Game for a laugh!
United fans We asked comedians and Manchester who will both be appearing ANDREW RYAN and IAN SMITH, this summer, to share at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe later new season... their thoughts with us ahead of the
1. What do you think of Jose Mourinho?
Andrew Ryan: I think he is a tactical genius – and also very grumpy. He has done some really good work with the players he has, playing a way that he feels is right for them. Hopefully, with about 3-4 signings in the summer he will get the squad where he wants it and next season we will see a much improved team. Overall, he is good for the club, knows how to win trophies, but I feel he could smile more and stop being so negative at times. Also, having a pop at the players in the media is not something a manager should do at any level. Man-manage the players and don’t get the media to give them a kick up the backside.
Ian Smith: I really like Jose – but he looks like a man who has walked in on his parents having sex and can’t get the image out of his head. I think he’s the manager United need, although I found it frustrating that he was talking about injuries and a depleted squad and when he eventually played the youth players, they were all brilliant. Cheer up, Jose! 2.Was last season a success for Manchester United?
AR: Yes and no, performances have been better in terms of attacking play etc. Results have been poor. But I feel we have moved forward and got some more belief. Champions League next season is a big bonus, although getting in by the back door. It’s a bit like missing your train home then having to call your parents for a lift home.You get home, but you do it the easier way. I want to win trophies but the League, Champions League and FA Cup. The rest are just for the fringe players. I think so, yeah. Although clearly not a resounding success when I have to say,‘I think so’. Three trophies – well, two trophies and then a big silver plate thing. Plus, the main aim was to get back into the Champions League and we did – via the most convoluted, nailbiting way. But Manchester United definitely need to be competing to win the league and this season we seemed obsessed with finishing sixth. 3.What will be a success this coming season?
AR: Top three and be within 3-5 points of the leaders with 4-5 games to go. A good run in the Champions League and the season after we should be winning the league.
IS: Being the first team that allows players to have umbrellas when it’s raining during a game. Competing for the Premier League title and a good showing in the Champions League. We probably need to buy a fair few players to get the squad depth up to strength, or trust some of the young players. 4.Who will be the team to beat?
AR: I think Spurs moving ground is the worst possible thing for them. Different size pitch etc. Liverpool are still pretty weak and I can’t see them stepping up no matter what players Jurgen Klopp brings in. Man City, well they will improve as Pep gets to grips with the league and understands that Stoke away is an
actual game and not an easy walk in the park. Chelsea will be there again and I think they will be the team to beat. Arsenal are a team of players that do nothing for me. In fact, if they went bankrupt, I would not even notice.
IS: Huddersfield.
5.Who’s the best player in the Premier League?
AR: So many good players in lots of different positions. I think N’Golo Kante or Harry Kane for me. To be honest, I could name so many but we all have different opinions. But Kante is superb. Charlie Adam. Phil Jones is the best at taking corners. It’s such a hard question - as a United fan I want to say Paul Pogba, but Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard have to be up there for really lifting the teams they’re with. Oh… Harry Kane? He’s absolutely banging them (goals) in season after season. I’ll go with my first answer – definitely Charlie Adam.
6.Were Arsenal right to give Arsene Wenger a new contract?
AR: Yes, but they won’t win the league in the next two years. No bite in the club. Nothing about them tells me they are fighters. Honestly, it’s the best comedy TV show on at the moment.
IS: As a United fan, yes they were. It’s hilarious. Also, there are so many great YouTube videos of Arsenal fans going crazy after games and they’re so entertaining to watch. They’d all go if Arsenal started winning the league again! I think Arsene will still be managing Arsenal when he’s just a brain hooked up to a computer. See Andrew Ryan: Did You Get Here Alright? at Assembly George Square throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2nd to 27th August. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com See Ian Smith: Snowflake at the Underbelly throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2nd to 27th August. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com