Stephen Ireland for Man Utd????????

eirebhoy

Headshot wrote: »

how many yrs does Ireland have left on his contract?

Expires in 2011 I think.

Spud83

SlickRic wrote: »

i can't see him going. City are now rich and ambitious, the perfect kind of club for him right now imo.

where's Xavi6?

He exploded when he seen this thread.

Spud83

eirebhoy wrote: »

Expires in 2011 I think.

Not too big a deal with Citys money they can afford to let him wind it down and risk losing him on a free.

However the can also afford to pay him what he wants.

Someone mentioned Richards in this thread. Every report I have seen said he wants about €90,000 a week. The reason being the Wayne Bridge was reportedly brought in on that kind of money.

Mitch Connor

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

Not too big a deal with Citys money they can afford to let him wind it down and risk losing him on a free.

However the can also afford to pay him what he wants.

Someone mentioned Richards in this thread. Every report I have seen said he wants about €90,000 a week. The reason being the Wayne Bridge was reportedly brought in on that kind of money.

Yeah - I read the other day that Bridge is the best paid full back in the world, on 93k per week.

shane86

I really cant see Stephen Ireland being disloyal enough to turn his back on the fans and the team who....


Oh, wait......

leninbenjamin

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Yeah - I read the other day that Bridge is the best paid full back in the world, on 93k per week.

hmmm... i would have still thought Cashley's wages at Chelsea were higher? I've always heard his wages are somewhere in the 90k to 100k bracket.

Aidric

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Yeah - I read the other day that Bridge is the best paid full back in the world, on 93k per week.

That's a joke. 50k less would be more his level.

event

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

Dont think he has the right attitud to play at Utd first of all ( that said we do have ronaldo etc etc)

And tbh i think hes a great player for Man City, but i dont think he'd be a great player at Utd - that said i would be said i would be slightly curious as to how he'd do if it happened, wouldn't rule him out of being a good signing either

what do you mean?

mercuroman

I heard we were linked with mark Kinsella as well! Not gonna happen either tho

Xavi6

Lol @ this thread

fluffyorganic1 wrote: »

Was talking to a mate earlier and they had heard rumours of Fergie to replace Scholes with Stephen Ireland?

Anybody heard anything and would Ireland go to United?
Christ, I hope not:mad:

You sir are talking through your hoop, though not as much as this next man -

Max Power1 wrote: »

he'd be a great signing - might even make the bench next season at united (for the RESERVES).

Definitly the most over-rated player in the premier league since Harry Kewell.

One of these for you - :rolleyes:

OpenYourEyes wrote: »

Dont think he has the right attitud to play at Utd first of all ( that said we do have ronaldo etc etc)

And tbh i think hes a great player for Man City, but i dont think he'd be a great player at Utd - that said i would be said i would be slightly curious as to how he'd do if it happened, wouldn't rule him out of being a good signing either

Ah yes, who wants a player who gives up his free time in the summer to work his bollox into the ground on his own to be in the best possible shape to improve his game for the next season?

Running Bing wrote: »

Is Ireland really that good?

He's had a great season, but is he a great player?

Yes he is

Headshot wrote: »

how many yrs does Ireland have left on his contract?

5 I believe.

Headshot

hey xavi does your sig come in a utd version

GLaDOS

On this seasons form I reckon Ireland would certainly challenge for a spot in the United team. If he keeps improving then he would easily be good enough for them.

However I can't see City letting their best player go.

Spud83

ScienceNerd wrote: »

On this seasons form I reckon Ireland would certainly challenge for a spot in the United team. If he keeps improving then he would easily be good enough for them.

However I can't see City letting their best player go.

On this seasons form he would walk into Uniteds team IMO. He has been better and more consistent than Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, and Anderson.

Mitch Connor

alanmurphy83 wrote: »

On this seasons form he would walk into Uniteds team IMO. He has been better and more consistent than Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, and Anderson.

Completely different player to Carrick and Fletcher.

Also, Fletcher has been very consistent this year, just as much as Ireland - they just play completely different roles

helimachoptor

Dave! wrote: »

I was trying to find the interview he gave prior to the recent derby, but can't locate it...

Anyways, he was saying that he went to a load of different clubs when he was a young fella and when he went to Man City, he instantly felt at home, etc. etc. He also said that his family is happy there, and he wants to stay at the club for the rest of his career.

Obviously footballers say that kind of stuff all the time, so maybe take it with a pinch of salt. But I certainly wouldn't be optimistic of him leaving any time soon.

Maybe Xavi6 will be able to give more of an insight, if I'm not mistaken he has a Stephen Ireland poster on his ceiling... he's quite fond of him

I hear its stuck up using a natural adhesive

Its on the BBC website..

edit link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/football_focus/8041610.stm

Boggles

United had their chance to sign him, didn't he have trials?

Headshot

Boggles wrote: »

United had their chance to sign him, didn't he have trials?

yap

Spud83

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Completely different player to Carrick and Fletcher.

Also, Fletcher has been very consistent this year, just as much as Ireland - they just play completely different roles

I know he is a different player, but id we had Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, and Fletcher, and Ireland this year, Ireland would be in team 90% of the time for me with one of the other four beside him.

All based on this seasons performances.

SWAR

ScienceNerd wrote: »

On this seasons form I reckon Ireland would certainly challenge for a spot in the United team. If he keeps improving then he would easily be good enough for them.

However I can't see City letting their best player go.

Completely agree with everything here...I'd say SAF would swap him with Anderson in a hearthbeat.

SlickRic

sorry, but anyone who thinks stephen ireland would not get in that utd midfield is just plain nutty.

Mitch Connor

SWAR wrote: »

Completely agree with everything here...I'd say SAF would swap him with Anderson in a hearthbeat.

I'd say you are out of your mind.

No way would Ferguson swap Anderson for Ireland. The fulfill different roles in the team so, if anything, Ferguson would be looking to have the two as a partnership (and a very good partnership it would be imo)

Mitch Connor

SlickRic wrote: »

sorry, but anyone who doesn't think stephen ireland would not get in that utd midfield is just plain nutty.

what?

Your double negative confuses me.

Headshot

SWAR wrote: »

Completely agree with everything here...I'd say SAF would swap him with Anderson in a hearthbeat.

just saw this post now

Im speechless

SlickRic

SlickRic wrote: »

sorry, but anyone who thinks stephen ireland would not get in that utd midfield is just plain nutty.

fixed

Mitch Connor

SlickRic wrote: »

fixed

On your edit - you are right.

A future midfield/forward line:

--Fletcher--Ireland--Anderson
-Ronaldo----Berbatov--Rooney

Could be very tasty - Ireland would add the goals from midfield that we lack.

And before Xavi starts getting mad at me, I do not think it will happen. I would like it to, but it won't.

SWAR

Mitch Connor wrote: »

I'd say you are out of your mind.

No way would Ferguson swap Anderson for Ireland. The fulfill different roles in the team so, if anything, Ferguson would be looking to have the two as a partnership (and a very good partnership it would be imo)

What I was referring to was some people saying that Anderson was the next Paul Scholes which is rediculous IMO...he had one good season and has gone backwards this season IMO and plus he can't score...so personally if SAF was looking for a replacement for Scholes...well quite frankly Ireland is far superior to Anderson in that department IMO of course.

Headshot wrote: »

just saw this post now

Im speechless

Sorry to hear that...at least you can see though!

Headshot

SWAR wrote: »

What I was referring to was some people saying that Anderson was the next Paul Scholes which is rediculous IMO...he had one good season and has gone backwards this season IMO and plus he can't score...so personally if SAF was looking for a replacement for Scholes...well quite frankly Ireland is far superior to Anderson in that department IMO of course.

see this is where i get headaches,bloody banging my head against the desk

ando has had some injuries this season,and some people forgot the brilliant games he had like the 1st leg of the CL semi's against arsenal

Mitch Connor

SWAR wrote: »

What I was referring to was some people saying that Anderson was the next Paul Scholes which is rediculous IMO...he had one good season and has gone backwards this season IMO and can't score...so personally if SAF was looking for a replacement for Scholes...well quite frankly Ireland is far superior to Anderson in that department.

Anderson is a different player to Scholes - When Fergie says Anderson is Scholes' replacement, he is right. He is, currently and most likely, the player who will replace him. In the same way Carrick replaced Keane and Beckham replaced Kanchelskis. You don't replace special players like keane and scholes with like for like players. You replace them in the team/squad and move on, adapt to a new fresh style of play, as we have always done.

Anderson can score, he will eventually, though he is never likely to be a goalscoring midfield dynamo like Scholes (was), but he will provide far more defensive ability, more workrate, more tenacity than Scholes, while also being a good passer of the ball with good vision.

Ireland is better in the goal scoring stakes, yeah, but thats about it imo. At 'it' is something I would love to see at United.

Also, he has had a poor season in overall terms, but since he came back from injury (starting with the Porto game I think) he has been brilliant for United and his all energy displays were a MASSIVE part of United getting their season back on track.

SWAR

Headshot wrote: »

see this is where i get headaches,bloody banging my head against the desk

ando has had some injuries this season,and some people forgot the brilliant games he had like the 1st leg of the CL semi's against arsenal

Put a pillow on your desk next time = no headaches. You rate Anderson very highly by the sounds of things and I think he is over-rated...let's leave it at that or you'll do yourself an injury. United supporter?...actually no need to answer that.

SlickRic

Mitch Connor wrote: »

A future midfield/forward line:

--Fletcher--Ireland--Anderson
-Ronaldo----Berbatov--Rooney

exactly.

that would scare the crap out of most teams if that front 6 were on top form on any given day.

won't happen though, thank God.

Xavi6

Anderson is poor man's Stephen Ireland, whether Ferguson would ever admit it or not.

SWAR

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Anderson is a different player to Scholes - When Fergie says Anderson is Scholes' replacement, he is right. He is, currently and most likely, the player who will replace him. In the same way Carrick replaced Keane and Beckham replaced Kanchelskis. You don't replace special players like keane and scholes with like for like players. You replace them in the team/squad and move on, adapt to a new fresh style of play, as we have always done.

Anderson can score, he will eventually, though he is never likely to be a goalscoring midfield dynamo like Scholes (was), but he will provide far more defensive ability, more workrate, more tenacity than Scholes, while also being a good passer of the ball with good vision.

Ireland is better in the goal scoring stakes, yeah, but thats about it imo. At 'it' is something I would love to see at United.

Also, he has had a poor season in overall terms, but since he came back from injury (starting with the Porto game I think) he has been brilliant for United and his all energy displays were a MASSIVE part of United getting their season back on track.

In bold are the areas where I disagree...as I said before you have your opinion and I have mine about Anderson...

Mitch Connor

Xavi6 wrote: »

Anderson is poor man's Stephen Ireland, whether Ferguson would ever admit it or not.

Fraking rubbish Xavi.

Anderson is a better player defensively than Ireland is, and has a higher work rate.

Ireland is a bit more creative and a much better goalscorer.

They are different players, neither is a poor mans player, they are simply two different players who will generally be asked to do two very different jobs.

I don't know why the hell this has to be an Anderson vs Ireland debate and I expect better of your than to go flame baiting with such comments.

Xavi6

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Fraking rubbish Xavi.

Anderson is a better player defensively than Ireland is, and has a higher work rate.

Ireland is a bit more creative and a much better goalscorer.

They are different players, neither is a poor mans player, they are simply two different players who will generally be asked to do two very different jobs.

I don't know why the hell this has to be an Anderson vs Ireland debate and I expect better of your than to go flame baiting with such comments.

Flame baiting my arse. God forbid someone question the 'legend' that is Anderson. He has done feck all to justify the circle jerk that has surrounded him for the last two years.

And he certainly does not have a higher work rate than Ireland.

Dave!

Yeah Xavi, why don't you shut up! :mad:

Mitch Connor

SWAR wrote: »

In bold are the areas where I disagree...as I said before you have your opinion and I have mine about Anderson...

So you disagree that Carrick replaced Keane at United?

You disagree that Beckham replaced Kanchelskis at United.

You think you replace world class players with players the exact same as them every time.

You think Anderson will never score a goal.

You think Scholes puts in as much defensive work as Anderson

You think Scholes puts in as much workrate as Anderson

Amazingly, you disagree that I would like to have Irelands goalscoring at United - seriously, how freaking presumptuous to say what I would like.

You think Anderson has had a good season and has been poor since his return from injury.

Wow - how stupid.

Headshot

Xavi6 wrote: »

Flame baiting my arse. God forbid someone question the 'legend' that is Anderson. He has done feck all to justify the circle jerk that has surrounded him for the last two years.

And he certainly does not have a higher work rate than Ireland.

what do you mean he's done feck all ?

so contributing to the PL and CL wins isnt enough?

Mitch Connor

Xavi6 wrote: »

Flame baiting my arse. God forbid someone question the 'legend' that is Anderson. He has done feck all to justify the circle jerk that has surrounded him for the last two years.

And he certainly does not have a higher work rate than Ireland.

You could have said Ireland is, in your opinion, better than Anderson and given reasons. You didn't. You went flame baiting by saying Anderson is a POOR mans Ireland.

SlickRic

Dave! wrote: »

Yeah Xavi, why don't you shut up! :mad:

he is right though.

not necessarily about anderson being a poor man's anyone, just that this 'anderson is God' lark is largely baseless apart from 'potential'. ireland's all round game is superior at this stage, including work-rate.

Anderson's been a bit part player, due a lot to injury, but he's done no more than a Fletcher has done on a far more consistent basis.

and let's face it, fletcher doesn't get lumped with the same messiah-like status the Brazilian one does.

i've no doubt anderson will be excellent, but he ain't on ireland's level yet based on what they've both delivered thus far.

SlickRic

Headshot wrote: »

so contributing to the PL and CL wins isnt enough?

excellent achievement, obviously.

but you can't seriously tell me he's contributed more to United than Ireland has City.

just because he's won things doesn't mean he's a better player.

Mitch Connor

SlickRic wrote: »

he is right though.

not necessarily about anderson being a poor man's anyone, just that this 'anderson is God' lark is largely baseless apart from 'potential'. ireland's all round game is superior at this stage, including work-rate.

Anderson's been a bit part player, due a lot to injury, but he's done no more than a Fletcher has done on a far more consistent basis.

and let's face it, fletcher doesn't get lumped with the same messiah-like status the Brazilian one does.

i've no doubt anderson will be excellent, but he ain't on ireland's level yet based on what they've both delivered thus far.

Depending on what you are looking for he is indeed right. My problem is with the way he went about making his 'point'. You have managed very well at explaining the point, without resorting to insulting phrases.

SlickRic

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Depending on what you are looking for he is indeed right. My problem is with the way he went about making his 'point'. You have managed very well at explaining the point, without resorting to insulting phrases.

that's fair enough

and cheers.

Xavi6

Headshot wrote: »

what do you mean he's done feck all ?

so contributing to the PL and CL wins isnt enough?

He's been a squad player, nothing more.

Mitch Connor wrote: »

You could have said Ireland is, in your opinion, better than Anderson and given reasons. You didn't. You went flame baiting by saying Anderson is a POOR mans Ireland.

He is a poor man's Ireland, as in he's not nearly as good. He came with a big price tag and (so far) hasn't done much to justify it.

I really wish the blinkers could come off with Anderson. FFS, he's passed off as some sort of defensive midfielder now that people have seen how bad he is in front of goal.

Xavi6

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Depending on what you are looking for he is indeed right. My problem is with the way he went about making his 'point'. You have managed very well at explaining the point, without resorting to insulting phrases.

Wow people really are getting more and more sensitive each day in here.

Headshot

SlickRic wrote: »

excellent achievement, obviously.

but you can't seriously tell me he's contributed more to United than Ireland has City.

just because he's won things doesn't mean he's a better player.

but Ireland has done nothing for city this season,they didnt go to istanbul (you lied;))

finished 10th this season,finished 07/09 in 9th so gone backwards

Mitch Connor

SlickRic wrote: »

excellent achievement, obviously.

but you can't seriously tell me he's contributed more to United than Ireland has City.

just because he's won things doesn't mean he's a better player.

No - it also doesn't mean they are players who should be directly compared.

I wouldn't swap Ireland for either Anderson or Fletcher, because I do not feel Ireland can do the job the two United players do for United. I also do not think either United player would be able to do what Ireland has done for City.

Ireland has had defensive minded players beside him this season, which has allowed him to be as good as he has been. this is not a slight on him, it is a fact of football tactics - Ireland is a great AM and should not be overly burdened with defensive responsibilities. He can and does do defensive work, but it is not the priority of his game and nor should it be. Players like Kompany playing in midfield have helped him be the player he can be.

At United, Fletcher and Anderson have been those more defensive minded players.

Mitch Connor

Xavi6 wrote: »

He's been a squad player, nothing more.



He is a poor man's Ireland, as in he's not nearly as good. He came with a big price tag and (so far) hasn't done much to justify it.

I really wish the blinkers could come off with Anderson. FFS, he's passed off as some sort of defensive midfielder now that people have seen how bad he is in front of goal.

He is passed of as a CENTRAL midfield. Not an attacking one. We'd love him to score goals but football isn't only about scoring.

Blackhorse Slim

If you consider Gerrard and Ronaldo as attackers rather han midfielders, then imo Ireland has been the best midfielder in the PL this season, just ahead of Alonso and Lampard. Certainly better than Carrick/Fletcher/Anderson/Scholes/Giggs/Park

Xavi6

Mitch Connor wrote: »

He is passed of as a CENTRAL midfield. Not an attacking one. We'd love him to score goals but football isn't only about scoring.

Of course not, but even the worst CENTRAL midfielders are expected to hit the target every so often. It kinda comes with the territory.

SlickRic

Headshot wrote: »

but Ireland has done nothing for city this season,they didnt go to istanbul (you lied;))

finished 10th this season,finished 07/09 in 9th so gone backwards

that's an extremely harsh way of looking at his contribution to them this season.

and you know it.