and e-mails.
I didn't see the article, but it sounds like a "tongue in cheek" piece to me. Either that, or the writer is completely ignorant. (Goalkeeping is the US's biggest strength, but to say what he said is just silly.) Having said that, I would really like to see United play an MLS side. There is supposed to be a 5th game, and I'm hoping it will be against the LA Galaxy, who are the defending MLS champs.
Yes, I want United to play an MLS side! I believe the fact that United is playing 3 European sides and no American side (as ironic as it is, Club America is not an American side) in the US tour shows how commercialized this event is. The club and promoters are obviously more interested in selling more tickets than a real exchange in football between these two countries. Why tour another country? You want to play the local clubs, get a feel of their style of football, get involved in the international football community -- not host another European Champions League just at a different continent. To me it seems that it's probably ChampionsWorld who's not understanding this, not Manchester United. As I understand Man Utd wouldn't really care who they play in the United States -- if anything else they probably want to avoid playing hard sides for fear of tiring out players before the season starts. ChampionsWorld think that American fans are so fickle as to not turn up for the game if United's opponent is not also a top side. But I also understand the difficulty in arranging an MLS matchup because the tour is in the middle of the MLS season. However, this does not mean that Americans should not show this minimum hospitality towards these guests from far away. In football the way to show respect to a visiting team is to play them a friendly game. Perhaps we should start a petition and collect signatures to send to ChampionsWorld and OT?
Must admit, when I read another article, I did wonder why no MLS team was included, but then, this is pre-season for United, and mid season for the MLS. Would Team A want extra games when they are entering a crucial phaise of the season? OK, Team A's fans might. Lets not forget that the US is about the only market where United have not made much of an impact. Now they have the deal with the Yankees, and Nike as kit suppliers, it was only a matter of time before United did something like this. Also, with United and Barcelona, Nike are able to use 2 of the largest brands in terms of football to promote their football related stuff.
I have a feeling that they (United) ‘are’ a little nervous of playing an MLS team. These games for Utd. and co. are typical summer vacation specials. These teams don’t want to mix it up with a hard tackling fast young MLS team that could embarrass them or at least make them work for a game. But as devil_78 pointed out it is right in the middle of the MLS season, Utd. and the others will have just come off a 60 plus game season. They’re just exhibition games and not to be taken seriously. Would it be great though, to see a fully committed United play a top MLS team…???
This is a chance to play one of the most famous teams in the world. I can't imagine there's an MLS player, even in the middle of the season, who wouldn't jump at the chance of getting on the pitch with these guys. I know I would. It's the chance of a lifetime for a lot of MLS players.
I'm sure that there would be that emotional draw, to test oneself, and team, against one of the big names of world football. However, if they are totally committed professionals, one would hope they would not want to jeopardise their fitness unnecessarily by playing in what is an ultimately meaningless game. usscouse, the MLS is hard tackling? That is bread n butter to any EPL team. its what we are known for. Besides, I dont think Keane has been in for anger management lately... As to being committed during this tour, United will be. They are taking on Barcelona, among others. If they dont play to their fullest, there is a good chance they would lose. Badly. United dont want that. I must admit, seeing United vs an MLS team would be interesting, just to see how the MLS side would cope. If they played now, I think the MLS side would not be far off the pace, until 60 minutes, then United would have probably worn them down. United are just irresistable at the moment. It has been lovely to watch.
This has nothing to do with United, however, we almost got to see an MLS team go against a powerful European team, years ago. The Galaxy qualified for the World Club Competition? or something like that & were scheduled to play Real Madrid @ the Bernabeau. However, the entire tournament was canceled. That would have been European power team against MLS power team in a real competition.
You are correct on all counts here. But historically any English or European team visiting the States seem to be in a holiday mode when they arrive. Yes, they run and pass and sometimes it’s a joy to behold but it all seems three-quarter pace and they don’t commit to the tackle. We do know and understand why, it’s been a long, long season and those legs are needed again for the next year. It’s got to be a lot of fun playing at the likes of RFK in 105 degrees and 150% humidity after the balmy weather in Manchester. I will be in Seahawk Stadium to watch (and I hope enjoy) the game though. Besides, I dont think Keane has been in for anger management lately...I like it
Yah, I remember that - and as a longtime Real fan who had been following the Galaxy from its infancy - I was really excited. Talk about measuring against a standard! So the cancellation was a huge disappointment. Beau Dure was kidding - by the way. It's interesting that British writers, who seem to be well versed in dead-pan humor, are so gullible. I guess the American "aw-shucks" tone works well as concealment when we're making fun. Botton line, it's hilarious that anyone would get their knickers in a twist just because some Yank calls Man U (the preeminent English club) too scared to play any MLS (mocked by many) club. That said, and meaninglessness of game aside, I'd like to see it. Perhaps it's (the articles - if they exist, where's a link to either?) really a conspiracy between the English and American press to rile up the fans and build interest in the game.
well I am from the USA and I am not dissin' on my own country but I believe United would kill any MLS team! They would beat them for sure....about 95% chance.
Even i'm suprised we ain't taking on at least 1 MLS team, Why go over to the states to play Europiean teams in friendlies.
It does seem a little silly to fly 4,000 miles to play Barcelona, which is only a couple of hours south of Manchester by plane, and Celtic, which is just up the road! Besides, I thought the whole point of bringing in a team to play a friendly was to play against your team, not bring them in to play someone else in your park. Would love to see what the MLS has done with regards the organising. Why bring in some of the biggest teams, onyl the play each other? I just hope Nike is ponying up the money to bring over the two biggest brands in club football.
just takin' a guess here, but if ManU were to take on a MLS team, wouldn't ChampionsWorld or whoever have to divide up the profits with MLS? and with the way MLS has been negotiating with foreign clubs for player transfers (asking big money for Beasley/McBride et. al), perhaps the foreign clubs (mindful that big clubs WILL draw in the US) aren't all that eager to share the pie?? jus' wonderin'.
I dont think this is an issue with United (I cant speak for the other clubs) Since United allready do quite well financially, they do not need to undertake a tour just for a quick buck, when playing an MLS team may make more money in the long run for them. However, they can only do what they are asked to, and if that did not include playing an MLS team, so be it.