Ronaldo Absence Confirmed
Ronaldo will be out for at least 3 months following his ankle operation according to the Portuguese national team physiotherapist Antonio Gasper [source].
Gaspar confirmed that the winger is likely to be sidelined until October as was first suggested and posted in an earlier story.
Ronaldo will stay in Portugal for the next 4 weeks before returning to United to complete his rehabilitation.
This news will at least give us fantasy managers confidence that we can omit the United man from our initial lineups once and for all and think about a Plan B involving Ronaldo later in the season. I suspect the transfer saga with Real Madrid is not yet over but at least this confirmation gives us some clarity with regards his selection for now at least.
With Ferguson claiming that he will look to sign just one player and with the rumours surrounding Berbatov heating up, it would appear that the United boss will turn to existing players to fill the vast void left by Ronaldo’s absence. Nani is the obvious replacement and although he is suspended for the first two Premiership games, he should get starts from that point on. With that in mind he could certainly be worth considering. Fletcher, Park and of course Giggs will also be viable options for Ferguson. It will be interesting to see how United’s lineup shapes up pre-season with the Ronaldo injury now confirmed.
Well at least that will throw a spanner in the works of the less attentive fantasy managers who have chosen the obvious ‘build-around-CRon’ approach. Mu ha haa…
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Yep, a mate told me at the weekend that he doesnt care how much Ronaldo is, he’ll be buying him. It’ll be interesting to see how many take this approach as his injury news dies down.
Anyone estimate how much his value will drop??
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Need a midfielder for less than 7m, maybe Sidwell, Kranjcar, Osman, Pedersen.
Also who will do better as a 5m defender, Wheater or Scharner?
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Reply by Phil Pino on July 14, 2008 3:23 pm:
Sidwell - yes
Kranjcar - no, terrible opening fixutres
Osman - no, unsure he’ll start
Pedersen - yes, he’s a ‘Mark sleeper’ and i similarly believe he’s due a decent return this season
Opening fixtures-wise, i think Scharner’s fixtures are better. Plus he may also play in midfield (although i think Bruce recognises his strengths at CB)
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Ollie, I’d go with Sidwell. Pederson let me down badly on a number of occasions last season, other than that, i agree with Phil
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Was going to get Sidwell and if he doesn’t do well I will change for Kranjcar after few weeks.
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Not sure sidwell is great value at 6.5 but I might be wrong. I would be more inclined to go someone like Bullard as Fulham are likely to be much improved this season as hodgson is buying well, and Bullard is always good for 3 bonus points, takes set pieces, can score. Sidwell seemed to be played as more of a defensive midfielder at chelsea?
I suppose Sidwell might appreciate just starting games and want to do well to prove people he’s more than just a chelsea reject. Geremi at only 6m played well last season, and even though he is now correctly classified as a MF he can still get you points. Pienaar is another popular choice but I don’t rate him, although EVE have a good start.
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ooo Bullard, good call. I’d go for him over Sidwell. Would go for Geremi if stil classed a defender, but don’t reckon his return will be so good now he’s down as midfield
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I would also go for Bullard. Theres talk in the papers of Kranjcar going to arsenal though (only paper talk mind, might be a lot of bull shit).
Would be a decent choice, especially if you transfer him in as a pompy player whilst also having 3 Arsenal players in your squad. Thinking Van Persie (especially if adebayor leaves and assuming hes not injured), Fabregas and Clichy. Would consider Nasri but I dont know how much time he will have on the pitch in his first season.
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Clichy is awesome, the amount of bonus points he got towards the end of last season was rediculous. Plus he just signed a new contract so he should be happy and settled, ready for another season.
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Yep Clichy is a must . Bullard is so under-rated he`s gonna get a hat full of points this season . Yeah if Adebayor goes RVP looks a steal . Yak is gonna bag points in first five games . cyki.com 945-234 YNWA
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