Have always loved the story about when Mr and Mrs Bergkamp went to register the birth of their son in 1969. On writing "Denis" after the great Denis Law they were told the spelling was not correct so it had to be 'Dennis" - hence the first name of the famous DB10!
Dennis Bergkamp was named after Denis Law but with two Ns because it’s pronounced differently in Dutch if with one N. Bergkamp confirmed it was a pronunciation thing rather than ancient Dutch bylaw.
I was at a freezing cold Bescot Stadium on Saturday, cursing zonal marking and an MK Dons side still lacking in cohesion and being unable to play through a press. That did not stop me from admiring how good Walsall were all over the pitch. Adomah’s good naturedness, professionalism and effectiveness were admirable too.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the Dennis Law tributes. I grew up listening to his voice on BBC radio with Peter Jones and others on match commentary. Reading about Dennis’ career can only make me wish I could have watched him play at the peak of his playing career.
Great piece, as always Henry. As a red, I think Amorim may be the best choice we’ve made since Fergie left. Olé gave us some wonderful memories and it’s always lovely to know that the guy managing your club, cared deeply for it, but Amorim feels to me to be a potentially great appointment. It’s the first time I’ve dropped my insistence that a manager can’t talk about a “project” (always feels a bit false to me), but it’s clear we need him to build his own team, and that’s going to take time. Like some of your other readers, I’d like to add to your list of 2…..Bruno. Controversial I know, and in another era, may not have made it. In this one, boy he’s been a stalwart. When on form, a cracker to watch; authentic, passionate and understands the team. Super article Henry. Spot on.
Thanks Jim. Bruno cares and he’s very good technically but boy does he annoy everyone. All the signals from the Club are that Amorim will be given the time and funds. It was pretty clear early on which players he wants out. Either attitude, lack of value for money and/or don’t fit 3-4-2-1. Everything I’ve heard about him since he arrived has been positive. Even if players would prefer a different system they respect him. At some point in this post-Ferguson era, United have to undertake the purge. Painful, expensive but needed. Best Henry
Excellent weekend of football points Henry and interesting Denis Law stories. What a player. Maybe Sky might realise football existed before the Premier League started and there were loads of other great players from the past. One thing that annoys me is this constant Premier League goal scoring record of Alan Shearer. I think this is a pointless record because Jimmy Greaves scored far more league goals than this but his record is never talked about. Just the Premier League one. Football records should be about history not 30 year ones.
Amorim taking a bit of a chance with his comments but he knows what he is doing. They are not the worst side in history that is for sure. Trying to cover himself a bit and send a few messages to certain people. That system will not work in England.
Shock Brighton find two young talented football players!!!!
Good point about Sadler at Walsall. Doing a great job.
Bournemouth’s defenders are young and very very good. Playing so well. Big clubs are bound to come in for them. Super scouting again Iraola is doing a great job and not making a big deal of injuries. Goes game by game.
I guess Sky are so entwined with the PL, made them probably, that they keep focusing on life behind at 92. I always think the year number is ironic given that the 92 became more a focus on the elite 22 now 20
On the United ‘front’ personally I would add Dalot to the exceptions.
I like Amorim, but for me there are some early red flags both in terms of the club’s leadership and his approach. Ineos preached club game models, yet they have effectively thrown that out the window by effectively letting Amorim define it. Will this be another Ten Hag situation? Raiding his former club? It just further underlines to me that Ineos have no business being at the helm of this club.
While some of Amorim’s points were well received in his post match comments, two if concern were ‘I will never change,’ and his fairly damning comment on Rashford.
With regards his ‘never changing’ comment the club’s greatest ever manager had to change. Amorim stating he won’t is hubris. Klopp & Pep both learned in England they had to evolve their tactical approaches to win. Principles can be resolute, I just don’t see how tactical approaches and systems can be the same considering opposition and players available.
On Rashford, what happens if the club cannot exit Rashford this window or in the summer? He effectively will have a very expensive player on his books whom he cannot reintegrate. This is naive, plus it now gives any potential suitors an upper hand in negotiations.
On the Rangnick point, while I appreciated his candour, it was difficult to observe any impact he was having on outcomes. It all felt theoretical, almost like football lectures. My sense was the players felt the same. I recall Luke Shaw’s thinly veiled criticism post (another) defeat, along the lines of: ‘it would be great if the coach shared some of his ideas with us.’
On the defeat this weekend itself, to me United looked out on their feet. With Amorim seemingly decided on his strongest 11, the limited rotation, a clear lack of conditioning, and higher intensity in the preceding matches resulted in defeat. coupled with a strong Brighton performance.
It’s clear Casemiro & Eriksen have limited appeal in a 343 midfield, hence why it would have been sensible to modify the system to not exhaust the starters in the CM roles. Casemiro could still contribute in a CM 3 until the end of the season, less so in a CM 2.
Touching, as you say to see the tributes to Denis Law this weekend.
Also, great to see Ole Gunnar Solskjær back coaching. While it ended badly for him at MUFC, I believe United played their best football of the post Sir Alex Ferguson era under him.
great points, Paul. Agree, too, on Ole, great to see him best. I'll never forget being at the Cliff when he signed with four others and one of the United staff confided "he'll be the best of the lot". lovely bloke, too. I agree United's squad is more suited to 4-3-3 but RA determined to go his way, and signings like Gyokeres, who I assumed they will go for, fit that. The Rashford situation is so complicated deal-wise because of the wages involved. Personally, I feel he should do a deal, compromise on the wages, just to get out and play. But every footballer or ex-pro or agent I've spoken to is insistent he gets what he's owed. Frustrating. He needs to play. Best, Henry
Some suggestions Barcelona now moving for Rashford. If this is the case perhaps United could negotiate De Jong, even on a loan to ease the burden in United’s midfield.
Seems to be mixed messages in the reports today. Some suggest Barcelona are keen, while others suggest the Barcelona speculation is being ‘pushed by Rashford & his people.’ Personally think if Dortmund is his only option, it’s still a decent option to play in a good league. Potential issues - apparently his relationship with Ten Hag (looks likely to be the next Dortmund coach,) was not good at the end, & I believe he would be cup-tied for the Champions League.
Have always loved the story about when Mr and Mrs Bergkamp went to register the birth of their son in 1969. On writing "Denis" after the great Denis Law they were told the spelling was not correct so it had to be 'Dennis" - hence the first name of the famous DB10!
Dennis Bergkamp was named after Denis Law but with two Ns because it’s pronounced differently in Dutch if with one N. Bergkamp confirmed it was a pronunciation thing rather than ancient Dutch bylaw.
Marco Reus was named after Van Basten. It makes you wonder....
I was at a freezing cold Bescot Stadium on Saturday, cursing zonal marking and an MK Dons side still lacking in cohesion and being unable to play through a press. That did not stop me from admiring how good Walsall were all over the pitch. Adomah’s good naturedness, professionalism and effectiveness were admirable too.
Absolute joy to interview too. Great fun and so good to see him playing and loving his football at 37.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the Dennis Law tributes. I grew up listening to his voice on BBC radio with Peter Jones and others on match commentary. Reading about Dennis’ career can only make me wish I could have watched him play at the peak of his playing career.
Yikes - Denis. And after devouring so many articles too. Sorry.
Great piece, as always Henry. As a red, I think Amorim may be the best choice we’ve made since Fergie left. Olé gave us some wonderful memories and it’s always lovely to know that the guy managing your club, cared deeply for it, but Amorim feels to me to be a potentially great appointment. It’s the first time I’ve dropped my insistence that a manager can’t talk about a “project” (always feels a bit false to me), but it’s clear we need him to build his own team, and that’s going to take time. Like some of your other readers, I’d like to add to your list of 2…..Bruno. Controversial I know, and in another era, may not have made it. In this one, boy he’s been a stalwart. When on form, a cracker to watch; authentic, passionate and understands the team. Super article Henry. Spot on.
Thanks Jim. Bruno cares and he’s very good technically but boy does he annoy everyone. All the signals from the Club are that Amorim will be given the time and funds. It was pretty clear early on which players he wants out. Either attitude, lack of value for money and/or don’t fit 3-4-2-1. Everything I’ve heard about him since he arrived has been positive. Even if players would prefer a different system they respect him. At some point in this post-Ferguson era, United have to undertake the purge. Painful, expensive but needed. Best Henry
Excellent weekend of football points Henry and interesting Denis Law stories. What a player. Maybe Sky might realise football existed before the Premier League started and there were loads of other great players from the past. One thing that annoys me is this constant Premier League goal scoring record of Alan Shearer. I think this is a pointless record because Jimmy Greaves scored far more league goals than this but his record is never talked about. Just the Premier League one. Football records should be about history not 30 year ones.
Amorim taking a bit of a chance with his comments but he knows what he is doing. They are not the worst side in history that is for sure. Trying to cover himself a bit and send a few messages to certain people. That system will not work in England.
Shock Brighton find two young talented football players!!!!
Good point about Sadler at Walsall. Doing a great job.
Bournemouth’s defenders are young and very very good. Playing so well. Big clubs are bound to come in for them. Super scouting again Iraola is doing a great job and not making a big deal of injuries. Goes game by game.
I guess Sky are so entwined with the PL, made them probably, that they keep focusing on life behind at 92. I always think the year number is ironic given that the 92 became more a focus on the elite 22 now 20
Great piece Henry.
On the United ‘front’ personally I would add Dalot to the exceptions.
I like Amorim, but for me there are some early red flags both in terms of the club’s leadership and his approach. Ineos preached club game models, yet they have effectively thrown that out the window by effectively letting Amorim define it. Will this be another Ten Hag situation? Raiding his former club? It just further underlines to me that Ineos have no business being at the helm of this club.
While some of Amorim’s points were well received in his post match comments, two if concern were ‘I will never change,’ and his fairly damning comment on Rashford.
With regards his ‘never changing’ comment the club’s greatest ever manager had to change. Amorim stating he won’t is hubris. Klopp & Pep both learned in England they had to evolve their tactical approaches to win. Principles can be resolute, I just don’t see how tactical approaches and systems can be the same considering opposition and players available.
On Rashford, what happens if the club cannot exit Rashford this window or in the summer? He effectively will have a very expensive player on his books whom he cannot reintegrate. This is naive, plus it now gives any potential suitors an upper hand in negotiations.
On the Rangnick point, while I appreciated his candour, it was difficult to observe any impact he was having on outcomes. It all felt theoretical, almost like football lectures. My sense was the players felt the same. I recall Luke Shaw’s thinly veiled criticism post (another) defeat, along the lines of: ‘it would be great if the coach shared some of his ideas with us.’
On the defeat this weekend itself, to me United looked out on their feet. With Amorim seemingly decided on his strongest 11, the limited rotation, a clear lack of conditioning, and higher intensity in the preceding matches resulted in defeat. coupled with a strong Brighton performance.
It’s clear Casemiro & Eriksen have limited appeal in a 343 midfield, hence why it would have been sensible to modify the system to not exhaust the starters in the CM roles. Casemiro could still contribute in a CM 3 until the end of the season, less so in a CM 2.
Touching, as you say to see the tributes to Denis Law this weekend.
Also, great to see Ole Gunnar Solskjær back coaching. While it ended badly for him at MUFC, I believe United played their best football of the post Sir Alex Ferguson era under him.
great points, Paul. Agree, too, on Ole, great to see him best. I'll never forget being at the Cliff when he signed with four others and one of the United staff confided "he'll be the best of the lot". lovely bloke, too. I agree United's squad is more suited to 4-3-3 but RA determined to go his way, and signings like Gyokeres, who I assumed they will go for, fit that. The Rashford situation is so complicated deal-wise because of the wages involved. Personally, I feel he should do a deal, compromise on the wages, just to get out and play. But every footballer or ex-pro or agent I've spoken to is insistent he gets what he's owed. Frustrating. He needs to play. Best, Henry
Some suggestions Barcelona now moving for Rashford. If this is the case perhaps United could negotiate De Jong, even on a loan to ease the burden in United’s midfield.
Agree with John. I’d be amazed if Barcelona could get anywhere near his wages even if United helped out
Seems to be mixed messages in the reports today. Some suggest Barcelona are keen, while others suggest the Barcelona speculation is being ‘pushed by Rashford & his people.’ Personally think if Dortmund is his only option, it’s still a decent option to play in a good league. Potential issues - apparently his relationship with Ten Hag (looks likely to be the next Dortmund coach,) was not good at the end, & I believe he would be cup-tied for the Champions League.
No chance. Always injured to. Barcelona can’t afford Rashford’s wages. They are skint.
There are no clubs who will pay his (current) full wages with the exception of the Saudi clubs. United will have to subsidise wherever he goes.
and that's the issue if they won't budge