Eurosport - Wed, 17 Sep 19:28:00 2008
Forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Parker believes Carlos Tevez is the key to Manchester United's defence of their European crown.
"It has to be said, United are not in the greatest shape heading into their first Champions League clash of the season.
The new domestic campaign has not started as well as expected and the defeat to Liverpool at Anfield - which prompted Alex Ferguson to lament his side's "Conference defending" - only compounded matters.
But of course, the season is young and United have yet to be unleashed on European competition. What's more, they still have plenty in reserve and despite their slow start domestically, the holders will once again be a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
Ironically, I think it was Dimitar Berbatov's long, drawn-out arrival at Old Trafford that did most to disrupt United's pre-season preparations. Yet their chances of European success could depend on how well the Bulgarian adapts to life at United.
Another eight-goal haul from Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely, so goals will have to come from another source. Clearly, the Bulgarian target man has been brought in to fill that role.
I was a big fan of the way he played at Tottenham and I believe he can be a huge success at United, but only if his team-mates play to his strengths. And that means getting the ball out wide and giving him the service he craves.
Traditionally, one of United's strengths has been their natural width, but at the moment they are lacking somewhat in that department.
As a result so far in the Premier League this season they have been rather easy to contain. But with Ronaldo on his way back, as long as the Portuguese plays wider than he did before his stint on the sidelines, Berbatov can be sure of some good service.
But at the same time, Ronaldo's return poses a real problem for Alex Ferguson - albeit the kind of problem that most managers would give their right arm for. With Ronaldo, Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez all vying for a place in the same line-up, United boast an embarrassment of riches.
It's no secret that to win the Champions League, a squad needs strength in depth - and that is exactly what Berbatov's arrival has given United.
But the temptation will be there to squeeze all four jewels into the crown. And that could well cramp their style and negate their individual effectiveness. If that kind of formation is considered too attacking for the Premier League, then it is certainly unsuitable for the Champions League.
How Ferguson deals with his team selection will have a huge bearing on how United's European campaign pans out this season. It's a real conundrum, and one that I don't envy him having to deal with.
But I would make sure Tevez is included, every time. The Argentinian is a big game player and he, along with Anderson in midfield, have the ability to raise the tempo of a game - something that is needed in European football.
Too often United have tried - and failed - to alter their style and match European opposition at their own game by playing a slower-paced, more continental game.
But with the South American duo in the side, United look more dynamic and likely to take the game to the opposition. And that could be crucial to any success United can enjoy in European this season."
Comment 35 - 54 of 54
My abiding memory of Paul Parker is waiting for a return flight from holiday.He stood facing the crowd,elbows on the bar with an "I'm famous attitude".He was approached by a small boy who asked for his autograph.I will never forget the look of despair on the boys face,when he was refused.I thought then,well he's Manchester United and thinks that he's god.
To Tony C and Harry,
Parker won the League as a United player and represented England in Italia 90. What have you done in football?
Do you really think footballers will actually read any of this anyway? And exactly how much pressure does anyone earning 100k plus a week feel under? Credit crunch isn't exactly going to hit them hard is it?
Just watch the games and enjoy them and don't fuel these peoples egoes. Too much c@@p gets talked about football - it IS only a game
Teves is far better than rooney on ball control.
Teves is far better than rooney on ball control.
Paul Parker would not know his arse from his elbow if he were not shown,how does anyone take this thicko seriously
man u are a great team without ronaldo, and have that extra spark with him. tevez has bags of quality, like so many of the united players, him and rooney are so hard working and deserve more credit! and im a liverpool fan!
"The Argentinian is a big game player and he, along with Anderson in midfield, have the ability to raise the tempo of a game"
I have to say the above comments on Anderson are not based on facts. Anderson has been a big disappointment, particularly recently. His performance has been far from consistency, lots of strange and aimless passes. The same can be said about Nani. Maybe the pair still need a lot of games to better their skills and develop their poise in front of tough opponents.
MANCHESTER SUCKS! EVERYONE KNOWS CHEALSY IS THE BEST!
I agree with you vulcanraven01.......... They are missing the point. Ronaldo is a good player but in most of the important games Tavez can be a key player to rely on. Lets just enjoy the game guys.
I agree with you vulcanraven01.......... They are missing the point. Ronaldo is a good player but in most of the important games Tavez can be a key player to rely on. Lets just enjoy the game guys.
You're right vulkan, but come on we know this already - parker does'nt
The point that some of you seem to be missing is that the article is stating Tevez is key because he provides the goals in crucial games. He also has that never say die attitude, hunts the ball down and puts players under pressure. This is exactly what's needed, especially in European games.
Obviously Berbatov will provide an extra dimension so it'll be interesting to see how things work out formation-wise.
The simple fact is Ronaldo is the most overrated player ever in the world... FACT. I am a Liverpool fan and i can safely say that Man U are one of the most impressive teams to watch when thay are in form but there are far too many egos in the club. Sell Ronaldo for £135 million and buy a decent hard working loyal player who cares about the club and the game. Berbatov needs time to settle in ........ Best of luck tonight boys
ken doughty,should be ken donnut.you talk a lot of @#$%.you can tell your a chelsea fan.man u have bread good players for the last 20 years to win the premier league 10 times and the european trophy 2 times in the last 10 years all chelsea has done is buy it ones,and you could`nt even get the champions league trophy aswell.thats why we ARE the pride of all europe,and chelsea are NOT.
Imust agree with johnboy, what is the point of having paul parker writing these stupid articles. 'paul you can come out now' as if the fool has been in hiding for more than a decade. I remember him playing, a small boy who needed his other players to win the ball for him, what a ponse!!
It is people like him that create these totally worthless articles and some times it can put a team under pressure. I blame the credit crunch and banks going bust on little idiots like this.
yeh soz markharry, take it easy mate don't get aggitated its just football.
Rooney is the best player on the team. Teves just had a nice goal to avoid a shutout against Liverpool. Ronaldo can kiss my @#$%. He is the most overhyped player on the face of the earth
Parker is stuck for somethinbg to say so he just thinks of the first thing that comes into his head. Tevez is no more important to united's attack than rooney, berbatov or ronaldo. Parker should have gone into management instead of writing irritating articles on Yahoo Eurosport.
Rooney is better then Tevez. From a Liverpool fan
HAHAHA, HOOK LINE AND SINKER :} LOL
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