The press is once again attacking a Manchester United player; The Daily Mail has once again unjustly labeled Bebe a flop. If you regularly read my posts, you know I’ve come to Bebe’s defense in the past and I will continue to do so unless he truly proves he can’t make it at United. But as it stands, we’ve barely gotten a glimpse of Bebe and when we have I’ve found him promising. In other news, there is hope that Valencia will make his return this season and Michael Owen’s lack of chances may cause him to leave Old Trafford.
Bebe flops on big day out, makes dire reserves debut – The Daily Mail
I’d like to say congratulations to The Daily Mail; you have made a new enemy today. Do you get off labeling a 20-year-old player “dire” after his first match? The kid was living on the streets just a few years ago, at least give him a chance; but The Daily Mail seems determined to see him fail. I almost question if the writer even watched the match. He said that a switch to the left did no good for Bebe. Had he been watching, though, he’d have known Bebe started the game on the left and switched to the right. No matter what Bebe did in the match, The Daily Mail was always going to find a way to criticize him. Having watched the match, I was actually quite impressed. His physical attributes are highly imposing, he’s very quick, and his touch was actually better than I expected. The aspect of his game that really impressed me were his crosses; his delivery was excellent, but sadly there wasn’t enough players getting forward and into the box to make anything of them. Arguably, he was the best player on the pitch for United in the loss to Aston Villa’s reserves. I don’t know what Bebe has done to anger the press, but he certainly hasn’t proven himself to be a flop. And even if he had played poorly thus far, he’s only played three matches since joining United (2 Portugal U-21, 1 United Reserves). I suspect that it’s simply a case of certain members of the press eagerly waiting for Sir Alex’s newest signing to fail, and it’s sad that they have to attack Bebe in an attempt to make stories. This may be a bit bold, but I expect to see Bebe make his first team debut before 2011. The ability is there, it’s just a matter of the coaching staff honing all of his skill. Keep an eye on our newest Portuguese winger, I think he may just make it at Old Trafford and prove all of doubters wrong.
Valencia ‘could return this season’ – The Daily Telegraph
It was originally believed that Valencia would be sidelined for the remainder of the season, but after his successful surgery yesterday, there seems to be some hope that the Ecuadorian winger could return this season. Valencia has become a key player in this squad, and his loss will certainly be felt. I’d love to see him back this season, but I worry that he may be rushed back into action and risk further injury. Should he regains full fitness this season, though, it’d be a joyous occasion watching him return to the pitch.
Michael Owen frustrated with life on United fringe – The Sun
Since signing for United last summer Owen has struggled to make his breakthrough into the team. He’s mostly been used in easier matches or as a substitute. It seems that the lack of playing time has finally caused Owen some frustration. The striker is still hoping for an England recall, but that will be hard to get having only started five Premier League matches since moving to Old Trafford. And with his frustrations being made public, rumors of a reunion with Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa have arisen. Honestly, there could be some validity to this rumor. If Owen is looking for more playing time, then Aston Villa would probably be a great move for him. Meanwhile, United have an abundance of young strikers coming through the ranks and Owen may be preventing them from getting into the team. That said, I really like Michael Owen and don’t want to see him leave. I think he deserves more chances in the team, and I believe he’s one of the best finishers in the game. But if he wants to play more and a club that can offer him that comes along, I suppose he may leave Old Trafford.
Twitter: Help us support Antonio Valencia in the wake of his horrific injury against Rangers. If you have a Twitter, help us to get the hashtag #getwellsoontonyv trending. All credit for the hashtag goes to RATompkins, one of the best United fans on Twitter. Show Valencia we’re all rooting for him during this trying time.
Discuss all today’s news and rumors in the forum.
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Bebe and Obertan were arguably United’s best players last night. The best player on the pitch, however, was AVFC’s Barry Bannan.
Back to Bebe – he wasn’t given a lot of space to show off his wonderful pace, which is a credit to the Villa defence, but on several occasions he used his strength, ball control and skill to get past opponents and put in dangerous crosses. the crosses were the type that goalkeepers hate – too far to come out and claim them comfortably – but there was never a player in a re shirt to meet those crosses.
Bebe also stung the hands of the Villa keeper on two occasions, so all in all it was a good outing for him.
He’s got pace, has very good body strength, got a bit of trickery and I think his big pluses are his technique with his shots and crosses looking dangerous indeed.
It was a jaw-dropping debut, but it’s obvious United have NOT bought a dud and it’s rare to see such a tall and strong lad be so comfortable on the ball and so adapt at running with the ball at pace with the ability to cross and shoot well.
Good signs and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become one of the better wide players in the premiership.
^Obviously, I meant to say that it was NOT a jaw dropping debute, but…
I appreciate that you want to defend Bebe, but by keeping re-posting stories about his early games it just helps perpetuate the idea that there’s any real significance to these early performances.
I can’t believe some people are ready to write off Bebe already. He has barely kicked a ball in anger and you would these journalists are watching every training session. He has come from a division which is miles away in class. He will need time to adapt and progress. From the little I have seen, there is definitely promise there. There is a long way to go but there is promise. It’s madness to write him off already.
Ian, it’s not that I believe these early games have huge importance, it’s that I find the media’s treatment of him disgusting. Yes, I thought he did look good yesterday, but I know next game he could play poorly. Right now it’s too early to truly judge, which is why I think especially The Daily Mirror’s cover has been unjust and why I will continue to back him.
I don’t know if this kid is any good or not. But what stinks to high heaven, is the transfer fee. £7million but he was available for virtually nothing weeks before, last minute dumping of his agent. Im no fan of the Mail but they did a good piece on his ‘rags to riches’ story and it hints at some rather dodgey goings on. Maybe Fergies son was involved again