04/25/24
August 13, 2002
Roy Keane on self-destruct?: Keane's admission that he deliberately injured Alf-Inge Haaland in April 2001 follows a reopening of World Cup wounds with Mick McCarthy, and revelations of a drinking problem and earlier quit threats at United. With their captain's autobiography putting him in line for a ban from the game, and their latest 35m-pound signing Ferdinand struggling to overcome an ankle sprain, is United's season about to go off the rails before the first ball's been kicked?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 01:56 PM - 10 comments
Can't he just keep his mouth shut and ride out what is probably his final season of top-level football? I think his contract runs for a few years more, and if he can keep his head right, there's really no reason why he shouldn't be able to continue for a good while more. Patrick Vieira apart he's still the best defensive midfielder around, which is probably also the reason United tolerates his increasingly erratic behaviour (not that he hasn't been involved in controversy earlier). As for United, I think they're set for a bad season, Keane or no Keane. While Rio Ferdinand will be a massive improvement to their defence, he'll still be partnered by the paceless Laurent Blanc (who really should have retired a few years ago), while their attack seems to much too dependent on the excellent Ruud van Nistelrooy - why on earth they decided that replacing Andy Cole with Diego Forlan was a good idea, I will never know. My bet for the premiership: Arsenal, followed by Liverpool and then one out of ManU, Leeds and Newcastle.
posted by jipe at 03:57 PM on August 13, 2002
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posted by worldcup2002 at 04:24 PM on August 13, 2002
I don't really believe that the lawyers haven't had a look at the book prior to publication. I think that even if they do haul up Keane before the courts/fa, he'll claim that he didn't do it on purpose and his "biographer" (come on, he didn't really write it himself) made that little piece up. My bet for the premiership? Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool. Leeds & Newcastle have had their attempt at it for the moment and will now fade - step forward Man City & Spurs who will both do surprisingly well this season.
posted by BigCalm at 09:10 AM on August 14, 2002
I don't really believe that the lawyers haven't had a look at the book prior to publication. I think that even if they do haul up Keane before the courts/fa, he'll claim that he didn't do it on purpose and his "biographer" (come on, he didn't really write it himself) made that little piece up. You're right, Manchester United's lawyers did check the book and yes, it is ghost-written. Not that I think he would need a ghost-writer to come up with brilliant lines like "I fucking hit him hard. Take that you cunt". Leeds & Newcastle have had their attempt at it for the moment and will now fade - step forward Man City & Spurs who will both do surprisingly well this season. I'm not so sure about Spurs - they really need to buy a decent striker. And now Gustavo Poyet is out for most of the season, so they'll be missing all the goals he scored while playing in midfield. Man City I really want to do well, especially as they have some players I'm looking forward to seeing (look out for my fellow dane Niclas Jensen, who might impress as left wingback). Peter Schmeichel is a worry, though, as I'm not sure he's quite the goalkeeper he once was.
posted by jipe at 10:25 AM on August 14, 2002
Man City also have Anelka. I'm looking forward to them scoring bucketfuls, especially against United. It'll be fun watching them run circles around Blanc (tho, that's not saying much - heh).
posted by worldcup2002 at 12:01 PM on August 14, 2002
...is United's season about to go off the rails before the first ball's been kicked? Are you Nostradamus in disguise worldcup2002 ? That phrase was a bit prophetic considering the 1-0 defeat by Zalegerzegi (yes, I know I can't spell it).
posted by BigCalm at 02:55 AM on August 15, 2002
Not only did they lose - one of their few half-decent defenders (Wes Brown) also broke his ankle, and was replaced by the ever-awful Phil Neville (who was at fault when Zalaegerszeg scored). Latest news is that Brown will be out for three months...
posted by jipe at 04:25 PM on August 15, 2002
Well now, it's all up to Laurent Blanc, isn't it? tee hee.
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:34 AM on August 16, 2002
Sorry to keep this thread running, but I thought this was relevant: Haaland and City to sue Keane. Could turn out to be quite entertaining - at least Keane will have to come up with some sort of explanation.
posted by jipe at 02:41 PM on August 16, 2002
What is up with Keane? Can't he just keep his mouth shut and ride out what is probably his final season of top-level football? Or is the drink getting the best of him? Maybe he should talk to Sir Best.