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Ibra in United praise
Manchester United are on a par with Champions League favourites Internazionale, according to Nerazzurri striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
In an interview with the Corriere dello Sport, the on-form goal ace was full of praise for the Premiership leaders' young guns, whilst revealing he fears Alex Ferguon's side the most in this season's competition.
When asked who he thought were amongst the strongest European sides, the Swedish striker responded: "Inter and Manchester United. They have two young players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, who are really great.
"The Portuguese is having a really sensational season," he added.
Inter have been installed as favourites to lift the Champions League trophy after a sensational season that has seen Roberto Mancini's side go unbeaten all season in Serie A, breaking the record for consecutive wins on the way.
But Ibrahimovic, whose ten goals so far have been instrumental to Inter's form, claims that, other than hard work and a group of good players, there is no secret formula to their success.
"We have no secrets," the Swede said. "We have a lot of training sessions and we have a big desire to continue in this way. There are already just three months until the end of the season to win something.
"We are working hard in training, we play in a good way and on the pitch we win. And when you win everything is easier.
"We aim to all trophies, including the Coppa Italia, of which we are in the final. We are able to do this because we are still doing well in all competitions, we are absolutely concentrated and we have a group of 23-24 players who able to do their duty."
Inter currently top the Serie A table by 11 points, while they will play Roma in the final of the Coppa Italia and Valencia in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Dong digs in for a game of patience
DONG Fangzhuo has every reason to celebrate Chinese New Year, having finally made it to Old Trafford.
It has been a long, circuitous journey from his hometown of Dalian to Manchester via Antwerp since Sir Alex Ferguson snapped him up in January 2004.
As a 19-year-old, the Reds came calling on their first venture into China.
The powerful hitman for Dalian Shide impressed Fergie's scouts and a £500,000 downpayment, that could rise to £3.5m, triggered off his journey from Asia to Europe.
United were unable to install him straight away into the Reds Academy as Dong didn't have a work permit.
It meant two and a half years at United's feeder club Royal Antwerp in Belgium while he amassed the necessary quota of full international appearances for China.
Last December, the Department of Employment finally gave the thumbs up and Dong was handed an Old Trafford contract to 2010 and the Reds No 21 shirt.
But Dong knows the patience he showed in Belgium is going to be tested even more in England.
"Our Chinese mentality is to be patient and work hard and you will get there," Dong told M.E.N. Sport.
Focused
"I have been focused and determined to get over here to England and to United. That was in my thoughts all the time I was at Antwerp.
"But Belgium is all in the past now. I am happy now because I am here at Old Trafford finally.
"I didn't worry about the future for me when I was at Royal Antwerp. I just had to face the reality of the situation.
"I didn't have a work permit to come to England so, although I wanted to join Manchester United as quickly as I could, I knew I had to stay out there in Belgium until I got enough international matches to get the permit.
"I knew from the outset that I had to get a work permit.
"The deal was I would do it in Belgium so it was no surprise to me. I just had to get on with it and focus."
Dong believes the apprenticeship he served across the Channel will now stand him in good stead for the challenge ahead at Old Trafford.
"I had to learn my trade out there. It was a big step up from Chinese football to the standard in Belgium," he added.
Standards
"Before I could think of England and United I had to get up to those standards in Belgium.
"If I couldn't do that I wasn't going to get to Old Trafford eventually.
"But I improved a lot while I was at Royal Antwerp. I think if I hadn't progressed then I wouldn't be at United now.
"I have improved my all-round game. Physically I am a lot stronger now.
"It was a very physical league in Belgium so that has been a good for preparing for the Premiership.
"My ambitions now I am finally over in Manchester is to take one step at a time. The first thing of course would be to get into the first team. On the bench would be a start for me at some point.
"However, I am only 22 and have only just arrived here so I am not going to start thinking too far ahead.
"I am not afraid or scared of the job I have ahead of me getting into United's first team. I am happy to have the opportunity to try and I am going to learn as much as I can from the top players and improve myself.
"I have learnt a lot already in the few weeks I have been training at Carrington. The standard is higher here so I am learning even more quickly than I did in Belgium."
And Dong is learning the language too, with the help of his translator and loyal United fan, restaurant owner Wing Shing Chu.
SCHOLES DEMANDS 'MAJOR' AFTER BARREN YEARS
AS one of the mainstays of Sir Alex Ferguson's glittering Manchester United dynasty, it hurts Paul Scholes more than most that three years have passed without a major trophy.
While United lifted the much-maligned Carling Cup last season with an easy win over Wigan, their last trophy of significance was their 2004 FA Cup Final triumph, while their last Premiership title came in 2003.
Such a barren spell is as rare as it is painful for the likes of Scholes, Ryan Giggs and skipper Gary Neville, all of whom have been used to consistent success on all fronts after Fergie revived United from years of dormancy.
And with United six points clear in the title race, facing Reading in the FA Cup today and back in Champions League action on Tuesday against Lille, Scholes is adamant they must land at least one of the 'Big Three' this season.
"We've not had a great couple of years and we need to start winning major trophies again," said Scholes. "Hopefully we can do that this season.
"We're on the right track for now and everyone at the club just hopes we can carry that right through to the end of the season."
While Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have taken most of the plaudits for United's sustained title challenge this season and their continued progress in the FA Cup and Europe, the contribution of Scholes has been equally telling.
Among his fellow professionals he has a significant number of votes for the PFA Player of the Year award, an accolade which has inexplicably managed to elude him during his outstanding career for both club and country.
And while the battle for the individual awards is likely to come down to a straight choice between Ronaldo and Chelsea's Didier Drogba, United boss Fergie believes Scholes would be a worthy winner.
"Everyone at the club would be delighted if Paul was able to pick up the Player of the Year award," said Fergie.
"He's scored six goals this season and that's up with the best of them in the country in that role.
"His football brain and the football he produces at times is marvellous. It would be great for him to be rewarded."
Ronaldo and Rooney may have applied the finishing touches this season with 27 goals between them.
But more often than not Scholes has been the provider, with his unique vision and execution of passing from central midfield.
And the 32-year-old, who has twice turned down a request from Steve McClaren to return to the international scene, is relishing today's FA Cup showdown with Reading.
Scholes believes Steve Coppell's adventurous side will come looking for a win and in so doing make it a more exciting game.
"Reading are a decent team," said Scholes.
"They've shown they're capable of going to places and doing well.
"Reading are an attacking team, which probably makes for a better game. It's refreshing when teams come to Old Trafford and try to attack you and score. I can't understand why some teams play for 0-0."
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Wishing All A Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year!
HuiGe3387
19-02-2007, 10:32 AM
Nice info from you, bro qbdp.
FA Cup Quarter Finals Draw (Ties will be played on the weekend of 10th/11th of March.)
Middlesbrough or West Brom v Manchester United or Reading
Arsenal or Blackburn v Manchester City
Chelsea v Tottenham
Plymouth v Watford
United bank on Rooney for Euro sparkle
WAYNE Rooney is primed for a Champions League goal explosion.
The £30m hitman hasn't scored in Europe for the Reds since his sensational debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce in September 2004.
Since then Rooney has hit a 15-match barren spell in the tournament proper though he did hit one in an Old Trafford qualifier against Debrecen in August 2005.
However, he has yet to get his name on the scoresheet in the Champions League away from home for United.
But Sir Alex Ferguson believes the 21-year, who missed Saturday's FA Cup tie against Reading because of suspension, is set for a blitz.
"I think it will happen," says the United boss as United headed for France for tomorrow night's game in Lens against Lille.
"We were saying earlier in the season about how he hadn't scored and then he had that hat-trick at Bolton. He will explode eventually on the scene.
"There is no doubt about that. What I am hoping he takes into the Lille game is the form he is showing now for us. In the last few weeks he has certainly come back to his best.
"The stage will not affect Wayne. His temperament is fantastic for a young lad. I have no worries about that."
The blame for the Reds FA Cup draw on Saturday against Reading was placed at the door of missed goal chances.
United's last two away Champions League matches in Glasgow against Celtic and in Denmark against Copenhagen were both lost 1-0 but could have been won if opportunities had been taken.
"We don't want to be making the mistakes we did in those two games," he added.
"The players know if we don't take chances in these big ones then you will be left to suffer and this is a big one."
Fergie reported no injuries from the Reading match as the Reds flew out to France for the crucial last 16 game and will have his full squad to choose from.
Larsson will not extend his United career
· Striker confirms his return to Sweden next month
· European influence will not go beyond Lille tie
Manchester United's hopes of keeping Henrik Larsson to the end of the season appear doomed to failure after the Swedish striker strongly indicated he could not be persuaded into staying longer. As Larsson prepared for the game here against Lille for his first Champions League tie since winning the final in Paris last season with Barcelona, he said his intention was to return to Helsingborgs when his loan deal expires on March 12.
"I am not saying that I am not flattered or grateful to get the opportunity to extend my stay but there are other things I need to think about," he said, citing family reasons and a sense of duty to Helsingborgs. "The Swedish season starts at the end of March and I need to get back to that. I will stay only until March 12."
Unless Larsson can be persuaded otherwise his only involvement for United in their attempt to re-establish themselves as European football's top club will come tonight against Lille, followed by the return leg on March 7, theoretically his farewell match at Old Trafford. Although Larsson is clearly relishing his time under Sir Alex Ferguson, he says the travel is getting him down and he wants to be back with his family. "I am going back and forward and it's not an ideal situation."
United intend to do everything possible to change his mind but it is noticeable, too, that Ferguson seems increasingly resigned to losing the 35-year-old. When Ferguson was asked about Alan Smith's inability to break into the team he remarked that the former Leeds player would be more prominently involved "when", rather than if, Larsson leaves.
Behind the scenes Ferguson is trying his utmost to persuade Larsson that he can play a significant part in what promises to be a season of rich reward. United have been encouraged by the noises emanating from Helsingborgs, who have said they will consider extending Larsson's loan if they receive a suitable fee. Yet the player insists the decision will not be a financial one. "This is a great adventure for me," he said. "I arrived in January and I'm going home in March to play in Sweden. It suits me perfectly."
Larsson described himself as "happy and surprised" he had started the majority of matches and he made a point of thanking the club for doing everything possible to help him acclimatise to life in Manchester. "I came here to be available, to make the best of the opportunity."
The admiration is mutual and Ferguson would be disappointed to lose such a formidable player. While Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have struggled at times in Europe, certainly in terms of scoring goals, some of the more memorable performances of Larsson's career have been reserved for the Champions League, most notably when his introduction as substitute turned last season's final against Arsenal.
"To become a great team you need to win trophies," Larsson said when asked about United's chances of glory. "When I look at this squad, they have a lot of talent. They have players who have been there and done it. Then there are the younger guys who really want to make their mark by winning trophies. They have had some great teams before but only the future will tell if the current side can truly be thought of a great team."
Ferguson feels Larsson has improved the other forwards at the club. "He has made a big impact already," Ferguson said. "I'm sure that since he has arrived players like Wayne Rooney and Luis Saha must have been looking at Henrik in terms of his movement and his awareness of space and they will have been watching his finishing in our training sessions. The bonus for us is if he takes us into the later stages of everything we're challenging for. He's been fantastic for us, his professionalism, his attitude, everything he's done has been excellent."
yinyang
21-02-2007, 09:52 AM
Aftermath from this morning's match...
Ferguson condemns Lille walk-off
Sir Alex Ferguson was angry at Lille's intimidating behaviour. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson branded Lille "a disgrace" and demanded Uefa take action after they threatened a Champions League walk-out. Lille players looked ready to quit the last 16 clash in France after Ryan Giggs' controversial quick free-kick gave United a 1-0 first leg lead.
Ferguson said: "I have never seen that before in all my years in football.
"That is a disgrace and Uefa have to do something about that because it was pure intimidation of the referee."
Ferguson added: "The Lille staff encouraged their players to come off and that made it a hostile atmosphere inside the ground. It's a disgrace.
"Uefa will have to come down on it. They have to. It was very worrying because they were throwing missiles and Gary Neville got hit by something."
Ferguson ordered his players to stay on the pitch as their Lille counterparts gathered on the touchline.
He said: "I wanted to make sure our players kept on the pitch away from it all. It wasn't our concern so I didn't want us involved."
Ferguson's comments were condemned by Lille coach Guy Puel, who claimed his team were not planning a walk-off.
He said: "I don't know how that man Ferguson can allow himself to comment like that about this. He should have said nothing.
"The team wished to make a complaint about the goal and didn't want to leave the field. They were just making a protest.
"In France the tradition is to make a protest at the first pause in the game and then after the match."
Puel, who was also angry that an earlier goal from Peter Odemwingie was ruled out by referee Eric Braamhaar for a foul on Nemanja Vidic, was upset that Giggs' winner was allowed to stand.
He said: "It's not logical. The signal the referee gave was not clear for everyone, especially for us.
"I don't understand. We could not express a formal complaint as we could not find a Uefa delegate."
yinyang
21-02-2007, 09:57 AM
Tuesday's gossips
Inter Milan are ready to bid £33.7m for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. (Independent)
Henrik Larsson will reject the offer of an extension to his loan deal at Manchester United and return to his Swedish club Helsingborgs in three weeks. (various)
OTHER GOSSIP
Real Madrid want Jose Mourinho as their new boss to take over from Fabio Capello next season. (The Sun)
Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is watching the Chelsea situation closely and is keen to take over from Mourinho, should he leave. (Express)
Aston Villa and Blackburn are leading the chase to sign Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy. (The Sun)
Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer has split with his long-term agent, sparking speculation about the 34-year-old's future. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham have been linked with Racing Santander's 6ft 7in forward Nikola Zigic. (The Times)
CSKA Moscow keeper Igor Akinfeev says Arsenal are interested in signing him to replace Jens Lehmann. (Independent)
Reading will move for Deportivo La Coruna defender Juanma, whose contract expires in the summer. (Telegraph)
Liverpool are close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Bayer Leverkusen striker Andriy Voronin. (various)
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yinyang
22-02-2007, 08:58 PM
More trivia...
Thurs gossips
Man Utd's Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Saturday's game against Fulham after injuring his foot kicking water bottles. (The Sun)
Man Utd striker Louis Saha said Lille should be "ashamed" for their attempt to walk off the pitch. (Daily Star)
TRANSFER RUMOURS
Liverpool have just paid £1.5m for Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano. (Daily Express)
OTHER GOSSIP
Chris Powell believes his former boss Alan Curbishley has little time to save himself from the sack at West Ham. (Daily Star)
Plymouth have been banned from talking about their FA Cup quarter-final at home to Watford. (Daily Star)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to a major summer spending spree, thanks to the Emirates Stadium move. (Daily Star)
More trivia...
Thurs gossips
Man Utd's Cristiano Ronaldo could miss Saturday's game against Fulham after injuring his foot kicking water bottles. (The Sun)
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Lille protest to UEFA over goal
Lille have made an official protest over Ryan Giggs' goal in Manchester United's 1-0 Champions League victory, UEFA have confirmed.
Giggs' quickly-taken free-kick was allowed by referee Eric Braamhaar, although it was revealed that UEFA guidelines state the kick should not have been taken without the referee's whistle.
Lille president Michel Seydoux vowed after the game to contact UEFA president Michel Platini.
Seydoux said: "If Lille had done the same thing the referee would not have allowed the goal."
Striker Nicolas Fauvergue added: "Manchester United were given preferential treatment.
"They are a world-class team, with great players and a great manager, and we are the Tom Thumb club. The big clubs are favoured, as the authorities want there to be a high-profile final.
"We feel that we have been betrayed and we are absolutely furious."
A decision will be taken tomorrow afternoon, but Braamhaar is likely to be sanctioned by UEFA for allowing the goal when Giggs curled his 25-yard free-kick past Tony Sylva as the French team's goalkeeper was still setting up the defensive wall.
Though Braamhaar was happy for Giggs to take the kick when he did, UEFA guidelines to their referees state that the Dutch official should have shown the whistle to the Wales midfielder, indicating play would restart only when he decided.
In football law, a referee does not have to blow his whistle for a free-kick to be taken but UEFA believe it is unfair for the defensive side not to be fully prepared when the kick is around the penalty area.
European football's governing body gave these guidelines to their match officials at various refereeing seminars over the last year.
The referee's assessor at the United tie is unlikely to show any sympathy to the inexperienced Braamhaar, who may find himself on UEFA Cup duty for his next European assignment after failing to carry out the recommended instructions.
United reject blame for forgeries
Manchester United have angrily dismissed claims from Lille that they were to blame for the dangerous overcrowding during their Champions League game in Lens on Tuesday which threatened to cause a tragedy similar to the Hillsborough disaster.
Lille's director general, Xavier Thuilot, yesterday accused United of contributing to the prevalence of fake tickets on the night of the match by distributing their official 3,700 allocation a month before the game.
He also called for United to be thrown out of the Champions League, comparing the situation to the case of Dutch club Feyenoord, who were dismissed from the Uefa Cup following trouble involving their supporters at a game in Nancy last December.
With Uefa's disciplinary committee not due to rule on the controversy until a meeting on March 22, European football's ruling body is under pressure to calm the tensions between the two teams before the second leg of the tie at Old Trafford in just under two weeks' time.
Thuilot said: "We sent their quota of places to Manchester several weeks ago, as is the usual thing to do.
"But the English club, instead of distributing the tickets to their supporters on their arrival at the stadium, on their descent from the bus, sent them out a month ago.
"The result - some very good forgeries. All the forged tickets on the night were Manchester United tickets.
"Manchester United are imposing their own brand of the law to Lille football club, to the Felix-Bollaert stadium and to UEFA.
"There was a real will on their part to impose their side of the story right from the full-time whistle because the club knows what's at stake following incidents involving their supporters.
"It's up to Uefa to rule on the issue, but we are clearly in the same category as Feyenoord."
Damien Vanoise, the Lille security chief, added that the clashes with riot police had been sparked by United fans behaving violently.
The comments drew a swift and angry response from Old Trafford who accused the French club of failing to act in a "dignified" way.
United also rejected allegations that their ticketing procedures were to blame. In their evidence to Uefa, they are expected to claim the poor quality of Lille's tickets left them vulnerable to forgeries.
A United spokesman said: "Tickets were distributed by recorded delivery 11 days before the game or for collection from Feb 1.
"We would normally send out tickets for our home games at Old Trafford six weeks before the match and we have no problems with forgeries. This is not a particularly dignified way to conduct a Uefa investigation."
Uefa are today expected to reject Lille's call for Ryan Giggs' swiftly taken free kick, which gave United a 1-0 victory, to be rubbed out on the grounds that he should have waited for the referee's whistle. Lille are also likely to be fined for threatening to walk off the pitch in protest following the goal.
yinyang
23-02-2007, 11:26 AM
Bro qbdp, good visuals of Ron's plastic kicks.. err or doing limbo rock?:p
Ferguson confident as Lille fallout rumbles on
'My own son was in the crowd and so was Gary Neville's father'
Sir Alex Ferguson remains confident that it will be Lille, rather than Manchester United, who wind up regretting their conduct during their tempestuous Champions League tie.
Uefa has already launched an investigation into several incidents that took place both on and off the pitch during Wednesday's game, where riot police wound up firing tear gas into an overly-congested away supporters' end, and Lille's players threatened to walk off the pitch after United took the lead on a quickly-taken free-kick.
Lille have refused to accept any blame for either incident, accusing United of allowing tickets to be forged by releasing them too early, and with their president Michel Seydoux both defending his team's right to complain and adamant that the goal would not have stood if it had been scored against United.
But Sir Alex Ferguson - who today revealed that both his son Mark and Gary Neville's father Neville were in the away supporters' end during the commotion - said he had little doubt that his side would be exonerated on both counts. "I feel we have dealt with the situation in the right way by getting reports from our own supporters and we are confident about our position," he said. "Obviously, there have been a lot of precedents in terms of crowd problems in previous years but I am sure their supporters will be looked after better when they come to Old Trafford than ours were over there. My own son was in the crowd and so was Gary Neville's father. I don't know if Uefa will take action, but it is in their hands."
Ferguson did admit that he had been too focussed on the match to pay a great deal of attention to the crowd problems, but was in a far better position to see the reaction of the Lille bench after Ryan Giggs had netted the controversial 83rd-minute free-kick which gave United their win.
And, while Lille officials have since claimed their players were merely attempting to register a protest at Giggs' goal, Ferguson is in no doubt they were trying to get the game called off.
"They have a serious problem because their players did try to walk off the pitch, there is no question about that," he continued. "That must have come from the coach and I am sure there will be regrets in that respect. To protest against losing a goal in that way is unusual.
There are many occasions in football when you complain. That is natural. But you don't walk off the pitch. When Ryan Giggs fractured his cheekbone against Lille last year, we sent a video to Uefa and to the referee to assess it because we felt the incident was violent conduct. They looked at it but they were happy with what happened, so we accepted it. That was the matter closed. That is what you do."
The Lille players seemed genuinely taken aback when Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar allowed Giggs to take the free-kick even though goalkeeper Tony Sylva was still lining up his wall.
It was a similar scenario to the one that occurred at Highbury two years ago when Thierry Henry caught out Chelsea's Petr Cech. Then, as on Tuesday, the referee [Graham Poll] asked whether the player wanted the wall back 10 yards and the whistle blown. When the offer was declined, the official simply walked away and allowed the kick to be taken.
"The laws of the game are the same for every country," declared Ferguson. "France are not exempt from them. They took free-kicks on five occasions during the game, we took some ourselves. You just put the ball down and get on with it. That is the option you have. You don't need a referee to blow his whistle.
If that had happened to us, I would have been unhappy with my defence. I wondered why their goalkeeper spent so much time on his post? How long does it take to line up a wall?"
Fergie set to rotate squad
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he is set to rotate his squad as his side challenges for silverware on three fronts.
With United facing a degree of fixture congestion over the coming weeks - they will play games in the Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as continuing their Premiership campaign - Ferguson is likely to dip into his squad to give much-needed rests to several regulars.
"There's a busy period coming up for us and the use of the squad is going to be important. We've got Reading and Liverpool followed by Lille."
United were held to a 1-1 draw by Reading in the FA Cup last weekend, and a replay will be needed to settle the tie - the last thing Ferguson wanted. But the Scot believes he has the resources to cope with such a busy schedule.
"It's a busy period, but I'm confident the squad can cope with that," he added.
First up for United is an away trip to Fulham in the early Premiership kick-off on Saturday, as United look to extend their lead over Chelsea, who do not play in the Premiership this weekend due to their commitments elsewhere in the League Cup.
And Ferguson may use the game to rest several key players, although top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who picked up a knock against Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, is likely to feature.
"Ronaldo trained this morning [Friday]," Ferguson explained. "[A Lille player] stood on his foot and his stud came through his foot, but it's nothing serious.
"Ryan [Giggs] got a knock on Tuesday but trained a bit this morning. They're the only two doubts, but hopefully they'll both be okay for [Saturday]. I'm confident they will be."
Ferguson is full of respect for what counterpart Chris Coleman has done at Fulham, and knows the clash at Craven Cottage will be a tough game.
"Fulham are a challenge to us," he said. "I have respect for the job Coleman's done.
"It's an important game. We've got a terrific chance of taking the league, but we'll take every game as it comes. It won't be easy but hopefully we win. No on ever hands you the title.
"We are expecting a difficult game, but our confidence and performance levels are good so we don't have any concerns that unduly worry me."
Giggsy: I did get the all-clear
RYAN Giggs DID have the referee's permission to take the winning free-kick that led to the amazing walk-off protest by furious Lille players this week.
Goal-hero Giggs has broken his silence on the controversy that has led to today's UEFA inquiry into the match.
The United winger's quick-thinking in taking the 20-yard free-kick before the European Champions League opponents on Tuesday night has sparked a Europe-wide debate.
Premiership referees have been told for this season not to allow quickly-taken free-kicks, but Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar ignored the UEFA ruling sparking a wave of protest from the Lille players that nearly led to them being ordered off by their coach Claude Puel.
Giggs said: "The ref came over and said do you want the whistle, and I said no, I'll take a quick one. So I said to Wayne, put the ball down, and that was it. I was pleased to see it go in, if it hadn't I probably would have had a few words off the boss!
"Obviously I was pleased with the result, it was a somewhat contentious goal, but I'm obviously pleased with the points.
Amazed
"But the last time I scored a goal like that, no one thought about walking off the pitch. I was just amazed by what was happening around us, we didn't know what was going on, but that's the French I suppose."
Giggs' confession came at a black-tie sports quiz held at Salford's five-star Lowry Hotel on Wednesday night to raise funds for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK.
Ryan was on winning form again, when he led his team of fellow sports stars, including World Cup-winning rugby hero Will Greenwood and World Champion runner Steve Cram, to victory in the sporting knowledge quiz.
But in true sporting fashion, the team, calling themselves The Invincibles, allowed the inaugural charity event trophy to go to the second-placed team on the night.
UEFA last night confirmed they have received a protest from Lille about Tuesday's controversial winner.
The European governing body had already announced they will investigate the incidents which marred the first leg of the last-16 tie in Lens when French police were criticised by fans for being heavy-handed at the Stade Felix-Bollaert, and tear gas was used during the match.
FERGIE'S GONE ALL ENGLISH
By David McDonnell 23/02/2007
SIR ALEX FERGUSON has admitted he would love an all-Premiership Champions League Final - so long as his Manchester United side are involved.
United and Liverpool are closing in on a place in the last eight after impressive away wins over Lille and Barcelona respectively in the first leg of their last-16 ties.
And with Chelsea and Arsenal also in with a good shout, Ferguson believes there is a real chance of two English sides contesting the May 23 final in Athens.
"I'd love an all-English final," said Ferguson. "Just as long as we are involved in it.
"The competition is very open this season. There's not one team you could look at and say: 'They're the favourites this season'."
United will learn today whether the controversial free-kick Ryan Giggs scored to give them victory against Lille will stand, or whether UEFA will decide that the game should be replayed.
Lille director general Xavier Thuilot has accused United fans of causing the crowd trouble which led to a crush among the away support at the stadium.
He said: "United distributed their quota of tickets a month ago instead of giving them to their fans as they came off the coaches at the stadium.
"This meant there were very good forgeries which allowed fans access to the stand. We want to go as far as we can in stating our case."
UEFA reject Lille appeal
Lille have had their request for a replay of the Champions League first leg against Manchester United rejected by UEFA, and could now face sanctions for the actions of their players after the goal.
The Ligue 1 side were incensed by the referee's decision to allow a quickly taken free-kick by Ryan Giggs to stand, and complained to European football's governing body, arguing that the goal should not have stood as the whistle had not yet been blown.
UEFA released a statement on their website, declaring:
"Having examined the official referee's report, the television evidence at hand as well as the Laws of the Game, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body decided to reject the protest, as there was no proof of a technical error."
A number of Lille players then headed over to the touchline after the goal, and appeared to be trying to get the game abandoned, and UEFA confirmed they could face sanctions as a result.
"Furthermore, the Control and Disciplinary Body decided to instigate proceedings against Lille for the improper behaviour of their players immediately after the goal," the statement added.
yinyang
24-02-2007, 10:13 AM
UEFA reject Lille appeal. UEFA released a statement on their website, declaring: "Having examined the official referee's report, the television evidence at hand as well as the Laws of the Game, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body decided to reject the protest, as there was no proof of a technical error." A number of Lille players ..appeared to be trying to get the game abandoned, and UEFA confirmed they could face sanctions as a result.
Fair's fair. Trust the frogs to try turn table against MU on validity of free kick and crowd trouble. OT will not stoop so low, show more integrity on hospitality to visiting team on return leg.:cool:
Ronaldo seals late United win
Cristiano Ronaldo blasted home a late winner as Manchester United pipped Fulham to a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage.
Trailing to Brian McBride's first-half opener and outplayed for long periods, it seemed the best Sir Alex Ferguson's men were going to get was a draw after Ryan Giggs had pulled them level.
But Ronaldo had other ideas, picking up possession inside his own half, then embarking on a magnificent run into the Fulham box before driving in his 16th goal of the season in the 87th minute with the aid of a deflection.
The victory came despite Tomasz Radzinski hitting the crossbar and Van der Sar twice saving from Simon Davies in the second half.
The win puts United nine points ahead of Chelsea who have a game in hand over the leaders.
The Blues play Arsenal in the Carling Cup final on Sunday.
Ronaldo delight after wonder goal
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his satisfaction after his wonder goal helped Manchester United beat Fulham on Saturday and move nine points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premiership table.
"I feel good," he told Sky Sports after the match. "I scored an important goal. I am very happy."
Fulham had attacked United and were unfortunate to come away with nothing from the encounter at Craven Cottage.
"Maybe we were lucky," the Portugal star admitted. "Fulham played better in the second half, but football is like that."
With Chelsea facing Arsenal in the League Cup final on Sunday, they cannot close the gap to the perpetual six points and Ronaldo - who ran the breadth of the pitch to celebrate with the Red Devils substitutes - knows that it could prove crucial.
"This is important for the team," he stated. "We are now nine points in front of Chelsea. That is very important for us.
"Gaby [Heinze] told me before the match that I would score a goal, so [when I put the ball in the net] I went to him."
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sherm
25-02-2007, 11:43 AM
Nice goal by Ronaldo.. he did it with ease. But fulham played well against the mighty man utd
http://soccer6688.blogspot.com/
yinyang
25-02-2007, 06:41 PM
Sunday's trivia.. (and just see Chelski's OTT for Eto...)
Sunday's gossip column
TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United could lure Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura to Old Trafford. (People)
AC Milan are on the verge of making a sensational swoop for Celtic keeper Artur Boruc. (Sunday Mail)
Arsenal are braced to make a £20m summer swoop for Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o. (Sunday Express, People)
But the unsettled Cameroon forward could also be a target for Chelsea, who would be prepared to offer a staggering £50m. (News of the World)
Middlesbrough are eyeing a £3m summer move for West Brom striker Diomansy Kamara. (Sunday Mirror)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is ready to offer big money for striker Craig Bellamy if he is unloaded by Liverpool. (Sunday Mirror)
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has snubbed a bid by Barcelona to take him back to Spain. (News of the World)
Reading are aiming to take Bobby Zamora from West Ham at the end of the season. (People)
Former club Newcastle want to hijack Jonathan Woodgate's permanent move to Middlesbrough. (News of the World)
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is interested in bringing former Tottenham and West Ham striker Fredi Kanoute back to the Premiership. (Sunday Express).
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could hand Glen Johnson a second chance at Chelsea and bring him back from his loan spell at Portsmouth while shipping Paulo Ferreira out of Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. (People)
OTHER GOSSIP
Atletico Madrid have opened the door for Manchester United to swoop for striker Fernando Torres. (News of the World)
Premiership chairmen will be forced to cutting ticket prices because fans have had enough of being ripped off. (The Observer)
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has denied rumours he is to quit Old Trafford at the end of the season. (News of the World)
Former player Ray Ranson has emerged as a possible contender in the £80m takeover battle for Manchester City. (Sunday Mirror)
Fergie: No extension for Larsson
SIR Alex Ferguson has ruled out making any attempt to keep Henrik Larsson beyond the end of his loan deal on March 12.
The veteran Swede has been an astute addition to the Manchester United squad since his arrival on New Year's Day.
Larsson's contribution to the Red Devils cause goes far beyond his two goals and although the 35-year-old indicated this week he would be heading back to Helsingborg as planned next month, many believed Ferguson would attempt to keep the striker until the current campaign reaches its conclusion.
However, Ferguson has ruled out such a move and insisted he will stick to the agreement originally thrashed out to get Larsson to Old Trafford in the first place.
"I have said all along we have Henrik here until March 12 and that doesn't change," revealed the United chief.
"I am not even attempting to go near it because I respect what Helsingborg have done for us in letting him come here and I am not changing from that.
"Henrik has a lot of responsibility to Helsingborg too, so we are both shooting from the same gun. We are just thankful for having him here."
Given the partnership Larsson has struck up with Wayne Rooney it seems almost inconceivable Ferguson could just let the legendary former Celtic striker leave with two months of the season remaining.
But Ferguson, who twice tried to land Larsson in his prime, believes the forward will leave behind a legacy which will stand United in good stead for the next eight games and beyond.
"Young players who want to progress in the game should look at Henrik's movement, timing and enthusiasm," said Ferguson.
Caught out
"Against Lille last week, he was the one player dropping back into midfield when we were caught out of position.
"It just showed his tactical awareness and also his responsibility in terms of being a senior player to make sure we got through a vital part of the game near the end.
"The players have been absolutely amazed at him because he is such an intelligent footballer.
"It is as if he has been here for years rather than a few weeks. He has been an absolute credit in the manner he has gone about this period."
However, while Larsson's departure will not be greeted with universal approval among the United contingent, it is good news for Alan Smith.
The former Leeds striker has been put on a personal fitness programme after struggling to make an impact on his initial comeback from last season's horror leg break.
But Ferguson is ready to throw Smith back into the fray in next week's FA Cup replay at Reading, and he insists his £6million front-man still has a future at Old Trafford.
"Alan is unfortunate in that the team's form has been great but he still has a long-term future with us," said the United chief.
"The one thing about Alan is he has fantastic courage. He has a great enthusiasm to play football which always gives him a chance.
"If he gets a bit of the game on Tuesday, it will only help him in the later stages of the season when I may need him."
GIGGS: UNITED SIDE COULD BE BEST-EVER
RYAN GIGGS claims the current Manchester United side can take the first step to becoming the best he has ever played in by winning the Premiership this season.
The Welsh veteran, 33, has won eight titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League since making his debut back in 1991. But the club's longest-serving player, who has starred alongside Eric Cantona and David Beck-ham, reckons Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co have the talent to surpass all that in the next few years. And now they must start winning trophies to prove it. "I certainly think this team has got the potential to be the best United team I have played in," he said.
"We have got good young players coming through. But you can't really judge teams until they have won things. And you can't call teams great until they have won things. Not just one trophy but lots of trophies - and been consistent over four or five years. Hopefully this team can do that." And Giggs said the sky was the limit for strike pair Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"They are potentially world greats. They have a lot to do but they certainly have the talent."
This team can match class of 99
By Gary Lineker, Sunday Telegraph
You could tell by the wild celebrations at the final whistle at Craven Cottage how much that victory meant to Manchester United - even the manager was getting involved. The difference between winning and drawing is massive at this stage, with 10 games to go, and to grind a win out of a game in which Fulham had been the better side for long spells shows that this team have got real hunger for the title.
It is wins like this that convince me that this side have the mental strength and ambition to win serious silverware: they have the makings of a great team. Perhaps inevitably, comparisons have been drawn with the great United treble winners of 1999. Sir Alex has made it clear that that kind of status can only be conferred once titles are won. That 1999 team was full of match winners and world-class competitors, but Ferguson does seem to be building a team that can try to emulate their achievements. By looking at a breakdown of the two teams you can see that this United team certainly have the potential to match them.
Goalkeeper
All the very best teams have a great goalkeeper and the 1999 side had one of the best in Peter Schmeichel. He was exceptional in all departments-. After Schmeichel, Ferguson used a multitude of different goalkeepers, none of them inspiring much confidence: it became a bit of a problem position. Edwin van der Sar solved that problem. He is not as good as Schmeichel, but he is top class and showed against his old club Fulham how vital he is. He breathes confidence into the defence and, with his vast experience at the top, rarely makes a mistake.
Defence
In 1999, United's defence was built around the towering presence of Jaap Stam. Ronny Johnsen was his defensive partner with Gary Neville and Denis Irwin in the full-back roles. Rio Ferdinand is the obvious defensive leader now, but for the past few seasons Ferguson has not found him a stable partner. Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown have tried, but never quite succeeded. The manager has finally cracked it with Nemanja Vidic.
He is big, strong and quick and he has as powerful an aerial presence as anyone in the Premiership. He's so good with his head that he'll score many goals from set-pieces. He's bonded well with Rio and they look a formidable pair. Patrice Evra, like Vidic, took a bit of time to settle, but he looks the part now - he has sensational pace. And, of course, Gary Neville is still there and playing as well as ever. A good indicator of how strong a defensive line-up this is, is that Gabriel Heinze cannot make the team.
Midfield
The United side of eight years ago had wonderful match winners in David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. Two of them are still there and are having outstanding seasons. What the 1999 team had that this one lacks is Roy Keane. There is no comparable presence in the heart of this side, which is why Ferguson is after a ball-winner such as Owen Hargreaves, to complement the passing of Michael Carrick and Scholes. However, what this side does have is Cristiano Ronaldo who, on his day, can tear any team apart. His goal yesterday showed how important he is, capable of creating a goal out of nothing. If he continues to improve like this he will become a truly great player.
Strikers
With Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham, the treble team was packed full of goals. Having four top-class strikers allowed Ferguson to fight on multiple fronts without risking fatigue. Solskjaer is still around and Louis Saha offers the threat of power allied to pace. In Henrik Larsson they have a wily old fox who likes to run off the shoulders of defenders. He might not have scored lots of goals, but he has scored at crucial times and gives depth to United's play. That in turn brings out the best in Wayne Rooney, who is capable of acts beyond the capabilities of us mere mortals. It is this capacity for the exceptional, possessed by Rooney and Ronaldo, that makes me think this team has the makings of greatness.
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I need new challenge Deco tells Barcelona
Portugal international Deco has put Chelsea and Manchester United on alert after informing Barcelona he wants to leave at the end of the season.
The midfield schemer, 29, is eager to find a fresh challenge after winning two league titles and the Champions League with the Catalans and explained his intentions to the Barcelona heirarchy last week.
The club is expecting a summer of change with Frank Rijkaard also expected to quit but would be happy to let Brazilian-born Deco leave for around £12m.
The star, who won the UEFA Cup and Champions league at Porto with Jose Mourinho, has endured an indifferent season. He has been blamed for some of the key goals conceded by the Spanish champions and was suspended when Barcelona turned in one of their sharpest displays in Sunday's 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao with Iniesta and Xavi pulling the midfield strings.
Deco has often voiced his desire to play in England but would only welcome interest from a select band of clubs, while wife, Jaciera, is known to enjoy the celebrity spotlight. United and Chelsea would, however, face competition from Bayern Munich.
United, meanwhile, are continuing to monitor Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres. Representatives for the 22-year-old have been in touch with United and are again discussing a deal worth £20m. However, United would want to offset the cost by offloading players in return.
yinyang
28-02-2007, 10:03 AM
Seems the frogs still have head in well.. shd they instead prepare for 2nd leg at OT, rather than croaking?
Lille to continue Man Utd protest
Lille appeared to consider walking off in protest. Lille have confirmed they will continue their appeal against Uefa's decision to allow Manchester United's goal to stand in their stormy Champions League clash.
The French club lodged a complaint over Ryan Giggs's quickly taken free-kick but it was rejected by Uefa.
The European governing body will consider their appeal on Friday.
Uefa has also charged Lille with the improper behaviour of their players, who appeared to contemplate leaving the pitch in protest at United's goal.
A Uefa statement said: "Lille had until midnight [on Monday] to file an appeal after the Control and Disciplinary Body rejected the Ligue 1 side's claim that there had been a technical mistake by the referee in allowing Ryan Giggs's match-winning free-kick to be taken without having blown his whistle.
"The Control and Disciplinary Body vetoed the protest on the grounds that there was no proof of a technical error, making the solitary strike of last Tuesday's first knockout round first-leg tie in Lens perfectly valid.
"Uefa's Appeals Body will consider the Lille appeal on Friday."
A statement released on Lille's website said: "President Michel Seydoux and the board of Lille have decided to appeal against the decision made on Friday by the European authority.
"The true question is to determine how the Man Utd players came to take so quickly the free-kick that led to the goal, as they showed signs of a different intention.
"Following these principles, Lille have therefore taken the decision to go through with a fight that seems correct to them."
Giggs's strike was the only goal of the first leg of the last 16 tie, with the second leg taking place on Wednesday 7 March.
On an incident-filled evening, United fans were involved in a crush scare in the Stade Felix-Bollaert and Uefa's control and disciplinary body will discuss the safety and security issues on 22 March.
Seems the frogs still have head in well.. shd they instead prepare for 2nd leg at OT, rather than croaking?
Lille to continue Man Utd protest
They are hoping their fellow French UEFA President can do them a favour? They should prepare for the 2nd leg to prevent losing by a humiliating scoreline. :D
FA CUP 5th Rd Replay : Reading 2 - 3 Man Utd
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Gabriel Heinze celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Reading.
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Louis Saha, scorer of second goal.
FA CUP 5th Rd Replay : Reading 2 - 3 Man Utd
You Beauty!!!!
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scores past Reading's goalkeeper to make it 0-3 in just 6 mins
dom01
28-02-2007, 04:16 PM
I m damm afraid that our defence cannot make it... Ai.. 2 matches conceded 1 from fulham, another 2 from reading. :mad:
I m damm afraid that our defence cannot make it... Ai.. 2 matches conceded 1 from fulham, another 2 from reading. :mad:
This season the defence is better than previous seasons. Maybe its the nerves as season reaching climax soon.
But I would rather believe its due to Vidic's absence coz Rio and Vidic add steel.
As long as we create more chances and make most count then we should be fine.
CibLover
28-02-2007, 05:35 PM
MANCHESTER UNITED have signed identical Brazilian twins as their future full-backs.
Fabio and Rafael Silva put pen to paper on pre-contract agreements from Brazilian side Fluminese. The youth internationals will join up with United on July 9, when they turn 18.
Rafael revealed it was Cristiano Ronaldo who sealed the deal.
The right-back said: “When we were negotiating, Cristiano Ronaldo phoned us saying that Manchester United was a tremendous club and it was a wonderful place to play football.” Left-back Fabio said: “We were there to be familiar with the club and we played part of a friendly match.
“We were on the same pitch as Rooney and Ronaldo. They were very kind with us.” Excerpts from The Sun.
================================================== ==
The interesting news is that Ron made a phone call to convince them to sign. Hmmm.... maybe a good sign that Ron does see his future with Man Utd. Crossing fingers.
dom01
28-02-2007, 08:02 PM
Hope Chelsea dun come lee lee siao siao... Imagine we hv CR n Robben up n down our flanks.. WOW...
Hope Chelsea dun come lee lee siao siao... Imagine we hv CR n Robben up n down our flanks.. WOW...
I would like to see ronaldo and franck ribery along our flanks thoug....:rolleyes:
dom01
01-03-2007, 05:12 AM
But i think he is heading to Arsenal or Marid. Maybe Deco wld come over? H. Owen deal seems to hv gone all quiet.
MANCHESTER UNITED have signed identical Brazilian twins as their future full-backs.
Fabio and Rafael Silva put pen to paper on pre-contract agreements from Brazilian side Fluminese. The youth internationals will join up with United on July 9, when they turn 18.
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Steve to put brakes on United title charge
Steven Gerrard revealed the secret fear that will drive him on against Manchester United on Saturday by admitting he dreaded Liverpool's arch-rivals leaving Anfield with one hand on the Premiership trophy.
The Liverpool skipper, whose antipathy towards United has been ingrained since childhood in Huyton, is approaching one of the momentous spells of his career, with Sir Alex Ferguson's League leaders arriving for a lunchtime kick-off and Barcelona following them into Anfield three days later.
The Champions' League return meeting with Barcelona could prove a distraction, particularly after the way a memorable 2-1 win in the Nou Camp set up the prospect of a quarter-final place at the holders' expense.
Any suggestion that thoughts might already be straying towards Tuesday night was given short shrift, though, as Gerrard reflected on the depth of ill-feeling between opposing supporters and insisted he was looking no further than avoiding a nightmare scenario for any Liverpool follower.
Victory for United would open up a 12-point gap, for a few hours, at least, and Gerrard believes it could spell the end of Chelsea's faltering hopes of a third successive championship.
He hardly needs any reminders that Anfield is no place for a United title party, but he has had plenty, anyway.
"I am in the city, among all the banter from our fans, and I know how desperate they are for us to take all three points on Saturday," he said.
"The players are as well. United will be looking for maximum points, because it would virtually win them the League, so we've got to do everything in our power to stop them.
"We have to make sure it goes our way, to keep the title race alive for as long as possible. It's not over yet, and that is why it is so massive for both clubs.
"It hurts to say this, but they have been playing some really good attacking football this season. They are also really hard to beat, because they have some great defenders, so we know the task facing us.
"The rivalry for this fixture has got bigger and bigger over the years, and the games are built up more and more in the media. As a player, they are the ones you want to be involved in.
"We've got a massive week coming up, but none of us are giving Barcelona a thought at the moment. We can't afford to, because we know we'll never get a result against a side like United unless we are 100 per cent focused on them.
"The only pity is there is not more riding on it, in terms of a Liverpool title challenge. Silly points dropped earlier in the season is the reason, but that doesn't mean we're not going to put everything into trying to close the gap."
Keeper Jose Reina believes Liverpool's dominant home form could prove decisive but is mindful of the threat posed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes.
"We fully expect to repeat the performance and victory against Chelsea, because, at home, we should not lose any match," he said.
"United are playing so much better than last season, and it may be down to the return of Scholes and form of Ronaldo. They are both key players who give them great balance."
Ferguson backed United's travelling support to make themselves heard at Anfield but again bemoaned the lack of vocal backing at home matches.
Speaking after Tuesday's 3-2 FA Cup win at Reading, the United manager said: "The support we got here and at Fulham on Saturday was absolutely unbelievable. They are amazing fans, and it makes such a difference.
"There were only 4,000 at Reading, but the volume was incredible. If only we could get 16 times as much noise from a full house at Old Trafford. That really would be fantastic."
Ferguson confirmed that Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra and Scholes - all rested against Fulham - and Nemanja Vidic, who was injured at Fulham, will return at Anfield.
Hope Chelsea dun come lee lee siao siao... Imagine we hv CR n Robben up n down our flanks.. WOW...
Kenyon 'deliberately' screwed up Robben, Ronaldinho deals before going to Chelsea. :D
I would like to see ronaldo and franck ribery along our flanks thoug....:rolleyes:
Rumours have it that Fergie is interested in Nani too.
But i think he is heading to Arsenal or Marid. Maybe Deco wld come over? H. Owen deal seems to hv gone all quiet.
Hargreaves SHOULD BE joining this summer. Would be great to have Deco in the team.
Rooney: My mate Cristiano is the world's best player
The part played by Cristiano Ronaldo in Wayne Rooney's sending off during last summer's World Cup quarter-final will perhaps never be forgotten by those with the good of English football at heart.
Rooney, though, has clearly allowed himself to forgive.
Not only are the two young players increasingly close team-mates and friends in Sir Alex Ferguson's rampaging squad, but Rooney is also happy to concede that Ronaldo has recently outstripped him on the field to the extent that he now believes him to be the best player in the world.
"Yeah, he's been brilliant, especially after all he had to cope with on coming back from the World Cup," said Rooney this week.
"It was very difficult for him, with all the media attention. But he's come through that and he's been absolutely fantastic this season.
"Hopefully that will continue, and he'll hopefully help us bring back some silverware this season.
"Is there rivalry between us? No, no, not at all.
"I'm just delighted that he's playing for us because at this moment in time he is the best player in the world - not just the best young player, but the best player full stop.
"There's certainly no jealousy on my part over that. You want to play with the best players, and it's great to be in the same team as Cristiano."
When Ronaldo was seen winking at the Portugal bench in the wake of Rooney's sending-off in Gelsenkirchen last summer, it was difficult to see how the two young players would ever be able to function together in the same team again.
Indeed it was not long before Ronaldo suggested that would like to leave United for Spain.
Rooney, however, has taken all the fuss in his stride and it is not Ronaldo's part in England?s World Cup failure that rankles with him now.
It is the part played by England's own players.
"In the two major tournaments I've played in - Euro 2004 and the World Cup - myself and the rest of the lads were guilty of putting too much pressure on ourselves before we even got out there," he reflected.
"Saying we were going to win it doesn't help, and we were guilty of that.
"Being realistic, I think the whole country would have been delighted if we'd reached the semi finals, and then saw if we could go on from there.
"But we built ourselves up, and then the press whipped the country up into a frenzy and then slaughtered us for not playing well.
"I'd like to think we can win something during my career, because we have got some great players in this country.
"But the expectation is always far too high, and that is a problem."
Expectation is certainly high at United right now, as Ferguson's improving team moves towards its first Premiership title since 2003.
United are nine points clear of champions Chelsea as they approach Saturday's game at Liverpool and Rooney believes Ferguson's team will continue to get better over the coming months and years.
He added: "I don't think there's any secret to it, to be honest.
"I think we've brought quite a few young players into the club over the past few seasons - the likes of myself, Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher, Kieron Richardson - and it's taken time to get to know the rest of the squad really well and to learn to play together.
"Last season we finished second and did reasonably well, but this season we've stepped up and played well all the way through the season so far.
"It takes time.
"It's like when you go away with England and a new player comes in. It takes a while to get to know the way they play, but it comes in time.
"I think that's been the main difference between this season and last. We're playing off each other and we've got confidence as a result of that, which shows in the results we've had."
By his own admission, Rooney's personal form has not always been at its peak this season. Periods of frequent goal scoring have been separated by times when goals have been hard to come by.
Rooney - who has still not scored in Europe since his debut in August 2004 - claims not be worried and credits Ferguson with helping him through.
"It was well documented that I never scored goals for a certain amount of games, but I didn't let it get me down," he said.
"I just kept going and playing my game, and it came in the end.
"I don't think the manager was concerned, no.
"He just told me to keep playing and keep it simple, and that the goals would come soon enough.
"I know my game's not all about goals, which is all that matters.
"I'd happily go through the whole season without a single goal if it meant us winning the league."
Rio champions United depth
United's win over Reading in the FA Cup on Tuesday proves the depth of quality available to Sir Alex Ferguson.
The wily Scot made wholesale changes to the team which battled to victory over Fulham at the weekend, mindful of Saturday's meeting with Liverpool and the return leg of their UEFA Champions League clash with Lille next week.
Ferguson's much-changed side picked up the gauntlet as they raced into a three-goal lead before grinding out a 3-2 win.
Ferdinand played the full 90 minutes at The Madejski Stadium and believes the performance bodes well as the season heads towards its peak.
"A lot of the lads had not played for a while, Gaby (Heinze) has not played for almost a month and there are a lot of lads who have not been playing regular football and that shows the depth we have got in the squad at the moment," said Ferdinand.
"To come here, which is a difficult place, a bad pitch, is hard, but we started great and all in all we are through and we are happy."
United meet Middlesbrough in the last eight and Ferdinand is eager to reach Wembley.
"Wembley is a new stadium this year, I have played at the old one and it would be great to be one of the first players to play there in the new one," he added.
"The aim is to win as many games as we can towards the end of the season and if we do that then we will be there or thereabouts in all the competitions."
HuiGe3387
01-03-2007, 10:36 PM
Ferdinand has been solid this season, and has made fewer mistakes as compared to the past few seasons.
Tequila Pop
02-03-2007, 12:02 AM
Ferdinand has been solid this season, and has made fewer mistakes as compared to the past few seasons.
Did he cause you to lose alot of bets? :rolleyes:
Cruxader
02-03-2007, 12:55 AM
I wonder if G.Neville would start against Liverpool. :confused:
Saha urges Man United to extend lead
Last Modified: 2 Mar 2007
Source: ITN
Louis Saha is calling on his Manchester United team-mates to gain "a great psychological advantage" over Chelsea in the Premiership title race by becoming the first side to pick up three points at Liverpool this season.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men head to Anfield this weekend nine points clear of Jose Mourinho's Blues, who are chasing a hat-trick of titles.
Victory for the Red Devils would see them open up a 12-point lead at the top of the table before Chelsea visit Portsmouth.
Saha said: "It is going to be a massive, massive game at Liverpool. If we get a win at Anfield it will open up a big gap and give us a great psychological advantage for us over Chelsea.
"It would be great to have that gap before Chelsea play but we have to make sure that we concentrate on ourselves and play with confidence.
"We have to keep our concentration because we saw at Reading on Tuesday how quickly gaps can close. The team are playing well and we have to maintain that."
Liverpool find themselves 16 points behind United and Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt is eager to help Rafael Benitez's men avenge their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this season.
He said: "I think we owe our fans a performance after what happened at Old Trafford. That was a disappointing time and we definitely want a better result at Anfield this time.
"It would be a great result for us if we could do it. We just need to go and approach the game as we've done in the last week.
"If you can beat a side like Barcelona, with players of the quality of (Lionel) Messi and Ronaldinho, you know you can beat a lot of teams. We desperately do not want to see United beat us in front of our own fans."
United to besiege fortress Anfield
The sign above the players' tunnel may read 'This is Anfield' but Manchester United FC will need no reminding of where they are as they prepare to take on their great rivals Liverpool FC on Saturday.
Highest tally
United are enjoying a remarkable season, which finds them on top of the Premiership table with a club record tally of 69 points from 28 matches and well-placed to land their ninth Premiership title in 15 years. Sir Alex Ferguson's side are nine points clear of second-placed Chelsea FC and, although they have already played a game more than the champions, the psychological impact of beating their fiercest rivals at Anfield, coupled with a provisional 12-point Premiership lead, cannot be overstated.
Purple patch
Liverpool, though, are enjoying something of a purple patch themselves, having won five of their last seven matches. That sequence has included successes against Chelsea and FC Barcelona and the Reds can also take comfort from an undefeated run of 30 league matches at home. Rafael Benítez's side will also recall that the last time United visited, just over a year ago, Liverpool were 1-0 winners, Peter Crouch's goal proving enough to guide them into last eight of the FA Cup they went on to win.
Extra motivation
Captain Steven Gerrard, who was in the last Liverpool team to defeat United in the Premiership at Anfield in November 2001, said: "Although there are only three points at stake, the game means that extra bit more and we would love to get three points from it." Gerrard shone as Liverpool overran Sheffield United FC 4-0 last weekend while United made heavy weather of their 2-1 victory at Fulham FC, Cristiano Ronaldo coming to the rescue with a winner three minutes from time.
Reading win
Ronaldo has been irrepressible this season, scoring 16 goals, and impressing with his lethal combination of pace, power and dazzling ball skills. "At this moment he's the best player in the world," said team-mate Wayne Rooney. United almost squandered a three-goal lead against Reading FC in an FA Cup fifth-round replay on Tuesday, prompting some to suggest that the league leaders are vulnerable, but Gerrard is not taking any comfort from the performance of an under-strength side. "You have to admire the way that they are playing at the moment," he said. "They're defending really well and that's what people forget."
'Never say die'
One of the mainstays of that defence, England centre-back Rio Ferdinand, knows that only too well, and with confidence high they could be mounting their assault on fortress Anfield at just the right time. "We've got a never-say-die attitude and even if we're drawing or losing a match we always feel we can create chances," said the man who scored the second goal when United beat Liverpool 2-0 at Old Trafford in November. If they can convert a few of those chances on Saturday, the title could be all but won.
axel486
03-03-2007, 02:22 AM
Rooney is abit out of form, he still works very hard but we need more goals from him. Saha is also just shooting depending on luck now. Hope they can pull themselves up for this epic match.:)
axel486
03-03-2007, 02:26 AM
Rooney abit out of form in the goal scoring department though he is still working very hard, Saha is also losing confidence in shooting, hope both of them can buck up for this epic match!!:D
Ferguson tells Mourinho to "button his lip"
Sir Alex Ferguson has told Jose Mourinho to "button his lip" for the rest of the season after the Chelsea manager's claim that Manchester United have benefited from dubious refereeing decisions.
Mourinho claimed this week that United's bid to reclaim the Premiership and advance in the Champions League had been helped by a combination of good luck and controversial refereeing displays, particularly in the victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Lille.
"He's come out with stuff this week about us and we expected that." Ferguson said. "He's been talking about referees and I think he is the last person who should talk about referees. Goodness me! His football club have been involved in so many things with referees over the years. It seems to me that if you contest something and they don't get their own way, there's something happens whether it is referees or players threatened or something like that.
"It's an incredible club that. So I think he should button his lip now for good for the rest of the season. There's plenty of talk about Chelsea and referees and Jose and referees. I have a big catalogue on it but I'll leave that for another day."
Ferguson also delivered a harsh condemnation of Chelsea's role in the 20-man brawl that marred the end of last weekend's League Cup final with Arsenal, which led to three players being sent off. "It was obviously a London derby, maybe there is a bit of feeling between the two clubs and maybe it spilled over but it was surprising," he said. "But I think the clubs have to hold their hands up. We've had to do it ourselves, we're not exempt. Over the years there have been situations we've had to control and we've had some feisty players ourselves.
"And there are emotional players and very, very competitive players and fortunately in the English game that is a good thing to see players who want to win. But there are situations when you don't want to go over the mark."
Ferguson believes the outburst from Mourinho and similar comments from some of his players are simply attempts by Chelsea to unsettle his side, who can go 12 points clear in the Premiership if they win at Liverpool this weekend: "I think we can expect a lot of them to have something to say. Claude Makelele has had something to say, Michael Ballack's had something to say this week which is good. We have probably tried these things ourselves in the past. They can try and attack us, they are entitled to their opinions and I have no problem with that but I think we have some answers. And maybe it's just beginning."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will miss the trip to Anfield with a knee problem, but Ferguson insisted United will not sit back and defend against a Liverpool side who haven't lost at home for 30 Premiership matches. "It's a game that can shape the title," he said. "The important thing is to go there and express ourselves as we have done all season. And these are the characteristics we take into the game.
"The important thing is to try to win the game and we won't be relying on defending and hoping for a breakaway. We have got where are by playing that way and we will carry on in that way."
United target winger Nani from source that produced Ronaldo
Saturday March 3, 2007
Manchester United have identified Nani, the Portuguese winger, for one of three major end-of-season transfers. Owen Hargreaves is a long-standing target and Sir Alex Ferguson's other priority will be to bring in a striker to fill the void left by Henrik Larsson's return to Helsingborg in nine days' time.
In total, United could spend in excess of £60m in the summer, a figure that may be dramatically offset if Real Madrid or Barcelona manage to prise Cristiano Ronaldo away from Old Trafford, with a fee of around £45m under discussion. Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted that Ronaldo is not for sale but it remains to be seen whether the Glazer family could turn down an offer in that region and United's interest in Nani will inevitably raise questions about whether he has been targeted as a possible replacement.
Nani, like Ronaldo, has come to Ferguson's attention because of a succession of illuminating displays for Sporting Lisbon, the club that has also produced Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa and Ricardo Quaresma.
Carlos Queiroz, Ferguson's Portuguese assistant, has followed Nani's career since his early days in Sporting's youth academy, becoming a regular visitor at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, and United have now registered a firm interest in bringing the 20-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer. It is understood informal talks have been going on since the turn of the year.
United are likely to face competition from several other clubs - Lyon are also confirmed admirers - but United have a feeder agreement with Sporting dating back to Ronaldo's £12m transfer in 2003 and they hope to capitalise on the Portuguese club's financial problems by not having to pay an exorbitant fee.
The matter is complicated because Nani is currently going through a legal dispute to sever his ties with his agent, Ana Almeida, and sign for Jorge Mendes. Worryingly for United Mendes also acts as Jose Mourinho's agent and there is bound to be concern within Old Trafford that the player will also be offered to Chelsea, who have a habit of gazumping United's deals, most notably Michael Ballack from Bayern Munich and Arjen Robben from PSV Eindhoven. Mendes is generally viewed with suspicion at United because another of his clients, Ronaldo, is constantly linked to Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Sporting have a reputation as a selling club and the indications from Lisbon last night were that they would not stand in Nani's way, providing a satisfactory fee could be agreed. The club are trying to rush through a new contract with him, one that will include a buy-out clause set at £20m.
At present, Nani is one of the lowest-paid players at Sporting and his contract, which runs until 2010, stipulates he can leave for £13.4m. Nani has made it clear he wants to play for a major club and it would significantly help United in the negotiating process if he chose not to accept Sporting's improved terms.
Ferguson is already convinced that Hargreaves will join in the summer, almost a year after United first confirmed their interest in the Bayern Munich midfielder. After that, a new striker must be found, with renewed speculation in the Spanish media this week about Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid. United are also monitoring the potential availability of Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona, the Cameroonian striker having complained about feeling unwanted at Camp Nou.
yinyang
03-03-2007, 04:24 PM
...United's bid to reclaim the Premiership and advance in the Champions League had been helped by a combination of good luck and controversial refereeing displays, particularly in the victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Lille.
Port wine has just turned SOUR.. taste like vinegar liao, after Portsmouth do 1over in few hours after ours up north:p
Port wine has just turned SOUR.. taste like vinegar liao, after Portsmouth do 1over in few hours after ours up north:p
portugal red wine vinegar!!! :D
dom01
03-03-2007, 11:30 PM
Ten-man Manchester United moved 12 points clear at the top of the Premiership courtesy of John O'Shea's dramatic 92nd minute goal at Anfield. Liverpool had been far and away the best team but could not find the breakthrough. And when Paul Scholes was sent off (86) for throwing an arm at Xabi Alonso, United's hopes of victory looked to be over. But substitute O'Shea popped up to spark the celebrations.
Last-gasp United sink Liverpool
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/91/fullj.getty-fbl-eng-liverpool-man_utd_10_04_07_am.jpg
Substitute John O'Shea, a Liverpool fan as a boy. scored a dramatic injury-time winner as ten-man Manchester United FC claimed a 1-0 victory against Liverpool FC at Anfield to temporarily stretch their advantage atop the Premiership to 12 points.
http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/96/fullj.getty-fbl-eng-liverpool-man_utd_10_12_38_am.jpg
All looked lost for United when Paul Scholes was dismissed four minutes from time after reacting to a challenge. Scholes will miss the next 3 domestic games.
Sat. 10/3 Middlesbrough v Man Utd (FA Cup)
Sat. 17/3 Man Utd v Bolton (English Premiership )
Sat. 31/3 Man Utd v Blackburn (English Premiership )
dom01
04-03-2007, 09:54 AM
Do u think CR will be sold? I think he wld want to go, most probably Barca. Rooney quite quiet nowadays. Hv nt scored in a long time, esp champ league.
CibLover
04-03-2007, 10:12 AM
Hahaha...
Great match last nite altho I agree with some Liverpool fan's post regarding that they were the better team. The were better in percentage of ball possesion, numbers of corners, numbers of goal attempts.... Heck!! They are even better in the number of players (after a justified red-card for Scholesy)!!
But one thing they are not better. :rolleyes: The ultimate lesson 101 of football in order to win a game; Scoring!! Football is cruel sometimes but you take what you are presented. Sometimes you grind out results, sometimes you demolish teams.
Now, let's move on from the Premier League and concentrate on our Champions League.
ps. What's this name calling from Pool's fans ?? Simi SCUM??? I don't see us Man Utd's fans start changing their team's name. Guess we're more civilised?? Hmmmmm........
mangoesteam
04-03-2007, 10:31 AM
ps. What's this name calling from Pool's fans ?? Simi SCUM??? I don't see us Man Utd's fans start changing their team's name. Guess we're more civilised?? Hmmmmm........I am with you on this point bro. The worst part is that they appear to be rather senior members of this forum. Hope they can show some class commensurate with their reputation.:o
...ps. What's this name calling from Pool's fans ?? Simi SCUM??? I don't see us Man Utd's fans start changing their team's name. Guess we're more civilised?? Hmmmmm........
I am with you on this point bro. The worst part is that they appear to be rather senior members of this forum. Hope they can show some class commensurate with their reputation...
Sigh, just leave it be bros. Let us be the gentlemenly ones, seeing how it must be so damn painful for them that we've done the league double over them. And they need to go back to 2001 or something like that for their last win over us at Anfield. Let's not get embroiled in any name-calling (though I recall someone who did it in the predictions thread :mad: ).
mangoesteam
04-03-2007, 11:44 AM
Let's not get embroiled in any name-calling...Not to worry bro. I am a firm believer in cheering one's team, not jeering others.:)
CibLover
04-03-2007, 12:27 PM
Not to worry bro. I am a firm believer in cheering one's team, not jeering others.
That's why you deserve my 2 humble points.
Anyway, agree with Imom. No point in starting name callings. You support your team, I support mine. Hopefully, Man Utd fans in here knows better.
Glory, Glory Man Utd!!!!
Peace yo'll. :)
Do u think CR will be sold? I think he wld want to go, most probably Barca. Rooney quite quiet nowadays. Hv nt scored in a long time, esp champ league.
Dun mind CR go to barca, provided if fergie can get ronaldino to come to old trafford.....:cool:
SSSSssssshhhhhhhhhhhh............
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-04/U1882P6T12D2780124F44DT20070304112203.jpg
C.Ronaldo gestures to Kuyt and possibly to all Liverpool fans.
Rafa rues lack of luck (http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=451957&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=&title=Rafa+rues+lack+of+luck)
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez struggled to arrive at an explanation for his side's defeat to Manchester United, after John O'Shea's injury time winner stole the spoils at Anfield.
The home side dominated large spells of the second half after an evenly fought first, with United rarely looking like scoring before O'Shea's late intervention.
Ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona on Tuesday, Benitez conceded he was bitterly disappointed about the manner in which the weekend had unfolded.
"I would have trouble explaining how we lost that in Spanish; in English I find it almost impossible," said Benitez.
"We dominated the game, were in control and had plenty of attacks. Sometimes football is all about luck. When you have so much of the play and make chances without scoring, you must be careful against a team as good as United.
"United have a great defence and a fine goalkeeper. He stopped one from Peter Crouch at the end everyone felt was going in. But although we had so much of the game, we did not make too many chances.
"The decision to disallow Craig Bellamy's effort in the first half for offside was right. It just was not our day."
dom01
05-03-2007, 05:04 AM
LArsson is going back... that is sad... :o
mr_missile
05-03-2007, 07:48 AM
Larsson loan ending on 12 Mar.
Rooney injured his knee in the game agst Pool. Maybe out for a week. (Scholes banned for 3 games for his red card)
Solskjaer had a knee op and will be out till end Mar.
Left only Saha as the only recognised striker.
Hopefully Giggs, Ronaldo and maybe even Rossi and Smith will take up the challenge to lead the attack in their absence.
7 more wins in the league for the Premiership title!
LArsson is going back... that is sad... :o
Larsson loan ending on 12 Mar.
Rooney injured his knee in the game. Maybe out for a week.
(Scholes banned for 3 games)
Solskjaer had a knee op and Left only Saha as the only recognised striker.
Hopefully Giggs, Ronaldo and maybe even Rossi and Smith will take up the challenge to lead the attack.
7 more wins in the league for the Premiership title!
Sir Alex may move Giggs to partner Saha upfront and bring in Park Ji-Sung on the left till Rooney's back.
He may play Heinze/Silvestre at left back, push Evra to left midfield to partner Carrick and O'Shea with Giggs and Ronaldo on their flanks in formation 4-5-1 aka 4-3-3 during Scholes' 'holidays'.
Smith may still lack competitive games to play in this crucial period likewise with Dong. Rossi is on loan at Parma not sure if Sir Alex will recall him.
mike2006
05-03-2007, 03:06 PM
Whatever unlucky things happen to Manchester United, it always pushes them on and motivates everybody to be at their best. It's the spirit that get them going and fight as a team. I hope it will get them the title this season. If this season they managed to acheive treble, i think alex can step down with highest glory and unparallel in terms of acheivements.
Castrol
05-03-2007, 03:23 PM
Smith may still lack competitive games to play in this crucial period likewise with Dong.
bring back alan smith! :D
bring back alan smith! :D
Maybe Utd dont need Smith yet, we've got O'Shea! He can play in almost all positions, even as a keeper and scored a winning goal at Kop end that any poacher will be proud of. Ask Bellamy, Kuyt or Crouch. :D
Giggs still hungry
The fear that every game may be his last is the reason behind the insatiable appetite for football Ryan Giggs still holds.
Manchester United's most decorated player became only the second in the club's history to make 700 appearances, when on Saturday he helped United to a crucial 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
Despite already having eight Premiership titles in his trophy cabinet, the 33-year-old wide man remains a model of professionalism and has more than played his part in United's usurping of Chelsea at the summit this season.
Giggs admits he is savouring every moment as his career draws to its conclusion, but with no intention of hanging up his boots imminently, he retains the competitive edge that has characterised his career.
"Because you get older and year on year you are getting closer to the end, you try to enjoy it a lot more," Giggs told MUTV.
"The aim is to win every game and every competition, because it might be the last FA Cup final you play in, it might be the last FA Cup game you play in.
"You try and make the most of it, you try and win as much as you can.
""I won't dwell on it (reaching 700 appearances) for too long because like I keep saying you look to the next step, for the next game."
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes has learnt that he has been cleared to play in the club's prestigious charity match against a European select XI at Old Trafford next week.
Following the midfielder's red card at the weekend it had been feared he would not be able to play his part in the 13th March clash, but the Football Association has now confirmed that he is eligible.
United will let Larsson leave
Henrik Larsson will make his final Champions League appearance for Manchester United against Lille tomorrow.
The Swede is eligible to make only one further appearance for United, in the FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough on Saturday, and the club insist there is no possibility of extending his spell on loan from Helsingborgs.
Larsson's exit coincides with a sudden reduction in manager Sir Alex Ferguson's forward options.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sidelined until the end of March after knee surgery, Wayne Rooney limped out of the weekend win over Liverpool which also saw Paul Scholes sent off to incur a three-match ban.
Scholes has, however, been cleared to play in United's prestigious charity match against a European Select XI at Old Trafford next week.
The Football Association concluded today because Scholes is free to play against Lille he should also be eligible for the charity game, which marks the 50th anniversary of United's entry into Europe and the Treaty of Rome.
United's forward problems eased yesterday when they revealed that Rooney would be fit to face Lille, easing the burden on Ferguson who could have been left with Louis Saha as his only fit striker.
But even if Rooney had not made an unexpectedly quick recovery, there would have been no attempt to persuade Larsson to stay.
"Henrik is going home - 100 per cent," United's chief executive, David Gill, said. "When we took him on loan, all parties agreed March 12 would be the expiry date and that will be the case. We are not going back on that."
Larsson always maintained he wanted to return home for family reasons, and Gill acknowledged his contribution.
"Henrik loves it here," Gill said. "He has done fantastically, he has enjoyed it immensely. We have benefited from it but there are other issues.
"I have not spoken to him directly about it. That has been dealt with by Sir Alex and Carlos Queiroz. But everyone respects it. The decision is there. It has been made, and we move on."
Meanwhile, Lille defender Matthieu Chalme insisted yesterday that the Champions League tie was wide open, despite United's 1-0 first-leg win in northern France.
That game ended in a controversy surrounding Ryan Giggs' winner, and Chalme claimed Lille could gain revenge at Old Trafford. He said: "It's not finished yet, as our first-leg performance proves.
"We matched them in the tackle, in our commitment and going forward. We were patient at the start, then after the break we caused them trouble on the counter and got to the loose balls first.
"We know we'll have chances over there. There's only one goal in this tie, and everyone here believes we can do it. Now it's up to us to make it happen."
Ferguson fury over Lille's 'cheating' slur
By Tim Rich
There are some things about France that Sir Alex Ferguson loves - summers in the Cote d'Azur, the Pol Roget vineyards and Eric Cantona. And there are some things about France he cannot abide. Lille join Arsene Wenger and the pitch at the Stade de France in the latter category.
After one official protest and a lost appeal against the goal that gave Manchester United a 1-0 advantage after the first leg, the affair of Ryan Giggs' quickly taken free-kick is one which still rouses the Scot's ire.
Despite indicating at yesterday's press conference that the controversy was behind him, the United manager could not resist s+++ing the fires in his programme notes for tonight's return leg at Old Trafford, the United manager said: "The behaviour of Lille in the first leg and their attitude since marks this tie out as something different, and you just don't know how the undertones will affect the players, and even more importantly, the referee.
"More and more, Lille are presenting themselves as a little club against a big one who are bullying them. Inevitably, that stance puts pressure on a referee. Officials are only human.
"I know our guys will be strong because that is something in their character, but our opponents have turned this match into something that goes beyond normal rivalry.
"They have virtually accused us of cheating by taking a quick free-kick. The bottom line is that Giggs showed great presence of mind while their team were caught napping - and that's not cheating."
At the time, Ferguson was critical of Lille coach Claude Puel who urged his players to walk off the pitch. "I'm sure that when the dust has settled, Lille's attempts to get their players to walk off in protest will worry their coach for a long time to come,'' he said.
Rio Ferdinand, also writing in the match programme, turned the heat up still further by encouraging United fans to give Lille a hot reception in tonight. ''I think the fans will be really up for it especially after what happened in France," the England defender said. "The Lille fans gave us a hard time over there and things got a bit unsavoury at times when they started throwing things on the pitch.
"I am sure our fans will be keen to make themselves heard and hopefully it'll be a classic European night."
Giggs, meanwhile, expressed his bewilderment at Lille's reaction to his goal and insisted he would do it again.
"The last time I scored like that no one thought about walking off the pitch," Giggs said. "I was just amazed by what happened. I have done it before and at Liverpool on Saturday I asked for a quick free-kick, but in the end it wasn't on. If it is on against Lille, I will ask again and it doesn't matter if there is a huge fuss."
Ferguson's other big concern tonight is the loss of Louis Saha. He broke down in training yesterday, stretching United's striking resources to the limit. United have yet to specify the injury but Saha has had persistent knee problems.
With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out for the rest of the month while recuperating from an operation and Wayne Rooney recovering from the Jamie Carragher tackle that forced him off at Liverpool with eight stitches in his leg, Ferguson might have been tempted to call Helsingborgs and ask if Henrik Larsson fancied another month in Manchester.
"You can forget that," he said. "He goes home after the Uefa game [against a European XI on March 13]. That is certain."
Alan Smith, who has not played a Premiership game since breaking his leg at Anfield 13 months ago and last started a match in United's Carling Cup defeat at Southend in November, has been included in the squad.
Ferguson will definitely be without Darren Fletcher until virtually the end of the season after the Scotland midfielder damaged ankle ligaments in the FA Cup against Reading.
Team details
Manchester United: (probable 4-4-2) Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze; Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs; Rooney, Larsson.
Lille: (probable 4-4-1-1) Sylva; Chalme, Plestan, Tavlaridis, Tafforeau; Keita, Dumont, Makoun, Bastos; Obraniak; Odemwingie.
Castrol
07-03-2007, 11:39 AM
Maybe Utd dont need Smith yet, we've got O'Shea! He can play in almost all positions, even as a keeper and scored a winning goal at Kop end that any poacher will be proud of. Ask Bellamy, Kuyt or Crouch. :D
haha o'shea is more all rounder than the great german libero Matthias Sammer! whether smith is coming back or not, i think lille's backside will open up big big tonight in old trafford. :D
yinyang
07-03-2007, 02:56 PM
Ferguson fury over Lille's 'cheating' slur ..."They have virtually accused us of cheating by taking a quick free-kick. The bottom line is that Giggs showed great presence of mind while their team were caught napping - and that's not cheating." ...Lille coach Claude Puel who urged his players to walk off the pitch. .
Frogs still croaking in proverbial well... Ready to be slaughtered, cooked for dinner for devils tonite?:p
mr_missile
07-03-2007, 06:28 PM
Frogs still croaking in proverbial well... Ready to be slaughtered, cooked for dinner for devils tonite?:p
Frogs' legs porridge? Piping hot in a claypot? Yummy!! :p
dom01
08-03-2007, 04:32 AM
Updated: March 7, 2007
Man United face striker shortage after Saha blow
Louis Saha has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring strain.
WHAA.... At this time, he gets injuried. Sighh... :(
juzjoin
08-03-2007, 05:56 AM
latest Man 1 Lille 0...
Updated: March 7, 2007
Man United face striker shortage after Saha blow
Louis Saha has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring strain.
WHAA.... At this time, he gets injuried. Sighh... :(
I was hoping he will generate interests with some goals and have better luck with injuries and then sold off at the end of season. His space can be replaced by Smith, Dong and Rossi. :D
yinyang
08-03-2007, 10:46 AM
..generate interests with some goals and have better luck with injuries and then sold off at the end of season. His space can be replaced by Smith, Dong and Rossi. :D
Interestingly, we have 1 bro in MU tcss who's moonlighting as chairman of Saha's fan club... err, make that anti-fan:o
Timing sucks, for whatever Saha's worth. Especially with Solskjaer and Scholey now out too. Smith's yet to be firing all cyls (aka not match fit, so evident this morning). We need to pull together with immediate FA game vs Boro and next week's vs Bolton
Silvestre adds to United's injury crisis
MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester United's mounting injury crisis took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when French defender Mikael Silvestre was taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
Silvestre was carried off on a stretcher after a collision in stoppage time just before the end of United's 1-0 Champions League first knockout round second-leg victory over Lille. United won the tie 2-0 on aggregate.
Silvestre fell awkwardly after jumping for the ball with Lille defender Efstathios Tavlaridis.
United Manager Alex Ferguson learnt before the game that his French striker Louis Saha would be out for at least four weeks with a hamstring injury.
"At first we though Mikael had broken his arm but it looks like a dislocated shoulder," Ferguson told reporters.
"He's gone to hospital and it's a big blow for us. In the space of a week we have lost five or six players. Louis Saha will be out for at least four weeks, hopefully that's all because you can never be sure with a hamstring injury.
"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is out until March 31, Darren Fletcher is out for two months and Henrik Larsson leaves us next week.
"Its been a bad week for us, apart from the results."
Defender Patrice Evra also missed Wednesday's match after picking up an injury in training.
Saha has scored 13 goals in 32 appearances this season, and along with Larsson's imminent return to Sweden at the end of his loan spell, Ferguson is short of forwards with crucial league, FA Cup and Champions League matches coming up.
One silver lining was the return of Alan Smith for the last 15 minutes of Wednesday's match.
After attempting to come back from a dislocated ankle and a fractured leg suffered 13 months ago, he had not played since November 7, but Ferguson said Smith was now approaching full fitness and he was delighted to have him back in the squad.
Interestingly, we have 1 bro in MU tcss who's moonlighting as chairman of Saha's fan club... err, make that anti-fan:o
Wawaweewa....Didnt know there's another anti-saha supporter out there?
Earlier in the season I was bestowed the post of chairman of Anti-Saha club by bro imom and I cant wait to have a vice-chairman.
Will this bro pls PM me. :D
...Earlier in the season I was bestowed the post of chairman of Anti-Saha club by bro imom and I cant wait to have a vice-chairman....
Oooh, this bro I think will usurp your chairman post, judging by what I observed during our meetup.... :D
Oooh, this bro I think will usurp your chairman post, judging by what I observed during our meetup.... :D
I can relinquish the post to him and hopefully he can be chairman for at least a few months before Saha is sold. :D
Ronaldo opens contract talks with United
Cristiano Ronaldo has begun negotiations with Manchester United over extending his contract beyond 2010.
Ronaldo has been in scintillating form for United this season - leading the team's scorers with 16 goals - and although he only signed his current deal at the beginning of last season, reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid appears to have nudged Sir Alex Ferguson into strengthening his hold on the Portuguese midfielder.
However, despite Ronaldo saying today that he was keen to sign a new deal as soon as possible, Ferguson will still have been dismayed to hear his prize asset insist that he would like to play in Spain sooner or later.
"We have talked and I hope to reach agreement as soon as possible," Ronaldo told Portuguese radio station Antena 1 today. "Nothing has been decided yet and I would like to stay. I would like to play in Spain one day, but I am happy here at Manchester."
"You can never be certain of anything in life, but I am happy here and I want to stay here. In football there are no guarantees. If I don't leave now, if I leave in two, three, four, five years I would be happy, I am at a great club."
dc7176
09-03-2007, 11:28 AM
LARSSON GOAL (Manchester United vs Lille) - Champions League
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjixhUSMXM8
Ronaldo reveals a desire to stay as United suffer wear and tear from trophy hunting
Given the number of occasions against Lille at Old Trafford on Wednesday when Manchester United moves withered at the feet of Cristiano Ronaldo, the young Portugual winger may have felt some form of repayment was due to him yesterday. Ronaldo told a Portuguese radio station that he would be staying at United in the short to medium term and that contract discussions with the club on the subject have begun.
"We have talked and I hope to reach agreement as soon as possible," Ronaldo said. "Nothing has been decided yet and I would like to stay. I would like to play in Spain one day, but I am happy here at Manchester. You can never be certain of anything in life, but I am happy here and I want to stay here. In football there are no guarantees. If I don't leave now, if I leave in two, three, four, five years I would be happy. I am at a great club."
The worth of a contract in football is debateable, but Ronaldo's current deal expires in 2010 and the thought of the 22-year-old staying for another two years after that will entice Old Trafford. Ronaldo may have been wasteful on Wednesday, but without his classical run and byline cross, Henrik Larsson would not have left United in such style.
That was the inventive, decisive aspect of Ronaldo and it was required to lift a United performance that was otherwise prosaic. That was not the first case of its kind in Europe this season and Sir Alex Ferguson did not disagree with the analysis before the match on Tuesday when asked. "Job done" was how this European campaign could been viewed, he said.
"We know it's going to get harder from here on in, but I think this result was proof of how far this team has come," Rio Ferdinand said after Wednesday's win. "I think last season we were a bit gung-ho a lot of the time and it didn't pay off. I think this result has shown the maturity of the side and it's a step in the right direction.
Hopefully, if we can have the fruits of that this season, that would be fantastic. I'm just pleased there was an assured authority about the team, which we haven't seen in the Champions League for a few years.
"It was a very professional performance. The manager told us to go out there and try to win the game, and we did that the best we could. Maybe we were a bit cautious at times, but this is the Champions League and teams can hurt you in an instant with one moment of brilliance. And we kept them down to a minimum."
However, it cannot be solely down to workmanlike activity - witness Ferdinand's second-half Ali shuffle out of defence to beat two Lille players - that United sit atop the Premiership, will learn of their Champions League quarter-final opponents in Athens this morning and then go to Middlesbrough tomorrow for an FA Cup quarter-final.
That progress has to be acknowledged and yet it is notable how many in and around Old Trafford are pointing to recent games won despite declining form.
That, of course, is a traditional strength of great sides, but added to the lack of fluency is a sudden jolt of injuries. Ferguson has never whinged as other managers do about this inevitability, a by-product of the pace of modern football, but as he saw Mikaël Silvestre carried off in injury-time against Lille on Wednesday night, he must have felt the inclination to gurn.
Silvestre may be dismissed as a stand-in these days but he has played some part in 21 of United's 43 games to date. His dislocated shoulder comes on top of Louis Saha's thigh strain, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's damaged knee, Patrice Evra's unspecified injury and Darren Fletcher's ankle knock. Add Larsson's departure and Paul Scholes's three-match suspension and there is unquestionably wear and tear visible at a time when a three-pronged season moves towards its climax.
Ferguson talked optimistically about his squad depth, and if Larsson set an example of a surprise contributor in his 12 unforeseen appearances then perhaps the man who replaced him on Wednesday night, Alan Smith, will seize his moment. After the 18 months ravaged by injury Smith has experienced himself, some compensation is due.
"He will be involved again at Middlesbrough on Saturday," Ferguson said, "and is certainly back in the frame."
yinyang
09-03-2007, 02:13 PM
Match preview FA tie vs Boro, tomorrow
Middlesbrough v Man Utd
Riverside Stadium
Saturday 10 March
Quarter-Final
Kick-off: 1730 GMT
Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire)
Replay date (if required) : Monday, 19 March, 2000 GMT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG-MATCH FACTS
MIDDLESBROUGH and Manchester United get the FA Cup quarter-finals underway with this Saturday teatime tie in front of live BBC Match of the Day cameras. Both these clubs needed replays in the fifth round. Indeed the Teessiders have failed to get through at the first time of asking in any round this season, being initially held away by Championship strugglers Hull, and League One Bristol City, and home to Tony Mowbray's promotion chasing West Brom.
Gareth Southgate's side, 11 places lower than their table topping opponents, have already been beaten at home by them this season.
Middlesbrough 1-2 Manchester United - Match Report
This is the 10th time the clubs have been drawn against each other in the FA Cup and the second time in three seasons. United won 3-0 in the fourth round on 29 January 2005 with a brace from Wayne Rooney and a goal from John O'Shea at Old Trafford. Three years earlier the tables were turned in a fourth round contest at the Riverside - the Teessiders winning 2-0, thanks to goals from Noel Whelan and Andy Campbell.
The north east club graced the FA Cup final for the one and only time a decade ago. They were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea to the quickest goal in a Wembley final from Roberto Di Matteo after 43 seconds. Semi-finalists last year, they went out to eventual runners-up West Ham. Middlesbrough are looking to make the last four for the third time in six seasons, and the fourth time in their history. The Teesiders have only been beaten once in 14 League and Cup matches since the turn of the year, and are undefeated in five.
MANCHESTER UNITED hold a nine point advantage at the head of the Premiership table, and as Champions League quarter-finalists are going all out for the treble. Sir Alex Ferguson's side have won their last five in all competitions, and five in succession away from home. They've not lost in 10, winning nine and drawing one home and away, since defeat to Arsenal in the Premiership at the Emirates Stadium on 21 January.
The Red Devils are looking to overcome Premiership opposition for the fourth successive round, having already accounted for Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Reading. Victory would see them equalling Arsenal's record of 25 semi-final appearances.
United are hoping to win the Cup for a record 12th occasion. They're setting their sights on reaching the new Wembley, and qualifying for the final for the 18th time in their history. Seven of the previous 17 were under Sir Alex Ferguson, and five of those were victorious (1990, 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004). Sir Alex has won 17 major trophies as United manager and 26 titles in total in his managerial career in Scottish and English football, which equals Jock Stein's post-war record.
Middlesbrough v Manchester Utd stats
HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
Comp Total Middlesbro Man Utd Draws
League 97 29 48 20
FA Cup 12 3 6 3
FA CUP MEETINGS
Date Rnd Res
27 Jan 1894 R1 Newton Heath 4-0 Middlesbrough
14 Jan 1933 R3 Manchester U 1-4 Middlesbrough
07 Jan 1961 R3 Manchester U 3-0 Middlesbrough
21 Feb 1970 QF Middlesbrough 1-1 Manchester U
25 Feb 1970 QF R Manchester U 2-1 Middlesbrough
02 Jan 1971 R3 Manchester U 0-0 Middlesbrough
05 Jan 1971 R3 R Middlesbrough 2-1 Manchester U
26 Feb 1972 R5 Manchester U 0-0 Middlesbrough
29 Feb 1972 R5 R Middlesbrough 0-3 Manchester U
03 Jan 1999 R3 Manchester U 3-1 Middlesbrough
26 Jan 2002 R4 Middlesbrough 2-0 Manchester U
29 Jan 2005 R4 Manchester U 3-0 Middlesbrough
FA CUP PERFORMANCE RECORDS
MIDDLESBROUGH
12th PREM
Club stats
Best FA Cup record
RUNNERS-UP (once) Date Rnd Res
17 May 1997 FNL Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough
Last season's FA Cup exit point
Date Rnd Res
23 Apr 2006 SF Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham
This season's Cup run
Date Rnd Res
06 Jan 2007 R3 Hull 1-1 Middlesbro more
16 Jan 2007 R3 R Middlesbro 4-3 Hull more
27 Jan 2007 R4 Bris C 2-2 Middlesbro more
13 Feb 2007 R4 R Middlesbro 2-2 Bris C more
AET, Middlesbrough won 5-4 on penalties
17 Feb 2007 R5 Middlesbro 2-2 West Brom more
27 Feb 2007 R5 R West Brom 1-1 Middlesbro more
AET, Middlesbrough won 5-4 on penalties
MANCHESTER UNITED
1st PREM
Club stats
Best FA Cup record
WINNERS (11 times) Date Rnd Res
24 Apr 1909 FNL Bristol City 0-1 Man United
24 Apr 1948 FNL Blackpool 2-4 Man United
25 May 1963 FNL Leicester C 1-3 Man United
21 May 1977 FNL Liverpool 1-2 Man United
21 May 1983 FNL Brighton 2-2 Man United AET
26 May 1983 FNL R Brighton 0-4 Man United
18 May 1985 FNL Everton 0-1 Man United AET
12 May 1990 FNL Crystal Palace 3-3 Man United AET
17 May 1990 FNL R Crystal Palace 0-1 Man United
14 May 1994 FNL Chelsea 0-4 Man United
11 May 1996 FNL Liverpool 0-1 Man United
22 May 1999 FNL Man United 2-0 Newcastle
22 May 2004 FNL Man United 3-0 Millwall
Last season's FA Cup exit point
Date Rnd Res
18 Feb 2006 R5 Liverpool 1-0 Man United
This season's Cup run
Date Rnd Res
07 Jan 2007 R3 Man Utd 2-1 Aston V more
27 Jan 2007 R4 Man Utd 2-1 Portsmouth more
17 Feb 2007 R5 Man Utd 1-1 Reading more
27 Feb 2007 R5 R Reading 2-3 Man Utd more
English clubs sidestep each other in Champions League draw
Quarter-finals (Ties to be played on April 03/04 and April 10/11)
Milan v Bayern Munich
PSV Eindhoven v Liverpool
Roma v Manchester United
Chelsea v Valencia
Semi-finals (Ties to be played on April 24/25 and May 01/02)
Winners of Chelsea or Valencia v winners of PSV Eindhoven or Liverpool
Winners of Roma or Manchester United v winners of Milan or Bayern Munich
Final at Athens May 23
The prospect of an all-English Champions League final remains a vibrant possibility after Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United avoided each other in today's quarter-final draw in Athens.
Liverpool were handed what looks the easiest passage of the English teams, against Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, who they beat and drew with during the group stages. But things don't look so easy for Chelsea and Manchester United, who face Valencia and Roma respectively.
The final quarter-final, meanwhile, sees a meeting of two of the grand old men of European football, Milan and Bayern Munich.
Certainly Liverpool secretary, Byrce Morrison, was ebullient after his club was paired with PSV. "It's one of the better draws for us and we've looking forward to playing them" he said. "We're beginning to get the feeling this is Liverpool's year. Let's hope we can win it again."
Providing they overcome the Dutch champions, Liverpool will face the winners of Chelsea v Valencia in the semi-finals, with United or Roma taking on the winners of Bayern v Milan.
On paper, Chelsea's tie with Valencia - twice nearly men in the Champions League during the past decade and victors over Internazionale in the last 16 - looks mightily tricky, but the club's chief executive, Peter Kenyon is confident of coming through: "It gives us a good chance," he said. "We'd rather be at home for the second leg, but overall we're happy with the draw. We've never got to the final, but we stand a good chance."
But United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was more cautious about facing Roma, second in Serie A and conquerors of Lyon in the last 16. "We respect their last result," he said. "They have some great players like (Daniele) De Rossi and Mancini. Obviously we do not look beyond this game. We must concentrate on this game and we are looking forward to it."
dom01
09-03-2007, 09:24 PM
Manchester United will have to overcome Roma and if they do so would face the winners of Bayern Munich v AC Milan for a place in the final in Athens on May 23.
Manchester United will have to overcome Roma and if they do so would face the winners of Bayern Munich v AC Milan for a place in the final in Athens on May 23.
Roma are tough opponent. David Gill personally prefers the EPL and Sir Alex doesnt want to look beyond the Roma matches. Maybe they really concentrating on the EPL?
Anyways, 22yo Dong Fangzhuo would be the first Chinese to play for Man Utd . Sir Alex has included him in the squad for tomorrow's FA 6th round tie against Boro.
Kefka
10-03-2007, 12:25 AM
Hope Dong plays well to impress fergie as he only has the chance to play this time because of the injuries and due to the fight on many fronts..
dc7176
10-03-2007, 01:37 AM
Man Utd to hand Ronaldo club record £32M deal
Manchester United are willing to make Cristiano Ronaldo their biggest earner to tie the player to Old Trafford long-term.
The Daily Mail says United are trying to tie Ronaldo to Old Trafford until 2012 with the offer of an astonishing £32million contract to the dazzling 22-year-old Portugal winger.
United's proposal of around £100,000-a-week, making him United's highest earner ahead of England centre-half Rio Ferdinand on £94,000, comes just months after Ronaldo was vilified for his World Cup campaign.
His clash in Germany with team-mate Wayne Rooney, who was sent off in England's quarter-final defeat by Portugal, means he is routinely jeered by rival fans but idolised by United's 76,000 crowd.
David Gill, who yesterday flew to Athens for the Champions League quarter-final draw, has opened negotiations to extend Ronaldo's current United contract, which runs until 2010.
Gill has already tried to divert Spanish eyes by putting a £45million price tag on Ronaldo, who cost £12.2m from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and already earns around £60,000 a week.
http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2006/07/28/Dong-Fangzhuo-2.jpg
Dong set to feature for Man Utd
MANCHESTER (AFP) - China forward Dong Fangzhuo could make his Manchester United debut in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough.
Dong has been called into the first team squad as United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has a lengthy injury list, with strikers Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out injured until the end of the month, along with Darren Fletcher and Mikael Silvestre.
With Swedish international Henrik Larsson playing his last competitive game for the club at the Riverside, Ferguson confirmed that Dong will finally have his chance to taste senior football more than three years since he arrived at Old Trafford.
"He has needed some really hard work," said Ferguson. "But he has had a couple of reserve games now. He'll come into the squad.
"He's got some terrific attributes. He is lightning quick, has a marvelous physique and is a very athletic boy. He'll be added to the squad."
Dong, 22, spent two years on loan in Belgium with Royal Antwerp because of work permit complications in England and, in his first season with the club, was the league's top scorer with 17 goals, and scored 35 goals in 61 games during his time at Antwerp.
The forward, signed from Dalian Shihide, played for United on their 2005 Asian tour, scoring in a 2-0 victory over a Hong Kong XI, and was also on the mark in last summer's friendly visit to South Africa as United beat the Kaizer Chiefs 1-0.
Despite the call-up of such a fringe player, Ferguson insisted his injury situation was not as bad as it seemed a few days earlier.
"For a couple of days, it started to seem like the roof had fallen on top of us," said Ferguson. "But it's not so bad. Things are much brighter."
French international striker Saha is now expected to be back from his hamstring injury by the time United face Blackburn at the end of the month, the game penciled in for Solskjaer's comeback.
Fletcher is making a quicker than expected recovery from an ankle injury while Silvestre's shoulder dislocation did not involve any broken bones although it would appear his season is at an end.
To complicate matters further, midfielder Paul Scholes begins a three-match suspension on Saturday although Ferguson also chose to look upon the bright side over his absence.
"The little break might be good for him because he will get that freshness back for the run-in," said Ferguson. "At 32-years-old he has been unbelievable in midfield this season but, perverse as it may be, there is some joy in this. It could turn out to be a good break for him and us."
With all United's personnel problems, Alan Smith is likely to enjoy extended first team exposure and is even in line to possibly start his first FA Cup game for the club since he joined in May 2004.
"His training performances have been very good," said Ferguson of Smith. "What we haven't given him is games and he'll be delighted with the game he had on Wednesday."
Ferguson also confirmed that on-going contract talks with Cristiano Ronaldo are progressing well, an important consideration given the growing attention being paid by Spanish clubs on the Portruguese international winger.
"We've been negotiating for a few weeks now," said Ferguson. "That's what 'negotiation' means. It means there is to-and-fro and eventually there is a little bit of compromise along the way. That's where we want to get to.
"The boy wants to stay here, he's at the right club, there is no doubt about that. The boy has been fantastic for us and both parties hope we come to that agreement where the boy stays here for the next few years.
"He shouldn't want to go anywhere else, he is at the right club."
Mafan
11-03-2007, 02:27 AM
I can relinquish the post to him and hopefully he can be chairman for at least a few months before Saha is sold.
I wonder when will alex sell him off. he cant dribble, can shoot. what else can he do?? most of the time after just touching the ball less then 2 second the oppent will just take the bloody ball away from him. the last goal he score for MU forgot which match, was just a durian drop from the tree. Heng Heng one. Haha me seldom come in as it was brought out by our BKK cum HDY lao da YY, that there is a saha fan club :p BTW lao da YY say im from saha & Fletcher fan club.
Mafan
11-03-2007, 02:29 AM
http://english.cri.cn/mmsource/images/2006/07/28/Dong-Fangzhuo-2.jpg
Dong set to feature for Man Utd
MANCHESTER (AFP) - China forward Dong Fangzhuo
Hope he is not like that kuku saha
yinyang
11-03-2007, 09:37 AM
...saha fan club ...saha & Fletcher fan club.
Bro qbdp, now you have a patron for saha fan club...:p
Bro qbdp, now you have a patron for saha fan club...
Bro qbdp wants to relinquish chairman position lah.... simi 'patron'.... :D
dom01
11-03-2007, 12:59 PM
Did not see Dong or smith in action last night. .Defence was leaky... sigh...
Man u really hasnt been winning convincingly of late......
Kefka
11-03-2007, 04:12 PM
Think the fatigue is starting to set in, and the enthusiasm is not there anymore due to too many matches being played in such a short time interval. Hope fergie can boost their fire for the run-in!
no_faith
11-03-2007, 04:58 PM
agreed wif bro gaia.
maybe itz time.....
:D
I wonder when will alex sell him off. he cant dribble, can shoot. what else can he do?? most of the time after just touching the ball less then 2 second the oppent will just take the bloody ball away from him. the last goal he score for MU forgot which match, was just a durian drop from the tree. Heng Heng one. Haha me seldom come in as it was brought out by our BKK cum HDY lao da YY, that there is a saha fan club :p BTW lao da YY say im from saha & Fletcher fan club.
Bro Mafan, you are too kind with your words. haha.
The opponent didnt take the ball away. Saha gave them the ball!!
I think he is the only one in the team that usually gets 'fouled' but seldom get the free-kicks!! Play like a Gu-Niang.
I hope Sir Alex will sell him off this summer. Anyway, I believe Dong and Rossi are better than him and can take his place.
Mafan
11-03-2007, 08:06 PM
Man u really hasnt been winning convincingly of late......
its has being very long that man u can win in riverside so is cheski. They are very strong at home. But from ytd match they play not very good just luck is on their side.
The opponent didnt take the ball away. Saha gave them the ball!!
I think he is the only one in the team that usually gets 'fouled' but seldom get the free-kicks!! Play like a Gu-Niang.
Mmmm i thought i saw a AG playing, damm he shouldnt cut his hair. Cut laio like kuku like that.
agreed wif bro gaia.
maybe itz time.....
:D
Time for Man Utd to start winning convincingly? :D
Did not see Dong or smith in action last night. .Defence was leaky... sigh...
Maybe Sir Alex hoped Larsson would sign off with a couple of goals. Looked like the defence missed van der Sar. :(
Man u really hasnt been winning convincingly of late......
Grind out results can liao. No team can tahan attractive football through-out the long season. :D
Boro 2 - 2 Utd
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-11/U2028P6T12D2792854F44DT20070311020952.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-11/U2028P6T12D2792853F44DT20070311020819.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-11/U2028P6T12D2792983F44DT20070311033852.jpg
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-11/U2028P6T12D2792979F44DT20070311033207.jpg
Mafan
11-03-2007, 11:25 PM
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-11/U2028P6T12D2792979F44DT20070311033207.jpg
Sometime i dont like him too very selfish.
Kefka
11-03-2007, 11:40 PM
Sometime i dont like him too very selfish.
Yeah bro, but i think he is trying to improve on his teamwork by crossing more recently hehe :D
Sometime i dont like him too very selfish.
I agree. ;) But I must say he's improved unlike in his first 2 seasons.
dom01
12-03-2007, 03:55 AM
Yea... I agree CR has improved a lot this season. I think is be'coz of his new build. More physically adapted to EPL, does not get pushed off the ball so easily.
yinyang
12-03-2007, 08:43 AM
...Grind out results can liao. No team can tahan attractive football through-out the long season. :D
Most demanding league on planet earth (no winter breaks for now, unlike rest europe). Bloody looooong season, and with physical english game dished out -unrealistic to expect sterling wins week in/out. :cool:
yinyang
12-03-2007, 08:46 AM
Bro qbdp wants to relinquish chairman position lah.... simi 'patron'.... :D
Judging from latest Saha salvo, both taking turns at the helm!:D
asiancigar
12-03-2007, 09:44 AM
Based on the form of our beloved ManU..... it is a bit worrying that our injuries are starting to pile up.... the body count is scary to say the least. But my old Buddy SAF has been there, done that and know he still has a few tricks and one or two masterful strokes yet to put on canvass to produce yet another Mona Lisa... hahaha
Its clearly a 2 horse race.... Chelski and us.
But reading the articles and nuggets in various press and websites... personally, i feel a little comfort learning that JM is not entirely happy with the goings-on in the board room and amongst the BODs.... especially so with Russian Boss.
Hence, there may yet be a twist in this story.... JM is capable of turning off the heat and make an exit even before the end of the season.... hahaha, would be great for us but no shiok liao if that happens...
Like in horse racing (no, i'm not into that) for example,.... there is the Stable Owner, the Trainer, the Jockey and off course, the Horse. Any guess as to who has the first, last and final say.....??? hehehe
Cheerz to all u Red-Eyed, Red-Blooded ManUers :D
AC
ps. Bro YY,.... get ready to receive your "Golden' trophy. hehehe
yinyang
12-03-2007, 09:51 AM
.our beloved ManU..... it is a bit worrying that our injuries are starting to pile up.... the body count is scary
... personally, i feel a little comfort learning that JM is not entirely happy with the goings-on in the board room ...there is the Stable Owner, the Trainer, the Jockey and off course, the Horse. Any guess as to who has the first, last and final say.....???
Only body count is YOURS hehehe. Add which horse to your red stable arh?:p Taking comfort in chelski's blues??
Judging from latest Saha salvo, both taking turns at the helm!:D
I am confident that Bro Mafan can do a better job than me as the Chairman of Anti-Saha club and bring it to a higher level. :D
Sigh, Larsson has played his final game for us..... :(
Wonder if we'll get to see Dildo... oops, I mean Dong any time this season... He's one big Dong.... kekeke....
yinyang
12-03-2007, 05:08 PM
Sigh, Larsson has played his final game for us... Wonder if we'll get to see Dildo... oops, I mean Dong any time this season... He's one big Dong.... kekeke....
Bye to scandinavian fling, say hello to PRC fix... Imomy, try keeping your eyes on the proverbial ball, and not getting distracted by tools of other trade hehehehe.:p
mr_missile
12-03-2007, 06:57 PM
Walked past an Sg Pools outlet and can't help but notice the odds offered for the EPL Championship winner as follows:
1. Man Utd - 1.05
2. Chelski - 5.70
3. Arsenal - 150.00
4. Liverpool - 175.00
My oh my, what skinny odds for United considering there are still 9 games to go and Utd has yet to visit Stamford Bridge.
Maybe the Sg Pools has 'insider' information that the EPL trophy already has United's name carved on it already? :D
Mafan
12-03-2007, 07:15 PM
I am confident that Bro Mafan can do a better job than me as the Chairman of Anti-Saha club and bring it to a higher level. :D
cannot lar me seldom wan to post lar only these few day abit free and saio saio haha
Keep having a funny feeling that my beloved man u will drop points this weekend against bolton.....then chelsea will beat man c and narrow the gap.....
Kefka
13-03-2007, 12:37 AM
Keep having a funny feeling that my beloved man u will drop points this weekend against bolton.....then chelsea will beat man c and narrow the gap.....
Yeah bolton is a bogey team for man u, but lady luck has been with man u lately, so hope it can play a part again, i dun mind if the game is not exciting but the results always count the most;)
yinyang
13-03-2007, 12:30 PM
Man Utd v Europe XI
Man United v Europe XI
Uefa Celebration Match
Date: Tuesday 13 March, 2000 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford
Coach Marcello Lippi has AC Milan quartet Paolo Maldini, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Ronaldo for Tuesday's match against Manchester United.
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard is in the squad as is striker Ronaldinho and keepers Iker Casillas and Oliver Kahn.
Henrik Larsson is in the Europe squad, days after his loan spell at United came to an end.
The match marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and United's 50 years in European competitions.
Full Europe XI squad:
Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn, Grégory Coupet, Iker Casillas.
Defenders: Paolo Maldini, Jamie Carragher, Eric Abidal, Lilan Thuram, Carles Puyol, Marco Materazzi, Fabio Grosso.
Midfielders: Gianluca Zambrotta, Steven Gerrard, Juninho Pernambucano, Florent Malouda, Luis Miguel, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo.
Strikers: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Alessandro Mancini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson.
Man Utd v Europe XI
This one no prediction competition? :D
Wonder who's gonna partner Rooney up front..... Smith? Dong? Sekali Fergie pack the midfield and play Rooney solo.... :eek:
jootjoot
13-03-2007, 01:41 PM
was hoping that zidane wanna play, but bcos of materazzi, he refused to play. love to see him play, i'm not a fan of his though:)
yinyang
14-03-2007, 09:24 AM
Gill confident over Ronaldo deal
Ronaldo has been in stunning form this season
Manchester United chief executive David Gill is confident winger Cristiano Ronaldo will sign a new deal, which will take him up to 2012.
Ronaldo, 22, is under contract until 2010 but is keen to extend his stay.
"I think he came out and said discussions are ongoing so we're not going to put a timeline against them," Gill told BBC Radio Four.
"The player wants to stay, we want him to stay and I'm sure we'll reach a satisfactory conclusion."
Interview: Man Utd chief executive David Gill
Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Spain and the Portuguese international admitted he would like to play in La Liga before the end of his career.
But Gill added: "Every United fan can be reassured he won't be leaving this summer.
"It would be realistic to extend it by a further two years to 2012 - the same time that Wayne Rooney has signed for."
In response to United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's comments at the weekend that he would be happy to stay for another two years, Gill added: "We're doing extremely well this season.
"We've not discussed it but he has done fantastically well and we've put him on a rolling contract - something we want to continue as long as possible."
MIK RULED OUT
MANCHESTER UNITED defender Mikael Silvestre's season is over after he had surgery on his torn shoulder ligaments.
The 29-year-old was carried from the Old Trafford pitch on a stretcher last week after a collision in the Champions League game against Lille.
The operation completes a nightmare season for the France international who lost his starting place in the United line-up after fracturing a metatarsal bone earlier in the campaign.
Silvestre said: "This operation means practically four months without any physical contact in game situations. I won't be back until the start of next season."
United pair okay for Bolton
Manchester United defensive pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic will be fit enough to play against Bolton at the weekend. Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed his central defensive partnership would shrug off minor injuries in time to play in Saturday's Premiership clash.
Ferguson said: "Nemanja had a small break in the cartilage in his nose and he went to hospital this morning to get some of the blood drained away, just a little clot. He's fine. Rio Ferdinand went for a scan on his ribs but he's okay."
The news will come as a relief to Ferguson, who has seen his squad depleted over recent weeks as injuries catch up with United. Strikers Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer will not be available for selection until after the international break later this month, although long-term casualty Alan Smith came through United's 4-3 gala match win over a European XI on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is also expected to remain sidelined until nearer the end of the month. Tomasz Kuszczak is expected to continue to deputise.
Allardyce draws up plan to rebuild players’ confidence
Sam Allardyce, the Bolton Wanderers manager, believes that playing for a draw in the Barclays Premiership match away to Manchester United on Saturday is the way to end his side’s barren run.
Bolton have won twice at Old Trafford in the past six years but Allardyce will take a defensive approach after three successive defeats. “There are quite a few Premiership teams, ourselves included, who are stuck in a bad run,” he said. “It only takes a couple of crocks and you can be very quickly looking at five games without a win.
“It’s a fine line at this stage of the season and, in these situations, the best thing is to play for a draw. You have to stick to the tactical approach, concentrating on the opposition’s strengths, showing your players how to stop them scoring and hoping you might nick a set-piece.
“The team will be low on confidence, so the key thing is to get something to stop the run of defeats and wait for your top players to come back.”
yinyang
14-03-2007, 05:45 PM
Fixtures for rest of season (excluding both FA and CL finals hehehe).. Summer time clock savings back in our favour by -7hrs (BST) instead of -8hrs after 25/3. Goody2, fast forward by 1hr especially for day games over weekend (eg 2200 instead of 2300)
Fixtures
Saturday, 17 March 2007
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Bolton, 12:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, 19 March 2007
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Man Utd v Middlesbrough, 20:00
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Saturday, 31 March 2007
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Blackburn, 15:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 04 April 2007
UEFA Champions League
Roma v Man Utd, 19:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 07 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Portsmouth v Man Utd, 17:15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 10 April 2007
UEFA Champions League
Man Utd v Roma (agg 0-0), 19:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 21 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v Middlesbrough, 15:00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Everton v Man Utd, 12:00
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 05 May 2007
Barclays Premiership
Man City v Man Utd, 15:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 13 May 2007
Barclays Premiership
Man Utd v West Ham, 15:00
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Barclays Premiership
Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30
This match will be postponed to the last week of the calendar (8/9 May) if one of them win their FA Cup 6th rd replays. The semi-finals are played on 14 Apr.
There wont be other weekday dates available coz Mourinho believes his team will be occupied with UEFA Champions League commitments. :D
yinyang
15-03-2007, 09:38 AM
This match will be postponed to the last week of the calendar (8/9 May) if one of them win their FA Cup 6th rd replays.
Down to the wire!:D
Down to the wire!:D
I should hope we have the league sewn up by then and the match is inconsequential, with only pride to play for :p
CibLover
15-03-2007, 11:52 AM
If we'd sewn up the title by then (of which I hope we'd have done by then), I wonder whether our players will get the same reception that SAF have accorded them when they were confirmed champions at Old Trafford!!!
I remembered Keano leading the players (under SAf's instructions) to form a line to applaud the Chelsea players when they trot onto the field. Brilliant touch by the gaffer. ;) :cool:
...
I remembered Keano leading the players (under SAf's instructions) to form a line to applaud the Chelsea players when they trot onto the field. Brilliant touch by the gaffer.
...
Yeah, despite his psychological tactics, SAF has always been a gentleman. Little known facts like he always returns calls personally, whether you're a manager from league or championship side asking about player loans or the Barcelona manager. Given how busy he is, I think it's a nice touch.
yinyang
15-03-2007, 12:07 PM
..wonder whether our players will get the same reception that SAF have accorded them when they were confirmed champions at Old Trafford!!!
..despite his psychological tactics, SAF has always been a gentleman
Spot on. Also, SAF's press comments (pre-post games) speak well of his class act. Unlike some of his compatriots (no prizes for guessing who):p
I remembered Keano leading the players (under SAf's instructions) to form a line to applaud the Chelsea players when they trot onto the field. Brilliant touch by the gaffer.
IF we had won the title by then, I am not sure if Mourinho will allow his players to applaud our team into the stadium.
He once said this about Man Utd a couple of years ago.
"I saw their players and manager go for a lap of honour after losing to us in their last home game. In Portugal if you do this, they throw bottles at you!"
If cannot acknowledge fans' season long support, how to acknowledge another club as Champions?
:D :D
Smith ready for Manchester United's title push
LONDON, March 15 (Reuters) - Manchester United will look to shore up their shrinking lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend in a northwest derby against Bolton Wanderers.
Nine points clear at the start of the week but only six after Chelsea's 1-0 midweek win at Manchester City, United can ill-afford to slip up at Old Trafford. Prowling Chelsea have a far easier game on paper at home to lowly Sheffield United.
United, who like Chelsea are expected to re-shuffle their side ahead of Monday's FA Cup quarter-final replays, can draw on their recent form and an excellent record against Sam Allardyce's men. United trounced Bolton 4-0 at the Reebok in October, did the double over them last season with a 6-2 aggregate win and have not lost to them since a 1-0 reverse at Old Trafford in 2002.
However, they will be without Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who has been told to rest a calf strain sustained in the warm-up before last weekend's FA Cup draw at Middlesbrough.
Polish keeper Tomas Kuszczak should again deputise, while striker Alan Smith is hoping to get a rare chance up front.
Smith, who played in the charity match against a Europe XI on Tuesday, is set to get the nod as Frenchman Louis Saha and Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are both unavailable and Henrik Larsson has returned to Sweden after his loan spell.
Chelsea were hardly impressive at Eastlands on Wednesday, but there was no doubting their ability to ground out a result and there is likely to be more of the same against Neil Warnock's combative side.
The other good news in midweek was the return of captain John Terry for his first game since being knocked unconscious in their League Cup final win over Arsenal on Feb 25.
Terry played down an ankle injury picked up in the game at Eastlands, but may yet be spared league duty this weekend.
Chelsea, who face Tottenham Hotspur again on Monday after last weekend's pulsating FA Cup 3-3 draw, will probably rest what players Jose Mourinho can afford.
Arsenal, who moved above Liverpool and into third place with their 1-0 win at Aston Villa in midweek, travel up to Everton.
Liverpool will try to match Arsenal's victory at Villa Park, secured with a side hit hard by injuries and suspensions, when they visit Martin O'Neill's men on Saturday.
Charlton Athletic's bid to avoid the drop continues at home to Newcastle United.
Charlton, 18th in the table, are four points better off than West Ham United and Watford and will be hoping that Stuart Pearce's struggling Manchester City side keep losing.
City, who suffered their fifth consecutive league defeat against Chelsea, are six points better off in 17th place.
They travel to Middlesbrough after newspaper reports that Pearce faced the sack if they lost both this week's games.
Ronaldo will be Real's new Galactico: Spanish newspaper
MADRID : Cristiano Ronaldo, who is in talks to extend his contract at Manchester United, will quit Old Trafford for Real Madrid at the end of the season, Spanish sports daily Marca predicted on Thursday.
"Cristiano Ronaldo will sign for Real Madrid once the season is over," the paper claimed on its front page, a report that will hardly be welcomed by Sir Alex Ferguson.
"That's the bombshell that the president (of Real Madrid, Ramon Calderon) is going to announce this summer. A galactic transfer, if he's one," the paper continued.
This latest bout of speculation over the Portuguese international comes on the back of last week's assertion from Ferguson that his prize winger was going nowhere.
"Cristiano is at the right club. He wants to stay. Why would he want to go anywhere else?" the Scot said, adding that negotiations were up and running for Ronaldo to sign an extension to his existing contract which finishes in 2010.
The player himself spoke about his future intentions to Portuguese radio also last week, saying: "Everyone knows I really like Spain, that I would like to play in Spain one day but I am happy here at Manchester.
"If I don't leave now, if I leave in two, three, four, five years, I would be happy, I am at a great club."
He joined Manchester United from Lisbon-based Sporting for 12 million pounds (17.6 million euros or 23.2 million US dollars) in August 2003 on a five-year contract which he extended for another two years in November 2005.
Kefka
16-03-2007, 12:43 AM
Ronaldo himself said he would never achieve Gigg's recent record of 700th match appearances for man utd, but i would hope he would stay for at least 3-5 years hehe :)
asiancigar
16-03-2007, 01:14 AM
Smith ready for Manchester United's title push
LONDON, March 15 (Reuters) - Manchester United will look to shore up their shrinking lead at the top of the Premier League this weekend in a northwest derby against Bolton Wanderers....
Smith,... is set to get the nod as Frenchman Louis Saha and Norwegian Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are both unavailable and Henrik Larsson has returned to Sweden after his loan spell.
i have always like Alan Smith and deep down i'm convinced that he will shine and hopefully sooner rather than later coz we do need him.... remember him scoring so freely during his days with Leeds.... i guess if ever there is such a thing as an Alan Smith time... it would be now!!! :D
Cheerz
AC
i have always like Alan Smith and deep down i'm convinced that he will shine....
Yeah bro, I think the Red Devils faithful took to Alan Smith almost immediately after his arrival... largely due to his crunching tackles and 200% commitment!
I do remember him combining quite well with Rooney in the early days, when he didn't have to play out-of-position and fill in for the sudden departure of Keane. Very intelligent player with great awareness of his striking partner's position.
yinyang
16-03-2007, 09:12 AM
..always like Alan Smith and deep down i'm convinced that he will shine ... remember him scoring so freely during his days with Leeds....
You into blondies too, hehehe??:p Hope Smithie days ex Leeds can be re-enacted. Bring your bookie mobile booth tomorrow at MU tcss ok? And.. dun let pom pom gals aeroplane us :D
You into blondies too, hehehe??....
Whoa! Thought I was the only one into blondes.... and brunettes.... and redheads.... keke :D
BEN'S GOING BACK TO BE UNITED NO.1
BEN FOSTER will be given a new contract at Old Trafford this summer wit h Sir Alex Ferguson ready to groom him to become Manchester United's number one.
England keeper Foster, 23, is on a season-long loan at Watford but has been assured of his future with United by Ferguson who has told him he will be challenging Edwin van der Sar next summer.
Former chef Foster, who has two years left on his deal, will sign a new contract with United and is determined to become first choice for England and at Old Trafford.
Foster, who will today be named in Steve McClaren's England squad for the Euro 2008 double header with Israel and Andorra, won his first full cap against Spain last month.
And Foster will get a chance to impress tomorrow when Watford visit Tottenham and England's top two keepers will go head-to-head.
He said: "I've bought a house on the outskirts of Manchester and want to settle down with the club.
"I have been told by United they are so pleased with my progress they are ready to improve my contract.
"I want to be at Old Trafford. That's my club and I'm ready to stake my claim. I want to renegotiate and settle down to focus solely on my United career."
Foster was working as a chef in Leamington Spa before turning professional with S+++e where he was loaned out to Bristol City, Wrexham and Kidderminster before United signed him.
But Foster's performances for Watford have caught the eye despite Aidy Boothroyd's men being stuck in a relegation struggle all season although they have reached the FA Cup semi-final.
Foster said: "My girlfriend tells me I'm the team's lucky talisman but for me it's just all been a bit unbelievable. From working as a chef for two years and not starting in professional football until I was 18 to being where I am today ...well, you have to pinch yourself.
"I'm not getting carried away by all the hype - I just want to carry on improving and if the opportunity comes along, great.
"I just want to become the best I can and the only way I can do that is to carry on my own routine. That means staying grounded. I have very good people around me who will never allow me to get carried away.
TALE OF TWO KEEPERS
PAUL ROBINSON BEN FOSTER
29 Appearances 20
2610 Minutes On Pitch 1755
43 Goals Conceded 28
61 Minutes per Goal Conceded 63
4 Clean Sheets 5
42 Saves from Inside Box 45
29 Saves from Outside Box 23
62% Saves to Shots ratio 71%
Crocked Rio has cracked rib
RIO FERDINAND will miss crucial games in Manchester United’s run-in and is a worry for England’s Euro 2008 double header with a cracked rib.
The defender is set to be sidelined for United’s next two games — Bolton at home tomorrow and Monday’s FA Cup quarter-final replay with Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.
England coach Steve McClaren will also be sweating on his fitness for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with Israel and Andorra the following week.
United are unlikely to release Ferdinand for international duty if he misses both their matches.
It is the latest blow in an injury crisis that threatens to derail United’s Treble bid.
Ferdinand, 28, suffered the rib problem in United’s 2-2 FA Cup draw with Boro on Saturday.
And he missed their charity game against a European XI at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Boss Alex Ferguson will draft in Wes Brown as cover for Ferdinand.
As SunSport revealed on Wednesday, United will be without Mikael Silvestre for the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder.
Keeper Edwin van der Sar is out for a fortnight with a calf injury, while strikers Ole Solskjaer and Louis Saha will not be fit until at least the end of this month.
Hitman Henrik Larsson has returned to Sweden after a three-month loan spell and midfielder Paul Scholes is banned for the next two games.
Fergie is already under immense pressure after Chelsea closed the gap at the top to just six points with victory at Manchester City on Wednesday.
As United lose key players, the Blues were boosted by the return of skipper John Terry.
Meanwhile, former United striker Diego Forlan has urged winger Cristiano Ronaldo to quit Old Trafford for Barcelona.
United want to tie the Portuguese maestro, 22, to a new long-term deal.
But Uruguay ace Forlan, who plays in Spain with Villarreal, said: “If Barca make him a good offer he will have no doubts about accepting it. He knows this league is one of the best in the world.”
Castrol
16-03-2007, 01:42 PM
But Uruguay ace Forlan, who plays in Spain with Villarreal, said: “If Barca make him a good offer he will have no doubts about accepting it. He knows this league is one of the best in the world.”
alamak... barca should let saviola play more, he's a world cup star! :(
alamak... barca should let saviola play more, he's a world cup star! :(
maybe next season? rumours are deco and ronaldinho are available this summer. :confused:
Castrol
16-03-2007, 04:02 PM
maybe next season? rumours are deco and ronaldinho are available this summer. :confused:
come to think of it, deco and scholes are both the same kind of central midfield dynamo, creative and combative. but still scholes is no.1 and i still hope to see him in the england shirt again. :D
come to think of it, deco and scholes are both the same kind of central midfield dynamo, creative and combative. but still scholes is no.1 and i still hope to see him in the england shirt again. :D
Bro...come to think of it, you are the only non-Utd fan in SBF who likes and is fond of a Utd player. A rarity, indeed. You deserve a toast.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/ernaehrung/food-smiley-004.gif
Scholes on title trail
PAUL Scholes admits Manchester United are 'desperate' to recapture the Premiership title.
United tackle north-west neighbours Bolton on Saturday eager to consolidate a lead which was whittled down to six points by Chelsea's win at Manchester City on Wednesday.
Although Scholes will miss out as he serves the second game of the three-match ban he picked up for his recent red card at Liverpool, the former England star will have his fingers crossed the Red Devils can extend their present winning streak.
For, as a member of a squad which has endured three long years without a title after eight previous championships, Scholes knows exactly how hungry Sir Alex Ferguson's men are to end their drought.
"After not doing so well in the Premiership over the last couple of years, we are more determined than ever to lift the trophy this year," Scholes told Inside United.
"The league is the major trophy, your bread and butter.
"We have not had that trophy for four years now - that's too long. It is a trophy we desperately want to win back."
Advantage
With nine games remaining, and a better goal difference, the advantage is clearly with United, especially having come through the stern test at Liverpool a fortnight ago.
Yet difficulties remain, particularly as Ferguson's squad is now beset by injuries.
Scholes, who will also sit out Monday's FA Cup quarter-final replay with Middlesbrough, could be one of half a dozen absentees this weekend. Darren Fletcher, Mikael Silvestre, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have already been ruled out, with Patrice Evra a major doubt as well.
With Henrik Larsson now back in Sweden, Ryan Giggs seems set to be pressed into service as an emergency striker alongside Wayne Rooney, with Park Ji-Sung occupying a wide role with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having led from the front for virtually the whole campaign, Scholes knows this is not a time to slip up, as United look to secure a domestic championship that is becoming more difficult to win by the year.
"In the last three seasons, Arsenal and Chelsea have performed so well you need to be more consistent than ever," he said.
"You would have to say the league has become more difficult to win.
"It would be a fantastic achievement if we could do it because it would be a recognition for our performances over the course of an entire season."
Refs too protective, says Vidic
UNITED hard man Nemanja Vidic has just one complaint about English football - it's not rough enough!
The Serbian defender has bucked the trend for foreign players coming to play in the Premiership, as they normally say it takes them a while to adapt to the physical nature of our game.
Vidic says what he's found hardest to deal with after joining United from Russian club Spartak Moscow is over-protective referees who whistle for fouls at the slightest contact.
"When I came here I found you play a different style," said the 6ft 1ins stopper, who previously played for Red Star Belgrade in his native land.
"The referees here don't allow strong games, so you have to be more patient.
"When a player gets a small touch, a referee will give a foul, so being patient is more important than being strong."
Bench
The man who Vidic is keeping out of the side, Wes Brown, says it is time for players on the fringes of the team to make their mark on the season.
The Longsight-born defender admits that there are some weary limbs in the United camp as the Treble chase nears its climax.
He said "It gets pretty tiring at this stage of the season, and I am sure the gaffer will make a few changes here and there.
"But we have other players, like myself, who can step in and do just as good a job. It's our time to fill their boots.
"Everyone wants to play so you are raring to go when you get picked. It would be better to play more regularly, but sometimes it doesn't happen like that."
Fergie confident over key duo
SIR Alex Ferguson is backing Wayne Rooney to fire Manchester United towards Premiership glory.
With Henrik Larsson back in Sweden, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both on the injured list and Alan Smith still to make a league start this term, Rooney is the Reds' only fully fit striker for the Old Trafford encounter with Bolton.
A subdued force for much of the campaign, certainly in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, Rooney has recently showed encouraging signs of a return to top form.
The England star broke a seven-game barren sequence with his goal at Middlesbrough last weekend, then added another two in the UEFA charity game in midweek.
And, with a few impressive performances on the training ground behind him as well, Ferguson has no doubts over Rooney's ability to spearhead the league leaders' attack.
"Wayne is like everyone else who scores goals, he wants to score all the time," said Ferguson.
"That is their mantra. They feel scoring is the most important thing. There is nothing wrong with that.
"He doesn't get down and he doesn't dwell on things because he is such a bubbly character. But I have seen his confidence coming back.
"He has been alive in training and I am sure he won't be worried about being our only striker."
Ronaldo's Negotiations
Meanwhile, Ferguson has insisted there is no desperate need for United to rush through contract negotiations with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, United are confident of tying Ronaldo down to a lucrative contract extension which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.
“The great thing is we have got Cristiano until 2010 so there is not a desperation,” said Ferguson.
“It is an amicable arrangement in terms of us saying to him we wanted him to sign a new contract.
“We spoke to his agent, they were happy about that. The boy is happy. Now we are in the final phase of trying to conclude a deal which will see the boy sign for another two years until 2012.”
Since arriving at United in a £12million switch from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, Ronaldo has established himself as one of the best players in the world.
One of the favourites for this season’s player of the year awards, Ronaldo scored his 17th goal of the campaign in last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough and will be one of Ferguson’s key men over the next 72 hours as United tackle Bolton in the Premiership before welcoming Boro in a replay which will see the winners book a semi-final meeting with Watford.
“There is no question Cristiano is at the right club,” said Ferguson.
“It has been a pleasure seeing him develop over the last few years.
“He is 22 now and there has never been a time when he has not enjoyed it.”
http://images.sportinglife.com/07/03/330/SirAlexFergusonRyanGiggsawards_207551.jpg
DOUBLE FOR UNITED
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and veteran winger Ryan Giggs have been named Barclays Premiership manager and player of the month for February.
The Red Devils maintained their stranglehold on the Premiership title race before Chelsea closed the gap to six points this week.
Ferguson's side won all three of their Premiership fixtures last month.
Both the Scottish boss and his long-serving midfielder picked up the awards in August following United's sublime start to the season.
Wales captain Giggs scored in the 4-0 win at Tottenham and also the win at Fulham in Fulham.
The latest awards are the first time in 10 years a player and manager from the same club have collected both awards twice in a season. Roy Evans and Robbie Fowler were handed the accolades twice in the 1995-96 season.
The decision was made by the Barclays awards panel comprising representatives from the governing bodies, media and fans.
yinyang
17-03-2007, 10:50 AM
English giants enter youth event
Premiership sides Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have signed up to play in the inaugural Champions Youth Cup in Malaysia this August.
In total, 14 of Europe's top clubs will send their Under 19 sides to Kuala Lumpur for the two-week tournament.
Thomas Kurth, a spokesman of European clubs organisation G-14, said: "The sides want international competition to develop their young talents.
"They also want to give something back to the communities that support them."
http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2007121503,00.jpg
Ronnie is a stayer (source The Sun)
CRISTIANO RONALDO will sign a massive £28million deal with Manchester United.
The wing wizard expects to tie up the five-year, £110,000-a- week contract in the next month.
Spanish giants Real Madrid have finally called off their chase for the Portuguese star.
A senior Madrid source admitted: “Everything possible has been exhausted and Ronaldo will stay at United.
"They have made their intention to keep him very clear.”
Madrid made a final attempt to prise Ronaldo, 22, from Old Trafford this week.
But it is believed the Premiership leaders made it very plain to both Real and the player that he would not be allowed to leave under any circumstances, even if he requested a move.
Ronaldo is in stunning form this season, has hit 17 goals for his club and is one of the favourites to be named Footballer of the Year.
He expects his new bumper contract will reflect his status as one of world football’s rising stars and it should be completed in the next three or four weeks.
United boss Alex Ferguson is believed to have played a big part in persuading Ronnie he can fulfil all of his footballing ambitions at Old Trafford.
dom01
17-03-2007, 07:04 PM
Wha.. glad he is staying...
Saha, shld really be going.... :D
But what abt nani?
spidermel
17-03-2007, 08:15 PM
Halo to all MU bros... hope MU will perform well tonite... EPL championship crown on the way to MU... cheers!!!...:D
Saha, shld really be going.... :D
Dear bro dom01
Thank you for joining the Anti Saha Fan Club.
Your membership card and freebies (dart board & toilet paper - with Saha's face on them) are on their way to you in the post.
On behalf of Club Chairman, bro Mafan.
:D
I hope SAF will still try to get Nani to old trafford even if ronaldo stays....before chelski snaps him....
Mafan
18-03-2007, 12:36 AM
Dear bro dom01
Thank you for joining the Anti Saha Fan Club.
Your membership card and freebies (dart board & toilet paper - with Saha's face on them) are on their way to you in the post.
On behalf of Club Chairman, bro Mafan.
:D
hey bro when did i took the job of anti saha chairman ? im just a passer-by. my new hate richardson.
dom01
18-03-2007, 08:04 AM
I think simth plays better than saha, despite out of action for so long. :cool:
That flick for rooney, swee man!
hey bro when did i took the job of anti saha chairman ? im just a passer-by. my new hate richardson.
Paiseh...paiseh...I thought you will be interested since bros imom and yinyang said you qualify. :D
New hate? Ya, that Richardson.........really cant find anything nice to say about him except maybe nice football boots. :p
But what abt nani?
I hope SAF will still try to get Nani to old trafford even if ronaldo stays....before chelski snaps him....
So far the news on Nani are just rumours and nothing concrete. He does look exciting though.
I think simth plays better than saha, despite out of action for so long. :cool:
That flick for rooney, swee man!
I feel Smith plays his simple and unselfish football. He looks smarter than Saha as well.
Castrol
18-03-2007, 12:09 PM
Bro...come to think of it, you are the only non-Utd fan in SBF who likes and is fond of a Utd player. A rarity, indeed. You deserve a toast.
http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/ernaehrung/food-smiley-004.gif
haha cheers bro, soccer may be a passion but you wont see any prejudice from me. man utd really deserves the epl title now - gary speed will agree to that. and alan smith is back to show how versatile he is. :D
Mafan
18-03-2007, 12:09 PM
I feel Smith plays his simple and unselfish football. He looks smarter than Saha as well.
and more yao dao also :p just that alex put him in wrong place middle will never be his home.
haha cheers bro, soccer may be a passion but you wont see any prejudice from me. man utd really deserves the epl title now - gary speed will agree to that. and alan smith is back to show how versatile he is. :D
Always enjoy your witty posts.
and more yao dao also :p just that alex put him in wrong place middle will never be his home.
Hope Smith can rediscover the form he was in during the early months of joining Utd and Saha retires this summer.
Man Utd boss Ferguson: Dong involved for Middlesbrough clash
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed China international striker Dong Fangzhuo is in line to make his debut on Monday night in their FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough.
After their 4-1 victory over Bolton, Ferguson said he will draft youngsters Craig Cathcart and Dong Fangzhuo into his squad to face Boro on Monday night, when Ryan Giggs is likely to be rested.
Hargreaves desperate to join United
Owen Hargreaves has reiterated his desire to join Manchester United, declaring: “They are the only team I want to join.”
Transfer negotiations between United and Bayern Munich have continuously stalled over the past year but Hargreaves, 26, could be on his way to Old Trafford this summer if the clubs can finally agree a fee.
England's star player of the 2006 World Cup said: "They (Manchester United) have invested so much time and energy in me. It's very rare to see a transfer drag on like this.
"A football team is a puzzle with different pieces and you need to find the right pieces and the right mix. United believe I am the final piece in their puzzle and that is an honour for me.
"There is a reason for me wanting to join United. I play for England and my family are from the north-west.
"I love Bayern Munich. I have grown up in Germany but I'm the only England player to have never played in England and Manchester United want to take me home. That prospect is a dream, especially when you look at the United team and the football they play."
Sir Alex Fergurson, United's manager, has relentlessly pursued Hargreaves - even when the Bayern midfielder was sidelined for several months with a broken leg last year.
"It is an honour to be wanted by Sir Alex, especially when you look at what he has achieved in the game," Hargreaves said. "I don't want to miss this opportunity to work with him before he retires.
Born in Canada to an English mother and a Welsh father, Hargreaves moved to Bayern as a 15-year-old and has been there ever since. He said: "I don't expect the Bayern fans to understand my reasons but it's difficult when you are talking about a player returning home.
"If Liverpool sold Steven Gerrard to Barcelona then the fans would go mad because he was born and bred there. But I am not a Munich boy and I am not a German player – that is why I hope the fans will see this is different.
"I still don't know what will happen because the situation is not down to me. My responsibilities are that I am paid money to play good football and win things for Bayern Munich.
"Of course, it is still possible that we could meet United in the Champions League semi-final. That will be a big game and something to look forward to.
"If we meet I will play hard because I want to win and that's my mentality. I have a Bayern Munich shirt on at the moment and if we meet United I owe it to Bayern to do well."
dom01
19-03-2007, 12:47 AM
Any views on our two upcoming keepers? Foster? Tomasz Kuszczak ? :cool:
Any views on our two upcoming keepers? Foster? Tomasz Kuszczak ?
Was really funny seeing Paul Robinson do one over Foster last weekend... Talk was rife that Foster will usurp Robinson's no.1 position in England... and Robinson proceeds to give Foster an 'up yours' by SCORING a goal against Foster... :p
Kuszczak's seems to be a good shop stopper (except for that abysmal penalty against Bolton!), but doesn't have nor inspire confidence. Foster seems to be doing ok for Watford, but it's a different ball game when you play for MU!
I think simth plays better than saha, despite out of action for so long....
That flick for rooney, swee man!
Yes yes! I feel vindicated!!! :D
and more yao dao also....
Whoa, you like blondes too? kekeke
yinyang
19-03-2007, 09:33 AM
...like blondes too? kekeke
Imomy, you missed our true blondie lover's great show on sat.. err, make that rear view. And swee sis gracing occassion... exotic looks spellbinding AC, TV. Hard sell their charms too.. excuse the pun hehehe:p
Imomy, you missed our true blondie lover's great show on sat.. err, make that rear view. And swee sis gracing occassion... exotic looks spellbinding AC, TV....
Sigh... bo pian leh.... Wish I could have been there too.... But I still managed to catch Ronaldo the defence terrorist and the nice little link-up between Blondie and Roon... ;)
Any views on our two upcoming keepers? Foster? Tomasz Kuszczak ? :cool:
Kuszczak looks uncomfortable and indecisive with crosses. Good to have as a second keeper from what I see of him so far.
I hope Forster goes on loan again for 1 more season at another small EPL team. No point coming back and sit on the bench. van der Sar is good enough for another season.
yinyang
19-03-2007, 12:34 PM
Latest trivia (edited for MU bias)... Is there life for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after OT?
Sunday's gossip column
TRANSFER RUMOURS
Tottenham boss Martin Jol values in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov at over £40m, but insists he would never sell the Bulgarian despite reported interest from Manchester United and Liverpool (Various).
West Ham want to sign Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the summer whether or not they are relegated (News of the World).
Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves says Manchester United is the only team he wants to join as they have made such an effort to sign him (News of the World).
Inter Milan want to sign Chelsea's John Terry (Mail on Sunday).
OTHER GOSSIP
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez still tops Real Madrid's managerial wish-list for the summer (Mirror).
The Premier League is to introduce 'Hawkeye' equipment to rule whether or not the ball has crossed the line for the 2008-09 season (Various)
Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson's next job will be at Marseille (Mirror).
Barcelona's Frank Rijkaard is top of Chelsea's list if manager Jose Mourinho leaves in the summer (People).
Roman Abramovich could be under pressure from the Russian government to sell Chelsea to help fund a bid for the 2014 Winter Olympics (Express).
AND FINALLY...
Israel have called in Uri Geller to help with positive thinking ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier with England (Mail on Sunday).
Uefa have refused to rule out the possibility of staging a Champions League game in Asia as a promotional event (Mirror).
dom01
20-03-2007, 06:06 AM
1-0 this morning... Treble on the way!!! :D
Ronaldo made a meal out of Woodgate... Where is Dong? Wld like to see a chinese player in action.. :cool:
http://cimg2.163.com/photo/0005/2007-03-20/3A0QNM5400D80005.jpg
Ronaldo: "It was a penalty"
Manchester United's match-winner thinks that accusations of cheating from Middlesbrough are political - and because he is "too good."
Ronaldo won and scored the winning penalty in United's FA Cup quarter final replay against Middlesbrough. He went down in the area after being caught by the knee of Jonathan Woodgate after leaving the England defender trailing in his wake with a typical run on the left.
While Woodgate's initial tackle did not make contact with Ronaldo, replays showed that the knee of his trailing right leg did and that referee Mike Dean made the correct decision.
Ronaldo was adamant that he could have done little else in the situation:
"The referee makes the decision - for me it was a penalty," he told SkySports after the match. "If he touches me I lose my movement and I slip.
"Against Cristiano every time it is political, I don't know why," continued the Portugal star, who has been accused of diving repeatedly over recent reasons, in particular in United's Premiership win over Boro earlier in the season.
Ronaldo puts it down to one thing - jealousy:
"Maybe some people don't like me," he mused. "Maybe it's because I'm too good. I don't know why."
And of the semi final clash against Premiership relegation candidates Watford, Ronaldo is refusing to count his chickens:
"We are playing against Watford and you never know, all these are difficult games and it's the FA Cup, but we have a good team and a good chance."
yinyang
20-03-2007, 02:33 PM
FA Cup semis -fixtures
Saturday, 14 April 2007
Blackburn v Chelsea 15:00
Watford v Man Utd, 15:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remaining dates:
Sixth round - March 10-11 2007
Semi-finals - April 14-15 2007
Final - Saturday, May 19 2007
machoman
20-03-2007, 02:45 PM
Ronaldo books United FA Cup semi spot
Tuesday, March 20, 2007, 06:40:50 HRS
http://images2.asianbookie.com/SGE.GVE12.190307223944.photo00.quicklook.default-245x183.jpg
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring a penalty against Middlesbrough's during their FA Cup Quarter Final replay football match at Old Trafford , Manchester. Manchester won 1-0. - AFP
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring a penalty against Middlesbrough's during their FA Cup Quarter Final replay football match at Old Trafford , Manchester. Manchester won 1-0. - AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo's second half penalty was enough to secure Manchester United a single-goal victory over Middlesbrough in their FA Cup quarter-final replay.
Alex Ferguson's side now face a semi-final clash with Watford after the Portuguese winger claimed his 18th goal of an outstanding season.
Ronaldo has been United's stand-out player in recent weeks and it was his late penalty that had kept his side in the competition when the two sides played out a 2-2 draw nine days previously.
Then with Ferguson's side struggling to match their recent form against a determined Boro, the 22-year-old forced a careless lunge from Jonathan Woodgate to earn the 76th minute spot-kick he duly placed beyond keeper Marl Schwarzer.
Then in the dying seconds of the game, Ronaldo's torment of the frustrated visitors was complete when he was hacked down by James Morrison earning the Boro substitute a straight red card.
Morrison's ugly lunge sparked a confrontation between both sets of players and assistant managers Carlos Queiroz and Malcolm Crosby exchanged angry words after the final whistle.
Prior to Ronaldo's match-winning intervention, United had looked a pale shadow of the side that harbours hopes of repeating their treble of 1999.
Surprisingly it was England striker Wayne Rooney who was responsible for ensuring Ferguson's side endured an uncomfortable night with two glaring misses after being sent clear on Schwarzer's goal.
Gareth Southgate's move to rest three key players - Mark Viduka, Julio Arca and Jonathan Woodgate - for the weekend defeat to Manchester City had provoked an angry response from Neil Warnock, manager of City's relegation rivals Sheffield United.
Southgate admitted the decision had been taken with this fixture in mind and initially appeared to be justified as Boro's energetic approach unsettled the home side.
With Paul Scholes serving the final game of a three-match suspension, Ryan Giggs slotted in alongside Michael Carrick in central midfield but the makeshift pairing at first struggled to match the more upbeat display Arca and George Boateng.
And when Mark Viduka wastefully pulled a good opportunity wide when free on the edge of the United area, the visitors appeared capable of ending the home side's hopes of maintaining an interest on three fronts.
Slowly United made their presence felt with Cristiano Ronaldo once again the main focal point for their more impressive move.
For once, though, the Portugese winger lacked his usual cutting edge and was guilty of over-elaborating after working his way into the Boro box in the 34th minute, allowing Woodgate to clear from the toe of the lurking Alan Smith.
And the sense that United were not at their ruthless grew when Rooney wasted the first of two good chances when he allowed Schwarzer to snuff out the opportunity.
But fears that the home side would pay for their sloppy finishing were eased when Boro's Stewart Downing missed a good 55th minute chance before Ronaldo's late intervention eased home nerves.
- AFP
Fergie rage over Sky's interview
Sir Alex Ferguson leapt to the defence of Cristiano Ronaldo after his controversial penalty.
United's manager launched an astonishing attack, accusing Sky television of trying to lure the 22-year-old Portugal winger into 'tripping himself up' during an after-match interview.
Earlier, the two benches also clashed at the end of a tense tie amid accusations that Ronaldo had fallen too easily under Jonathan Woodgate's 75th-minute challenge.
Ronaldo, interviewed by Geoff Shreeves on Sky, said: "Of course I felt the contact. He kicked me.
"Maybe people don't like me because I'm too good."
Ferguson raged: "That was a poor interview. I was disgusted. It was a clear penalty. I don't know what they are going on about.
"He was fouled nine times in the first game and got no protection. You need a strong referee.
"There's been a stigma attached to the boy which is not deserved. He's a fantastic player, a phenomenal player."
Boro boss Gareth Southgate said: "The referee felt it was a penalty and he gave it, end of story.
"Ronaldo is a fantastic player and is very, very good at what he does."
United's advance to the semi-finals means that their key Premiership trip to face defending champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which was scheduled for April 15, will now be postponed until May 8.
Southgate refused to either condemn the reaction of his bench, or apologise for it, insisting it was only to be expected at a moment of such high tension.
"In the heat of the moment, everybody is entitled to a reaction," he said.
"It is the 85th minute of an FA Cup quarter-final. People are going to react in a way you wouldn't normally.
"I can understand why the penalty was given but I am still not sure about it. The galling thing for me is that we have played them three times this season and conceded three dodgy penalties."
CibLover
21-03-2007, 12:43 PM
Sorry, didn't know that bro qbdp had already posted the same news in the other MU thread . :D
Manchester United’s boss called Sky’s Geoff Shreeves a ‘f*****g bastard’ and told him to ‘f**k off’.
================================================== =======
That's why the players just LOVES SAF. He stands up for his players and you better don't f*** with him or his staff. All his locker-room hairdryer blasts at his players remains just that....in the locker room...not a word outside. Keano did the mistake of blasting his colleagues in public (on MUTV). He learnt his lessons and is having a great period now with his managerial career.
C. Ronaldo, Rooney and all the young players would do well under the Gaffer's "protection".
mr_missile
21-03-2007, 12:57 PM
Taken from another website: Old Trafford and Villa Park have been confirmed as the venues for this season's FA Cup semi-finals.
As expected, the Football Association have scheduled Blackburn's match with Chelsea at the home of Manchester United.
The game will kick off at 4pm on Sunday, April 15 and will be televised live by Sky Sports.
Watford will face United at Aston Villa's home ground the previous day, kick off at 5.30pm, with the BBC providing live coverage.
CibLover
21-03-2007, 01:04 PM
JONATHAN WOODGATE insists that Cristiano Ronaldo is no diver.
================================================== ========
The England defender, 27, conceded the penalty Ronaldo won and put away to send Manchester United into the FA Cup semis on Monday night.
But despite talk from inside the Middlesbrough camp that Ronaldo is a cheat, Woodgate was quick to rise to the defence of the Portuguese winger.
He said: “I don’t know if it was a penalty but Ronaldo is a very clever player, one of the best in the world.
“Whether it was a penalty or not, I don’t know. I couldn’t honestly tell myself but I don’t think he dived so you can’t blame him.
“He’s a fantastic player. There is a touch of genius in him and to be fair, he lights up the Premiership.”
Monday night was the second time Ronaldo, 22, has earned a disputed spot-kick against Boro this term.
And while it prompted an angry response from some of Boro boss Gareth Southgate’s backroom team at Old Trafford, Woodgate is keen to move on.
He said: “The challenge for us now is to win as many games as we can.
“We don’t want the season to fizzle out on the back of one penalty.
“There’s a UEFA Cup spot to go for. If we keep winning, we can get it.”
================================================== =======
Now he (Woodgate) has my respect. Unlike someone (the other ....gate) who condone james Morrison's last-ditch high tackle on the sidelines at the end of the game on Ron that brought a red card.
Sorry, didn't know that bro qbdp had already posted the same news in the other MU thread . :D
That's why the players just LOVES SAF. He stands up for his players and you better don't f*** with him or his staff.
Keano did the mistake of blasting his colleagues in public (on MUTV). He learnt his lessons and is having a great period now with his managerial career.
Bro Ciblover, we are here to share so it doesnt matter. Hope more bros will continue to contribute in all Utd's threads.
I agree that Sir Alex stands up more his players and staff in the public sensibly.
Keano has done really well at Sunderland. They were at the foot of table with 4/5 consecutive losses when Keane joins and now they are 3rd. If they are promoted he will return to Old Trafford as the best loved rival boss.
[SIZE="4"]Now he (Woodgate) has my respect. Unlike someone (the other ....gate) who condone james Morrison's last-ditch high tackle on the sidelines at the end of the game on Ron that brought a red card.
Southgate? Only an average player when at his peak. Still registered as boro player (god knows why) and doesnt have the required proper badges to coach in EPL. Probably inexperienced and talking nonsense. :D
Castrol
21-03-2007, 03:23 PM
Keano has done really well at Sunderland. They were at the foot of table with 4/5 consecutive losses when Keane joins and now they are 3rd. If they are promoted he will return to Old Trafford as the best loved rival boss.
roy keane doing an amazing job in sunderland. i bet spore pools on sunderland a few times after he took over and all napshot lah. :D
roy keane doing an amazing job in sunderland. i bet spore pools on sunderland a few times after he took over and all napshot lah. :D
Definitely learned a fair bit after having played under Cloughie and Fergie.
When collecting your winnings, you got sing 'Keano..there's only one Keano..' or not? :D
yinyang
21-03-2007, 04:16 PM
Southgate? Only an average player when at his peak. Still registered as boro player (god knows why) and doesnt have the required proper badges to coach in EPL. Probably inexperienced and talking nonsense. :D
Some flak from blades manager on kelonging man city game with buddy Pearce
At Boro on Saturday, boss Gareth Southgate decided to rest Jonathan Woodgate and Mark Viduka, with an FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United at Old Trafford looming two days later.
His side went on to lose 2-0 to Manchester City, a result that moved Stuart Pearce's strugglers two points ahead of Sheffield United in the table and then moved Warnock to lash out at Southgate's decision.
"It's a disgrace and it is scandalous," fumed the sixth longest-serving manager in English football.
"I know Gareth's a friend of Stuart's, but I don't think a club like Boro should disrespect Sheffield United and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth."
That bitter taste could just be sour grapes, though.
After all, Warnock had just watched his team capitulate at Chelsea and, coupled with Charlton's win over Newcastle, it meant the Blades were only four points above the dreaded drop zone.resting his best players prior to Monday's replay?
Boro are 12th in the league with almost no chance of getting into Europe next season and their entire campaign rested on 90 minutes against the best team in the country - a team gunning for a remarkable treble.
Castrol
21-03-2007, 04:47 PM
Definitely learned a fair bit after having played under Cloughie and Fergie.
When collecting your winnings, you got sing 'Keano..there's only one Keano..' or not? :D
of course, and i also sang "roy roy you bring me joy..." :D
CibLover
22-03-2007, 09:49 AM
RON to stay. Galactico he's not.
================================================== ========
The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to both Real and Barcelona in recent weeks but Barca claimed on Tuesday they have made no approach, and Real's hopes of signing him now appear to have been dashed.
The Portuguese winger said: "I consider myself a United footballer who is playing well and trying to help the team.
"If things keep going well, I want to stay here. I'm not a Galactico.
"I'm only thinking about United and I want to stay here for more than two more years.
"I want to leave my mark on this era, win titles and be a figure in the history of this club."
================================================== ========
If this report is true and those words comes from his mouth, then a very good job done by the Fergie, Gill and especially Carlos Queroz, who has been a father figure for Ron. Defenders, beware. :p
Some flak from blades manager on kelonging man city game with buddy Pearce
He is also mates with Hammers' Curbishley whom Boro are playing next. :p If Boro lose again, more missiles will be fired from Sheffield, Charlton and Wigan!!
A better team like Bolton can lose 3-4 games on a trot, so it wont be surprising if it happened to Boro with an inexperience player-manager. :D
If this report is true and those words comes from his mouth, then a very good job done by the Fergie, Gill and especially Carlos Queroz, who has been a father figure for Ron. Defenders, beware. :p
Bro check this new one......if it's true..sell or not?? :confused:
Football: Real Madrid ready to pay Man Utd 80m euros for Ronaldo
Posted: 22 March 2007 0144 hrs
MADRID : Real Madrid are ready to pay Manchester United a club record 80 million euros (US$105 million) to land Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Spanish sports daily AS reported on Wednesday.
Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford has been a constant subject for speculation with Spanish media saying for months he will end up at the Bernabeu.
If Real do stump up and convince the 22-year-old starlet his future does lie in La Liga then the Spanish giants would smash the 75 million former record of 75 million euros paid to Juventus to land now retired French star Zinedine Zidane in 2001, AS said.
AS and rival sports daily Marca said last week that Ronaldo, whose contract at Old Trafford runs to 2010, wanted to come to Spain with Real or Barcelona his mooted destinations.
Contract talks over an extension at United have not yet reached a breakthrough but on Sunday United coach Alex Ferguson voiced confidence his star will stay with the English Premiership leaders for years to come.
"I'm confident he will be a United player," Ferguson said regarding a proposed two-year extension to Ronaldo's existing deal.
The player has hit 16 goals this season but was involved in a "diving" storm after winning the penalty which saw United see off Middlesbrough to boo their passage to the FA Cup semi-final. Ronaldo himself converted the spot-kick. - AFP/de
of course, and i also sang "roy roy you bring me joy..." :D
followed by....."money for girls to give me joy" :D
yinyang
22-03-2007, 06:16 PM
Thurs trivia... edited for MU bias.
Thursday's gossip column
TRANSFER RUMOURS
Barcelona have made Chelsea captain John Terry one of their priority transfer targets in the summer. (Daily Star)
Sir Alex Ferguson will try to lure Eidur Gudjohnsen from Barcelona to Manchester United for £8m in the summer. (The Sun)
Cristiano Ronaldo has told Real Madrid and Barcelona he is not interested in leaving Manchester United. (The Sun)
Reading manager Steve Coppell has joined the chase for Spanish defender Cesar Navas. (Daily Star)
Barcelona striker Javier Saviola says he would like to move to England if Barca do not renew his contract beyond the summer. (Daily Mirror)
Tottenham will keep striker Dimitar Berbatov after slapping a £40m price tag on the in-form Bulgarian. (Daily Express)
OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea have targeted Frank Rijkaard as their new manager when they sack Jose Mourinho in the summer. (Independent)
Belgium goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen has told Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo he will "have to leave the pitch on a stretcher" after being "massacred" during Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier. (The Sun)
Man City boss Stuart Pearce says Neil Warnock was wrong to criticise Gareth Southgate for resting players at the weekend. (The Sun)
Cesc Fabregas reckons Arsenal can still finish second in the Premiership this season and says they will be genuine contenders to lift the title next term. (Daily Star)
Martin O'Neill will get £30m to spend at Aston Villa this summer, with Craig Bellamy, Steve Sidwell and David Nugent on his wish-list. (Daily Star)
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has hailed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho as "exceptional". (Daily Mirror)
RONALDO BEST AND A PEST
CRISTIANO Ronaldo is on course to eclipse Ronaldinho from his standing as the world’s best player according to the coach who has nurtured him through his Manchester United career.
Ronaldo’s one-man dismissal of Middlesbrough in Monday’s FA Cup replay was just his latest stunning contribution to United’s quest for the Treble.
It was a display that teased, tormented and frustrated Boro – particularly when he drew England’s Jonathan Woodgate into the schoolboy lunge which brought a matchwinning penalty.
Typically, his performance was laced with controversy as Boro claimed the 22-year-old dived to get the spot-kick.
That sums up the mixed feelings Ronaldo provokes.
While doubts remain about his willingness to go to ground, nobody now questions the effectiveness of a player who arrived from Sporting Lisbon four seasons ago with more tricks than nous.
Then, he seemed desperate to turn each game into a showcase for his stepovers and ball juggling.
But Rene Meulensteen, United’s skills development coach, is convinced Ronaldo has now learnt exactly when to turn on the style.
Such remarkable progress has made him the hottest property in world football, with Real Madrid and Barcelona desperate to land him.
That is why Dutchman Meulensteen believes that Barca ace Ronaldinho will soon be playing catch-up in the
battle to be known as the world’s greatest.
“At the end of Cristiano’s first season with United, I said he was the most talented, technically gifted player here in terms of tricks,” he said.
“All he needed was to become effective with his skills and that’s the transition he has made this season. Cristiano has got the same attributes as Ronaldinho, a complete range of skills.
“He is heading very swiftly to becoming the best in the world.
“Top attackers possess an element of unpredictability. That’s what I have talked to him about.
“If he gets the ball and always starts to run with it then the defender gets wise to it. It’s the same if he always passes.
So it’s about getting the right package and having the ability to use all his skills for the right reasons.
“He has made tremendous strides. He knows now that every time he steps on a pitch he’s going to make an impact.
Because of what he has created already, defenders stand off, meaning that he has time and space to run.
“He’s also learning the power of standing still, which is very underrated.
“At the top level, defenders don’t dive in. If they do, then one pass and you’re gone. It’s very functional because you’re standing still and then it’s explosive when you move.”
Meulensteen worked with Ronaldo when the winger arrived for £12.25million back in 2003 and was given David Beckham’s old No7 shirt.
The coach, who returned to United recently after a brief spell managing Brondby in Denmark, is convinced his star performer can live up to all the hype.
He added: “Cristiano has got the mentality that he can always add to his game. He never gets complacent.
“He wants to quicken his footwork. He’s a quick boy, a very intelligent learner. But what I think will eventually make him the best in the world is that he has got the courage to try new things on the pitch.”
While the focus was all on Ronaldo on Monday, striker Alan Smith came through his first start since last February’s agonising double leg-break.
He said: “Hopefully now, when difficult times come, the boss knows I am someone who can stand in and do a job.”
Fabregas plumps for United
Cesc Fabregas feels Manchester United deserve to fend off Chelsea and win the Premiership title.
The Arsenal midfielder has seen his own side fail to mount a title challenge this term, despite The Gunners being one of only two teams to beat United in the league.
With the Premiership entering its final stages, The Red Devils hold a six-point lead over the defending champions.
Spanish ace Fabregas admits it would be dangerous to dismiss Chelsea's chances of overhauling United over the final eight games.
But he concedes that he would expect Sir Alex Ferguson's side to hold on to their advantage and win the title for the first time in four years.
"Right now Man Utd, they are playing really well and playing good football," Fabregas told Sky Sports News.
"Chelsea, they are behind six points and you never know what can happen in football - there are still nine (sic) games to go.
"It's always difficult to predict who is going to win, but at the moment I think Man Utd deserve to win."
UEFA to look into threats to Ronaldo
UEFA have promised to investigate comments from Belgium players threatening to harm Manchester United's Portuguese winger Ronaldo.
Portugal's FA president Gilberto Madail has asked them to look into comments from Belgian keeper Stijn Stijnen, who plays for FC Bruges.
Stijnen said ahead of Saturday's European Championship qualifier in Lisbon: "After two minutes we will have massacred Ronaldo so much that he will have to leave the pitch on a stretcher."
When asked later to explain his comments, the keeper added: "If we try to play like Portugal then we will lose. We are the visiting team and have to be aggressive."
The threats follow a weekend of controversy for Ronaldo, who was subject to 'cheat' jibs from the Middlesbrough bench at Old Trafford after he won and scored a penalty that took United into the FA Cup semi-final.
Meanwhile, UEFA's control and disciplinary body were meeting today to discuss possible violation of safety at Lille's Champions League match against Manchester United.
Boy..how i wish ronaldo will learnt from ryan giggs and make old trafford his one and only home.....
Ryan in Wembley warning
VETERAN winger Ryan Giggs has stepped in to cool down the Wembley fever gripping Old Trafford.
Wth just Premiership basement club Watford barring their route to the final, United are the hot favourites to lift the FA Cup on May 19 with a final against Chelsea beckoning, according to the bookmakers.
They are 10-11 to win the trophy in the new Wembley's first major showpiece match with Betfred, who price Watford as the 25-1 outsiders.
But Giggs, who has featured in six previous FA Cup semis for United, won't let his team-mates treat the Villa Park semi-final as already in the bag.
Danger
The Welshman can recall playing in the semi-final sides against Oldham in 1994 and Crystal Palace the following year when, against the odds, the Reds were taken to replays so knows the danger of underestimating their opponents.
"We are going to be massive favourites but we are not in the final yet," he said.
"We have a great chance and I am really pleased to get to the semi-final again. We enjoy going down to Villa Park and now we can look forward to that.
"We are not going to be over-confident because we have a tough game to overcome against Watford but, hopefully, we can get there to Wembley.
"We are still fighting on three fronts. We can go away to our internationals this week knowing that we're in a good position in three competitions and that is what we want at this stage of the season."
yinyang
23-03-2007, 12:58 PM
Frogs got their just desserts...
Lille and Man Utd fined by Uefa
Lille and Manchester United have been fined by Uefa following their fraught Champions League match last month.
Uefa launched an investigation after United fans appeared to be pushed against a 10-foot high fence and at least two people were lifted to safety.
The French club must pay £42,000 for poor security and organisation at the stadium - and the furious reaction of their team to Ryan Giggs' winning goal.
United were fined around £6,300 for the poor behaviour of their supporters.
The French team threatened to walk off the pitch after Giggs' goal, which came from a quickly-taken free-kick.
Uefa's control and disciplinary body imposed the fine on United after some fans let off fireworks, and others were involved in disturbances at the entrance to the stadium.
A statement from Uefa said: "The French club were fined 100,000 Swiss francs for breaches of security provisions and lack of proper organisation, as well as for the improper conduct of the team after United's goal in the English side's 1-0 victory."
The statement added: "Manchester United have been fined 15,000 Swiss francs for the improper conduct of their fans at the game, which included the setting-off of fireworks and disturbances at the entrance to the stadium.
"Appeals may be lodged against the verdicts within three days of receipt of the written grounds for the decisions."
United believe a tragedy was only narrowly averted after supporters became crushed into a section of the Stade Felix-Bollaert but the head of security at the stadium had accused United fans of sparking the problems with "violent behaviour".
United strongly denied the claims.
Fear of failure driving Giggs
Ryan Giggs led his Wales troops into Dublin today insisting the fear of failure is the driving force in his career.
The Manchester United star might be on the brink of creating history by claiming a ninth championship medal - beating the record of eight held by Liverpool's Phil Neal - but captaining Wales reinforces his desire to add more achievement to an amazing career.
He will skipper the Welsh on Saturday at Croke Park in the first soccer match played at the venue, knowing that international achievement is still eluding him.
Giggs and Wales know that if they fail against the Republic of Ireland in front of 76,000 fans their chances of reaching the finals in Austria and Switzerland next year are over. For Wales manager John Toshack this is "the pivotal match" in Wales' bid.
Toshack was concerned about Giggs playing two matches in three days for Manchester United last weekend. But he said: "Ryan got to us unscathed, he has done very little training this week, just one run-out so far, but he is bright and happy about things and looking forward to the match and the occasion.
"It is probably not what is best for Ryan to play two games so close together, But he is cheerful enough, he wants to play in the game, and he will lead the team out in Dublin."
And Giggs knows he must put aside United's treble quest and concentrate on his duties for his country, with few people believing he will ever get the chance to grace a major international finals. But that fear of failure, at 33, is the driving inspiration for the Cardiff-born star.
He said: "I hate to fail at anything I do. That is what drives me on to the next game, the next season, the next trophy - I just don't want to fail."
He says: "We (United) have not won the Champions League since 1999. And you only have to look at the FA Cup, that drives us as players and a club because we want to be the first club to lift the cup at the new Wembley.
"So it's things like that which keep the edge to your game. Yes as a player you need new challenges, and OK I'm very proud of what I and the club have done. But we have not won the Premiership for the last three years and that in particular is a massive motivation."
The one flaw in Giggs' record is a failure to achieve anything with Wales. He says: "I have never lost the belief that I can play in a major finals for Wales. I know time is running out, but I will try my very best to the last." PA
Kieran on a trip two Wembley
KIERAN RICHARDSON wants to be the only player to star in the first two games at the new Wembley.
The Manchester United midfielder will walk out with England’s Under-21s in the friendly against Italy tomorrow.
And he could be back at the 90,000- capacity arena in a couple of months with the Red Devils for the FA Cup final — if United see off Watford in the semi-finals.
Richardson, 22, said of the venue: “It is magnificent and just breathtaking.
“Hopefully, we will have a good result on Saturday in the first game. I’m not worried about who gets the first goal — just as long as we win against the Italians that will be fine.
“And it would be great to be involved in both this match and the FA Cup final — although we have to beat Watford first.
“But, the way we are going, we believe no one can beat us.”
Under-21s gaffer Stuart Pearce will be at the game but will not be anywhere near the dressing room.
The Manchester City chief will manage the kids in the European Championships later in the year but Eastlands bigwigs blocked him from being involved in this game.
Assistant boss Nigel Pearson said: “Stuart will be at the game but he won’t be speaking to the players or anything like that.”
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Since we are on the subject of Kieran Richardson........
Soccer babe two-times top player
http://pics.livejournal.com/spenceruk/pic/00015db5/s320x240
By Sophy Ridge
LUNCHBOX soccer star Freddie Ljungberg is being given the runaround by his two-timing model lover.
While he gets his kit ON for Arsenal, stunning Anara Atanes has been stripping hers OFF to play away with Man United's Kieran Richardson.
And neither of the Premiership rivals knows about her transfer of affections...until now.
As Freddie, 29, was lasting just six minutes in his team's draw with Portsmouth two weeks ago, Anara brought on her own sub—and secretly flew to New York for a dirty weekend with Kieran, 22.
So while one lover was receiving treatment for a hamstring injury, Anara, 21, was helping the other risk a groin strain.
She told a pal: "I've been having a great Christmas. They're both gorgeous. Freddie's such a gentleman. He's sexy and really knows how to turn a girl on.
"But Kieran's my little rough diamond. He's a bad boy, that's why I like him. We didn't see much of New York, but a lot of our hotel bedroom.
"I know it's naughty, both at the same time, but I'm a naughty girl."
Freddie, famous for his Calvin Klein underpants ads. was seen cuddling Anara at a tennis tournament earlier this month. Pals said they seemed very much in love.
But that's football. An opponent gets his tackle in and you lose possession. "
Soccer babe two-times top player
http://pics.livejournal.com/spenceruk/pic/00015db5/s320x240
By Sophy Ridge
...While he gets his kit ON for Arsenal, stunning Anara Atanes has been stripping hers OFF to play away with Man United's Kieran Richardson....
F*#kin' lucky bastard.... No wonder he can't perform on the pitch. Flying to NY for a weekend of bonking.... plus it's a bleedin' 10-hr flight, now that the concordes are grounded!
But then I guess he can only go off during the weekend cos he's not even on the subs' bench :p
yinyang
23-03-2007, 05:05 PM
F*#kin' lucky bastard.... No wonder he can't perform on the pitch. Flying to NY for a weekend of bonking.... plus it's a bleedin' 10-hr flight, now that the concordes are grounded!
Touche. Careful, aren't you are headed same direction albeit on west coast.. half bonking ratio then. kekekekeke :p
Have fun and pray we dun get burned by Hughes crowd next sat. Blast, looks like I'll miss the re-scheduled biggie 9/5 with chelskis, halfway to europe on work (flight leaves at bewitching hour 0100 on 10/5 knn):(
Nani gloat from Sporting Lisbon
The 20-year-old has been attracting interest this season following his displays in the Champions League, with Tottenham the latest club linked with a move for the Portugal international.
The youngster is believed to have a clause which would see him leave for £13.5million, with his club appearing reluctant to let him go for less.
A Sporting spokesman told Skysports: "The club that wants the kid have a price. Only by this money would we be disposed to let Nani leave.
"We know of the interest of several English clubs for Nani, and that is normal because of his quality - but until this moment we have received no offer in writing."
Nani has been compared with Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed from Sporting in 2003.
United have been linked with a move for the Portuguese prospect following their previous business with the club. French side Lyon have also been suggested as a possible destination.
Nani is represented by Jorge Mendes, who is also the agent of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.
"The decision depends on Sporting because the player has a deal," said Mendes. "But Nani is a player of enormous potential and other big clubs have asked about his situation."
Transfer speculation: Nani to Manchester United (£17.5 million)
Tottenham Sporting Director, Damien Comolli, was in Portugal last weekend and all reports suggest there was only one man being watched. Sporting Lisbon’s 20 year old attacking midfield prospect Carlos Almeida da Cunha, (better known as Nani), is on a number of clubs wish lists this summer and has now been linked to White Hart Lane. Comolli might have arrived at the party too late though as rumours circulate that the deal is done to take Nani to Old Trafford.
From the same youth system that has produced Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool target Simao, Nani is the latest in a line of wingers to come out of the fabled Sporting academy.
Reputed to be the “next Cristiano Ronaldo” and eager to move to the Premiership, the Portuguese international broke into Sporting’s first team at the age of 18. Not afraid of the big stage he turned in a Man of the Match performance on his international debut against Denmark and those watching will have been impressed with his display in Sporting’s 1-0 away win against Superliga leaders Porto.
He has the raw pace which is a must at the top level but it is allied to dazzling footwork and a versatility that allows him to be deployed on either flank or down the middle. Throw in 6 goals, (celebrated with a trademark somersault), in his debut season and you start to realise what the fuss is about.
However, whilst United are clear favourites to sign Nani there is also interest from a number of other suitors, notably Inter Milan and Lyon. A figure of £10m has been bandied about which has not put off any interested party. The buy out clause in his contract is thought to be in the region of £17.5m.
Sporting Lisbon have attempted to put the kybosh on any transfer talk with club President Soares Franco stating publicly that he will not be sold. The harsh reality is that if he is as good as he is cracked up to be, he will eventually be sold. Nani has fuelled the speculation recently in his refusal to sign a contract extension.
United continue to be the club thought most likely to secure Nani’s services, but despite the rumours in Lisbon, no deal has been announced. Ronaldo has stated his desire to see his compatriot at Old Trafford and they share the same agent. The influence of Carlos Queiroz also cannot be understated.
Whilst Premiership full backs must be having sleepless nights at the prospect of Ronaldo and his protégé attacking them next season, United fans can look forward to watching the development of another great winger if a deal is eventually agreed.
Manager's job tempts Giggs
Ryan Giggs admitted for the first time last night that he harboured ambitions of managing his country. He leads Wales out against the Republic of Ireland today but wants to eventually turn to management - beginning with his country.
"I'll be 34 at the end of this campaign, and I'll have to look at the situation, but I have absolutely no plans about retiring," Giggs said. "I have friends who have gone into management and I agree the Wales job would be a very exciting one."
Giggs, who makes his 61st appearance for Wales today, added: "I certainly know Mark Hughes enjoyed it as Wales manager. It came at the right time and was a good learning process for him.
"If you're going into management then there's no better way to do it than to manage your country. If I was to go into management, then that would be the route I'd go down, definitely.
"I've seen players I never felt would be managers, Sparky was one of them actually, even though you knew he had it in him. You never thought he'd take to it like he did. He did a great job for Wales, and it would be a great job to have."
SCHOLES MISSION
PAUL SCHOLES has admitted Manchester United must beat Chelsea in their title showdown to prove that Sir Alex Ferguson's side are worthy of being crowned champions.
United have not beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since April 2002 and suffered the indignity of losing 3-0 there last season as Jose Mourinho's side clinched their second successive Premiership title.
With United currently holding a six-point lead over Chelsea with eight games left, Fergie's men have the chance to exact sweet revenge when they go to Stamford Bridge on May 9 by clinching the crown there.
Scholes said: "Winning that game is something we have to do to show we're worthy of being up there. "We won't even be playing for the draw because that isn't the way we play.
"It would mean a lot to go there and win. We want the title back."
Keane: I'd pay to watch Ronaldo
Roy Keane has spoken of his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo and admits he would pay to watch him play.
The Manchester United winger has been dubbed 'the best in the world' by numerous pundits, and his former captain feels that statement is deserved.
Sunderland chief Keane told the Sunday Mirror: "I think Ronaldo is outstanding.
"If you had asked me two or three years ago I would have told you he could go on to be the best player in the world.
"I thought that would happen after he had been playing over a longer period of time, but his form this season has been a different class.
"The skills Ronaldo has are frightening," he added. "He is an entertainer and fans at United love that.
"It is great to see and they are the type of players you would pay to watch."
United are still in line to land an historic Treble and Ronaldo has played a massive part in that standing.
He has scored an impressive 16 goals so far this season making him the leading scorer at the club ahead of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha.
Keane, who was part of the Treble-winning side in 1999, believes United can go on and land that feat again.
"I am sure the Treble win of 1999 could be emulated," he said. "They are in good form - but they need luck, though."
The Sunderland boss, who has been enjoying a good run of form with his club in the Championship in his first managerial role, is looking forward to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
He believes United have a good chance of being the second English club in three years to land the European trophy.
He said: "It'll be hard but I think an English team has a good chance this year."
Man U in bid for Barca star
Fergie in for Deco
SIR ALEX FERGUSON is sensationally trying to lure Barcelona star Deco to Manchester United in a £15million summer raid.
United want the unsettled Portugal ace and the Catalan giants are planning to overhaul their squad at the end of the season.
The midfielder, 29, has already hinted he would like a fresh challenge after three years with Barca following his £16m switch from Porto.
United are already in negotiations over a new deal for Cristiano Ronaldo. Bringing his close pal Deco to Old Trafford would virtually secure the United superstar for at least another season. Although the length of Ronaldo's new deal — five years — has been agreed, the pay still has not been settled.
United want to put him on £100,000 a week but the Portuguese has all the aces and will hold out for more until the summer, when he will make his final decision.
Ronaldo can do without the Sopranos act, Sir Alex
If anybody doubted that Cristiano Ronaldo is currently the most coveted footballer on the planet, then Sir Alex Ferguson erased those doubts the other evening with an oafish eruption of foul-mouthed abuse.
That abuse was directed at Geoff Shreeves, who conducts pitchside interviews for Sky TV.
Now Shreeves is an amiable chap who tends to ask inoffensive questions. Why, before United’s FA Cup replay with Middlesbrough, he wondered if Ferguson was pleased that so many United goals were being shared among so many United players.
Ferguson indicated that it was an excellent point. As you may gather, nobody ever mistook Geoff Shreeves for Jeremy Paxman.
But when the match was over and Ronaldo agreed to be interviewed, Shreeves was duty-bound to ask him about the mildly controversial penalty he had won. Ronaldo responded with a series of thoughtful reflections.
And Ferguson exploded.
How dare a journalist expose one of his players to a stream of pertinent and unscripted questions! And not just ‘one of his players’, but the young man who represents United’s greatest hope of delivering the season of their dreams.
In his ludicrous indignation, Sir Alex did what he does on such occasions. He swore, loudly and crudely. I offer the merest flavour of his tantrum.
Ferguson: ‘F*****g bastard.’
Shreeves: ‘Don’t talk to me like that.’
Ferguson: ‘F*** off to you.’
Shreeves: ‘Don’t talk to me like that. Don’t even think about it.’
Ferguson: ‘Don’t you think about it,you ****. F***off. Right?’
Shreeves: ‘Listen, are you going to do the interview in a professional manner or not? Do you want to do it or not?’
Ferguson: ‘You f*****g be professional. You be professional. You’re the one.’
Shreeves was not intimidated. Indeed, he retained his dignity while conveying his contempt. And it was high time that somebody made a public stand. For, while he may think otherwise, Ferguson is not exempt from the laws of civilised courtesy which govern the rest of us.
Yet increasingly, he appears to believe his own myth; the notion that he will always get his way by inflating his blood pressure and bawling nonsense. It is a sad piece of self-delusion.
You see, the so-called ‘hairdryer’ treatment may well work on fearful teenagers and kneebending sycophants, but to the world at large he resembles an irascible pensioner who has watched too many episodes of The Sopranos.
At this point, I should confess that I admire Ferguson more than any manager of his generation. I relish his respect for the game and his reverence for its values.
I love the way he takes chances, risks failure and inspires the loyalty of good men. I revere the instinct which prizes glory above security. And given all those things, along with the fact that he is privately the most entertaining of companions, I genuinely want to see his team sweep up all the prizes this season has to offer.
But if they are to do that, then they need Ronaldo to impose his gloriously disruptive talents upon the best defenders in England and Europe.They need to expel from his mind any idle thoughts of how things might be in the Bernabeu or the Nou Camp, whose doors and bank accounts are wide open to him.
Above all, they need to treat him like a rounded and reasonable individual, with a good deal to learn but much more to achieve.
To his enduring credit, Sir Alex Ferguson was the first important manager to detect the potential of Cristiano Ronaldo. He backed his judgment, and he has quite properly enjoyed its vindication.
But when he makes abusive and ham-fisted attempts to protect him from even the most benevolent attention,then he renders himself ridiculous.
For the lad can think, the boy can play. And history will take care of the rest.
Exciting times, says Fergie
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United have placed themselves in a fantastic position with the winning post in sight.
The Treble dream is still alive at Old Trafford, as United sit at the top of the Premiership and are through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Ferguson has seen it all before, having guided the club to the Treble in 1999, but the wily Scot admits it is an exciting period for the club.
"It is an exciting time here, there is no question about that.
"The players and their attitude to the way they are playing at the moment gives me encouragement. They are enjoying their football.
"Hopefully we can capitalise on the players' form and their determination to do well and then hopefully we'll be okay."
yinyang
25-03-2007, 11:51 PM
Sunday's gossip column
TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United want to sign Barcelona's Portugal midfielder Deco in a £15m swoop. (News of the World)
Regular trips to watch Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have alerted Manchester United to his midfield team-mate Wesley Sneijder. (Sunday Express)
Manchester United are targeting Manchester City defender Micah Richards. (Sunday Mirror)
Everton will face a battle in the summer to hang on to striker Andrew Johnson, with Arsenal and Tottenham leading the chase. (Sunday Mirror)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was given short shrift by Tottenham when he suggested a swap deal involving Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov and Anfield forward Peter Crouch. (Sunday Express)
Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho has increased speculation that he may leave Barcelona in the summer by admitting that he does not know where his future lies. (Sunday Telegraph)
Manchester United and Liverpool are poised for a bidding war over Benfica's Portugal midfielder Simao Sabrosa. (News of the World)
Ronaldo says he wants to stay at United for years
Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he wants to stay Manchester United "for many years". Speaking after his two goals eased Portugal to a 4-0 victory over Belgium, the forward contemplated his standing in world football: "Am I the best in the world? I have been improving my game and I'm in a great shape this year. I feel mature. The Manchester United players are by my side and I also have a great help in the national team. But of course I believe I am one of the best.
"I have a good contract in financial terms and what really matters to me is to show my game. It's a good sign to know that I have so many clubs interested in me, but I'm very happy where I am and I hope to stay in Manchester United for many years."
Ramón Calderón, though, has admitted for the first time that Real Madrid want to sign Ronaldo - and has revealed that he is prepared to break the bank to get his man. The Real president told a Mexican newspaper that he would attempt to sign Ronaldo and said: "The only way to convince Manchester United will be to put a lot of money on the table."
Ronaldo added that Belgium's goalkeeper, Stijn Stijnen, who had advocated putting him out of the game early on, apologised to him after the game.
On the fast track to becoming one of the greatest of all time
By Gary Lineker, Sunday Telegraph
There is something everyone who values the creative potential of football should do. Next time you get the chance to watch Manchester United in the flesh, get there early and get as close to pitchside as possible. Then watch Cristiano Ronaldo do his warm-up. It is breathtaking.
There are few players who I would watch going through the paces of their pre-match routine. But Ronaldo is not any old player: it is captivating to watch him work his way through his repertoire of tricks, flicks and skills. What is amazing is the speed at which he does it all. It's as if he needs the warm-up to get all his components calibrated for the superhuman feats that await. Watching him this season I've witnessed acts of manipulation of a football that verge on the physically impossible.
Ronaldo is still young at 22, but I believe that if he continues on this trajectory of development, he could become one of the greatest players ever. He has been unbelievable this season: he has turned from an exciting but flawed performer into a player who is impossible to defend against. He was accused in the past of being addicted to the step-over; now every decision he makes is the right one.
To put it bluntly, he has absolutely everything. His technique is remarkable, a truly sublime talent, but allied to that is an extraordinary ability to operate at high speed. He does not seem to slow up when he receives the ball and can perform his array of tricks at full sprint.
Then there's his shooting: he hits the ball with such power that the ball distorts and swerves in the air. How many goalkeepers have we seen rooted to their line as the ball defies physics as it swerves into the net.
Oh, and he can shoot with both feet, giving full-backs a headache about which way to steer him.
That's not it though. Despite being a tricky winger he is brilliant in the air, with a fantastic spring. And as Mark Hughes pointed out the other day, people don't always realise how big he is. He is tall and powerfully built -- he's like Thierry Henry in that way, being the complete package in terms of physique. And he doesn't even have the good grace to be ugly!
No wonder he smiles all the time. I would if I had that much talent. He clearly enjoys his football and plays with a real enthusiasm. What's more he wants to entertain and gets a rush from the crowd responding to his actions on the field.
There is the one black mark that people hold against him: the allegations of diving. Yes, in the past he tended to throw himself down to the turf at every opportunity and that behaviour was certainly in evidence at the World Cup in Germany. However, as I have consistently argued in this column, a large element of that is cultural. I have played in Spain, it is part of their game and nobody makes a fuss about it. Ronaldo must be taken aback every time there is a furore over this issue.
To be fair to him, he has changed his game remarkably in this respect. It is very hard when a player has gained a reputation, but even the most one-eyed of fans must concede he has improved an awful lot. The accusations flying around after the FA Cup quarter-final with Middlesbrough were nonsense. He was moving at high speed in the box and a bad challenge came in. Yes, he doesn't do everything in his power to avoid the challenge, but then why should he? A dive? No way.
Ronaldo gets fouled as often as all exciting attacking players do, but how often do you see him getting into rucks or remonstrating with referees? He simply picks himself up and gets going again. Every time he gets whacked, he brushes himself down and goes again.
So what is his secret? Well he is obviously blessed with great natural gifts, but there is also his work-rate. On the pitch you can see it in the way he tracks back and gives the formation shape, and in the number of selfless runs he makes to create space for his team-mates. Again, go back to the warm-up, much of what seems spontaneous is the fruit of some hard labour. We should encourage the kids in this country to approach the art of dribbling the way Ronaldo does.
As a youngster coming through the academy at Sporting Lisbon he never had it easy. He is from Madeira and had an accent that marked him out as different from his colleagues. Being a teenager away from his family from a young age is a tough experience many footballers have to endure, but Ronaldo had the further problem that a growth spurt made him vulnerable to injury.
The Sporting Lisbon coaching staff had to protect him from playing too much as his bones grew which must have been desperately frustrating for a player who enjoys being on the pitch so much.
It is that background that has helped him develop a mental toughness that marks him out from the pack. He does not shrink from big games, whether it is in club football or for Portugal. You can guarantee when a tough penalty needs taking that Ronaldo will stand up and be counted. Even when pressure has mounted him off the pitch, such as the aftermath to the "winking" affair at the World Cup when Wayne Rooney was sent off, he has dealt with it in dignified fashion. He keeps his mouth shut and lets his football do the talking.
The only player to get close to him this season has been Didier Drogba. Any other season and the Chelsea striker would surely have won the player of the year award. He has scored spectacular goal after spectacular goal, but he still doesn't quite have the impact of Ronaldo.
That could be the story of the season: the Portuguese winger has given United the edge over Chelsea. I have lost count of the games where his individual brilliance has been the difference.
So, as the Premiership draws its collective breath over the international weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson must be hoping that nothing happens to his prize asset. The aggressive rhetoric of the Belgium players who have threatened to hurt Ronaldo has been disappointing, but I wouldn't be too worried -- they're not quick enough to catch him.
Anyway, with the way the rules have been changed, players like Ronaldo are now given decent protection. I remember Diego Maradona getting lumps kicked out of him. When James Morrison tried something like that for Middlesbrough in the FA Cup replay last week, he was sent off.
I just hope he stays fit for the run-in because there are some big games in store. United travel to Stamford Bridge in the Premiership in an absolutely compelling fixture. Add to that the strong possibility of those two meeting again in the FA Cup final and it begins to look like an exciting climax to a fine season. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that it could also be a United-Chelsea final in the Champions League.
What a fantastic stage that would be for Ronaldo to demonstrate that he is becoming one of the great players of our time.
(Is Mr Lineker intoxicated whilst writing this article? :D)
yinyang
26-03-2007, 04:53 PM
Fallout with Roon and McClaren on England bench.. Psst.. cards dun look too bright for McClaren.. (serve him right for being clueless).
Monday's gossip column
OTHER GOSSIP
England boss Steve McClaren and striker Wayne Rooney had a verbal bust-up in the dressing room after Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifying draw with Israel. (Various)
If the Football Association decides to sack McClaren, it will cost them £2.5m. If England fail to qualify for Euro 2008, it would cost the FA £100m. (Various)
England assistant boss Terry Venables is no longer working closely with McClaren after a damaging backroom split. (The Sun)
AND FINALLY...
Billionaire Chelsea fan David Reuben has claimed that he tried to buy the club before current owner Roman Abramovich. Reuben said: "I am too busy cheering on Chelsea to think what might have been. Anyway, Roman has spent more money on the club than I would have done." (Daily Mail)
Fallout with Roon and McClaren on England bench.. Psst.. cards dun look too bright for McClaren.. (serve him right for being clueless).
Rooney should just report sick. Better off at Manchester to spend time with Scholes. Clueless one expects Rooney to perform wonders when there's also an underachieving midfield behind him. Wasnt Chelsea's 20-goal Lampard on the field too? It's oh-so-easy to find a young scapegoat. :mad:
Really hope that maclaren gets sack as soon as possible....think he is even worst than glenn hoddle....cant get the best out of his players....:mad:
All hands on deck for United as Neville prognosis worsens
Manchester United’s hopes of an unprecedented second treble have been dealt a significant blow after it emerged yesterday that Gary Neville, the club captain, could be out of action for up to another six weeks because of injury.
Neville is expected to miss the whole of next month and faces a race to be fit in time for the potential Barclays Premiership title decider against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 9.
It is not clear whether Neville has suffered a setback in his recovery from ankle ligament damage that he suffered in the 4-1 victory at home to Bolton Wanderers ten days ago or whether United’s initial suggestion that he would be sidelined for three weeks was optimistic.
Certainly, the England defender’s absence will be keenly felt as the club step up their three-pronged pursuit of Premiership, Champions League and FA Cup honours.
Neville is understood to be hopeful of regaining full fitness by the time United visit Stamford Bridge in their rearranged Premiership fixture — their penultimate and possibly decisive league game of the season — but assuming he does not return before then, Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, will be without his captain for as many as 11 matches.
Key among those are the FA Cup semi-final against Watford at Villa Park on April 14, both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against AS Roma next Wednesday and April 10 and, perhaps most significantly, should United overcome the Italian team, both legs of the semi-final against the winners of the AC Milan-Bayern Mu-nich tie, on April 24 and May 2.
Neville left the field only seven minutes into United’s game against Bolton after a challenge by Gary Speed and the defender was still limping heavily yesterday.
The injury is an untimely blow for Ferguson, who already has to do without Mikaël Silves-tre, the France defender, for the rest of the season because of a dislocated shoulder, and underlines why the manager has told fringe players such as Wes Brown, Gabriel Heinze and John O’Shea that they will be “the most important players at the club” during the run-in.
On a positive note for Ferguson, his striking options are expected to improve in the league match at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, with Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in contention after injury.
His first-choice goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, who has been passed fit to play for Holland in their Euro 2008 qualifying match away to Slovenia tomorrow after overcoming a calf strain, will also return.
There was better news, too, on the issue of Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract. The Portu-gal winger has reiterated his desire to stay at Old Trafford just days after Jorge Mendes, his agent, had suggested that a deal might not be resolved until the summer amid serious interest in the player from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“It’s a good sign to know that I have so many clubs interested in me, such as Madrid,” Ronaldo said. “It means that I am valued and my work pleases, but I’m very happy where I am and I hope to stay at Manchester United for many years.”
Ronaldo’s form has been central to United’s hopes of repeating the historic treble success of eight years ago. However, Paul Scholes insisted yesterday that winning the Premiership remained the club’s “top priority”.
“After not doing so well in the Premiership in the last couple of years, we’re all more determined than ever to lift the trophy this year,” the former England midfield player said.
“The other competitions would be a bonus if we can do well in them. If we could win all three, that would be nice, but if I had to choose one, it would be the league. I think a lot of the players feel that way.”
no_faith
27-03-2007, 03:41 PM
[SIZE="4"]
Neville is expected to miss the whole of next month and faces a race to be fit in time for the potential [B]Barclays Premiership title decider against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 9.
does it really matter? maybe the trophy areadi headed to theatre of dreams liao loh.:(
on second thought, nvm lah, manu got the barclays crown, we get the CL crown. wahahahaha:D every1 happy
Watlau
27-03-2007, 07:16 PM
Man U is on the Heng Heng luck and they can overcome anything one. Man U fans should agree with me.
Rodimus Prime
28-03-2007, 09:52 AM
Man U is on the Heng Heng luck and they can overcome anything one. Man U fans should agree with me.
Heng Heng luck??? Me as a Man Utd fan certainly does not agree with your analysis.
What is Heng Heng luck? I believe when the chips are down and you're not playing well, you still have to go out and grind out results. If you let your head down and play just for a draw, then you'll not win. But if you keep pressuring and have an attacking-mindset, then you'll still have a chance to win.
Don't tell me your Heng Heng luck is sitting at home doing nothing (or PCC) and a lottery ticket will fall from the sky and let you win first prize. You still have to go out and buy a ticket. Right?? :rolleyes:
MU never give up even when they are not playing well. So, your Heng Heng luck pronogsis does not sit well here. The players still have to work hard for their so-called "lucky" wins.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Cause I am Man Utd biased!! :D
does it really matter? maybe the trophy areadi headed to theatre of dreams liao loh.:(
on second thought, nvm lah, manu got the barclays crown, we get the CL crown. wahahahaha every1 happy
Our squad is small so we need to have every player fit for the last leg of the season. I am certain Sir Alex wont kpkb about injuries to the whole world but just grit his teeth and 'biah kah liao' with whatever fit players he has to finish the 3 jobs. Then hopefully we wont finish the season empty-handed.
Mind you Liverpool stand in your club's way and have a very big say to whether our club can reach the CL final. They can rest half their first team for EPL to concentrate on CL, their remaining hope of trophy this season.
Man U is on the Heng Heng luck and they can overcome anything one. Man U fans should agree with me.
The only 'heng heng' luck we had was the 2-1 win at Fulham, when they hit the woodwork, maybe twice, before Ronaldo scored the winner. The rest of the tight wins are due to the players hard work. Old saying goes "The harder we work, the luckier we get." :D
Heng Heng luck??? Me as a Man Utd fan certainly does not agree with your analysis......
Don't tell me your Heng Heng luck is sitting at home doing nothing (or PCC) and a lottery ticket will fall from the sky and let you win first prize. You still have to go out and buy a ticket. Right??.............
MU never give up even when they are not playing well.....The players still have to work hard for their so-called "lucky" wins.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Cause I am Man Utd biased!! :D
I totally agree with you and your example used. :D
Injury scare for Ronaldo
Portugal are confident Cristiano Ronaldo has not suffered a serious injury after the winger was hurt in training.
The Manchester United ace is in Belgrade preparing for his country's Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia on Wednesday.
During Tuesday's training session, Ronaldo twisted his foot and suffered an injury to his left heel.
He is now rated doubtful for the game with Serbia, but Portugal are optimistic it is not a major problem.
"At this time we don't know if he will play," team doctor Onofre Costa told reporters. "He sprained his heel.
"It doesn't look very serious, but we are not sure if he will be fit."
Ronaldo scored twice in Saturday's 4-0 win over Belgium, while his club will also be hoping there is no lasting damage.
The quick-silver attacker is United's top scorer this season and will be a key player in the club's bid for the Treble.
no_faith
28-03-2007, 12:58 PM
imho, recent few matches solely depend of ronaldo to snatch victories.
if ronaldo were to return old trafford wif lengthy injury, it will be the turning point in the EPL crown.
it could have at least an impact on the manu squad.
and the blues could have slightly higher hopes that manu might drop points.
manu are in the run for 3 cups and chelsea for 4, hope we can meet in the CL final in athens.
tbh, hope manu will meet liverpool in the CL semis but not chelsea, kekeke:D
imho, recent few matches solely depend of ronaldo to snatch victories.
if ronaldo were to return old trafford wif lengthy injury, it will be the turning point in the EPL crown.
it could have at least an impact on the manu squad.
and the blues could have slightly higher hopes that manu might drop points.
manu are in the run for 3 cups and chelsea for 4, hope we can meet in the CL final in athens.
tbh, hope manu will meet liverpool in the CL semis but not chelsea, kekeke:D
Quarter-finals (Ties to be played on April 03/04 and April 10/11)
Milan v Bayern Munich
PSV Eindhoven v Liverpool
Roma v Manchester United
Chelsea v Valencia
Semi-finals (Ties to be played on April 24/25 and May 01/02)
Winners of Chelsea or Valencia v winners of PSV Eindhoven or Liverpool
Winners of Roma or Manchester United v winners of Milan or Bayern Munich
Alamak, what happened to you? The above are the draws for CL's quarter and semi finals. Your team will meet Liverpool in the semi if both teams win their quarter finals. Time to wake up from your cheonging dreamland liao? :D
Ronaldo has injury scare, Neville out for 6wks and Rooney is off form, etc etc. The show must still go on. Many Utd fans still place their hopes and faith on Sir Alex to orchestrate the finale. Not easy to be Champions of England.
no_faith
28-03-2007, 02:04 PM
bro qbdp, i know the match mixtures on the uefa.com. it juz tat in my heart i hope it feel will be tis way mah....:D
luck and hardwork is a sign to be champ.
juz look at the CL mixtures, roma leh, kuku italian team.
shd manu overcome them, either ac or bm, np to take on lah. ac and bm tis season, playing bad football. manu could book the tix to athens now.
fa cup, vs watford, lol. cls 1 eye liao.
see, chelsea, the unlucky side. tough matches. must kill off pool to athens leh.
fa cup, vs blackburn.:(
haha, like jm whining rite? kekeke
bro qbdp, i know the match mixtures on the uefa.com. it juz tat in my heart i hope it feel will be tis way mah....:D
luck and hardwork is a sign to be champ.
juz look at the CL mixtures, roma leh, kuku italian team.
shd manu overcome them, either ac or bm, np to take on lah. ac and bm tis season, playing bad football. manu could book the tix to athens now.
fa cup, vs watford, lol. cls 1 eye liao.
see, chelsea, the unlucky side. tough matches. must kill off pool to athens leh.
fa cup, vs blackburn.:(
haha, like jm whining rite? kekeke
Ok ok, I now know what you meant. My mistake, paiseh paiseh.
Bro, any team with Totti cant never be underestimated. Italian teams are masters of defence so the 2 legs will be tight.
FA cup is well-known for upsets. Thats the romance of it. Cannot play with one eye closed. Must open both eyes big big and focus.
Yaya...good impersonation of Mourinho. Keep it up! haha.
Fergie: Treble repeat unlikely
Sir Alex Ferguson has played down the chances of Manchester United repeating their treble success of 1999 this term.
United are in contention to win the Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League this season as the campaign draws to a close.
Ferguson's men won a historic treble eight years ago, but the Scot believes a repeat is unlikely due to the current injury problems they have to contend with.
"We have done well and the players are playing with a great deal of confidence," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.
"They are showing a lot of maturity they are growing up together which you always hope to get when a new team comes along.
Ferguson insists no one in the squad talks about winning another treble.
"No-one talks about that," added Ferguson. "It is a possibility but more of an impossibility given the number of games we have, the speed of games and the competition.
"In 1999 we had no injuries to contend with so that was the lucky break we got in that particular year.
"This year we are dealing with a few injuries at this moment in time but we do cope very well with them and we will have a go at everything."
Ferguson also believes winning the Premiership has become harder as he regards it as the best league in Europe.
"I think the competition in the Premier Division has got harder in the last few years, there is no question about that," continued Ferguson.
"I think standard, as you can see English teams doing better in Europe now, has risen.
"The quality we have in the Premier League is the highest. I think we have the best division in Europe.
"I think for a while the Spanish league eight or nine years ago they were in front, but I think we have overtaken them.
"The excitement and entertainment you get in the Premier League is second to none."
Ferguson: Scholes is the key
Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Paul Scholes' return from suspension can give Manchester United the final push in their hunt for silverware. Scholes returns to face Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford encounter on Saturday after receiving a three-match suspension for a red card at Liverpool at the beginning of March.
And Ferguson is confident his side will gain the benefit as United chase the first of six wins from their remaining eight games that will clinch the Premiership title.
"Paul regards family life as very important," Ferguson said. "He knows the travelling with the international team is tremendous and coming to his age, I think he felt it was time to give more time to his family. That is the reason he gave up international football.
The 32-year-old retired from international football 2004 and has resisted concerted attempts by Steve McClaren, the England coach, to reverse his decision."His form this season has been absolutely fantastic and now we are getting him back fresh after a little break," Ferguson added.
The United manager could also have Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back this weekend after recent injury problems, particularly welcome news ahead of next week's Champions League quarter-final with AS Roma.
But Ferguson has refused to discuss the possibility of another treble. "No-one talks about that," he said. "It is a possibility but more of an impossibility given the number of games we have. The competition in the Premier Division has got harder in the last few years and the standard is better in Europe as well. In 1999 we had no injuries to contend with either, while this year we are having to deal with one or two.
"We are coping very well with them at the moment and if we do that we will have a go at everything because the players are playing with great confidence. We have had a great season and I just hope it continues."
axeman24
29-03-2007, 11:36 AM
Thanks for the inform good work :)
machoman
29-03-2007, 11:55 AM
Ferguson: Scholes is the key
Looks like Fergie will rest Ronaldo & field Scholes instead for this Saturday's home match against Blackburn & Rooney also if Saha & Solskjaer are fit. :cool: :p
Looks like Fergie will rest Ronaldo & field Scholes instead for this Saturday's home match against Blackburn & Rooney also if Saha & Solskjaer are fit. :cool: :p
Ya, rest and bring Ronaldo on at 60mins if we are not leading. It is the best time for Rooney to prove those who had been critical of his England's preformances wrong.
FERGIE: I'VE GOT A FEW SEASONS LEFT AS BOSS
MARK HUGHES, Roy Keane and the other hopefuls can stop dreaming about being Manchester United boss for a while - Sir Alex Ferguson is going nowhere.
The Reds gaffer is now 65 but reckons he can stay in charge for a few more seasons at least.
Ex-United ace Hughes, seen by many as the natural successor, takes his Blackburn side to Old Trafford on Saturday.
But Fergie has warned Hughes, Keane and the other contenders hopeful of taking over from him that he has no intention of standing down just yet after 20 years in the hot-seat.
He said: "I'm not in control of who succeeds me but there are many people who would want my job, there's no question about that. But I've got a few years left.
"Mark has been around so many clubs. He's played for United, Chelsea, Blackburn, Everton, Southampton, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, so I'm sure he's gathered a lot of knowledge in his football life.
"And the one thing he always had, without any influence from managers, was a fighting spirit second to none."
United skipper Gary Neville recently hailed Hughes as the man to succeed Fergie and the Rovers boss would certainly be a popular choice with their fans.
But United are still in the hunt for three trophies and Fergie thinks leading them to a second Treble will be harder than when he achieved the feat in 1999.
He said: "No one talks about the Treble here. It's a possibility but more of an impossibility, given the number of games we have.
"I think the competition in the Premiership has got harder in the last few years and the standard is better in Europe.
"The quality we have in the Premiership is the highest there is. I think we've overtaken Spain. Excitement and entertainment is second to none."
United can extend their lead to nine points with a win before Chelsea kick off against Watford.
Fergie believes his men have what it takes to deliver his ninth Premiership title. He said: "We're playing with great confidence."
Park wants league trophy
Park Ji-sung admits his priority is winning the Premiership with Manchester United this season.
The Red Devils are chasing success on three fronts, having also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League and semi-finals of the FA Cup.
With a six-point advantage over Chelsea in the title race, reclaiming the Premiership is currently the team's best chance of a trophy.
And Park, who has scored on his last three Premiership starts, feels winning the league is the prime target.
"Personally, my number one target is the Premier League," Park told the South Korean media.
The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder, though, is refusing to dismiss the prospect of United repeating their 1999 Treble feat.
With Roma to face in the Champions League, and Watford the opponents in the FA Cup, Park feels three trophies are not beyond the team.
He added: "It is possible for us to get the results to succeed in all competitions.
"I have had a similar experience in the Netherlands.
"Even if we have bad results, we have to bounce back quickly and concentrate on the next game."
Hughes backs Manchester United's title claims
Mark Hughes is backing Manchester United over Chelsea in a battle of his former clubs for the Barclays Premiership title. The Blackburn Rovers manager returns to Old Trafford on Saturday aiming to further his side’s prospects of a top-six finish, claiming with it a place in next season’s Uefa Cup.
A repeat of last term’s 2-1 win at United would certainly offer Chelsea hope of catching Sir Alex Ferguson’s leaders, with the top two currently separated by six points. But, even if Rovers were to cause an upset, Hughes reckons United will still have too much for Chelsea over the closing eight games of the campaign.
“I think United will win,” Hughes, who made 345 appearances for the club in two spells before playing 95 games for Chelsea, said. “Chelsea will run them very close, but I sense United have a real desire and a hunger to win the league this season, and that will take them over the line. They’ve been in this position before, a number of players know what it takes at this stage of the season to win titles and that is what will help them.”
In particular, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes - names who Hughes remarkably played alongside in his final days at the club in the mid-1990s. “It’s fantastic because, more often than not in days gone by, once you got to 30, you were history,” Hughes said. “But they’re special players, and credit to them as professionals that they are still playing."
Hughes is unsurprised such an illustrious trio are still at United and continuing to perform superbly under Ferguson. “When there is an emotional bond with a club, and even though deep down you think you should leave, it is very difficult to make that decision,” he said. “More often than not, it is made for you by Sir Alex, so you don’t have to face it yourself."
Ferguson has intimated Hughes would be the ideal man to step in at Old Trafford come the day he finally retires. “It’s always reassuring when somebody of the stature of Sir Alex acknowledges you are doing a decent job, and I think I am," Hughes said. "Sir Alex is very supportive of his ex-players trying their hand at management, and trying to make their way in a very difficult field of work."
machoman
30-03-2007, 08:09 AM
Park wants league trophy
http://images2.asianbookie.com/SGE.KEL61.290307140009.photo00.quicklook.default-177x245.jpg
South Korean midfielder Park Ji Sung, seen here in June 2006, admits he would sacrifice success in Europe if it means Manchester United can win the Premiership. - AFP
yinyang
30-03-2007, 12:36 PM
...In particular, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes - names who Hughes remarkably played alongside in his final days at the club in the mid-1990s. “It’s fantastic because, more often than not in days gone by, once you got to 30, you were history,” ..unsurprised such an illustrious trio are still at United and continuing to perform superbly under Ferguson. “When there is an emotional bond with a club, and even though deep down you think you should leave, it is very difficult to make that decision,” he said. “More often than not, it is made for you by Sir Alex, so you don’t have to face it yourself."
Bang on for my money. Classic (evergreen?) trio, part of fixtures at OT.. Liked the last bit on SAF cutting the strings for you kekekeke:p
United target Huntelaar to keep the momentum going
Sir Alex Ferguson may have his hands full as Manchester United step up their pursuit of an unprecedented second treble, but the manager is already planning enthusiastically for next season.
Ajax are bracing themselves for a bid from United for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, their prolific young striker, who Ferguson is understood to have identified as one of his main summer targets along with Owen Hargreaves, the Bayern Munich and England midfield player, and Nani, the Sporting Lisbon winger.
Huntelaar has established himself as the new golden boy of Dutch football since failing to make the grade at PSV Eindhoven and has already drawn favourable comparisons to Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker.
While Ajax are loath to lose Huntelaar, the clamour for the 23-year-old forward’s signature is such that John Jaakke, the club’s chairman, is thought to be confident of being able to name his price for the player, who would cost at least double the £6.8 million Ajax paid SC Heerenveen for his services just over a year ago, and possibly much more.
Ferguson is believed to retain a serious interest in Fernando Torres, the highly rated Atlético Madrid and Spain forward, although he would come at a far higher premium than Huntelaar.
Torres recently signed a new deal with Atlético that ties him to the club until 2009, but while the escape clause in the 23-year-old’s contract was reduced from £41.4 million to about £27 million as part of the agreement, that price may still prove too prohibitive for United, who are expected to spend about half of their estimated £40 million transfer budget on Hargreaves.
Huntelaar cost Heerenveen just £70,000 when he joined the club in 2004 after turning down the offer of a new contract with PSV, where he struggled to make much of an impact.
In his first season at Heerenveen, Huntelaar scored 20 goals in 38 appearances and followed that up with 21 goals in as many games during the first half of the 2005-06 campaign before Ajax came calling. He finished the season with a staggering 45 goals in 46 matches and has looked equally impressive this term, scoring 28 times in all competitions.
Despite being in Marco van Basten’s preliminary Holland squad for last year’s World Cup finals, Huntelaar did not travel to Germany but he has impressed for the national team since, scoring twice in the 4-1 win over Ireland last August.
Ferguson has already sent scouts to watch Huntelaar, most recently in Ajax’s 4-1 win over FC Twente just under three weeks ago, when the striker scored a hat-trick.
The United manager has been encouraged by the apparent ability of Dutch players to adapt quickly to the demands of the Barclays Premiership, a quality that may make Huntelaar seem like less of a gamble than Torres, whose style is more suited to the Continent.
Of more immediate concern to United, however, is the Premiership game at home to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, when victory would open up a nine-point gap at the top, if only for a couple of hours with Chelsea not playing until later in the day against Watford.
While United are still in contention to win the FA Cup and Champions League, Park Ji Sung, the midfield player, wants to help to ensure that the Premiership title returns to Old Trafford after a four-year absence.
“It is possible for us to get the results to succeed in all competitions,” the South Korean said. “But my No 1 target is the Premier League.”
Park did the double of league and cup with PSV in the Netherlands and he believes the experience will hold him in good stead as United’s season enters its critical phase. “I have had a similar experience in the Netherlands,” he said.
“Even if we have bad results, we have to bounce back quickly and concentrate on the next game.”
Tight finish won't faze Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared for the Barclays Premiership title race to be decided on goal difference as long as Manchester United eventually emerge triumphant.
United resume their championship quest against Blackburn tomorrow knowing six wins from their last eight games will be enough to end a four-year wait for the trophy.
Now the potentially pivotal encounter with Chelsea has been shoved back to the last week of the season because of both sides' FA Cup commitments, the Red Devils could even have the title sewn up before they head to Stamford Bridge.
Yet Ferguson is refusing to take anything for granted. And despite being in such a favourable position, he would happily accept the ultimate prize on the final day even though he knows the trauma that would be experienced along the way as Chelsea eroded their present advantage.
"I don't care when we win it, winning it is the most important thing," he said.
"It doesn't matter when or how. I would take goal difference right at this very moment even though it would create a few heart attacks along the way."
After coming through a draining spell of games immediately before the international break with their treble dream intact, Ferguson's squad is suddenly looking a lot healthier.
Paul Scholes returns from suspension, while Edwin van der Sar and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are also back after recent injuries.
Louis Saha also has an outside chance of being involved, although it is more likely the French striker, who has been missing with a hamstring problem, will feature either in the midweek Champions League encounter with Roma or the Premiership tussle with Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Easter Saturday.
Ferguson was happy to report no fresh injuries suffered on international duty and while Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick might need a lift after England's traumatic week, the Scot has no worries about any of them.
Rooney in particular has been the subject of intense scrutiny after once again failing to find the target for his country in a competitive environment.
Two needless bookings that rule him out of the June 6 trip to Estonia indicated all is not well with the 21-year-old.
But Ferguson feels Rooney will benefit from a return to United, where he has been far more effective in recent times.
"I don't see the burden he has been carrying as a problem but you cannot put all the responsibility for attacking onto one player," said the Old Trafford chief.
"The England team has not been playing well. I think they would all hold their hands up on that one.
"But Wayne is still young. He is as strong as a bull and his enthusiasm is always there.
"He is back with us now. We are trying to help him and knowing the players you are playing with always helps."
During the early days of Ferguson's 20-year Old Trafford reign, Blackburn boss Mark Hughes was the bulwark of United's attack.
Tenacious on the pitch, exceptionally quiet off it, Hughes appeared about as likely to become a manager as Paul Scholes does now.
Yet once his playing days were drawing to a close, Hughes felt he needed to remain in the game.
And, after impressing initially as Wales coach and now with Blackburn, there are many who believe the United legend will eventually go on to succeed Ferguson.
The current Red Devils chief is not about to get involved in that debate but he has plenty of admiration for the work Hughes is doing at Ewood Park.
"The time Mark spent with Wales was terrific for him," said Ferguson.
"It wasn't a full-time job as such but it gave him an indication about what he is going into.
"As a player, he was a very quiet lad. He didn't say a lot. He valued the time he spent with his family and you never thought he would become a coach.
"But there are so many players like that. They get to the end of their careers and realise what they are going to miss. The next step is to become a manager, just like Mark has done.
"I am really impressed with the work Mark has done at Blackburn.
"They are a very stubborn team. They are having a good season and, having reached the FA Cup semi-finals as well, they have their own ambitions.
"It won't be an easy game for us but if we maintain the form we have been showing recently, we have a big chance."
Ferguson to throw Rooney back into breach
There are many who feel that Wayne Rooney is in need of a rest after an arduous week with the national team, but Sir Alex Ferguson knows better than most what makes the 21-year-old tick. “He will play,” the Manchester United manager said, leaving Blackburn Rovers to worry that they will face the backlash at Old Trafford this afternoon.
Rooney has had a strange season, one in which breathtaking highs have been followed by bemusing slumps in form, with his performances for England against Israel and Andorra particularly disappointing. Ferguson feels that criticism of Rooney’s performances has been excessive, but he shrugged off suggestions yesterday that the player could do with a break.
When asked if there was too much expectation on Rooney when he plays for England, Ferguson said: “There shouldn’t be. Since he joined us as a young lad, that pressure’s always put on his shoulders. He’s been talked about as one of the great players in this club’s history.
“I don’t see it as a big problem, but you cannot put all the responsibility for attacking on to one player. The England team has not been playing well. But Wayne is still young. He’s as strong as a bull and his enthusiasm is always there. He’s back with us now and he will play [against Blackburn].”
Maintaining a high level of performance has not been a problem for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal winger has caught the eye of Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Predrag Mijatovic, the Real sporting director, suggested yesterday that buying Ronaldo may prove easier said than done.
“If he wants to come and Madrid want him and if Manchester United say he can go, then it would happen straight away,” Mijatovic said. “But much depends on the will of the players and their clubs.”
FERGUSON: WE'RE THE CREAM OF EUROPE
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the Barclays Premiership is now the best league in the world.
The Manchester United manager's comments may appear a little hollow given the sub-standard nature of some of the domestic action this term but, with three quarter-finalists, England has a greater representation in the Champions League than Italy or Spain.
And Ferguson would not be surprised in the least if the May 23 final in Athens was a battle between two English clubs.
"There is a chance of an all-English final," he said.
"Six or seven years ago, the Spanish league was the best but now I really believe we have caught it up.
"Liverpool's result against Barcelona in the last round is a good case in point.
"Real Madrid got knocked out as well, which tells you Spain's two biggest teams are not at their best.
"Right now, English football is probably the best in Europe."
Certainly England's chances of landing some silverware at club level are a lot more plausible than they are in the international arena.
And, following a tortuous week in which Steve McClaren's side were booed by their own fans in Israel and Barcelona, Ferguson accepts Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick were probably glad to get back to the sanctuary of Old Trafford.
"It was a mixed bag in terms of our players' success at international level over the past week but, when you look at the results, the English lads are probably glad to be back - and we are happy to have them here," he observed.
For an all-English final to materialise, United would have to navigate their way through a tricky draw which pits them into a quarter-final meeting with Roma and a last four clash with either AC Milan or Bayern Munich.
Although Roma are trailing Inter Milan by some distance in the battle for Serie A, Ferguson has not been fooled into thinking progress into the semi-finals will be automatic for the Red Devils.
Chief problem for United ahead of Wednesday's first leg in the Olympic Stadium is how to set up defensively against a team that does not have an out-and-out striker.
With Brazilian duo Mancini and Taddei looking to spring inside from the wing positions and Francesco Totti dropping deep, virtually into a midfield slot, Ferguson's men are faced with a puzzle which does not often present itself in the Premiership.
If they are not careful, United could end up with four orthodox defenders marking no-one, a situation Ferguson is anxious to avoid.
"Their system is a key factor for us because Roma play without a central striker," he said.
"The issue is what we do about our central defenders, whether we push one onto Totti or whether we let him drift and control the game.
"We have the players who can adapt but tactically we have to get it right.
"It is not a game that is giving me sleepless nights but if we don't get ourselves sorted out, it could be a very hard evening for us."
Man Utd 4 - 1 Blackburn
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-31/U2029P6T12D2840583F44DT20070331233753.jpg
Vidic stretchered off with suspected broken collar-bone.
http://image2.sina.com.cn/ty/g/p/2007-03-31/U2030P6T12D2840469F44DT20070331223237.jpg
Rooney misses again but worked his socks off again for his team!
Man Utd 4 - 1 Blackburn
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Scholesy with the all important equalizer!!
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Carrick puts Utd 2-1 ahead!
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