Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours [Archive] - Page 13

machoman

17-08-2010, 09:43 AM

United give Magpies Premier League reality check

Tuesday, August 17, 2010, 06:33:08 HRS

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Manchester United's Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England. Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Newcastle here on Monday.

Dimitar Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs scored as Manchester United began their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Newcastle here on Monday giving the losers a sharp reminder of the gulf in class between the Championship and the elite league.

United had a comfortable advantage over last season's Championship winners by half time even though it proved to be another frustrating night for Wayne Rooney, who remains goalless for club and country since scoring against Bayern Munich in a Champions League match in March.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was especially impressed by veteran midfielder Paul Scholes and delighted with the result against what he termed a tough outfit.

"They got into the Premier League last season by being a determined and a good unit with a good work ethic," said Ferguson.

"We were wasteful with some chances. Dimitar Berbatov could have scored three or four, but his performance was excellent. The three points is always important in your first home match. It was a steady performance."

Berbatov finished off a fine move with just over half an hour gone before Fletcher's close-range effort made it two at the interval.

And substitute Giggs extended the advantage with a third goal with five minutes remaining maintaining his extraordinary record of having scored in all 19 seasons he has played in the top flight.

Chelsea ended United's run of three successive Premier League titles with their victory last season but began their attempts to win the crown for a record 19th time in some style.

Newcastle's survival chances will never be judged on trips to Old Trafford but they showed they are well-organised and Andy Carroll looks like he might manage the step up to the top flight.

They began by managing to contain their hosts and Rooney's hopeful curled effort as the only occasion that the Old Trafford side threatened in the early stages.

And the newly-promoted side should have taken the lead when Carroll met Joey Barton's corner unmarked from six yards but glanced his header wide.

Nani had a long-range effort deflected wide and then thumped a free kick into the wall as the home side's frustration continued.

Carroll went close again with a 25-yard drive that was held by goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

Even when James Perch and Mike Williamson were guilty of slack clearances, Nani failed to take advantage for United.

But the Portuguese did force a scrambling punch from Steve Harper with a lofted cross to the far post for Berbatov.

And Rooney also lifted a shot over the bar after Berbatov headed down Antonio Valencia's cross.

But just after the half hour, the home team grabbed the lead when Valencia robbed Jonas Gutierrez in midfield, and John O'Shea fed Scholes, who slid through for Berbatov to find the corner of the net.

Barton tested van der Sar once again with a powerful strike to the near post.

But United doubled their lead before the interval thanks to fine work by Patrice Evra.

The French defender burst into the area and his low cross had too much on it for Rooney, but Fletcher fired in on the turn.

Two of the home team's veterans combined to put the game well beyond Newcastle.

A short corner was worked in-field and Scholes picked out Giggs, who found the corner with a placed volley.

- AFP

machoman

19-08-2010, 09:22 AM

Bebe eager to make most of United break

Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 08:08:07 HRS

Bebe admits even he was surprised about his move to Manchester United but the striker is determined to take his chance at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese forward, 20, made the 7.4 million pounds move from Vitoria de Guimaraes just five weeks after he joined them from Estrela da Amadora.

And only a week after he first became aware of United's interest, Bebe signed for the Old Trafford club.

Bebe, speaking to reporters at Old Trafford here on Tuesday, said following in the footsteps of Portuguese stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani was also a big factor in the move.

"I feel good. It is an opportunity that has been given to me and now I have to grab it and work very hard," Bebe said.

"It was one week from hearing about interest to signing.

"I have always wanted to play in a foreign team either United or Chelsea but a team like Man United is a dream come true for any player.

"The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me. There were very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now.

"Also Nani and Anderson, I want to become like them and I will work hard to become a top quality player.

"I know all big players have to play with a lot of pressure on them and I'm going to try to do the same."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, also unveiling Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling, revealed Bebe was the first player he'd signed without even seeing on television.

Ferguson said United had to move quickly to head off interest from Real Madrid and Benfica, with his scouts persuading him to send chief executive David Gill to Portugal to do the deal.

"I didn't see any videos of him, it's the first time," Ferguson said. "Normally, as in the case of Javier and Chris, I see plenty of video footage of them.

"You've got to trust your staff at times and our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly.

"So I sent my chief scout and David Gill down there to do the deal. You'd have to ask Real how interested they were but I know they were hovering and so were Benfica.

"So were one or two other clubs and that's where you have to make quick decisions in life and I'm not too bad about that.

"I also spoke to (former United assistant manager) Carlos Queiroz about him.

"Sometimes you have to go on an instinct, you look at material. You look at their age and whether they're bringing pace, balance, desire to play and things like that."

Hernandez has already made a huge impression since joining from Chivas in pre-season, including a goal in the 3-1 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield.

The Mexican made his Premier League debut in the 3-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle on Monday and feels he is settling in to life in England.

"It was wonderful on Monday night to play at Old Trafford for United in this league," Hernandez said. "It was unbelievable.

"I am here now and I want to enjoy it a lot and take this opportunity and to grow up as a human and as a player. Most importantly, I want to win things.

"When I was young I always liked this league. I always wanted to play here. I am very happy I got this opportunity.

"I also want to open doors to players in Mexico to allow the important teams over here might look at other players from my country.

"While his beginnings are not quite as humble as Bebe's, Smalling has also come a long way in a short space of time.

The 20-year-old defender was playing non-league football with Maidstone just a couple of years ago before moving to Fulham and joining United in pre-season.

"It doesn't happen a lot these days where a non-league player comes through to professional football," Smalling said. "There is a lot of money being thrown around to buy players.

"But there are examples for young players in those divisions that if you work hard and take your chance, the chances are still there."

- AFP

xanxus

21-08-2010, 05:15 PM

Bebe is a total unknown elements, in my point of view, to everyone. And that includes Sir Fergie!

Hope he will be a pleasant surprise to the Red Devils supporters!

Audacity

21-08-2010, 09:32 PM

Bebe is a great signing to me as he is what Man Utd might be lacking at the moment...a tall & powerful forward. He might be a secret weapon like Federico Macheda. :)

machoman

23-08-2010, 09:26 AM

Fulham, Manchester United in 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage

Monday, August 23, 2010, 01:37:21 HRS

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Manchester United's Nani (R) and Fulham's Johnathan Greening (L) vie during their Premiership match at home to Fulham at Craven Cottage football stadium, London. The match ended 2-2.

Brede Hangeland salvaged a point for Fulham against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage when the defender headed a 90th minute equaliser after scoring an own goal just moments earlier.

United had only themselves to blame for dropping two points on Sunday after Nani missed an 86th minute penalty that would have given the visitors a 3-1 lead and almost certainly guaranteed victory.

Earlier Sir Alex Ferguson's team had appeared to be in complete control of the game when Paul Scholes confirmed his excellent early season form by scoring his 150th goal for United in the 12th minute.

But Simon Davies levelled for the home side in 57th minute and Hangeland managed to cancel out his own goal to ensure Mark Hughes avoided defeat in his first home game as Fulham boss.

It was a result which will leave Ferguson rueing the concession of early ground to reigning champions Chelsea, who have begun their defence of the title with successive 6-0 victories.

Wayne Rooney was missing from the United line-up having been forced to withdraw because of illness, prompting Ferguson to pair Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez up front.

And, while United missed Rooney's more direct approach, the forward duo initially linked effectively during an opening period that should have seen the visitors establish a more commanding lead.

As it was, Ferguson's side had only one goal to show for their early efforts, a typically outstanding long range effort from Scholes.

The goal came immediately after Berbatov had conjured the first real chance when he leapt acrobatically to volley from 12 yards only to see his effort tipped over by home keeper David Stockdale.

Fulham's reprieve lasted less than a minute as, from the resulting corner, Valencia picked out Berbatov with a low cross.

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Manchester United's Paul Scholes (R) celebrates after scoring the first goal of the match with Patrice Evra (L) during their Premiership match at home to Fulham at Craven Cottage football stadium, London. The match ended 2-2.

The Bulgarian's first touch laid the ball back into the path of Scholes and the midfielder struck first time with a low drive from 25 yards that arrowed into the bottom corner.

Fulham's response had been limited and for 25 minutes last season's thrilling journey to the Europa League final seemed a very distant memory as Hughes's side fought to establish a foothold in the game.

However, there was evidence of the threat they would pose in the second period when Dickson Etuhu forced an outstanding double save from United's former Fulham keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Etuhu played a neat one-two with Bobby Zamora before forcing his way into the box and after blocking the midfielder's first effort, van der Sar reacted superbly to tip the follow-up over the bar.

Fulham began to dominate midfield after the restart, negating the influence of Scholes and Darren Fletcher in the central areas and finding more space down either flank.

And the 57th minute equaliser came when Damien Duff tricked his way past Patrice Evra and played in Zamora whose pull back was crashed home by Davies.

An apparently comfortable victory had turned into a desperate fight to avoid defeat for Ferguson's side but they stood firm and eventually restored their lead thanks to Hangeland's error.

The Fulham defender was unable to pull his shin out of the way as Nani's corner swung into the home area and the ball dribbled agonisingly over the lead with six minutes remaining.

Two minutes later United should have made sure of the points when Duff handled, only for Nani to fire the resulting spot-kick too close to Stockdale.

The miss proved costly with Hangeland making up for his earlier mistake by heading the equaliser in the final minute of normal time.

- AFP

ponzstarr

26-08-2010, 09:48 PM

[b]Fulham, Manchester United in 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage

I hope the match teaches them to be wary of complacency

machoman

29-08-2010, 09:32 AM

Rooney back on target as United crush Hammers

Sunday, August 29, 2010, 03:15:13 HRS

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Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney opens the scoring from the penalty spot during their English Premier League football match against West Ham at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 3-0.

Wayne Rooney ended his goal drought to inspire Manchester United's 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday and offer England manager Fabio Capello a rare piece of good news.

Capello and England start their qualifying campaign for the Euro 2012 on Friday under intense pressure and they will do so with Rooney having ended the least productive goalscoring period of his career.

With Capello a spectator at Old Trafford, there were signs that Rooney's sharpness is returning as he also had a hand in setting up the second goal for Nani before Dimitar Berbatov completed the win.

"It was a very, very good performance, our possession of the ball was good and we maybe could have scored more," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"It's always the case when you get the first goal that it opens the door for you. We had to wait a while but we didn't stop playing our football and we deserved to go in front.

"It was a terrific goal from Nani and I'm very pleased with the performance. Everyone wanted the ball, they were looking to pass, looking to move and it was a good collective performance."

England forward Rooney had not found the net since scoring against Bayern Munich at the end of March, a sequence that amounted to 1,081 minutes and 13 games for club and country and included the disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa.

But after 32 minutes, Jonathan Spector produced a blatant trip on Ryan Giggs and, following a miss by Nani from the spot when Rooney was absent against Fulham last week, Rooney strode up and comfortably beat Robert Green from the penalty spot.

The goal had been building steadily over the opening half hour with Nani, in particular, a thorn in West Ham's side.

West Ham boss Avram Grant had assigned Luis Boa Morte to perform a man-to-man marking job on in-form Paul Scholes but Nani was the United midfielder for whom the visitors had no answer.

Nani had already placed a free-kick just over the crossbar from 18 yards before his terrific right-foot strike from the edge of the area was punched to safety, via the post, by Green.

Just before the opening goal, Kieron Dyer shot into the side-netting at the other end, but that was a rare sortie into enemy territory for a Hammers side with containment in mind.

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Manchester United's midfielder Nani (R) is challenged by West Ham United's midfielder Scott Parker during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 3-0.

That task was looking more and more difficult as the first half progressed and, after going in front, United should have gone into the interval with a far more comfortable cushion.

A Giggs cross was headed out to Darren Fletcher whose vicious strike was well kept out by Green, before Giggs picked out Berbatov in a scoring position only for the Bulgarian to see his shot twice blocked.

Nani was also played clear by Scholes, in injury-time, but, with only Green to beat, lifted his shot over the bar.

Within five minutes of the restart Nani had the goal his first half performance had merited as he netted an effort that underlined United's complete superiority.

Nani was allowed to run through, collecting a neat pass from Rooney 25 yards out.

Danny Gabbidon then fell over to allow Nani to take the ball into the area and place an unstoppable finish past Green.

Gabbidon made some amends with an important stop on Rooney, who was growing in confidence, but West Ham errors were not the exclusive preserve of the defence.

Dyer, for the second time in the match, found himself in a good shooting position but side-footed wide of the home goal.

There were opportunities for Berbatov, Paul Scholes and Giggs before United completed the rout with the pick of their goals.

Nani hung a teasing far-post cross in the air long enough for Berbatov to connect with a spectacular, close-range volley into the net after 69 minutes.

- AFP

Little Red

30-08-2010, 10:14 PM

hi, just wondering anyone is interested in buying a Man U jersey (brand new, price tag still on) for this new season? although its "small" size, it fits me quite nicely (i abt 173cm and 68kg). Nike brand, dry-fit material, with "AON" in front. willing to sell at $80. interested parties pls pm me for more info. i can send u photos too. thanks!

raV3n

31-08-2010, 01:56 AM

richie_rich

09-09-2010, 05:13 PM

NEVILLE WAS FACING UP TO THE END

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has admitted he thought his career was coming to an end at the end of April this year.

Although his fellow veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes had already agreed new one-year contracts, Neville was still waiting to hear whether Sir Alex Ferguson still wanted him.

At 35, the former England full-back had long since stopped worrying about such matters.

Yet, as the realisation of what was coming suddenly dawned, he confirmed his feeling that life was about to change.

"I turned round during training one morning and said 'I have three games to go at Manchester United'," said Neville at a sponsorship announcement for Singha Beer.

"I had not spoken to the club and I genuinely felt it could be the last three weeks.

"The club didn't owe me anything and I was more than happy. I was enjoying myself.

"In some ways, my best football came in a period I thought I was just going to enjoy."

So well was Neville playing at the time there was even talk of a call into Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

In the end, the Italian never got in touch and it is now almost certain Neville will never represent his country again.

However, the Bury-born defender received adequate compensation when Ferguson dropped a one-year contract extension into his lap.

It gives Neville another shot at the major prizes in a career that only still exists because of his famous single-mindedness and dedication.

The past three seasons have been a struggle due to a succession of injuries.

He is still to make an appearance this season due to a groin injury that prevented him embarking on United's pre-season tour of the United States.

"Because of my injuries, I have thought about the fact I might have to find something else," he admitted.

"Two years ago I thought it would be my last season. Obviously last year I felt the same.

"I recognise this one could be as well.

"I am on a one-year contract. If I don't perform or I feel the club don't want me anymore I will be gone.

"That is life. In the 19 years I have been here, it has happened to better players."

richie_rich

09-09-2010, 05:15 PM

JAGIELKA: ROONEY WILL GET STICK

Phil Jagielka has warned Wayne Rooney to expect plenty of verbal stick when he returns to action on Merseyside this weekend.

Jagielka has nothing but praise for the way Rooney put off-field allegations behind him to help England triumph 3-1 over Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Basle on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United striker scored his first international goal for 12 months and again looked at home in a slightly deeper role after his fine display against Bulgaria on Friday.

But Everton defender Jagielka will have a different outlook when he confronts the 24-year-old at Goodison Park, and admits the pair are "not exactly best of friends".

Jagielka said: "It should be amusing. On Merseyside Wayne always gets a little bit of stick and I'll be giving him a little bit as well if he plays on Saturday.

"I've spoken to him about it. All the boys in the England squad know who is playing who.

"It is always interesting playing against people you've just been away with in the week.

"No doubt I'll give him a bit of banter if he plays.

"There is a good chance he will get slaughtered. He normally gets quite a bit of stick anyway. I can't see that changing come Saturday."

Rooney's next three games are against Everton, Rangers and Liverpool, a trio of clubs who are unlikely to have a sympathetic response to the recent headlines he has had to confront.

Jagielka admitted: "I am sure Wayne can deal with it. He is a tough lad and he will let his football do the talking.

"I will enjoy the battle against him. I like playing against good players and Wayne is definitely a good player.

"It is always a tough battle and I've always got to keep concentrated when I play against him."

Jagielka was reluctant to comment on how Rooney has reacted while on England duty to personal allegations against him, although he admired the way he was able to concentrate on his football and help put England in charge of their qualifying group.

Jagielka said: "It's not really for me to comment on what Wayne has been like this week.

"I'm not exactly best of friends with Wayne so I've not been hanging around with him that much.

"He seems his normal self but I haven't got an in-depth sort of view of how he has been feeling.

"It was always going to be hard night for Wayne but he did what he is put in the team for.

"He created some good chances as well as scoring when he was the right man at the right time."

Jagielka was reunited at the heart of the defence with former Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott and took satisfaction from both his and the team's performance

He said: "We've not played together for a while but I enjoyed playing alongside him.

"I felt really comfortable and hopefully he felt the same way.

"We would have liked to keep a clean sheet but when a guy steps up and hits the ball like he did for their goal, there is not much you can do about it."

Jagielka also felt the condition of the rainswept pitch also suited England.

He said: "I think the conditions, as much as it was wet, quite helped.

"We trained here on Monday night and the pitch was quite sticky so I think of the two, we would have preferred the way it was tonight.

"We played some good football and created some good chances.

"People say this was the most difficult fixture in the group but all the away games are tough."

machoman

11-09-2010, 03:35 AM

Fergie ready to play troubled Rooney at Everton

Friday, September 10, 2010, 17:42:31 HRS

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Alex Ferguson is set to keep faith with Wayne Rooney, seen here on September 7, when Manchester United travel to Everton, but he has warned his troubled striker to expect a rough ride at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Alex Ferguson is set to keep faith with Wayne Rooney when Manchester United travel to Everton, but he has warned his troubled striker to expect a rough ride at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Rooney has been keeping a low profile following lurid allegations about his private life that have raised doubts over whether or not the England striker will feature in Ferguson's starting line-up on his latest return to his former club this weekend.

The 24-year-old is reported to have paid two prostitutes for sex around the time his wife Coleen was pregnant with the couple's first child.

Despite the scandal, Rooney excelled for England in midweek, scoring in his side's comfortable 3-1 victory over Switzerland.

But a return to Merseyside to face Everton is a different proposition altogether and Ferguson must decide if Rooney is mentally prepared for the inevitable abuse home supporters will throw at him.

Everton fans have still not forgiven him for leaving Goodison Park to join United in 2004 and are always determined to make him public enemy number one whenever he faces David Moyes' side.

Ferguson accepts it will be a hostile environment but has backed not just Rooney but his entire side to deal with whatever comes their way.

The United boss refused to discuss Rooney's personal life and said: "Let's put it to bed straight away. I'm not discussing any of my players' personal lives.

"We know the dangers of Everton. We got slaughtered by them last season, well and truly beaten.

"David (Moyes) is building up a fantastic team there and we expect a very difficult game.

"The atmosphere is always good there. It's a hard place to go, but it's also a fantastic place to go and we've got a good record there."

Ferguson has also slammed the door firmly shut on suggestions that Welsh winger Ryan Giggs will replace John Toshack as the next Wales manager.

Giggs, who won 64 caps for Wales, was understood to be the Welsh FA's first choice to succeed Toshack following his depature this week, but Ferguson said: "He's a player here. It's not going to happen and it's impossible.

"I think we have to be selfish here. He's a Manchester United player and I'm not even prepared to negotiate on the matter.

"At his age he needs all his concentration and energy to be here. He's an important player for us and we want him here."

- AFP

alex18122003

11-09-2010, 03:47 AM

Go Rooney Goal :D Goal :p

machoman

12-09-2010, 03:32 PM

Man United stars warned to cut out costly misses

Sunday, September 12, 2010, 09:12:54 HRS

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Manchester United's Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic (L) scores past Everton's US goalkeeper Tim Howard during their 3-3 draw in the English Premier League football match in Liverpool, on September 11, 2010.

Sir Alex Ferguson warned his Manchester United stars not to be so wasteful after they squandered a series of chances to kill off Everton and were pegged back to 3-3 in a thrilling draw at Goodison Park.

Injury time goals from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta capped a remarkable recovery for David Moyes's side on Saturday after earlier strikes from Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov seemed to have secured the points for United.

Everton had originally gone 1-0 up through Steven Pienaar before United hit back, but Ferguson's side were then stunned by the thrilling finish as United threw away victory.

Ferguson was disappointed with United's defending at the end, but he was more concerned with their failure to convert a host of chances to put the game to bed long before Everton's dramatic fightback.

"Football can do that to you but we have thrown it away, as simple as that," Ferguson said.

"We were too wasteful with chances and we had a chance to bury Everton but we didn't do that. We have just thrown it away, as simple as that.

"We played some good football at times and Berbatov was brilliant at times but it was all wasted because we have given two points away."

It didn't help that Ferguson decided to rest Wayne Rooney to avoid subjecting the former Everton striker to taunting from home fans after this week's lurid allegations about his private life.

Ferguson's decision not to pick the England star must have been warmly welcomed in the Everton dressing room as they looked to get their first win of the season.

The hosts looked full of energy in the first half and Pienaar deservedly gave them the lead, although two brilliant saves from Tim Howard proved that United could still attack when they wanted to.

Darren Fletcher's calm finish brought the equaliser for United just before the break and when firstly Vidic nodded home a Nani cross and Berbatov smashed past Howard, the game seemed to be over.

However, Everton sprung into life in injury time as Cahill headed past Edwin van der Sar before Arteta sealed the comeback as he rifled home from 16 yards with just seconds remaining.

Everton were not quite finished there though as they then charged up the field in desperate search of a winner but referee Martin Atkinson blew the final whistle before they could capitalise and it was this point that Moyes focused on afterwards.

"Whether the decision is right or not, people come to watch football," he said.

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Everton supporters hold up an inflatable doll in a taunting gesture to Manchester United's Wayne Rooney during the English Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England, on September 11. The match ended in a 3-3 draw.

"People come to see football and not the referee. There were two goals in injury time so you would think there would be more than thirty extra seconds to add.

"Who as a supporter should not think that chance should have been allowed'

"People come to see excitement, it was an incredible decision not to let it progress but no doubt it was by the law. It was wrong for everybody and certainly me as Everton manager."

However, Moyes also acknowledged the hard work his players had shown in getting Everton back into the contest in the first place.

"We showed great character and it was a testament to the league as well because you just don't know how it will go," he added.

"It was an incredible game and we've had a few of them against Manchester United.

"I thought we played really well in the first half but they came back into the game and Tim made two wonderful saves.

"I thought our first goal was deserved but second half didn't go well and United got in front.

"But I didn't think we deserved to go 3-1 down either and I thought the players had done well enough to match them in most departments and I thought the players did great to keep going and come back and score."

- AFP

machoman

14-09-2010, 09:53 AM

Ferguson happy to do without star signings
Monday, September 13, 2010, 23:10:55 HRS

Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to do without any star signings because he believes Manchester United's current set of youngsters will keep the club going for close to a decade.

Ferguson once again had a quiet close-season in the transfer market, signing only the relatively unknown Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and Bebe.

The United manager continues to reject suggestions that he is being prevented from spending large amounts in the transfer market due to the huge debts amassed by the Glazer ownership.

Ferguson claims there is little value in the transfer market and, having previously admitted he was interested in David Villa, who joined Barcelona from Valencia, he maintains he is happy with his squad.

"We have no financial restrictions. If I hadn't been confident in the squad we maybe would have done something," he said a press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Rangers.

"I looked around at the market and there was only one player I would have brought here. That move was sealed off quite early by the club he went to.

"Also the best thing we do until the market becomes more sensible is produce young players and buy young players and develop them in the club.

"By doing that we are securing the next eight years easily at Manchester United. The stock of young players we have created will stand us in good stead for the years to come now.

"I wont be here in eight years. I don't think we are at the point where we have to go overboard to get the best player in the world. There is enough really top players in the club at the moment."

Ferguson accepts that he will have to spend significantly when the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville retire.

But while he can not see himself carrying on for another eight years, which would take him up to the age of 76, he believes United have a basis of talent to keep them going.

"There maybe a time in the next couple of years where we have to stretch ourselves particular when Ryan, Paul and Gary retire," Ferguson added.

"We'd need to get really top players in to galvanise the younger players coming through. That is a possibility. But at the moment we have the experience."

Ferguson gave the United captain's armband to Nemanja Vidic for the 3-3 draw at the weekend despite having club skipper Neville in the team as well.

Neville has shared the responsibility with Rio Ferdinand in recent years.

And Ferguson refused to comment on whether Ferdinand would be given the armband if he returns to the side against Rangers.

He said: "Gary is still club captain but the situation is I have been looking for someone who is going to be playing consistently every week.

"The last two or three years, and Gary agrees with me, we have had to pass the baton along the line a few times. We have not had a consistent captain.

"Gary's injuries have prevented him playing all the time. If he was available all the time he would be the captain.

"He would have been on Saturday. But I have to look at the overall picture. With all due respect to Gary's time at United, he knows and I know, we don't play him every week.

"I am looking for someone who is going to play every week as part of the criteria to be captain at our club."

- AFP

machoman

14-09-2010, 09:59 AM

Fergie eyes Euro glory as Man Utd face Rangers

Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 09:31:29 HRS

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson looks on during the UEFA Champions League second leg quarter-final football match Manchester United vs FC Bayern Munich in April, last year. The bitter memory of last year's Champions League exit to Bayern Munich is driving Ferguson as Manchester United launch their latest quest for European silverware against Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

The bitter memory of last year's Champions League exit to Bayern Munich is driving Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United launch their latest quest for European silverware against Rangers at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Despite already guiding United to two Champions League triumphs, Ferguson remains unshaken in his belief that the English giants could and should have had more to show for their efforts in Europe during his 24-year reign.

And nothing rankles Ferguson more than the manner of last season's defeat to Bayern, when United raced into a 3-0 lead in the second leg before the Germans scored twice to advance on away goals.

Ferguson is convinced that the quarter-final defeat deprived United of the opportunity of adding to the club's haul of Champions League crowns, believing they would have proved more of a match for eventual winners Inter Milan in the Madrid final.

"We've only won it three times, which is not enough for this club, and we've been unlucky a lot of times. Other times we've just ballsed it up," Ferguson said. "The reality is we could have won it another two or three years.

"Last year still plays on my mind, that Bayern Munich game. Christ, I'm still not sleeping after that! I keep thinking about that game and keep getting angry about the way we lost it.

"If we'd got past Bayern Munich I think we would have reached the final last year and I'd have fancied us against Inter Milan," Ferguson told the People newspaper.

Tuesday's Group C encounter pits Ferguson against the club he supported as a boy and played for as a professional between 1967 and 1969.

It also sees him renew his rivalry with close friend Walter Smith, the Rangers boss whose career included a brief stint as Ferguson's assistant at United during the 2003-2004 season.

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Manchester Uniited's manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be renewing his rivalry with close friend Rangers' coach Walter Smith (pictured).

Smith was also part of Ferguson's coaching staff during Scotland's 1986 World Cup campaign.

Despite a record against Scottish clubs in Europe that suggests a winning start for United on Tuesday, Ferguson has warned his players against complacency as they seek to shake off the disappointment of throwing away three points in the 3-3 Premier League draw with Everton on Saturday.

"You've got to respect Rangers and with their history you can't take them for granted," Ferguson said. "I know Walter Smith well and just how organised and difficult to beat his side will be."

Ferguson has confirmed Wayne Rooney will be available for selection after missing the Everton game in the wake of revelations about his private life. Captain Rio Ferdinand is also expected to return from injury.

The last time United faced Rangers in the Champions League, Ferguson's men prevailed in both games, winning 3-0 in Manchester and 1-0 at Ibrox.

In fact United have lost only one game in eight encounters with Scottish teams in Europe, a 1-0 loss to Celtic in a 2006 group stage match.

Smith meanwhile acknowledges the Glasgow giants could be in for a difficult evening against a side he ranks along with Real Madrid and Barcelona as one of the biggest clubs in world football.

"It doesn't matter how much money Chelsea or any of the rest of them have got, they will never get what Manchester United have got; that certain aura around them," Smith said.

"The top Italian teams can always reach it at different times but I think there is just something about Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United."

Smith remains confident that Manchester will be spared the ugly crowd violence which marred the 2008 UEFA Cup final, when Rangers fans rioted in the city centre.

Only 4,700 ticketed fans are expected to travel for Tuesday's game, compared to the estimated 130,000 who descended on the city two years ago.

"I just hope that we have no recurrence of the scenes that followed the UEFA final," Smith said.

"I'm certain we won't because our supporters have been going away over the last few years and and there has not been any real incidents of note."

- AFP

fire^bird

14-09-2010, 09:27 PM

hope that Man Utd can recover their scoring touch and score a big win over Rangers after allowing Everton to equalise despite leading 3-1.

machoman

15-09-2010, 07:58 AM

Fergie gamble backfires as Manchester United, Rangers draw 0-0

Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 05:33:14 HRS

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Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (L) kicks the ball past Rangers' Scottish midfielder Steven Whittaker during their UEFA Champions League Group C football game at Old Trafford in Manchester. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes to his Manchester United side, including bringing back Wayne Rooney, and paid the price in a 0-0 draw with Rangers in their Champions League opener at Old Trafford.

To add to the cost of the result, United winger Antonio Valencia was stretchered off with a fractured ankle in the second half after an innocuous-looking challenge.

Ferguson created a stir even before kick-off, making sweeping 10 changes to the United line-up that drew at Everton on Saturday, although two of those alterations saw the return of Rooney, rested at the weekend, and injury-prone defender Rio Ferdinand.

Still, the fact that the United manager was clearly choosing a team with one eye upon the weekend Premier League fixture with Liverpool was always likely to be perceived as a calculated gamble and little that occurred over the opening 45 minutes at least, altered that view.

"The criticism will be why didn't I play a stronger team," said Ferguson.

"I think I played a very strong team. Eight of them played against Chelsea in the Community Shield.

"It's a terrific squad and there was no problem playing them."

Rangers' experienced defender David Weir claimed the visitors had not taken any encouragement from reading United's team sheet.

"They could make 20 changes and still have quality," Weir said. "When you see Ryan Giggs coming on then that shows you the strength in depth."

The first half offered little in the way of entertainment or goal threat and, indeed, the most noteworthy incident came late in the period and involved Rooney, who appeared to twist his ankle painfully as he ran to close down Steven Davis.

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Rangers' Scottish forward Lee McCulloch (R) jumps to block a free kick from Manchester United's Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher during their UEFA Champions League Group C football game at Old Trafford in Manchester. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Fortunately for United, after a few minutes of gingerly testing his ankle, Rooney was fit to continue.

But his impact on the first period was negligible.

On one of the few occasions when the visiting defence allowed him a sliver of space, Rooney opted to pass to team mate Javier Hernandez when the better option would have appeared to have been to shoot.

The effort was blocked and a rare United foray came to nothing.

Darron Gibson, called into the centre of United's midfield, unleashed two characteristic long-range efforts, the first of which from 25 yards whistled narrowly past the right-hand Rangers post.

The fact that Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was booked as half-time approached, after being warned a number of times for time-wasting, summed up the Scottish team's approach which had proved far too dogged for a frustrated United to break down.

The second half opened with Gibson launching another speculative long-range attempt which cleared McGregor's goal by some margin and Rangers, playing with Kenny Miller as a lone forward, were clearly in equally dogged mood.

Indeed, the Scots even responded with a rare, promising attack of their own as the busy Steven Naismith chipped in a cross from the left with which Sasa Papac almost made contact before it was gathered easily by United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

The injury to Valencia brought Ryan Giggs into the fray and, following the lengthy delay, finally seemed to breathe some life into United.

Giggs made a couple of threatening bursts, one of which in the 70th minute resulted in a cross which Rooney headed disappointingly wide.

The England centre-forward was clearly growing frustrated by events and he petulantly grabbed the shirt of Maurice Edu then bundled into goalkeeper McGregor.

An attempted chip, after 77 minutes, at least demonstrated Rooney was still trying and thinking of ways to break down the massed Rangers ranks but the effort offered no problem for McGregor.

- AFP

CooLLeh

16-09-2010, 08:30 PM

Haiz...there goes Valencia injured again for the rest of the season ...Looks like Man utd this season is gonna get tough ...

asiancigar

17-09-2010, 09:34 AM

KNN......

At the start of the season....... i said that it will take divine intervention for our beloved United to finish anything better than 3rd in the EPL. Looks like we won't even make it into the semis of Championship League and forget about the FA Cup coz some minnow team will probably knock us out !!!.

The club has been plundered dry of finances and repeatedly being raped by circus clowns GLAZERs and their ring master GrILL.

SAF is a fantastic manager/coach but he does NOT have the skills of a magician....... look at our squad of 25..... we have old, aged and tired legs & lungs > Neville, Scholes, Giggs, Rio, MO, Brown, O'shit, Berba.... jaded and injury prone > Hargreaves, Carrick, Valencia.

With no monies to sign proven players..... GrILL signs untested and cheap or FOC players like Smalling, Bebe etc. Further reduces the squad by loaning out or selling young players..... Mame, Wellbeck etc. And SAF is kiasu and will not trust newbies like Macheda, Gibson, Anderson.

Anyone care to place a bet that we will be in the Finals for CL, FA and/or challenging for 1st or 2nd in the EPL.......... i will makan your bet.

Never in my 40 years as a loyal die-hard fan of United do i dread turning on my TV to watch another United game for fear that we might yet again DRAW or worst than that LOSE !!!.

Fuck lah........ the GLAZERs & GrILL have destroyed the history, the pride and managed to bankrupt the richest and most glamorous football club in the world in just a few short years.

Cheerz
AC

richie_rich

18-09-2010, 02:49 PM

UNITED BIG GUNS TO RETURN

Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to recall all his big guns for Sunday's eagerly-anticipated Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Dimitar Berbatov has already been assured his place in the Red Devils starting line-up and will almost certainly be joined by Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Paul Scholes, who all missed Tuesday's draw with Rangers.

Antonio Valencia (ankle) is out until February, so more responsibility falls on the shoulders of Nani.

Striker Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard return to Liverpool's starting line-up as manager Roy Hodgson restores his strongest side.

The pair were left out of Thursday's Europa League victory as Hodgson made eight changes and he likely to effect a similar number at Old Trafford.

Joe Cole will play only his second Barclays Premier League match of the season after serving a three-game ban.

Teams:

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Rafael, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Fabio, Park, Gibson, Scholes, Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Owen, Berbatov, Hernandez, Macheda.

Liverpool (from): Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Konchesky, Lucas, Poulsen, Cole, Rodriguez, Gerrard, Jovanovic, Torres, Jones, Meireles, Pacheco, Babel, Ngog, Krygiakos.

richie_rich

18-09-2010, 02:50 PM

FERGUSON: THIS IS THE ONE

Sir Alex Ferguson still does not believe there is any fixture in the Premier League calendar like Manchester United against Liverpool.

The north-west giants go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday both eager for points as well as bragging rights after less than perfect starts to the season.

It is bound to be a keenly contested affair, despite the fact Liverpool's wait for a 19th league title has now been extended to an incredible 20 years.

During that time, United have won 11, joining their old rivals on 18 championships and coming within a victory of snatching their coveted domestic record last term.

When he first came south from Aberdeen in 1986, Ferguson famously declared it was his intention to knock Liverpool off their perch.

Now, as he prepares to face a seventh Reds boss in old friend Roy Hodgson, Ferguson describes what the meetings mean to him.

"I sound like a parrot but this is the fixture. There is no question about that," he said.

"It doesn't change. The form fluctuates quite a bit but we won the last game so hopefully that turns it back towards us again."

Ferguson is correct about the swing in fortunes.

From the 1996 FA Cup final to March 2000, United went 10 games unbeaten. Liverpool then won five in a row from December 2000 to January 2002.

More recently, United triumphed in four successive games from October 2006, the match immediately after Alan Smith's horrific leg injury, before Liverpool responded with three straight triumphs, each of which involved a red card for Nemanja Vidic.

The Red Devils emerged triumphant on the last meeting between the two sides in March earlier this year, when Park Ji-sung netted the winner.

Ferguson is hoping to continue that run at the weekend, although the occasion itself should be a more friendly affair on the touchline now Hodgson has replaced Rafael Benitez.

Although the United boss has enjoyed cordial relations with most Liverpool counterparts, particularly Gerard Houllier, with Benitez there was only friction.

There should be none of that with Hodgson, whose friendship with Ferguson dates back to his early days at United.

"I have known him for a long time," said Ferguson.

"I first met him in 1987 when I went on an aborted trip to Malmo.

"It was a European tie against Ajax and they abandoned it after one minute. He was at the game and we went for dinner afterwards."

Ferguson is confident Hodgson will not start with a five-man defensive line as Rangers did at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

And while Liverpool's fortunes do not seem to have improved significantly since their seventh-placed finish last term, Ferguson is sure their new manager can make the situation better.

"Roy has the experience," he said.

"He has gathered a wealth of experience in Italy, Switzerland and Finland and the job he did at Fulham was absolutely extraordinary.

"But our approach will not change. We have to express ourselves the way we always do."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has revealed he had to step in and stop Dimitar Berbatov beating himself up about his United performances.

Berbatov has been forced to endure as many brickbats as plaudits during his two seasons at Old Trafford.

Although the Bulgarian is undoubtedly a player of immense talent, there are many who do not appreciate his languid style and feel he does not put enough heart into his performances.

Comparisons with the obvious industry of Carlos Tevez, who was squeezed out by Berbatov's arrival and eventually opted to leave for Manchester City in a highly controversial move, have often not been favourable.

And it seems Berbatov has taken too much notice of the bad publicity as, ahead of the game with Liverpool, Ferguson has revealed he had to tell his club-record signing to stop taking so much notice of the critics.

"Not everyone has questioned Dimitar," said Ferguson.

"He has a lot of admirers, particularly at this club.

"But when we buy a player for a lot of money, there is more focus on him. If they have an odd bad game there is a criticism which other players may not get.

"He worried about it himself, however, as I told him, he has to dismiss the press.

"Dimitar has had some terrific games for us. He is enjoying his football and he will play on Sunday."

alex18122003

20-09-2010, 03:24 AM

Berbatov treble breaks Liverpool resistance

LONDON (AFP) - – Dimitar Berbatov scored a hat-trick as Manchester United overcame a Liverpool fightback to win 3-2 in a classic Premier League battle at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Berbatov rose high to nod home an 84th-minute header to seal maximum points for United, who had seen Liverpool recover from two goals down thanks to a second-half brace from skipper Steven Gerrard.

The win saw Sir Alex Ferguson's side go level on points with second-placed Arsenal, and one point behind leaders Chelsea, who play Blackpool later on Sunday.

All the pre-match attention had been on the return of Wayne Rooney but it was in-form Bulgarian striker Berbatov who stole the show with a virtuoso display that left Liverpool shattered.

Berbatov put United 1-0 ahead on on 42 minutes after being left in acres of space by marker Fernando Torres when Ryan Giggs swung in a corner.

The Bulgarian then doubled United's lead on 59 minutes with a sublime effort, using one touch to control a Nani cross before sending an overhead kick crashing in off the underside of the Liverpool bar.

Ferguson later hailed the performance of Berbatov, who is enjoying his best run of form for United since his transfer from Tottenham in 2008 in a deal worth 30.75 million pounds (36.86 million euros).

"There was a lot of criticism of him last season from the media, and it happens when we buy a player for a lot of money and he's not scoring a hat-trick every game," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"This season he's started off in the right fashion, his pre-season training was very good, the pre-season tour was good and he's carried that on.

"But there's never been any doubt about the quality of the man. And we saw that again today."

However, for the second league match running, United's defensive frailties were exposed once more as Ferguson's men saw a two-goal lead evaporate.

Centre-back Jonny Evans blatantly brought down Torres in the box to allow Gerrard to convert a spot-kick on 64 minutes.

Then, six minutes later, United's defence were at fault again for Liverpool's equaliser.

Referee Howard Webb booked John O'Shea for a tackle on Torres that left Gerrard with a free-kick from the edge of the area.

Gerrard's shot was accurate and hit with power but went straight through a hole in the United wall left by Darren Fletcher, to the disgust of United's beaten keeper Edwin van der Sar.

It was the second time in the space of a week that United had let slip a two-goal lead, having been held to a 3-3 at Everton last weekend.

Buoyed by the goals, Liverpool looked capable of taking all three points, but Berbatov's late header ended their fightback and left Roy Hodgson's team with only one win from five games.

Manchester City visit third-bottom Wigan Athletic in Sunday's other game.

mr_missile

20-09-2010, 09:06 AM

Berbatov treble breaks Liverpool resistance

Any kind bros can post the link to the vid for this game please?

machoman

20-09-2010, 09:33 AM

Brilliant Berbatov denies Liverpool

Monday, September 20, 2010, 00:57:42 HRS

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Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov (C) clashes with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (L) and Raul Meireles during the Premier League football match at Old Trafford. Berbatov scored a hat-trick as Manchester United overcame a Liverpool fightback to win 3-2.

A stunning Dimitar Berbatov hat-trick rescued Manchester United from what was threatening to be yet another defensive catastrophe in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford here Sunday.

United seemed to be in complete control of the game after two goals from Berbatov repaid the faith shown in him of late by his manager, only for two goals from Steven Gerrard -- the results of infringements by United defenders -- allowed the visitors to draw level.

With just six minutes to play, however, Paul Scholes found John O'Shea on the right and his perfect cross saw Berbatov outjump Jamie Carragher and head clinically into the Liverpool goal.

The Bulgarian, singled out for praise by Ferguson in the pre-match build-up, certainly continued in the vein of form described by his manager and had been an influential figure even before he claimed the opening goal four minutes before the interval.

Berbatov himself won the telling corner with a cross from the right which Carragher turned behind as Wayne Rooney lurked, poised to connect.

Ryan Giggs took the resulting kick from the left flank and, with the assistance of some shoddy marking, Berbatov cleverly found the space to stoop and guide a header past Pepe Reina from six yards.

The second, for United and Berbatov, just before the hour mark was far more memorable and seemed to have effectively killed off the contest.

The move started with a sublime pass from Darren Fletcher which found Nani near the right-hand corner flag.

The winger cut in before chipping over a cross which Berbatov, back to goal, controlled on his knee before placing into the goal, via the crossbar, with an audacious overhead kick.

The Berbatov brace was the very minimum that United deserved and, indeed, the only surprise was that two goals were all the home side had to show for a first hour of complete domination.

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Manchester United's midfielder Nani controls the ball during the English Premier League football match against Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 3-2.

But, two minutes later, Liverpool halved the deficit after Jonny Evans slid in and brought down Fernando Torres as he made a rare burst into the United area -- Gerrard calmly beating Edwin van der Sar from the penalty that correctly followed.

That was a break that Liverpool could scarcely have foreseen as they struggled out of the gate yet United's worrying trend of throwing away leads -- as had been the case at Fulham and Everton already this season -- continued.

After 68 minutes, John O'Shea was judged to have brought down Torres as he sped towards the United area and Gerrard placed the free-kick through the wall and past the stationary van der Sar from just outside the box, a finish which left major question marks over United's defending once more.

The comeback had earlier seemed inconceivable, such was United's power going forward. Nani screwed an early shot just wide and Ferguson's men seemed to grow in confidence after Berbatov's first.

There were strong appeals for a United penalty after Christian Poulsen's backwards header appeared to strike Carragher's arm and Rooney ended the half with a low shot from just outside the area which was not far from the target.

The second half opened with Liverpool finally showing more enthusiasm to attack their hosts although the first chance again fell for United as Fletcher's long-range shot took an awkward deflection and looped up, almost falling for Berbatov on the six-yard line before Reina gathered.

O'Shea's short pass also created an angle for Nani to unleash a quite blistering shot which beat Reina only to thunder against the Liverpool woodwork after 56 minutes.

Three goals followed, inside ten minutes, and set up an intriguing finale which was finally, and fittingly, settled by the best player on the field.

- AFP

asiancigar

20-09-2010, 01:18 PM

Here is another moment to savor the Goal of the Season by Berba.....

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=106579554

He deserves all the accolades........ :D

NB. not since 1946 has any United player scored a hat-trick against Liverpool

Cheerz
AC

mr_missile

20-09-2010, 04:38 PM

Anyone care to place a bet that we will be in the Finals for CL, FA and/or challenging for 1st or 2nd in the EPL.......... i will makan your bet.

Cheerz
AC

Bro, the season is still early. United is traditionally slow to get off the blocks. Yes, United dropped unnecessary points against Fulham and Everton which may yet come back to haunt them at the end of the season.

Whether or not at the end, United does win any silverware this season remains to be seen.

As a die-hard United supporter, what we hope to see is the team play like the United we know. If the opponents score 2, we will charge up and score 3. That's the United spirit. That's the football that United will dish out. That is Sir Alex's football philosophy.

As far as I am concerned, United are not out of the title race. Injuries and suspensions and the form of the team will play a big part come the months of Dec and January. United will be thereabouts, I'm sure.

Let's not be distracted by the Glazers as long as they leave the footballing matters to Sir Alex.

Come May 2011, the 19th title may just be won. So let's get behind the team and cheer them all the way. :)

machoman

23-09-2010, 07:53 AM

richie_rich

25-09-2010, 03:53 PM

ALL CHANGE AGAIN FOR FERGUSON

Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to ring the changes once more as Manchester United continue their Premier League campaign at Bolton.

The United boss selected a completely different starting line-up for the midweek Carling Cup triumph over Scunthorpe, which he missed to go on a Champions League scouting mission in Valencia, and it would be no surprise if only Rio Ferdinand kept his place at the Reebok Stadium.

Ferguson has reported an encouraging return to training for Owen Hargreaves after his knee problems, although the England star is not under consideration for Sunday's game and Michael Carrick (Achilles) is still sidelined.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle must decide whether to recall Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Coyle has been impressed by the form of Adam Bogdan during Jaaskelainen's suspension, although it would be a major surprise if the Finn was not recalled.

Coyle is expected to revert to a full-strength line-up having made eight changes for the midweek Carling Cup defeat at Burnley - with Kevin Davies back from his ban to spearhead the Trotters attack. However, Gary Cahill serves the final game of a three-match suspension.

Teams:

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, Bogdan, Steinsson, Knight, Ricketts, Robinson, Alonso, Petrov, Taylor, Muamba, M Davies, Cohen, Holden, Moreno, Blake, Lee, K Davies, Elmander, Klasnic.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Neville, Rafael, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Fabio, Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Anderson, Park, Giggs, Berbatov, Rooney, Hernandez, Owen, Macheda

richie_rich

25-09-2010, 03:54 PM

OWEN HARGREAVES CLOSE TO COMEBACK

Owen Hargreaves is inching his way towards his Manchester United comeback.

Hargreaves has managed just one minute of senior action in the past two years since undergoing surgery on both knees to try to cure a tendinitis problem.

Further doubts over the England midfielder's career were raised this summer when Ferguson sent him back to Dr Richard Steadman in Colorado after he experienced more discomfort during pre-season training.

Ferguson revealed earlier this month that Hargreaves would be returning to England in the near future and that encouragement was enhanced by Steadman's recent observations about how well the 29-year-old has been progressing.

Even so, no-one expected the United boss to be openly talking about Hargreaves actually playing quite so soon.

Yet, after seeing the midfielder in action on the training ground at Carrington this week, Ferguson is feeling quite bullish about a successful comeback.

"Owen has looked very good," he told MUTV.

"After being out for so long, we'll obviously have to monitor him and see how he's going to progress in the next few weeks. But it's good to see him back.

"Because he's been out for so long you have to see whether there's going to be a relapse.

"That's the first thing on our mind at the moment but having watched him in training on Thursday if he continues that way he's going to give me another selection problem, no question about that."

Another England star on the way back is Michael Carrick, who had an injection in his Achilles earlier this month to try to ease some growing discomfort.

Like Hargreaves, Carrick will not come into contention for Sunday's trip to Bolton but Ferguson is delighted with the 29-year-old's progress.

"It was nothing serious, just one of those niggling little problems you can get with your Achilles, particularly at the start of the season when grounds are firm," said the United boss.

"But he is fine and has started training."

As the Red Devils are now in a run of two games a week, Ferguson needs as many options as possible.

Some games are more important than others though, which is why he bypassed the Carling Cup trip to Scunthorpe on Wednesday in preference for a scouting mission in Valencia, United's next Champions League opponents on Wednesday.

It was only the third game Ferguson has missed in his 24-year stint as manager, which emphasises the importance he is placing on the trip to Spain.

That could also play a part in his team selection at the Reebok Stadium, although at least he will have one in-form striker in Dimitar Berbatov, who took his tally for the season to seven last weekend with his brilliant hat-trick against Liverpool, in the ranks.

"Any time you have a successful season you've always got a striker who's got you 25 goals and upwards," Ferguson told Key103.

"We have had it with Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney last season and others before that.

"You want players who could get a percentage of goals that make the difference.

"If Dimitar keeps doing that, he's going to be the one this season."

That is not to discount Rooney.

Ferguson might be concerned at the scrutiny his star striker is under just now.

However, he is convinced Rooney's current lack of goals - a single effort from the penalty spot - is a temporary aberration.

"Wayne will get his form back, there is no doubt about that," he said.

"He just needs to get a couple of goals. That is down to confidence."

With big games coming up on a regular basis, Rooney will not be getting many rests, although as midfielder Darren Fletcher can testify after missing his first game of the season in midweek, that can be a good thing.

"You want to play every game," he said.

"We all know it is a squad game and we have plenty of strength in depth.

"But once you are in the team you want to stay in it.

"You enjoy the momentum it brings.

"When you get minutes under your belt, your touch and sharpness seems to be there."

lacoruna69

26-09-2010, 07:53 PM

HT from ReeBok Stadium

Bolton 1 - 1 Man U

lacoruna69

26-09-2010, 08:33 PM

It's 2 - 2. Owen to the rescue for Man U!!

Rickey

26-09-2010, 09:53 PM

Lol, Man U seems to becoming draw specialists these days or giving away free goals to their opponents towards the end of the games they play as happened in their recent matches against Fulham, Everton and Liverpool.....cant even beat a lowly team like Bolton.....like tis how to be champions.... their defence is in very bad shape n needs to be tightened up securely.....maybe change all the defenders.....Ferguson needs to do something abt tis quickly if they ever want to snatch the League Championship back from Chelsea again...

To:- Alex Ferguson, dun be too confident...yr team is not playing well...want to be champions again ? then u
must do something now before it is too late....:mad:

machoman

27-09-2010, 09:35 AM

Owen landmark rescues United at Bolton

Monday, September 27, 2010, 00:26:40 HRS

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Manchester United's English forward Michael Owen controls the ball against Bolton Wanderers during their English Premier League football match at The Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Owen scored his 200th goal in English club football as United twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw against Bolton.

Michael Owen's 200th career goal in England rescued Manchester United from defeat as Sir Alex Ferguson's side were held to a 2-2 draw by Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday.

Martin Petrov's first goal in a Bolton shirt looked to have earned the hosts a famous victory before substitute Owen popped up with a 74th-minute equaliser.

United went into the game knowing that victory would take them to within a point of leaders Chelsea.

But it required a brilliant piece of individual skill from Nani to cancel out Zat Knight's early opener in what was an absorbing contest.

United were looking to take advantage of the unexpected defeats suffered by Chelsea and Arsenal the previous day yet found themselves behind as early as the sixth minute.

Bolton had lost 10 of their previous 11 meetings against United and were hammered 4-0 in the corresponding fixture last season.

Yet the team that had not won at home since the final day of last season made the early breakthrough when Knight, who had only scored three top flight goals in three years, got ahead of Johnny Evans to divert the ball over the line following a corner.

It was a disastrous start by Ferguson's team whose defending has come under the microscope after conceding seven times in their previous five league outings.

In what was a frantic start, United responded with efforts by Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher but neither could beat Jussi Jaaskelainen, the Finland keeper who was returning from a three-match suspension.

Bolton might have been tempted to sit on their lead but Owen Coyle's side poured forward, Edwin van der Sar smothering the danger after Kevin Davies got a flick that almost set up Johan Elmander.

United were clearly unsettled and it required a brilliant individual run by Nani for them to draw level midway through the first half.

The Portuguese winger picked up a loose ball inside his own half before embarking on a powerful run in which he motored past three players before beating Jaaskelainen with a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.

United ended the half strongly, Wayne Rooney flashing a powerful effort narrowly over the bar after creating space for himself on the edge of the area.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1285506391905-2-1.jpg

Manchester United's Italian forward Federico Macheda (L) and Bolton Wanderers' Bulgarian midfielder Martin Petrov compete for the ball during their English Premier League football match at The Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Man United's Michael Owen scored his 200th goal in club football as the team twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw against Bolton.

But Bolton were by no means overawed and it required a timely challenge by Fletcher to deny Elmander after the Swedish striker had burst through the visitors defence.

The frustration was beginning to show. Rooney, subdued by his usual standards, lasted just 16 minutes of the second half before he was replaced by Federico Macheda while a hamstring problem brought Giggs' afternoon to a premature end.

Dimitar Berbatov, six goals in his previous five league outings, forced a fine save from Jaaskelainen before Petrov's excellent 67th minute finish left home fans dreaming of a first win over United since 2007.

The Bulgarian produced a sweet finish after being teed up by Kevin Davies following great vision from Chung-Yong Lee.

But Bolton were unable to hang on to their lead and three minutes after replacing Fletcher, Owen equalised with a clever back header following Nani's free kick - a thrilling end to a great game.

- AFP

machoman

27-09-2010, 09:39 AM

asiancigar

27-09-2010, 10:04 AM

OWEN HARGREAVES CLOSE TO COMEBACK

Owen Hargreaves is inching his way towards his Manchester United comeback.

Hargreaves has managed just one minute of senior action in the past two years ....."

I think SAF should retire or better yet SELL this kotak..... he cost us big monie$ on the transfer fees and have been on payroll ever since... chinese saying "cho bo lan"........ yet the press have not written about him as negatively as they have done so with Berba.

Cheerz
AC

ps. i think he will last 2 games max before he tears the tendons that holds up his balls.... KNN, what a waste of time this piece of shit

dc7176

27-09-2010, 01:09 PM

ps. i think he will last 2 games max before he tears the tendons that holds up his balls.... KNN, what a waste of time this piece of shit

keep ur finger cross... if he can stay fit, he might b the answer to our defensive problem... ever since roy keane left we never hav a defensive midfielder to protect the back 4... fletcher is good but IMO still too lightweight!! well only IF he is fit!!

conclusion.... i hav no hope for this team this season... the only consolation is liverpool is in a worse shaped than us... if not sure kena suan every week by my frens... :D

alex18122003

27-09-2010, 01:20 PM

conclusion.... i hav no hope for this team this season... the only consolation is liverpool is in a worse shaped than us... if not sure kena suan every week by my frens... :D

Bro dc kor kor,
U kena suan is okie mah coz u got thick skin....hahaha joking la

dc7176

27-09-2010, 01:31 PM

Bro dc kor kor,
U kena suan is okie mah coz u got thick skin....hahaha joking la

nnkc... u lidat suan me goot meh??? lolx... :p:D

asiancigar

29-09-2010, 02:59 AM

Crippled by debt and forced into selling their best players - do Valencia offer a nightmarish vision of the future for Manchester United?
Champions League rivals joined by financial uncertainty...

28 Sep 2010 15:42:00
By Wayne Veysey | Chief correspondent

The tables don’t lie. Or do they? Unbeaten Manchester United have taken their accustomed position in the upper echelons of the Premier League while Valencia lead Spain’s Primera Division by a single point and further raised eyebrows across the continent by dishing out a 4-0 win in their opening Champions League group game.

For followers of United and Valencia who gauge their club’s strength only by their position in the league table and presence in Europe’s elite competition, there seems little to worry about.

Yet the optimism that surrounds their activities on the football pitch is complicated by the ever present shadow of financial strife.

Valencia are much further down the road than the team they will host at Estadio Mestalla on Wednesday evening in what is one of the most mouthwatering ties of matchday two.

Spain’s third most successful club sold £74 million worth of players over the summer, including the two iconic Davids – Villa and Silva – and have debts standing at over £425m and have downed tools halfway through building a 75,000-capacity stadium.

Even after all the player sales, staff redundancies, cuts and general pruning, president Manolo Llorente admits: “Our key objective is economic viability and that means we are obliged to take responsible decisions. One of which is to sell our best players.”

United fans who scrutinise the club’s balance sheet as well as their position in the league table fear that Valencia offer an apocalyptic glimpse into the future if the unpopular Glazer family remain owners of the club.

“I can see some parallels in the situations at Manchester United and Valencia,” Duncan Drasdo, spokesman for the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, told Goal.com UK. “Certainly debt problems and lack of investment - especially the recent selling of the best players without replacing them is one that United fans will be all too familiar with.”

United were bought by the Glazers in 2005, with borrowings of £559m, which were then loaded on to England’s highest-earning club to repay. Since then, United have poured out £400m in interest, bank fees and charges, yet still the total debt has climbed to an eye-watering £716m.

The financial figures for 2009-10, to be released in next month’s annual report, could make even more gruesome reading.

Like the alcoholic who won’t admit his addiction, United have maintained the unconvincing argument that investment in the team is not affected by the debts, 16.25 per cent interest rates on the £202m ‘payment in kind’ loans included in that, and huge annual interest paid, £42m for 2008-09.

Sir Alex Ferguson claims he has money to spend, including the £81m Cristiano Ronaldo proceeds, but does not see sufficient “value” in the transfer market, and has responded by investing relatively parsimoniously.

Since selling the world’s most expensive player to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 and allowing Carlos Tevez to leave, United have bought Antonio Valencia, Chris Smalling, Javier Hernandez, Gabriel Obertan, Michael Owen and Bebe. There remains a heavy reliance on players brought through by Ferguson in the early 1990s – Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville.

“They have been quite cautious with their financial management,” Emmanuel Hembert, football business expert for management consultants AT Kearney, told Goal.com UK. “At some stage they will have to replace those players. They either continue to be cautious and buy young players or they take lots of risks and start to have financial issues.

“The interest payments and the reimbursements (Glazers management fees) are clearly taking cash out of the business and is a drain on the club. It is money you cannot spend on players or salaries. I don’t think administration could be an issue because Manchester United are generating enough cash flow to cover their debts.”

While United are better placed than Valencia, and indeed fierce north-west rivals Liverpool, whose own American owners are, if anything, even more unpopular than the Glazers, there is great unrest among supporters.

The ‘Green and Gold’ protests, the brainchild of MUST, have made a huge impact at Old Trafford over the last nine months. For the first time in a generation, the club have not sold all their season tickets, falling 2,200 short of the 54,000 target.

The Red Knights, a collective of wealthy individual supporters, lie in wait, continuing to recruit wealthy investors from overseas as they maintain their bid to oust the Glazer family from Old Trafford.

Drasdo observed: “I don't believe Manchester United will get into real financial trouble however because even if the Glazers are forced out there is a queue of wealthy United supporters around the world just waiting for that opportunity to invest in the club.

“Certainly, that is the evidence we've seen at MUST too with the membership counter showing 163,600 and ticking over every day, demonstrating the huge interest from supporters in participating in shared ownership of the club.

“The worst case scenario I foresee is not actually United going into administration as that would lead to a rebirth where we come back stronger than before. The worst case is that the Glazers continue to cling on draining money out of the club season after season and rather than failing we just move into mediocrity and dull limbo.”

And there is also the elephant in the room – the date when Ferguson will finally decide call it a day and bring down the curtain on arguably the most outstanding managerial career of them all.

“One of the big problems that United are facing very soon is that there is a question mark over when Ferguson is going to stop coaching,” said Hembert. “It is unlikely they are immediately going to find a coach able to take over from Ferguson and be as successful as him and that could have a big financial knock-on effect.”

Valencia will offer first-hand evidence of a club that lived way beyond its means.

IS_YOURS

29-09-2010, 10:44 AM

Absolutely agreed, bro.

The Red Devils' defence is woeful, conceding goals and drawing with teams which they should have won - Fulham, Everton & now, Bolton. :mad:

Completely disappointed with their terrible defence! :mad:

Bro,

Yeah man, something is really wrong with their defence.

They need to plug the gaps and strengthen their back line.

I hope they win the PL this year.

machoman

30-09-2010, 09:04 AM

Hernandez helps United sink Valencia in Champions League

Thursday, September 30, 2010, 05:49:48 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1285794064330-2-1.jpg

Manchester United's Mexican forward Javier Hernandez (R) celebrates his goal against Valencia FC during their UEFA Champions League Group C football match against Valencia FC at Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Manchester won 1-0.

Javier Hernandez scored an 85th-minute winner to give Manchester United a 1-0 win over Spanish league leaders Valencia in Wednesday's Champions League Group C match at the Mestalla Stadium.

Mexican international Hernandez, 22, had only been on the pitch nine minutes but had an immediate impact, scoring United's first European goal of the new season as Sir Alex Ferguson's side won in Spain for the first time since 2002.

United move on to four points in Group C following their opening 0-0 home draw against Rangers, while Valencia stay on three points, having beaten Bursaspor 4-0 in their first game.

"We improved in the second half. We kept the ball better and the substitutes combined really well," said United defender Rio Ferdinand.

"Javier Hernandez is a great lad. He comes into training early every day. He wants to learn and he wants to get into the team."

"We can be happy with everything except the result," said Valencia coach Unai Emery. "I have nothing to reproach the players for as they played to win and had our chances, however, we didn't take them."

United came into the match with defensive fears after conceding seven goals in their last three league matches, but a clean sheet coupled with Hernandez's late strike gave them only their second win in Spain from their last 19 visits.

It was their first victory since they defeated Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 in the 2001/02 quarter-final first leg at the Riazor Stadium.

United manager Ferguson could not call upon several of his experienced stars, with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville all unavailable, although the most significant injury victim was England striker Wayne Rooney.

Ferguson resisted the temptation to replace Rooney with Michael Owen, choosing to play with a five-man midfield behind Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov.

United gambled on the fitness of Ferdinand, with the England international defender returning to partner Nemanja Vidic in central defence.

Valencia also played with a 4-5-1 formation, with striker Roberto Soldado supported by wingers Juan Mata and Pablo Hernandez.

Soldado should have put Valencia ahead on 17 minutes after a gaffe from veteran goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1285794176921-2-1.jpg

Valencia's midfielder Pablo Hernandez (R) vies for the ball with Manchester United's Scottish midfielder Darren Fletcher during their UEFA Champions League Group C football match at Mestalla stadium in Valencia. Manchester won 1-0.

The 39-year-old flapped at a cross from the left, giving Soldado a free header in front of goal, but the surprised forward could not react quickly enough and headed over, to the despair of the home fans.

Without Rooney -- who could be out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury -- United lacked punch up front and their only real effort of the first half was a run and shot from Berbatov that goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez calmly watched go past the post.

It was a stalemate at half-time as United, finalists in two of the last three seasons, waited for their first European goal of the season.

At the beginning of the second half Pablo Hernandez cut inside and curled a shot wide for Valencia in an early warning.

The visitors raised their game and on 56 minutes Berbatov, top-scorer in the Premier League with six goals, showed neat footwork to wriggle free of his man and bear down on goal, but his shot from an acute angle was saved by the legs of Cesar.

Both sides were largely cancelling each other out in a congested midfield and after an hour Valencia coach Unai Emery chose to bring on striker Aritz Aduriz for attacking midfielder Alejandro Dominguez.

Substitute Manuel Fernandes forced van der Sar into a diving save in the final quarter hour and United boss Ferguson decided to make his first change, replacing midfielder Anderson with Hernandez.

Hernandez made an immediate impact by hitting the post and a minute later he showed a neat touch to lose his man before nestling a shot into the bottom-right corner for the winner.

- AFP

splicer

30-09-2010, 10:40 PM

he will be one of the best buy of the season.

Rickey

03-10-2010, 08:41 AM

OMG !...another disappointing match again...just another 1 pt added....another DRAW ..in fact they could hav lost the match if more time was added...like dat how to be champions again, Man U ??....wah lao.. cant believe it, a star-studded team finding it so difficult to overcome a smallish outfit with virtually unknown players. ..in fact Sunderland could hav snatched all the 3 points...

Man U when are u ever going to wake-up ??...seems like those guys in red shirt are not interested to snatch the championship away from Chelsea the guys in blue this year...

asiancigar

03-10-2010, 09:33 AM

Personally and IMHO..... because of "kum cheng" for Brucie........ SAF fielded a much weaker team and was experimenting with the line up.

Instead of having Berba and MO to start and later to bring on Chicharito and Kiko, he tinkered with a new combo which was totally not synchronized....

I cannot remember ever seeing a game where there was not even 1 cross from the left..... missing Giggs, Park, Obertan and Evra. Fucking O'shit was the 12th men for Sunderland and was totally useless and impotent.

And we had nothing in mid-field..... it was a sad day for an old folk like Scholes who did not have any pace and all Anderson could do was to build barricade to stop the rampage and onslaught from a very determined Sunderland. So where is that fucked-up money sucking "harkow" Hargreaves........ is he still putting KY on his knees.... all the talk about his return and not even on the bench.... KNN, he must have been watching it at home with his chiku giving him BBBJ.

Another lucky draw coz we deserved to have lost by at least 3 - 0 to a much better and more determined Sunderland........ CCB

Cheerz
AC

yinyang

03-10-2010, 11:21 AM

Rubbish effort, what a bloody pain (and waste of time). Ist half was pathetic:(

What midfield (they didn't trun up)? And did you notive that lumbering Anderson kept giving balls away (if he didn't lose them). Only spark was hen Berbi, Hernandez and Bebe came on.

Rickey

03-10-2010, 03:28 PM

where is that fucked-up money sucking "harkow" Hargreaves........ is he still putting KY on his knees.... all the talk about his return and not even on the bench.... KNN, he must have been watching it at home with his chiku giving him BBBJ.

Another lucky draw coz we deserved to have lost by at least 3 - 0 to a much better and more determined Sunderland........ CCB

Cheerz
AC

Oh Bro asiancigar...u are really very cute leh....I laughed & laughed until i nearly fell off my chair...haha !! :)

asiancigar

05-10-2010, 12:31 PM

All these cock teasing headlines......

MANCHESTER UNITED INTERESTED IN ITALIAN KNIGHT - Daniele De Rossi
MANCHESTER UNITED TARGET TWO SPANIARDS - Javi Martinez and Alvaro Dominguez Soto
MANCHESTER UNITED KEEPING PERSISTENT EYE ON DANISH STOPPER - Anders Lindegaard
AGENT TELLS MANCHESTER UNITED THEY CAN HAVE BELGIUM STAR IN JANUARY - Steven Defour
MANCHESTER UNITED IN POLE POSITION TO LAND UDINESE WINGER - Alexis Sanchez
MANCHESTER UNITED LINKED WITH £30M STRIKER - Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo
MANCHESTER UNITED TO BATTLE AC MILAN OVER RIVER PLATE MONTEVIDEO'S - Bruno Montelongo

As i said before.... our beloved MUFC is bankrupt with no monies to spare but lots of Glazer & Gill IOUs !!!!

We will end up having to sell Rooney just to make the interest payments and will continue to flog the old horse with old guards using expired and out-dated/tired lungs and legs.....

FUCK THE AMERICAN BLOOD SUCKERS AND THE COCK SUCKING GILL !!!!!

Cheerz
AC

Garfield-Mel

05-10-2010, 08:06 PM

Alexis Sanchez gd buy hope man u can get him

asiancigar

06-10-2010, 08:02 PM

Have your say....

http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2010/10/premiership/your-chance-to-vote-for-next-man-united-manager

Cheerz
AC

CibLover

08-10-2010, 04:26 PM

Excerpts from Soccernet:-

"Manchester United are expected to announce a £100 million operating profit on Friday, becoming the first English club to do so.

However, the good news is bound to be overshadowed by the detail, which is thought to confirm an overall £60 million loss.!!!"

CCB!!! Fuck those idiots GLAZER family!! :mad:

From one of the MOST profitable football clubs... now turned into losses!!

Curse him!!! :mad:

richie_rich

09-10-2010, 03:44 PM

GILL SEES `VERY GOOD` ACCOUNTS

Manchester United chief executive David Gill insists there is no pressure to sell star players such as Wayne Rooney despite the club making losses of £83.6million.

Gill said the club would still prefer to have "Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch than £80million in the bank" as proof of their desire to keep players.

Although United's group operating profit topped £100.7million, after player-related costs, interest payments and a number of expensive one-off costs related to the bond issue, overall there was a record loss for the club.

Gill said the accounts released on Friday were "very good" with excellent revenues, and said there should be no concern about United going down the same road as Liverpool, whose American co-owners have struggled to finance their ownership.

The United chief executive did admit the figures could be confusing to fans who saw a record turnover of £286million for the year ending June 2010 contrasting with the record losses of £83.6million.

For the previous year the club had returned a net profit of £48.2million thanks to the sale of Ronaldo, but Gill said the Glazer family who own United had not pushed for that move, nor would they for any other player. He added that United's balance sheet includes £165million remaining in the bank if Sir Alex Ferguson wants to buy new players.

In an interview with Press Association Sport, Gill said: "We are not a club that needs to sell. We have money in the bank so there is zero pressure on that, no pressure at all to sell any star player whether it is Wayne Rooney or X,Y or Z. I can categorically say that.

"There was no desire at all from anyone at the club to sell Cristiano - he wanted to go and as a result we managed to extract a world record fee.

"These philosophy is to retain and attract the best players. We have £165million in the bank but in some ways we would prefer to have £80million in the bank and Ronaldo on the pitch."

Gill said part of the losses related to one-off payments after bank loans were turned into a bond, totalling £47million. He added that if 'goodwill' losses - an accounting practice relating to the original takeover - of £35.2million, and foreign exchange losses of £19million (which should be recovered next year) and depreciation are ignored, United would have an actual profit of about £25million.

Gill added: "There are very good results for the club with records here, there and everywhere but they are complicated with non-cash items and exceptional one-off hits."

Fans' group have raised concerns that there could be parallels with the Liverpool crisis, where the holding company may be forced into administration next week over unpaid debts following a leveraged takeover, and the Glazer ownership of United.

Gill however insisted that was not the case.

He added: "I can't speak for any other club but the United fans should not be concerned, we have a long-term financing structure in place, excellent revenues that are growing, we are controlling our costs - total wages are 46% of turnover - and we can afford the interest on our long-term finance.

"In our opinion if something changed in the ownership this club will survive and continue - it is covering the financing cost more than adequately.

"We still have cash to invest in players and to give good contracts to players and we are comfortable with the business model."

The figures show that United's wage bill rose by 7% to £131.7million, while United's overall debt rose to £521.7million.

It may also appease some critics that according to the figures, the Glazers have not taken any money out of the club to pay any of their £200million-worth of PIK notes that are now attracting interest at 16.25%.

Gill added: "They have retained that money in the bank and it's there for Sir Alex if he needs it for players, and for investing in the training ground and the stadium."

United are confident that they will meet UEFA's financial fair play rules despite the figures because not all the paper losses - such as depreciation - are included by UEFA when they calculate whether clubs are only spending what they earn.

Sports business expert Simon Chadwick said it was important United won major trophies soon to maintain their brand and commercial success.

Chadwick, professor of sports business at Coventry University, said: "They have continued to build the revenue streams which are good for them.

"But last season they were not particularly successful on the pitch. They probably need more success domestically and to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League, firstly as a revenue source but secondly in terms of the brand."

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) claimed the results showed the clock was ticking for the Glazer family and the club, and highlighted how well off United would be without the interest payments.

A MUST spokesman said: "The financial results continue to demonstrate the tremendous revenue generated by Manchester United - directly or indirectly through the unparalleled loyal support the club receives.

"Sadly those supporters are let down by owners who continue to extract millions from our club. Imagine how successful we could be without the millstone that is the Glazers' ownership.

"Under a supporter ownership model, or even the debt-free plc model prior to the Glazers takeover, this huge revenue stream could largely be reinvested in the football club (squad, stadium, ticket prices) rather than being leached out by the Glazers."

MUST claimed the club was now "extremely vulnerable" if there was any fall in revenue.

The MUST spokesman added: "With greater competition domestically it is going to become increasingly expensive just to maintain a place in the Champions League and the huge debt burden makes the club extremely vulnerable to any dip in revenues such as that which might be triggered by a decline in on-the-pitch performance.

"When Sir Alex retires the chances of maintaining anything like the same level of success look remote without massive investment. So the clock is ticking for the Glazers - and for the supporters too."

asiancigar

13-10-2010, 10:02 AM

MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER’S SUCCESSOR HAS GOT TO BE JOSE MOURINHO

It is the time that every Manchester United fan is dreading, our leader, Sir Alex Ferguson will soon be calling time on his managerial career, exactly when only he will know, but one can assume that it will be within the next five years.

The Manchester United board may or may not have discussed Sir Alex’s successor with the manager himself, but one can rest assured that a probable shortlist has been compiled and is hidden beneath the depths of Old Trafford to be opened when the time is right.

One manager that will surely top the list will be that of current Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho. He may have helped Cheslea to two titles but in the end their board treated him badly, ousting him after his failure to lure the Holy Grail of football, the Champions League.

Like Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho is a winner, the Portuguese man has won 17 titles in all throught his yet short managerial career. He has won two Champions League trophies with different teams, and anyone who has ever played under him will tell you that he is simply one of the best.

Mourinho has also mentioned that he prefers to work in England and that he has strong ties with Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I prefer England. I think that in Portugal, Italy and Spain there are some fans who prefer the day before and day after a match rather than the match itself. Among all the coaches in football, I can say he (Sir Alex) is my best friend.”

That to us tells us a story in itself, there is a friendship there as well as a mutual and professional respect. A respect that could go as far as calling the Madrid coach that he will be leaving the job soon and that he would like him as his successor.

Some do not agree with his playing tactics, many suggest his teams are too defensively focused. That may be true but he has a winning mentality, Mourinho also had to build the team at Chelsea and add belief to those at Inter Milan.

At Old Trafford the foundations are already there, players already have that belief, when Sir Alex Ferguson does eventually call it a day it will be Mourinho who will be the man to steps into his shoes to continue in the way of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.

The one concern could be that Mourinho chooses City over Manchester United, that would spell disaster and this is something us fans may have to prepare ourselves for. Manchester United are the best in the World, for that, when Sir Alex retires, we will need the next best football manager in the World and that means Jose Mourinho.

Cheerz
AC

Rickey

17-10-2010, 12:17 AM

ginn

17-10-2010, 01:19 AM

hi all, i know this is not the correct place to post this. but i tried to post a thread in the forum but it did not appear. I have an issue that I need to ask.

Ok around the noon, my acct couldnt log in so I contact my upline to do smth abt it. I tried a few times it say wrong password and aft that its locked. But he said he was busy at work can only do it aft work so around night time. So at night, the acct was unlocked and password was being reset. I log in and i saw alot of bets i did not place at all. Called my upline and he say he cant do anything and i have to pay if there are losses. So my concern are the followings:

1. I did take the responsiblity to inform (Both upline and customer service) but they couldnt do anything.
2. How did the hacker able to login when i cant.

I am very suspicious of my upline but what should i do?

Rickey

17-10-2010, 06:31 AM

Tis confirmed...Man U are tis season's draw specialist or losers !!.....imagine always leading but letting their opponents off to get back at them...OMG !! how to be champs like dat...playing like a bunch of goondus !! sigh..no hope oredi lah...forget abt the title...no team now will fear Man U...cant even beat a newly promoted team ! - WBA sia

it was Fulham, Everton..then Sunderland and now WBA...who's next ?? when are they ever going to learn...the defence is really in shambles, nothing much done abt tat... 2 goals in 5 minutes by an unknown player of a newly promoted side...oh wat a shame...seems like Alex Ferguson wld rather taste defeat than victory ...the title is as good as gone..no need to challenge anymore lah...sigh

asiancigar

17-10-2010, 10:09 AM

Like i said before..........................

KNN......

At the start of the season....... i said that it will take divine intervention for our beloved United to finish anything better than 3rd in the EPL. Looks like we won't even make it into the semis of Championship League and forget about the FA Cup coz some minnow team will probably knock us out !!!.

The club has been plundered dry of finances and repeatedly being raped by circus clowns GLAZERs and their ring master GrILL.

SAF is a fantastic manager/coach but he does NOT have the skills of a magician....... look at our squad of 25..... we have old, aged and tired legs & lungs > Neville, Scholes, Giggs, Rio, MO, Brown, O'shit, Berba.... jaded and injury prone > Hargreaves, Carrick, Valencia.

With no monies to sign proven players..... GrILL signs untested and cheap or FOC players like Smalling, Bebe etc. Further reduces the squad by loaning out or selling young players..... Mame, Wellbeck etc. And SAF is kiasu and will not trust newbies like Macheda, Gibson, Anderson.

Anyone care to place a bet that we will be in the Finals for CL, FA and/or challenging for 1st or 2nd in the EPL.......... i will makan your bet.

Never in my 40 years as a loyal die-hard fan of United do i dread turning on my TV to watch another United game for fear that we might yet again DRAW or worst than that LOSE !!!.

Fuck lah........ the GLAZERs & GrILL have destroyed the history, the pride and managed to bankrupt the richest and most glamorous football club in the world in just a few short years.

Cheerz
AC

asiancigar

17-10-2010, 10:17 AM

As things stand and with the tension building up in OT....... another prediction of mine will come thru....... THOSE FUCKING G & G WILL SELL ROONEY!!!.... to pay off more debts and buy another executive jet for their own pleasure... ccb

Am afraid its downhill all the way for us now...................

Cheerz
AC

machoman

17-10-2010, 01:32 PM

it was Fulham, Everton..then Sunderland and now WBA...who's next ?? when are they ever going to learn...the defence is really in shambles, nothing much done abt tat... 2 goals in 5 minutes by an unknown player of a newly promoted side...oh wat a shame...seems like Alex Ferguson wld rather taste defeat than victory ...the title is as good as gone..no need to challenge anymore lah...sigh

Again, cruising comfortably with a 2 nil goal margin in the 1st half & the Red Devils' defence became complacent, leaking soft goals to lesser opponents~!

:(:mad::(

Rickey

17-10-2010, 02:48 PM

Tis confirmed...Man U are tis season's draw specialist or losers !!.....imagine always leading but letting their opponents off to get back at them...OMG !! how to be champs like dat...playing like a bunch of goondus !! sigh..no hope oredi lah...forget abt the title...no team now will fear Man U...cant even beat a newly promoted team ! - WBA sia

So..its an o.g !! :mad: by tis clown Patrick Evra who led the French revolt at the WC and of all pple Edwin van der Sar, the safe pair of hands between the United poles until last season tat is....clean sheets for many matches continuously...but tis season he has leaked goals in almost every match...the goal he leaked ytd was the most cartoon 1 ever seen :mad:...sorry to say tis, but tink it is time for him to pack up his bag....o/w he wil let in more goals..

machoman

19-10-2010, 09:53 AM

Rooney 'ready to quit' Uniteds

Monday, October 18, 2010, 21:57:07 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1287237740010-1-1.jpg
Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney, seen here during a match against Bolton Wanderers on September 26. Sir Alex Ferguson has fuelled rumours of a rift with Rooney by leaving the striker on the bench for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The future of Wayne Rooney dominated media reports here Monday as speculation mounted that the Manchester United superstar was set to leave Old Trafford following a rift with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although Manchester United officials have dismissed talk of Rooney being sold as "nonsense," the denial failed to halt an avalanche of media coverage stating the player was determined to quit the English giants.

Several newspapers reported that Rooney's previously close relationship with Ferguson had deteriorated irrevocably following a bust-up over lurid tabloid revelations about the striker's private life which emerged last month.

The Times cited unidentified sources as saying Rooney and Ferguson had "not had a civil conversation for weeks."

The Daily Mail said Rooney now wanted to leave as soon as possible, saying the England star felt aggrieved by a perceived lack of support from Ferguson over reports alleging he cheated on his wife with prostitutes.

Ferguson chose to rest Rooney for the match immediately following the scandal, against Everton, and has since left him out of the starting line-up for games against Sunderland, Valencia and West Bromwich Albion.

The first sign of a rift between the pair was exposed last week when Rooney openly contradicted Ferguson's claim that he had been nursing an ankle injury, saying he had not missed a training session all season.

That defiant statement has been viewed as a declaration of war by Rooney, who has less than two years left to run on his existing contract with United and who is valued at around 50 million pounds.

If Rooney is determined to leave, United -- who have debts totalling more than 700 million pounds -- will be forced to cash in while they can or risk him leaving for nothing in 18 months time.

While Ferguson has not been afraid to off-load star players in the past -- getting rid of Paul Ince, Jaap Stam, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy -- Rooney's exit would be unprecedented, the Mail commented.

"Rooney is different not just because he is the one reaching for the eject button, but because he remains in his prime and the most important member of the United team," the paper noted.

"If Rooney leaves it would blow a gaping hole in not only Ferguson's front line but also in the morale of the team."

The Times meanwhile identified Real Madrid and Manchester City as the likeliest suitors in any race to sign Rooney, nothing that Real manager Jose Mourinho was a long-term admirer of the player.

The prospect of Rooney crossing Manchester to sign for City -- a transfer which would horrify United fans -- was also possible, the Times said.

"If hypothetically speaking, the situation has not been resolved by January and City offer 45 million pounds for a player who is at odds with his manager and whose contract is running down, could (United) really say no'," the paper asked.

However Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano sought to dampen down speculation of a move for Rooney, saying Monday the Spanish giants would not be looking to add to their squad in the winter transfer window.

"In January, there will be no new arrivals and no departures," he told Spanish television channel Telemadrid in an interview quoted by AS sport daily.

"Real already have two great forwards: (Gonzalo) Higuain and Cristiano (Ronaldo). There's also (Angel) di Maria and (Mesut) Oezil who support the forwards. Who would we drop'"

- AFP

asiancigar

19-10-2010, 04:31 PM

My 4D also not so choon...... bye bye Rooney :p

It would be a dream cum thru if Peter Lim, Dennis Foo and BS Ong could team up and buy over United....... wahaaaaaaaaa :rolleyes:

Cheerz
AC

machoman

20-10-2010, 09:30 AM

Ferguson shocked as Rooney asks to leave Man Utd
Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 23:52:49 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1287496299110-8-1.jpg
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has confirmed that star striker Wayne Rooney has said he wants to leave the club.

Manchester United superstar Wayne Rooney sent shockwaves rippling across English football on Tuesday after manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the striker wanted to leave the club.

After days of raging speculation about the 24-year-old's future, a clearly stunned Ferguson broke his silence on the saga by announcing that the club's most important player wanted out of Old Trafford.

"I had a meeting with him. He intimated to me in his own way that he wanted to leave," Ferguson said at an extraordinary press conference ahead of United's Champions League match with Turkish side Bursaspor on Wednesday.

Ferguson, describing himself as "shocked and disappointed" by Rooney's position, said he was unable to provide an explanation for the player's desire to move after six successful years at the club.

"We're as bemused as anyone can be because we can't quite understand why he'd want to leave a club that no-one can deny is the most successful in British football," Ferguson said.

"We've won 40 major trophies, countless cup finals, have a fantastic history, a great stadium, great training arrangements -- a platform for anyone to take up the challenges here. We don't understand it.

"I can't answer your questions about why is he doing it. You can speculate, you can have opinions, it won't matter a dickie bird. Simply because the player says he is adamant. He wants to leave."

Speculation of a breakdown in Ferguson and Rooney's previously close relationship had reached a crescendo after the player was left on the substitutes bench for Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

That snub came after Rooney publicly contradicted Ferguson's assertion that he was suffering from an ankle injury, telling reporters after England's match with Montenegro last week that he was fully fit.

Reports had claimed Rooney and Ferguson's relationship had ruptured in the wake of lurid tabloid revelations in September alleging the player had cheated on his pregnant wife with two prostitutes.

Rooney was reported to be unhappy with Ferguson's decision to leave him out of the match against Everton immediately following the scandal while Ferguson was said to have accused the player of tarnishing the club's reputation.

However Ferguson revealed on Tuesday that Rooney had broken off contract talks in mid-August -- suggesting that the player had decided to leave well before the reports over his private life emerged.

In an interview with Manchester United's official television channel MUTV, Ferguson recalled the moment when club chief executive David Gill broke the news that Rooney had requested to quit.

"I was in the office on 14 August when David told me he'd had a call from his agent saying that Wayne wasn't going to sign his contract," Ferguson said.

"So then David came across to see me. He said he couldn't believe it and neither could I. I was dumbfounded.

"I couldn't understand it at all because only months before he'd said he was at the biggest club in the world and he wanted to stay for life. We just don't know what's changed the boy's mind. David was shocked, I was shocked."

In another twist, Ferguson revealed that Rooney had been injured in training on Tuesday and would not be in the squad for Wednesday's game with Bursaspor.

Ferguson also expressed disappointment that Rooney had contradicted his comments about being injured, insisting he had been nursing an ankle knock.

"Why he came out and said that you can only guess yourself. It was disappointing he said that," Ferguson said.

"He got an ankle injury in the Rangers game. He was seen clearly hobbling at half-time. He confirmed it himself in an interview with Sky."

Rooney's likely departure represents a devastating blow for United as they attempt to maintain their status as one of the world's truly elite clubs, having already lost Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in 2009.

With Rooney having only 18 months left on his existing contract, United will now likely be forced to sell their prized asset -- worth around 50 million pounds (57 million euros) -- as quickly as possible before his value depreciates.

If Rooney is not sold in the January transfer window, he could, under FIFA regulations, technically buy out the remaining year of his contract next summer for around five million pounds, leaving United with nothing.

Worse still for Manchester United's fans to contemplate is the fact that cross-town rivals Manchester City have rapidly emerged as the favourite to land Rooney, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona also linked to the player.

The Guardian newspaper said on Tuesday that any move by Rooney to City would represent the "most rancorous and staggering transfer of modern times".

- AFP

et911

20-10-2010, 09:44 AM

What a dickhead.

asiancigar

21-10-2010, 05:23 AM

Wayne Rooney accuses Manchester United of lacking ambition
Oct 20 2010

Wayne Rooney has accused Manchester United of lacking ambition.

Twenty four hours after Sir Alex Ferguson’s devastating attack on his star striker, Rooney entered the fray.

In confirming he wishes to leave the Red Devils, the 24-year-old outlined why his future lies away from Old Trafford.

Ferguson claimed not to have an answer on Tuesday.

On Wednesday evening, Rooney placed the Glazer family right in the spotlight, revealing that he asked for assurances from United chief executive David Gill in August about potential signings as he was concerned about the direction the club was heading in.

Rooney said: "It is absolutely true that my agent and I have had a number of meetings with the club about a new contract.

"During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"For me it’s all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

"I met with David Gill last week he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad," said Rooney.

"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."

Rooney will hope his comments take away the stigma of greed which Ferguson raised with his own devastating attack.

They will certainly strike a chord with those United fans opposed to the Glazer regime, who have constantly campaigned against the huge levels of debt the Americans incurred with their hugely leveraged buyout.

Less than two weeks ago, United announced losses of £83.6million, from a record operating profit of £100million.

Yet these were written off by Gill, who emphasised the club’s healthy bank balance, which is in excess of £165million.

The problem for United’s anti-Glazer faction - and now Rooney it seems - is that the money remains unspent at a time when United are haemorrhaging star players.

Although both Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez departed in the summer of 2009, United failed to attract world-class replacements.

The Manchester United Supporters Trust view the obstacle as being a £526million bond, and payment-in-kind notes of over £220million levied against the family themselves and attracting interest at a high rate of 16.25%.

Instead Ferguson brought in Michael Owen on a free transfer and Gabriel Obertan on a modest fee from Bordeaux to supplement Antonio Valencia, who arrived for £17million from Wigan.

United’s top target - Karim Benzema - went to Real Madrid instead, with Ferguson left to make the first of numerous claims that there was "no value in the market".

When it was anticipated Ferguson would make major signings this summer following the loss of his side’s Premier League title, the Red Devils again limited their spending.

Javier Hernandez has made a decent impact following his arrival from Mexican outfit Chivas but England Under-21 international Chris Smalling has been purchased with an eye to the future, whilst winger Bebe has made just two substitute appearances since his shock £7million capture from Vitoria Guimaraes.

Various big names were linked with United, including German World Cup star Mesut Ozil, who like Benzema and Ronaldo, ended up at Real Madrid.

At the same time, nearby Manchester City were recruiting one-time United target Yaya Toure - on wages estimated to be around £200,000-a-week, twice Rooney’s current salary - and Mario Balotelli.

Rooney was left to conclude that United were no longer the club to be at, especially as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville are all nearing the end of their careers.

The same is also true of Ferguson, who will celebrate his 69th birthday on New Years’ Eve.

Now the Scot is left to contemplate picking up the wreckage from a quite disastrous week in terms of morale, knowing his star player will almost certainly leave in January, with no obvious replacement in sight and major questions now being asked about the capability of the club to bring in star names.

The one sliver of comfort for Ferguson is that Rooney has used this opportunity to dispel once and for all, the claim that he no longer respects his boss.

"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?" he said.

"Despite recent difficulties, I know I will always owe Sir Alex Ferguson a huge debt. He is a great manager and mentor who has helped and supported me from the day he signed me from Everton when I was only 18.

"For Manchester United’s sake I wish he could go on forever because he’s a one-off and a genius."

mr_missile

21-10-2010, 08:42 AM

Manchester United is an institution. One man does not make a club.
If Rooney goes (and it is now almost a foregone conclusion), he will just be another big name player who has left the club - Keane, Stam, Ince, Van Nilsterooy, Beckham, Ronaldo.
United will move on. Sir Alex will make sure of that before he retires. That it something I am sure of. So take heart fellow United supporters. :)

machoman

21-10-2010, 08:53 AM

Wayne Rooney accuses Manchester United of lacking ambition
Oct 20 2010

"During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"For me it’s all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

"I met with David Gill last week he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad," said Rooney.

"I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract."

Rooney will hope his comments take away the stigma of greed which Ferguson raised with his own devastating attack.

It's all about money, not about trophies!!! :p :rolleyes: :mad: :(

CibLover

21-10-2010, 04:20 PM

Wayne Rooney accuses Manchester United of lacking ambition
Oct 20 2010

....

"During those meetings in August I asked for assurances about the continued ability of the club to attract the top players in the world.

"For me it’s all about winning trophies - as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

Rooney will hope his comments take away the stigma of greed which Ferguson raised with his own devastating attack....

"I have never had anything but complete respect for MUFC. How could I not have done given its fantastic history and especially the last six years in which I have been lucky to play a part?" he said.
......"

Bullshit all the way. Some clubs attracts all the big-name players and see what they have won in the last 5 years?

Last nights' banner says it all.

"Coleen forgives you. We won't!!"

"Now who is the whore, Wayne?"

We understand that the players need to look after their own earnings considering their "career" is relatively short. However, you do not claim the club is without ambition and just wanna turn your back. Even the gaffer has offered and tried to "shield" him from his off-field scoring!!

I would say good riddance if he does go. No player is bigger than the club. Not Stam, not Beckham, not Keane and certainly not this young chap called Rooney.

Just my 2 cents. :mad:

yinyang

22-10-2010, 08:30 AM

understand that the players need to look after their own earnings considering their "career" is relatively short. However, you do not claim the club is without ambition and just wanna turn your back. Even the gaffer has offered and tried to "shield" him from his off-field scoring!!
I would say good riddance if he does go. No player is bigger than the club. Not Stam, not Beckham, not Keane and certainly not this young chap called Rooney.
Bang on, bro.:)

His own teamates also giving him stick for what he said about rest of team. There's life after Roon. Quick, sell him for big bucks and get a hard hitter (Torres?):cool:

mr_missile

22-10-2010, 09:45 AM

There's life after Roon. Quick, sell him for big bucks and get a hard hitter (Torres?):cool:

Man United will move on after Rooney, that's for sure. :)

It will make interesting news if SAF is willing to let Rooney go to the blue half of Manchester, and then he goes on to sign Torres from Pool. Can't imagine all the respective fans' reactions if these were to happen. :D

asiancigar

22-10-2010, 09:55 AM

Ferguson still swimming against the tide

"Once a blue, always a red," rings out the Old Trafford terrace anthem in tribute to Wayne Rooney. Or at least, it did. Rooney's clear engineering of a stand-off with Manchester United will likely have made him into just another greedy footballer in the eyes of his current club's supporters.

Few will warm to Rooney's seeming inability to admit to his own lack of both decorum and performance but the reasons given by sources close to him - for that, read his agent - for his disquiet would seem to point to the root cause of all of the club's problems. And all roads here would seem to lead to the Floridian mansion of one Malcolm Glazer.

Manchester United used to be known for their money, their ability to spend big and a healthy bank balance that allowed them to retain their stars and buy the best young prospects. It has taken five years but the full effects of Glazernomics are now being felt. Once in the black, now deeply in the red, it is thanks to the depths of resources that United once had that only now is true decline setting in. Ferguson faces the prospect of a tarnished legacy by presiding over it, yet allaying the fall of United for as long as he has may well be among the greatest of his many achievements.

Still reliant on a geriatric trio of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Edwin van der Sar, United have lurched into mediocrity this season, with a series of draws reflective of a squad no longer capable of putting teams away, with defensive problems key to the slide.

It is said that Rooney, who carried the team for much of the 2009-10 season, is unimpressed by the quality of reinforcements brought in to support him. Javier Hernandez, Chris Smalling and the mysterious Bebe may equal 'value', the new Old Trafford watchword, but they are barely credible as players to enrich a squad well short of Chelsea last season and who exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Finalists in the Champions League in consecutive years just 18 months ago, United have weakened into also-rans, with Rooney now likely to follow Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez into the ex-players' lounge. Only the most hopeful United fan will hope for a superstar replacement in the light of the dealings of the last two summers. After all, Ronaldo and Tevez were replaced by Michael Owen, Gabriel Obertan and Antonio Valencia.

The secrecy of the Glazer regime does not help. What we know of them comes through financial reports and the picking through of their various deals. It is left to chief executive David Gill to proclaim that upwards of £700 million of debt is not a problem - to barely credulous reaction - and Ferguson to sully relations with fans by praising his paymasters while they themselves fund an ailing team.

Ferguson's intimation that he has been blindsided by Rooney and his agent further confirms that he is swimming against the tide, despite his claims that United can and will offer an unmatchable deal. Those pointed press conference remarks about United's gloriously decorated history were clearly aimed at Manchester City, a nouveau riche neighbour said to be the favoured suitor and now infinitely more powerful in financial terms.

Rooney's departure seems ever more certain, given he is clearly going to dislike further dirty linen being aired. We have been granted the rare sight of Ferguson opening the door on club business, but the helplessness of his words betray what looks a bleak future for Manchester United.

asiancigar

22-10-2010, 10:41 AM

Rumors have it that David Gill is planning yet another major coup, to use the sale of Rooney to bring back David Beckham and Henrik Larrson to create impact, dejavu and add another dimension to United's quest for more silverware....

More signings to cummmmm....

Torres - so that Hargreaves will not feel lonely and have someone to share experience on how to nurse their fucked up knees while watching United on TV.

Oliver Gill - immediate promotion from from Reserves to First Team ( apparently Ole is very impressed with David Gill's son plus the fact that he will share his father's salary ... it helps!!! ).

New fighting fit team in action....... Bebe, Torres, Owen, Obertan, Beckham, Larrson, Smalling, Scholes, Neville, Oliver Gill, Rio, Carrick, Oshea, Brown, Giggs, Hargreaves, wahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Cheerz
AC

machoman

22-10-2010, 08:05 PM

Rooney staying

22/10/2010 11:29

NEWSFLASH from manutd.com@
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6653000

Wayne Rooney has agreed a new 5 year contract to stay at Manchester United until at least June 2015.

The agreement follows intensive discussions between the Club and the player’s representatives and means that by the end of his contract Wayne will have been a Manchester United player for 11 years.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.

“Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.

“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.

“I’m sure everyone involved with the Club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”

Wayne Rooney said: “I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the Manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the Manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.

RonaldoNani

22-10-2010, 11:41 PM

LONDON (AFP) – – Wayne Rooney performed a shock u-turn Friday by signing a new five-year contract with Manchester United just days after appearing to be on his way out of Old Trafford.

Rooney had rocked United on Wednesday by revealing that he wanted to leave the Premier League club because they no longer had enough ambition to compete for major honours.

However United reopened talks with Rooney’s agent and announced on Friday that the player had made an astonishing u-turn and opted to commit his long-term future to the club.

A statement on the club’s website said: “Wayne Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract to stay at Manchester United until at least June 2015.

“The agreement follows intensive discussions between the Club and the player’s representatives and means that by the end of his contract Wayne will have been a Manchester United player for 11 years.”

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had already revealed earlier in the week that contract talks with Rooney had broken down in August and it seemed certain the former Everton star would be sold.

Ferguson said Friday he was delighted with Rooney’s decision: “It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United.

“I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.

“Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand.

“I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.”

Rooney had been increasingly linked with a move to arch local rivals Manchester City, prompting an angry reaction from fans.

One group protested at his house on Thursday and had to be moved on by police.

mr_missile

23-10-2010, 07:37 AM

Rooney staying

22/10/2010 11:29

Wayne Rooney has agreed a new 5 year contract to stay at Manchester United until at least June 2015.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.

This is great news! Rooney has got to realise that the club is much much bigger than any player.

Manchester United is not just another football club. It is an institution. :)

asiancigar

23-10-2010, 07:53 AM

I was shocked to hear from my son yesterday evening that Rooney had done complete U-Turn and signed a new 5 year deal....... my jaw dropped.... haha

So, we will win the EPL and the CL and the FA and the whatever cup that comes along right.... now that Rooney is not leaving.

Am afraid not coz as long as the cancer is still there..... " Glazers & Gill " .... slow death and decay awaits.

Fuck la, i won't get to see return of Beckham, Larsson nor will young Oliver Gill get to wear first team jersey despite his father's promise to share salary....... wahaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Cheerz
AC

CibLover

23-10-2010, 03:36 PM

...[COLOR="navy"]Fuck la, i won't get to see return of Beckham, Larsson nor will young Oliver Gill get to wear first team jersey despite his father's promise to share salary....... wahaaaaaaaaaaaaa ........

Well, money talks. At least glad to know that MU still has "some" bargaining power.

However, I'm a bit cautious on this recent development. Am guessing that those bastxxxx Glazers appealed to Rooney to sign a new contract; just so that Man Utd can squeeze more monies out from his suitors in the future. And Wazza might have seen this as a "repayment" to his mentor SAF.

Hopefully, I'm wrong. :o :(

But I agree that those idiots Glazer should be the one who needs to be kicked out!! :mad:

slyer

24-10-2010, 03:20 PM

I am glad rooney is staying. lets hope man utd can win stoke city tonite as united have been drawing too much and drop too many pts which is not too good

asiancigar

25-10-2010, 08:12 AM

... Am guessing that those bastxxxx Glazers appealed to Rooney to sign a new contract; just so that Man Utd can squeeze more monies out from his suitors in the future. And Wazza might have seen this as a "repayment" to his mentor SAF.

Hopefully, I'm wrong. :o :(

But I agree that those idiots Glazer should be the one who needs to be kicked out!! :mad:

On the contrary...., i think you are right Bro. With Wazza on a new 5 year contract...... those fucking G & G can now flog him off for 60+plus million.

Personally, i don't think Wazza will stay coz he will not tahan the heat and taunting from United supporters who have yet to forgive him......unless he starts scoring again real soon.... consistently and with critical goals to boot.

Cheerz
AC

splicer

31-10-2010, 11:58 PM

another win,yesterday...2-0 against Spurs.

asiancigar

02-11-2010, 01:44 AM

Growing anger amongst Manchester United supporters as thousands march against the Glazer family
Fans vent their fury at Americans outside Old Trafford

1 Nov 2010 11:45:00

“Die, Glazer die” went up the roar as 10,000 Manchester United fans made their way down Sir Matt Busby Way on Saturday.

An X-rated, emotionally charged chant to send the message over the pond that United supporters will keep fighting to force the Glazer family out of Old Trafford.

Flares were sent into the air as the masses closed in on the ground, foreign football tourists clambered up the walls to take photographs of the amazing sight as police lined up to make sure the peaceful demonstration did not turn into a riot.

Over in the Manchester United boardroom, chief executive David Gill turned his head to a colleague and said 'can you hear that?'

“We want Glazers out” sang the supporters on the United Against Glazer march as they voiced their indignation over the £83.6 million losses revealed in the club's latest accounts.

Those record losses were announced in spite of record turnover and operating profit figures. They were followed by the Wayne Rooney saga in which the club's star player questioned the owners' abilities to invest in the squad and whether United could challenge for trophies.

Annual interest payments of around £45m to service £500m debt has resulted in season-ticket rises from £487 to £722 since the Glazer family takeover in 2005.

“The Glazers have been a cancer on a footballing institution that has been built by many generations of loyal United supporters,” a spokesman for march organisers United Against Glazer told Goal.com UK.

“We, the supporters, made this club what it is and before the Glazers the club was self-sufficient and did not rely on burdensome debts to sustain itself.

“This demonstration is for us to show our anger that the Glazers are stripping the assets of the club without reinvesting while making supporters pay through the nose.”

'Forever in your debt' read one banner, placards were held aloft that used the club's main sponsor, AON, as an acronym for Americans Out Now.

The Glazer family may have hoped opposition to their ownership had died down following the 'Green and Gold' campaign last season but here were thousands of United fans, fists pumped into the air, calling for their heads.

“I'm disgusted that they have been bleeding the club dry by taking £500m out of it since they bought it in 2005,” said protester Sam Whitehead, a 28-year-old labourer who can no longer afford a ticket so was not even going to the match against Tottenham.

Liverpool have finally ousted their despised American owners – Tom Hicks and George Gillett – and the message outside Old Trafford was simple: we're going to do the same.

“I hate Liverpool with a passion but what happened over there showed fan power and fan action does work,” said United supporter Alice Smith as she marched. “We will keep fighting and it may get to the stage where the only way to get rid of them is to hit them in the pocket.”

And maybe they are. Last Tuesday, United recorded their second-lowest attendance since the turn of the century with a turnout of 46,083 for the home League Cup tie against Wolves.

“The only thing they understand is money,” added another fan just as a flare was set off in front of him. “We're going nowhere until we can get rid of them, this squad is on its last legs and where is the investment in the team?”

That is the crux of the matter. For all their banners, chants, and buffeting as they marched the mile-long route from the Tollgate pub to the stadium, to a man what the supporters really cared about was the club's future.

“If we let the Glazers stay in power then not only will we be in a perilous position off the pitch but the team will also be average,” said Nadeem Asghar, 35, from Oldham. “Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville are all about to retire and how are we going to replace them? What happened to the £80m we got from selling Cristiano Ronaldo that we were told would go back into the team?”

Fitting then, that for all the bile directed towards the Glazers by the angry mob that seemed to grow uncontrollably, the final chant before they dispersed and entered Old Trafford to watch their team was 'we love United, oh yes we do'.

asiancigar

07-11-2010, 09:27 AM

We were very lucky to win last night's match against Wolves...... coz we had only 9 men on our team. Firstly, Harkow would looked like he was missing his favorite sofa because that is what he has been doing over the past 2 years. And secondly, O'Shit who always seem to be playing for the opposition.... passing the ball to them, standing rooted when opposing team is attacking and running around like an unofficial mascot in a headless chicken outfit.

Harkow lasted only 4 minutes........... waHAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Like i said, better retire him lah. I think he has forgotten how to play football liao. 2 years with knee problem, last night was hamstring and tomorrow looks promising for groin or dislocated kuku cheow.

Bebe was literally playing to the fans........ most of his crosses ended up in the stands.

It is now confirmed that SAF like most ang mo is a racist........ KNN, he never even gave so much as a praise or mentioned about Park's superb performance which saved the day for United.

And after what we witnessed last night....... SAF insists that he is STILL not signing in January.......... what the FUCK !!!!

Cheerz
AC

lacoruna69

07-11-2010, 03:49 PM

I think Hargow will play better if he is on a wheelchair.....:D

It is rare to see JS Park scored twice. Those are 2 crucial goals. I read somewhere before most likely JS Park will be off loaded to transfer stable in Jan.
Pity. 3-lung Park might not be spectacular (that is until last night match) but he is no doubt very hardworking. :(

tansb

07-11-2010, 06:20 PM

Park is indeed very hardworking. running all over the place and trying every single attempt to assist or score but knn.. this wolves so neh si stuborn.. heng man u won last night.

Seems like a fairytale come true.. last minute goal

Pankunchi

11-11-2010, 10:44 PM

those players like Scholes,Giggs and Neville,who serve the Devils well for quite a number of years.
now they are old,but seem like the youth production is not so good.
but they still manage to get an result...which is not bad.

richie_rich

13-11-2010, 10:04 AM

Aston Villa vs Man United Preview

Aston Villa are likely to have eight first-team squad members unavailable for the game.

Carlos Cuellar has definitely been ruled out with a calf injury suffered ahead of the midweek win over Blackpool while fellow defender Habib Beye is also struggling after twisting his ankle in the warm-up against the Tangerines.

Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker, John Carew, Emile Heskey, Steve Sidwell and Fabian Delph are out, but striker Gabriel Agbonlahor could come into the starting line-up after making his comeback from groin surgery as a substitute against Blackpool.

Manchester United are hopeful of having Patrice Evra available.

The France full-back limped out of Wednesday's Manchester derby with an ankle injury, which it was felt would keep him out of the Villa Park encounter.

However, Evra trained on Friday and could be involved, unlike Rafael who is sidelined by a dead leg, and

richie_rich

13-11-2010, 10:08 AM

ROONEY ON THE MEND, SAY MAN UTD

Manchester United are preparing to welcome Wayne Rooney back from his American jaunt, believing their star striker will soon be ready for action.

Rooney has made just one substitutes' appearance since the end of September after being badly affected by an ankle injury.

Although he did come through England's Euro 2012 encounter with Montenegro, after which he claimed there was nothing wrong, Rooney did have an injury problem.

Last week United assistant-manager Mike Phelan revealed Rooney was being sent to Nike's plush HQ in Beaverton, on the west coach of the United States, for a week's conditioning work.

The 25-year-old, who recently signed a five-year contract extension after previously suggesting he was unhappy at Old Trafford, is due to return on Saturday and will be assessed by United's medical team on Monday.

That means there is no chance of Rooney being involved in England's friendly with France at Wembley, although - judging by the reports United have been receiving - it might not be long before Rooney is back.

"Wayne has been doing really well," Phelan told Key 103. "He has been training really hard, working morning and afternoon.

"Our people out there who are looking after him have been really pleased with his attitude and approach.

"All being well he can have a nice easy flight back. We will see where he is at on Monday but we think he will have improved immensely."

Rickey

14-11-2010, 01:47 AM

Damn it !! Man U & Alex Ferguson blew it once again...yet another draw, this time wif Aston Villa...nearly ended in a loss ..had they not woke up towards the end of the match...had been sleeping almost throughout the whole match..

When wil the so called 'Red Devils' ever learn ?? ..struggling against every team they play wif...big or small...small teams are even scoring against them wif relative ease and wif unknown players..OMG !! They can really forget abt the title, if Fergie is not going to recruit better players in Jan 2011 as he had said...best they can fight for is 2nd place...even tat is not assured wif this current group of jokers..scoring ogs, giving away penalties or allowing opposition to score against them so easily...WT Fish !

dc7176

14-11-2010, 03:59 PM

w the American as owners, we must b happy tat we manage to qualify for CL... 4get abt the titles... :cool:

alex18122003

14-11-2010, 04:32 PM

w the American as owners, we must b happy tat we manage to qualify for CL... 4get abt the titles... :cool:

Ole :D Ole :p Ole

Pankunchi

14-11-2010, 05:05 PM

but at least MU managed to recover and grab a draw.

A Red Devils

15-11-2010, 11:51 AM

we are still in the race,Chelsea lost 0-3 to Sunderland.
the season is still long way to go.

yinyang

15-11-2010, 06:10 PM

..still in the race,Chelsea lost 0-3 to Sunderland. the season is still long way to go.
at least MU managed to recover and grab a draw
Great escape (again) sat. No pride on unbeaten run by giveaways (especially away) so far? :o

Better we do well on our own, than depend on others to falter

asiancigar

16-11-2010, 10:44 AM

Great escape (again) sat. No pride on unbeaten run by giveaways (especially away) so far? :o

Better we do well on our own, than depend on others to falter

Okay lets just see how we will end up from now till Christmas against Chelsea and Arsenal:

Currently > Chelsea 28, Arsenal 26 & United 25

Matches >

20/11 United v Wigan +3
27/11 United v Blackburn +1
04/12 Blackpool v United +3
13/12 United v Arsenal +1
19/12 Chelsea v United +1
26/12 United v Sunderland +3

20/11 Birmingham v Chelsea +3
28/11 Newcastle v Chelsea +3
04/12 Chelsea v Everton +1
13/12 Spurs v Chelsea +1
19/12 Chelsea v United +1
27/12 Arsenal v Chelsea +1

20/11 Arsenal v Spurs +1
27/11 Villa v Arsenal +1
04/12 Arsenal v Fulham +3
13/12 United v Arsenal +1
18/12 Arsenal v Stoke +3
27/12 Arsenal v Chelsea +1

My Prediction Chelsea 38, United 37 & Arsenal 36

What are your Predictions (use the Date & Matches above and indicate your pts) ?

Interesting to see what our thoughts are.....

Cheerz
AC

machoman

21-11-2010, 07:53 AM

Rooney back as United move level with Chelsea
Sunday, November 21, 2010, 02:00:15 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1290275887740-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's defender Patrice Evra celebrates scoring during the English Premier League football match against Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-0.

Wayne Rooney made a winning comeback as a rare goal by Patrice Evra helped Manchester United to a 2-0 victory over nine-man Wigan at Old Trafford on Saturday.

England striker Rooney came on as a second half substitute - his first taste of action for a month after returning from the United States where he underwent conditioning work to aid his recovery from an ankle injury.

And despite announcing he wanted to leave Old Trafford - before doing a U-turn and agreeing a new five-year contract - Rooney received a warm reception from United fans before helping his side to a crucial win that put them level on points with Chelsea after the leaders' loss at Birmingham.

Evra opened the scoring on the stroke of half time before substitute Javier Hernandez sealed victory in the 77th minute.

Wigan were the better team in the first half but they ended the match with nine men after captain Antolin Alcaraz and striker Hugo Rodallega were sent off in the space of three second half minutes.

The visitors had arrived at Old Trafford seeking a first win over United, the previous 11 encounters between the two teams all ending in victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

So one sided has this fixture proved in the past that United had managed to rattle up 35 goals in those 11 games, including 10 in two encounters alone last season.

Yet with Rooney and Hernandez starting on the substitutes bench, United struggled to seriously test Wigan keeper Ali Al Habsi as the visitors, the Premier League's lowest scorers, carved out the better chances in a lacklustre first half.

Sloppy defending allowed Spanish midfielder Jordi Gomez to blaze an early effort over the bar before Rodallega stung the finger-tips of United keeper Edwin van der Sar in the 10th minute.

Two minutes later Nani went close with a delightful curling effort which whistled narrowly wide of the post, but in a first half of few opportunities, one of the biggest cheers was reserved for Rooney when he was instructed by Ferguson to warm up on the sidelines.

While United attacking duo Gabriel Obertan and Federico Macheda struggled to impose themselves, Rodallega grew in confidence, the Wigan striker showing great imagination with an acrobatic effort that flew narrowly wide.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1290275959724-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's midfielder Park Ji-Sung (R) clashes with Wigan Athletic's midfielder Hendry Thomas (L) during the English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-0.

Van der Sar was forced to spread himself to block an effort by Charles N'Zogbia after Wigan's French midfielder had powered into the penalty area before Evra broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time.

The full-back was in the perfect position to meet Park Ji-Sung's deep cross, the Wigan defence falling asleep as the unmarked Evra was allowed to head past Al Habsi.

It was the beginning of the end for Wigan. Within 17 minutes of the second half they were reduced to nine men after Alcaraz and Rodallega were both sent off.

Alcaraz, who had been booked earlier, was red carded for a needless foul on Darren Fletcher in the 59th minute before Rodallega followed three minutes later for a two-footed challenge on Rafael da Silva.

Inbetween the red cards, Rooney came on for his first taste of action since October 16 and was denied his first second goal for his club this season when Al Habsi tipped his powerful header over the bar.

But Hernandez made sure of the points 13 minutes from time with a well paced header after connecting with Rafael's inch-perfect cross.

- AFP

yinyang

21-11-2010, 08:15 AM

..see how we will end up from now till Christmas against Chelsea and Arsenal
My Prediction [B][COLOR="Red"]Chelsea 38, United 37 & Arsenal 36
What are your Predictions (use the Date & Matches above and indicate your
Interesting to see what our thoughts are
2 down (chelskis lost last 2) and gunners. But the jury's still out there. Let's hope santa's kind to devils:p

machoman

21-11-2010, 08:29 AM

2 down (chelskis lost last 2) and gunners. But the jury's still out there. Let's hope santa's kind to devils:p

Traditionally, at half time, during the festive period of Christmas and New Year, is when the Red Devils move up a gear and step on the gas, to pull ahead of potential contenders for the title. :) :D

mr_missile

22-11-2010, 11:00 AM

Currently > Chelsea 28, Arsenal 26 & United 25

Matches >

20/11 United v Wigan +3

20/11 Birmingham v Chelsea +3

20/11 Arsenal v Spurs +1

Cheerz
AC

A very good weekend for United as main rivals Chelsea and Arsenal both failed to collect a single point to allow United to draw level on top of the BPL. :D

Now Chelsea 28, United 28, Arsenal 26.

asiancigar

22-11-2010, 12:19 PM

In the words of SAF..... it's squeeky bum time

We have 2 relatively tough matches (Blackburn & Blackpool) before playing the big guns Chelsea and Arsenal. Predict + 6

Chelsea have Newcastle & Everton.... also quite tough Predict +4

Arsenal play Villa & Fulham...... also quite tough Predict +2

United 34, Chelsea 32 and Arsenal 28...... hehehe

Cheerz
AC

yinyang

22-11-2010, 06:31 PM

Really? Probably that's what tabloids do:confused:

http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/11...uble-transfer/

mr_missile

24-11-2010, 05:32 PM

UNITED CLOSING ON LINDEGAARD DEAL

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United expect to sign Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard within "the next two or three weeks".

Representatives from Lindegaard's Norwegian club side Aalesund FK were in Manchester last week, speaking optimistically about a deal being done for the 26-year-old, who has four caps for his country.

Former United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel claimed Lindegaard is not good enough for the Red Devils, leading to speculation that Ferguson might have cold feet over the deal.

However, the United boss insists that is not the case.

Having earmarked Lindegaard as someone who could bolster his goalkeeping ranks given Edwin van der Sar has now passed his 40th birthday and Tomasz Kuszczak's future appears uncertain, Ferguson felt the Aalesund officials had jumped the gun slightly in their assessment of when the contract would be signed.

"It is not completed at the moment but there has not been a hiccup either," Ferguson said.

"It will probably happen in the next two or three weeks, but the announcement was a bit premature."

machoman

26-11-2010, 01:26 PM

Rooney apologises to Manchester United fans

Friday, November 26, 2010, 09:33:49 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1290735060926-1-1.jpg

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney reacts during the UEFA champions league group C football match against Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 24, 2010. Rooney has tried to make his peace with Manchester United's fans by saying sorry for the way his contract talks were concluded last month.

Wayne Rooney has tried to make his peace with Manchester United's fans by saying sorry for the way his contract talks were concluded last month.

The England striker appeared to question United's desire and left open the possibility he might move to local rivals Manchester City.

It left a sour taste with many United fans who, when Rooney did extend his Old Trafford contract by five years, felt he toyed with their emotions in the hope of getting a better financial deal.

Rooney, before scoring his match-winning penalty in United's 1-0 Champions League victory over Rangers at Ibrox here on Wednesday, said: "I feel like I have apologised to the fans but everyone keeps saying that I haven't.

"If that is the case, then I apologise for my side of things.

"I have made my point clear since I signed my contract that I am committed to this club for the long term. I want to be successful here.

"Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Manchester City. Believe me if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blamed Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, for giving the forward bad advice but the 25-year-old himself was adamant he never wanted to leave Old Trafford.

"You see so many players leave this club and not do so well so I am delighted to have stayed."

- AFP

machoman

28-11-2010, 08:57 AM

Brilliant Berbatov hits five to destroy Rovers

Sunday, November 28, 2010, 01:50:01 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1290879959901-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov celebrates after scoring during their English Premier League football match against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United moved top of the Premier League as an incredible five goals from Berbatov helped Sir Alex Ferguson's side humiliate Blackburn Rovers 7-1.

Manchester United moved top of the Premier League as an incredible five goals from Dimitar Berbatov helped Sir Alex Ferguson's side humiliate Blackburn Rovers 7-1 on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney made his first Old Trafford start since he almost left Manchester United last month, but it was Berbatov who stole the show on a memorable afternoon for the Bulgarian striker.

He became just the fourth player since the inception of the Premier League to score five goals in one game following in the footsteps of Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe as United played beautifully from start to finish.

In a sign of what was to come, Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson failed to clear properly, as did Michel Salgado when he attempted a rescue act and their ineptitude allowed Nani to get the ball to Rooney who played in Berbatov and he swept past Robinson after 72 seconds.

It was his first goal since netting a hat-trick against Liverpool on September 19 and set United up to totally dominate the encounter.

Nani had a fine start to the game as he ran repeatedly at the Rovers' defence and Chris Samba almost turned the ball past his own goalkeeper after 15 minutes.

Blackburn were missing the influential Morten Gamst Pedersen who pulled his hamstring against Aston Villa last weekend and without him Blackburn just could not get on the ball.

United's midfield totally dominated proceedings and it was with little surprise when Park Ji-Sung superbly doubled United's lead midway through the first half.

The South Korean brilliantly carved Blackburn open with an intelligent run to the edge of Blackburn's box and after clever interplay with Rooney he slotted past Robinson to double the advantage.

Just four minutes later, and still before the half-hour mark, Berbatov secured his second goal when Pascal Chimbonda totally misjudged a back-pass and allowed him to calmly beat Robinson to underline that this match was already effectively over.

United felt they were denied a penalty as the half-time whistle approached as Salgado tackled both the ball and Berbatov in the box but United's pleas fell on deaf ears.

That was soon forgotten after the interval though when United scored twice within three minutes of the second half commencing and both goals were of the highest quality.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1290880164558-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's midfielder Nani (C) tries to outrun Blackburn Rovers' defenders Pascal Chimbonda (L) and Phil Jones (R) during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 7-1.

Firstly Berbatov started a passing move in his own half which eventually saw him receive the ball back from Nani close to the penalty spot and he thrashed past Robinson before Nani did exactly the same just 90 seconds later.

United were not finished there either as Berbatov then got lucky when a Park shot was blocked in the six-yard box which allowed him to poke home his fourth and United's sixth.

Despite having their ludicrously comfortable lead, United refused to rest on their laurels and continued attacking the now hapless and helpless visitors at will.

Blackburn had nothing left to give as United queued up to score and it was Berbatov who again managed to do so, slotting in from a tight angle after Ryan Nelsen had blocked his original effort.

Blackburn did manage to salvage some pride as Samba headed home a Josh Morris cross to beat Edwin van der Sar with seven minutes remaining but by then Rovers' humiliation was well and truly complete.

- AFP

asiancigar

28-11-2010, 10:13 AM

It should have been 6........

Nothing short of what dreams are made of....... going to Top of Table and level with Chelsea on goal diff and with Berba as Top Scorer.... wowWWWWWWWWW

Wonder if Newcastle are up to the task of taking some Blue scalp on Sunday......... :D

Berba's Fabulous 5 was the end result of the Fantastic Five who played precision flowing attacking football.....

Nani - he was playing his A game and made child's play of the defense
Rooney - his presence and hardwork combined with his understanding of Berba made minced meat of the defense
Park - this season he has been more hungry for goals and not shy of direct attacking play
Carrick - miraculous turn around from being a whimp to a dragon slayer
Anderson - never broke a sweat with his penetration when attacking and long balls that created movement from the wings

If we can keep this up......... then 3 or more Silverware may look more achieveable than just wishful thinking.......

Go United GO GO GO.....

Cheerz
AC

Rickey

03-12-2010, 01:43 AM

OMG !! now they lost the Carling Cup which they had quite easily won consecutively for the last 2 years...but today thrashed by a bottom-of-the-table team 4-0 inflicted by an old boy and a out-of-form striker.. even though they sent a 2nd stringers team but cant lose so badly wat...1-0 wld be a more respectable loss..

If they keep on playing like suicide like dat...very likely they wil end up with nothing tis season...dun deserve any silverware....So Wake-up !! Alex Ferguson while there is still a little time left...

asiancigar

03-12-2010, 10:22 AM

Looking at the game against West Ham........ IMHO, i think SAF threw the game away.... perhaps because it is a minor silverware and also maybe he pity Avram Grant.

I think SAF was hopeful that his young kids could do the job but alas, they could not deliver.

Now we can concentrate on the 3 main silverware EPL, CL & FA Cups..... :rolleyes:

Cheerz
AC

richie_rich

06-12-2010, 05:13 PM

UNITED WANT SHAWCROSS BACK

At the weekend all the talk was of Liverpool also making a bid for Ryan Shawcross, but The Daily Mail reports this morning that it's the chaps just up the road who have the advantage.

The paper reports that United's chief scout went for a little look-see at Shawcross this weekend, with Fergie 'considering bolstering his defensive options after seeing his second-string backline torn apart by West Ham in the Carling Cup last week.'

Shawcross, a former United player, has a clause in his contract allowing United first dibs on him should Stoke ever sell, although the Mail reports that Shawcross might hesitate about moving back to Old Trafford, having done his best work so far in the Potteries.

richie_rich

06-12-2010, 05:16 PM

FERGUSON: GIGGS CAN CARRY ON

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Ryan Giggs can carry on for another season.

The veteran winger, 37, who has made just 10 appearances this term due to a hamstring injury, hinted on Saturday that this season could be his last at Old Trafford.

But Ferguson believes, such is Giggs' fitness, that there is another year left in the Welsh wizard.

However, he believes the situation is different for fellow veteran Gary Neville, who is again struggling with injury.

Ferguson told The People: "Ryan is unbelievable - he's 37 years of age but his fitness has not changed.

"I think there is another year in him. It is difficult to say at that age because they can hit the buffers just like that.

"Ryan will want to carry on because he knows he is fit enough.

"It is different with Gary. We will have to assess him. He has an injury again and it is difficult when you get injuries all the time in your 30s."

richie_rich

18-12-2010, 04:26 PM

Team news for Chelsea vs Man United.

Frank Lampard will start Chelsea's crunch Barclays Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday.

The England midfielder came through the final 12 minutes of last weekend's 1-1 draw at Tottenham and a 60-minute practice match on Thursday unscathed following three and a half months out injured.

Jose Bosingwa, Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun remain sidelined.

Paul Scholes remains on the sidelines as Manchester United look to consolidate their place at the summit.

Scholes has missed four games since suffering a groin injury during the Champions League win over Rangers and Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect to have the veteran midfielder back until the new year.

John O'Shea (calf) is also a doubt as United attempt to secure their first win at Stamford Bridge since 2002.

Teams:

Chelsea (from): Cech, Turnbull, Hilario, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Cole, Terry, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Ramires, McEachran, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka, Bruma, Sturridge, Kakuta, Van Aanholt.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Amos, Rafael, O'Shea, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Smalling, Brown, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Nani, Park, Carrick, Anderson, Obertan, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Macheda, Bebe.

imom

18-12-2010, 11:06 PM

LOL that's two matches cancelled....

yinyang

19-12-2010, 09:02 AM

LOL that's two matches cancelled....
What a backlog, with xmas/new year crunch in the corner:p

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9285955.stm

Chelsea P-P Manchester United
Sunday's game between Premier League champions Chelsea and current league leaders Manchester United has been postponed due to safety reasons.

Heavy snow in London on Saturday has prompted the decision, which was taken following consultation with the Police and the local authority.

Saturday's games at Wigan, Birmingham, Arsenal and Liverpool have also fallen foul of the poor weather conditions.

Football League fixtures have also been heavily affected.

machoman

28-12-2010, 12:26 AM

Berbatov double keeps United on top of Premier League
Monday, December 27, 2010, 01:19:34 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1293383595909-1-1.jpg
Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov (C) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-0.

Dimitar Berbatov scored twice as Manchester United retained first place in the Premier League with a routine 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Berbatov's double took his tally for the season to 13 goals and United could not have wished for a better start than their fifth minute opener.

It should have been the springboard for them to have wrapped up the game emphatically in the opening quarter; indeed, a repeat of last month's 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn looked a distinct possibility.

Yet, somehow, United reached the interval with only Berbatov's superbly-worked opening goal to show for their embarrassing superiority over a Sunderland team without seven potential first team starters.

The goal came from a penetrating Ryan Giggs run through the middle of the park and a short pass to Wayne Rooney who, in turn, picked out Berbatov, lurking at the far post, with a magnificently-judged chip.

The Bulgarian forward stooped to head convincingly past Craig Gordon, his 12th league goal in 13 starts for United this season.

United's attacking switch has been well and truly turned on by that early opener and Sunderland threatened to capitulate in the waves of possession that the home side enjoyed immediately afterwards.

Giggs again found Rooney and the England forward lobbed a shot just wide from the edge of the area before Anderson's perceptive pass found Berbatov in the 11th minute and the forward surged into the area, defenders backing off, and thundered a shot against the post.

More woeful defending presented Anderson with the space to line up a shot which also hit woodwork, this time the crossbar, five minutes later and Park Ji-Sung's pass soon sent Rooney away only for the forward to fail to truly test Gordon who smothered his shot easily.

Berbatov, also, might have done better in the 19th minute when Giggs carved open a shooting opportunity for him only for the goalscorer to this time find the side-netting.

United's dominant spell ended with the outstretched legs of Gordon keeping out a Giggs effort.

Sunderland finally started to compete in midfield and take some of the sting out of the United attack.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1293383722640-1-1.jpg
Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson (L) vies with Sunderland's Dutch midfielder Boudewijn Zenden (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-0.

It was not until the 40th minute that the hosts again created a chance, with Anderson's speculative shot bouncing wide from outside the area. The half ended with Rooney's low snap-shot being well held by Gordon.

Finally, in the opening minute of the second half, Sunderland had a shot on goal as a favourable deflection from a Steed Malbranque shot fell for Asamoah Gyan who flashed a shot well wide from a tight angle.

Anderson continued to exert his influence on the game, however, exchanging passes with Rooney and seeing his own shot charged down by some desperate Sunderland defending, before the Brazilian set up a second for United and Berbatov.

Anderson's pass was breathtaking as he looked one way, and slipped the ball the other, for Berbatov to advance a couple of strides into the Sunderland area where his shot took a cruel deflection off Anton Ferdinand and past Gordon into the visitors' goal.

Substitute Darron Gibson and Berbatov, with a 70th minute half-volley which Gordon did well to parry, further threatened the Sunderland goal and it was a sign of United's superiority that Edwin van der Sar was not required to make a save until the 80th minute when he easily kept out Boudewijn Zenden's long-range strike.

- AFP

machoman

02-01-2011, 08:49 AM

Rooney stars as United start New Year with victory

Sunday, January 02, 2011, 01:51:37 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1293904266698-1-1.jpg

West Bromwich Albion's midfielder Graham Dorrans (2nd L) clashes with Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney (L) during the English Premier League football match at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich. Rooney began 2011 in style here on Saturday, scoring one goal and making another as Premier League leaders Manchester United secured a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.

Wayne Rooney began 2011 in style here on Saturday, scoring one goal and making another as Premier League leaders Manchester United secured a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.

Rooney's third-minute header -- his first goal in open play since March -- gave United an early lead but Albion were soon level courtesy of James Morrison's stunning half-volley.

The home side were unfortunate not to end the half ahead after being denied a clear penalty for a foul by Gary Neville on Graham Dorrans.

However, they were awarded one in the second half when Rio Ferdinand caught Jerome Thomas, only for Peter Odemwingie to fire it wide and, as is so often the case with United, they paid a hefty price when substitute Javier Hernandez headed home a Rooney corner 15 minutes from time.

For United, it was only their second away win of the campaign but the victory was enough to temporarily move them three points clear at the top of the table before rivals Manchester City went into action against Blackpool.

But Albion's fourth straight defeat left them three points above the relegation zone.

Both managers made four changes to their line-ups from mid-week action, with ex-Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, in for Edwin van der Sar, and Neville, making his first start for two months, the most notable United inclusions.

Nani, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were among the absentees for the leaders, but United still took an early lead.

Just two minutes and 15 seconds had passed when Gabriel Obertan laid the ball off to Patrice Evra and his first-time cross was met by Rooney, whose downward header was directed beyond Baggies goalkeeper Scott Carson and into the far corner.

It was a first club goal from open play since March for the United striker, and only his second in the Premier League this season.

However, United's elation soon turned to frustration when the Baggies conjured a goal of the highest quality just 11 minutes later, when Nemanja Vidic could only half-clear Chris Brunt's high ball into the path of Morrison.

The midfielder then demonstrated textbook technique to fire an unstoppable half-volley into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.

It was Roberto di Matteo's team who continued to look the more likely to score and they were incensed after being denied a penalty in the 26th minute.

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Manchester United's striker Javier Hernandez (L) collides with West Bromwich Albion's midfielder Paul Scharner (R) during their English Premier League football match at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich. Manchester United won 2-1.

Morrison's pass sent Dorrans clean through on goal only for the midfielder to be poleaxed from behind by Neville, who failed to take any of the ball and should have been red carded.

Two more presentable opportunities went to waste in added time when Odemwingie sent Dorrans through, only for the Scot to fire into the side netting, and then a Brunt free-kick deflected narrowly past the post with Kuszczak wrong-footed.

The Baggies were handed a golden chance to go ahead when referee Chris Foy adjudged Ferdinand to have caught Thomas inside the box but Odemwingie feebly dragged his 63rd-minute spot kick wide.

It was just the fillip United required and, in trademark style, they snatched a winner when Rooney's corner was headed in from close range by unmarked substitute Hernandez.

There was a late scare for United when Rooney took a knock to his ankle following a vicious challenge by Brunt but the striker was fit enough to finish the match.

- AFP

richie_rich

08-01-2011, 04:24 PM

Some Transfer Gossip

OLD TRAFFORD OLD GUARD OUT?
'Sir Alex Ferguson expects Brazilian duo Anderson and Rafael da Silva to become central figures in Manchester United's future as he prepares to undertake his biggest squad overhaul at Old Trafford for over a decade,' says the Daily Telegraph, who roll out six names who will have played their final games for United by the time June rolls around.

Those players are - deep breath - Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Owen and Wes Brown.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will be offered one-year deals while Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck will return from loan deals to become part of United's first-team squad.

There's also talk of moves for Jordan Henderson and Jack Rodwell as Ferguson puts the emphasis firmly on youth.

machoman

10-01-2011, 06:39 AM

United knock Liverpool out of FA Cup
Monday, January 10, 2011, 01:38:17 HRS

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Liverpool's new manager Kenny Dalglish applauds the Liverpool fans after the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kenny Dalglish's first match back as Liverpool manager ended in a 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat by Manchester United on Sunday and, to make matters worse, captain Steven Gerrard was sent-off.

Any hopes Liverpool great Dalglish, the last manager to bring the league title to Anfield in 1990, would immediately revive the squad after the six-month reign of Roy Hodgson was ended on Saturday, lasted barely 35 seconds at Old Trafford.

That was how long it took United to earn a penalty scored by Ryan Giggs after striker Dimitar Berbatov was clipped in the box by Daniel Agger.

Worse followed for Dalglish when Liverpool captain Gerrard was sent-off by World Cup final referee Howard Webb for jumping into a challenge on fellow England midfielder Michael Carrick in the 32nd minute.

"I think the two decisions (the penalty and the sending-off) are important factors in the game," Dalglish told ITV Sport.

"But if you go into detail about them it would take away from the great commitment of our players.

"It's difficult to come here (Old Trafford) and play at Manchester United, they are top of the league and a fantastic side.

"When you go down to 10 men, lose a goal in the first minute, I think we showed fantastic courage, fantastic commitment and I think they did that in conjunction with the fantastic support they had here.

"They (the Liverpool supporters) stayed with them the whole game, it was always going to be difficult."

Turning to Webb's decision to award a penalty, Dalglish said: "I don't think it's a penalty kick."

Berbatov insisted that it had been a penalty.

"Of course it was a penalty. There was enough contact for me to lose my balance and people know I do not go to ground easily."

Victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League leaders meant United avoided a repeat of last season's embarrassment when they were knocked out in the third round by then League One side Leeds.

FA Cup holders Chelsea, bidding to win the trophy for a third straight season, thrashed Ipswich Town 7-0 just days after the Championship club sacked Roy Keane as their manager.

Chelsea may be struggling to defend their Premier League title but the result of this match was never in doubt after Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge both scored in the 33rd minute at Stamford Bridge to ease the pressure on beleaguered boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Carlos Edwards's own-goal made it 3-0 before half-time and Nicolas Anelka added a fourth goal early in the second half.

England midfielder Frank Lampard piled on the misery for Ipswich with two goals in as many minutes late on.

Premier League highflyers Tottenham Hotspur beat third division Charlton 3-0.

England striker Jermain Defoe, who started his career at Charlton, scored two goals in three minutes after Andros Townsend's 20-yard drive broke the deadlock shortly after half-time.

Sunday's other third round tie sees Manchester City away to a Leicester side managed by their former boss and ex-England supremo Sven-Goran Eriksson.

- AFP

machoman

17-01-2011, 10:13 AM

Ferguson expects United to hold nerve in title race

Monday, January 17, 2011, 09:47:45 HRS

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Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale (left) fights for the ball with Manchester United's Rafael Da Silva during their English Premier League match at White Hart Lane in London, on January 16. The matche ended in a goalless draw.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes 10-man Manchester United's defiant 0-0 draw against Tottenham proves they have the mental strength to hold their nerve and win the Premier League title race.

Ferguson's side returned to the top of the table, on goal difference ahead of Manchester City, after extending their unbeaten league run to 21 games despite Rafael da Silva's second half red card at White Hart Lane.

United had to play the last 16 minutes down to 10 men but the leaders' back-four, superbly marshalled by Nemanja Vidic, held firm to grind out a hard-fought point.

While United once again lacked any real fluency going forward, Ferguson took heart from the way his players dug in to frustrate one of the most attacking teams in the top-flight.

With games in hand at Chelsea and Blackpool to come later in the season, the United boss believes his team are in pole position to regain the title if they keep displaying that kind of composure under pressure.

"As I said some weeks back it could be a real thrilling end to the season. All five teams have chances and Tottenham are not out of it. It is about winning games and keeping your nerve," Ferguson said.

"We have got to win those two games in hand. We have to go to Chelsea on March 1 which will be a massive game. We have to go to Blackpool, who are in great form at the moment.

"Defensively we kept our nerve here. They never really troubled us and considering the goals they have scored and the performances they have shown at home I think we take really good credit from that.

"It's a decent point although we were a bit careless with the ball, particularly before half-time and in periods of the second half."

Rafael's red card and his subsequent foul-mouthed tirade at referee Mike Dean could have been the catalyst for United's first league defeat since last season.

The Brazilian right-back was slightly fortunate only to be booked for a wild lunge on Wilson Palacios in the first half, but he was unlucky to earn a second yellow card after making minimal contact with Benoit Assou-Ekotto in the 74th minute.

Ferguson made it clear he was unhappy with Dean's decision but stopped short of lambasting the official.

"I do not need to discuss that. You can see it for yourself. I'm not even going to discuss the referee," Ferguson added.

Even Spurs boss Harry Redknapp agreed Rafael was unlucky to see red.

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Tottenham Hotspur's William Gallas (right) vies with Manchester United's Ryan Giggs during their English Premier League match at White Hart Lane in London, on January 16. The match ended in a goalless draw.
"It was a harsh sending off. He has not stuck his leg out. He was running and has just clipped his heels. What can you do about that'" Redknapp said.

Fifth-placed Spurs had marginally the better chances and went close when Peter Crouch got in front of Rio Ferdinand and met the ball with a flicked volley but his effort flashed just wide from close-range.

Rafael van der Vaart also threatened when he headed into the side-netting from Gareth Bale's cross.

Spurs had only one real chance to steal the points after Rafael's dismissal but Van der Vaart's curled his shot over.

"I never felt we would get beat. It was just a question if we could get a goal," Redknapp said. "We got in a few good positions but just couldn't get the final ball."

Although Spurs have now failed to beat United in their last 24 meetings, Redknapp remains convinced the leaders will slip up before the end of the season.

"It would be a miracle if Alex got them through the season unbeaten. I'm not knocking them, they are above us, but other teams have improved," Redknapp said.

"They are disciplined at the back and hard to break down but I can't sit here and say they will walk away with the championship.

"We have got closer to them, yet they are still top of the pile, which is full credit to them."

- AFP

A Red Devils

23-01-2011, 07:17 AM

Man Utd 5-0 Birmingham City

a hat-trick from Berbatov. We will be champion again at the end of this season 2010-2011.

machoman

23-01-2011, 09:16 AM

Berbatov on fire as United scorch Birmingham
Sunday, January 23, 2011, 02:11:15 HRS

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Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov (2nd R) tries to avoid Birmingham's midfielder Alexander Hleb (2nd L) and defenders Steven Carr (L) and Liam Ridgewell (R) during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Berbatov claimed his 18th goal and third hat-trick of the season as Manchester United retained first place in the Premier League with a 5-0 win.

Dimitar Berbatov claimed his 18th goal and third hat-trick of the season as Manchester United retained first place in the Premier League with a 5-0 battering of Birmingham at Old Trafford.

Berbatov started the rout inside two minutes after Nani won a corner inside the first 60 seconds and Ryan Giggs curled in a superb cross from the right-hand flag.

John O'Shea steered a strong header towards the far corner where the Bulgarian forward headed into the back of the net from a position practically on the goal-line.

The Bulgarian, who would go on and add a hat-trick to his three goals against Liverpool and five against Blackburn earlier in the season, claimed a second goal just after the half-hour when Birmingham defender Roger Johnson carelessly conceded possession just inside his own half.

Anderson collected the errant pass, feeding Wayne Rooney who, in turn, sent Berbatov powering into the penalty area, the forward wrong-footing Johnson, who had made a committed recovering run, before driving the ball past former United goalkeeper Ben Foster.

Those goals had decided the outcome of the game but it was United's third, claimed by Giggs in first-half injury-time, that showcased their superiority and the wonderful attacking football they were putting together.

Berbatov fell, in an attempt to dispossess David Murphy, but still managed to win the ball from his position on the ground, finding Rooney who instantly returned the pass with an audacious back-heel.

Berbatov completed the one-two with a ball that allowed Rooney to race to the right-hand by-line and send over a perfectly-weighted far-post centre which Giggs, arriving at pace, placed first-time into the back of the net.

The first-half performance could hardly have been more emphatic and the risk of United seeing their 26-match unbeaten streak come to an end always looked minimal from the opening goal.

The second half opened with more of the same; the unmarked Rooney somehow missing an open goal as he attempted to connect with Nani's cross although it did not take long for Berbatov to show his team mate how to find the net, completing an impressive hat-trick in the process.

Rooney's pass allowed Giggs to deliver a pinpoint cross from the left which Berbatov met with an accomplished finish into the roof of the Birmingham goal from six yards.

The misery of the visiting players was summed up in the 58th minute when Keith Fahey lost his footing at the far post as he appeared poised to convert Matt Derbyshire's cross-shot.

The relentless United pressure seemed likely to yield more goals and, after failing with a number of efforts from distance, Nani collected O'Shea's 75th minute pass and finished clinically.

- AFP

asiancigar

23-01-2011, 11:54 AM

Wah...... all my predictions exploded (which is good)..... hahaha

I think we have a very well balanced team..... impregnable Defense..... industrious and creative Mid-field (without Carrick) and really frightening goal grabbing Forwards.....

like the song goes "WE ARE SIMPLY THE BEST".... better then all the rest................ hahaha

Cheerz
AC

machoman

26-01-2011, 08:47 AM

machoman

26-01-2011, 08:52 AM

United battle back to rock Blackpool in Premier League
Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 07:49:56 HRS

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Manchester United's Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov (L) vies with Blackpool's Irish defender Craig Cathcart during the English Premier League football match at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool. Berbatov snatched a late winner as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Blackpool 3-2.

Manchester United moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after staging a stunning late fightback to win 3-2 at Blackpool on Wednesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side had gone 27 league matches without losing, a run stretching back to their 2-1 defeat against Chelsea in April last season.

But that sequence looked in danger as goals from former United defender Craig Cathcart and striker DJ Campbell put the Seasiders 2-0 up at half-time.

Blackpool could have had a penalty when Luke Varney was bundled over by Rafael da Silva early in the second half.

But United finally got one back when in-form Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov volleyed home Darren Fletcher's cross in the 72nd minute.

Mexican striker Javier Hernandez, on for the lacklustre Wayne Rooney, equalised when he ran onto a Ryan Giggs pass and slotted past Richard Kingson in the 74th minute.

United right-back Rafael was carried off on a stretcher after lengthy treatment on a head injury, but Berbatov stole the points in the 88th minute as he drove beyond Kingson to leave the leaders well ahead of second placed Arsenal.

"They just never give in," Ferguson told ESPN. "In the first half we were battered. We couldn't handle Charlie Adam. We were terrible.

"I don't know the reason for the first half. We were all over the place. Maybe we were too confident.

"We changed at half-time, Ryan Giggs made a tremendous difference. We started to penetrate and I think we were deserved winners in the end.

"I know the game's never done in situations like this. You know at some point we're going to do something."

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Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson reacts during the English Premier League football match against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road in Blackpool. United came from two goals down to beat Blackpool 3-2.

Praising Berbatov, who has 13 goals in his last 10 games, Ferguson added: "He's having a great season. He has great talent. The third goal, the composure, I was screaming for him to square it to Hernandez but, no, he has the confidence and ability to do what he did."

In Tuesday's other Premier League clash, Aston Villa won 2-1 at third bottom Wigan to move six points away from the relegation zone.

Gabriel Agbonlahor opened the scoring in the 49th minute when he nodded home his first Premier League goal of the season after Ali Al Habsi saved Carlos Cuellar's header.

Gerard Houllier's side, who beat Manchester City on Saturday, wrapped up the points in the 62nd minute when Ashley Young converted a penalty after being fouled by Hendry Thomas.

James McCarthy's deflected effort reduced the deficit in the 80th minute but it was too late for Wigan to salvage a draw.

- AFP

yinyang

26-01-2011, 10:28 AM

What a comeback, after looking like losing our unbeaten run at hands of Blackpool. And what story of 2 halfs!!:p;)

mr_missile

27-01-2011, 05:10 PM

Taken off Football365 :

Five ManYoo Questions After Blackpool

'The stuff of champions' is the oft-peddled line about Man United's comeback at Blackpool and it certainly looks like being enough to win the title. But there are some lingering questions posed.

This may not be a great United side but it is certainly a resilient and determined United side. But judging by comments from United fans, that resilience is masking some issues...

1) Is it time for Rooney to be dropped?

One goal from open play in 14 Premier League games is a meagre return for the most mediocre of journeyman strikers, but for a player earning £200,000 a week, it is plain embarrassing. It's particularly difficult to justify Rooney's place in the starting XI when Javier Hernandez is sitting on the bench with a record of seven goals from 16 games - especially when he comes on and does more in 20 minutes than Rooney managed in almost 70. The obvious argument for Rooney's inclusion are the nine Premier League assists - his all-round performance against Birmingham on Saturday was brilliant apart for the missed chance that would have been far, far easier to convert. That said, when the Champions League latter stages roll around, Rooney is far more likely to start as United's lone striker than the 20-goal-plus Dimitar Berbatov. Is he still the best option against the best defences?

2) Do United's away tactics need to change?

They switched to a 4-4-2 when it became obvious that the tactics were flawed, but were there any United fans who didn't sigh when they saw a starting line-up that featured Rooney on the left and a central midfield trio of Darron Gibson, Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher - with the Scot clearly detailed to track Charlie Adam. Was this too much respect to pay a side with the worst home record in the Premier League? Should they have played a similar style and formation that whacked Birmingham for five on Saturday? Has the fear of losing away from Old Trafford become greater than the desire for victory?

3) How much do United need an alternative for Ryan Giggs?

At least part of the motivation for changing United's formation must have been the desire to give the 37-year-old Giggs a rest. With Park Ji-Sung unavailable and Luis Antonio Valencia injured, United are woefully short of left-sided alternatives for a 4-4-2. Even with the full gamut of options, they're stuck with an uninspiring Park or an out-of-position Nani. Pickings are so slim that even Patrice Evra has been tried in that position this season. As it happens, United were woeful and Giggs was wheeled out again in the second half at Bloomfield Park to sprinkle some magic. The idea is presumably that United will stumble on until the summer when funds will be available for Ashley Young, Gareth Bale or someone else capable of playing 40-plus games a season. Will that be too late?

4) Should Gibson be shipped out on loan?

Or simply shipped out never to return? The fact that a United fan referred to Gibson as 'the poor man's Carrick' in a Wednesday morning conversation is a damning indictment. We're struggling to see what he offers. He's one-paced and a one-trick pony - quite good at shooting from around 20 yards and, erm, that's it. Is he really any better than David Jones, Luke Chadwick, Jonathan Greening or any other midfielder ruthlessly shipped out of Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson over the years? Perhaps Gibson needs a few months with another Premier League club to ascertain whether he has the potential to be the next Darren Fletcher or whether he will be sold to Sunderland for £3m.

5) Should United worry about fallibility in the air?

Twice against Blackpool they conceded from Charlie Adam corners (worth £10m, according to Sir Alex in a generous mood) and the last Premier League goal they conceded against Stoke was from a Dean Whitehead header after he was given the freedom of the penalty area. One theory is that United have become a rather short team - with the likes of Patrice Evra, Rafael, Anderson, Paul Scholes, Nani and Wayne Rooney all on the diminutive side. It's hardly a massive cause for concern as long as United remain unbeaten, but the saying goes that strikers win matches and defences win titles. Will United pay for having two short-arse full-backs? If not in the Premier League, then in Europe.

asiancigar

27-01-2011, 06:27 PM

After Blackpool's second goal, I was resigned to accepting that if we were going to loose..... then loosing to Blackpool was more palatable than to people like Chelsea or Arsenal or Liverpool.

But what can be said that has not already been said about our complete turn around after Giggsy came on and then Chicha....... our boys seemed to hit sixth gear with a tired and fast tiring Blackpool....

Our 1st goal was fabulous......

Our 2nd goal was magical....

And the 3rd goal was sheer heaven...............

WE ARE SIMPLY THE BEST..... better than all the rest

Cheerz
AC

A Red Devils

28-01-2011, 11:48 AM

a great comeback win against Blackpool.
champion all the way liao !!! :D

machoman

30-01-2011, 08:34 AM

Owen, Hernandez rescue United
Sunday, January 30, 2011, 03:59:48 HRS

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Manchester United's striker Javier Hernandez (2nd L) slides in to score the equalising goal past Southampton's goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski (R) during their FA Cup fourth round football match at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton.

Javier Hernandez booked Manchester United's place in the FA Cup fifth round as the Mexican striker clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over League One Southampton on Saturday.

United were in danger of heading out of the competition in embarrassing fashion after being outplayed by the hosts, who took a 44th minute lead through Richard Chaplow.

But the second half introduction of Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs helped turn the tide at St Mary's as Michael Owen and Hernandez struck after the break to spare United's blushes.

That saved United boss Sir Alex Ferguson from an inquest into his team selection as his decision to field a team of reserves briefly looked set to backfire.

Ferguson's selection showed his confidence that Southampton would present his side with few problems, with seven changes from the line-up that started at Blackpool four days previously.

Goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was handed a first appearance since his recent move from Danish outfit Aalesund, while Owen made only his fifth start of another injury-plagued season.

The former England striker was employed in an unfamiliar midfield role, operating behind Hernandez and Gabriel Obertan and was clearly keen to make an impression.

Owen produced United's first chance of the game, exchanging passes with Obertan before shooting narrowly wide in the 11th minute.

Then moments later he almost caught out Southampton keeper Bartosz Bialkowski with a cross that looped over the keeper and bounced to safety after clipping the bar and post.

Even before then, however, Southampton had served notice of their threat with left back Dan Harding having an eighth minute-effort chalked off for offside.

And after Owen had provided a couple of early scares, Saints settled to take control of the game.

Rickie Lambert sent a long range effort narrowly over the bar before centre back Jose Fonte caused confusion at a corner.

It was no surprise when United's defences were finally breached on the stroke of half time through Chaplow's excellent finish.

Southampton were helped on their way by some poor United defending with Fabio da Silva caught out by Lambert's flick, allowing Chaplow to get a clear sight of goal.

And the former England under-21 international made no mistake with the opportunity, lashing a powerful volley into the roof of the net.

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Southampton's midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (up) jumps over a challenge from Manchester United's defender Jonny Evans during the FA Cup fourth round football match at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Manchester United won 2-1.

Fabio was replaced by Wes Brown at half time as Ferguson attempted to revive his ailing side but the visitors still lacked a cutting edge.

They could have fallen further behind had Harding produced a finish to match his excellent mazy run in the 54th minute.

Ferguson had seen enough and threw on the experienced Ryan Giggs and Nani before the hour while pushing Owen into a more familiar striking role.

And the move quickly paid dividends with Owen demonstrating the striker's instinct that once made him European footballer of the year when he met Obertan's right wing cross and headed past Bialkowski.

The momentum was now with the visitors, although a neat corner routine demonstrated that Southampton were by no means finished.

Harding and Chamberlain combined to catch the visiting back four out with Harding drilling a low cross that flew narrowly wide.

That, though, was the home side's last chance of winning the tie with United finally clinching the winning goal in the 76th minute.

Saints substitute Ryan Dickson was caught out deep in his own half, losing the ball to Giggs, who played in Hernandez and the Mexican cleverly steered his shot home while stumbling to the floor.

- AFP

A Red Devils

30-01-2011, 11:58 AM

another great comeback again.

machoman

02-02-2011, 06:48 AM

Rooney inspires United to victory over Villa
Wednesday, February 02, 2011, 06:24:58 HRS

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Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester. Rooney scored twice as Manchester United remained five points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 3-1 win at home.

Wayne Rooney scored twice -- his first goals in open play at Old Trafford this season -- as Premier League leaders Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-1 here on Tuesday.

Victory, sealed by Nemanja Vidic's goal shortly after Darren Bent had reduced Villa's deficit to 2-1, ensured United remained five points clear at the summit of English football and saw Sir Alex Ferguson's men equal a club record of 29 unbeaten league games set in the 1998/99 season.

It took Rooney just 49 seconds to give United the lead following home goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar's long clearance flying over the Villa defence.

Rooney outpaced Richard Dunne and took one touch before driving the ball into the top corner.

Nani was soon looking to add a second and cut in from the right before lifting a shot over the bar of Brad Friedel, who became Villa's oldest-ever player at the age of 39 years and 259 days.

Dimitar Berbatov should have done better from a deep Rooney cross but struggled to get a decent header on the ball under pressure from James Collins.

When Villa finally got some decent possession in the opposition half, Bent scuffed his shot from Ashley Young's cross.

Friedel came to Dunne's rescue when the Irish defender slipped and gave the ball away on the edge of the box.

Nani swapped passes with Rooney and then hit a powerful shot that was blocked by a fine save from the veteran American.

United continued to press and Berbatov spurned another chance when Nani lifted a cross up to the far post and the Bulgarian could only guide his header on to the roof of the net.

But Rooney doubled his tally just before half time thanks to a fine cross from Nani.

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Manchester United's Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic (2nd L) celebrates with Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov (R) and Irish defender John O'Shea (L) after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 3-1.

The Portuguese lifted a cross to the far post and Rooney stabbed in from close range after getting to the ball ahead of Collins.

After the restart, Aston Villa had a penalty appeal waved away after Bent went down under a challenge from Patrice Evra.

Stewart Downing also had a shot blocked from 25 yards as the visitors pressed for an unlikely comeback.

Ashley Young also curled over the bar from a free kick just outside the area as United were content to sit deep and hit the visitors on the break.

But just before the hour, Villa got in behind the United defence and Downing's cross was touched in by Bent from six yards.

However, United restored their two goal advantage five minutes later.

Rooney laid a pass off for Vidic and the United captain curled a powerful shot into the top corner.

Van der Sar had to tip over from Dunne's header from Downing's corner as Villa refused to give up and Ashley Young also saw a shot bounce off the bar.

Rooney might have had a hat-trick when he broke clear but Dunne denied him with a fine sliding challenge.

Friedel also pulled off a fine block from Nani before Berbatov shot well over the bar from close range in the closing stages.

- AFP

machoman

02-02-2011, 02:36 PM

Man. United's Rooney leads goal-spree against Villa
Wednesday, February 02, 2011, 09:22:16 HRS

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney has finally rediscovered his scoring touch after the England striker netted twice in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa here on Tuesday.

Rooney had not scored from open play at Old Trafford since the 2-1 victory over Liverpool in March last year, the game before he suffered an ankle injury at Bayern Munich.

The forward has only scored five goals so far this season yet United are still five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and this latest victory equalled their club record of 29 league games unbeaten, set in the 'treble' winning season of 1998/99.

Ferguson insisted he never doubted Rooney would get back on the goal trail, saying: "Goals always help strikers still had the appetite to play and that's the important factor in it all, that he never stops trying the lad.

"It's an in-bred thing in the lad.

"He can't be criticised when he gives that effort. He gets his rewards eventually," the veteran United manager added.

Rooney opened the scoring with less than a minute gone before adding a second just before half time.

Bent pulled one back for Villa just before the hour but Nemanja Vidic fired in United's third five minutes later.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes Rooney will take United to another level if he can maintain the form he showed at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

"He made a difference and his goals will help his confidence," Houllier said. "They managed to win a lot of games and remain unbeaten without him.

"With him -- well he was on top of his game against us," the former Liverpool manager added.

"He has everything, his control, he can turn, he can, twist, his passing, he defends he works hard," the Frenchman explained.

"On television you can press a button to follow a player and that's what kids should do because you can see the way he links play.

"After his injury he came back and was a bit difficult because usually you are good and then you are down and you come back. Now he's on his way back."

Ferguson's only deal during the January transfer window was the �3.5 million signing of Aalesunds' Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

But a transfer spree from Chelsea, who signed Fernando Torres and David Luiz for �70 million on deadline day, and Liverpool, who brought Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to Anfield on Monday, made it a record window for English clubs.

Ferguson said the remarkable spending spree had been sparked by the move of striker Darren Bent, who briefly reduced United's lead to 2-1 on Tuesday, from Sunderland to Villa for �24 million.

"I think the Darren Bent transfer has escalated the figures," Ferguson explained. "People are saying 'Well if Darren Bent's worth �24 milllion, my player is worth 24 plus and that's what's happened.

"It created a chain reaction right through the country."

United are now in sight of a record 19th English title and Ferguson said: "You get in the run-in and you'll find that if we win games and keep knocking them off, we'll run out of games and that's what we've got to do.

"We've just got to keep winning."

- AFP

machoman

03-02-2011, 08:55 AM

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr303/dino6621/cny2011.gif

PeaceNoWar

07-02-2011, 05:39 PM

first defeat of the season in our lost to Wolves.
but we will bounce back stronger.

mr_missile

08-02-2011, 12:22 PM

but we will bounce back stronger.

SAF will make sure of that. :D

looking forward to this weekend's mouth-watering clash with the blue team from the other side of manchester.

win and we'll keep the noisy neighbours quiet for another season. lose and we'll just make it tough for ourselves (as usual) for the coming weeks where clashes with both Chelski and resurrected Pool are on the cards.

Rickey

08-02-2011, 11:18 PM

SAF will make sure of that. :D

looking forward to this weekend's mouth-watering clash with the blue team from the other side of manchester.

win and we'll keep the noisy neighbours quiet for another season. lose and we'll just make it tough for ourselves (as usual) for the coming weeks where clashes with both Chelski and resurrected Pool are on the cards.

Tink they're not gonna make it...playing like pussy cats after the 2nd minute goal by Nani against a puny little relegation team like Wolves & wif it ending their 29 games unbeaten run...Wats chance then hav they got against their BIG title rivals...MAN CITY, CHELSEA, LIVERPOOL wif so many STAR players which they gonna hav to play soon...tink they wld be awed & trembling...

Imagine playing like a bunch of kiddies wif Rooney (in his usual holiday mood) & all...can't even score a goal for the whole of the 2nd half to pull themselves level...not to mention win the match.. fear for them..& when they fall like dat against those minnow teams..they lose their confidence & finds it difficult against the BIG boys..such fears came true a few times oredi..how come SAF, such a great guy..cant' tink of a way out to recover the goal in the whole 45 mins of the 2nd half against Wolves...they were in fact mauled at the Wolves' den...OMG !

mr_missile

09-02-2011, 04:36 PM

Tink they're not gonna make it...playing like pussy cats after the 2nd minute goal by Nani against a puny little relegation team like Wolves & wif it ending their 29 games unbeaten run...Wats chance then hav they got against their BIG title rivals...MAN CITY, CHELSEA, LIVERPOOL wif so many STAR players which they gonna hav to play soon...tink they wld be awed & trembling...

it's quite normal for a team to go through a bad patch somewhere during a season.

just hope that united's blip against wolves is really just a one-off incident.

time to get behind the team now and not blast them ya? :)

Totem

09-02-2011, 11:16 PM

Tink they're not gonna make it...playing like pussy cats after the 2nd minute goal by Nani against a puny little relegation team like Wolves
!

The funny thing about Wolves is that they also beat Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea but still also in relegation zone. Seem like a team that can really rise to most big occasion but not on the rest.

Besides that, I actually rather that Man Utd lost to Wolves than any other team in the Top 6. Man Utd is a funny team in a way that they can perform in most big matches but not as well as against non title challenging teams in the league from my observations over the years.

Just my opinion.

mr_missile

11-02-2011, 11:01 AM

With VDS set to retire at the end of this season, much talk has been said as to who SAF will turn to for a replacement.

Among the many names mentioned, making a move for Pool's keeper will surely raise not just eyebrows from both sides especially if one can recall how SAF has famously refused to sanction Heinze's move to Pool and prefer to sell him to Madrid instead.

Champions League football next year may just be the little push Reina needs. But to which team as Arsenal are also in the market for a good keeper.

However, I won't rule out Pool making a late charge for the 4th CL spot at the expense of Spurs and Chelski. If Pool makes it to CL next year, then Reina will unlikely want to move.

REINA NOT RULING OUT MAN UTD MOVE

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has refused to rule out a summer move to their bitter rivals Manchester United.

United are considering their goalkeeping options as they seek a replacement for Edwin van der Sar when the Dutchman retires at the end of the season.

Reina has been mooted as a possible transfer target after establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe during his time at Liverpool.

He told Spanish radio station Ondo Sera: "Yes, well Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course they are looking. I can't do anything. I can't say anything logically as I have a contract with Liverpool.

"Of course one likes to fight for titles and be in a team that does that. We always fought to be in the Champions League and try to win the title. But unfortunately it hasn't been the case in the last couple of years."

Former Barcelona and Villarreal custodian Reina has left the door open to quit Anfield if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

He added: "I won't lie, I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles."

mr_missile

11-02-2011, 05:27 PM

How true is this?

ARABS CLOSE IN ON MANCHESTER UNITED

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani is understood to have made a bid for Man Utd

Friday February 11,2011

MANCHESTER UNITED are on the brink of joining neighbours City in Middle-Eastern ownership as the clubs prepare for their top-of-the-table derby clash tomorrow.

The Daily Express understands that United’s owners, the Glazer family, are “only haggling over details” with a deal to sell the club to Qatar Holdings virtually done at £1.6 billion.

If that deal is sealed, then Malcolm Glazer and his sons will have doubled their money in six years since they paid £790 million for the club in the summer of 2005.

It would also bring to an end a massively unpopular regime among United’s huge fan base.

And it could mean tomorrow ’s lunchtime derby with City – now enjoying the riches of ownership by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan – will be the last with United under American ownership.

United have consistently denied they are interested in selling since Qatar Holdings, the business investment branch of the Qatar Royal family, were first seriously linked with the club just before Christmas.

Last month secret talks were believed to have stalled over the price. The club publicly dismissed the notion that any discussions with the Glazer family had even taken place.

But sources close to the talks disclosed that even the Qataris baulked at a demand for £2bn. I now understand that broad agreement in principle has been reached, with Qatar Holdings finding another £100m above their initial approach of £1.5bn.

“The deal is pretty much done and they are only haggling over details,” a well-placed source told me. It is believed that club officials and members of United’s management team have recently been to Qatar. Qatar Holdings are desperate to capitalise on their country’s success in winning the rights to stage the 2022 World Cup and to take control of arguably the biggest club in the world.

They were established by Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and hold huge worldwide investments. Harrods was bought from Mohamed Al Fayed last year and a £500m bid was recently launched to buy a stake in the London Olympic village after the 2012 Games.

The Qataris have already acquired a range of trophy assets in England. As well as Harrods they have major property investments including London’s One Hyde Park, the towering Shard of Glass at London Bridge and the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square.

Their interest in football was underlined by their purchase of the sponsorship rights to Barcelona’s strip. But the acquisition of Manchester United would dwarf that and spark rejoicing among fans, who launched their green-and-gold anti-Glazer protest.

It is understood United have become more attractive after the Glazers agreed to pay off £220m in PIK (payment in kind) loans. This followed a £500m club bond issue. Last night, United’s director of communications Phil Townsend, who now also acts as Glazer family spokesman, maintained the club’s line that no sale is imminent.

He told me: “There has been no approach to buy Manchester United and no approach would be welcome.”

machoman

13-02-2011, 07:44 AM

Man Utd sink City thanks to Rooney

Saturday, February 12, 2011, 23:12:08 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1297521842732-2-1.jpg
Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney (left) celebrates with Portuguese midfielder Nani after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 2-1.

Wayne Rooney's stunning finish gave Manchester United a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday which left the leaders firmly in control of the title race.

Rooney erased memories of what had been a mediocre performance, personally and by his team, when he produced a moment of genius in the 78th minute.

Paul Scholes found Nani on the right and his cross was despatched into the bottom corner of the City goal by Rooney's spectacular overhead kick.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are now seven points ahead of second placed Arsenal, who host Wolves later on Saturday, while City are a further point behind and have played a game more than their bitter rivals.

Rooney said: "I think it's the best goal I've ever scored, I saw it coming over and I thought, 'why not hit it''.

"I was just delighted to see it go in the net and get the three points. Nine times out of 10 they go into the stand. It's the first overhead kick I've scored since school."

United's opening goal, four minutes from the half-time whistle, came largely against the run of play but was just reward for Nani, the Portuguese winger, who had been United's most dangerous attacking player throughout the first period.

Wide on the right, Nani had often been United's only potent threat but, when the opener arrived, it came from a long punt through the middle from home goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

Rooney's strength saw him glance the ball to Ryan Giggs and he flicked on to Nani, who had caught defender Pablo Zabaleta out of position.

Nani kept his composure admirably, advancing before rolling the ball past Joe Hart, left-footed, from a dozen yards.

City looked stunned, and understandably so after they had more than held their own in an opening 45 minutes which laid to rest memories of the awful goalless draw between the clubs at Eastlands earlier this season.

Indeed, the visitors should have been ahead after three minutes. Yaya Toure found Carlos Tevez whose angled pass played in the impressive Silva who, with the goal at his mercy, placed his shot beyond van der Sar, missing the far-post by inches from a tight angle.

That early foray gave City confidence and a Gareth Barry free-kick found the head of Toure at the far post only for the midfielder to turn the ball harmlessly back across the face of goal.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1297523477767-2-1.jpg
Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Nani (left) vies with Manchester City's Spanish midfielder David Silva during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 2-1.

Both sides chanced their arm with long-range shots before United created their first opening, just after the half hour, with John O'Shea's square ball allowing Giggs the room to cross for Darren Fletcher whose header, at full run, was well kept out on his line by Hart.

Nani's 20-yard shot tested Hart as it deflected unkindly off Richards, while, before the interval, Silva enjoyed the luck of a deflection from Patrice Evra only to have his follow-up shot blocked by the Frenchman.

The interval brought City some much-needed breathing space and Tevez, a virtual non-factor thus far against his former club, opened the second half with a committed run to the by-line, with his cross being cut out by a home defender.

Silva also had a shot, which van der Sar held comfortably, but City were struggling to rediscover their attacking spark of the first half and, by the hour, Roberto Mancini had brought on Shaun Wright-Phillips and Edin Dzeko as substitutes in a bid to salvage at least a point.

It was a tactical re-shuffle that brought an almost instant dividend, through City's fortunate 64th minute equaliser.

Wright-Phillips probed down the right, delivering a dangerous cross to the six-yard line where Dzeko swung his foot for an untidy shot which deflected off the back of Silva and into the United goal.

Both sides probed thereafter, without either keeping being forced into a save in anger, until Rooney's superb solo effort settled the outcome.

- AFP

Rickey

13-02-2011, 09:30 AM

Woo hoo ! Hip, hip, hurray !! Great Goal ! ..so finally our dear Rooney has finally woken up and SCORED again...tis time wat a GEM of a goal !!...if only he continues to play like dat for the rest of the season..the championship crown will surely be ours...i mean MAN UTD's ..Pls Rooney & Co..the Red Devils..do not let us fans down again k..

lacoruna69

13-02-2011, 12:01 PM

Here's the goal....Great vision passing wide to Nani by Scholes.....even better delivery by Nani.......and superb 倒挂金鉤 by Rooney!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4WV4rPkWZM

dc7176

13-02-2011, 12:59 PM

Glory Glory Man Utd!!! :D:p

alex18122003

14-02-2011, 01:06 AM

Ole ole ole to all Red Devils fans :p

machoman

14-02-2011, 03:13 AM

Rooney dedicates derby gem to United fans
Sunday, February 13, 2011, 21:44:25 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1297604624040-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring the winning goal of the English Premier League football match against Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester on February 12. The striker has dedicated his sensational winner to his club's fans.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has dedicated his sensational winner against Manchester City to his club's fans.

Rooney knows some United supporters have become disillusioned with the England international since he handed in a transfer request following a row over the club's perceived lack of ambition.

The 25-year-old eventually withdrew his demand to leave and signed a new contract but the scars from that bust-up and Rooney's poor form this season have soured his relationship with the Old Trafford faithful.

He chose the perfect way to win back a place in their hearts as his spectacular overhead kick in the 78th minute of Saturday's derby clinched a crucial 2-1 win over United's hated local rivals.

Rooney's goal was rated by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as the best he had ever seen at Old Trafford, surpassing even the best efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best.

And Rooney was happy to use his moment of magic as an ideal opportunity to praise the fans.

"The Manchester United fans deserve that from me," he said.

"I haven't had the best of seasons and I know how big this game is in Manchester, so I hope they enjoyed that.

"Now the aim is to keep scoring and help us get that title back."

Rooney's goal also put a huge dent in City's hopes of challenging for the title.

Roberto Mancini's side are now eight points behind United, having played a game more than the leaders and Rooney doesn't expect City to recover that deficit.

"It almost certainly rules City out of the title race unless a disaster happens," he said.

"I don't think they were that unlucky. They played OK. They moved the ball well at times. But they didn't hurt us. They didn't penetrate us.

"Other than the David Silva chance in the first half, they didn't really have a clear chance. We had two or three. Based on that, we deserved to win."

Arsenal's win over Wolves on Saturday moved them back within four points of United, who still have to play at the Emirates Stadium later this season.

But Rooney is confident United's greater experience of title-winning campaigns will prove crucial in the run-in.

"We are the team to catch. We know how it feels to be top of the league and to get over that finish line," he added.

"We have the experience with the manager and the players and we know what we have to do.

"Hopefully within the next six or seven games, we can maintain that gap, or make it bigger."

- AFP

machoman

14-02-2011, 03:18 AM

Fergie vows to spend big in transfer window
Sunday, February 13, 2011, 21:08:56 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1297602509062-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has substantial funds to spend on new players in the next transfer window after a low-key signing of Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard by the club.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has substantial funds to spend on new players in the next transfer window.

While Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all spent vast sums to improve their squads during the January window, Ferguson's only signing was a low-key swoop for Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

Ferguson's lack of spending brought renewed speculation that United's owners - the Glazer family - are not willing to plow large amounts of cash into team rebuilding.

However, Ferguson is adamant the money is there if he wants it and he expects to go back into the market at the end of the season.

"Billionaire owners have introduced a new world that is turning football on its head," Ferguson told United Review.

"For our part, we cannot afford to sit in an ivory tower. We have to face the challenge.

"It is a healthy competition and it goes without saying that we will not shirk it and I don't think we are doing so.

"Although I let the transfer window shut without signing a new player, that is because we did our homework some time ago and didn't have to rush into any emergency buying.

"We had an interest in one player, and I thought we had a chance of bringing him in, but the other parties involved weren't ready and so we have put it away until the summer."

- AFP

mr_missile

14-02-2011, 10:02 AM

However, Ferguson is adamant the money is there if he wants it and he expects to go back into the market at the end of the season.

"Although I let the transfer window shut without signing a new player, that is because we did our homework some time ago and didn't have to rush into any emergency buying.

"We had an interest in one player, and I thought we had a chance of bringing him in, but the other parties involved weren't ready and so we have put it away until the summer."

- AFP

That one player SAF was interested in signing during the transfer window is rumoured to be Villa's England man Ashley Young.

He should be a great addition to United. An ideal replacement for evergreen Giggs.

United will face competition from Pool for Young's signature in the summer.

asiancigar

14-02-2011, 03:33 PM

Glazers demanding too much for Utd
February 13, 2011

ESPNsoccernet has learned the Glazer family's £1.6 billion valuation of Manchester United is putting potential bidders off the deal and that the reported sale to Qatar Holdings is far from imminent.

The American owners of United would demand more than double the £790 million they paid for the club in 2005, which actually has risen to closer to £900 million with costs for legal advice, City advisors, and interest repayments on personal family loans.

An insider, with intimate knowledge of potential new owners making enquires for United, told ESPNsoccernet on Sunday: "There has been some interest from some quarters in Qatar, but not at the prices being quoted. Talk of £2 billion, £1.8 billion, even £1.5 billion is just wide of the mark.

"I have heard of interested parties who would offer £1 billion. I am equally sure there might be people, mad enough, to offer more, but as far as I know that has not happened, and I cannot see it happening. £1 billion for a football club, even Manchester United, is a vast amount of money."

Qatar Holdings, linked with a bid for United, are the investment branch of the Qatari royal family led by the Gulf state's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Another source who has had dealings with the royal family in Qatar told ESPNsoccernet: "While the old man is a big United fan, the son, is a Gooner, and from what the old man told me a little while back, he was not interested in the purchase of a football club, although, of course, he might have changed his mind."

Qatar Holdings already boasts a portfolio of assets in England that includes London's American Embassy and upmarket department store Harrods, which was purchased from Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed last year.

United's director of communications Phil Townsend has been approached by ESPNsoccernet on a number of occasions when rumours have been widespread but he has maintained that no offer has been made, and that none would be entertained. He has not moved from that stance.

He comments: "There has been no approach to buy Manchester United and no approach would be welcome."

I really wonder if this article is true !!!

Cheerz
AC

machoman

15-02-2011, 10:36 AM

Here's the goal....Great vision passing wide to Nani by Scholes.....even better delivery by Nani.......and superb 倒挂金鉤 by Rooney!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4WV4rPkWZM

Thanks for posting the video, bro lacoruna69 but it has been disabled. :eek:

I post another video below to commemorate the wondrous goal by Wayne Rooney in the derby match between Man Utd & Man City at Old Trafford on Sat, Feb 12, 2011. :)

I just never get tired of watching it over & over again. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKpVos_Rgag&feature=player_embedded

Rooney Strike

15-02-2011, 04:02 PM

Nice bicycle kick :p

machoman

19-02-2011, 08:29 AM

Giggs signs one-year extension with Man Utd
Saturday, February 19, 2011, 00:17:31 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1298045829989-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's Ryan Giggs celebrates scoring a penalty against Tottenham Hotspur during a match in April. The long-serving midfielder has signed a one-year contract extension with the Premier League giants.
Manchester United's long-serving midfielder Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension with the Premier League giants, it was confirmed Friday.

Giggs, who turned 37 in November, had already signalled his intention to prolong his Old Trafford career into a 21st season, and the club confirmed Friday the deal had now been signed.

"All I've ever wanted to do is play for United and I've been lucky enough to do that for 20 years," said Giggs.

"It is great to know I'm still contributing to the team's success and I feel I've got a lot to offer on and off the pitch.

"This is an exciting time to be involved with so many good young players coming through."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has used Giggs selectively in recent seasons, although the evergreen midfielder has maintained his knack of making important contributions to the United cause.

His exquisite pass set up Nani's opening goal in the Manchester derby last week, a match United won to maintain their healthy lead at the top of the table. If United win the league it will give Giggs a record 12 league winners medals.

Giggs has made more than 800 appearances for United and recently played his 600th Premier League game.

- AFP

machoman

19-02-2011, 08:33 AM

Fergie wary of Crawley but confident for Man Utd
Saturday, February 19, 2011, 02:57:09 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1298041533631-1-1.jpg

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring against Aston Villa earlier this month. Sir Alex Ferguson is wary of the threat posed by non-league Crawley but is confident Manchester United will possess too much firepower for the minnows in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Sir Alex Ferguson is wary of the threat posed by non-league Crawley but is confident Manchester United will possess too much firepower for the minnows in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The English Premier League leaders entertain the tiny Sussex club in the fifth round in a David vs Goliath confrontation that has captured the imagination of the public.

Ferguson said United were determined to avoid a repeat of the results against non-league Exeter and Burton Albion in recent seasons, who both held the Premier League giants to 0-0 draws in the FA Cup.

"You talk about the FA Cup dying and it's not dying as long as you have got giant-killing acts like Crawley have produced," Ferguson said Friday. "Every manager will tell you, you don't want to be a casualty.

"We lost to Leeds last year and it wasn't easy to take that. They deserved to win on the day. They were up for it and made it a cup tie.

"It will be the same tomorrow. Crawley will get stuck into us and there's no other way for them.

"We have got good experience of playing sides like Crawley over the years like Exeter and Burton Albion.

"It's a reminder shocks can happen and almost did against those two teams. But I think the quality we have tomorrow shouldn't give us the same worry."

Ferguson meanwhile allayed fears over the future of striker Michael Owen by saying he could be fit for Wednesday's Champions League trip to Marseille.

A groin injury, suffered in training, will keep him out of the Crawley tie, but not for the rest of the season as had been first feared.

"He picked up a small injury that will force him out of tomorrow. I was keen to play him," Ferguson said.

"We could risk him, but there's no point to that, and he should be OK for Wednesday."

Owen's absence should not hamper United too much, particularly with the attacking strength in depth at the club and the return to training of Antonio Valencia, who broke his ankle in September.

After his spectacular overhead kick winner against Manchester City in last weekend's derby, Ferguson is hoping Wayne Rooney will go on a scoring run, while he also has Dimitar Berbatov, Bebe and Javier Hernandez available too.

"Up to last year Wayne used to go on these scoring bursts," added the United manager. "I would be happy with a burst now with so many important games coming up.

"Going back, he would go five-or six games in a row, then go missing in terms of goals for a few games and then come back again. Last year he had a far more consistent and regular goal ratio."

- AFP

machoman

20-02-2011, 09:58 AM

Fergie slams lacklustre United after Crawley test
Sunday, February 20, 2011, 08:54:50 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1298163182124-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's defender Wes Brown (R) celebrates with striker Bebe (L) after scoring during their FA Cup fifth round football match against Crawley Town at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United ended non-league Crawley Town's fairytale run with a lacklustre 1-0 victory.

Sir Alex Ferguson accused his Manchester United players of failing to understand the importance of the FA Cup after the 11-times winners struggled to reach the sixth round at the expense of non-League opposition.

The Premier League leaders were given an uncomfortable time by Crawley Town before edging past the team from the fifth tier of English football 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday to book a quarter-final spot.

But United's victory came at a cost as Anderson, Rafael da Silva and Fabio da Silva were injured and are now all doubtful for Wednesday's Champions League game away to Marseille.

Ferguson made his feelings clear after his players failed to perform.

Although the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov were given the afternoon off, the likes of Bebe, Michael Carrick and Gabriel Obertan failed to impress.

"Some players came in and didn't do themselves justice. No doubt about that," said Ferguson.

"In the second half, we weren't at the races. It was disappointing. We might have some players who don't understand what the FA Cup is all about. That is the biggest lesson for them."

Anderson suffered a hamstring problem while brothers Rafael and Fabio da Silva also suffered knocks.

Ferguson said he will assess them before deciding whether they are capable of making the midweek journey to France.

"It was a big problem, having to take our two full-backs off and Anderson with his hamstring," added the United manager.

"It unbalances the team. We will assess them on Sunday. We had to play Darren Fletcher at right-back and he did well, but it didn't help."

Ferguson was full of praise for Crawley, who were denied a replay when substitute Richard Brodie hit the woodwork in stoppage time in front of their 9,000 travelling fans at Old Trafford.

"All the criticism about the FA Cup, it tells you what it means to a small club like Crawley," added Ferguson.

"They showed more desire in the second half. They made it very difficult for us. We were second to every ball. They could have equalised. They deserved a draw really, we never had a shot at goal in the second half.

"First half we did very well, no complaints. We could have been three or four up. It wasn't to be and if you are only 1-0 up in a cup-tie it only takes a second to lose a goal, and we nearly did."

Crawley did not leave Old Trafford completely empty handed. They will make over one million pounds (1.6 million dollars) from the tie via television rights and gate receipts from a sellout 75,000 crowd.

Manager Steve Evans challenged his players to use the performance as a springboard to win promotion to the Football League.

"We want to play in the Football League but there are some good clubs trying to stop us," said Evans.

"I am very proud of my players. I've spoken to Alex and he's given me a bottle of wine to take away."

- AFP

asiancigar

21-02-2011, 09:19 AM

Based on what we saw over the FA weekend and if this is the future team of our beloved United....... seow liao !!!

Bebe - a block of wood, so stiff and clumsy with terrible footballing skills
Obertan - running around like chicken without a head
Gibson - still lacking vision and as a mid-fielder
Anderson - blowing hot and cold
Carrick - lazy sotong and seems to be taling more than palying football
Twins - SAF must feed them and tell them to pump iron, so lightweight
Oshit - cow brain and almost cost us the match with his poor tackles

At this rate, we will be chasing the coat tails of Arsenal next year

Cheerz
AC

mr_missile

21-02-2011, 05:54 PM

The next few weeks are critical to both United and closest EPL title challenger Arsenal :

Arsenal's looming fixture list

Premier League, Wednesday Feb 23: Arsenal v Stoke.
Carling Cup Final, Sunday Feb 27: Arsenal v Birmingham.
FA Cup Fifth Round Replay: Wednesday March 2: Arsenal v Leyton Orient.
Premier League, Saturday March 5: Arsenal v Sunderland.
Champions League, Tuesday March 8: Barcelona v Arsenal.
*FA Cup Sixth Round, Saturday March 12: Manchester United v Arsenal.
Premier League, Saturday March 19: WBA v Arsenal.

* Should they beat Orient.

United's looming fixture list

Champions League, Wednesday Feb 23: Marseille v Manchester United.
Premier League, Saturday Feb 26: Wigan v Manchester United.
Premier League, Tuesday March 1: Chelsea v Manchester United.
Premier League, Sunday March 6: Liverpool v Manchester United.
FA Cup Sixth Round, Saturday March 12: Manchester United v Arsenal or Orient.
Champions League, Tuesday March 15: Manchester United v Marseille.
Premier League, Saturday March 19: Manchester United v Bolton.

A Red Devils

26-02-2011, 12:26 PM

march will be a critical period for Man Utd.
quite a few first team players out injured.
very tough for us but we will come thru.

Rickey

26-02-2011, 09:59 PM

Fergie slams lacklustre United after Crawley test
Sunday, February 20, 2011, 08:54:50 HRS

Sir Alex Ferguson accused his Manchester United players of failing to understand the importance of the FA Cup after the 11-times winners struggled to reach the sixth round at the expense of non-League opposition.

The Premier League leaders were given an uncomfortable time by Crawley Town before edging past the team from the fifth tier of English football 1-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday to book a quarter-final spot.

Ferguson made his feelings clear after his players failed to perform.

Although the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov were given the afternoon off, the likes of Bebe, Michael Carrick and Gabriel Obertan failed to impress.

"Some players came in and didn't do themselves justice. No doubt about that," said Ferguson.

"In the second half, we weren't at the races. It was disappointing. We might have some players who don't understand what the FA Cup is all about. That is the biggest lesson for them."

"They showed more desire in the second half. They made it very difficult for us. We were second to every ball. They could have equalised. They deserved a draw really, we never had a shot at goal in the second half.

"First half we did very well, no complaints. We could have been three or four up. It wasn't to be and if you are only 1-0 up in a cup-tie it only takes a second to lose a goal, and we nearly did."

Based on what we saw over the FA weekend and if this is the future team of our beloved United....... seow liao !!!

Bebe - a block of wood, so stiff and clumsy with terrible footballing skills
Obertan - running around like chicken without a head
Gibson - still lacking vision and as a mid-fielder
Anderson - blowing hot and cold
Carrick - lazy sotong and seems to be taling more than palying football
Twins - SAF must feed them and tell them to pump iron, so lightweight
Oshit - cow brain and almost cost us the match with his poor tackles

At this rate, we will be chasing the coat tails of Arsenal next year

Cheerz
AC

How so rite, bro Asiancigar...if the players u named continues to play the way they do with no desire or skills to win...how then can our beloved club win the silverwares ??...not tat we fans wanna slam them for nothing...these players ought to be replaced by better ones...such poor skills & attitude on the field plus the lack of determination to win each & every game :(...no wonder the boss, none other than SAF himself, is slamming his own players...afterall its such a prestigious cup, the FA Cup ! and oso the EPL title !!.. Champions of England !!...all of them gotta to be serious & fight for it...in life nothing comes to us on a silver platter...not just simply for the taking...

insomia

27-02-2011, 01:08 AM

thanks to fregie who have put in so much of scoldings and pressure. today match proven MU is still a big giant.

FT MU 4-0 Wigan thrashing game.:)

glory glory Man United

machoman

27-02-2011, 08:49 AM

United survive scares to rout Wigan
Sunday, February 27, 2011, 01:26:55 HRS

Edwin van der Sar was Manchester United's hero as Sir Alex Ferguson's side opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win at Wigan on Saturday.

Mexican international Javier Hernandez's eighth and ninth league goals in the 17th minute and 74th minutes helped United to a 13th successive win over Wigan, while Wayne Rooney and Fabio Da Silva were also on the scoresheet.

But it was 40-year-old Van der Sar's heroics between the posts which sent United clear of nearest rivals Arsenal with 11 games remaining.

The former Netherlands goalkeeper marked his 250th United appearance by making a string of spectacular saves, with Victor Moses, Ben Watson and Maynor Figueroa all frustrated before Rooney sealed the win with United's third goal.

Wigan had lost all their previous 12 encounters with United, conceding 37 times in the process. But they went into this game unbeaten in the previous three league outings including a morale-boosting 1-1 draw at Liverpool.

After criticism about the playing surface from their own manager Roberto Martinez, Wigan had relaid the pitch ahead of United's visit.

And it did not take long for the lowly hosts to adapt to the new surface.

During a bright start by Wigan, Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega saw his fifth minute snap shot fly over the bar.

Then England under-21 winger Moses used his pace to get behind the United defence and deliver a low centre across the six-yard area. Unfortunately for Wigan, there was no blue shirt to turn it over the line.

But after soaking up the home side's early pressure, United took control through Hernandez soon after Van der Sar had produced an excellent save to deny the busy Moses.

Once again Nani produced the assist, the Portuguese winger charging down the left before producing a cross for Hernandez, who had shrugged off his marker, to steer home from five-yards in the 17th minute.

Hernandez was only starting after Ferguson had opted to leave the Premier League's leading goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov on the bench ahead of next Tuesday's game at reigning champions Chelsea.

Yet Wigan ought to have equalised moments later when Watson found himself in space but the midfielder's close range effort was brilliantly kept out by Van der Sar.

This is the start of a pivotal period for United, with five league and cup games in the space of 17 days likely to shape their season.

And although they survived a couple of early scares, Ferguson's side should have made sure of the points before half time.

A fluid move involving Paul Scholes ended with Nani's shot rebounding off the inside of the post with keeper Ali Al Habsi beaten on the half hour mark.

But it required another fabulous stop by man-of-the-match Van der Sar to deny Figueroa a rare goal on the Honduras international's 100th Premier League appearance.

Figueroa let fly from 30-yards in the 48th minute, his ferocious effort heading for the net before Van der Sar scrambled to keep it out.

United finished strongly with Nani squandering a hat-trick of opportunities before Hernandez put the game out of sight 16 minutes from time with a composed finish after being sent clear by Rooney, who made it 3-0 from close range six minutes from time.

Wigan will feel hard done by the scoreline after substitute Fabio made it 4-0 three minutes from time.

- AFP

lacoruna69

03-03-2011, 12:30 PM

Ryan Giggs - 20 years and still marching on

http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0301/ryangiggs19912_275x155.jpg

Wednesday, March 2, marks 20 years of Ryan Giggs as a Manchester United first-team player. It is the anniversary of an inauspicious 2-0 home defeat to Everton in which a 17-year-old Giggs replaced a hamstrung Denis Irwin after Everton's first goal to make his debut.

Twenty years on he remains a key Manchester United player.......

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/887639/rewind-to-1991:-enter-ryan-giggs?cc=4716

Personally, I'm a big fan of Giggs. :)
20 years and still counting.........

asiancigar

07-03-2011, 09:57 AM

We played badly and Liverpool were the better team...... period.

At the end of the day, the one who is solely responsible for our defeats in the last 2 games that saw our lead cut into tatters is SAF.

What is there to talk about......?

When i read about rumors of us buying new players, i really don't bother coz they are just RUMORS....... we are a bankrupt (Glazer) club who cannot buy anyone costing more than 10million. Added to the fact that SAF will never sign anyone taller than him.... it is sad.
So instead we continue to renew contracts of aging players like Giggs, Scholes, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick (piece of crap) and don't be surprise if VDS plays another year...... not to mention that MO and Hargreaves would probably still be around next year.

What is there to talk about.......?.

SAF has been around too long and playing with generally the same players year in and year out makes him predictable hence teams like Chelsea, Arsenal and now Liverpool will tear his tactics apart......... every time United plays a team that is prepared to run at us and win every challenge, we lose, leak goals or have to come from behind to grab a draw. Its a simple fact.... SAF is beatable!!!.

I was looking at EPL, CL & FA silverware around Christmas time............ but in reality and now, i think it would be a consolation if we even ended up 2nd in EPL at best..... all thanks to circus clowns Glaze & Grill and a very tired old ring master SAF.

What is there to talk about.......?

Cheerz
AC

mr_missile

07-03-2011, 02:50 PM

The next few weeks are critical to both United and closest EPL title challenger Arsenal :

Arsenal's looming fixture list

Premier League, Wednesday Feb 23: Arsenal v Stoke. Ars won
Carling Cup Final, Sunday Feb 27: Arsenal v Birmingham. Ars lost
FA Cup Fifth Round Replay: Wednesday March 2: Arsenal v Leyton Orient. Ars won
Premier League, Saturday March 5: Arsenal v Sunderland. Ars drew
Champions League, Tuesday March 8: Barcelona v Arsenal.
*FA Cup Sixth Round, Saturday March 12: Manchester United v Arsenal.
Premier League, Saturday March 19: WBA v Arsenal.

* Should they beat Orient.

United's looming fixture list

Champions League, Wednesday Feb 23: Marseille v Manchester United. Utd drew
Premier League, Saturday Feb 26: Wigan v Manchester United. Utd won
Premier League, Tuesday March 1: Chelsea v Manchester United. Utd lost
Premier League, Sunday March 6: Liverpool v Manchester United. Utd lost
FA Cup Sixth Round, Saturday March 12: Manchester United v Arsenal
Champions League, Tuesday March 15: Manchester United v Marseille.
Premier League, Saturday March 19: Manchester United v Bolton.

With last night's defeat to Pool, United lost back to back league games for the first time in 2 years.

We certainly missed the cool reading of the game by Ferdinand and the strength and leadership of Vidic in defence. But in all honesty, Pool was the better team last night. The lead at the top of the table is now 3 points with Arsenal having a game in hand.

The title race is going to be heart-stopping from now.

mr_missile

07-03-2011, 03:46 PM

There are nine more games remaining in the league. Seems like the games on 1 May away to Arsenal and 7 May at home to Chelsea will decide who will be the champions.

Saturday 19th March 2011
Manchester United v Bolton Wanderers

Saturday 02nd April 2011
West Ham United v Manchester United

Saturday 09th April 2011
Manchester United v Fulham

Saturday 16th April 2011
Newcastle United v Manchester United

Saturday 23rd April 2011
Manchester United v Everton

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea

Saturday 14th May 2011
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Manchester United v Blackpool

mr_missile

07-03-2011, 03:51 PM

Arsenal's title run-in games : Looks like United will need a favour from Spurs and Pool to take points off the gunners prior to the big game on 1 May.

Saturday 19th March 2011
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal

Saturday 02nd April 2011
Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers

Sunday 10th April 2011
Blackpool v Arsenal

Sunday 17th April 2011
Arsenal v Liverpool

Wednesday 20th April 2011
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

Sunday 24th April 2011
Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Stoke City v Arsenal

Saturday 14th May 2011
Arsenal v Aston Villa

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Fulham v Arsenal

FunKid

08-03-2011, 09:49 PM

asiancigar

08-03-2011, 10:39 PM

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United - DRAW

Saturday 07th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea - United WIN

Sunday 17th April 2011
Arsenal v Liverpool - Draw

Wednesday 20th April 2011
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal - Spurs WIN

the above matches will probably decide the title for this season.
MU ! MU ! MU ! all the way !!!

How would we do?

Cheerz
AC

jitlong69

08-03-2011, 10:42 PM

MU will get their 19th title. Let those Liverpoolrean drool.............

Losing a battle does not mean they had lost the war.

MU win over L'pool in the FA Cup was more significant than losing the 3 points to L'pool last week. No Big Deal.

MU lost to Chelsea, as all can see..............Chelsea was given the 3 points in a gift wrapped box by the referee.

But I think MU could go out in the Champion League. Marseille will score and MU could loose in the away goal.

FA tie with that French "granny" as manager, hmmm imteresting but I will put my money in Arsenal because the team that I betted on will loose...hahahaha

A Red Devils

11-03-2011, 07:42 PM

hope that not only we can bounce back with an FA Cup semi-final spot but also recover and win all our matches,
record no. 19 on the way and probably 2010/2011 Manchester United is already craved on the trophy. :) :D

Pankunchi

13-03-2011, 10:45 AM

a chance of MU winning the double again to create another history/record.

FA Cup and Premier League winner.

machoman

13-03-2011, 06:55 PM

United send Arsenal crashing out of FA Cup
Sunday, March 13, 2011, 04:37:08 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1299959835976-2-1.jpg

Manchester United's defender Fabio Da Silva celebrates after scoring the opening goal of their FA Cup quarter-final football match against Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England. Manchester United won 2-0.
Manchester United got their spluttering season back on track with a 2-0 win against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side had lost three of their last five Premier League matches, but goals from Fabio da Silva and Wayne Rooney restored the feel-good factor and booked a place in the Wembley semi-finals.

While United's morale will have been lifted by victory against a major rival, Arsenal's campaign is in danger of imploding.

The Gunners now have only the Premier League title to aim for after a miserable two weeks which has seen them lose the League Cup final to Birmingham and crash out of the Champions League and FA Cup.

United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar admitted it was important for his team to get back to winning ways.

"We got our goals, luckily I pulled off a couple of saves and we defended well," he said.

"It was important of course because we lost to Chelsea and Liverpool so the gap in the league is now non-existent. We needed to win tonight for another chance of silverware."

The 40-year-old has already announced his intention to retire at the end of the season and, asked if he is tempted to change his mind, he insisted: "No, definitely not."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirmed Swiss defender Johan Djourou will be out for the rest of the season after being stretchered off with a dislocated shoulder.

Wenger added: "I cannot fault our effort but things are not going our way at the moment.

"United were much more clinical, we have had a very difficult week. The team will recover from that and refocus."

Ferguson sent out a slightly weakened team which included seven defenders as he rested players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League second leg against Marseille, while Wenger played his strongest available eleven. It was Ferguson's selection gamble that paid off.

Fabio opened the scoring with a close-range finish in the 28th minute after Manuel Almunia could only push Javier Hernandez's header from a Rooney cross into the Brazilian's path.

Arsenal's Robin van Persie, controversially sent off for kicking the ball away against Barcelona in midweek, almost equalised before the break but the Dutch forward saw his low shot turned away by Van der Sar.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1299942729618-2-1.jpg

Bolton Wanderers' defender Gary Cahill (R) jumps for the ball over Birmingham City's midfielder Sebastian Larsson during their FA Cup quarter-final football match at St Andrews in Birmingham. Bolton won 3-2.
Laurent Koscielny was denied by van der Sar soon after half-time and United, who last won the Cup in 2004, took advantage of that escape to put the tie beyond Arsenal's reach in the 49th minute.

Rafael da Silva's surging run and cross forced Johan Djourou into a block that looped the ball towards Rooney and the England striker headed past Almunia from a tight angle.

In the day's other quarter-final, Lee Chung-Yong fired Bolton into the FA Cup last four as the South Korean's late goal clinched a 3-2 win over Birmingham at St Andrew's.

Owen Coyle's side looked to have been denied a place in the last four when Kevin Phillips hit a late equaliser for Birmingham, but Bolton midfielder Lee headed the winner in the 90th minute to send the visitors to the Wembley semis.

Bolton had taken the lead through Johan Elmander's cool finish in the 21st minute before Cameron Jerome lashed in Birmingham's first equaliser in the 38th minute.

Kevin Davies converted a 66th-minute penalty, awarded after Curtis Davies fouled the Bolton striker, only for Phillips to scoop in a superb equaliser with 10 minutes to play.

But Birmingham's dreams of adding the FA Cup to the League Cup they won against Arsenal last month came to an end when substitute Lee ran onto Davies's header and nodded past Ben Foster.

Coyle saluted Lee's influential display but admitted he will continue to rotate the winger in and out of the side to keep him fresh.

"I think Lee is capable of playing for any team. But he hasn't had a break for two years though and we have to be careful with him," Coyle said."

Sunday's two quarter-finals see Manchester City host Championship club Reading, while West Ham travel to Stoke.

- AFP

A Red Devils

14-03-2011, 02:44 PM

an derby against City in the FA Cup Semi-Final.
what a draw. looking forward for it.
let get Marseille out of the way in the 2nd Leg of Champion League.

RonaldoNani

16-03-2011, 05:51 AM

United 2 Marseille 1
United are through to the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a close-range couple from Javier Hernandez - but it was a far from comfortable night for the Reds after conceding a late away goal at Old Trafford.

Wes Brown's unfortunate own goal created an anxious last-eight minutes but Sir Alex Ferguson's men held out to win 2-1 and book a place in the last-eight draw alongside the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s pre-match promise to go for it was reflected in his line-up as Nani and Ryan Giggs returned to the flanks and Paul Scholes was restored in the centre. The bench also had a strong emphasis on attack with the marauding midfield stars of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, Rafael and Fabio, plus Antonio Valencia and Dimitar Berbatov among the seven subs. The defence, however, was not the expected quartet with a calf problem forcing Nemanja Vidic to join Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines.

Marseille, meanwhile, had top scorer Andre-Pierre Gignac back – he missed the first leg in France. Ex-United defender Gabriel Heinze started for the visitors in central defence, perhaps a safer haven than at left-back where Nani stretched him a fortnight ago.

The Reds engineered the perfect start from the opposite wing – United’s left. Rooney fed Ryan Giggs, scurried forward to collect the return

jitlong69

16-03-2011, 09:33 AM

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea

Sunday 17th April 2011
Arsenal v Liverpool

Wednesday 20th April 2011
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

the above matches will probably decide the title for this season.
MU ! MU ! MU ! all the way !!!

That is my predictions too. MU has 2 tricky games. The first one is Bolton. Bolton has always been a boo boo team for all the top 4. The edge is with MU playing at home. Dont bang too much on a MU win cause it could likely be a draw. Currently MU right back is weak with the ultility man O'Shea out and also Rafael

Nexy tricky game is with Everton on the 23rd. Again MU is at home so the edge on MU again but MU never has an easy game with Everton.

Arsenal will be out for revenge for their FA exit when they meet MU. Hopefully MU will score first because Arsenal back line is weak.

Arsenal also have to meet Bolton at Reebok on 24th so this will be an important game for Arsenal and MU.

Spurs should win at White Hart on the 20th when they meet Arsenal.

So everything points towards MU for their 19th League cup or maybe another treble. MU is on course anyway. Lets sit back and enjoy the game.

Chelsea, best is a 3rd position.

4th place will be very interesting between Spur and M city that everyone knows.

machoman

16-03-2011, 10:05 AM

United edge into Champions League quarter-finals
Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 06:27:21 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1300226449963-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's Mexican forward Javier Hernandez celebrates scoring against Marseille during their UEFA Champions League round of 16, second leg football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-1.
Manchester United edged into the Champions League quarter-finals as Javier Hernandez's double-strike clinched a 2-1 win over Marseille in the last 16 second leg on Tuesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side were far from convincing for long periods at Old Trafford, but the predatory finishing of Mexico striker Hernandez moved United into the last eight for the fifth successive year with a 2-1 aggregate victory.

This was Ferguson's 100th Champions League victory and few of the previous 99 would have caused him quite so much anxiety as this.

Marseille gave United's defence too many scares for the Scot's liking and Wes Brown's late own goal ensured a tense finish for the Premier League leaders.

Despite the latest in a long line of underwhelming displays, United are closing in on the final at Wembley and remain on course for a treble.

Ferguson admitted that he hadn't been able to relax even at 2-0 up.

"It was nervy because players kept on coming off injured," said the 69-year-old Scot.

"But I think that the experienced players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick did really well for us tonight."

Regarding who they got in the quarter-finals he was pretty relaxed.

"You just take what you get.

"You never get what you wish for."

His Marseille counterpart Didier Deschamps bemoaned an opportunity missed.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1300226468103-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's Wes Brown reacts after scoring an own goal against Marseille during their UEFA Champions League round of 16, second leg football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-1.

"We missed a real chance to beat an under strength Manchester United side this evening," said Deschamps, who guided Monaco to a surprise spot in the 2004 final.

"We had our chances and didn't take them and despite conceding those goals we still could have won.

"We should have done better. But at this level you need to be playing these type of matches regularly, it is a learning process."

United, held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, tore into Marseille at the start and it took only five minutes to open the scoring as a brilliantly constructed move pierced the French defence with surgical precision.

Wayne Rooney was the architect of Marseille's downfall as he played a sumptuous pass out to Ryan Giggs on the left wing and then surged into the penalty area to take the return ball.

Rooney's instant control gave him time to assess the situation and he drilled over a low cross towards Hernandez, who timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and tap into the empty net.

That dream start lulled United into a false sense of security and their defence was dozing as Andre-Pierre Gignac ran onto Andre Ayew's flicked pass.

Gignac had time and space to pick his spot, yet with the goal at his mercy he tamely lofted a chip way over the crossbar.

Steve Mandanda almost gifted United a second goal as the goalkeeper's woeful clearance fell to Nani just outside the penalty area, but the winger strangely decided not to shoot and his delayed pass to Rooney allowed Marseille time to regroup and clear.

United's own frailties at the back kept Marseille in the game and Taye Taiwo was left unmarked to cross towards Souleymane Diawara, who was also unopposed as his mistimed header drifted wide.

It didn't help that right-back John O'Shea limped off with a hamstring problem and Marseille, growing in confidence, threatened again when Benoit Cheyrou tested Edwin van der Sar with a long-range effort.

Ferguson sent on Antonio Valencia in place of Nani after an hour and the Ecuador winger's volley immediately forced Mandanda into action.

Another injury, this time to substitute Rafael da Silva, forced further reorganisation in United's defence as the Brazilian was stretchered off.

Cheyrou had a golden opportunity to take advantage when he ghosted onto Remy's cross, only to shoot straight at van der Sar from close-range.

Ferguson's side made Marseille pay for their wayward finishing in the 75th minute.

Valencia played a clever reverse pass to Giggs and his low cross was met with a typically predatory finish by Hernandez.

That should have been the end of the French champions, but Brown briefly gave them hope when he headed Lucho's corner into his own net in the 81st minute.

- AFP

Rooney Strike

16-03-2011, 02:09 PM

Champions League - United through to quarters despite scare

Manchester United ensured their name will be in the hat for Friday's Champions League quarter-final draw after a nervy 2-1 win over Marseille at Old Trafford.

Javier Hernandez put United ahead early on and despite several scares at the back the Mexican netted a second with 15 minutes remaining to put the home side firmly in the box seat.

But a Wes Brown own-goal on 82 minutes meant stress levels inside the ground remained high with the tie still on a knife edge during an anxious finale.

Yet the French champions were unable to seriously test their hosts again and United held out to progress to their fifth successive last-eight appearance in the competition.

Hernandez broke the deadlock with a simple fifth-minute tap-in after Wayne Rooney had started the move and then delivered the killer pass across the face of goal.

The strike followed a bright opening by United, who knew that victory on the night would see them progress to the quarter-finals after the first leg at the Stade Velodrrome had ended goalless.

But even a goal to the good, the tie was delicately balanced and an away Marseille goal would have turned the tie completely on its head.

That knowledge appeared to play on the minds of United's back line, which was missing the influential Nemanja Vidic after the Serb failed a fitness test on the calf strain he picked up at the weekend.

As such, Alex Ferguson was forced into fielding Brown and Chris Smalling in the centre of defence - the same pairing that played in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool in the Premier League a week and a half previously.

And during the opening period, the makeshift back line did little to suggest United were going to maintain their excellent defensive record in this competition, which had seen them concede just once in seven previous games heading into this one.

Soon after Nani had opened the scoring, Smalling nearly got caught out as an innovative flick-on from Andre Ayew looped over the defender's head and into the path of Andre-Pierre Gignac. Only an abject finish from the France international kept United's clean sheet intact.

Souleymane Diawara was then allowed to meet a corner unchallenged but, again, United were saved by another atrocious finish, this time as Diawara conspired to head wide.

And on 42 minutes, Smalling's attempted clearance only found Loic Remy, who blazed a vicious first-time effort over the bar.

Yet United survived those scares and were actually the better side during the opening period, bossing possession and only lacking the nous to unlock the visitors' defence for a second time.

The second half was a different story as Marseille, forced to attack more and with United sitting back a little, began to enjoy more of the ball.

Benoit Cheyrou brought Edwin van der Sar into action on 74 minutes as the pressure on United's goal mounted but the hosts relieved the pressure as Hernandez hit on the break in virtually a carbon copy of his first goal.

This time Antonio Valencia, a second half replacement for Nani, was the architect, slipping the ball through for Ryan Giggs to square to Hernandez, who had another simple finish from close range.

The goal should have put the tie to bed, but Marseille extended their interest in the match when Gabriel Heinze - booed on his return to Old Trafford - attacked a corner and Brown bundled the ball into his own net.

Yet Didier Deschamps's side failed to take inspiration from the goal and what should have been a grandstand finish saw the French side fail to fashion any more chances.

The result sees United maintain their impeccable record against French opposition at Old Trafford - they have never lost to a side from across the Channel at home - and means they join Internazionale, Tottenham, Barcelona, Schalke and Shakhtar Donetsk in Friday's draw. Chelsea's fate will be decided on Wednesday when they meet FC Copenhagen, while Real Madrid play Lyon.

Mike Hytner / Eurosport

jitlong69

18-03-2011, 02:01 AM

May not be a bad idea as Rooney say, take on Barcelona in the quarter first......

jitlong69

18-03-2011, 02:44 AM

More to add.
If MU win the EPL it will be a record 19 times, and win the FA, it will be 12 time (already holding the record now with 11 times) and the Champion League total will be 4 times but 3 times under the same manager. Won't it be wonderful but it is not going to be easy. I think for the EPL title and FA should be good chance but Champion League may be a steeper hill up with all the injuries. Best of luck MU.

asiancigar

18-03-2011, 09:58 PM

Champions League Q-Finals

Chelsea v Manchester United ,
Internazionale Milano v Schalke 04,
Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur
Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk.

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=1609215.html

Here is our chance to give back to Chelsea what they did to us on March 1.

Am certain that Roman is not very keen on the thought that they will have to wait another year to try and win the CL...... hahaha

Cheerz
AC

alex18122003

20-03-2011, 01:07 AM

United 1 Bolton 0
Never gets tiring, does it? Stack the odds as high as you want, United will find a way to overcome them.

Dimitar Berbatov poked home a potentially priceless late winner for the league leaders, who had been frustrated for long periods by a magnificent defensive display from Bolton, while also being reduced to 10 men for a heavy challenge by Jonny Evans on Stuart Holden.

Led by inspired displays from Gary Cahill and David Wheater in the centre of defence, the Trotters rarely offered United a clear opening, but Berbatov pounced to pinch the points just as time seemed to be running out for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Starting the first instalment of a five-match touchline ban, the United manager again had to patch up his backline. Wes Brown was shunted to right-back by the return of Jonny Evans, who joined Chris Smalling in the centre of defence. Patrice Evra continued at left-back.

With a surfeit of fit wingers, however, the United manager deployed Nani and Antonio Valencia on opposite flanks and repurposed another, Ryan Giggs, to join Michael Carrick in central midfield.

Bolton arrived at Old Trafford on the back of a six game unbeaten run and, like United, fresh from booking a berth in this season’s FA Cup semi-finals. The Trotters struck the first blow even before kick-off; winning the toss and forcing United to flip custom and attack the Stretford End in the first period.

There was another scare for United within two minutes, as Evans’ slip allowed Johan Elmander to tee up Fabrice Muamba, but the midfielder’s clunky first touch sent the ball out of play, when a first-time shot would have posed serious questions of Edwin van der Sar.

There was no such indecision in United’s forward play moment s later, however. Wayne Rooney needed no second invitation to pull the trigger from 25 yards, and his powerful drive arrowed just a yard wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s top corner.

Both sides continued to trade early blows, and the Reds might have had a penalty when Gary Cahill flung himself to block a Chicharito shot, and the Mexican’s half-hit effort was diverted wide by the defender’s flailing hand.

Those claims were waved away by referee Andre Marriner, who found himself subjected to home protestations soon afterwards when he deemed Evans to have fouled Kevin Davies just outside the United area. The Reds’ ire was placated, however, when van der Sar comfortably clutched Martin Petrov’s set-piece.

To and fro, the game continued to swing, with both sides’ ambition coming at the cost of composure in possession, but not chances. Rooney’s powerfully volley from a Valencia cross was well fielded by Jaaskelainen, while Evra alertly blocked Elmander’s effort. In riposte, a neat exchange between Valencia and Rooney culminated in the striker’s cross beingturned wide by Chicharito.

The front pairing’s link-up bore signs of their increased familiarity, having started five of the last six games in tandem, but the visitors’ well-marshalled defence scarcely allowed either striker a chink of space to exploit. Perhaps mindful of this, Rooney sent another vicious long-range effort scorching over the bar shortly before half-time.

Unexpectedly, Sir Alex used the interval to freshen up his side’s approach, introducing Dimitar Berbatov and Fabio at the expense of Chicharito and Brown.

The move prompted a spell of sustained United pressure early in the second period, but still the visitors held firm, marshalled superbly by the central defensive pairing of Cahill and Wheater. The latter might have given his side the lead on the hour mark, but missed Petrov’s corner despite rising above his marker. As Bolton enjoyed a spell of pressure, Petrov’s drilled cross then narrowly cleared van der Sar’s crossbar, though the Dutchman assuredly watched it fly by.

Still the visitors pressed, leaving relatively open space behind them. Carrick performed a heroic block to repel Davies’ shot, then in the same passage of play Nani led a breakaway which culminated in Rooney’s pull-back being cleared by the omnipresent Cahill.

Berbatov had scarcely been afforded a sight of goal since his introduction, but the Bulgarian almost broke the deadlock out of nothing with 20 minutes remaining; steering a snapshot just past the top corner from 20 yards, with Jaaskelainen rooted. Berbatov was soon released by a superb through-ball from Valencia, but Cahill hunted down United’s number nine and executed a stunning challenge to hook the ball to safety.

Just as the Reds were seemingly turning the screw and making chances, however, Evans and Holden contested a 50-50 challenge from which the Northern Ireland defender emerged to a red card from referee Andre Marriner, while the America midfielder left the field on a stretcher with several of his team-mates in visible distress.

Elmander slammed the subsequent free-kick just past van der Sar’s post, but it was still United who pressed, and Rooney brought a smart save from Jaaskelainen with a low, near-post effort. The danger of committing so much to the pursuit of victory was underlined, however, when substitute Matty Taylor, on for Holden, planted a free header straight at van der Sar.

Undeterred, United continued to throw caution to the wind. Jaaskelainen parried a Nani shot to safety, but moments later was less convincing in repeating the feat when the Portuguese winger again chanced his arm from just outside the box. Pouncing at the perfect time, Berbatov steered the loose ball under the Finnish stopper to send Old Trafford into delirium.

jitlong69

20-03-2011, 01:37 AM

machoman

20-03-2011, 08:41 AM

Berbatov gives 10-man United title boost

Sunday, March 20, 2011, 01:28:32 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1300555511001-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov (2nd L) scores the only goal of their English Premier League football match against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Dimitar Berbatov gave 10-man Manchester United a vital 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Saturday.

With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson serving the first of his five-match touchine ban, the Premier League leaders looked bereft of inspiration for long periods.

Their hopes of taking advantage of Arsenal's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion seemed to have suffered a further blow 15 minutes from time when defender Jonny Evans was shown a straight red card for an horrendous, studs-up challenge on Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden.

But Ferguson, watching in the directors' box, was on his feet two minutes from time when Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen fumbled a long-range shot from Nani and substitute Berbatov was able to walk the rebound into an open goal.

United are now five points clear of second-place Arsenal, who have a game in hand on the leaders.

United's troubles might have started earlier, after just three minutes to be precise, when a slip by Michael Carrick allowed Gretar Steinsson to find Johan Elmander who, in turn, made the perfect lay-off for midfielder Fabrice Muamba.

Fortunately, for the home side, the Bolton man showed terrible footwork and miscontrolled from just 12 yards out.

It was the start of an entertaining half, even if United were well below their best.

Wayne Rooney unleashed a terrific early 20-yard shot that flew wide before Paul Robinson was required to block Javier Hernandez's shot after a clever pull-back from Wes Brown.

Rooney, in a rich vein of goalscoring form, was looking more like his old self and unleashed a volley from an Antonio Valencia cross that Jaaskelainen held well at the second attempt.

Martin Petrov's deflected cross almost played in Daniel Sturridge just six yards out, then the Bulgarian's free-kick from near the right-hand corner flag caused panic in the home defence before being headed behind by Rooney.

By the interval, Ferguson clearly recognised the need for change and defender Fabio and leading scorer Berbatov came on, for Brown and Hernandez respectively.

It was Nani who looked United's most likely source of a breakthrough early after the restart, however, as he tormented Steinsson down Bolton's right flank.

But the Portuguese international could not find the breakthrough, failing with his final pass or long-range shot all too often.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1300555686813-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's midfielder Nani (L) vies with Bolton Wanderers' defender Gretar Rafn Steinsson (R) during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 1-0.

Instead, it was Bolton who almost drew first blood as the game passed the hour mark and David Wheater almost connected with a Petrov corner before the Bulgarian drilled in a fierce cross-shot that just cleared the bar from another set-piece.

United responded again with Rooney powering into the area from the left and seeing his cross beat Jaaskelainen only to be cleared away from danger by Wheater.

The Bolton goalkeeper failed to deal properly with a Nani corner a few moments later, only for Carrick to respond with a feeble strike that flew harmlessly off target.

Berbatov finally threatened the goal 18 minutes from time when Rooney played a short pass to him just outside the penalty area but the 20-goal United forward curled his shot well wide.

Rooney might have put the ten men of United into the lead seven minutes from time as he cut in from the left only to be denied by Jaaskelainen's smart dive low at his near post.

In response, within a minute, Petrov floated in a cross for substitute Matt Taylor, who could only direct a free header straight at United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

That miss proved doubly costly with Nani soon bringing a fine save out of Jaaskelainen before the Finnish goalkeeper's error, from the same player's shot, allowed Berbatov to snatch the points.

- AFP

machoman

20-03-2011, 08:52 AM

http://i39.tinypic.com/vowi9e.jpg

jitlong69

02-04-2011, 09:58 PM

I thought for a moment MU title chance was slipping away. What a come back. Rooney's free kick was fantastic. Now the pressure is on Arsenal at 12.30am. I think Aesenal should have a quite an easy win.

jitlong69

03-04-2011, 02:58 AM

With Chelsea and Arsenal dropping points, MU is getting closer to the title.

asiancigar

03-04-2011, 05:46 AM

What a cracker....... coming back from a 2 goal deficit and winning in the manner than we did.... and with our Towkay up in the stands..... truly worthy of being Champions !!!!

And with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool dropping points........ it can't get any better >>>>> triple orgasm.... hahaha

And if Man City also drop points in their game tmrw........ wowwwwwwwwwwWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Cheerz
AC

machoman

03-04-2011, 03:11 PM

Rooney treble as United down West Ham
Sunday, April 03, 2011, 00:30:34 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1301761810203-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his third goal from the penalty spot during their English Premier League football match against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, in East London. Rooney struck a second-half hat-trick as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2 and strengthen their position at the top of the English Premier League.

Wayne Rooney struck a second-half hat-trick as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2 and strengthen their position at the top of the English Premier League.

Mark Noble had struck two penalties for the hosts at Upton Park but also felt Nemanja Vidic should have been dismissed by referee Lee Mason for denying Demba Ba a goalscoring opportunity.

United took full advantage in the second half, with Rooney pulling a goal back before levelling with his 100th league goal for his club.

The England striker then established a lead with a penalty after Matthew Upson's handball, before Javier Hernandez grabbed another.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched the match unfold from the stands as he is serving a touchline ban for criticising referee Martin Atkinson.

After 10 minutes another decision went against his team when the hosts took the lead through Noble's first penalty, after a move that started on the edge of West Ham's penalty area.

Thomas Hitzlsperger's long pass out of defence released Carlton Cole, whose attempt to lob the ball over Patrice Evra resulted in the France international handling.

Noble kept his nerve and sent Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way to establish a lead, then doubled the advantage in the 25th minute with another spot-kick.

Mason's decision for the second penalty may have angered Ferguson, as Vidic was certain his challenge on Cole came outside the area.

The Serbia international even pointed to the precise area he had made the tackle as Cole danced in from the left, but Mason had already made his decision.

Noble went for power with his second penalty, and in the opposite corner, with his finish angling into the roof of the net.

United were inevitably going to see more of the ball as they chased the game, but their first sight of goal led to an athletic save from Robert Green.

West Ham manager Avram Grant could not understand why Green did not play for England against Ghana in Tuesday's friendly at Wembley following his recent good form.

He produced a fine stop to deny Park Ji-Sung when the midfielder was left unmarked and unleashed a powerful volley.

United also felt they should have had a penalty when Rooney's poor control saw the ball flick up and strike Upson on the arm.

Vidic, though, was thankful for Mason's leniency when he was only given a yellow card when he prevented Ba from racing through on goal. Hitzlsperger flashed the resulting free-kick just wide.

Hernandez was brought on at the half-time interval, with Ryan Giggs moved to left-back as United looked to get back into the game.

Rooney pulled a goal back with a spectacular curling free-kick 25 yards from goal after Noble had fouled Michael Carrick in the 65th minute, giving United momentum heading into the final phase of the game.

Rooney then levelled the match when he collected Antonio Valencia's pass, raced past Manuel Da Costa and fired his finish beyond Green.

Dimitar Berbatov, on as a substitute, forced two saves from Green but it was Rooney who grabbed the lead for them, tucking away his penalty after Upson handled Fabio da Silva's cross.

Giggs crossed for Hernandez to tap in with six minutes remaining to add gloss to the scoreline.

- AFP

Rickey

03-04-2011, 09:25 PM

Worth rejoicing & mentioning again !! :):)

Hip, hip, hooray !! .. Oh...wat a cracking game it was !! ..against West Ham United !...

Record-Breaking 1 too !...MU suffering 2 penalties in the 1st half...& Rooney's smashing hattrick in the Red Devils' 2nd half comeback !! .. Wow, from 2-0 down to 4-2... wat memorable goals they were esp the 1 from a free kick just outside the box tat went straight in giving the opposition keeper no chance at all..

To Rooney & the MU team...Play as ferociously like tis like a tiger in all the remaining 8 games, & the EPL crown wil surely be yours tis season !...Keep yr flag flying high, Devils ! .. nothing is impossible !!...Glory to Manchester United !! :D

machoman

07-04-2011, 09:44 AM

Advantage United as Rooney stuns Chelsea in Champions League

Thursday, April 07, 2011, 05:26:58 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1302123521481-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring a goal against Chelsea during their UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, first leg football match at Stamford Bridge. United won 1-0.

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal as Manchester United put one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League here Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Rooney -- who has been at the centre of a furore over his foul-mouthed tirade at a television camera last weekend -- shrugged off his troubles to fire United ahead on 24 minutes.

But the match ended in deep controversy after Chelsea were denied a clear penalty when Patrice Evra brought down Ramires in the penalty area deep into injury time.

The victory was United's first over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and left Sir Alex Ferguson's side firm favourites to progress from the quarter-finals ahead of next Tuesday's second leg at Old Trafford.

But the defeat has left Chelsea with a daunting task if they are to achieve their dream of winning the only piece of silverware that has eluded since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's 2003 takeover of the club.

Only twice before in the Champions League knockout rounds has a team recovered from losing a first leg match at home to advance to the next round.

Ferguson shrugged off the penalty claims afterwards.

"To be honest I thought their player made the most of it," he said.

"I haven't seen the replay but there is plenty to talk about with penalty claims and dives but I thought our players were great.

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech was seething at the failure to earn a spot-kick.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1302123536965-1-1.jpg

Chelsea's Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti signals to his players during their UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, 1st leg football match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. United won 1-0.

"I think everybody saw what happened, you can see clearly on the TV," he said. "But the most important person did not see it.

"We lost the game and we have left ourselves a mountain to climb but we have to do it."

A scrappy first half saw both sides struggled to establish dominance early on, 50-million-pound signing Fernando Torres testing United keeper Edwin van der Sar with a low shot after only seven minutes.

Chelsea's early pressure almost resulted in a goal on 19 minutes when clever play released Didier Drogba inside the penalty area.

The Ivorian striker's shot was firm but van der Sar was equal to the challenge, tipping over for a corner.

United meanwhile appeared happy to soak up the pressure and look for openings on the break, and on 24 minutes they took the lead with their first meaningful foray into Chelsea territory.

Michael Carrick swung a pass out to the right flank and the evergreen Ryan Giggs, 37, roared up on the left flank to beat Jose Bosingwa on the outside before cutting back to Rooney, whose low shot went in off the post.

The goal stunned Chelsea and for much of the remainder of the half they looked out of sorts against an increasingly composed United.

Torres gave United a brief scare on 35 minutes when he raced into the area and tumbled over under pressure from Vidic, but Spanish referee Alberto Undiano was unimpressed with half-hearted appeals for a penalty.

Moments later United boss Ferguson was off his bench in protest after young striker Javier Hernandez was flattened by a high boot from Chelsea fullback Yuri Zhirkov, who was booked for the challenge.

Yet as half-time neared Chelsea began to trouble United, and should have levelled when a cross from Drogba came back off the post and fell to Frank Lampard, whose close-range shot was cleared off the line by Evra.

Chelsea enjoyed the better chances of the second half, Ramires heading wide on 50 minutes after good work by Drogba down the right.

An overhead kick from Drogba went wide on 57 minutes, but United rarely looked in difficulty despite Chelsea's territorial dominance.

A fractious encounter saw referee Undiano brandish his yellow card with regularity, Ramires and Essien both getting booked.

Chelsea thought they had equalised on 74 minutes when Torres guided a fine header to the back post but van der Sar pulled off a wonderful save to preserve United's lead.

As injury time wound down Chelsea had loud appeals for a penalty waved away after Evra brought down Ramires, but Undiano was unimpressed.

To add insult to injury, Torres was then booked for diving after going over too easily in the penalty area.

- AFP

jitlong69

08-04-2011, 01:14 AM

Rooney - ban for 2 matches.

quote: Wayne Rooney will miss this month's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City after he lost his appeal against a two-match ban for swearing at a TV camera during Manchester United's 4-2 Premier League win at West Ham.
..The striker had admitted a charge of using offensive, insulting and/or abusive language, but had contested the length of the sanction, claiming it was excessive.

However, the FA's sanction has been upheld, and he will miss Saturday's Premier League encounter with Fulham and that eagerly-anticipated clash with local rivals City at Wembley on April 16.

Rooney's expletive-strewn rant was heard by millions after he completed his hat-trick at Upton Park last Saturday.

The 25-year-old said he was "gutted" at the sanction.

"I am gutted to miss two matches, one of which is an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley," he said. "I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last."
Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologised immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right."

Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That’s what I intend to do.”

United released the following statement: "Manchester United is clearly very disappointed with the Regulatory Commission's decision.

"The Club put forward a very strong case to have the punishment reduced, which was unsuccessful.

"Wayne Rooney apologised immediately after the match and the club now wishes to move to on to what hopefully will be a very exciting conclusion to the season."

It is extremely rare for a player to be banned simply for swearing, and while it is officially outlawed, foul language remains commonplace on English football pitches. unquote

Looks bad on the surface, but I don't think so. I strongly believe even if Rooney is playing on the 16th April FA semi final against Man City, likely he will not be the scorer. I have this feeling someone from the midfield will score. I dont quite remember if Rooney had played any really good game in any of the big matches. Of course he will be an inspirations and the fear factor that Rooney is playing will be with the opposition team and thus Rooney will have little room to move. The Fulham game, Rooney will not be missed much. When he comes back, he will be all fired up. But I think he should really try to control himself a little, look at the last England game with Wales, he could have been like Peter Croch - 2 yelow equals 1 red. This 2 match ban is really uncalled for. When everyone swears on the pitch that is true. Dont need to be a lips reader that some player and even manager swears the 4 letter words and is captured on camera.

alex18122003

08-04-2011, 01:22 AM

Cohorts praise classy Carrick

Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs have highlighted Michael Carrick's importance to United after the midfielder's exceptional display at Chelsea.

Carrick shone throughout the Champions League quarter-final win at Stamford Bridge and it was his inch-perfect pass to the left flank that allowed Giggs to create the only goal of the game for Wayne Rooney.

By making several notable interceptions and full-blooded tackles, the 29-year-old helped the Reds control the midfield and secure a priceless first-leg advantage.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com at Stamford Bridge, United captain Vidic said: "From the players' point of view, Michael is a very important player for us. He brings a lot of balance to the team – he's a link between defence and attack.

"Maybe he's not the most attractive footballer – he doesn't often do fancy tricks – but for our team he plays a key role.

"He takes up good positions so the defenders can always pass to him and he defends very well. He's a top player and has a lot of passion for the game."

Giggs echoed those sentiments, arguing that the former Spurs midfielder has been back to his best for some time.

"Michael's a top player," Ryan told ManUtd.com. "I've felt he's been outstanding over the past couple of weeks, to be honest with you.

Cohorts praise classy Carrick
"He's got good feet, he can pass long and short. But he also defends well and screens the back four."

Giggs' comments on Carrick's defensive capabilities make interesting reading when you consider he's started more Champions League matches than any of his colleagues this term, and that United have still to concede a goal away from home in this season's competition.

mr_missile

08-04-2011, 07:52 AM

By making several notable interceptions and full-blooded tackles, the 29-year-old helped the Reds control the midfield and secure a priceless first-leg advantage.

"He takes up good positions so the defenders can always pass to him and he defends very well. He's a top player and has a lot of passion for the game."

Giggs echoed those sentiments, arguing that the former Spurs midfielder has been back to his best for some time.

Giggs' comments on Carrick's defensive capabilities make interesting reading when you consider he's started more Champions League matches than any of his colleagues this term, and that United have still to concede a goal away from home in this season's competition.

am really impressed with the way he played against chelski. he has stepped up where fletcher has been absent due to a virus recently.

players like vds, giggs and vidic have been consistent throughout the season, rooney & carrick are finding their form now, valencia & ferdinand are back from injuries, with smalling, nani, hernandez and berbatov (and even owen) supporting, united can really give the treble a go.

i will gladly forego the fa cup for the 19th league title and 4th champions league win.

the 19th league title will put us ahead of pool while the 4th champions league win will put us just one win behind pool's record.

with sir alex declaring that he may go on for another 3 years, i'm sure he will gun for a couple more champions league titles before finally retiring with united truly the most successful football club in england.

jitlong69

10-04-2011, 02:12 AM

Another step closer to the title. Frankly, I think many linemen could have rule the first goal offside. Whatever it may be, some times you win and sometimes you loose. Now it is over to Arsenal...........and I think they should be able to get the 3 points..........but any thing can happen in that 90 mins.

machoman

10-04-2011, 07:52 PM

Man Utd march on as Fulham beaten

Sunday, April 10, 2011, 00:55:04 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1302367983768-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov (C) scores the opening goal of their English Premier League football match against Fulham at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 2-0.

Manchester United moved to within touching distance of a record 19th league title after a 2-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Dimitar Berbatov opened the scoring in the 12th minute with his 22nd goal of the season before Antonio Valencia made it 2-0 as United opened up a 10-point lead at the top of the table after an eighth win in 11 league games.

It capped a bitter-sweet day for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after his horse, What A Friend, failed to finish the Grant National, which was taking place at the same time as this game.

With Wayne Rooney serving a two-match suspension for his expletive-laden tirade at West Ham, Berbatov started on his own in attack as Ferguson had one eye on Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea.

In total, the United manager made eight changes to the side that earned a 1-0 first leg lead at Stamford Bridge in midweek.

Rio Ferdinand was not involved in the 16 while keeper Edwin van der Sar, Javier Hernandez and Michael Carrick were among the substitutes.

Fulham has lost on all seven visits to Old Trafford since their last victory at the venue in 2003, but the mid-table visitors quickly settled as they twice tested United's stand-in keeper Tomasz Kuszczak in the opening exchanges.

The Polish stopper kept out Gael Kakuta's 20-yard drive in the opening minute before Kuszczak made an even smarter save to deny Moussa Dembele in the sixth minute.

United had not had an effort on goal when Bobby Zamora was presented with a great opportunity to give Fulham the lead after the ball deflected into his path inside the United penalty area.

However, the England international was unable to keep his composure and lashed the eighth minute effort high and wide when he should have at least tested the keeper.

It was to prove a costly miss. Four minutes later United were ahead as Berbatov demonstrated why he is the Premier League's top scorer.

There was certainly a touch of good fortune as replays showed the striker may have been off side, but there was no disputing the fact that Berbatov finished well from eight-yards after collecting a pass from the lively Nani.

United failed to scale the heights of their midweek European success yet, with their noses in front, they rarely looked like allowing Fulham back in.

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Manchester United's striker Michael Owen (L) clashes with Fulham's player Gael Kakuta (R) during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 2-0.

Indeed, Ferguson's side doubled their adavantage before half time as Fulham's bright early opening became a distant memory.

Anderson had already spurned a 19th minute opportunity to make it 2-0 when the Brazilian screwed a 16-yard attempt hopelessly wide after the visitors defence had been sliced wide open.

Fortunately for United, fellow South American Valencia was not so wasteful in the 32nd minute.

The 25-year-old, who has recently returned to action after recovering from a broken ankle, was presented with the simplest of headers two yards from goal after Nani's attempted finish from an acute angle was deflected by Fulham defender Aaron Hughes.

- AFP

valkyria

10-04-2011, 09:27 PM

It may turn out to be a blessing in disguise as Ronney get rested for the big UCL games for that stupid ban for swearing, I mean seriously...

alex18122003

13-04-2011, 03:36 AM

Champions League Q-Finals

Manchester United Vs Chelsea

HT Score : 1-0

yinyang

13-04-2011, 10:47 AM

Well worth staying up for, this morning. And yes, chelskis erred on leaving Drogba on start line up. Half time sub for duck zero Torres;)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/9454028.stm

Man Utd 2 - 1 Chelsea (agg 3 - 1)

Manchester United sealed a place in the Champions League semi-finals with victory over Chelsea as Carlo Ancelotti's decision to axe Didier Drogba in favour of Fernando Torres backfired at Old Trafford.

Ancelotti took the gamble of favouring the British record £50m capture from Liverpool ahead of Drogba in an attempt to overhaul the one-goal advantage United were protecting from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

The striker's struggles continued, however, and he was hauled off at half-time after Javier Hernandez doubled United's lead in the tie moments before the break.

Drogba underlined the error of his coach's ways with an outstanding second-half show that even brought Chelsea hope when he scored with 13 minutes left as Ancelotti's side struggled under the handicap of being reduced to 10 men when Ramires was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Nani.

If Chelsea harboured any ambition of turning the game on its head, it was short-lived as Park Ji-sung restored United's lead seconds later to clinch a meeting with either holders Inter Milan or Schalke 04 in the last four.

As Old Trafford celebrated at the final whistle, Ancelotti cut a predictably disconsolate figure with only the very faint prospect of challenging United for the title left in his attempts to follow up the Premier League and FA Cup Double he claimed in his first season.

And while his decision to go with Torres ahead of Drogba showed commendable courage, as did his decision to take the Spaniard off after only 45 minutes, he now faces the prospect of the selection potentially starting the credits rolling on his Chelsea career following the exit from the tournament owner Roman Abramovich is desperate to claim.

If Torres is looking an expensive misfit at £50m, United's swoop for Hernandez can already be regarded as one of the great bargains with another prime example of the goal-poaching instincts that came with only a £6m price tag attached.

United can now turn their attentions to Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against neighbours Manchester City at Wembley as their charge for a repeat of their 1999 Treble remains firmly on course.

Ancelotti made the big call in selecting Torres ahead of Drogba and the early signs looked good for Chelsea as they took the game to United with ambition and purpose in pursuit of the goal they required.

Drogba gave Chelsea hope in the second half at Old Trafford
Chelsea created early opportunities but crucially, given the balance of the tie, they were wasted. Nicolas Anelka was twice narrowly off target and Frank Lampard should have done better than shoot straight at Edwin van der Sar following good work by Florent Malouda.

Wayne Rooney and Hernandez have developed a potent partnership and they almost created the breakthrough for United when the Mexican headed in an inviting cross, only to be ruled offside by the slenderest of margins.

United keeper Van der Sar made light of his 40 years with a sprightly dash from goal to make a perfectly timed tackle and clearance on Anelka as the Chelsea striker escaped the attentions of his markers.

As Chelsea neared the end of a first half they would have regarded with a measure of satisfaction, United struck a devastating blow that underlined the importance of those missed chances.

John O'Shea fashioned the original opening with a perfect pass inside Anelka and Giggs was equally incisive with a cross that was bundled into the roof of the net in trademark fashion by the predatory Hernandez.

Ancelotti needed to act and his response was dramatic by any standards, hauling off Torres and replacing him with Drogba in an attempt to rescue a quarter-final that was slipping away.

And Drogba wasted no time in making more of an impression that the struggling Spaniard, firing in an effort that left Van der Sar scrambling and a free-kick that the keeper was forced to punch to safety.

Chelsea's efforts to somehow snatch at a lifeline suffered a setback with 20 minutes left when Ramires flew into a reckless tackle on Nani and left referee Oligario Benquerenca with no option other that to brandish a second yellow card.

Drogba then gave Chelsea hope, if only for a matter of seconds, when he took Michael Essien's pass on his chest and drilled a low finish beyond Van der Sar.

If Chelsea had thoughts of completing an unlikely fightback, they were snuffed out almost immediately as another Giggs cross found Park unmarked on the angle of the penalty area, the South Korean making the most of the time and space afforded to him to beat Petr Cech.

United ran down the clock with comfort - now time may also be running out for Ancelotti.

machoman

13-04-2011, 01:13 PM

United through as 10-man Chelsea exit Champions League
Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 05:18:08 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1302642652396-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (R) and Mexican forward Javier Hernandez (L) congratulate goal scorer South Korean forward Park Ji-sung during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-1.

Manchester United powered into the semi-finals of the Champions League here Tuesday, downing Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford to clinch a 3-1 aggregate victory.

Goals from Mexican striker Javier Hernandez and South Korean international Park Ji-Sung either side of a lone Chelsea effort from Didier Drogba clinched a deserved victory for United in front of 74,672 fans.

The win put Sir Alex Ferguson's side into a semi-final against either Schalke 04 or holders Inter Milan, who play each other on Wednesday.

"Overall we were the better side, though, it was I thought as well a competitive game and played in a good spirit but also a great advert for the Premier League," said Ferguson.

"I think we've hit our form and the players are relishing the challenge on three fronts."

United, leading 1-0 from last week's first leg at Stamford Bridge, were worthy victors against a Chelsea side who struggled to match their opponents' precision in the final third.

Defeat piled the pressure on Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, who in all probability will see his team finish the season without a trophy.

Chelsea's misery was summed up by Ancelotti's decision to remove £50 million striker Fernando Torres at half-time after another lacklustre contribution from the Spaniard, still goalless after 11 hours since joining the club.

Ancelotti took defeat graciously.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1302642528851-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's English forward Wayne Rooney (L) crosses the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg football match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-1.

"We had good control of the game in the opening 25 minutes but didn't take our chances," said the Italian, who twice guided AC Milan to the trophy.

"Our performance was not so bad but United deserved the win.

"We have to move on from this disappointment and ensure we finish in the top four places (to make the Champions League)."

An open first half saw Chelsea, lining up in their more familiar 4-3-3 formation, enjoy plenty of possession and territory without ever really threatening United's goal.

Chelsea's best chance came after 15 minutes, when a surging run from Florent Malouda, operating on the left side of a front three with Torres and Nicolas Anelka, took him deep into United territory.

The Frenchman threaded his pass through to Frank Lampard but the England midfielder was unable to get a clean shot off and his low effort lacked the power to trouble Edwin van der Sar in the United goal.

United had the ball in the net on 26 minutes when an exquisite curling cross from the right from Wayne Rooney was turned in by Hernandez, the young Mexican stooping to head home only to be given marginally off-side.

An increasingly niggly opening spell saw three Chelsea players find their way into referee Olegario Benquerenca's book, Ramires, Malouda and John Terry all picking up yellow cards against a lone caution for United's John O'Shea.

Two minutes from half-time United got the goal that their more incisive play merited. A lovely ball from O'Shea saw Ryan Giggs race into the Chelsea area and the veteran's low cross found Hernandez who buried from point-blank range.

Ancelotti had clearly seen enough of the misfiring Torres for one night, and Chelsea came out for the second half with Drogba at centre-forward.

Drogba did not take long to make more of an impression than Torres, turning his marker and sending a low shot flying just wide on 56 minutes.

Moments later Patrice Evra was booked for wrestling the Ivorian striker to the ground on the edge of the area.

Yet Drogba's arrival could not alter the fundamental inferiority of Chelsea's approach work, and again it was United who looked likeliest to score.

Nani forced a smart save from Petr Cech on 68 minutes with a curling shot, and Hernandez should have grabbed a second when he headed a teasing Rooney cross wide a minute later.

Chelsea's problems deepened on 70 minutes when Ramires followed through on Nani to pick up his second yellow and be sent off.

Yet just as Chelsea looked dead and buried, Drogba gave Chelse a flicker of hope with a fine goal on 77 minutes, latching on to a through ball from Michael Essien, controlling with his chest and drilling in to make it 1-1.

Thoughts of a Chelsea Houdini act were short-lived however, and United made it 2-1 on the night a minute later when Park latched on to a lovely ball from Giggs and swept past Cech.

- AFP

PussyDigger2

13-04-2011, 09:58 PM

is 1999 going to repeat again ???
really hope so.

imom

15-04-2011, 12:43 PM

Frankly, I only covet the Premier League title this year. Anything else will be bonus. In order of priority for me:

1. EPL (so we do not have to share the record with anyone)
2. CL
3. FA Cup

yinyang

15-04-2011, 12:47 PM

Frankly, I only covet the Premier League title this year. Anything else will be bonus. In order of priority for me:
1. EPL (so we do not have to share the record with anyone)
Ahh, so we can gloat.. Catch us if you can? (on back of your new jersey?)

mr_missile

15-04-2011, 01:06 PM

players like vds, giggs and vidic have been consistent throughout the season, rooney & carrick are finding their form now, valencia & ferdinand are back from injuries, with smalling, nani, hernandez and berbatov (and even owen) supporting, united can really give the treble a go.

i will gladly forego the fa cup for the 19th league title and 4th champions league win.

the 19th league title will put us ahead of pool while the 4th champions league win will put us just one win behind pool's record.

with sir alex declaring that he may go on for another 3 years, i'm sure he will gun for a couple more champions league titles before finally retiring with united truly the most successful football club in england.

Frankly, I only covet the Premier League title this year. Anything else will be bonus. In order of priority for me:

1. EPL (so we do not have to share the record with anyone)
2. CL
3. FA Cup

i am more greedy than you bro. would love the EPL and CL for reasons in my earlier post. :D

yinyang

15-04-2011, 04:21 PM

Really??

Italian speak:rolleyes:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13085059.stm

Old fart talk cock:(
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisbevan/2011/04/trautmann_hopes_man_citys_time.html

Scouser thinks MU koyak:(
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9456826.stm

imom

15-04-2011, 05:14 PM

Ahh, so we can gloat.. Catch us if you can? (on back of your new jersey?)

No need for 'catch us if you can lah'.

At the risk of jinxing the title - I will just replace Welbeck's name (he may be off permanently anyway) on his shirt:

http://i52.tinypic.com/mvsyfp.jpg

mr_missile

15-04-2011, 05:29 PM

HARRY TALKS UP MOURINHO FOR MAN UTD

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is confident Jose Mourinho is a future Manchester United manager.

Redknapp came up against the Real Madrid coach in the Champions League quarter-finals, with his Spurs side bowing out 5-0 on aggregate after Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat at White Hart Lane.

Mourinho has divided opinion since arriving on English shores with Chelsea in 2004, fresh from winning the Champions League with Porto.

Despite going on to coach Inter Milan and Real, Mourinho has spoken of his desire to return to club management in England.

But Redknapp believes the Portuguese will have to bide his time with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson giving no sign he is set to retire any time soon.

"Of those (managers) I have faced this campaign there is one who stands head and shoulders above the others - Jose Mourinho," Redknapp told The Sun.

"Some are calling the Real Madrid boss the Marmite manager - you either love him or hate him.

"I am one of those who has nothing but admiration for the former Chelsea chief, who I think will end up managing Manchester United one day in the very distant future when Alex Ferguson calls time.

"But every time I see Alex he looks younger than the last occasion I bumped into him. He is showing no signs of wear and tear. His enthusiasm is limitless. He wants to carry on - so Jose could have a very long wait."

Ferguson was appointed in 1986 and has led United to the most successful spell in the club's history.

But Redknapp reckons Mourinho is one of the few men with the ego and the self-belief to take on the challenge of succeeding him.

"Sure, Jose is arrogant but what is wrong with that?" he added.

"After our game on Wednesday night, Mourinho said that the Premier League is his natural habitat and I'd have to agree.

"Jose is switched on to the demands of the modern game and tuned in to his mega-star, world-class players who give him the utmost respect because they know he is exceptional at his job. For me, he is a very clever manager."

mr_missile

15-04-2011, 05:32 PM

No need for 'catch us if you can lah'.

At the risk of jinxing the title - I will just replace Welbeck's name (he may be off permanently anyway) on his shirt:

http://i52.tinypic.com/mvsyfp.jpg

this is very nicely done bro!

with hernandez keeping even current epl top scorer berba on the bench, and macheda coming back on loan, wellback may truly be sold or or as a cash-plus player for ashley young.

A Red Devils

17-04-2011, 02:45 PM

Dream of Treble,a repeat of 1999 gone.
But we will have the record for most championships won by myself soon.
And our chance of going to the UEFA Champion League Final at Wembley is very good.

mr_missile

18-04-2011, 08:50 AM

Dream of Treble,a repeat of 1999 gone.
But we will have the record for most championships won by myself soon.
And our chance of going to the UEFA Champion League Final at Wembley is very good.

no treble nevermind lah. the 19th league title, followed by the champions league are given more priority. :)

mr_missile

21-04-2011, 03:50 PM

Saturday 23rd April 2011
Manchester United v Everton

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea

Saturday 14th May 2011
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Manchester United v Blackpool

Arsenal's title run-in games

Sunday 24th April 2011
Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Stoke City v Arsenal

Saturday 14th May 2011
Arsenal v Aston Villa

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Fulham v Arsenal

chelsea has leapfrogged over arsenal after last nite's games. their run-in games :

Saturday 23rd April 2011
Chelsea v West Ham United

Saturday 30th April 2011
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday 08th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea

Sunday 15th May 2011
Chelsea v Newcastle United

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Everton v Chelsea

United must avoid defeats against both Chelsea and Arsenal to prevent them from closing the gap of 6 points between us and them now. if can avoid defeat, the 19th title is surely coming back home to OT. :)

machoman

24-04-2011, 07:36 AM

United leave it late to sink Everton

Sunday, April 24, 2011, 00:24:20 HRS

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Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (L) clashes with Everton's Sylvain Distin during the English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. United moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Hernandez's late goal clinched a crucial 1-0 win.

Manchester United closed in on a record 19th league title after Javier Hernandez struck in the final minutes to earn a vital 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

Tim Howard looked to have earned Everton a hard-earned point after a string of fine saves against his former club at Old Trafford.

But Everton could not stop Mexican striker Hernandez heading home in the 83rd minute as United opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

United will now win the title if they win their next two matches against Arsenal and Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly had one eye on next week's Champions League game in Germany as Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic sat out the game ahead of the semi-final first leg at Schalke.

Everton's last win at Old Trafford was back in 1992, but the Merseyside club arrived at Old Trafford with an outside chance of finishing fifth in the table after winning five of their previous seven games.

And despite the absence of key players Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta from the starting line-up, the visitors settled quickly.

Leon Osman was allowed space on the edge of the area to test Edwin van der Sar in the eighth minute, but it was Van der Sar's opposite number who was responsible for Everton going in goalless at half time.

The United States international produced two fine saves to deny Hernandez in the space of six minutes.

Hernandez looked certain to increase his goal tally to 19 from an acute angle before the Everton stopper turned the ball behind in the 25th minute.

And Howard again frustrated the United forward by keeping out his first time shot after the move of the game involving Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney.

Everton's bright start was a distant memory as United continued to dominate yet the hosts struggled to find the all important breakthrough.

Hernandez went from being his side's most dangerous attacking threat to becoming Everton's 38th minute saviour.

After Valencia had got the better of left-back Leighton Baines, the United winger teed up Nani, whose low drive was heading for the corner of the net before it was deflected wide by Hernandez.

Everton manager David Moyes responded to his team's first half showing by making a double change at the start of the second-half.

Cahill, who has been struggling with injury, was introduced along with striker Victor Anichebe in place of the ineffective Jermaine Beckford and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

And the substitutions seemed to have an immediate impact. Anichebe went sprawling after a nudge by Ferdinand inside the United penalty area but referee Peter Walton waved away Everton's shouts for a penalty.

And Jack Rodwell showed why Manchester United are monitoring his progress as the young midfielder forced a great 69th minute save from Van der Sar with a low 20-yard drive which took a slight deflection.

But after Sylvain Distin almost put through his own net, United took a huge stride towards claiming another Premier League crown double when Hernandez pounced from close range after connecting with Valencia's cross.

- AFP

mr_missile

25-04-2011, 11:55 AM

6 point lead with 4 games to go.

the gunners in all probability have blown their title challenge with the loss last nite agst bolton which sees them 9 points behind.

that leaves chelski providing the only obstacle to united and the 19th league title.

united's next game is on 1 may vs the gunners while chelski will play spurs a day earlier on 30 april.

will the title race be over by then with a chelski loss followed by a united win?

i will join my mates to cheer the spurs on this sat! :D

jitlong69

25-04-2011, 02:38 PM

That is my predictions too. MU has 2 tricky games. The first one is Bolton. Bolton has always been a boo boo team for all the top 4. The edge is with MU playing at home. Dont bang too much on a MU win cause it could likely be a draw. Currently MU right back is weak with the ultility man O'Shea out and also Rafael

Nexy tricky game is with Everton on the 23rd. Again MU is at home so the edge on MU again but MU never has an easy game with Everton.
luckily mu got the 3 points. once more "little green pea" did the job

Arsenal will be out for revenge for their FA exit when they meet MU. Hopefully MU will score first because Arsenal back line is weak.
arsenal has little to fight for except pride. they could go all out to win at home which means their back will be expose even bigger and could be something good for mu

Arsenal also have to meet Bolton at Reebok on 24th so this will be an important game for Arsenal and MU.
as i said, bolton always a booboo team for the big boys. mu almost kenna if not for berbetov last minute goal

Spurs should win at White Hart on the 20th when they meet Arsenal.
i dont know what is wrong with harry, their backside is so exposed lately, but a draw is still better than nothing though they could have won. spurs were the better side later in the second half

So everything points towards MU for their 19th League cup or maybe another treble. MU is on course anyway. Lets sit back and enjoy the game.
win at emirate on the 1st may, and thats it.

Chelsea, best is a 3rd position.
i could still be right, depending on their game with spurs and everton

4th place will be very interesting between Spur and M city that everyone knows.
looks like spurs will not be in the champion league next year but i am keeping my fingers crossed

Mu next 2 games in the EPL will be very interesting especially the game with Arsenal which has more significant.

yinyang

25-04-2011, 05:50 PM

One down, just Chelskis to bit the dust at OT:p

machoman

26-04-2011, 01:27 PM

Man Utd wary of German jinx ahead of Schalke test

Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:13:23 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1303695008727-1-1.jpg

Manchester United's Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite his squad having memorably beaten Bayern Munich to win the final of the 1999 Champions League, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are yet to win in four two-legged ties against German teams.

If Manchester United are to reach a third Champions League final in four years, they must overcome both surprise package Schalke 04 and a dismal record against German teams.

United visit Schalke in their semi-final first leg on Tuesday, bidding to reach the final at Wembley 43 years after they beat Benfica there to become the first English champions of Europe.

Schalke stunned holders Inter Milan 7-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals though, and they have little to lose ahead of United's trip to the Veltins Arena.

It is the first time the Gelsenkirchen club have appeared in the last four of Europe's premier cup competition, but they will take heart from United's historic struggles against German opposition.

Despite having memorably beaten Bayern Munich to win the final of the 1999 tournament, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are yet to win in four two-legged ties against German teams.

Bayern accounted for United at the quarter-final stage in both 2001 and 2010, but more appropriate comparisons can be made with their semi-final defeats by Borussia Dortmund, in 1997, and Bayer Leverkusen, in 2002.

On both occasions United were strongly tipped to progress, only to lose 2-0 on aggregate to eventual champions Dortmund in 1997 and go out on away goals against Leverkusen five years later.

Ferguson will be acutely aware of the similarities and he will also be wary of the dangerous have-a-go mentality forged in the Schalke ranks during their astonishing 5-2 first-leg success at Inter in the previous round.

"The German teams have always had that resilience and determination about them and that will be exactly the same on Tuesday night," said Ferguson.

"We're going into this game with far more experience than we have in previous years and our record away from home in the last few years has been terrific."

Whatever happens on Tuesday, something will have to give, as Schalke have a 100 percent home record in this season's competition while United are yet to concede a goal on their travels.

Manuel Neuer will be the man seeking to keep United at bay and Ferguson is thought to be an admirer of the Germany goalkeeper, who has announced that he will not extend his Schalke contract when it expires in 2012.

An 83rd-minute header from Javier Hernandez earned United a 1-0 win at home to Everton on Saturday that preserved their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

It was their fourth win in five top-flight games, taking the club to within seven points of a record 19th English title.

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Schalke's coach Ralf Rangnick. The football team head is expected to restore midfielders Jose Jurado, Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Alexander Baumjohann to the starting XI in their upcoming Champions League match.

In stark contrast, Schalke's 1-0 loss at home to Kaiserslautern left the Royal Blues in mid-table anonymity in the Bundesliga -- 11 points above the relegation zone and 17 points shy of the Champions League places in 10th.

Coach Ralf Rangnick shuffled his pack in a bid to keep key players fresh and he is expected to restore midfielders Jose Jurado, Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Alexander Baumjohann to the starting XI.

Centre-back Benedikt Howedes, who crashed home the winner in the 2-1 second-leg defeat of Inter, is also set to return from injury.

"I selected the team in such a way because I wanted to win both of our games (against Kaiserslautern and United)," explained Rangnick, who took over from Felix Magath last month.

"In the Champions League, we will select a different starting 11 again."

United also made wholesale changes against Everton and captain Nemanja Vidic will return to the heart of the defence after being rested for the Merseysiders' visit.

Right-back Rafael could start after returning to the squad following a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg of the 3-1 aggregate quarter-final win over Chelsea, but striker Dimitar Berbatov (groin) is a slight doubt.

- AFP

mr_missile

27-04-2011, 09:18 AM

MAN UNITED ON BRINK OF CL FINAL

Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney fired Manchester United to the brink of the Champions League final with a 2-0 victory at Schalke in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Giggs finally broke the outstanding Manuel Neuer's one-man resistance in the Arena AufSchalke clash in the 67th minute with a cool finish through the goalkeeper's legs after superb play from Rooney.

And just two minutes later the England international added his name to the scoresheet, slotting home from just inside the area after more weak defending from the home side allowed Javier Hernandez to set up his strike partner.

The Red Devils had contrived to create and miss a host of chances in the opening 45 minutes with Hernandez, Giggs, Rooney and Park all left wondering how they had failed to beat Schalke's highly-rated number one.

The Germany international, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar, produced a series of top-drawer stops to keep his side in the tie.

Ralf Rangnick's men, so poor in the Bundesliga but previously excellent in Europe, elected to bring their dismal domestic form to their biggest game of the season and rarely troubled Van der Sar.

The winner of this tie will face either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the final at Wembley on May 28.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed United were prevented from taking an unassailable lead by the best goalkeeping performance against the club since he became manager.

"In my time at United, it is probably the finest display of goalkeeping against us," said Ferguson on Neuer's superb performance.

"I am sure there have been other feats but tonight I saw a very good one."

Schalke coach Rangnick could only reflect on a disastrous night for his team, with only Neuer emerging with any real credit.

"We started quite well. Then it all went wrong," he said.

"We gave them too much space and could have been behind by three goals at half-time if it had not been for Manuel Neuer.

"He is the best goalkeeper in the world but you don't need this performance to confirm that.

"If you see his development over the last few years he is absolutely top class.

"But for the goals, we just stood around and watched. You can't do that.

"We are not going to capitulate though. Manchester United have a better chance to reach the final but strange things happen in football.

"However, we do need to improve."

machoman

27-04-2011, 11:34 AM

United beat Schalke 2-0 in Champions League semi first leg

Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 05:01:13 HRS

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Manchester's English forward Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring during the Champions League semi-final, first-leg match of Schalke 04 against Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. Manchester won 2-0.

Manchester United produced a devastating attacking performance to record a 2-0 win over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a reported United target, kept the three-time champions at bay almost single-handedly before quick-fire second-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney brought United a deserved victory.

The result puts Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at Old Trafford, when they will seek to book their place in the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons.

"We're delighted but a bit disappointed in terms of not scoring more," said Rooney.

"We have done very well. We have to be professional for the second leg as Schalke can't be taken lightly. They went to Inter and won 5-2 (in the first leg of their quarter-final)."

Giggs was always confident of victory.

"I thought if we kept creating chances then they would go in," said the Welshman who, at 37, became the oldest player to score a Champions League goal.

"We could have been four or five up at half-time. Before the match we would have taken 2-0 but it's quite disappointing in terms of the final result now."

Schalke upset defending champions Inter Milan in the previous round but the visitors' onslaught meant they were unable to cause Edwin van der Sar any real problems as the United goalkeeper kept his 50th clean sheet in the competition.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/photo_1303850790239-4-1.jpg

Schalke's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) jumps for the ball during the Champions League semi-final, first-leg match of Schalke 04 against Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. Manchester won 2-0.

Neuer has been the subject of intense speculation since he announced he was not going to extend his contract but the Schalke captain demonstrated why he is so highly sought after with a string of world-class stops in the first half.

The first, on three minutes, saw him brilliantly palm away a Rooney curler, before he plunged to his right to keep out a low Park Ji-Sung drive two minutes later.

United's best early chance fell to Javier Hernandez but, having beaten the offside trap from Park's pass, the Mexican international found his route to goal blocked by the imposing frame of the Germany number one.

Hernandez ruffled the side netting and flashed a shot across the face of goal before a stunning one-handed stop from Neuer prevented Giggs heading United in front.

It seemed only a matter of time before semi-final debutants Schalke buckled and Atsuto Uchida had to produce a tremendous block to deny Park after Neuer's save from Hernandez left the Korean with an open goal.

Neuer was at it again seconds from half-time, boldly racing from his line to deny Giggs, after Schalke had seen a penalty appeal rejected when Antonio Valencia nudged Alexander Baumjohann in the back beneath a high ball.

A Rooney header from a Giggs free-kick prompted more acrobatics from Neuer early in the second half, while Giggs should have done better than blaze wide moments later after flummoxing three defenders with a cunning feint.

A rare sight of goal at the other end saw Jose Manuel Jurado slice a volley wide, before the breakthrough that United's first-half dominance merited finally materialised in the 67th minute.

Rooney bought himself space on the edge of the box by shaping to shoot and as the Schalke defence advanced to close him down, he slipped a pass through for Giggs to roll the ball between Neuer's legs.

The deadlock finally broken, United required just two minutes to stretch their lead.

Hernandez drove infield from the right flank before stabbing the ball to Rooney, who beat the exposed Neuer with a first-time shot into the bottom-left corner.

Victory could even have been more handsome, had Patrice Evra's low shot two minutes from time not whistled narrowly wide of the right-hand upright.

- AFP

CKee

27-04-2011, 09:03 PM

no treble nevermind lah. the 19th league title, followed by the champions league are given more priority. :)

Treble is a one off which may never happen again. First team players must be steer clear of injuries and be mentally tough, and luck plays an impt part. Of course Man Utd achieve this 1st.

In terms of priority and not belittling the EPL, I think Man Utd would prefer to win the Champions League. I prefer Man Utd meeting Real in the final because Barca may prove tougher opponents and I believe SAF has never beaten any of Jose's teams before.

mr_missile

28-04-2011, 08:52 AM

Treble is a one off which may never happen again. First team players must be steer clear of injuries and be mentally tough, and luck plays an impt part. Of course Man Utd achieve this 1st.

In terms of priority and not belittling the EPL, I think Man Utd would prefer to win the Champions League. I prefer Man Utd meeting Real in the final because Barca may prove tougher opponents and I believe SAF has never beaten any of Jose's teams before.

agree with u on the treble part.

the 1st time united did the treble in 1999, i remember the journey to achieving it was incredible to say the least.

the FA cup semi-final vs Ars? United were down to 10 men and 2 individuals' brilliance took United to the final - Schmeichel saving a penalty and then Giggs' amazing solo run from the halfway line to score the winning goal.

the CL semi-final vs Juve? 2 nil down away and United came roaring back with 3 goals from cole, yorke and captain keane.

the CL final vs Bayern? who can forget the 2 late late strikes by Sheringham and Solksjaer to steal the Cup right from under the noses of the germans?

the BPL league game vs Everton? again United were again 2 goals down and came back to win. that massive win gave the team the belief and momentum needed to carry the team over the finish line.

with Barca winning 2-0 agst Real in the semi-final 1st leg at the Bernabeu last nite, it seems likely that a repeat of the CL final betw United and Barca is on the cards.

Rooney Strike

01-05-2011, 11:19 PM

Arsenal 1 United 0
United slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, setting up a virtual title decider with Chelsea next Sunday at Old Trafford.

Aaron Ramsey, who chose to join the North Londoners ahead of the Reds, scored the only goal of the game to inflict a fourth defeat of the Barclays Premier League campaign on the leaders.

Substitute Michael Owen was denied a late penalty when being brought down inside the box with a couple of minutes remaining after Nemanja Vidic appeared to escape conceding a spot-kick for a handball in the first half.

But the Reds were not at their best and rarely replicated the sort of form displayed against Schalke in midweek.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Fabio at right-back and Nani in preference to Antonio Valencia with Anderson drafted into the midfield while the Gunners were without Cesc Fabregas, who injured a thigh in training.

Even without their captain, the hosts started brightly in the sunshine and dominated early possession - although Edwin van der Sar wasn't called into action.

Jack Wilshere lashed a great opportunity wide after a rare slip by Vidic, who cleared straight to the young Englishman, but the Reds' skipper was at his best to pressure Theo Walcott into firing a Robin van Persie cross over the bar soon afterwards.

Patrice Evra was on the top of his game to stretch to divert a van Persie centre away from Walcott and it took some time for United to fashion a threatening move. When it came, Fabio burst onto a Nani pass and stayed on his feet despite a risky challenge inside the box, only to be unable to pick out Javier Hernandez in the middle.

There was a nervous moment on 32 minutes when Vidic appeared to get a feint touch with his fingertips to a Walcott cross with van Persie lurking behind him. Only the Dutchman really appealed but, no doubt, it was a talking point and it did seem to be a moment of madness from Vidic.

Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Rooney traded off-target shots before the Reds striker was harshly booked by Chris Foy for a nudge on Wilshere. Wojciech Szczesny was finally brought into action before half time when gathering Anderson's tame attempt following a more encouraging move which involved Nani and Evra.

United carried more threat after the break with Rooney forcing a save out of Szczesny with a free-kick and Evra ramming the rebound into the side-netting while Nani delivered a great cross that just evaded Hernandez before sending his own set-piece effort bouncing wide.

But Arsenal broke through on 56 minutes, seconds after Antonio Valencia replaced Anderson in midfield and the players were still reorganising.

Wilshere fed van Persie on the right and the striker was afforded too much time to pick out the unmarked Ramsey, who guided his shot past van der Sar's right hand and into the corner of the net.

United needed to muster a response and Vidic headed wide from a Nani corner before the manager replaced Hernandez with the league's top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov.

The visitors finally started building up a head of steam as Ramsey handled a Michael Carrick cross on the edge of the box, arguably inside, but Rooney's free-kick was comfortable for Szczesny.

Rooney did well to find Nani during one smart break but the Portuguese winger's shot was beaten out by Szczesny, although the Gunners still looked dangerous themselves with van Persie a constant threat.

Owen joined the Reds' attack, in place of Carrick, but was denied what looked a blatant penalty with a couple of minutes left when turning Clichy inside the area. Referee Foy waved away the appeals and there was to be no late drama with the team needing to pick themselves up for two huge games in the coming week

mr_missile

03-05-2011, 09:56 AM

united always like to make it tough for themselves.

chelski has been given the chance to come to old trafford next week to win and go above united in the league.

will united crumble under pressure? i sure hope not.

old trafford is a fortress this season. let's hope united can put chelski in it's place by winning this coming weekend and virtually wrap up the title.

mr_missile

05-05-2011, 11:42 AM

United crush Schalke to reach final

Manchester United will face Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley after a 4-1 win over Schalke secured a 6-1 aggregate victory. First-half goals from Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson ensured there was no way back for Schalke, who were already two goals down from the first leg, and a late double from Anderson completed a handsome victory.

For Gibson in particular it represented a fitting riposte to the critics who forced him off Twitter last week after spending barely two hours exposed to a demanding public.

And Ferguson got exactly what he wanted too, namely the chance of revenge over Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who was watching from the stands, for that one-sided encounter in Rome.

But crucially, he also kept all his main players fresh for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti's side, who will seize top spot with two games left if they win.

Eight changes from the weekend defeat at Arsenal was not so much a calculated gamble as a starting line-up born out of necessity from a manager who simply could not afford to risk injury.

As a result, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand found themselves in the unusual position of not being required at all for a semi-final decider in club football's biggest competition, while four more key men started on the bench.

Ferguson must have factored into his thinking that the Germans simply could not be as bad as they were on home soil eight days ago.

They were certainly more solid in the opening stages, as was Gibson's stomach as he took an accidental kick from Jefferson Farfan.

United had an early chance to settle the tie when Dimitar Berbatov wriggled into space with some deft skill by the dead ball line, only to allow Manuel Neuer to intercept his cross as Antonio Valencia waited for a tap-in.

Chris Smalling was similarly frustrated the next time Berbatov found himself with a crossing opportunity.

The nervousness soon disappeared though as Anderson quickly switched a stray pass into Gibson's path.

He picked out Valencia and, unlike last week, United did not need 11 chances before finding the net as the Ecuadorian sent his precise effort through Neuer's legs.

Ferguson celebrated with the gusto of a man who felt the tie was over, his total confidence in a squad so many have doubted vindicated once more.

Within five minutes United had their second. The same three players were involved again too as Anderson used his strength to provide Valencia with a return pass.

He rolled the ball into Gibson's path, although the Irishman would be the first to admit he benefited from a huge slice of good fortune as Neuer inexplicably fumbled, proving he is not perfect after all given last week's heroics.

It was simply unthinkable that United might lose a four-goal advantage, but Jose Jurado gave them something to ponder almost immediately when he profited from back-to-back errors by Smalling and Rafael.

To follow the burst of goals, three yellow cards were dished out with even greater speed, condemning United's entire central midfield trio to walk a disciplinary tightrope for the remainder of the game.

The most vulnerable of the three was obviously Paul Scholes, who collected his caution for failing to retreat at a free-kick rather than one of his trademark wild tackles.

But tonight there was never any danger of the 36-year-old overstepping the mark.

Gibson had already made a positive impact, as had Anderson. The Brazilian is still bedevilled by inconsistent performances, but this was a good one.

He even managed to do something he has never managed during his entire time at United, score twice in a game.

His first was due to his persistence, firing home with a shot on the turn after he had been crowded out of his first attempt to finish Nani's low cross.

The second was a tap-in thanks to Berbatov's unselfish square ball.

With Darren Fletcher returning after two months out and no-one suspended for the final, everything had gone right for Ferguson and his team.

But the true test this week will come from another team in blue, desperate to retain their title and thirsting for revenge at being eliminated from this very competition at the quarter-final stage.

A Red Devils

05-05-2011, 07:34 PM

one down and this coming Sunday,we will own the record for the most english championship by ourselves.

Ole Ole Ole

09-05-2011, 01:07 AM

Glory :p Glory ;) Glory :)

Final Score : Red Devils 2 : 1 Chelsea

mr_missile

09-05-2011, 09:06 AM

Glory :p Glory ;) Glory :)

Final Score : Red Devils 2 : 1 Chelsea

Glory Glory Man United! The 19th title is all but wrapped up! :D

mr_missile

10-05-2011, 05:29 PM

Don't want to jump the gun but here's a report extracted from Football365 that makes for an interesting read :

Five Games That Won United The Title

From the comeback at Blackpool, to the Neviller's escape at Stoke, to the schooling of Chelsea that virtually secured their 19th title, here are five games that won the league for United...

Stoke City 1 - 2 Manchester United, October 24, 2010

This was Manchester United's first Premier League away win in five attempts, and the first to feature a couple of inexplicable Gary Neville reprieves and a late Javier Hernandez winner. Chelsea had raced into an eight point lead over United and were looking unbeatable after taking 22 from a possible 24 points. To top it all off Wayne Rooney decided to take a weekend break in Dubai to recuperate from all the, erm, extra-marital activities and public mouthing off he'd been up to.

Hernandez scored a breathtaking opener, powering the ball with the back of his head into Thomas Sorensen's left-hand corner. Tuncay equalised with eight minutes to go, but a late Hernandez tap-in won it for United to spark jubilant scenes. Perhaps the pivotal moment of the game though had been Andre Marriner's failure to send Neville off for a second bookable offence on Matthew Etherington, who had skinned him time after time in the first-half. Neville was pulled off and he later admitted he was lucky to escape.

This game was the first sign that United were getting back to their old selves. They had just dropped two points against West Brom at Old Trafford, inexplicably losing a 2-0 lead in what is now very likely to be their only home blip of the season. They were struggling to hold onto leads and Chelsea and Arsenal had won both their games comfortably. It looked to be yet another frustrating draw until the Mexican did what he does best.

Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal, December 13, 2010

United were third in the table after a series of routine wins, while Chelsea were in the middle of their mid-season collapse. Arsenal came to Old Trafford top of the league and in decent form themselves. It was billed yet again as a coming-of-age style showdown for this young Arsenal team; a chance for them to extend their lead at the top and rid themselves of a perceived inferiority complex.

United did what United do best though and beat Arsenal 1-0, in what was ultimately a flattering scoreline for the visitors. Ji-sung Park scored another fantastic header just before half-time, while Rooney missed a penalty in the second half. It was the comfortable manner of the victory that was significant though. Arsenal yet again failed to trouble Sir Alex Ferguson's defence and Samir Nasri - up to then a potential player of the season - had no impact on the game in Cesc Fabregas' absence. Nani once again terrorised Gael Clichy, Park scored in a big game and everything went exactly as Ferguson had planned it.

It was perhaps a more significant defeat for Arsenal than it was a victory for United, but that in turn helped Ferguson's men as Arsenal were their closest challengers at that time. The result put United top of the league, and they've been there pretty much ever since.

Blackpool 2 - 3 Manchester United, January 25, 2011

Blackpool were just beginning to slip as they came into this game, but were still a very respectable 12th in the table. United were top, only by a couple of points, yet were still unbeaten in the league. Chelsea had hinted at what was to come by thrashing Bolton 4-0 at the Reebok the day before.

Blackpool went 2-0 up thanks to two Charlie Adam corners, and Ian Holloway's team were magnificent. They had United on the back-foot for 70 minutes and played with a dynamism and speed of thought synonymous with the club they were beating. Shortly after half-time, Rafael brought down Luke Varney in the area, which should have been a penalty and a sending off, but referee Peter Walton waved play on. Holloway reflected: "It's stonewall. And if we go three up, who knows what would have happened?" Knowing Blackpool and their inability to keep out goals, it might simply have been 4-3.

Ryan Giggs was brought on at half-time and swung the game their way. His was a display of intelligence and subtlety, which was typical of the rest of his season. With less than a quarter of the game to go a Hernandez goal, sandwiched between two Dimitar Berbatov strikes brought United what seemed the unlikeliest of victories.

West Ham 2 - 4 Manchester United, April 2, 2011

This was the return of the real Rooney. His rebirth began with the bicycle kick against Man City, but this was the game - or more accurately the half - in which everything came back together. Upton Park was the site of both the defeat that allowed Leeds to take the title back in 1992, and the 1-1 draw on the last day of the '95 season, which allowed Blackburn to steal their crown. Although this was probably only playing on the mind of Giggs, it nevertheless appeared that another significant defeat was on its way, courtesy of two Mark Noble penalties.

Rooney was useless in the first-half, with a series of wayward passes and poor touches, but a 14 minute hat-trick in the second put paid to that and inspired his famous piece to camera (which the FA weren't too keen on). Hernandez grabbed a fourth late on to put the seal on yet another astonishing comeback.

The game was also notable for the performance of Antonio Valencia. He had only just returned from a broken leg, but he terrorised Wayne Bridge and slotted seamlessly back into the United side. The winger set up Rooney's second and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea, 9 May, 2011

The game was simply the biggest of the season, and won United the title all but mathematically. If Chelsea had prevailed it would have been a straight shoot-out for the league; they were only three points behind United with an equal goal difference and were coming off the back of an imperious run of form, taking 25 from a possible 27 points.

United had slipped the weekend before, suffering a relatively surprising reverse to Arsenal, whom they had previously had an iron grip upon in terms of getting results. Chelsea had just come off the back of a lucky victory over Spurs and it seemed as if the force was with the London side.

United though tend to ignore any sense of fate and set their own story. Hernandez's early goal and Nemanja Vidic's typically brave second were deserved. Chelsea on the rare occasions where they found an opening were thwarted by the endlessly excellent Edwin van der Sar. They pulled one back with 20 minutes to go, but failed to really trouble the rock that is United's central defensive pairing any further.

A record 19 league titles, and an opportunity to sit atop Liverpool's f*****g perch is surely a certainty.

And five other games that helped...

Chelsea 0 - 3 Sunderland, November 14, 2010
The start of a terrible run of form, which ultimately left Chelsea with too high a mountain to climb.

Aston Villa 1 - 0 Manchester City, January 22, 2011
For a brief period in January, City went top, albeit having played more games. But Villa's record signing Darren Bent ended their run of good form.

Chelsea 0 - 1 Liverpool, February 6 2011
It was Fernando Torres' debut, a player that was supposed to reinvigorate Chelsea's title challenge. Needless to say it did not go well and was a sign of things to come for the Spaniard.

Birmingham City 2 - 1 Arsenal, February 27, 2011
The game that caused Arsenal's end-of-season collapse.

Arsenal 1 - 1 Liverpool. April 17, 2011
A chance for Arsenal to move to within four points of United with six games left. Arsenal scored the latest goal of the season, but proceeded to concede even later

The Monkees

15-05-2011, 09:08 PM

last night,sweet dream all the way.
one record down,looking forward when we break another of their record - 5 European Cup/Champion League wins.

jitlong69

15-05-2011, 11:13 PM

last night,sweet dream all the way.
one record down,looking forward when we break another of their record - 5 European Cup/Champion League wins.

Yo bro, it is a matter of time........

mr_missile

16-05-2011, 07:40 AM

Glory Glory Man United!

mangoesteam

16-05-2011, 06:47 PM

last night,sweet dream all the way.
one record down,looking forward when we break another of their record - 5 European Cup/Champion League wins.Please, lets not use them as a bench mark. We set the mark and in any event there are teams with bigger records in Europe then them.;)

ryang74

17-05-2011, 04:00 PM

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/224168_10150174693346723_578556722_7385412_427611_ n.jpg

mr_missile

20-05-2011, 05:20 PM

Reported in the UK Daily Mirror.

United have £16m bid for No.1 keeper target accepted

Manchester United believe they have secured their first signing of the summer.

Spain Under-21 goalkeeper David De Gea has confirmed he will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, and now his club have accepted, in principle, a United offer of around £16million.

alex18122003

21-05-2011, 12:09 AM

Papers: De Gea deal close

Top Gea
Manchester United believe they have secured their first signing of the summer. Spain Under-21 goalkeeper David De Gea has confirmed he will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, and now his club have accepted, in principle, a United offer of around £16million.Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed this week he wants three high-profile new faces to cover the departure of some of his most experienced players, with Gary Neville and Edwin Van der Sar retiring, and Paul Scholes possibly following suit. A keeper is top of his list, and positive contact has already been made with representatives of De Gea, who is only 20 but is already regarded as one of the best at his position in Europe. Contrary to suggestions in Spain, no deal has yet been signed. But the new Premier League champions are supremely confident they have their man after being given permission to talk to the player. Chief executive David Gill said: "We know the keeper we want and are in a good position, and I'm sure we can get the deal done." But the De Gea deal is clearly just the start of a big-money summer for United, who are prepared to spend big to ensure they replace important players with quality performers proven at the highest level. While De Gea is still a youngster, he has already won his spurs at the top level, helping Atletico win the Europa League last season and the UEFA Super Cup back in August and playing in the Champions League.
David Maddock, Daily Mirror

The Guardian speculate that Paul Scholes may play his last game for the Reds against Blackpool on Sunday with the midfielder set to retire from the game. The Sun features quotes from Wayne Rooney who says he is desperate to play against Blackpool. "You play football to play in these games and I hope I can play on Sunday. You want to keep ticking over."

Sir Alex's team selection will be very much under the spotlight on Sunday and the Express' Matt Dunn reckons United could be sued if we lose and another team is relegated.

mr_missile

21-05-2011, 11:11 AM

FERGUSON AND VIDIC WIN TOP AWARDS

Manchester United have claimed an awards double with Sir Alex Ferguson and Nemanja Vidic landing the Barclays Manager and Player of the Season honours.

Ferguson has led United to their 12th Premier League title, and 19th English league success overall, plus the Champions League final.

Centre-back Vidic has been the key cog in United's defence and has made more league starts than any other Red Devils player during the campaign.

Ferguson, 69, lands the top manager award from the Premier League sponsors for a ninth time, while 29-year-old Vidic has now been named Barclays' player of the season twice in his United career, with votes coming from representatives of football's governing bodies, the media and supporters.

mr_missile

21-05-2011, 11:14 AM

NO INJURY WORRIES FOR SEASIDERS

Dimitar Berbatov will be given the chance to secure the Premier League's Golden Boot prize against Blackpool on Sunday.

The Bulgarian has scored just two goals since January and is now level with Carlos Tevez on 20. But he will start for Manchester United in a match that will determine Blackpool's top flight future.

Paul Scholes could make his final Premier League appearance and Edwin van der Sar will, with Anderson, Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher also expected to be in Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up.

Blackpool are expected to be at full strength for their last-day fight for survival.

Even a repeat of their last Old Trafford triumph, in 1962, may not be enough to save the Tangerines should other results go against them, although conversely, they could stay up with a narrow defeat.

Teams:

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Lindegaard, Rafael, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Gill, Smalling, Evans, Brown, Evra, Obertan, Bebe, Valencia, Scholes, Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Gibson, Park, Giggs, Nani, Tunnicliffe, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Hernandez, King.

Blackpool (from): Gilks, Eardley, Cathcart, Crainey, Evatt, Southern, Adam, Varney, Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell, Grandin, Baptiste, Sylvestre, Puncheon, Vaughan, Phillips, Harewood, Ormerod, Beattie, Reid, Kornilenko, Rachubka, Kingson.

machoman

23-05-2011, 09:34 PM

http://static.givemefootball.com/gmf/files/69/69746ca6-6003-4ece-a89b-80433736960e.634414881471425490.jpg

Manchester United have reportedly agreed to sign David De Gea from Atletico Madrid.

According to The Mirror, the Barclays Premier League champions have secured the signature of the 20-year-old goalkeeper after Atletico accepted an offer of around £16 million.

United chief executive David Gill revealed earlier this week that the Old Trafford club were closing in on a successor to Edwin Van der Sar - with De Gea apparently now ready to replace the Dutchman.

"We know the keeper we want and are in a good position and I'm sure we can get the deal done," Gill told BBC Radio 5.

"We've made the decision of who we want, we've been associated with all the top goalkeepers in Europe over the past six months, but we've known who we wanted for many months and we aim to achieve that."

De Gea's protracted move to Old Trafford has been ongoing for several months with the Spaniard initially said to have reservations about leaving Madrid so early in his career.

However, it would seem he has now decided that joining United is an opportunity too good to refuse, with the shot-stopper set to become the Red Devils' second signing of the summer after Lens teenager Raphael Varane.

Schalke No.1 Manuel Neuer had initially been tipped to join United during the transfer window, but the 25-year-old will instead move to Bayern Munich.

Holland 'keeper Maarten Stekelenburg has also been consistently linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but the curtain looks set to be brought down on one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the season.

sentsggirls

24-05-2011, 04:12 AM

asiancigar

24-05-2011, 07:38 AM

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND AGAIN !!!!!!!!

NOW FOR EUROPE AND TO AVENGE BARCA....... AND THE REDS GO MARCHING ON ON ON !!!!!!

Cheerz
AC

mr_missile

24-05-2011, 08:43 AM

MAN UNITED YOUTH TEN TIMES TERRIFIC

The day after they collected the league trophy for a record 19th time, Manchester United became the first club to win the FA Youth Cup on 10 occasions.

Ravel Morrison and Will Keane each scored a brace to see off Sheffield United, who reached the end of the road after an outstanding campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson was in the stands to witness the triumph and must now decide the next career move of a group who look destined for much bigger things.

It might have been a season of unremitting gloom for the Blades at first-team level but their youth team squad have been exceptional.

The key for the South Yorkshire outfit will be keeping hold of them, which in the case of Jordan Slew in particular may prove to be difficult.

Slew has already made eight first-team appearances and has a couple of England Under-19 caps to his name, a number that seems certain to rise.

The Sheffield-born youngster went close on a couple of occasions before the break, including a dipping, curling shot that had Sam Johnstone scrambling across his goal to watch it to safety.

United have been producing top youngsters for over half a century now.

Indeed, it was Sir Matt Busby's Babes that won the Youth Cup five years on the trot from 1953.

Of the current crop, the ones tipped for great things are French import Paul Pogba, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Morrison and Keane.

Morrison has been claimed by some to be United's most talented junior since Paul Scholes.

Unfortunately, he is not without problems off the field and on Wednesday will be back in court after being placed on conditional bail, charged with assault and causing criminal damage.

On the pitch, he has so much to offer and his first-half goal was outstanding for its simplicity.

After Keane screwed twin brother Michael's cross into his path, Morrison required one touch to control before burying a clinical shot into the bottom corner.

Pegged back twice in last week's first leg, United were in no mood to release their grip tonight.

And after Terry Kennedy had handled a Will Keane header, the rangy striker strode up to send George Long the wrong way.

In a second half that saw the unfortunate departure of the Blades' Harry Maguire on a stretcher, Morrison was first to double his tally.

This time, it was sublime in a more orthodox manner as he strode to the edge of the area, crabbed his way across the box, then cut a fantastic shot low into the far corner.

Joe Ironside pulled one back but Keane responded with another to round off the scoring.

mr_missile

24-05-2011, 02:12 PM

Owen: This is the one

Michael Owen praised United’s strength in depth after collecting his first Barclays Premier League winner’s medal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Despite starring in the league with Liverpool in the late 90s, Owen never won the competition with the Merseysiders, nor with Newcastle during his spell at St James’ Park before his arrival in Manchester.

Owen may not have been central to United’s success this season but he did make 11 league appearances and score twice (including against Blackpool on the final day) as the Reds marched towards a record 19th title.

“As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them,” he told MUTV, smiling. “I won a lot of trophies with Liverpool but to win the Premier League is the pinnacle of anyone’s career. I’m very proud today.

“I’ve not played as much as I did last year but we all have to play our part to win the league and it’s been enjoyable, nonetheless. I’m really pleased and proud to have played with a great crop of lads and obviously the manager’s second to none.”

Owen went on to highlight the importance of United’s entire squad, which manager Sir Alex Ferguson utilised to its fullest potential throughout the season. An incredible 21 players qualified for medals (10 appearances or more), although Owen was at pains to point out that even more players had played their part in their success.

“It’s a great team in my eyes,” he said. “Throughout the year you’d look at the team and think ‘he’s essential’ and then he’d dip out of form or somebody else would come back from injury or come into form… the amount of goals that have been spread around the team is fantastic.

“Everyone’s played a part, even the lads who have only played a couple of games, the likes of Wes Brown and Gary Neville, for instance. They’re all great members of the squad – we live with these guys day in and day out and they’re even more important than people would think.”

mr_missile

25-05-2011, 09:02 AM

FERGIE CONFIRMS DE GEA DEAL

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United will sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea this summer.

The Red Devils have been scouring Europe to find a replacement for veteran shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar, who will retire after Saturday's UEFA Champions League final with Barcelona.

Talented Spanish youngster De Gea has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford and has won Ferguson's vote ahead of other reported targets such as Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg and Schalke's Manuel Neuer.

It is understood aa deal between the Red Devils and Atletico is in place, with a fee to be in the region of 21million euros (£18.3million) with additional add-ons.

And Ferguson feels that the 20-year-old is the ideal man to fill the giant void which will be left by the exit of veteran Dutchman Van der Sar this summer.

The Scot told Sky Sports News: "We've been working on it for quite a while, we identified him a while back as one we should go for.

"He's a young goalkeeper, very quick, with good composure and presence.

"He's an outstanding replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

"We were looking for someone with the same types of qualities. One great quality Edwin always had was his composure and organisational ability.

"David De Gea is very similar that way."

bonkudear

25-05-2011, 01:42 PM

FERGIE CONFIRMS DE GEA DEAL

This is great news! De Gea is a fantastic young goalkeeper, destined to be Spain's No.1 in the near future.

He is one of the 3 new signings expected as announced by Fergie. 2 more signings to follow and I hope they will be Ashley Young and Wesley Sneijer.

If these signings are complete, United will be THE team to beat come next season and the season after next and next. :)

mr_missile

25-05-2011, 04:47 PM

This is great news! De Gea is a fantastic young goalkeeper, destined to be Spain's No.1 in the near future.

De Gea's
- an amazing shotstopper
- great commander of his box
- good at communicating with his defence
- very confident of his ability!!

he has a similar style of goalkeeping to VDS and even similar in build and stature (tall and imposing in between the posts). hopefully he's as good as VDS if not better! :)

he's definitely a good catch in every sense of the word!

VirtualGuy

26-05-2011, 08:52 PM

this Saturday's Champion League Final against Barcelona,feel that if can contain or limit Messi,the chance will be increase,since Wembley should be consider as home ground.

mr_missile

28-05-2011, 10:04 AM

FERGUSON ADMITS TO 2009 MISTAKES

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that mistakes may have been made before the 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, but that they have been rectified ahead of the 2011 final against the same opposition on Saturday.

United lost 2-0 in Rome two years ago as they looked to become the first team to defend the European Cup in the Champions League era, but Ferguson insisted revenge is not on the agenda.

"We were disappointed we lost the game but it isn't a matter of revenge it is about our own personal pride," he said.

"We are very focused this time and our preparation has been better. I think we maybe made one or two mistakes last time but not this time."

The Red Devils wrapped up a record 19th domestic title against Blackburn on May 14 and Ferguson revealed that time has been used to prepare for this weekend's final.

"We did most of the work before the Blackpool game and winning the league the previous week helped us that way. The players they have to trust themselves and trust each other because I trust them," he added.

Captain Nemanja Vidic said it was an honour to lead United into the final in his first season as full-time skipper, but that the preparations have been the same as those for any other game.

"Obviously I'm very honoured to be the captain at such a big club and to lead the team to big games, but if you finish the season without the trophy you're not satisfied.

"We can focus now on this big game coming on Saturday and we are doing the usual stuff, but it is more about being ready mentally and physically."

Ferguson had praise for opposite number Pep Guardiola ahead of the game and saluted the swift impact he has made since taking the Nou Camp hotseat.

The former Barca midfielder was the youngest coach to win the Champions League when his side beat United in the 2009 final in Rome, completing a league, cup and European treble in his first season.

They have gone from strength to strength since and Ferguson said: "For a young coach, he's changed the way they play and brought a maturity to the team.

"From beating us in Rome to the present day, you can see that maturity. He's changed the way they press the ball, for a young coach he's done fantastically well and has a good presence.

"He played for Barcelona, which helps, and with the history of Dutch coaches there, he's made a big step forward for Spanish coaches."

Looking ahead to the test presented on Saturday, he added: "There could be a lot of excitement, there'll be a lot of good football.

"We recognise the quality of our opponents, it's unwise to go into a game not preparing for how your opponents play, their strengths and weaknesses.

"But we always focus on what we can do ourselves and we hope to attack, we have players who can do that."

Ferguson is backing his side's European experience to come to the fore and said: "All the teams have different qualities, this team has unity and our record in Europe this year is good.

"We're used to playing in Europe, we have that experience and we're pleased with what we've achieved this year in Europe.

"You look at (Wayne) Rooney, he's more mature now than he was in 2009, and others too. The experience of (Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic) is vital."

mr_missile

28-05-2011, 10:14 AM

is De Gea signing or won't he? the transfer saga continues as the player himself has issued a statement saying that he has not agreed a deal to join united.

however, his club is of the view that he will join united as reported below:

ATLETICO EXPECT DE GEA TO JOIN UNITED

Atletico Madrid are resigned to goalkeeper David de Gea joining Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed earlier this week that a deal for the 20-year-old to join the Old Trafford outfit had virtually been completed.

Speculation the transfer could be announced on Monday was quickly quashed by De Gea, who was adamant there would be no decision on his future until after the European Under-21 Championships in Denmark next month.

However, any hopes Atletico fans may have harboured about holding onto their prized asset have been played down.

"My feeling is that he will go to United," Atletico chief executive Gil Marin told Radio Marca.

"We made him an offer for six years to multiply his salary, but we have heard nothing.

"With De Gea and his mother, it seems they will not accept."

alex18122003

29-05-2011, 01:32 AM

Wayne: Chicha can win it for us

Wayne Rooney has backed Javier Hernandez to score the winner in Saturday's Champions League final.

Rooney, speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com, hailed the Mexican's 20-goal debut season at Old Trafford as “incredible” and isn't ruling out another magical moment when United and Barcelona go head-to-head at Wembley.

“I don't think anybody expected this sort of season from him,” Rooney said. “But since he's joined he's worked hard and cemented his place in the side. He’s playing week in and week out and he’s scoring a lot of goals.

“It’s quite incredible and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up scoring the winning goal in the final to top it all off.”

Rooney and Hernandez developed a formidable partnership this term, particularly during the second half of the season. And it's a pairing that looks poised to bear even more fruit, as Wayne reveals they often spend time together after training, honing their attacking skills.

“Chicha's a nice lad and he works very hard in training," he says. "We often stay out a bit longer and do a bit of finishing work together in order to try and improve. He’s always smiling and he wants to do well. He’s got a great future ahead of him.”

Should United boss Sir Alex Ferguson pick Hernandez in his starting XI – remember, nothing's been confirmed yet, although the boss has hinted he will – Rooney says he'd relish the opportunity to play in the hole behind the Mexican.

“The position I’ve been playing of late has been working well for the team, just behind Chicharito. If I can play there in the final then I feel I could influence the game in the way I’d like to.”

Deploying Rooney in that fashion would also require the no.10 to drop deeper when Barcelona have possession, something that tends to happen quite a lot when the Spanish champions play. But that's something Wayne says he's more than happy to do.

“If I do play in that role then I’ll have a job to do, helping out defending when we don’t have the ball. But that’s not a problem for me – I've done it many times before and I certainly feel fit enough to get up and down the pitch all day.”

In Barcelona, United come up against formidable opponents. The Catalan side were the architects of the Reds' defeat in the 2009 Champions League final and are now widely regarded as the best football team in the world. And yet Rooney remains confident about United's chances at Wembley.

“We know Barcelona are a brilliant attacking team, but as with all attacking teams if you attack them as well then there are going to be spaces to exploit. I’m sure we’ll create opportunities.

“We’ve watched the video back of the Rome final and seen clips where we’ve done well and created chances. We certainly took both positives and negatives out of that game – we’ve tried to work on those negatives and put them right.

“We weren’t at our best in that game but we still created chances and had opportunities to score. We know that if we play well at Wembley then we’ll do the same this time.”

Possession is key to Barcelona's success. The Spanish side keep the ball superbly and probe patiently for openings. It's an approach that's undone many sides this season, although Rooney says United are familiar with the tactic.

“It’s like that when we play Arsenal,” he said. “Arsenal like to keep the ball a lot. In those instances it’s about how you close the spaces down.

“If Barcelona have 70 per cent possession and most if it’s in their own half then that’s not going to worry us at all. In the last few years when we’ve played Arsenal they’ve probably ended games with more possession than us but we’ve won almost every match. In these situations it’s about creating chances and taking them, which is what we’re looking at doing.”

And when it comes to taking chances, there are few better at the moment than Chicharito. Perhaps Wayne's hunch will prove correct...