Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[qbdp]

Carrick set to return

MICHAEL Carrick could be in contention to face Arsenal this weekend with the midfielder expected to be given the all clear to resume training this week.

Carrick dislocated his elbow in the Champions' League victory over Roma last month - and his return will be welcome news following Paul Scholes' lengthy lay off with knee ligament damage.

Indeed Carrick could be the big winner at Manchester United following Scholes' injury, which will keep him out for three months.

While his absence is undoubtedly bad news for the champions, it offers Carrick a route back into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-choice line-up.

The former Tottenham man's swift recovery means he could even make the squad for Saturday's trip to the Emirates Stadium.

He will be thirsting for an opportunity to shine with many expecting him to be on the fringes following Owen Hargreaves' return to fitness.

Rio injury fears quashed

RIO Ferdinand has shaken off injury fears and is set to take his place in the heart of Manchester United's defence against Arsenal on Saturday.

The England international was substituted during the champions' 4-1 win over Middlesbrough last weekend - leading to suggestions he'd suffered a recurrence of the groin problem sustained at the end of last season.

United refused to confirm whether the centre back underwent a scan for the problem - but insisted he will be ready to take on Premiership leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

In a club statement they said: "Reports in Tuesday's press claimed the Reds defender has experienced a recurrence of an old groin injury and would miss the key Premier League clash.

"However, the influential 28-year-old centre-back trained with the rest of the squad at Carrington on Tuesday, and is considered fully fit and ready to play against the Gunners."

It is good news for Sir Alex Ferguson, who yesterday saw midfielder Paul Scholes ruled out for three months after being forced to undergo knee surgery.

However, with Owen Hargreaves returning to duty on Saturday and both Michael Carrick and Gary Neville set to make their comebacks after recent lay-offs, it does appear United's early season injury problems are easing.

There's only ONE UNITED ! ! !

[chickenzip]

Carrick set to return

MICHAEL Carrick could be in contention to face Arsenal this weekend with the midfielder expected to be given the all clear to resume training this week.


It would be nice to see Hargreaves and Carrick, these two English midfielders team again...let's kick some "balls" this weekend...:cool:

[asiancigar]

Carlito's way: Tev looks good in red
By Pink Football
31 October 2007

Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta believes playing at Manchester United will transform Carlos Tevez into one of the greatest players ever.

"Carlito is definitely at the right club at the right time in his career. Playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, he can achieve everything he wants," said Batistuta last night, speaking at the British launch of World Football Idol.

"It is much better to be playing with other world-class players than just to be the best player in your side. At West Ham last season, Tevez did a brilliant job and helped the club to stay up. But he had to do a lot of the hard work on his own.

"At Manchester United, having players of the quality of Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs, Vidic and Ferdinand to help him will make his life much easier. Don't forget that Tevez is still quite young and has only been in Manchester for a few months. It will take him a bit more time to show everyone what he can really do.

"But he is already a fantastic, world-class talent and at his new club he has every tool required to become a true Argentine great."

Batistuta, who made his mark on Serie A with Roma and Fiorentina, also spoke excitedly about the opportunities for Argentinian players in England.

"I've always loved the atmosphere of English soccer and often thought of coming here during my career. But when I was at my peak, the Premier League was not of the same standard as it is now.

"Then there were only one or two teams who stood any chance of winning the title and that was not very exciting for me. That is why I always stayed in Italy.

"But now I watch the English league and it has improved so much. Many of the world's best players are over here now and there are no longer any guarantees that Manchester United or Liverpool will win the title.

"Before, all the Argentines went to Spain or Italy. But with Tevez going so well at Manchester, others might now think about also going to England."

[asiancigar]

Manchester United-Arsenal: Gunning Down the Gunners

This season's most anticipated matchup will take place at Emirates Stadium on Saturday, as the two front-runners for the Premier League title face off.

Sitting pretty at the top of the table with a slender lead in goals scored, Arsenal welcome archrivals Manchester United to break a deadlock in points.

Wenger's young prodigies were hunky-dory with last week's draw in Anfield, but they sent a redoubtable message to the Red Devils via their fatal football against Liverpool:

"Be afraid, very afraid."

Indeed, Arsenal's slick passing, ruthless attack, and rock-solid defence have been the catalysts of their success this season. With Gunners lynchpin Cesc Fabregas firing on all cylinders, United should expect nothing but an acid test from the Saturday showdown.

But why are we only praising Arsenal? United have scored 16 goals in their last four games, have the most clean sheets in the EPL to date, and boast the best attacking partnership of the '07-'08 season.

It's time for the critics to zip their mouths, because Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have cohered fantastically, scoring 10 goals between them.

They have the same traits—attacking, fierce, and massive—but in recent games Tevez has curtailed his attacking prowess and rediscovered himself as more of a playmaker than a striker.

Newcomers Nani and Anderson have proved their worth in the starting 11—their crafty assists have provided many goals for United. On the other hand, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to shine this season, scoring only six goals so far.

Ronaldo's undoubtedly playing wonderful football, as always—but he's nowhere near last season's eye-catching form. If he wants to contend for the PFA Player of the Year Award with Fabregas, somebody needs to tell him to unveil himself!

Given the loads of talent at United's disposal, what line of action must they employ to scoff at the red-faced Gooners? Will it be an intermittent, ruthless attack, striking the iron when it's hot—or scoring once and concentrating on a rock-steady defence?

Only ardent watchers of United's football this season realize the congruency of my scenarios. From my viewpoint, Arsenal has displayed a blend of these tactics in their play thus far—and since one diamond can cut another, United can, and should, mirror Arsenal throughout the game if want to get the better of the table-toppers.

If they conform to the same tactics, will the game end in a stalemate?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed—if either of the diamonds are sharper, do you know how deep the cut will be?

[asiancigar]

Ferguson loves Arsenal rivalry

Sir Alex Ferguson is feeling all nostalgic as he gears up for a title challenge from Arsenal.

The Manchester United manager wrestled the title back to Old Trafford last season from Chelsea, after Jose Mourinho twice claimed the top prize, but this term it looks as though Arsenal could be their fiercest rivals.

And it is such rivalry that has stoked up memories of Arsenal title triumphs in 1998, 2002 and 2004, with Ferguson revelling in the opportunity to pit his tactical wits against his old sparring partner Arsene Wenger on Sunday.

"It's still an open race but Arsenal have had a great start and they're the ones we are chasing at the moment," Ferguson said.

Mouth-Watering Encounter

"I know challenging for a title is a new experience for a lot of their players, but some of them have been there before and the manager has, and that is a big help.

"People said the same about us last year, but we led the league for three-quarters of the season, so I don't think it's a handicap."

Saturday's lunchtime match at Emirates Stadium promises to be a mouth-watering encounter and Ferguson admits he is enjoying reacquainting rivalries with old foes.

"Everything is coming together, as I thought it would, and in good time to take on Arsenal in what could be a key match in our title defence.

"The main thing is I know we will chase them with great fervour and determination."

Ole Ole

[yinyang]

Neville poised for Man Utd return

Neville suffered the initial ankle injury against Bolton last season
Manchester United captain Gary Neville is set to make his comeback from a succession of injuries in Thursday's Senior Cup tie with Stockport.
The right-back, 32, suffered an ankle injury in March and muscle strains have delayed his return this season.

Neville told Manchester United Radio: "Missing the end of last season was bad enough but then for it to go into this season is doubly frustrating.

"But hopefully it's over now and I can get back into the team."

United have also confirmed that Rio Ferdinand will be fit for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal.

Reports suggested the 28-year-old defender had undergone a scan amid fears he had suffered a recurrence of a groin problem he sustained last season.

But a club statement said: "Rio Ferdinand is fit to face Arsenal.

"He trained with the rest of the squad on Tuesday, and is considered fully fit and ready to play against the Gunners."

Neville is unlikely to be risked at Arsenal even if he does come through Thursday's game at Northwich unscathed, but may make the bench for next week's Champions League game against Dynamo Kiev.

However, the England international is aware that he will not walk back into a United side that has won its last eight games, with Wes Brown performing admirably in his place.

"I'm seeing the lads playing well and they're getting good results and I want to be part of it," he said.

"I've made myself available but with the way Wes is playing it might be a case of easing me back in over the space of a couple of weeks."

[qbdp]

Ferguson remains wary of Liverpool and Chelsea

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Liverpool and Chelsea may yet come back to challenge, along with Arsenal, for Manchester United's Premier League title. United are currently second in the table, albeit five points ahead of Chelsea, and six ahead of their old Merseyside rivals.

However, Ferguson accepts that with barely a quarter of the season gone, there is still a long way to go. "At the moment I think it's looking between Arsenal and ourselves at the top but you know football changes," he said ahead of Saturday's meeting between United and Arsenal. "When you come to January and it really does start, then you expect to see Liverpool and Chelsea."

Unsurprisingly, Ferguson insisted that his squad is capable of retaining its crown. "We have had some incredible injury situations, but over the last few years we've been like that at early season," said Ferguson.
"I hope and pray that by the time we come to December - because the second half of the season is where it really begins - we have got a good strong squad together. I feel that once we get that strong squad together we are capable of going and winning the league again."

Ferguson said the start of the season can put teams like Tottenham in a "false position" because of the disruption caused by international call-ups. "Once the internationals get out of the road, then I think you'll find that the Premier League will settle down, we'll get a true perspective of who is going to be really challenging and you will get some consistent results," he said. "At the moment there have been some surprise results."

Ferguson also paid tribute to Carlos Tevez, who despite struggling to learn English is letting "the football language talk". Tevez is being given private tuition at home to improve his English and Ferguson said he is working hard. "What I have noticed about the boy here, since he has come to us, is that when he loses the ball he wants it back which is a great attribute to have as a striker really, not every striker thinks that way. So he's got a lot of great things about him and most importantly that great enthusiasm to play."

Ferguson, who was speaking to the League Managers' Association, also revealed that he has been in touch with Jose Mourinho "a couple of times" since he left Stamford Bridge and said he doubts the Portuguese's next job will be in England. "I think Jose will end up at a top team in Spain or Italy, I'm almost certain of that," he said.

"There certainly is no one on the radar at the moment obviously, he's taking a break and I think he's aiming to come back fresh. I don't think there's any problem about him coming back into management, I think it's where he comes back in and I don't think anyone has any clues to that at this moment in time."

Ferguson warned that managers cannot be out of the game too long because they will become forgotten - although he conceded that will not happen to Mourinho.

"I was reading an article the other day where a club was talking to Brian Little and Brian has done great work in his management career at Darlington, Aston Villa, Leicester etc," said Ferguson. "He's been around quite a few clubs, Brian, but he's been out of the game for about three years now and you get forgotten about. It is ridiculous, but being out of the game that long is a handicap because with his qualities and his CV, Brian Little could quite easily manage 80% of the clubs in England."

[yinyang]

Arsenal v Man Utd

Emirates Stadium
Saturday, 3 November
Kick-off: 1245 GMT

BIG-MATCH FACTS
A top of the table showdown between the two most successful clubs in Premier League history. Manchester United have won 375 matches, gained 1,258 points and claimed nine titles; Arsenal have won 316 games, collected 1,107 points and lifted three titles.

It pits the north Londoners with the longest current unbeaten run in this league (17 games) with the Red Devils, who are on the longest current winning streak of eight.

It sets the strongest attack against the tightest defence in the highest league; Arsenal have scored 22 goals in 10, Manchester United have conceded four in 11.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who celebrates 21 years in charge at Old Trafford on Tuesday, comes up against his Arsenal opposite number Arsene Wenger for the 34th time. Of the 33 previous encounters United have won 11, Arsenal 13. Seven of the nine other games finished level and two were decided on penalty shoot-outs; United won the 2003 Community Shield, and Arsenal the 2005 FA Cup final on penalties.

In the Premier League there's nothing to chose between Wenger and Ferguson at eight wins a piece, and six draws, but the Frenchman has the edge on home soil with five wins to three, and three draws.

Victory for the Gunners would be their seventh at home and equal the club record of successive league victories from the start of a season, set in 1934, and equalled two years ago.

Arsenal came from behind with two goals in the last seven minutes of the first ever meeting with Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in January to complete the double over their fierce rivals.

CLUB FORM
ARSENAL

Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Undefeated in 24 in league and cup. Won 15 and drawn two of 17 this season, and won 18 and drawn six since suffering defeat to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium nearly seven months ago.

2. Won 11 and drawn six of the last 17 Premier League matches since losing 0-1, home to the Hammers on 7 April.

3. One of two remaining unbeaten clubs in the Premier League. The other is Liverpool.

4. Dropped fewer Premier League points than any other club; just four.

5. The only club to have scored in every Premier League match so far this season; netted 22 goals in 10 outings, at one every 41 minutes on average.

6. One of three clubs to have gained as many as seven points from losing positions; won two and drawn one in which they were trailing.

7. Made their best ever start to a Premier League season. The previous best points total after the first 10 games was 25 in 2004-05. The best after 11 games is 27, in 2003-04 - their last title-winning campaign.

8. One of two clubs holding a 100% home Premier League record (won six of six). Manchester City have an identical record.

9. Three shy of 600 home goals in the Premier League all-time.

10. This match precedes Wednesday's Champions League Group H fixture in the Czech Republic, against Slavia Prague.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Not dropped a point since their only loss of this league campaign; 1-0, away to local rivals Manchester City on 19 August.

2. On their longest winning league sequence since recording nine in a row on 9 April 2006; the last of the nine being a 2-0 home win over Arsenal.

3. Scored four goals in each of the last three league matches, and on course to replicate the longest run in the Premier League of four successive games in which four or more goals were scored; achieved by Manchester United themselves on 15 April 2000 (putting four past Bradford City, seven past West Ham, netting four against Middlesbrough and four against Sunderland).

4. Conceded two goals in claiming 24 points out of 24, and just four all season; shipping one every 248 minutes (four hours eight minutes) of Premier League football played, on average.

5. On the longest current run in the Premier League of 14 matches since conceding more than a single goal in a game; the most recent being the pair in the 2-4 away win over Everton on 28 April.

6. Also on the longest current run in the Premier League of 51 matches since a defeat by more than a single goal; 3-0, away to Chelsea on 29 April 2006.

7. Their 11 league games have yielded 23 goals (19 for, four against). Only Premier League matches involving West Ham have a poorer return; 21 (12 for, nine against).

8. Kept seven clean sheets - more than any other club in the division.

9. Aiming for a fourth consecutive league victory on the road.

10. This game precedes Wednesday's home Champions League Group F fixture, against Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
ARSENAL

Cesc FABREGAS is Arsenal's top scorer with 10 goals.

Emmanuel ADEBAYOR is the clubs top Premier League marksmen with six.

Arsenal have never lost when ADEBAYOR has scored; winning 16 and drawing two of the 18 matches in which he's netted. But he has not found the net since getting a double, home to Derby on 22 September.

Only Kolo TOURE has been on the field for every minute of every one of Arsenal's Premier League matches this season.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Wayne ROONEY and RONALDO are Manchester United's joint top scorers with six goals each.

ROONEY has scored five Premier League goals against Arsenal (two for Everton, three for United).

ROONEY and Carlos TEVEZ are the clubs top Premier League marksmen, with four each.

Ryan GIGGS is one short of 100 career league goals.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th English league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

HEAD TO HEAD
Arsenal achieved same season home and away victories over Manchester United for only the third time in the Premier League last season.

It was only the eighth time United had been "doubled" in their Premier League history.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Arsenal 65 wins, Man United 71, Draws 40
Prem: Arsenal 9 wins, Man United 12, Draws 9

at Arsenal only
League (inc PL): Arsenal 50 wins, Man United 22, Draws 16
Prem: Arsenal 6 wins, Man United 4, Draws 5

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
21 January 2007 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Arsenal scorers: Van Persie 83, Henry 90
Man Utd scorer: Rooney 53

REFEREE
Howard Webb (Yorkshire)

[asiancigar]

Rio: Nobody Will Win The League

Rio Ferdinand admitted it would be a massive clash this weekend at the Emirates but it won't decide the title race.

The reigning champions take on the feigning pretenders... ok, I'll leave these phrases in the dustbin where they belong. So, United will play Arsenal: two sides playing enthralling football are expected to produce a real cracker. They might do that but it won't decide anything.

Rio Ferdinand told MUTV about these things and much more.

'A win at the Emirates would be a great marker to put down, although I don't think it will determine where the league is going to go.

'There's only a handful of games gone - but we need to make sure we give a good account of ourselves. We need to make sure we get the points and stay at the top of the league.

'It's a massive game but no matter who wins it will not be a case of 'They're going to win the league' or even 'They'll be the favourites'.'

I would add that if any team goes on and collapses spectacularly to lose 11-0 then that particular side might be safely considered being absolutely out of the title race. But of course that won't happen.

Massive game, yeah. Everyone tells us that despite all its importance it is only a game. Almunia, Rio... but you can bet that their pulse is quicker than usual and there will be gritted teeth and passionate fight on the pitch. (The gritted teeth won't be on the pitch of course, their owners will be but I think that's obvious).

So roll on Saturday!

[CibLover]

Something funny that I thought would be fun for RED DEVIL brothers to read :

Ahead of the 1990 League Cup tie between United and Arsenal at Highbury, the former Archbishop of Canterbury and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks both blessed the home side.

United romped to a 6 - 2 win prompting national press to declare GOD doesn't exist, to which Rabbi Sacks responded :

"What it proves is that GOD exists. It's just that HE supports Manchester United!!!" :rolleyes:

[yinyang]

..Rabbi Jonathan Sacks both blessed the home side. United romped to a 6 - 2 win prompting national press to declare GOD doesn't exist, to which Rabbi Sacks responded :
"What it proves is that GOD exists. It's just that HE supports Manchester United!!!"
Good 1, maybe the devil too (ooops, no offence to bros here):p

[asiancigar]

Let it be known.... Arsenal was very lucky to come away with a draw

Cheerz
AC

[asiancigar]

Sir Alex Ferguson furious at Arsenal escape

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson launched a remarkable attack on security arrangements at the Emirates Stadium, saying that he feared for his safety, as Arsenal produced another of their last-minute goals to save their season's unbeaten record with a 2-2 draw in the meeting between the Premier League's top two sides.

Ferguson, not usually renowned for his sensitivity, could even find himself in trouble with the Football Association after complaining that referee Howard Webb, generally accepted as one of the country's best officials, was biased towards Arsenal. Before the game, he had said: "He's the best of the lot and I am glad he is in charge." As the dust began to settle after yesterday's lunchtime affair, Fergie fumed: "Our bench were getting terrible abuse from people two or three feet away. There is a lack of security here. It is absolutely disgraceful the abuse you and your staff take. All sorts of things are shouted and screamed at you and there is an absolute danger here.

"It is very difficult for the referee. I think Howard Webb has a great chance to be the top referee but today was a big game for him and, at times, he favoured Arsenal. Their second goal came from him not giving a free-kick for a foul on Louis Saha on the far side. It should have been a foul for us."

Ferguson, of course, was recently assaulted at a London station. But it was his team who were mugged yesterday when Arsenal scored in the 92nd minute, thanks to linesman Darren Cann spotting that William Gallas's shot had crossed the line before goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar pushed it out.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "He did a fantastic job and as he was on the other side of the goal, I don't know how he saw it. He did his job as we would expect him to do and I congratulate him. Coming so late, it feels like a victory."

If Ferguson was upset about some of the rude things the Arsenal supporters were saying about him, he was red-faced with rage when his team conceded the goal that prevented them sweeping past Arsenal to the top of the table.

He said: " I thought we had done it but that's football. I can't believe it. We have thrown it away."

The game, watched by a global audience of one billion, did not live up to its billing as the match of the season. And, at the end, Arsenal maintained their lead at the top of the table only on goals scored, though they do have a game in hand.

Wenger praised the determination of his young side, who also came from behind to earn a point at Liverpool last week with another late goal. It reflected the never-say-die attitude of a team who Wenger says have "hidden depths of resilience and character".

Two years ago, United earned a home point against Tottenham when none of the officials spotted that goalkeeper Roy Carroll had saved a Pedro Mendes shot from way behind the line. After that, there were loud calls for goal-line technology but if every linesman was as keen-eyed as Cann, that would not be necessary.

[alex18122003]

Sir Alex Ferguson was fuming after United's failure to keep the lead cost them dear in a dramatic draw at the Emirates Stadium.

The boss believes his team threw away a great chance to beat their rivals, and pointed to the first of two Arsenal equalisers as the source of his irritation.

"We threw it away, we were in a winning position twice," Sir Alex told

"The goal that angered me most was the goal we gave away after half-time. To lose a goal from taking a throw-in at their corner flag was criminal."

The goal in question, scored by Cesc Fabregas, came only three minutes after Wayne Rooney had given United the lead - albeit with the half-time interval inbetween.

"It was a marvellous time for us to score, just before half-time. We should have been buoyed by that and we did start the second half well with good possession. Then we gave the goal away and for the next five to ten minutes after that they got at us."

United weathered that early second-half storm and the score remained at 1-1 for the next half-hour. Sir Alex was then as surprised as anyone when the Reds broke through again.

"I couldn’t see either team scoring a second goal. To then score our second when we did and give it away in injury time is hard to take, really hard to take. Arsenal got out of jail.

"The result doesn’t tell you anything as both teams are going to be challenging. But the draw's good for Chelsea and Liverpool and there are a lot of twists and turns to come."

[qbdp]

Fergie can go on and on

SIR Alex Ferguson celebrates 21 years in charge of Manchester United this week and shows no sign of slowing down.

At 65, most people settle into retirement and look forward to a quiet life but Ferguson remains at the top of his profession and has every intention of staying there.

In the last few days alone, the iron-willed Scot has shown his footballing fire and passion, so evident in two trophy-laden decades at Old Trafford, burn as brightly as ever.

In the aftermath of Saturday's heavyweight clash at Arsenal, he launched an immediate offensive at referee Howard Webb and was clearly angry his side had conceded a late equaliser.

Details of Ferguson's team-talks have seeped out over the years and it would certainly be no surprise if the infamous hairdryer came out in the Emirates Stadium's away dressing room.

United may be champions and again playing some outstanding football but still he is not satisfied.

There have been nine Premier League titles, five FA Cups and a Champions League win but no let-up.

Relentless

It is this single-minded focus and relentless determination to succeed, combined with an ability to command respect and cajole the best from players, that has made him such a formidable manager.

He has never shied from difficult decisions and seldom been afraid to remove players he has seen as disruptive, no matter how much controversy those decisions have caused.

Paul McGrath, Paul Ince, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy are just a few of the huge stars who have fallen foul of Ferguson and they may not be the last.

Ferguson has let little get in his way in his pursuit of glory and, after turning around a hugely-underachieving side and maintaining a place at the top for so long, few can argue with his methods.

There have been times when his superiority has faced a challenge, but each time he has risen to it and, arguably, come back stronger.

Blackburn briefly deposed United in the mid-1990s, the Arsenal of Arsene Wenger have been recurring rivals and most recently Chelsea have taken charge.

Yet Ferguson never gives in and United's achievement in holding off the filthy-rich Blues to win the Premier League last season perhaps ranks as one of his greatest.

It is a remarkable tale of longevity and, with United challenging for more honours, there are more chapters to be written yet.

A relative lack of European silverware is perhaps the only imbalance on Ferguson's record.

One European Cup Winners' Cup and one fortuitous Champions League win compares unfavourably with some of the continent's other managerial greats.

It is something he is determined to put right, as evidenced by a number of near misses, and even if he does, he seems unlikely to stop there.

There's only ONE FERGIE !!! :D

[qbdp]

Owen: Reds simply beautiful

OWEN Hargreaves insists Manchester United are still the kings of the beautiful game.

The champions were within seconds of recording a ninth straight win in the Premier League at Arsenal yesterday before William Gallas struck deep into stoppage-time to earn the Gunners a 2-2 draw.

Despite Arsene Wenger's side earning most of the plaudits this season for their entertaining brand of football, Hargreaves believes it is United who have the edge.

With the likes of Carlos Tevez, Ronaldo, Rooney, Anderson, Nani and Ryan Giggs at the disposal of Sir Alex Ferguson, he is in no doubt of just what the Reds can do on the pitch.

"Arsenal kept the ball and had a lot of possession, but they were never really threatening," he said. "Football is about scoring goals and winning games.

"I do not think they had a clear-cut chance created in the first half, apart from the header by Gallas, and that was a set piece.

"Defensively, we did a good job and tried to control their so-called beautiful football.

"They keep the ball and try to play that way, but when a team is as good defensively as ours, you can keep them at bay because we played very tight together."

Hargreaves added: "Both of our goals were from really beautiful pieces of play and theirs were a bit more scrappy."


United line up King deal

Norwegian youngster set to move to Old Trafford

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Norwegian starlet Joshua King, according to the player's agent.

King is currently on the books of Valerenga, but is set to move to Old Trafford in the New Year when he turns 16.

The youth international's representative Jim Solbakken confirmed a deal is in place for King to link up with the Premier League champions.

"Joshua has decided what he wants," Solbakken told united.no.

"He will move to Manchester after the New Year and his mother will follow."


There's only ONE UNITED!!!

[asiancigar]

Owen Hargreaves expects 'easy' win

Owen Hargreaves is expecting his belated Champions League debut for Manchester United to be something of a stroll tomorrow.

United romped to a 4-2 win at Dynamo Kiev a fortnight ago, with Hargreaves watching as he recovered from injury. He is likely to feature in tomorrow's return fixture and expects United to seal their place in the knockout phase.

"Dynamo seemed a bit afraid of us in Kiev," the England midfielder said. "It is rare in the Champions League that you see someone pulled apart so easily and concede four goals at home. Normally, those types of game are difficult but Dynamo were really quite poor."

Kiev have since changed coach, with the former Arsenal defender Oleg Luzhny taking over from Jozef Sabo, who is ill. They have yet to register a point in Group F and it seems unlikely they will break their duck at Old Trafford.

United's eight-game Premier League winning streak ended at the weekend, but they are in form and the return of Michael Carrick, Louis Saha, Gary Neville and Hargreaves since the game in Kiev only fuels the feeling that United will cruise home.

"I am sure Kiev will try to redeem themselves but we are expecting to win," said Hargreaves, who won the tournament with Bayern. "We should go through easily and ideally we will have two games to spare."

That would represent one of the easier qualifications of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, confirming the theory that, after reaching the semi-final last season, he is shaping another side capable of challenging at the very highest level. ago.

[yinyang]

Post gunner match news

Man Utd probing Arsenal 'abuse'

Ferguson said the home crowd had shouted insults. Manchester United are compiling a security dossier after claims that their manager Sir Alex Ferguson was verbally abused by Arsenal fans.

The incident is alleged to have taken place at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday during United's 2-2 draw with the Gunners.

"Our security people are compiling a report on it - the incident was behind us," said Ferguson.

"But I'm sure that Arsenal, with their CCTV cameras, will have picked it up."

Ferguson was unhappy with the refereeing performance of Howard Webb on Saturday, but he said the hostile atmosphere inside the stadium had been a contributing factor.

"It is very difficult for the referee," he said on Saturday.

"On our bench, we were getting terrible abuse from people two or three feet away from us.

"There is a lack of security. It is absolutely disgraceful the abuse you and your staff take. All sorts of things are being shouted and screamed at you and there is an absolute danger here."

But a spokesperson for the Gunners said: "Stadium security is of the highest importance and we feel there is ample stewarding around the dugout area.

"However, the club does recognise that some exchanges which take place can be of an aggressive nature, and there was an incident this afternoon where one supporter was ejected.

"There is also CCTV which monitors the area which our stadium management crew review in detail after games, and if necessary the club will take further action."

[yinyang]

Man Utd v Dynamo Kiev

Champions League, Group F match
Date: Wednesday, 7 November
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford

Manchester United captain Gary Neville is out after suffering a setback in his recovery from a calf injury.

Right-back Neville made his long-awaited comeback from injury in a reserve game last week but is not fit enough to play against Kiev.

Neville aside, boss Sir Alex Ferguson has no new injuries to contend with.

Striker Louis Saha could come into contention, while midfielder Owen Hargreaves should make his European debut for United.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Simpson, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Saha, Rooney and Tevez.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man Utd manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "Talk comes cheap but we have built a platform that, with a little bit of luck, will launch us on our way to this most elusive of trophies.

"We have had our disappointments on the Champions League trail.

"But, while you can never take anything for granted at this level I really believe we can go all the way."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

BIG MATCH STATS

Head-to-head
Manchester United and Dynamo Kiev have played each other three times in European matches.

On 23 October, their most recent encounter ended in a 2-4 away win for United. Their only previous meeting was at Old Trafford, on 8 November 2000, ended in a 1-0 victory for the home side.

European history
Manchester United, the 1968 Champions Cup winners and 1999 Champions League winners, were eliminated at the semi-final stage of the CL by AC Milan last season.

Dynamo Kiev's best result in the CL is reaching the semi-finals in 1998-99, in which they lost to Bayern Munich.

Current European form
Manchester United have won their last seven CL home matches, and are unbeaten in 10 home European games. They've not been beaten on home soil in this competition since 23 February 2005, when AC Milan won 0-1 at the Theatre of Dreams.

Dynamo Kiev have not won any of their last six CL away matches. Overall, the Ukraine club have not won in 10 CL matches, losing their last three.

Player and disciplinary info
If selected, United's Rio Ferdinand will be playing on his 29th birthday. Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are the only Manchester United players to have been on the field for every minute in the Champions League this season.

Other miscellaneous facts
On Saturday, the Red Devils drew 2-2 at Arsenal to remain second in the Premier League, just behind the Gunners at the top on goal difference , having played a game more.

Dynamo Kiev meantime lost 0-1 at home to Metalist Kharkiv. Kiev trail leaders Shakhtar Donetsk by 10 points after 15 matches.

Definitions of terms used:-
Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

[CibLover]

VID INKS NEW 5 YEARS DEAL

Nemanja Vidic will sign a new five-year contract with Manchester United within the next few days.

The Serbia international, who joined United from Red Star Belgrade for a fee of £7million in January 2006 with full-back Patrice Evra, will see his weekly wage more than double to around £50,000 a week.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Vidic, 26, and Rio Ferdinand has given him United's best defensive pairing since Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister in the mid-1990s.

================================================== ========

One of the bravest, no-nonsense best buy that we've had. Glad that he'll be guarding our backline for years to come. At least he remembers when to piss in a cup!! :D

[qbdp]

Ferguson: 21 pivotal decisions

SIR Alex Ferguson celebrates 21 years at Old Trafford today - a period of unprecedented success for Manchester United.

James Robson counts down the 21 most pivotal decisions he's made during his time at the helm of the biggest club in the world.

21 Opting against Zidane - Ferguson monitored Zinedine Zidane when he was a little-known playmaker at French side Bordeaux. Despite being a big admirer of Zizou, he had nagging doubts about how to squeeze both him and Eric Cantona into the same side. Zidane went on to sign for Juventus and become the finest player in the world, while Cantona went on to announce his retirement a year later.

20 Withdrawing from the FA Cup - When United opted to take part in the inaugural World Club Championships instead of defending the FA Cup they won in 1999, it was heralded as the death of football's oldest cup competition. Ferguson, meanwhile, thought he was blazing a similar trail on the world stage as Matt Busby had done in Europe 40 years prior.

Ultimately neither prediction proved true.

19 Selling Van Nistelrooy - Described by Ferguson as United's greatest striker since Denis Law, Van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals in 217 appearances. But that counted for nothing when the Dutchman was deemed to have an unsettling influence in the dressing room. Like so many before him, he was ruthlessly cast aside after five magnificent seasons. His departure, though, spurred United on to their first title in four years as the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney came out of Nistelrooy's shadow.

18 Keeping Bryan Robson - When Ferguson headed to Old Trafford in 1986 he came into a club with an established drinking culture that he could not abide. As such, he dumped fans' favourites like Norman Whiteside and Paul McGrath - but turned a blind eye to Robson's antics, claiming it didn't affect the United captain's performance levels.

Robson continued to serve the club with distinction, stewarding them through Ferguson's early years before eventually being rewarded with his first title in 1993.

17 Rock of Gibraltar - At first his relationship with John Magnier looked like a match made in heaven. Not only was he the finest manager on the planet, but he was also part owner of the finest horse in Rock of Gibraltar. But it all turned sour when the issue of stud rights came up, with the argument escalating to the boardroom and at one point seemingly threatening Ferguson's very position at the club. The two parties eventually came to a settlement, and Fergie's interest in horse racing has been distinctly lower profile ever since.

16 Appointing Steve McClaren - He might be far from convincing as England manager - but McClaren was fabulously successful as Fergie's No2 at Old Trafford. Recruited when Brian Kidd left to take charge of Blackburn in 1998, McClaren's first season saw United complete the treble. He went on to help them to two more titles in successive years before heading for Middlesbrough in 2001. The following season United failed to win the Premier League for the first time in three years.

15 Selling Stam - Whether it was his autobiography, injury record, form or the £16m Lazio were willing to pay for him, Stam's departure was a costly one for United. Not least because he was replaced with an immobile and ineffective Laurent Blanc. Without their rock at the back, United relinquished the title after three successive wins - finishing the 2001-2 season in third place and behind Liverpool for the only time since the Premier League began.

14 Eric Harrison - Fergie put his faith in Eric Harrison when deciding that a proper youth structure was the key to success.

As youth team coach Harrison played a pivotal role in the development of all Fergie's fledglings. From Giggs to Darren Fletcher and everyone in between, Harrison nurtured them through the early days.

13 Burying the hatchet with Schmeichel - The Great Dane looked to be on his way out of United in 1995 despite four outstanding years at the club. Ferguson had blamed Schmeichel's kicking for United's failure to hold on to a 3-0 lead at Anfield, prompting a furious bust-up. The keeper was all set to leave when the manager overheard him apologising to his team-mates, and decided to forget the incident. Schmeichel went on to win four more titles with United and captained their 1999 Champions' League victory in his final appearance for the club.

12 Standing by Cantona - The Frenchman's kung fu kick on a fan at Selhurst Park in 1995 led to furious calls for his departure. Ferguson, though, had other plans - going to great lengths to convince Cantona that he still had a future at Old Trafford. How right he was as Cantona came back to captain United's next generation to the double and back-to-back titles.

11 Keane fallout - Of all the players Ferguson has had to let go, the acrimonious departure of Keane was probably the most painful. After publicly slating his team-mates on MUTV, the fiery Irishman was given his marching orders. In truth he had been below his best for some time and his exit forced Ferguson to embrace the future - splashing out £18m on Michael Carrick.

10 Selling Beckham - No sooner than a flying boot struck the head of the then England captain, his departure from Old Trafford was inevitable.

Ronaldo's arrival cushioned the loss of the midfielder - but his absence still had a profound impact on United, who would take four years to win another Premier League title.

9 Signing Ryan Giggs - Giggs was connected with Manchester City when Fergie turned up on his doorstep with YTS forms for United. His high hopes for the Welshman led him to watch his youth games as a teenager, before heading off to prepare for first team matches later that day. Arguably the club's greatest ever servant - Giggs has been a pivotal part of each of the nine titles won under Ferguson.

8 Announcing retirement - When Ferguson revealed he was set to retire at the end of the 2001-2 season it was largely blamed for a rather limp defence of the title they'd dominated for the previous three seasons - with a number of players deemed to have coasted as they awaited his replacement.

7 Scrapping retirement plans - With Sven Goran Eriksson reputedly set to be announced as his successor, Ferguson shelved plans to step aside, instead promising to build a third great team at United. His decision was soon vindicated as he went on to win his eighth title at Old Trafford the next season.

6 Bringing through the kids - Fresh from missing out on the title to Blackburn and FA Cup to Everton in 95, Ferguson called time on his first great United side - selling off Paul Ince, Andrei Kanchelskis and Mark Hughes. In came youth academy graduates Beckham, Butt, Scholes and the Nevilles, prompting BBC television pundit, Alan Hansen, to assert: "You never win anything with kids." How wrong he was as United went on to win the double and those same kids proved the nucleus of the 1999 treble-winning side and beyond.

5 Selecting Robins - The FA Cup third round clash with Nottingham Forest 1990 looked every bit a must-win for Ferguson. With the national press already writing his obituary, defeat would surely have cost him his job, little over three years in the post. He opted to play a little-known prospect from the youth team called Mark Robins, who stooped to head the only goal of the match and set Ferguson on course for his first trophy at United and spark a flood of silverware.

4 Dropping Leighton - If Robins spared Ferguson the sack, his decision to drop Jim Leighton for the Cup Final replay against Crystal Palace, truly saved his job. Given that United ended the season just five points above the relegation zone, he needed tangible proof that he was building something at Old Trafford. His first piece of silverware provided that - but not without putting Jim Leighton's nose out of joint. The Scotland international's jittery performance in the 3-3 draw in the first match, led to Ferguson calling on loanee Les Sealey, who duly kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win.

3 Sending in the SAS - With 23 minutes remaining and United trailing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the 1999 European Cup final, Ferguson threw on Teddy Sheringham to try to turn the match. With nine minutes left and still no change, he sent for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. With only stoppage time remaining United were still behind to Mario Basler's sixth minute strike. By full-time both Sheringham and Solksjaer had scored to clinch the treble.

2 Taking a chance on Cantona - The Frenchman had been pivotal to Leeds edging United to the title in 1992 and his brilliance was beyond question. But he came with baggage and enfant terrible image that Howard Wilkinson couldn't tame. When Leeds made an approach for Denis Irwin in late 1992, Fergie countered with a cheeky request for Cantona. The rest is history.

1 Accepting the job - Surely the most pivotal of all, not just for Ferguson but Manchester United. He brought unprecedented success and returned to the summit of English football at a time of massive change for the national game. Ferguson had already reputedly gone close to taking a job at Tottenham, only to later change his mind. Had he not, the face of English football might be very different today.

[qbdp]

Ferguson: 21 best signings

In the second of our fourt part series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 years at Old Trafford, James Robson lists the Old Trafford boss's best signings.

21 Brian McClair, 1987-98, £850,000 - Not everyone's cup of tea, but whether as a striker, midfielder or coach, he was a consummate servant to the club.

20 Henrik Larsson, Jan-Feb 2007, loan - A surprise inclusion, but Larsson's role in United's title success last season should not be underestimated. Arriving at a time when they were down to the bare bones in attack, he was on the losing side only once in 13 games. Had he stayed for more longer, United may well have stayed the course in the Champions League as well.

19 Nemanja Vidic, 2006-present, £7m - The Serbian is in the early days of his United career, but has already made a big impression. Strong as an ox, he brings back memories of Steve Bruce in both his bravery and eye for goal.

18 Edwin Van der Sar 2005-present, undisclosed - Fergie has long struggled to find a replacement for Peter Schmeichel and Van der Sar is as close as he's come.

17 Dwight Yorke, 1998-2002, £12.6m - The most frustrating thing about Yorke is never knowing how good he could have been. At least United fans will always have the memories of his outstanding debut treble season.

16 Rio Ferdinand, 2002-present, £30m - Criticised for his laid-back approach, but Ferdinand is a classy defender and creator from the back. Helped United to the title in his first season at the club - and his suspension midway through the next campaign pulled the rug from under their defence of it.

15 Teddy Sheringham, 1997-2001, £3.5m - Aged 31, Eric Cantona announced his retirement in '97. Teddy Sheringham was the same age when signed as his replacement later that summer. Looking for medals to crown a hitherto commendable career, he left United four years later with three titles, an FA Cup and the Champions League. Job done.

14 Andy Cole, 1995-2001, £7m - The ex-Newcastle hitman was a constant focus of criticism, not least from former England manager Glenn Hoddle. But in six years at Old Trafford he won five titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League - scoring 121 goals in 275 appearances.

13 Jaap Stam, 1998-2001, £10.75m - Described as a colossus on skates, the Dutchman had power and pace - and was the bedrock of United's treble success in '99. Won the title in each of his three seasons at Old Trafford. Had he not been hastily sold in 2001, United might have gone on to be crowned champions for a fourth successive year.

12 Wayne Rooney, 2004-present, £27m - After missing out on Paul Gascoigne, the mercurial English talent of his generation, there was no way Ferguson was going to let another, Rooney, slip through his grasp. Fresh from an outstanding Euro 2004, the then Everton striker was the most sought-after young player in Europe when United splashed out £27m for his services. He responded by scoring a hat trick on his debut and becoming a pivotal figure for both club and country. Should be much higher up the list when he eventually calls time on his career.

11 Gary Pallister, 1989-1998, £2.3m - Ferguson was prepared to break the British transfer record for a defender when signing Pallister for £2.3m from Middlesbrough. Had a nightmare debut - 2-0 defeat to Norwich - but rarely put a foot wrong thereafter.

10 Cristiano Ronaldo, 2003-present, £12m - Signed as a replacement for David Beckham in 2003, Ronaldo announced himself with a dazzling cameo on his debut against Bolton. He has since matured into one of the best players in the world and fired United to their first title in four years last season.

9 Steve Bruce, 1987-1996, £800,000 - Ferguson was stunned that United had allowed Terry Butcher to leave Ipswich for Rangers when he took up the post in '86. Seeking a similarly selfless warrior for the heart of his defence, he settled on Norwich's Steve Bruce and never looked back.

8 Mark Hughes, 1988-1995, £1.8m - The Welshman was sold to Barcelona the season before Ferguson took the job at United, but he wasted little time in bringing him back to the club in 88. Hughes consistently scored outrageous and vital goals. His double against Crystal Palace in the '90 FA Cup final springs to mind, as do his strikes against Barcelona in the Cup Winners' Cup final and a last-gasp equaliser against Oldham in the '94 FA Cup semi.

7 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, 1996-2007, £1.5m - At £1.5m the baby-faced assassin was an absolute steal. So much more than a supersub, but he had an uncanny knack of coming off the bench to score vital goals. Not least the winner in the Champions League final.

6 Ruud van Nistelrooy, 2001-2006, £19m - Ferguson was prepared to wait for the deadly Dutchman to overcome knee-ligament damage - and how he was rewarded. Van Nistelrooy was the goal machine he had longed for throughout his time at Old Trafford. With 150 goals in 217 appearances, his record compares with United greats Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.

5 Denis Irwin, 1990-2002, £625,000 - The unassuming Irishman was virtually faultless at left-back for the best part of 10 years. Not bad considering he was right-footed. Perhaps the most consistent performer throughout Fergie's reign. He also possessed a mean free-kick with either foot.

4 Ryan Giggs, 1990-present, trainee - Technically a product the United youth system that also gave him David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, but Ferguson personally paid Giggs a house call to ensure he tied his future to the club when still a schoolboy. The Welshman has been the one constant throughout United's nine titles since then. Giggs has been peerless on the left for more than 15 years. Should go on to break Bobby Charlton's record of 759 Reds appearances.

3 Roy Keane, 1993-2005, £3.75m - The Irishman had big boots to fill when signed as a successor to Bryan Robson in '93, but he took that mantle in his stride. Incomparable in central midfield throughout the 90s, he was the heartbeat behind Ferguson's glory years.

2 Peter Schmeichel, 1991-1999, £550,000 - Schmeichel is not only United's greatest-ever goalkeeper, he might just be the finest keeper in the history of the game. The Great Dane cost only £550,000 when signed from Brondby in 91, which Fergie described as the "bargain of the century". Won every club honour going at United - captaining them to Champions League glory in his final appearance for the club.

1 Eric Cantona, 1992-1997, £1.2m - An obvious choice, but without him, who knows how long United would have been searching an elusive league title? Cantona was the crowning glory of a team Ferguson had been building since taking charge in 86 - and the catalyst to the success that followed. In four and a half seasons at United he won four titles and two doubles and inspired the golden generation of Giggs, Beckham and Scholes. Stature, majesty, charisma, he became a legend after joining from Leeds for £1.2m. Cheap at 10 times the price.

Fergie has made a few mistakes too...Massimo Taibi, 1999-2000 £4.5m - Fergie's success with goalkeepers has been mixed to say the least, but none flopped so badly as Taibi. Eric Djemba-Djemba, 2003-2005, £3.5m - The Cameroon international was seen as a potential successor to Roy Keane when he arrived. But not for long. Kleberson, 2003-2005, £5.93m - United spent the summer of 2003 chasing Ronaldinho, but ended up with his Brazilian compatriot Kleberson. Nationality was the only similarity they shared.

[qbdp]

Ferguson: 21 that got away

In the third of our four-part series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 years at the Old Trafford helm we look at the ones who got away.

The Reds boss has signed some gems in his time, but here is a selection of the players he missed out on.

21: John Hartson - Not a Ferguson target, but might well have ended up at United had Brian Kidd and Martin Edwards got their way. After Arsenal's slick football had seen them move into the ascendancy in 1998, the direct style of Hartson was deemed United's best response. Ferguson baulked at the suggestion - quashing the move, signing Dwight Yorke and winning the treble.

20: Jon Obi Mikel - United made the best part of £8m on the Nigerian who never played a single game for the club. But the £16m Chelsea paid to resolve the controversial midfielder's contract dispute might still end up looking a bargain.

19: David Ginola - Despite winning the title at a canter in 2000 and 2001, Ferguson thought Ginola - then nearing the twilight of his career at Tottenham - could add some guile to United in Europe.

18: Terry Butcher - Though Ferguson didn't try to sign him at United, one of the first questions he asked when arriving at Old Trafford in 86 was why the England defender had been allowed to leave Ipswich for Rangers earlier that year.

17: Laurent Blanc - The languid French defender eventually signed in 2001 - but at 36 he was a shadow of the player he'd been throughout his career. Ferguson tried and failed a number of times to get him at his peak, which explains why he was so desperate to bring him to Old Trafford even when he was so clearly past his best.

16: David Hirst - In 92 Hirst was as sought-after as Alan Shearer and one of the two strikers Ferguson had identified as being capable of firing United to the title. But whereas Southampton welcomed offers for Shearer, Sheffield Wednesday simply wouldn't budge over Hirst. Given his subsequent injuries, it's probably just as well.

15: Paolo Di Canio - With United's bid for a fourth successive title in 2002 faltering - Ferguson moved to freshen up his attack. He signed Diego Forlan, but thought controversial Italian Di Canio would give his side an extra dimension. His failure to offload Yorke, ultimately meant he had to shelve plans for the West Ham man.

14: Brian Laudrup - When Eric Cantona hung up his boots in 97, Laudrup was seen as the perfect replacement following his outstanding performances for Rangers. With the move south of the border all but sealed, the Dane decided stay in Scotland for another year, prompting United to turn their attentions to Teddy Sheringham.

13: Matt Le Tissier - The move that never was. The Southampton talisman's maverick abilities meant he was long seen as the natural successor to Eric Cantona, but ended up spending his entire career at the Dell.

12: Patrick Kluivert - After seeing Arsenal overtake United in 98, Ferguson set his sights on adding firepower. He targeted Yorke and Kluivert. In the end he had to settle for Yorke, whose partnership with Andy Cole spearheaded the treble success the following season.

11: Arjen Robben - The flying Dutchman's move to United was all but sealed midway through the 2003-4 season as Ferguson began building his latest generation at Old Trafford. But disputes over his price allowed Chelsea to steal in for the electric winger, who would go on to star in their title-winning campaign the following season.

10: Marcello Salas - After extensive scouting by Martin Ferguson in 97, United looked all set to move for the then unknown Chilean striker, who would be eligible to play in the second half of that season's Champions' League campaign. But with Cole and Sheringham filling their boots at the time and United looking set to win a third successive title at a canter, Ferguson could not justify the move to the Old Trafford board. Soon after the goals dried up, United limped out of Europe and relinquished the title to Arsenal to prompt a frantic summer search for a new hit man.

9: Mick Harford - Most United fans would hardly consider the lanky striker, who spent the best part of his career at Luton, much of a loss. But Ferguson believes he would have been the difference between winning and losing the title to Leeds in 92.

8: Stan Collymore - Midway through the 94-95 season Ferguson wanted to freshen up a strike force that had led United to back-to-back titles and identified Collymore (below) as the man. But when he tried to negotiate a deal with Nottingham Forest, Frank Clark refused to take his calls. He ended up moving on to his second choice, Andy Cole, who went on to score 121 goals for the club - winning eight major trophies.

7: Alan Shearer - Ferguson first tried to sign Shearer when he was a precocious goal scorer at Southampton in 92. Fresh from allowing Leeds to pip United to the title, he was looking for a prolific striker to play off Mark Hughes and Brian McClair. But deterred by Shearer's apparent preoccupation with money, the forward went on to sign for Blackburn for a British transfer record £3.6m. It turned out not to be such a loss with Cantona signing a few months later.

6: Peter Beardsley - Ferguson wanted to sign the Newcastle forward, who had once been at United on loan, when beginning his rebuilding of United in 87, but baulked at the £3m asking price. So it was understandable that he was so infuriated when Beardsley went to Liverpool for £1.9m that same year.

5: John Barnes - Then at Watford, Barnes was generally accepted as one of the country's finest talents. Ferguson though had already committed Jesper Olsen to a long-term deal and opted against pursuing his interest in the winger, who went on to become a pivotal part of Liverpool's title-winning sides of 88 and 90. He later admitted that was one of his greatest regrets.

4: Zinedine Zidane - Ferguson thought long and hard about making a move for the Gallic genius when he was a little-known playmaker at Bordeaux. But doubts about how to incorporate him in a team that already included Cantona convinced him to pass up the opportunity.

3: Ronaldinho - Having sold David Beckham to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003, Ferguson was looking for a new icon for his team and was determined to land the brilliant Brazilian Ronaldinho. But despite being at the front of the queue for the Paris St Germain playmaker, United somehow conspired to blow the deal, allowing Barcelona to snap him up and promptly return to the summit of European football.

2: Paul Gascoigne - Ferguson went on holiday in 88 believing he'd secured the signing of the most exciting English talent in recent memory. Relaxing by the hotel pool, a message over the tannoy told him he had a phone call. It was Martin Edwards. Gascoigne had just signed for Tottenham.

1: Alan Shearer - After being burned once over the England hit man, Ferguson was certain he'd get his man when going back in for Shearer in 96. The striker had starred at Euro 96, while United were on the back of their second double in three years. It looked like the perfect match. Shearer, though, threw a spanner in the works when signing for Newcastle for a world record £15m. United still went on to win the title.

[qbdp]

Fergie's 21 top triumphs

IN the fourth part of our series to celebrate Sir Alex Ferguson's 21 years at United.

87 Division One 1986/87, Liverpool 0-1 United: Trophies were hard to come by in Ferguson's early years at Old Trafford, so it was the chance to get one over the all-conquering Liverpool that filled United supporters with delight. As such, the first three entries in this list are against the old enemy, who Ferguson promised to "knock off them off their perch" when he made his way south of the border. And he struck an early blow when first taking United to Anfield with a 1-0 win on Boxing Day 1986.

88 Division One 1987/88, Liverpool 3-3 United: Gordon Strachan's mock cigar-smoking celebration will always be remembered after he sealed United's comeback at Anfield. With Liverpool on course for the title, they led 10-man United - who were second - 3-1. But Ferguson temporarily wiped the smile off Scouse faces by rescuing a point.

89 Division One 1988/89, United 3-1 Liverpool: The first sign of Fergie's fledglings - in particular Russell Beardsmore. In only his second full game, aged 19, the midfielder scored one and made two as United roared back from a goal down to beat the champions on New Year's Day.

90 FA Cup Final replay 1989/90, United 1-0 Crystal Palace: Hardly a classic. The first match was the thriller - a 3-3 draw with two goals from Mark Hughes earning United a replay. But it was Lee Martin's strike that would have the longer-term significance.

91 European Cup Winners' Cup Final 1990/91, United 2-1 Barcelona: Barcelona were strong favourites. But on a rainy night in Rotterdam, Ferguson gave a tantalising glimpse of his managerial genius. Hughes sealed his status as a United legend with two goals against his former club, though Ronald Keoman's free kick made for a nervy finish.

92 Rumbelows Cup Final 1991/92, United 1-0 Nottingham Forest: While United allowed Leeds to pip them to the title in 1992, Ferguson at least made it three successive years with silverware when Brian McClair's strike earned United the League Cup for the first time in their history.

93 Premier League 1992/93, United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Locked in a three-way battle for the title with Aston Villa and Norwich, United could ill afford to drop points at home to Wednesday when the two sides met in April - but they trailed to John Sheridan's 65th-minute penalty.

Steve Bruce equalised in the 86th minute, and then struck again in injury time to spark unbridled celebrations from Ferguson and Brian Kidd.

94 Premier League 1993/94, City 2-3 United: The reigning champions were second best in the first half at Maine Road, with two goals from Niall Quinn putting City in control. Then Eric Cantona sparked into life after the break - scoring two of his own, with Roy Keane getting the other for a memorable derby victory.

95 Premier League 1994/95, United 9-0 Ipswich: Andy Cole had made a stuttering start to his United career, having signed from Newcastle for £7m two months earlier. But he burst into life against Ipswich with five goals in this Old Trafford rout. Hughes also struck two, with Paul Ince and Keane getting the others.

96 Premier League 1995/96, Newcastle 0-1 United: Hardly a classic performance, but victory at runaway leaders Newcastle proved the catalyst to their second double in three seasons. After Peter Schmeichel repelled an early onslaught from the home side, Ferguson's young team secured the win thanks to Cantona's volley six minutes into the second half.

97 Charity Shield 1996/97, United 4-0 Newcastle: With Alan Shearer a £15m addition to a forward line that included Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla, David Ginola and Peter Beardsley, Newcastle were out to avenge the previous season's title failure. But Ferguson's side proved they were still England's top team, thanks to goals from Cantona, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Keane.

98 Champions League group stages 1997/98, United 3-2 Juventus: Having lost twice to Juve the previous year, United were keen to show they had learned their lessons in Europe. They fell behind in the opening minute to an Alessandro Del Piero goal. But United countered with strikes from Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes and a screamer from Ryan Giggs. Zinedine Zidane's last-minute consolation gave the scoreline a closer look than it deserved.

99 Champions League semi-final second leg 1998/99, Juventus 2-3 United: The treble-winning season provided enough great games to make up the majority of this list itself. But none epitomised the campaign like this clash in Turin. Trailing to two goals from Pippo Inzaghi inside 10 minutes, United had a mountain to climb. But galvanized by Keane, United reached the final thanks to goals from the Irishman, Dwight Yorke and Cole.

00 Premier League 1999/2000, United 7-1 West Ham: United had already beaten West Ham 4-2 earlier in the season and filled their boots again when the Hammers travelled to Old Trafford. Paolo Wanchope had the nerve to give the visitors the lead, which only served to stir the beast. A Scholes hat-trick along with goals from Denis Irwin, Cole, Beckham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer completed a rout.

01 Premier League 2000/01, United 6-1 Arsenal: United might not have had things all their own way in Europe, but this rout against Premier League runners-up Arsenal proved just how far ahead of the game they were on the domestic front. Yorke helped himself to a hat-trick after only 22 minutes, while goals from Keane and Solskjaer gave United a 5-1 lead by half time, before Sheringham compounded Arsene Wenger's misery in the last minute.

02 Premier League 2001/02, Tottenham 3-5 United: There was a huge Jaap Stam-shaped hole in United's defence when the Dutchman was off-loaded to Lazio at the beginning of the 2001-02 season. Tottenham took advantage when racing to a 3-0 first half lead against the champions. But while United would go on to relinquish the title for the first time in four years, they were still capable of moments of magic, such as the five goals they scored after the break to earn Ferguson one of his most improbable victories - Cole, Laurent Blanc, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Juan Veron and Beckham turning the game on its head.

03 Premier League 2002/03, Newcastle 2-6 United: Arsenal looked to have their second successive title in the bag when United kicked into life after Christmas in the 2002/03 season. Back-to-back games against Liverpool, Newcastle and the Gunners in April would make or break their title challenge. They beat Liverpool 4-0, drew 2-2 at Arsenal, but in between produced a display of consummate attacking football at St James' Park. Two goals from Scholes and strikes from Solskjaer and Giggs saw them take a 4-1 lead at half time. Scholes completed his hat-trick after the break with Van Nistelrooy adding a sixth.

04 FA Cup semi-final 2003/04, Arsenal 0-1 United: Rio Ferdinand's eight-month ban undermined United's title defence, while Arsenal went from strength to strength. Wenger's men looked capable of emulating Fergie's treble success in 1999 - until the two sides met in the FA Cup semi-finals. Despite being heavy underdogs, United showed a twitch of defiance, with Scholes' first-half strike taking them to the final, in which they beat Millwall.

05 Premier League 2004/05, Arsenal 2-4 United: With Chelsea emerging as the new force in the Premier League, this clash shouldn't have had the same intensity as previous United-Arsenal clashes. But clearly no one told the players. Keane and Patrick Vieira were inches away from coming to blows when lining up in the tunnel, and the fireworks truly flew when the match kicked off. Giggs' goal was sandwiched between strikes from Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp to give Arsenal the lead at the break. But United blew them away in the second half with two from Cristiano Ronaldo and another from John O'Shea.

06 Carling Cup Final 2005/06, United 4-0 Wigan: Three years and no titles, but Ferguson insisted he was building his third great team at United. The League Cup has rarely been high on the Scot's priorities, but victory in 2006 was evidence of progress. Wayne Rooney (2) and Ronaldo, who both scored, went on to be pivotal players in United's title success the following year. Louis Saha also scored while Van Nistelrooy was left out, signalling an end to his Old Trafford career.

07 Champions League quarter-final second leg 2006/07, United 7-1 Roma: Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, United supporters were bracing themselves for a tight, edgy re-match at Old Trafford. Any chance of that was blown away when Michael Carrick, Alan Smith and Rooney put Ferguson's men 3-0 up before the 20-minute mark. Two more from Ronaldo, another from Carrick and a seventh from Patrice Evra crowned one of United's finest Champions' League performances.

There's only ONE FERGIE!!!

[qbdp]

09/11/2007 15:16, Report by Gemma Thompson

ROONEY OUT FOR A MONTH

Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday.



Sigh...such things happen. Most important is not let the gap between ourselves and league leaders widen. If we maintain within this striking distance then we should be fine when Rooney, Barclays Player of Month for October, returns. ;)

There's only ONE UNITED!!!

[CibLover]

.....

ROONEY OUT FOR A MONTH

Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday........

WAYNE ROONEY injured his ankle after a freak training ground incident which saw him fall over a piece of equipment.

The Manchester United and England star — now ruled out for four weeks — was waiting by the side of the training pitch when he took a step back. He got his leg tangled in a metal piece of apparatus which the players use to run round.

Rooney, 22, fell to the ground holding his twisted ankle and immediately called for treatment. He was carried from the pitch and left the training ground on crutches for a scan on his ligament injury. The right ankle is twisted and badly bruised and United believe he will not play again for at least a month.

The injury also came on the day Rooney was named Barclays Player of the Month for October.

This is the second major injury set-back for Rooney this season.

He broke his metatarsal in the opening game of the season against Reading at home and missed the next five games. That was the same injury he suffered ahead of England’s World Cup campaign in Germany which he rushed back for.

As well as scoring for fun of late, Rooney was also forging a deadly strike partnership with Carlos Tevez.

Ironically, Ferguson had been boasting ahead of training that he now had the strongest and fittest squad he had been able to call on all season. He also said that French striker Louis Saha was going to have to satisfy himself with a role as a supersub against Blackburn.

Now Saha will go straight into the first team tomorrow.

================================================== =======

What a freak accident!!! Got tangled in a training apparatus.
Anyway, gotta see how Saha wanna repay the Gaffer's faith and patience with him. Actually IMHO, Saha's quite a good player. He's strong, quick and skillful. It's just that he's not had much luck with his injuries.

Let's see how he take this opportunity.

GLORY, GLORY MAN UTD!!!!!

[imom]

...Actually IMHO, Saha's quite a good player. He's strong, quick and skillful. It's just that he's not had much luck with his injuries...

Mr Balsa Wood better step up to the plate man. Looks like we gotta get used to not being spoiled with 4-goal romps for at least a month.

[yinyang]

..Now Saha will go straight into the first team tomorrow. ...What a freak accident!!! Let's see how he take this opportunity.

Blast, saw it also over CNA sport news. Miust ask soothsayer to pass him amulets to ward off suay luck. Just when his thingy with Tevez ben building up like a charm:( C'mon Saha, show us a thing or 2 ... oops, scram b4 his fan club patron comes in here again:p

[CibLover]

...C'mon Saha, show us a thing or 2 ... oops, scram b4 his fan club patron comes in here again.....

You mean the Chairman of Love Saha Club, our bro Mafan??? :rolleyes:
Oppss.... yeah, better scram first!!! :p

[qbdp]

Fergie purrs over current United crop

Confidence high as United title charge gathers pace Fergie purrs over current crop

Sir Alex Ferguson is not a man prone to exaggeration, so when he claims his current squad is the best of his 21-year Manchester United reign, we must be witnessing something special.

Arsenal may have been lauded this season for the flair and finesse of their football, but United have been equally formidable, prompting Fergie to hail the Class of 2007 as the best he has ever worked with.

That's some accolade, given that Fergie has assembled some of the finest teams to grace English football, from the imperious Double winners of 1994 to the unprecedented Treble-winning heroes of 1999.

The likes of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Peter Schmeichel, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are already assured of their place in United folklore because of their glittering achievements.

But in Fergie's eyes the current crop, led by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, and aided by old heads like Giggs and Paul Scholes, are worthy of being hailed the very best.

He said: "This is what I've been working towards. I don't like the shortterm fix. I prefer to see a pool of players emerge and develop into something special which, believe me, is happening.

"I had to get Carlos Queiroz to stop training the day before we played Arsenal, simply because it was too good. I wanted to make sure the players saved something for the game.

"There's the old cliche that players have got to win something to prove how good they are. But the signs are good. I enjoy watching this lot. They play with great enthusiasm and imagination, and we have individuals who can win games.

"There has always been great ability in our teams, but this one - since I took stock and brought in a new element - is maturing fast and I'm convinced the players are ready to deliver."

In a glittering managerial career spanning 34 years, Fergie has seen it all and won it all, including an extraordinary haul of 20 major trophies at Old Trafford.

But do the current United squad deserve to be hailed as his finest, particularly when many have just one league title to their names? And new arrivals Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson have yet to win their first trophy at the club.

Certainly, the central defensive partnership between Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is now being talked about with the same reverence as that of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, which proved so successful in the early 1990s.

The statistics back that up. This season United have conceded an average of one goal every other game, by far their best record since the Premier League was formed.

And United possess an embarrassment of riches going forward. Fergie's current crop average more points per game than the Double winners of 1994, the Treble winners of 1999 and the 2003 League champions.

"Talk comes cheap," he said. "But we've built a platform that, with a little bit of luck, will launch us on our way to capturing trophies this season."

[qbdp]

Fergie lands wonderkid

MANCHESTER United have won the race for Burnley's Ghanaian wonder kid John Cofie.

Sir Alex Ferguson has beaten off interest from Liverpool and Chelsea in agreeing a deal for the 14-year-old striker, who was spotted at a youth tournament in Germany.

Rafa Benitez was reportedly ready to spend £250,000 for Cofie, who refused to return to training at Turf Moor - but the Championship side opted to deal with United instead.

Cofie cannot sign professional terms at Old Trafford for another three years, but Ferguson was determined to get the German-born Ghanaian into his famed youth academy.

As part of the deal United will play Burnley in a friendly - as well as giving them a 25 percent sell-on clause and first refusal should the teenager go out on loan.

Burnley operational director Brendan Flood said: "The player was unwilling to come back to Burnley so we didn't have a choice in keeping him here.

"He was going to go to one of the clubs chasing his signature and in the end, we all felt that Manchester United was the right option.

"He has a good future ahead of him and hopefully we can try to keep youngsters of John's quality at the club in future."

[qbdp]

Giggs still has title hunger

RYAN Giggs feels the only way he will be able to really enjoy the remainder of his career is by maintaining the winning habit.

Now approaching his 34th birthday, Giggs has just signed a contract extension with Manchester United that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2009.

Already the most decorated player in Reds history, Giggs should now eclipse Sir Bobby Charlton as the man who has appeared most times for United as well.

And, while the Cardiff-born winger accepts it will be a memorable day when he equals Charlton's current best mark of 759 - he is currently 27 short - Giggs is more bothered about adding to his impressive medal haul.

"I was pleased to get the contract sorted because it means I can just get on with my football over the next 18 months or so," he said.

"Winning the Champions League again is definitely a big aim and it would be nice to win a 10th title. The main thing is just to enjoy my football but you only really do that when you are winning trophies."

Giggs has been reluctant to mention Charlton's record, dismissing it as an achievement he cannot even think about until he gets close.

However, with the landmark achievable before the current campaign reaches its conclusion, the thought has started to penetrate Giggs' mind.

"It will be a great personal honour," he said.

"To play so many games for the club you have supported all your life and pass the total of probably the greatest player the club has ever had would be brilliant.

Landmark

"It is something I don't really like talking about until it has happened but given that the landmark is getting close, it would be great to do it."

Giggs was singled out for special praise by Sir Alex Ferguson for his outstanding performance in yesterday's 2-0 win at Blackburn.

Ferguson took the opportunity to rest the Welshman from the midweek Champions League triumph over Dynamo Kiev and although Giggs only retired from international combat last summer, United already seem to be getting the benefit.

With most of his team-mates heading off for far-flung corners of Europe over the next fortnight, Giggs will remain at home, marking him out as one of the key men for United when they resume their title quest at Bolton on November 24.

"Sitting out the occasional match is something I have come to terms with," he said.

"At 33, you can't play every game but I should get the benefit towards the end of the season, when I hope to still be fresh and on top of my form.

"Getting these breaks and the odd rest doesn't just prolong your career, it keeps you fresh for the games you are involved in."

Yesterday's win was United's ninth in their last 10 league games.

Their only slip during that time came at Arsenal, courtesy of William Gallas' last-gasp leveller which prevented Ferguson's men stealing a march at the top of the Premier League.

Gut-wrenching

No-one at Old Trafford has denied what a gut-wrenching experience it was to lose a lead at the Emirates Stadium, although Giggs was not convinced by Arsenal's over-the-top celebrations.

"It seemed some of the Arsenal players thought they had won the game when the final whistle went," he said.

"I am not sure we would have celebrated like that if we had just drawn at home."

Instead, United will remain quietly focussed about the task in hand, namely accounting for Bolton, Fulham and Derby before tackling Liverpool in their next major test at Anfield on December 16.

With a place in the Champions League knock-out phase already secure two games ahead of schedule, life is looking good for United just now, although Giggs knows his demanding manager will ensure no-one eases off just yet.

"Sir Alex is enjoying it more than ever and he still has the same passion for winning without any doubt," he said.

"He still has the same hunger to win games and ensure his sides continue to play the Manchester United way.

[qbdp]

United fill the gaps

SIR Alex Ferguson is ensuring United's backbone has a long-term future with Patrice Evra, Wes Brown and Edwin Van der Sar being lined up for new contracts.

Last week the Reds secured central defender Nemanja Vidic on a new extended deal to keep him at the club until 2012.

Evra signed in the same transfer window as Vidic when he was bought from Monaco for £5m on a deal to 2009.

After a difficult start initially the French left back has also become a successful and popular member of the Reds squad and has even immersed himself in the history of the club by devouring books and DVDs on United's history.

He was brought in after Gabriel Heinze suffered his cruciate knee ligament injury in 2005 and then fought off the Argentinian's challenge. Evra is now going to be rewarded for his form and loyalty.

Wes Brown will reach a decade of senior service for the Reds next year and now appears to have warded off fears about his Old Trafford future.

Having been ousted by Vidic as Rio Ferdinand's regular centre back partner last season Brown was being targeted most keenly by Newcastle United last term and also Middlesbrough and Tottenham.

But the Longsight-born 28-year-old returned to a regular right back spot when Gary Neville injured his ankle ligaments last March and helped see the Reds through to the title.

This term he has continued to successfully deputise for the captain and has also been back in the England squad.

Brown's current deal ends next summer after signing on for four years in November 2004. Now he is set to renew his future and book in to keep himself at the club into his 30s.

Adding further to the deals for United's rearguard is expected to be a new one-year contract for goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar next month or soon into the New Year as his deal ends next summer also.

[chickenzip]

On today Strait Times, Home, Sport Section (16 Nov, 07)

Spurs manager, Ramos, revealed he intented to bring former spurs player Michael Carrick back to White Hart Lane, with a bid of $18 mil pound, the exact amt which Man United paid for Carrick 16 months ago.

[qbdp]

14 Nov 2007

Berbatov would be a hit at Old Trafford - ex-Spurs midfielder attempts to woo White Hart Lane striker ;)

Michael Carrick has claimed Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov would be a welcome addition to the Manchester United squad.

Berbatov's future has been the subject of widespread speculation since the summer, given he was strongly linked with The Red Devils in the previous transfer window.

Tottenham's poor run since the start of the season has done little to dampen the speculation and at times he has looked decidedly frustrated with his situation.

Berbatov recently stated he had no desire to move away from Tottenham, but former Spurs star Carrick has thrust the Bulgarian back into focus by claiming the forward would be a great addition to the Old Trafford ranks.

"Any world-class player who is going to bring something different to the club, you always welcome that whether it's Berbatov or whoever," said Carrick.

"He's a very good player. I've watched him quite a bit because he plays for my old club and I try to watch them whenever I can.

"He had a very good season last year and people are always going to link him with big clubs like Manchester United.

"As players here what you look for is a player coming in who can bring you something different, like Berbatov certainly would.

"I'm not saying he's better than what we've got because we've got the best around up front.

"But we would welcome any world-class players who can strengthen the squad and Berbtatov certainly would do that."


15 Nov 2007

Ramos ready to bring Carrick back to White Hart Lane for £18m :p

Tottenham coach Juande Ramos wants to bring Michael Carrick back to White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.

England midfielder Carrick is one of the players Ramos has targeted to provide the creative spark that the Spurs side are currently lacking to turn their season around.

The ex-Sevilla coach is prepared to pay Manchester United £18 million to resign the midfielder who left the club to move to Old Trafford just 16 months ago.

United, however, would stand to lose £600,000 having splashed out £18.6m for the former West Ham player's signature last July.

Carrick, who was overlooked by England coach Steve McClaren for the double-header of matches with Austria and Croatia, has held down a regular place in the United team this season.

That has been in no small part to Owen Hargreaves' current injury problems which has seen the former Bayern Munich midfielder forced to withdraw from England duty this week.

Carrick also faces competition from summer arrival Anderson this season, but the 26-year-old has welcomed the added pressure and has said he knows just how determined the young players are to land a first-team place at Old Trafford.

"It wasn't that long ago I was in the same position, trying to establish myself," he said.

"I have seen these boys in training for the last year or so and I know how much quality they have got.

"There is no better place to learn your trade than here. I am sure they will improve bundles just by having the opportunity to train with some of the lads we have here."

[qbdp]

Pique out to make his point

SPANISH youngster Gerard Pique is getting his reward for sticking with United.

And Michael Carrick, for one, believes he has made the right decision.

The young star has forced his way in from the fringes and a spell out on loan, to earn first-team recognition.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent the defender he lured from Barcelona back to Spain for a temporary season-long stretch at Real Zaragoza.

They wanted to keep him and earlier this month, it was revealed that Atletico Madrid had also attempted to prise the 20-year-old from Old Trafford. But for Pique the future is red.

"Zaragoza tried to sign me in the summer but I knew what the answer would be," Pique said.

"Since the first day I arrived, Sir Alex has showed me he has a lot of confidence in me and I'm trying to do my best to show him I can be part of this team. I can be a United player.

"He talks to you a lot - not only about football, but about everything in life.

"Elsewhere, there are other leaders. Rio Ferdinand talks a lot to you on the pitch and helps you out.

"Ryan Giggs is quiet but in the dressing room the power and the experience he has really comes out.

"It's important for players like me to be around someone like Ryan because the confidence he has in himself can pass on to you and it helps your game."

Carrick believes Pique - and other emerging United young guns such as Danny Simpson and Anderson - will be well served at Old Trafford.

"It wasn't that long ago I was in the same position, trying to establish myself," he said. "I have seen these boys in training for the last year or so and I know how much quality they have got.

"It is just a matter of being patient and making sure you show your potential when you do get the chance.

"There is no better place to learn your trade than here. I am sure they will improve bundles just by having the opportunity to train with some of the lads we have here."

Meanwhile, Pique's confidence will have rocketed after he was handed his first Champions League start against Dynamo Kiev, when he scored the opening goal.

"It was a big problem," he joked after his first strike in a Reds shirt. "I didn't know how to celebrate the goal!"

[x500]

We need a tall striker man ;)

[l3atu]

We need a tall striker man ;)

Can buy Crouch.... :D

[qbdp]

O'Shea set to sign

JOHN O’Shea is close to putting pen to paper on a new deal at Manchester United.

The versatile Irishman still has a year and a half left to run on his current contract – but is on the verge of tying up a new four-year deal at Old Trafford.

And he revealed he has no intention of leaving the club he’s been at since he was 17.

O’Shea said: “I have this season and the next on my current contract, but I am very close to signing a new deal that will keep me at United into my 30s.

“It is something I want to do. I want to stay here, everything is good and this is where I want to be. I have never looked to go elsewhere.”


Vidic poser for United

NEMANJA Vidic is at the centre of a delicate club versus country tug-of-war following the second postponement of Serbia's European Championship qualifier with Kazakhstan.

Continuing heavy snow in Belgrade meant the game, originally supposed to be played on Saturday, was again called off and re-arranged for next weekend at a venue and time that is still to be decided by UEFA.

With Serbia still having a chance, even if it is a very slim one, of reaching next summer's finals, Vidic's presence will no doubt be required by his country.

However, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would also like Vidic in his squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Bolton.

Much may depend on the outcome of Wednesday's matches as, if Portugal collect a point from their final game against Finland, or Serbia fail to overcome already-qualified Poland, they will be out, which may mean a United request to release Vidic will be looked upon rather more sympathetically.

[qbdp]

Glazer vows to back Fergie
American owners insist they remain committed to the club long-term

The Glazer family have reassured Manchester United supporters that they are committed to the club on a long-term basis.

Scepticism was rife when the Glazers took control at Old Trafford, with the Americans receiving a less than rapturous reception by large sections of the club's supporters.

The suggestion was that they were only investing for short-term gain but on the contrary, their regime thus far has seen Sir Alex Ferguson backed to the hilt.

An eye-catching summer of spending saw Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Carlos Tevez all lured to Manchester.

Joel Glazer admits that the atmosphere in and around the ground is infectious and he insists Ferguson will continue to receive his family's full support.

"Sir Alex Ferguson will be given all the resources to compete at the highest level possible," Glazer told the People.

"When you're around this club, the heritage, the history - when you're walking around Old Trafford, it's an incredible feeling.

"But with it comes a lot of responsibility and we take that very seriously.

"Manchester United are one of the few truly global sports teams in the world.

"We have a global fan base of around 140 million. It's the only club we were ever interested in."

Owen back for England

ENGLAND have received a further boost ahead of Wednesday's clash with Croatia - with the news that Owen Hargreaves is available.

The Manchester United midfielder was ruled out of Friday's 1-0 win against Austria following further problems with his knee.

Hargreaves has struggled with tendinitis all season and stayed back in Manchester while his international team-mates flew out for the friendly.

But will meet back up with Steve McClaren's squad for the crucial final Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

Darren Bent has also been called up after Michael Owen was ruled out with a thigh strain.

McClaren has told his players they must not blow the lifeline they've been given by Israel's 2-1 win against Russia.

England now need only a point to qualify and the manager said: "What is really important is that we get the job done on Wednesday night.

"I know we have made life difficult for ourselves by dropping points early on in the group - but we have played a lot better in the second half of the campaign, which is why I am convinced the players will do their job.

"It is back in our own hands now and we really need the whole country to get right behind the team over the next few days.

"We have to get the result on the pitch on Wednesday night, while we really want the fans to generate a really big Wembley atmosphere, just as they did against Russia."

[qbdp]

Modest Vidic in demand

NEMANJA Vidic cannot understand what all the fuss is about when United fans treat him as a cult hero.

In fact, the Serbian defender believes he is distinctly "average" as a footballer, and only gets by on application, determination and work-rate.

But United, who are still sweating on the big defender's availability for Saturday's trip to Bolton, clearly disagree, having recently handed the Serb a contract extension until 2012.

And the fans have taken his no-nonsense style to heart - something which puzzles the 26-year-old former Spartak Moscow player.

"In every game I give 100 per cent - maybe sometimes I have a bad day but I always try my best," he says. "I always want to win the ball and maybe fans recognise those things and like that about me.

"This is my game and it's how I've always played and how I'll continue to play. I'm not sure why they like me so much."

Vidic may be required for international duty this weekend after Serbia's scheduled Euro 2008 qualifying game with Kazakhstan was postponed.


Evra eyes new United deal

Manchester United ace Patrice Evra is keen to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

United are reportedly preparing a new contract for Evra to tie him down long-term.

Evra, who has a year-and-a-half to run on his current contract, has established himself as United's first-choice left back and is a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Ferguson is keen to secure his top stars on new long-term contracts and Evra is set to be rewarded for his fine form with an extension.

Evra's representative Federico Pastorello confirmed the France international would be happy to extend his stay at the champions.

"Patrice is under contract until 2009 and he is very happy at Manchester United,"

"He has a great relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson and he has a lot of respect for him.

"He would be happy to extend his stay as he enjoys playing with such great players and such a great club."

[qbdp]

Man Utd joy as Rooney makes rapid recovery

Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United and England striker, will return to club training at Carrington today just 11 days after damaging his ankle, according to sources within the England camp.

Rooney's quick recovery from an injury sustained playing head tennis comes too late for him to feature for England against Croatia tomorrow, although the popular forward will be present in the dressing-room before kick-off to help fire up Steve McClaren's side for a game they must at least draw to qualify for Euro 2008.

England's head coach has already contacted Rooney and invited him down to Wembley. McClaren is keen for his most important unavailable players, like the injured Rooney and John Terry, to gather as the squad make the final push towards Austria and Switzerland. It is all part of the united England feel McClaren seeks to foster.

United themselves will be delighted at the sight of Rooney training. When he suffered the injury on Nov 9, United predicted that Rooney would be out for four weeks. Depending on how his ankle reacts to training, he could be back in competitive action far more quickly than the initial prognosis.

It is a tribute to Rooney's determination and United's medical staff that he is back so swiftly. United's Premier League match with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday will be too soon for him, although he could feature in next Tuesday's Champions League Group F tie against Sporting Lisbon.

Sir Alex Ferguson's champions have played only one game in Rooney's absence, a Premier League victory over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

[qbdp]

Reds pinch Burnley wonder-kid

HE'S been described as the next Theo Walcott - yet he somehow wound up at Turf Moor instead of one of Europe's leading clubs.

He's a German-born Ghanaian - but has already represented England at youth level.

And he's a die-hard Liverpool supporter - but resisted the overtures of Rafa Benitez to sign for United.

The world of John Cofie is full of complexity and contradiction. But such is the 14-year-old's potential that Sir Alex Ferguson simply refused to let him slip through his grasp.

Cofie was virtually unknown to the public before Burnley's low-key announcement that they'd struck a deal with United.

Impact

But the impact was significantly felt at Liverpool and Chelsea, who had harboured hopes of stealing in ahead of Ferguson.

Benitez saw the young striker as the crowning glory to his development programme at Anfield, which has seen them win the FA Youth Cup for the past two years.

But Clarets' former manager Steve Cotterill expressed his anger at Liverpool's attempts to sign him on the cheap - believing the six footer to be worth far more than the Merseysiders' offer of £250,000.

The full details of the move to United remain uncertain, but Cofie cannot sign a professional contract until he is 17.

He is, however, expected to stay with the champions for at least six-years, which will see him beyond his schoolboy term and academy scholarship.

The compensation could be worth as much as £1.25m - though that figure has not been confirmed.

United have also agreed to a friendly with Burnley, a 25 per cent sell-on clause and have guaranteed the Championship side first refusal, if and when, Cofie goes out on loan.

For Fergie, the capture of the Liverpool fan whose heroes are Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, represents a real coup - particularly after missing out on some high-profile starlets in recent years.

Interest

Though the Reds' boss recruited the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney - Arsenal beat him to the signature of Walcott, Tottenham landed Gareth Bale, while Jon Obi Mikel controversially spurned United for Chelsea.

Fergie also had to fend off interest from Barcelona, as the teenager's lofty reputation is already known on the continent.

A prodigious athlete, his only competitive football came playing for army representative sides when his father was stationed in Germany.

It was originally thought he'd be a sprinter, recording times of around 11 seconds in the 100m in schools competitions.

But with Europe's top clubs circling once he moved to Burnley, it was clear his future lay in football.

He could make his United debut this week, playing for the U15s.

Cofie's family's legal representative, Tim Bailey of Beswick Sports, said there is no doubting his potential.

"We advise a lot of young players, but only a very small percentage make it," said Bailey. "Everybody agrees he's got something special. Being at a club like United will help him develop.

"They look after their players very well and that was a big factor in his parents making the decision."

[qbdp]

Reds play down Rooney hopes

UNITED have scotched reports that Wayne Rooney has returned to training.

Rooney suffered an ankle injury in a training-ground accident a fortnight ago and was immediately ruled out for four weeks by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

It was not expected the England forward would figure again for the Reds until the crunch Premier League visit to Liverpool on December 16.

However, reports emerged overnight that the 22-year-old had been given the green light to start training again - way ahead of schedule - and could even be involved in Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Bolton, where he scored a hat-trick last season.

The news has come as a surprise to United officials, who felt Rooney was still some way off a comeback.

Sources inside Old Trafford have confirmed Rooney is still undergoing treatment and has not resumed training.

It leaves Ferguson with the same striking conundrum for the Reebok Stadium visit - because Carlos Tevez is not due back from World Cup duty with Argentina until Friday morning, while Louis Saha's fitness has not exactly been something United have been able to rely upon this season.


Give me a break - Tevez

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has admitted his trip to South America for Argentina's World Cup qualifiers has tired him out.

The skilful attacker is not expected to return to England until Friday.

He helped his country to defeat Bolivia at home on Saturday and is currently in Colombia, where he will play a game at altitude in midweek.

Red Devils team-mate Wayne Rooney is still out injured so Tevez may have to play at the weekend against Bolton despite his tiredness.

“It has been very difficult to play under the Buenos Aires sun against Bolivia; it tired me a lot because now I am used to playing all the time under the rain in England,” Tevez declared during a press conference.

“Coming to Argentina and playing in such conditions killed me; I couldn’t put my feet up, honestly.

“I am just starting to recover. We are trying to rest to the maximum to recover energy.”

Tevez, who joined United from West Ham in the summer, is very happy at Old Trafford and does not regret his controversial move.

“I improve every day,” he said. “I learn from my team-mates and from the coach. It is a very nice experience.”


Tevez sees red!!! :D

UNITED striker Carlos Tevez was sent-off as Argentina suffered their first defeat of the World Cup qualifying campaign as Colombia fought back from a goal down to secure a 2-1 victory on Tuesday.

Tevez saw red after 24 minutes after clashing with Colombia defender Ruben Bustos before Lionel Messi's brilliant solo goal handed Argentina the lead 10 minutes later.

Bustos curled home a brilliant second half free-kick to level the match before Dairo Moreno converted Freddy Grisales' 82nd minute cross to maintain Colombia's unbeaten start to the campaign.

[qbdp]

£10m Veloso is United's next Portuguese target

Sir Alex Ferguson is strongly considering adding to the Portuguese contingent at Manchester United by making a transfer-window move for Miguel Veloso, Sporting Lisbon's impressive young midfielder.

Ferguson, taking the advice of his assistant Carlos Queiroz, has identified Veloso as the next potential star to emerge from the Sporting youth ranks that also produced Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani. Veloso, who has broken into the Portuguese national side at 21, has been the outstanding player in La Liga this season and it is a measure of United's interest that Ferguson's brother Martin, the club's chief scout, has been a virtual ever-present recently at the Estadio Jose Alvalade XI. United have been represented at six of Veloso's last seven matches.

Veloso is predominantly a holding midfielder, a position in which Ferguson is hardly short of players. Owen Hargreaves is a specialist, Michael Carrick and Anderson are both accomplished players in the position and Paul Scholes also has a deep-lying role. Ferguson has been slowly modifying his line-up to a 4-2-3-1 system and he has received glowing reports about Veloso's ability to break up opposition attacks. One scouting report from last season details how Veloso outshone Patrick Vieira when Sporting beat Internazionale in the Champions League.

His form has been so impressive that a clutch of other leading clubs, most notably Real Madrid, have also been monitoring him closely but United have a clear advantage because of their long-standing association with Sporting and it is thought there have already been informal talks. The official line from Sporting is that they do not want to sell their best players but the club are famous for developing outstanding youngsters and then selling them on and they have informed Veloso's representatives that they will not try to block a move if the money is right.

It would take a substantial bid to prise him away from Lisbon - potentially in the region of £10m - because Veloso agreed a six-year contract in January and the price could rise if, as expected, Madrid confirm their interest in the new year.

Veloso, a member of Benfica's youth academy before defecting to Sporting at the age of 14, comes from a famous sporting family - his father Antonio is a former Portugal international defender. He broke into the Sporting team last season and can also play at centre-half as well as left-back, something that will undoubtedly appeal to Ferguson now that Gabriel Heinze has left United.

With Mikaël Silvestre out with a serious knee injury, Patrice Evra is the solitary left-footed defender in Ferguson's squad. John O'Shea provides back-up but Ferguson is aware that this is the one part of his team where he is short of players. Veloso's performance will, therefore, be of acute interest when Sporting visit Old Trafford next Tuesday in the Champions League.

[qbdp]

Baptism of fire for Vidic

LITTLE wonder that the bruisers of the Premier League hold few fears for Nemanja Vidic, after he spent some of his childhood dodging bombs and bullets.

The 26-year-old Manchester United defender has revealed in an interview on the club's official website that his early years were scarred by the wars which ravaged the former Yugoslavia for a decade - just as he was trying to build a career for himself as a professional footballer.

The series of conflicts started in 1991 when Vidic was just nine years old, and reached their height in 1999 when NATO planes, including some from the Royal Air Force, bombed his home town of Uzice.

And Vidic says that football played a big part in keeping up morale when the shrapnel was flying and his town's bridges and official buildings were being reduced to rubble by the precision bombing campaign.

Scared

"Football was very important," he said. "Even while Serbia was being bombed, people were still playing football. Red Star Belgrade still had football matches and people were still going to watch the games, even though there was a war on. It was amazing!

"I remember when the bombing started and for the first month we were too scared to go out and play football because we didn't know what was happening. Nobody knew where the bombs would be.

"But after a month, people relaxed a little more and they realised the targets were military and government buildings, or bridges.

"So then we thought it was OK to go to the stadiums and play football - we knew they wouldn't bomb there. People still wanted to lead their lives and watch football."

And he says that the sport also offered the Serbs - heavily criticised for the war crimes of some of their leaders - a chance to present a human face to the world:

"In the 90s football was everything. It was the best way to show the world who we were. At the time, there were a lot of bad things happening in our country - there were murders, bombings, war - and it was important that Red Star Belgrade and the national team played well to counteract the negative propaganda.

"It was the best way to show that Serbians also love football and sporting events. Today, football is still the No 1 sport in Serbia and everybody wants to play for Red Star Belgrade or one of the top clubs in Europe.

"Football is a big part of life for the country's young people."

Trouble

Football was blamed for part of the problem - there is even a claim that a strife-torn match between Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb and Vidic's former club Red Star Belgrade in 1990 poured fuel on the flames of trouble.

"There was a big fight at the match - fans tore up seats, some got on to the pitch, even players were involved," said Vidic.

"I remember watching the match on TV and seeing Zvonimir Boban kick a policeman, which caused a lot of trouble.

"At that time, there was a very, very cold relationship between what is now Croatia and Serbia - but now I think most of the bad feelings have stopped and people realise going to war was not the right thing to do.

"I don't have a problem with Croatian people and I don't think they have a problem with Serbians. The 90s was just a very unstable time and politics went very, very wrong. I cannot speak for everyone on this, though. These events are bigger than me and they are bigger than football."

As well as playing football, Vidic and his friends found relief from his country's troubles by watching the game on the box - and says he can barely believe that players he watched as a kid, such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, now line up alongside him in a red shirt.

"I used to watch Giggsy and Scholesy and now I play with them every day. It's a great feeling. But now I realise Giggsy is just another person - a very professional player, but also just a person and a friend.

"Scholesy's a great player, too. He loves football and he loves having the ball at his feet. He takes a lot of enjoyment from playing passes, scoring goals and even making tackles."

Vidic hints, jokingly, that maybe he could teach Scholes a thing or two about tackling: "He goes in very strong, though, and is always very committed.

Proud

"Players such as Scholesy and Giggs are the kind of people young players need to watch and learn from. They've played at the very top level for so many years and won so many trophies. I think that's very admirable and people should learn to be more like those two. It's great for me to come to the club and learn from them.

Vidic is proud to represent his country, and that could cause United a problem on Saturday, if Serbia are still in with a chance of qualifying for Euro 2008.

Sir Alex Ferguson will have the final say on whether Vidic will be allowed to play in the qualifier against Kazakhstan, which was postponed last Saturday due to heavy snow in Belgrade, as the re-arranged game falls outside the agreed FIFA calendar window.

Fergie is likely to wait for the outcome of tonight's games between Serbia and Poland, and Finland and Portugal, before making a decision - a failure to win by Serbia, or a Portuguese point, would make Saturday's final group game academic and would see Vidic return.

[qbdp]

Tired Tevez gives Reds worry

CARLOS Tevez has given Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a striker headache ahead of Saturday's trip to Bolton.

The Argentina international revealed he has been left exhausted by travelling to South America for his country's World Cup qualifiers with Bolivia and Colombia this week.

The diminutive hitman is not due back in Manchester until tomorrow - just 24 hours before the Reds visit the Reebok Stadium.

And Tevez's comments will hardly be music to Fergie's ears after the champions moved quickly this week to dismiss reports Wayne Rooney was set to make a rapid recovery from the ankle injury he picked up in training before the international break.

Tevez and Louis Saha are United's only two fit senior strikers, but the Argentine admitted: "It has been very difficult to play under the Buenos Aires sun against Bolivia. It tired me a lot because now I am used to playing all the time under the rain in England.

"Coming to Argentina and playing in such conditions killed me. I couldn't put my feet up, honestly.

"I am just starting to recover. We are trying to rest to the maximum to recover energy."

Ferguson might at least be thankful that his player managed just 24 minutes before being sent-off against Colombia on Tuesday.

Tevez has begun to blossom at Old Trafford after making a tentative start to his United career.

The former West Ham man failed to score in his first six appearances following his controversial move in the summer, but since opening his account in the 2-0 win against Chelsea, he has begun to form a mouthwatering partnership with Rooney.

But Ferguson's lack of back-up shows why he continues to be inked with a January move for another hit-man.

The injured-ravaged Saha only been available in fits and starts, while Rooney has been sidelined twice already this season.

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer announcing his retirement in August, Fergie knows he could find himself short of options at the business end of the season.

He might be tempted to renew his interest in Tottenham's unsettled Dimitar Berbatov in the January transfer window or he could turn his attention to Ajax's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

On Saturday, United could rely on Saha as a lone front-man against Bolton, who are still to win under new manager Gary Megson.

The Frenchman has proven on numerous occasions he is arguably the best equipped at United to operate on his own, while there are other supporting options in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Ryan Giggs.

Tevez is likely to play some role ansd his progress is winning him fresh plaudits in his home country as well as in England.

Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta believes his countryman can go on to become a United great, saying: "Carlos is undoubtedly at a good club at a good moment in his career.

"He is still young. But he is already fantastic, has great talent and at United has a big chance to fulfil it."

[qbdp]

Giggs hails quality of squad

Winger heaps praise on summer signings

Ryan Giggs has hailed the talent within the Manchester United squad, praising the youngsters' enthusiasm.

United are currently second in the Premier League table, level on points with leaders Arsenal.

The champions have built on last season's side, with Sir Alex Ferguson bringing in Nani, Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez.

Nani, specifically, has made an impressive impact during his 16 appearances so far.

Giggs has heaped praise on the squad, explaining that training sessions are brimming with quality.

"When you come into training and you're up against young, quality players, it's a test every day," he said in the Daily Star.

"That only helps to bring your game on. There's so much enthusiasm amongst the lads and it's a great place to be at the moment.

"The new lads have all bedded in really well and very quickly, bringing something new to the team already this season.

"Nani, with his spectacular goals and celebrations, while Anderson has shown what a top player he is with some fantastic performances.

"We knew all about Owen's qualities and he's produced those every time he's played. And Carlos has brought that extra dimension to our attacking play.

"They've also added something different to the dressing room. They're all very enthusiastic and the team spirit is as good as ever."

[yinyang]

Bolton v Man Utd

Reebok Stadium
Saturday, 24 November
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
The 109th league meeting of these two Greater Manchester rivals could see United at the top of the table and Bolton still below the safety line at the final whistle.

No club has won more Premier League matches this season than Manchester United (nine), and no club has won fewer than Bolton (one).

Bolton have drawn four and lost one of five games since the appointment of Gary Megson, and are chasing a first win under the new manager against the tightest defence in the Premier League.

Manchester United are unbeaten in 10 league outings; Wanderers are pursuing a first win in 10.

The Trotters have conceded more Premier League goals to Manchester United than to any other club (40).

Bolton are making a ninth attempt to clinch a first ever home Premier League victory over Manchester United. They've not taken maximum points off the Red Devils in front of the home faithful since a 3-0 top flight triumph on 22 December 1978. A brace from Frank Worthington and an Alan Gowling goal decided the issue 29 years ago.

CLUB FORM
BOLTON WANDERERS

Club stats
Fixtures
Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 15th
Lowest could fall: 20th

1. One of only two clubs with just one Premier League victory; the other is Derby. Also, one of three clubs with just one home Premier League victory so far this season. The others are Middlesbrough and Derby. Reading are the only club to have left the Reebok without any points.

2. Not won in eight; drawn three and lost five league and cup games since beating Rabotnicki Kometa 1-0 in the Uefa Cup first round second leg at the Reebok on 4 October.

3. Drawn five of the last seven Premier League fixtures, including the last three against Aston Villa (h), West Ham (a) and Middlesbrough (h); it is the longest current sequence of draws in the highest league.

4. Won one of 19 Premier League outings; winless in nine, having picked up five points out of 27.

5. Eight points from the first 13 games equals their worst ever start to a Premier League season in 1995-96. That was their first taste of football in this league, which saw them finish bottom and suffer immediate relegation.

6. Averaging 0.62 points per game, having dropped 31 of the 39 available. Only Derby exceed that; 33 points dropped. Eight points were dropped from winning positions; losing to Fulham and Portsmouth - both away, and drawing, home to Aston Villa.

7. Yet to beat a top half club. Drawn two and lost four of their six fixtures against clubs currently in the top 10.

8. Won one of the last seven Premier League fixtures against north-west clubs; 1-3, away to Wigan on 7 April.

9. Need to score one goal to total 200 in home Premier League games all-time.

10. This match precedes Thursday's Uefa Cup Group F tie, home to Aris Salonica, and a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, 2 December.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Undefeated in nine; won eight and drawn one in all competitions, since the 0-2 home defeat by Coventry in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September; their only loss in 15 outings.

2. Dropped only two points from a last possible 30, since their only league defeat this term; 1-0, away to Manchester City on 19 August.

3. Kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League so far this season - more than any other club; seven of those have been in the last 10 matches.

4. Opened the scoring in an unrivalled 10 Premier League matches this season.

5. Heading the Premier League's "Last Six Current Form" table with 16 points out of 18.

6. Completed 53 league games since a loss by more than a single goal; 3-0, away to Chelsea on 29 April 2006.

7. Meanest defence in the Premier League with six goals conceded from 13 outings, at one every 195 minutes (three hours 15 minutes) on average. Liverpool have also let in just six, but from 12 matches, at one every 180 minutes (three hours).

8. Yet to lose to a lower half club; won five and drawn one of their six fixtures against clubs in the bottom 10.

9. Unbeaten in four league games on the road (three wins, one draw), and already returned from Everton, Birmingham and Aston Villa with maximum points.

10. This match precedes Tuesday's Champions League Group F tie, home to Sporting.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
BOLTON WANDERERS

Nicolas ANELKA is Bolton's leading scorer with seven goals, including six of the clubs 11 in the Premier League.

Kevin DAVIES is a hat-trick shy of 100 club career goals (Chesterfield, Southampton, Blackburn, Millwall and Bolton).

Jussi JAASKALAINEN is the only player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Bolton's Premier League matches this season.

Gary SPEED, the only player to have netted in every Premier League season, is a double shy of 100 career league goals (Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton).

If selected:-

SPEED will be extending his record breaking number of Premier League appearances to 533.

DAVIES will be making his 150th league appearance for Bolton.

Kevin NOLAN will be making his 300th club career appearance - all for Bolton.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Wayne ROONEY, who's currently injured, has scored five Premier League goals against Bolton - all five were netted last season.

Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer this season with 10 goals, and leading Premier League marksman with six.

Ryan GIGGS is one short of 100 career league goals.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

When he returns from injury and next plays from the outset, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

HEAD TO HEAD
Wayne Rooney celebrated his 21st birthday earlier in the week, by completing a hat-trick in last season's 0-4 triumph over Bolton in this identical fixture last season.

United scored eight goals against the Trotters last term.

Although they are yet to defeat the Red Devils on home territory, Bolton have recorded two Premier League victories at Old Trafford: 1-2, on 20 October 2001 and 0-1, on 11 September 2002.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Bolton 40 wins, Man United 44, Draws 24
Prem: Bolton 2 wins, Man United 10, Draws 4

at Bolton only
League (inc PL): Bolton 24 wins, Man United 16, Draws 14
Prem: Bolton 0 wins, Man United 5, Draws 3


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Manchester United
28 October 2006 - Ref: Rob Styles
Man United scorers: Rooney 10, 16, Ronaldo 82, Rooney 89

REFEREE
Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

[qbdp]

Man Utd prepare for Wayne Rooney return

Wayne Rooney has been pencilled in to make his Manchester United comeback against Fulham on Dec 3.

Rooney suffered an ankle injury in training at Carrington a fortnight ago and was initially ruled out for a month.

However, while Sir Alex Ferguson denied reports his 22-year-old striker had already returned to training, he did confirm Rooney should be fit to face Fulham a week on Monday.

"Wayne did some light running yesterday and is doing well. He won't be fit for the match against Bolton tomorrow or Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday but he should be fine for Fulham," Ferguson said.

Ferguson confirmed skipper Gary Neville will make an appearance for the Red Devils' second string next week as he steps up his battle back from a series of muscular problems.

However, Carlos Tevez is fit to face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium, with Ferguson rejecting reports from Argentina that the forward was 'feeling tired'.

Apart from long-term injury victims Paul Scholes, Park Ji-sung, Mikael Silvestre and Ben Foster (all knee) Ferguson's only doubt for tomorrow is defender Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbian has been released from international duty but picked up a knock against Poland which could see Wes Brown start at centre-half alongside Rio Ferdinand.


O'Shea signs new United deal
Ireland international earns new contract

John O'Shea has signed a new contract at Manchester United that will see him stay at Old Trafford until 2012.

The versatile Republic of Ireland international has proved to be an integral member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad and has been rewarded with a three-year extension to his current deal.

O'Shea, who can operate in midfield or defence, has set his sights on bringing yet more silverware to the Premier League champions.

He told the club's official website: "I'm really pleased to be extending my contract with the champions. I have been at the club since the age of 17 and it is a dream come true to play for such a great club.

"I hope to play my part in bringing more trophies to the club and to continuing the success with this young, exciting team. I would like to thank the boss, the staff and the fans for their continued support."

Ferguson added: "John has developed in his years here at the club and is now regarded as one of the more experienced players.

"He has proved through his personality and professionalism he is an outstanding credit to the club and I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

[dc7176]

Man Utd 2-1 Sporting Lisbon: Late Ronaldo stunner
Reuters


Cristiano Ronaldo saved the best until last to down his old club for the second time this season and secure a top seeding in the Champions League knock-out phase for Manchester United.


http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/JonMC/November2007/ronaldo-275.jpg
Ronaldo and Anderson celebrate the Portuguese's late free-kick.


After his one-man mission to inflict more damage on Sporting Lisbon appeared certain to end in frustration, Ronaldo stepped up to drive home a 25-yard free-kick in the second minute of stoppage time.


The Portuguese outfit must be sick of the sight of the man they nurtured through his formative years.


It was Ronaldo who settled the previous meeting between the sides in September and his sixth goal of United's European campaign will offer Sir Alex Ferguson some much-needed breathing space in his team selection for the final 'dead-rubber' against also-qualified AS Roma in a fortnight.


Given the potentially explosive trip to the Stadio Olimpico comes just five days before a blockbuster Premier League encounter with Liverpool at Anfield, Ferguson wanted his side's Champions League status wrapped up.


The Scot looked like being frustrated, having only Carlos Tevez's leveller to show for their second half efforts after a woeful opening period saw Abel put the visitors in front and had them threatening what would have only been United's eighth home defeat in European competition.


Instead, Ronaldo produced a touch of class when it mattered and not surprisingly, Tomasz Kuszczak was the first one to congratulate him at the final whistle.


Kuszczak's blunder may not be dissected in quite the same manner as Scott Carson's inexplicable failure to keep out Niko Kranjcar's speculative shot at Wembley last week but if anything, the ramifications could be more serious, for the player at least.


Regular number one Edwin van der Sar is close to signing a one-year contract extension and England international Ben Foster has advanced sufficiently in his recovery from cruciate knee ligament surgery to at least be present on United's training ground, even if a first-team appearance is not expected until March.


However, with United out of the Carling Cup and needing to make up points on Arsenal in the Premier League, there is not that much room for experimentation


So, with every opportunity counting for the Poland star, it is little wonder he was left shaking his head in despair as he reflected on his mistake.


Abel deserves plenty of credit for the way he spotted the opening, then curled a superb shot in at the near post with the outside of his left foot from the right touchline.


However, Kuszczak could not escape blame, for it was his blatant anticipation of a cross which provided Abel with the space to finish.


Prior to the goal, the game had been memorable only for the appearance of a rodent sniffing around the Old Trafford pitch.


Abel's effort should have freshened United up, instead they just shrank into their shell and were fortunate Sporting did not double their advantage as Liedson was probably just onside when he was flagged off after turning home Anderson Polga's through ball.


Even Ronaldo became becalmed against his old club after previously appearing to be on a one-man scoring mission, darting through the visitors' defence on three occasions, without finding the finish.


Neither could Louis Saha get a decent connection on his shot when Ronaldo set him up with an impudent back-heeled through ball.


Just as at Bolton on Saturday, too many red shirts operated way below optimum levels and Ferguson must be concerned at the stuttering manner in which side have returned from their international break.


The United boss made his feelings on the first half debacle clear by introducing Ryan Giggs, who celebrates his 34th birthday on Thursday, and Tevez at the interval.


Tevez had the major impact, although United had to wait for their equaliser. Saha, who had an evening to forget, spurned a glorious chance when he delayed far too long after being set up by Ronaldo, while Nemanja Vidic nodded Giggs' corner wide.


The breakthrough eventually came thanks to Patrice Evra's scampering left-wing burst. Tevez knew little about it as Ronaldo's mis-hit shot from Saha's lay-off arrived at his feet but a firm deflection off the South American was enough to see United level.


Miguel Veloso, apparently a Red Devils transfer target, would have impressed most observers with an effective midfield display.


The Portugal international might even have capped his night with a goal too, only for his 20-yard strike to whistle just over.


The unedifying sight of Evra being booked for a blatant dive was not one which would appeal to Ferguson's sporting instincts but in the end Ronaldo gave the home fans something more palatable to remember.

[dc7176]

Ferguson relieved to claim top spot

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was relieved to see his Jekyll and Hyde team clinch top spot in their Champions League group with a narrow 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo's injury-time rocket of a free-kick against his former club won the match for the Red Devils, who improved markedly after the break following a dismal opening period.

The win made it nine straight home victories in the competition and continued their perfect record in Group F.

It also clinched top spot and, perhaps most importantly in the context of their season, made next month's final game at Roma a dead rubber.

With a visit to arch-rivals Liverpool to follow just four days later in the Barclays Premier League, it means he can send out a virtual second string against the Italians to ensure his men are ready for Anfield.

'It is important in the sense that when we go to Rome I will be able to use all my squad,' Ferguson said. 'One or two might not travel because there's an important game coming up against Liverpool.

'But we'll still play a team we hope can win the match.'

Ferguson was also left to wonder at Ronaldo's winner - barely deserved given United's stuttering display.

'It was a marvellous strike,' he said. 'He's done it before, he works very hard at that but it was a truly exceptional goal.

'I think that he always wants to do well against his old club because he owes a lot to Sporting Lisbon - they found him as a boy, he respects that and has great admiration for the club.'

Ferguson added: 'We just marginally won it. We were not a great deal better but increased our game in the second half, more speed and tempo, and managed to just edge it.'

It had seemed an unlikely victory at half-time after a woefully out-of-sorts United lurched into the break a goal down.

Tomasz Kuszczak, brought in for the rested Edwin van der Sar, did himself no favours by allowing Abel's cross-shot from only a couple of yards inside the right touchline to beat him at the near post in the 21st minute.

Liedson had a second ruled out harshly for offside soon afterwards, but it was Ferguson's introduction of Carlos Tevez at the interval which swung the match back in United's favour.

The Argentina striker poked home an equaliser on the hour mark as United belatedly found their feet, before Ronaldo's injury-time belter settled matters at the last.

Sporting manager Paulo Bento admitted his side had struggled to deal with United's second-half onslaught - and then admitted he fully expects to sell midfield instigator Miguel Veloso to the Red Devils, or another European giant, at the end of the season.

'I'm sure we are going to lose him because, taking into account the names of teams we are hearing about, we have no worries about losing him.'

[dc7176]

Ronaldo, Anderson back Veloso for Man Utd


Manchester United midfielder Anderson has told Sporting Lisbon's Miguel Veloso will be very welcome at Old Trafford.

After last night's 2-1 Champions League victory, Anderson said: "Veloso is a great player, the world knows that. Coming to Manchester, he will be well received. Everyone will help him reach his best here."

The Brazil international added: "My adjustment to English football has gone well. We're winning - and that obviously helps."

United ace Cristiano Ronaldo also said: "Manchester United always has it's doors open to great players. Veloso is a great player."

[dc7176]

Ronaldo tells Man Utd: Don't forget Moutinho

Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted of their interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Moutinho.

Asked about United's interest in Miguel Veloso, Ronaldo replied: "He's a great player. But so is Moutinho and Manchester United are always interested in great players."

On last night's 2-1 win, Ronaldo added: "In the first game, in Alvalade, I scored and now I've scored again. It hurts a little to score against your old team, but I'm a footballer and this is my job.

"Sporting were very good in the first-half, United were a bit too relaxed. But in the second 45 we dominated and were worthy winners.

"I think if it wasn't facing Manchester United, Sporting would have won tonight."

[dc7176]

Sporting Lisbon chairman angry with Man Utd's Queiroz over Veloso comments


Sporting Lisbon chairman Soares Franco has hit out at Manchester United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz for confirming their interest in Miguel Veloso before last night's 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
"It was ethically highly reprehensible," said Franco. "I was disappointed that Carlos Queiroz would talk directly about Miguel Veloso. He should know the player is fully dedicated to Sporting and will remain our player."


Veloso favours Man Utd move

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso admits he favours a move to Manchester United if he must leave his Portuguese club.
Veloso said: "It's normal that I want to progress and even more so as I am young.

"If a great offer came from England it would be impossible to turn it down, but for now my head is 100 per cent focused on Sporting.

"Yet I'm not going to hide the fact that playing alongside Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Nani is one of my dreams."

Reports suggest a deal could be done as early as January, with the player valued at around £17 million.

[dc7176]

Kanchelskis: Man Utd will be too strong for Arsenal


Manchester United legend Andrei Kanchelskis has backed his old club to beat Arsenal for the Premiership title this season.

He said: "I've watched United on television this season, and they've been doing very well," Kanchelskis said. "They lost at Bolton, and they've got a lot of injuries at the moment, but they've still got a good chance of winning the league.

"Of course, it will be difficult, because Arsenal are a very good team, with quality all the way through. But when United played at The Emirates earlier this month, they should have won the game.

"I think it will come down to a straight fight between United and Arsenal. And in that fight, I would say that United have a very good chance of winning.

"But I don't think Chelsea will be serious contenders this season. After losing Jose Mourinho and bringing in a new coach, they are going through a transitional stage. For me, they have left themselves with too much to do."

On comparisons with United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, Kanchelskis told the Manchester Evening News: "I'm just an ex-player, that's a question you would need to put to a coach. What I will say is that Cristiano Ronaldo is now a much, much better player than he was when he first arrived, because he has learned to play for the team.

"During his first season, he seemed to be playing for himself too much; there were too many tricks. Football is about 11 players, not one.

"But now he has developed as a player, and you can see the effect he has on the field for United."

[dc7176]

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/PH2/Abel(R)MiguelVeloso.jpg

RUDE AWAKENING FOR UNITED
Sporting Lisbon took a shock lead against Manchester United in Tuesday's Champions League fixtures through scorer Abel (R), celebrating here with possible United transfer target, Miguel Veloso.

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/PH2/tevez1128.jpg
BACK IN THE GAME
Carlos Tevez celebrates scoring the equaliser at Old Trafford in the Group F game over the Portuguese side who needed a win to have any chance of progressing to the last 16.

[dc7176]

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/PH2/Ronaldo1128.jpg

RONALDO TO THE RESCUE
Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a superb freekick in the 90th minute to give United a 2-1 win. It was the second time in two games against Sporting Lisbon that he had scored against his old club.

The GOALS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je5_2q4URqo)

[qbdp]

Ronaldo happy to take King Eric's crown

After attracting comparisons with Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo has stated it is an honour to even be placed in the same bracket as the Manchester United legend.

Ronaldo’s celebration after striking a superb late free-kick against Sporting on Tuesday brought to mind the swaggering arrogance of Cantona at his best as Sir Alex Ferguson’s new attacking talisman brought Old Trafford to its feet.

In much the same way that United’s fans idolised Cantona despite some controversial moments, Old Trafford has also been a pillar of strength for Ronaldo despite him being made public enemy number one after England’s 2006 World Cup exit.

The reigning Footballer of the Year has now claimed nine goals in his last eight games and admits he is revelling in the comparison with the legendary Frenchman.

“It’s great to be compared with a player of Cantona’s reputation because he was so important for United,” said Ronaldo.

“Cantona was a great player, a fantastic player. I’ve seen tapes of him playing for United in the past and I enjoy watching him a lot because he was such a fantastic footballer.

"He’s a great guy and I enjoyed meeting him. I know what he meant to United and what he helped achieve in his time at the club.

“I’m a big fan of Cantona, not just because of what he achieved as a player, but because of the person he is.

“He always speaks well about the United team and the players. It is an honour to be talked about alongside him.

“But every player is different. Cantona had a different style to me, I have a different style to him. But it’s great to be compared with him. Things like that give me extra motivation to work hard and become a better player.”

[qbdp]

Carrick's Euro warning

MICHAEL Carrick has warned that United's Euro challenge won't begin in earnest until February.

The Reds will know the strength of their Champions League knockout stage task on December 21 when the draw is made for the next round.

But having finished top of Group F, the Premiership champions have at least manoeuvred their way clear of some of the biggest guns in the tournament.

A 100 per cent record so far in the opening five fixtures has installed United as second favourites behind 2006 winners Barcelona.

However, Carrick insists that the possible road to Moscow in May is going to be full of examinations for the Reds.

"A 100 per cent record is something to be proud of. We set out to top the group and we have managed to achieve that," said the midfielder.

"We have done a little part of the job but the biggest tests are still to come. The hard work starts in the spring.

"The job has been done so far but we will see how the draw goes. We will have to be at our best when the competition starts again after Christmas. Winning is such a nice habit to get into. We have managed to do that of late. We had a bit of a blip on Saturday at Bolton but that happens.

"We had that last season. It is how you bounce back. We have managed to bounce back with a win against Sporting and hopefully we can carry it on."

United had to endure a below-par first half and going a goal down before managing to overturn Lisbon's lead with goals from Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It was a strange game. The first-half was tough. It wasn't quite happening for us. But that happens sometimes," added Carrick.

"Thankfully, we created enough chances to win the game in the second-half.

"It looked like it was going to end in a draw. We really wanted to win the game, finish top and put the group to bed. It was just a little bit frustrating. I thought we did enough to win. We just left it late."

[dc7176]

Man Utd long-term concerns over Neville, Brown

Manchester United are concerned over Gary Neville's fitness problems.

Neville was again withdrawn from last night's reserve-team game against Sunderland, though he is training with the first team squad.

The Times says Neville's problems are a cause for concern in the long term for United, particularly as Wes Brown, his stand-in, has yet to agree a new contract. Brown's present deal expires at the end of the season and, in theory, he would be free to sign a precontract agreement with an overseas club from January 1 if nothing has been agreed.

United maintain that this will not happen and are aware that the defender wants to stay, but sources at the club have indicated that the parties remain some way off an agreement.

[alex18122003]

Rooney poised to tackle Cottagers

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to return to the Red Devils side for Monday's televised Old Trafford clash with Fulham.Rooney has missed three games, plus two England internationals, since suffering a freak ankle injury in training but should resume his productive partnership with Carlos Tevez as United look to atone for last week's surprising defeat at Bolton.

Sir Alex Ferguson reports no fresh injury concerns from the midweek win over Sporting Lisbon so Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Edwin van der Sar and Wes Brown are among those set for recalls.

Kick-off is at 8pm.

United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, Pique, Simpson, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Tevez, Rooney, Saha.

[yinyang]

As all our big competition won over the weekend, we gotta WIN this 1..:D

Man Utd v Fulham

Old Trafford
Monday, 3 December
Kick-off: 2000 GMT

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to return to face Fulham after recovering from his ankle injury.

Rooney will link up with Carlos Tevez up front and United could give recalls to Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Edwin van der Sar and Wes Brown too.

Fulham full-back Moritz Volz will not play despite a reserve outing after his shoulder, groin and foot problems.

Phillipe Christanval, Kasey Keller, Lee Cook, Ian Pearce, Brian McBride, Simon Elliot and Jimmy Bullard are also out.

Rooney hands United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a major boost after they slipped up with a 1-0 defeat at Bolton last weekend in the Premier League.

The England striker has missed three United matches and two England games since suffering the freak injury in training.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, Pique, Simpson, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Tevez, Rooney, Saha.

Fulham (from): Niemi, Warner, Baird, Omozusi, Hughes, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Konchesky, Davies, Davis, Murphy, Dempsey, Kamara, Kuqi, Healy, Bouazza, Smertin, Leijer, Seol, Volz.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"Wayne has been training with the first team and has a few extra days to prepare, so I think he will be ready. He won't need any encouragement to play that is for sure.
"His endurance work is fine and his fitness levels are good. He has not even been out for a month so I wouldn't imagine it will take him a long time to get his rhythm."

"You do miss these players. You cope but you still miss them. Wayne was on a good run of form before he got injured and hopefully he can continue it."

Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez:
"It's the biggest ground in the country, they are the champions, and the quality of the players on show is terrific. It's a great challenge, I'm looking forward to it.
"I was lucky enough as a player to walk out of there a couple of times as a winner, so I know what it's like.

"Taking my team back there , my first time as a Premier League manager, I'm looking for us to have a go."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United defend their unbeaten home Premier League record against a Fulham side still searching for a first away win.

United have lost just two Premier League fixtures this season; Fulham have won two.

Prior to securing top spot in their group in the Champions League on Tuesday, United lost 1-0 away to Bolton. They have not suffered back-to-back defeats in 95 Premier League fixtures since April 2005.

The Red Devils are pursuing a seventh home League win on the bounce against the Premier League draw specialists in Fulham, who've finished all square on seven occasions.

Fulham made their Premier League debut at Old Trafford in August 2001. They twice led the defending champions but eventually succumbed by the odd goal in five, and have only managed to arrest maximum points from the Red Devils once in 11 subsequent attempts.

CLUB FORM
MANCHESTER UNITED

Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Last weekend's 1-0 loss at Bolton ended a 10-match unbeaten sequence in the Premier League.

2. Last lost successive league games on 9 and 20 April 2005, away to Norwich and Everton.

3. Failed to score in one of the last 11 in all competitions (v Bolton).

4. Conceded just seven Premier League goals in 14 outings; that's one every three hours. Only Liverpool have shipped fewer - six.

5. Opened the scoring in an unrivalled 10 Premier League matches this season, eight of which were won and two drawn.

6. Won the last six in league and cup at home, since losing 0-2 to Coventry in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September.

7. One of six Premier League clubs still holding an unbeaten home record.

8. Won the last six Premier League matches at Old Trafford against Tottenham, Sunderland, Chelsea, Wigan, Middlesbrough and Blackburn, keeping clean sheets in five of them.

9. Conceded only one home goal in this Premier League season (v Middlesbrough); the best home defensive record in the highest league.

10. Three pre-Christmas Premier League fixtures remain; against Derby (h), Liverpool (a) and Everton (h).

FULHAM

Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Won one of 11 in all competitions.

2. Won four of 31 Premier League matches in 2007 - one of the last 12; 3-1 against Reading on 3 November.

3. Won three of 19 league matches under Lawrie Sanchez.

4. The current tally of 13 points after 14 matches is their lowest ever to this stage of a Premier League campaign.

5. Still the strongest first-half club in the Premier League, leading in seven and drawing in six of their 14 games at the break.

6. Cannot close out games. Lost the lead eight times in league matches this season and beaten in an unequalled three games in which they held the lead; against Arsenal (a), Middlesbrough (h) and Aston Villa (a). Dropped an unparalleled 17 Premier League points from winning positions.

7. Yet to beat a top-half club. Drawn three and lost four of their seven fixtures against clubs currently in the top 10.

8. Drawn 50% of their league games; seven of 14.

9. The highest placed of seven clubs still without an away win in the Premier League. On the longest current streak of 23 matches without an away victory, picking up 11 points from a possible 69 since the 1-2 defeat of Newcastle at St James' Park on 9 September last year. Won two of the last 44 league games away from Craven Cottage.

10. This is the first of back-to-back league fixtures in the north-west; must visit Everton after this, before pre-Christmas home clashes with Newcastle and Wigan.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED

Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer this season with 11 goals (netted in his last 12 appearances).

RONALDO is also the leading Premier League marksman with six.

The Portugal World Cup star has scored five Premier League goals against Fulham; four in three appearances against them.

Ryan GIGGS is one short of 100 career league goals.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

Edwin VAN DER SAR will be keeping goal against his former club. The 37 year old Holland international made 154 appearances (127 in the league) for Fulham from August 2001, before signing for United in June 2005.

Louis SAHA will be facing a former club. The 29 year old France international made 143 appearances (117 in the league) and scored 63 goals (53 league) for the Cottagers between June 2000 to his £12.8m move to Old Trafford in January 2004.

If on the field from the outset:-

When he returns from injury and next plays from the outset, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

FULHAM

Clint DEMPSEY and David HEALY are Fulham's joint top scorers with four goals each; only DEMPSEY'S are all Premier League goals.

If selected:-
HEALY will be facing a former club. The 28 year old Northern Ireland international was a Manchester United trainee, making three appearances before joining Preston for £1.5m in December 2000.

Diomansy KAMARA will be making his 100th English league appearance (Portsmouth, West Brom and Fulham).

If on the field from the outset:-

Shefki KUQI will be making his 200th English league start (Stockport, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich, Blackburn, Crystal Palace and Fulham).

HEAD TO HEAD
The Cottagers' only points in six Premier League trips to the Theatre of Dreams came in a 1-3 victory on 25 October 2003, when Lee Clark, Steed Malbranque and Junichi Inamoto were their scorers.

The last two matches between the Red Devils and Fulham at Old Trafford have produced 12 goals with 4-2, and 5-1 victories for the home side.

Fulham were one of 12 clubs Manchester United 'doubled' last season, while United were one of three to do the double over the Cottagers last term.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Man Utd 31 wins, Fulham 10, Draws 13
Prem: Man Utd 8 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 3

at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man Utd 22 wins, Fulham 2, Draws 3
Prem: Man Utd 5 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 0


LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 5-1 Fulham
20 August 2006 - Ref: Andre Marriner
Man United scorers: Saha 7, Pearce 15 og, Rooney 16, Ronaldo 19, Rooney 64
Fulham scorer: Ferdinand 40 og

REFEREE
Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

[alex18122003]

A day after being named the second-best player in Europe, Cristiano Ronaldo has the chance to strut his stuff against Fulham.

Ronaldo was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or award behind Milan playmaker Kaka following an exceptional year, and has hit his stride this season with 11 goals in his last 12 games.

The winger's partner in crime Wayne Rooney is set to return after his latest injury lay-off, giving Alex Ferguson the rare luxury of a selection dilemma up front.

Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Louis Saha are all fit, and the Frenchman could find himself relegated to the bench.

Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Edwin van der Sar and Wes Brown could all return after Ferguson fielded a weakened team against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

United find themselves under pressure, after wins for Chelsea and Liverpool saw them relegated to fourth in the Premier League table over the weekend.

Fulham have major injury problems of their own, with Jimmy Bullard, Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, Ian Pearce, Phillipe Christanval, Lee Cook and Simon Elliot all injured and Moritz Volz lacking match fitness.

Lawrie Sanchez's men will be looking to keep things tight early on - the last time they visited Old Trafford they were 4-0 down within 20 minutes.

However, Fulham have conceded 32 goals in 15 games, making their defence the second-worst in the division ahead of Derby.

[dc7176]

Man Utd 2-0 Fulham: Ronaldo bags a brace

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20061013/ron_TomPurslow.jpg

Cristiano Ronaldo emphasised his claims to be the best player on the planet with a match-winning double for Manchester United against Fulham.


http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20061013/ronshot_AndrewYares.jpg

Cristiano Ronaldo scores his first goal

It was the 11th time Ronaldo has scored twice in a game for the Red Devils - but his wait for a hat-trick goes on after referee Rob Styles booked the Portugal winger for diving rather than awarding what seemed a certain penalty when he fell over Antti Niemi's body as he pursued a Ryan Giggs' through ball.

Nevertheless, Ronaldo's efforts were enough to see United reclaim second spot in the Barclays Premier League with their seventh straight home win - three points adrift of Arsenal, who also have a game in hand.

Having finished runner-up to Kaka in the voting for the prestigious Ballon D'Or this week, Ronaldo is expected to occupy the same position when FIFA host their world player of the year awards in Zurich later this month.

Other than winning the Champions League with United, or Euro 2008 with Portugal, it is difficult to know what more Ronaldo can do to impress the judges.


• Fergie points finger at Niemi Having netted a phenomenal 23 goals last season, the former Sporting Lisbon star is already up to 13 this term and few would have been better than his opening salvo here.

When Steven Davis inexplicably nodded what should have been a clearing header straight back into his own penalty area, Nemanja Vidic climbed high enough to nod the ball into Ronaldo's path.

From 10 yards, the winger let fly with a thunderbolt volley Niemi had no chance at all of keeping out.

It was the only thing Niemi did not keep out during an outstanding first-half performance as the Finland goalkeeper proved a particularly frustration for Carlos Tevez.

After denying Tevez with one excellent point-blank save, Niemi pulled off an even better one midway through the opening period after the Argentinian nipped in front of Dejan Stefanovic to reach Ryan Giggs' near-post cross.

True, Tevez's shot struck Niemi flush in the face but no matter. Any part of the body will do.

Tevez was denied again in stoppage-time; Niemi alive to his disguised curling shot to the near post as Wayne Rooney waited for a deeper cross.

On his return to action following an ankle injury, Rooney flitted in and out of the contest, scuffing one effort after being sent through by Rio Ferdinand and another after the interval when Ryan Giggs had set him up.

He also lost his rag with Ronaldo at a failure to supply a simple pass instead of embarking on a series of tricks and left the pitch in a bad mood as well after a couple of borderline offside decisions had gone against him.

At times, United were so much in command it was too easy and as a consequence, passes went astray, offering Fulham hope of avoiding what should have been inevitable defeat.

Danny Murphy, twice the scorer of matchwinners on this ground for Liverpool, forced Edwin van der Sar into a low save and also curled a 20-yard shot just wide.

It was Shefki Kuqi who had the best chance though, arriving unmarked to meet Simon Davies' cross, yet failing to keep his header on target.

Not much changed immediately after the break but any lingering fears of points being needlessly tossed away were dismissed by Ronaldo's second.

Premier League defenders know all about Ronaldo's dancing feet but his heading ability was recently likened to that of 'King' Denis Law by Ferguson, whose words were proved unerringly accurate as he rose to meet John O'Shea's cross and glance it into the bottom corner.

United really should have won by more but after Rooney missed his golden chance, referee Rob Styles booked Ronaldo for diving as he tumbled over Niemi, who had come sliding out to block after the winger had been sent through by Louis Saha.

Whilst it was true no contact had been made, it was only because Ronaldo had taken evasive action and Sir Alex Ferguson's fury on the touchline was understandable.

Niemi denied Ronaldo by more legitimate means not long afterwards before keeping out further efforts from Giggs and Saha to keep the score respectable.

• Fergie points finger at Niemi

Sir Alex Ferguson accused Fulham keeper Antti Niemi of conning Rob Styles into booking Cristiano Ronaldo for diving at Old Trafford tonight.

'There is no question their goalkeeper conned the referee,' fumed Ferguson. 'His action forced the referee to book Cristiano.

'Why would he want to go down? He was on a hat-trick, he had gone round the keeper and he was brought down. It was a ridiculous decision.'

Ferguson feels the ruling is a legacy of Ronaldo's early days at United, when he was branded a diver after a series of theatrical falls.

'There is this perceived idea of Cristiano that he is going to dive,' he said. 'It is quite unfair because he is nothing like that now. He is more mature and a magnificent footballer. He was one on one and he could not get out of the way.'

Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez was quick to defend Niemi, although he attempted to side-step the issue over whether Ronaldo had dived or should have been awarded a spot-kick.

'Antti was trying to tell the referee he had not touched Ronaldo - and he hadn't,' said Sanchez. 'Maybe if Ronaldo had dragged his feet, he would have got a penalty but he didn't, he sprawled over him. Is that a penalty or not? I don't know.

'But if he had gone straight over the top, he probably would have scored.'

Sanchez's argument is unlikely to cut any ice with Ferguson, who watched Ronaldo miss out on a hat-trick after scoring twice for the 11th time in his United career.

Although Niemi's legitimate heroics were largely responsible for keeping the score down, the two goals Fulham conceded were totally self-inflicted.

It was Steven Davis' wayward clearing header that provided Nemanja Vidic with the opportunity to set up Ronaldo for his brilliant first-half volley.

Then Dejan Stefanovic completed lost the former Sporting Lisbon player in the second period as he nodded home John O'Shea's cross for his 13th goal of another incredible campaign.

Having finished runner-up to Kaka for the prestigious Ballon D'Or at the weekend, Ronaldo could not have done much more to impress the voters for FIFA's world player of the year prize later this month.

His efforts saw United complete their seventh straight home win, which allowed them to move back into second spot, three points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who head a title race that is turning into a rare old scrap.

'I said at the start of the season that after finishing so far behind last year, Arsenal and Liverpool wouldn't want that again,' observed Ferguson, who confirmed both Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand had been forced off after a stomach virus hit the United camp this week.

'We expected improvement from them both. Arsenal are doing very well, Liverpool are winning a few games and Chelsea's form since they lost to us has been very good.

'I think you are going to get that now. It is going to be a real battle for the league.'

The Goals!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W001h6uM2gk)

[alex18122003]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has cried foul over the treatment of star winger Cristiano Ronaldo after he was booked for diving during the 2-0 victory over Fulham.


Scot Ferguson said that Cottagers goalkeeper Antti Niemi had cheated referee Rob Styles into making the decision after he had come off his line and obstructed the Portugal international, who jumped out of the Finn's way.

"The penalty-kick incident is the result of a perceived idea of the referee that Ronaldo dives, there's no question about that," Ferguson told Setanta.

"In this case the goalkeeper has conned the referee. There's no question the goalkeeper got Ronaldo booked. Why would he dive? It's a ridiculous decision.

"All goalkeepers would try that and it's up to the referee to interpret it. It was a wrong decision, simple as that."

Ronaldo scored either side of half-time with a rasping drive and downward header, meaning he would have been able to complete his hat-trick from the spot if a penalty had been awarded.

Ferguson was happy enough with the team's performance as the prolific forward line of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez again displayed fluidity with Anderson adding guile from midfield.

"It was a comfortable 2-0 win even though Fulham had a lot of possession in the game," he continued.

"It was a reasonable performance. When we put our foot on the gas, we looked as if we could score goals all the time.

"There were too many chances missed."

United move second in the Premier League table above Chelsea and are now three points behind leaders Arsenal.

[dc7176]

Man Utd ace Ronaldo: Don't blame ref

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to condemn Rob Styles over the Old Trafford diving storm - but the Manchester United winger is certain the referee got it wrong.
After scoring both United's goals in their 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday night, Ronaldo was denied an opportunity to complete his first Red Devils hat-trick when Styles ruled he dived over Cottagers keeper Antti Niemi as the pair went for Louis Saha's through ball.

Instead of awarding United a penalty, Styles booked Ronaldo for gamesmanship, a decision TV replays later suggested was incorrect.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed Styles had been 'conned' by Niemi, who correctly asserted he had not touched Ronaldo, covering up the fact he had not touched the ball.

But if the United man had not taken evasive action, he would almost certainly have been flattened.

Ronaldo was not quite as forceful as his manager, instead insisting it was simply a bad call.

"I try to do my job and I try to play honestly," he said.

"I respect the referee's decision but I do not have the same opinion because I thought it was a penalty.

"If you see the replay, the goalkeeper never touched the ball, so it is frustrating the referee gave me a yellow card."

Man Utd's Giggs: Ronaldo suffering over reputation


Ryan Giggs insists Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is suffering for his reputation as a diver.
Ronaldo attracted plenty of criticism during the early days of his Manchester United career by going to ground far too easily under minimal contact.


United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced such rows were going through the mind of referee Rob Styles on Monday when he booked Ronaldo for diving in the Fulham box at Old Trafford despite TV replays showing Antti Niemi getting nowhere near the ball as he slid out to confront the Portugal star.

And Giggs, while recognising Ronaldo's blinding speed makes it difficult for a referee to make a split second decision, also believes that was the case.

"I think he is paying for his reputation," said the veteran Welshman.

"He did have a reputation (for diving) when he first came over here but that has gone now.

"It is hard for the referee. Everything happens quickly, Ronny is running so fast and he has to make a split second decision.

"Maybe he didn't give it because there was no contact. But Ronny was trying to avoid the goalkeeper and the keeper's arms followed his legs. In my view that is not simulation.

"Everyone thinks it is a penalty and if the referee looks back on it he will maybe feel he has made a mistake."

[machoman]

Ferguson predicts Arsenal slip-up

http://www.premierleague.com/javaImages/ca/1/0,,12306~3342794,00.jpg
Sir Alex Ferguson is certain Arsenal will slip up in their bid to depose Manchester United as the champions.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their 14 Barclays Premier League games so far this season and lead United by three points with a game in hand.

And ahead of the crucial Christmas period, the Old Trafford manager insists the North London outfit will drop points.
11038

He said: "Arsenal are playing well, but it's a long season and they know that, too. They will drop points, there's no doubt about that."

United could have been level at the top of the table with Arsenal had they not failed to beat Bolton Wanderers 10 days ago.


KNOCKOUT PHASE

Ferguson admitted: "We'd like to be three points better off. If we hadn't lost to Bolton then we would have been in a great position."

Ferguson also revealed he is pondering how strong a side to field in United's final Champions League Group F game against Roma.

The match is for nothing more than pride, with Ferguson's men having already secured top spot in the group and the Italians also having qualified for the knockout phase in second place.

With the congested Christmas fixture schedule on the horizon, including a vital Premier League trip to Liverpool, Ferguson said: "I have a dilemma for the Roma trip.

"Obviously we're already through, and I'd really like some of the young players to get some miles on the clock, but we have to make sure we don't get embarrassed."

[CibLover]

I wish I was out there playing with them!!!!!!

Sir Alex Ferguson says he would love to be playing in his current team - and reckons he would bag a few goals too.

Despite his glittering success at Manchester United, which has seen him amass an incredible 20 major trophies in his 21-year Old Trafford reign, Fergie was less distinguished as a player and never managed to win a medal during his 14 years as a player in Scotland.

And although he says he has more than made up for his failings as a player through his success at United, a part of him wants to be on the pitch playing with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. "I look at some of my players now, the wonderful football we play and I'd love to be out there playing with them," said Fergie. "I'd love to have been able to play with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Ronaldo and Rooney. I'm sure I'd score a few goals playing with them.

"What I've achieved as a manager has certainly made up for the disappointments I experienced as a player. Winning and succeeding is the name of the game in football, which I didn't have as a player. I played in a Dunfermline team that should have done better than we did. We could have won the Double in 1965 and we lost the title by a single goal.

"I took the blame for that because I was a striker and I missed a sitter in the second-last game of the season, then we lost to Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final. "Those disappointments stay with you. I never got a league-winner's medal as a player and maybe if I'd stuck that chance away, I'd have got one."

Fergie has built a remarkable dynasty at United in his two decades at the club but revealed for the first time how history could have taken a different course had he decided to take up two tempting job offers to manage abroad.

"If it hadn't been for Manchester United, I would have loved to have managed abroad," said Fergie. "And I had plenty of offers. When I was at Aberdeen I was interviewed for the Barcelona job, for which Terry Venables recommended me. "That would have been a challenge, managing Barcelona, adapting to a different lifestyle and learning a different language. I don't know how I would have approached the job, but it would certainly have been interesting. There were other offers, too. Inter Milan tried to get me when I came down to United and was starting to do well. Massimo Morratti got in touch with me a few years ago.

"But once you're at a club like United, it becomes hard to leave. You sort of get ingrained into the place and it becomes your life. That's why it's such a special club."

When he took over at United in November 1986, Fergie admitted he could not have envisaged surpassing the achievements of the great Sir Matt Busby, the manager who led the club to European Cup glory in 1968, a decade after the Munich Air Disaster. But Fergie has overtaken Sir Matt in terms of trophies won, although the current United boss paid tribute to his most revered predecessor for laying the foundations for the extraordinary success the club is now enjoying.

Fergie, speaking at the launch of a hologram at the United museum at Old Trafford to mark his 21 years in charge, said: "I'm proud of winning more trophies than Matt, but you have to wonder whether we'd have achieved what we have without his vision. Would English teams have gone into the European Cup as early as they did? Chelsea won the title in 1955 but didn't want to go into the European Cup because they didn't see any future in it, neither did the FA.

"But Matt did and that changed the whole concept of our domestic game, with United being the first club to go into European football. "His achievement in rebuilding the team to win the European Cup was also an amazing feat, because he more or less lost an entire team and he rebuilt it in a remarkable way.

"So all the foundation work was done by Matt. My job really was to take that on. My philosophy was always to build a football club, rather than a football team. I did it at St Mirren, I did it at Aberdeen, and I was determined to do it at United. "At the time, people outside of the club couldn't see the progress we were making or the rewards that we knew were forthcoming.

"But within the club we felt we were getting somewhere and that it was only a matter of time before we made the breakthrough, which we did by winning the Premier League in 1993."

[CibLover]

A subject about my favourite Red Devil Legend!!

Reading's Ibrahima Sonko insists Liverpool marksman Fernando Torres has some way to go before matching his toughest-ever opponent.

Defender Sonko admits he was given the runaround by former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Sonko (left) said: "I know it's strange, but the toughest player I ever came up against was Solskjaer when he used to play. I had to man-mark him and was thinking 'I'm not a rightback, I'm not a left-back, what am I doing here?'

"I'd had enough after 30 minutes and I just told the gaffer that it was impossible to mark someone like him.

He was the one player that would make me run the most because he would take me places to where I couldn't really mark him

"Other difficult players I have faced were Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney. Both of them are strong. Dirk Kuyt was good as well when we played Liverpool at their place."

[yinyang]

OBE honour for United hero Giggs

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has collected an OBE from the Queen for services to football. Giggs made his Old Trafford debut aged 17.
The 34-year-old Cardiff-born former Wales captain, who made his Old Trafford debut at 17, collected the award at Buckingham Palace.

Giggs, who was given the day off to attend the ceremony by club boss Sir Alex Ferguson, said: "It is a very proud day for me and my family."

He was among a number of sports people honoured in the Queen's Birthday List.

The father-of-two, who has clocked up more than 700 appearances for United, said that Sir Alex had given him some advice prior to the ceremony.

"He had been down a couple of times before and just said enjoy it.

"I'm lucky to play for such a great club for such a long time and have a successful career," he added.

Among the other sports stars receiving awards was Kris Radlinski, formerly captain of Wigan Warriors, who was made an MBE for his services to Rugby League.

[yinyang]

Roma v Man Utd

Champions League, Group F
Date: Wednesday, 12 December
Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Venue: Stadio Olimpico

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will captain a side that will be packed with fringe players.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand are rested.

Danny Simpson, Jonny Evans, Nani, Darren Fletcher and Louis Saha are brought in, along with young reserves Febian Brandy and Sam Hewson.

Roma defender Philippe Mexes is back after injury but midfielder Simone Perrotta is a doubt, while Alberto Aquilani and Marco Cassetti are out.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man Utd (from): Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, Eckersley, O'Shea, Pique, Evans, Simpson, Lee, Chester, Cleverley, Hewson, Nani, Eagles, Carrick, Fletcher, Dong, Brandy, Saha, Rooney.

BIG MATCH STATS
Qualification
Manchester United and AS Roma have both qualified for the last 16. United are certain to win Group F.

Head-to-heads
Manchester United's 1-0 home win against AS Roma in the reverse group fixture on 2 October 2007 was the third encounter between the two. Wayne Rooney scored the only goal in the 70th minute.

The clubs met twice in last season's Champions League. On 10 April 2007, United booked an emphatic 7-1 victory in the CL quarter-finals - Roma's heaviest European defeat ever and the biggest ever win in the CL knock-out stages. Before that, Roma had beaten United 2-1 at home.

European history
AS Roma won the Fairs Cup in 1960-61, beating Birmingham in the final. They have reached two European finals since; in the 1983-84 Champions Cup, they were beaten by Liverpool and they lost against Internazionale in the 1990-91 Uefa Cup Final. This is AS Roma's fifth season in the Champions League and the second time they have reached the knockout phase.

Manchester United have won the Champions Cup/Champions League twice (1968, 1999) and the Cup Winners' Cup (1991). They are participating in the Champions League for the 13th time, which makes them joint record holders with FC Porto. In those 13 seasons, they have reached the knockout phase 11 times. It is also their 12th successive CL campaign, which is the longest streak ever.

Current European form
Roma have not been defeated in a European home match since losing 3-0 to Real Madrid on 8 December 2004.

United are aiming to secure their sixth consecutive win. Only four teams have established a perfect record in the Champions League group phase, but none of the four went on to win the competition in the same year.

Player and disciplinary info
Roma's Marco Cassetti is suspended and club mate Mirko Vucinic will be suspended for the first knock out tie if he receives a yellow card.

Nemanja Vidic is the only United player who has been on the field for every minute of their CL campaign this season.

Other miscellaneous facts
AS Roma's next goal will be their 50th in the Champions League.

Roma drew 1-1 at Livorno on Sunday, and are second in Serie A, five points behind leaders Internazionale.

Manchester United won 4-1 against Derby County on Saturday, and are second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Arsenal.

Definitions of terms used:-

Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

[alex18122003]

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his United starlets will not be fazed by the task ahead of them on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Reds' boss has brought a decidedly youthful squad to Rome in a bid to provide the club's next generation with some vital Champions League experience after United assured themselves of top spot in Group F with victory over Sporting Lisbon two weeks ago.

The likes of Gerard Pique, Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans are all set to be handed a starting berth against Roma on Wednesday night. And despite suffering an embarrassing Carling Cup defeat against Coventry City in September, Sir Alex is confident they won't let him down this time round.

"We don't want to send teams out here to get humiliated or embarrassed, that's for sure," he insisted at his pre-match briefing in the Italian capital.

"We expect any Manchester United team we field to be 100 per cent committed and I'm sure you'll see that on Wednesday night."

The Reds will be up against a Roma side Sir Alex believes is much stronger than last season. The United boss was also full of praise for the way the club have stood by manager Luciano Spalletti following the humiliating 7-1 defeat at Old Trafford in April.

"When a coach in Italy loses a game 7-1, normally the guns come out and you are dead before morning," declared the Reds' boss.

"But they trusted Luciano and stood by him. He has repaid that trust because he is an excellent coach and I am very pleased his team is doing well now."

[yinyang]

Man United fans stabbed in Rome

The clashes came ahead of United's game against Roma. Five Manchester United fans were stabbed ahead of the club's European Champions tie against Roma.

Violence erupted between a group of 50 rival fans on a bridge near the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Police used two baton charges to disperse the fans. It is not known if any British nationals were arrested.

The last time the two teams met in April, 11 fans were taken to hospital after violence in the stadium. The stab injuries are not said to be serious.

Consular officials are at the hospital where the fans have been taken. It is reported that two others, one of them a 16-year-old boy, needed treatment for the effects of drink.

A Foreign Office spokesman said the situation outside and inside the stadium was "calm." Hooligan warning

He said: "It appears there was trouble outside the stadium.

"A number of British fans were injured and two British nationals have been arrested.

"Our consular officials are on the way to the hospital to check on conditions, the numbers involved and whether anyone needs assistance.

"The situation is now said to be calm both outside and inside the stadium."

The violence flared at the Pont Duca d'Aosta bridge, the scene of many clashes between visiting fans and Roma's Ultras contingent.

Last season there was trouble during the two clubs' Champions League game in Rome when fans were charged and beaten by riot police trying to regain control in the stadium.

Scuffles also broke out outside Old Trafford during the second leg of the tie, with 21 people arrested.

Greater Manchester Police officers travelled to Rome before Tuesday's game and issued a warning to hooligans not to attend.

[yinyang]

Big four set for Sunday showdown

"We need to win on Sunday. It's not about a draw or anything else" Robin van Persie. Robin van Persie believes champions Manchester United pose a bigger threat to Arsenal's hopes of regaining the Premier League title than Chelsea.

League leaders Arsenal host third-place Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday, while second play fourth with United meeting Liverpool at Anfield.

Van Persie said: "I just think our biggest rivals at the end of the season are United, because of the quality.

"That is why I think it will be a battle between Arsenal and them."

The Gunners are three points ahead of their London rivals and just one ahead of champions Manchester United.

And 24-year-old Van Persie believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side's strength will prove decisive come the end of the season.

"United have lots of quality players up there who can win games for the team," he said.

"Even when they are playing poorly, they have Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and lots of good strikers who can win games.

United will knock Arsenal off the top of the Premier League should they win at Anfield and remain there if the Londoners are held or beaten by Chelsea later on Sunday.

Red Devils striker Louis Saha rates last year's corresponding fixture with Liverpool, won by John O'Shea in injury time, as one of the highlights of his career and is confident a win at Anfield can strengthen United's title charge.

"Without doubt, it is the most intense atmosphere for a Manchester United player," he said.

Saha scored from the spot as United beat 2-0 Chelsea in September

"I have played there a few times now but the win we had there last season was amazing. That is one of the greatest feelings I have ever had as a footballer."

"My main memory of last season is that the win at Liverpool kick-started us towards the title. It proved we were strong enough.

"We are going there much earlier in the season this time and there is still a long road ahead. But it does give us a chance to show exactly how good we are."

Dutchman Van Persie, who has recently returned from a long-term knee injury, insists a win for Arsenal is vital if the Gunners are to remain in the hunt for the the title they last won in 2004.

"We need to win on Sunday. It's not about a draw or anything else. We need to win because we are just one point clear of them. That's why we need to win."

He added: "In games against teams like Middlesbrough, you can sort of collect bonus points. You need to win those games so you can, in a worse-case scenario, lose a game against Chelsea or Man United."

[yinyang]

Liverpool v Man Utd

Anfield
Sunday, 16 December
Kick-off: 1330 GMT

Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Liverpool make their seventh attempt to notch a 50th league victory over Manchester United.

A draw would be enough to see Manchester United climb above Arsenal to the top of the table, ahead of the Gunners' home game with Chelsea which kicks off less than 45 minutes after the final whistle of this game is blown; victory for Liverpool will half their six-point deficit on the Red Devils.

This is the second of three massive fixtures in eight days for the Merseysiders, following Tuesday's decisive 0-4 Champions League win over Marseilles in France, and ahead of Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final at Chelsea.

Liverpool suffered a shock loss, away to Reading last Saturday, and are in danger of their first back-to-back defeats in 17 Premier League matches.

Both these clubs are meeting a fellow member of the "big four" for the third time this season, and both are unbeaten: United beat Chelsea 2-0 at home on 23 September and drew 2-2 at Arsenal on 3 November, while Liverpool have drawn both theirs 1-1 at home, to Chelsea on 19 August and to Arsenal on 28 October.

Sir Alex Ferguson has had the better of the exchanges with Rafael Benitez. United have won five and drawn one of the six Premier League matches against Rafa's Reds, although the Merseysiders did knock out United from the FA Cup in February 2006.

Manchester United ended Liverpool's 30-match unbeaten Premier League record at Anfield with a 0-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last March. John O'Shea came off the bench to win a dramatic stoppage time winner, after Paul Scholes was sent off for swinging a punch at Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool have suffered more Premier League defeats to Manchester United than any other club (16), and conceded more Premier League goals against them than to any other side (44).

CLUB FORM
LIVERPOOL
Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Defeat to Reading ended a 15-match unbeaten Premier League sequence of eight wins and seven draws.

2. The three goals from the Royals were the first conceded in five Premier League outings, and increased the total of those shipped in this league campaign by half as much again (from six to nine).

3. Last lost successive league games away to Portsmouth and Fulham on 28 April and 5 May respectively.

4. Averaging two points per match; 30 in 15. They are eight points better off than at this same stage last season.

5. Conceded the opening goal only twice in Premier League matches this season - fewer than any other club, and one of two clubs not to have let in a goal in the first 15 minutes; the other is Blackburn.

6. Trailed at half-time only once in this Premier League season (away to Everton).

7. Won the last five league and cup games at Anfield, with an aggregate score of 20-2.

8. Undefeated in 11 home league games; won six and drawn five since the 0-1 loss to Manchester United on 3 March.

9. The only club to have scored as many as four penalties in Premiership competition this season, and one of two clubs to have conceded four; the other is Birmingham.

10. The remaining Premier League fixtures this year involve a home game with Portsmouth, a Boxing Day visit to Derby and another away trip to Manchester City, before entering 2008 with a home fixture against Wigan on 2 January.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Won 16 of 20 in all competitions, and lost one of 14.

2. One of two clubs with as many as 11 Premier League wins; the other is Arsenal.

3. Boasting the tightest defence in the highest league; just eight goals shipped in 16 outings, at one very two games, or three hours, on average.

4. Won three more Premier League matches than Liverpool (11 to eight), but lost one more (two to one).

5. Won 11 of the last 13 Premier League matches, losing just one of the 13.

6. Kept clean sheets in eight of the last 13 league outings, and failed to score in one of their last 13 league games; the 1-0 loss, away to Bolton on 24 November.

7. Not lost in any league game this term in which they have scored; won 11 and drawn two of 13.

8. Scored first in an unequalled 12 Premier League matches; won 10 and drawn two.

9. Conceded only two goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League matches this term; only Arsenal and Liverpool can match that.

10. The remaining matches this year include a home game with Everton, a Boxing Day visit to Sunderland, and another away trip to West Ham, before the New Year's Day fixture home to Birmingham.


KEY PLAYER NOTES
LIVERPOOL
Fernando TORRES is Liverpool's top scorer with 12 goals.

TORRES and Steven GERRARD are the clubs' joint top Premier League marksmen with six goals each.

Goalkeeper Jose REINA is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premier League matches this season.

REINA leads the race for the Barclays Golden Glove, keeping nine clean sheets.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 14 goals.

RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with nine. He jointly leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, alongside Arsenal's Emmanuel ADEBAYOR.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

If on the field from the outset:-

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.


HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United did the double over Liverpool for the fourth time in the Premier League last season, and the second time in three seasons.

Manchester United were the only club to win home and away against the Merseysiders last season, but Liverpool were one of 12 doubled by the Red Devils in the last campaign.

United are aiming to beat Liverpool in the league for the fourth time in a row.

The only point in 18 Liverpool have notched against United came from a goalless draw at Anfield on 18 September 2005.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Liverpool 49 wins, Man Utd 56, Draws 43
Prem: Liverpool 7 wins, Man Utd 16, Draws 7

at Liverpool only
League (inc PL): Liverpool 35 wins, Man Utd 21, Draws 18
Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Man Utd 8, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Liverpool 0-1 Manchester United
3 March 2007 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
Man Utd scorer: O'Shea 90
Sent Off: Scholes (Man Utd) 86

REFEREE
Mark Halsey (Lancashire)

[alex18122003]

Wayne Rooney is targeting a double on Sunday - victory over fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield and pole position in the Premier League.


“It's a massive weekend for the top four clubs,” Wayne told Red View.

“The fact that Arsenal and Liverpool both lost last weekend was great for us. If we win on Sunday then we’ve got a great chance of going top. That'll spur us on.”

Not that Rooney - Liverpool-born, Everton-bred - needs any extra cajoling. “When the fixtures come out, I look for the games against Liverpool, and possibly City as well."

Wayne wasn't looking, however, when John O'Shea scored the last-gasp winner in last season's match at Anfield.

“I was getting stitches in my leg in the dressing room,” Wayne told us. “Scholesy walked in after being sent off and we were hoping to hold on for the draw. Then our press officer ran in saying Sheasy had scored. We were all jumping around and I went back out. It was one of the best feelings I’ve experienced.”

The 3,000-or-so United fans who were there would no doubt echo that sentiment.

“We’ve got the best away fans around,” praised Wayne. “They never stop singing throughout the game and supporting the team. They could really help us on Sunday.”

[alex18122003]

Premier League - United win at Anfield again

A goal by Carlos Tevez gave Manchester United a crucial 1-0 Premier League win over Liverpool at Anfield. The defeat is a hammer blow for Rafa Benitez' side who fall nine points behind their arch rivals.

United's first half performance can only be described as a smash-and-grab, the teams relatively even in terms of threat with Liverpool pressing and almost forcing two big errors from Edwin van der Sar but their North Western rivals looking to hit them on the break at pace.

The hosts had close to a dozen chances to United's none when, two minutes before the break, a clever corner routine saw Ryan Giggs drill the ball low to Wayne Rooney on the edge of the box, his angled drive towards the bottom left corner turned into the roof of the net by Tevez.

Until then Liverpool had looked the closest to scoring with firstly Sami Hyppia firing over after Fernando Torres had overhead-kicked Nemanja Vidic's clearance of a corner on three minutes.

The United keeper then twice messed up attempted punches, he was firstly grateful to Anderson for clearing off the line with Torres fluffing the rebound and secondly to Patrice Evra for clearing off the line after the ball rebounded off the back of Rio Ferdinand's head following the Dutchman's collision with Vidic.

United for their part had threatened but not made Pepe Reina work, most of their impetus coming down the left with Anderson and Giggs combining in fine form, Evra overlapping and Rooney providing support from the front. But they could not get a final ball across, either due to a lack of quality in the delivery or good defending from Jamie Carragher and Hyppia and, at one point, Steven Gerrard with an immaculately-timed tackle on Anderson.

But the Mancunians took the lead, the rehearsed corner routine taking Liverpool by surprise and asking questions about the zonal marking that many sides now employ on set-pieces, the Argentina star played onside by Yossi Benayoun, blamelessly covering the far post.

The second-half started on a more even keel but with Liverpool effectively chasing the game, United could afford to remain relatively deep and look to pick their hosts apart with occasional expressions of ambition.

One break in particular had to be foiled after Cristiano Ronaldo surged down the right wing and cut the ball across to Rooney, while Liverpool were mostly restricted to long-range efforts.

Rafa Benitez responded to the tightness of the match by bringing on Ryan Babel for the impressive but tiring Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch for the ineffectual Dirk Kuyt.

Liverpool pressed, as expected, but the pattern continued, the Reds unable to find a genuine breakthrough, another flap by Van der Sar and a flashing low drive from Babel that went inches wide the closest they came to an equaliser, although there was a low-level penalty appeal when the ball appeared to strike Tevez on the arm as United tried to clear a corner, although any contact was inadvertent.

Babel was proving to be a dangerous outlet, either hugging the left touchline or cutting inside to shoot himself, but without enough time to truly stretch Wes Brown his impact was reduced.

And Gerrard had United hearts in mouths when he sent an injury-time free kick onto the roof of the net but they held on for the win which will seriously question Liverpool's title credentials.

[mr_missile]

Cut and paste story :

MANYOO BACK IN FOR BERBA

Just as it was starting to look up for Spurs (two away wins in a row!), The Daily Mirror waltz in and frankly p**s all over their chips.

They claim that ManYoo are set to make another offer for Dimitar Berbatov, but on closer inspection Spurs fans might be able to rest easy.

The Mirror reckons that Sir Fergie will slap £6million, Louis Saha and Wes Brown on the table and tell Juande Ramos 'take it or leave it sunshine'. Or something like that.

Now, if reports are to be believed Spurs turned down £18million for the Bulgarian in the summer, so whether a third of that plus a permanently crocked striker and a defender they could get for free in the summer will tip the balance is debatable.

However, the significance of the bid could simply be that it will yet again unsettle Berbatov, just as he is coming back into last season's form.

The Mirror does go on to reveal that Spurs are not without a sense of humour, claiming that they insist Nani must be part of the deal. Good one.

[DatukSeks]

Saha out and Berba in is good biz

But why sell Brown ?

[alex18122003]

Saha out and Berba in is good biz

But why sell Brown ?

I think Brown played very well since last half season until now. He's been improving alot.

[Mafan]

Saha out and Berba in is good biz

But why sell Brown ?

Maybe brown dont want to sign his contract ?

[imom]

Saha out and Berba in is good biz

But why sell Brown ?

I think Brown played very well since last half season until now. He's been improving alot.

Maybe brown dont want to sign his contract ?

Yes, perhaps SAF wants to get at least some cash or benefits off Brown before his contract runs out and he can go for free.

Besides, if rumours are true, we have Philip Lahm lined up....

[DatukSeks]

Yes, perhaps SAF wants to get at least some cash or benefits off Brown before his contract runs out and he can go for free.

Besides, if rumours are true, we have Philip Lahm lined up....

But we need right back. If Brown gone we need cover. Gary Neville's days are numbered, I think he will be like Soljkaer gotta retire liao.

I hope we get Lahm & Berba this January and sell Saha

[imom]

...I hope we get Lahm & Berba this January and sell Saha

Lahm or Alves - or, dare I dream, both? Since Gary Neville's playing days are number and Brown looks like he may go. But then again, we still have Danny Simpson who looked good in his only outing this season.

As for Saha, it would be quite difficult to pawn him off with his Mr Balsawood moniker.... Can't imagine anyone wanting him, save maybe for Derby County...

[Sayangku]

I think we need a left/right back, Wes Brown confirm going since his agent rejected the new contract and Sir Alex said Brown wont get another improve contract.

Lahm should be a good replacement, but a bit short, just like Evra. Worried about corners man, only Vidic and Rio, hahaha...

Dun think Sir Alex have Alves in mind, so ex....

It's time for Saha to go, we dun need another striker even if he goes anyway :)

[imom]

...Dun think Sir Alex have Alves in mind, so ex....

SAF doesn't get fazed too much by price tags - but he will never pay beyond what he thinks the value of the player is. He can't stand clubs pumping up the price of a player just because MU is the club approaching them.

[cheekyfella]

Just my two cents worth,

I feel that Lahm will be a good replacement for Gary Neville rather than wes Brown. Both are of similar physique and both love to do overlapping runs down the flanks. Wes Brown if he was to go, is a more versatile player, someone like John O'shea would most probably be a good replacement.

I still feel that ManU needs an out to out striker, someone the likes of Ruud V N. Saha must go. Tevez and Rooney are again very similar players and loves to play behind a central forward. Just take a look at Rooney's score rate, he is not scoring as much as he did before. Therefore, getting Berbatov or Anelka should be the most important thing SAF needs to do this January.

[mr_missile]

Unwanted headline and news of United's xmas party

`CATTLE MARKET` LEADS TO PARTY BAN?

Manchester United's Christmas party has been described as a 'horrendous cattle market' as lurid detail after lurid detail emerges of a 12-hour drinking spree that ended with one player questioned over allegations of rape and a livid Sir Alex Ferguson vowing that he would never allow his players such latitude again.

Ferguson might, in the words of one newspaper headline, have 'cancelled Christmas', but for Fleet Street, Christmas has come early. Reporting on the alleged excesses of the Manchester United players with questionable relish, it depicts their party as verging on the uncontrollable in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

While 19-year-old defender Jonny Evans has been released on bail after being questioned by officers over the alleged rape of a 26-year-old party-goer, it is the behaviour of his senior first-team colleagues that is dominating coverage.

The Times says that the mood of the day-long party soured as the squad - under the influence of 'testosterone and booze' - descended on the Great John Street Hotel to be met by approximately 100 of the 'prettiest girls in Manchester'. With none of the players' wives and girlfriends permitted to attend, 'models, ex-soap stars and well-known faces from Manchester's party circuit' were invited to provide the footballers with female company. A 'United insider' is quoted as saying in The Sun: "Only the best-looking were allowed in. They were hand-picked and very excited, almost in a state of hysteria."

According to The Independent, 'Every room in the 30-bedroom hotel, where prices range from £235 to £395 per night, was booked out by the squad' and, 'Each player was allocated a set number of guests and eight security men were hired to stop any unwanted intruders gaining entry and to confiscate all mobile phones, which were banned from being taken into the building.'

However, Daily Mirror showbiz reporter Sarah Tetteh claims to have been a guest at the party and reports how 'my friend and I' were personally treated to Wayne Rooney 'running through his personal repertoire of cheesy lines'.

'He came over and perched himself at the end of our sofa, asked us how old we were - and how we knew each other. When I explained we'd met at university, he raised his eyebrows and said: "I bet you two were naughty together at uni.

'"Did you do threesomes? You know, two girls and a lad?"' she reports.

Other accounts are less savoury, however. The Mirror says that 'one tearful woman guest claimed she had been repeatedly pestered by one of the club's stars'.

"It was horrible. This guy had been pestering me and my friends for ages trying to get us up to a bedroom. I kept telling him 'No' but he just wouldn't take it. He was really drunk as were the rest of them.

"Then he just grabbed me and started to drag me away from the main area towards the toilets. Thankfully the security man spotted what was going on and came to my help. was so relieved to see him. I was in tears. The players were treating girls like pieces of meat. It was like a horrendous cattle market."

Another guest told The Daily Telegraph that the party became increasingly debauched and sleazy as the hours of drinking began to take their toll.

"A lot of guys were looking for women, looking for sex," the unnamed man told the newspaper.

"A lot of women were dressed in little short skirts, they were falling over after a couple of drinks. By 3-4am you could see a lot of sexual situations were going to take place.

"There were one or two scuffles on the dance floor. Guys were falling over, just being loud and mouthy. There were a lot of undesirable people there, a bit rough. There were hangers-on.

"A lot of women were kissing guys, getting off with guys. It was like a free-for-all."

Manchester United have yet to comment formally on either details of the party or the allegations of rape. The Telegraph says that 'almost all' of the players had left the hotel when the attack is said to have occurred. However, a livid Ferguson 'read the riot act' to the squad when they returned to training on Wednesday and is understood to have told his players that they will never be allowed to host a Christmas party in future.

[machoman]

Lyon give Man Utd's Ferguson food for thought
Friday, December 21, 2007, 23:34:54 HRS

http://67.15.8.113/SGE.MQQ20.211207153445.photo00.quicklook.default-168x245.jpg

Sir Alex Ferguson, seen here December 16, believes Manchester United have been handed the toughest possible obstacle to Champions League glory after being paired with Lyon in Friday's draw for the last 16 round.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United have been handed the toughest possible obstacle to Champions League glory after being paired with Lyon in Friday's draw for the last 16 round.

Premiership champions United, who tackle Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, will travel to France for the first leg in February to face Alain Perrin's six-time French champions.

Lyon finished second to Barcelona in their group, edging out Rangers with a 3-0 victory at Ibrox in the final group game earlier this month, and Ferguson admits that United could not have landed more difficult opponents.

He said: "Lyon is maybe the hardest of the five opponents that we could have got. They have won their championship for the last six years now which is an incredible record.

"They've lost some players, such as Diarra, Abidal, Essien and Wiltord, but they can still produce players of good quality, so it won't be an easy game.

"But hopefully, by the time that we get to the game, we will have all of our squad available. That is a pre-requisite of the challenge anyway, being able to pick who I want, but I think we will have a good chance.

"You never expect easy games at this stage of the European Cup, but hopefully we can navigate that and go on to bigger things.

"I don't know whether being at home in the second leg is so important. I've had different experiences of that, but hopefully we can come back with a good result and then Old Trafford will be at a good volume to give you the advantage in the home match. But it's an interesting tie."

Lyon manager Alain Perrin, speaking from France, concurred with his Scottish counterpart about the difficulty of their opponents.

"I wanted to avoid a team like Manchester because they are doing well right now. Let's hope that's not the situation once we meet them in the spring," said Perrin, who knows United only too well having played against them while manager of Portsmouth.

"It will be a difficult tie but I think English football has characteristics that can suit our style of play. Their football is a lot more open than that of the Italian teams for example.

"At this level, all the big European teams have great attacking potential, us included."

United have endured a turbulent week with 19-year-old defender Jonny Evans at the centre of rape allegations following a Christmas party in Manchester on Monday. No charges have been brought and Evans has been released on bail until February.

And with the the club at the centre of the media spotlight following the alleged events, Ferguson remained tight-lipped when asked if he was willing to put forward his thoughts on the matter.

He said: "No. Why would I say anything? Alex Ferguson has been dealing with situations like this for twenty-one years and I know exactly what we are doing."

One player Ferguson could expect back in time for the first leg against Lyon is South Korean midfielder Ji-Sung Park.

Ji-Sung could make a return to the squad for the Premiership clash against in-form Everton, despite having a comeback game in the reserves postponed due to a frozen pitch on Wednesday.

Park has been sidelined since March with a cruciate ligament injury, but Ferguson insists that his fitness is not in doubt ahead of the busy Christmas fixture programme.

He said: "Ji-Sung will play over Christmas. I was actually going to the reserve game on Wednesday until I heard that it had been called off. I was only going to see Ji-Sung play because his training has been excellent -- first-class -- in the last few weeks and far beyond our expectations.

"Players who are out for nine months, you often expect a long and slow recovery, but he has come back into training and been terrific. He will get some games over Christmas, there is no doubt about that."

- AFP

[machoman]

United sign Angola striker Manucho
Saturday, December 22, 2007, 03:00:56 HRS

http://67.15.8.113/SGE.MSK89.211207184829.photo00.quicklook.default-245x185.jpg

Manchester United signed Angola striker Manucho Goncalves on a three-year contract from Petro Athletico on Friday.

Manchester United signed Angola striker Manucho Goncalves on a three-year contract from Petro Athletico on Friday.

Manucho impressed Sir Alex Ferguson during a three-week trial after being discovered playing for his Angolan team by scouts working for United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.

The 24-year-old, whose full name is Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves, will move to England in January subject to a work permit.

Manucho, who will be part of the Angolan squad for the African Nations Cup, has scored twice in 10 appearances for his country and was top goalscorer in the Angolan league for the last two seasons.

"We have had Manucho here for a three-week trial and have been impressed enough to offer him a three-year contract," Ferguson said.

"He is a tall, agile, quick forward and, through contacts that Carlos Queiroz has, he was brought to our attention around six months ago."

- AFP

[yinyang]

Man Utd v Everton

Old Trafford
Sunday, 23 December
Kick-off: 1200 GMT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manchester United expect Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Tevez and Wes Brown to have shaken off minor knocks.

Park Ji-sung is unlikely to figure, having this week missed a reserve-team game against Oldham, but he is expected to feature over the festive period.

Tim Howard, Ayegbeni Yakubu, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo could all return for Everton after being rested against AZ Alkmaar.

Everton will be without Leon Osman, Alan Stubbs and Leighton Baines.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man Utd team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evra, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Hargreaves, Park, Giggs, Saha, Rooney, Tevez.

Everton team (from): Provisional squad: Howard, Wessels, Neville, Hibbert, Yobo, Jagielka, Lescott, Valente, Pienaar, Carsley, Arteta, Cahill, Gravesen, McFadden, Yakubu, Johnson, Anichebe, Vaughan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"Everton have done exceptionally well this season and David Moyes takes all the credit for that. "It is a young team with a future which augurs well for Everton. They will be a handful and we'll need our best form.

"David has put youngsters on long-term contracts to keep some continuity and made some good buys to strengthen."

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta:
"We are on a very good run and must try to enjoy it.
"Old Trafford is my favourite away ground, they are always very hard games but we'll try to get something from it.

"I love Cristiano Ronaldo, his development has been unbelievable. He handles pressure so well and is improving all the time."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
The top two clubs on the Premier League's "Last Six Form" table go head-to-head at Old Trafford; Everton have claimed 14 of the 18 points, Manchester United 13.

The Red Devils are on the longest current winning sequence in the highest league of three games; the Merseysiders are on the longest current unbeaten run of seven.

Both clubs are ever-presents in the Premier League, each playing their 600th match. United have won more than any other club (379); Everton have lost more (236).

Manchester United have won more Premier League matches against Everton than any other club, and the Merseysiders have lost more games in this league against the Red Devils that any other side (24).


CLUB FORM
MANCHESTER UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Won 17 of 21 in all competitions, and lost one of 15.

2. One of two clubs with as many as 12 Premier League wins; the other is Arsenal.

3. Boasting the tightest defence in the highest league; just eight goals shipped in 17 outings, at one every 191 minutes (three hours 11 minutes) of Premier League football played on average.

4. Won 12 of the last 14 Premier League matches, losing just one of the 14.

5. Kept clean sheets in nine of the last 14 league outings, and failed to score in one of their last 14 league games; the 1-0 loss, away to Bolton on 24 November.

6. Not lost in any league game this term in which they have scored; won 12 and drawn two of 14.

7. Scored first in an unequalled 13 Premier League matches; won 11 and drawn two.

8. Conceded only two goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League matches this term; only Arsenal and Liverpool can match that.

9. One of four clubs still unbeaten at home in the Premier League, having conceded just two goals; fewer than any other club. Hoping to add the scalp of Everton to those of Spurs, Sunderland, Chelsea, Wigan, Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Fulham and Derby gained in the last eight outings at the Theatre of Dreams.

10. Next is a Boxing Day visit to Sunderland, and a trip to West Ham three days later, before the New Year's Day fixture home to Birmingham.

EVERTON
Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)
1. Won the last five in league and cup, and undefeated in 13 (11 wins, two draws).

2. Unbeaten in seven Premier League games; won five and drawn two since the 1-2 loss, home to Liverpool on 20 October.

3. Scored 31 Premier League goals; only Arsenal have netted more (34).

4. The best behaved Premier League club with just 18 cards shown (two red, 16 yellow).

5. The most lethal side in stoppage time of Premier League matches when an unequalled six goals have been scored.

6. Not conceded in three league games, or 315 minutes (five hours 15 minutes) since Dwight Yorke scored Sunderland's consolation in the 7-1 thrashing at Goodison Park on 24 November.

7. Failed to score in one of the last 10 Premier League matches; that was the goalless draw at Portsmouth on 1 December.

8. The next defeat will be their 150th away from home in the Premier League.

9. Won only one of their last 10 Premier League matches against the "big four" clubs; the victory being the 1-0 home triumph over Arsenal on 18 March 2007. Also, yet to beat a fellow top half club this season; drawn three and lost four of their seven fixtures against clubs currently in the top 10.

10. Home to Bolton on Boxing Day, and Arsenal three days later, before the New Year's Day game at Middlesbrough.


KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 14 goals.

RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with nine. He jointly leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, alongside Arsenal's Emmanuel ADEBAYOR, and Ayegbeni YAKUBU of Middlesbrough.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

Wayne ROONEY will be facing a former club. The 21 year old England international striker made 77 appearances (67 in the league) and scored 17 goals (15 league) for Everton at the beginning of his professional career from February 2003 to his £20m move to Old Trafford in August 2004.

If on the field from the outset:-

Nemanja VIDIC will be making his 50th Premier League start in a Manchester United shirt.

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

EVERTON
YAKUBU is Everton's top scorer with 11 goals; five in his last three league and cup games.

YAKUBU is also the clubs' top Premier League marksman with nine. He jointly leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, alongside Arsenal's Emmanuel ADEBAYOR, and Cristiano RONALDO of Manchester United.

YAKUBU is one of 12 players contributing to the Everton Premier League goal tally. It is the joint longest goalscorers list in the highest league, alongside Tottenham's.

James McFADDEN is now just one shy of 50 club career goals.

Tim HOWARD will be facing a former club. The 28 year old United States international keeper made 77 appearances (45 in the league) for United between July 2003 and his move to Goodison three years later.

Phil NEVILLE will also be opposing former club mates. The 30 year old England international made 389 appearances (263 in the league) and scored eight goals (five league) between July 1994 and his transfer to Everton in the 2005 close season.

If selected:-

Leon OSMAN will be making his 150th career league appearance (Everton, Carlisle and Derby).


HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United are unbeaten in five Premier League matches against Everton, and have won the last three.

Duncan Ferguson scored the only goal of the game in the Toffees' last victory over United at Goodison Park on 20 April 2005.

Peter Beardsley, Robert Warzycha and Mo Johnston scored without reply in Everton's very first Premier League visit to Old Trafford on 19 August 1992. It's their only maximum in this league at the Theatre of Dreams.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Man Utd 68 wins, Everton 52, Draws 37
Prem: Man Utd 24 wins, Everton 5, Draws 2

at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man Utd 43 wins, Everton 15, Draws 20
Prem: Man Utd 11 wins, Everton 1, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 3-0 Everton
29 November 2006 - Ref: Mark Halsey
Man United scorers: Ronaldo 39, Evra 63, O'Shea 89

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Everton 0-1 Manchester United
15 September 2007 - Ref: Alan Wiley
Man Utd scorer: Vidic 83

REFEREE
Howard Webb (Yorkshire)

[yinyang]

Van der Sar signs one-year deal

Van der Sar joined from Fulham in June 2005. Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a new one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2009 season.

The 37-year-old had been considering retirement at the end of this season.

"He is number one at the moment, but you can't guarantee players a position and say they'll definitely be in your team," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Edwin will want to be number one next season but Ben Foster will be back and I am sure he will want to be too."

England international Foster is currently sidelined after cruciate knee ligament surgery.

There were suggestions Van der Sar could be handed a role on the Old Trafford backroom staff as goalkeeping coach Tony Coton is currently sidelined following a recent knee operation.

But Ferguson stressed the Dutchman's new deal was "totally as a player".

[alex18122003]

Cristiano Ronaldo spared Manchester United's blushes as he scored a late penalty to give his side a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Everton at Old Trafford


With the scores level and the home side mounting attack after attack, Steven Pienaar brought down Ryan Giggs in the area with two minutes left, leaving referee Howard Webb with little option than to point to the spot.

Ronaldo, who had already given his side a first-half lead, cheekily chipped the ball into the roof of the net as Tim Howard dived left.

It was his tenth goal in eight matches and his 11th league strike of the season, taking him ahead of Bolton's Nicolas Anelka and Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor as the overall top scorer.

What was to follow was unexpected in a scrappy opening to the match, which saw Webb dish out four yellow cards in the first 15 minutes.

When enough passes were strung together to mount an attack from either side, it became clear that we had the makings of a high-quality match here, and that's exactly what it became after 20 minutes.

The home side, who had already come close when a close-range shot from Carlos Tevez was cleared off the line by the excellent Phil Jagielka, finally broke the deadlock after 22 minutes.

After receiving a pass from Giggs, Ronaldo sidestepped Lee Carsley and fired a left-footed shot beyond Howard from 20 yards out.

Going behind seemed to inspire Everton, and they got back on level terms only six minutes later. Steven Pienaar, who was acting as playmaker in the absence of Mikel Arteta, exchanged some neat passes with Joleon Lescott, who was up from the back line.

He then beat his marker Danny Simpson and crossed in for Tim Cahill, who then out-jumped Evra to head in his seventh goal of the season beyond the helpless Tomasz Kuszczak, who was standing in for the injured Edwin van der Sar in between the stick

Phil Neville missed a decent chance to score against his old club when he shot over from the edge of the box, but United were far more guilty of not taking their chances, particularly as the half neared its conclusion.

First Wayne Rooney's spectacular volley was cleared off the line by the head of Lescott, and Ronaldo then spurned the worst chance of all, shooting over from six yards out after a superb cross from Giggs.

The second half was all about the Red Devils, with Everton keeper Howard - who spent two years with United - making no less than seven first-class saves. The best of them came when Anderson fired a shot in from the edge of the box, forcing the American to use all his body to stop a shot he did not even see until milliseconds before it was on him.

Despite his magnificent performance though, which also saw him stop two Rooney volleys and a well-worked effort from Tevez, it was not to be Everton's day, as Ronaldo's penalty proved.

The defeat keeps Everton in sixth place in the Premier League. They are ahead of Portsmouth on goal difference.

[Mafan]

Manchester United signed Angola striker Manucho Goncalves on a three-year contract from Petro Athletico on Friday.

Manucho, who will be part of the Angolan squad for the African Nations Cup, has scored twice in 10 appearances for his country and was top goalscorer in the Angolan league for the last two seasons.

"He is a tall, agile, quick forward and, through contacts that Carlos Queiroz has, he was brought to our attention around six months ago."

- AFP

This guy is 6"2 so should consider a tall striker.

[CibLover]

This guy is 6"2 so should consider a tall striker.


Angolan striker Manucho has spoken of his delight at securing a deal that should see the 24-year-old join the Reds after January's African Cup of Nations.

The centre-forward, who has topped the Angola league's scoring charts for the past two seasons playing with Petro Atletico Luanda, told MUTV he's living in dreamland after agreeing to a move to Old Trafford.

"I have been a fan of Manchester United from when I was very young so now I will work very hard to get into the first team," Manucho said.

"I am very happy to be here and I have worked very hard to make my dream a reality. I have found the adaptation easy because all the players have given me their support… and players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson all speak my language [Portuguese]."

Although Manucho's work permit still needs to be granted, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the player has the necessary traits to make an impact in the Barclays Premier League.

"He's a very quick, aggressive forward, a big lad about 6"2'," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We've had him on trial for three weeks and he's done very well. We're delighted to have made an agreement with his football team."

Manucho isn't expected to see much first-team action this season, although Sir Alex conceded it all depends on how well he settles into life at United.

"I think he'll need a few months to adjust," he said. "In saying that, he's done very well in training and you never know how players will progress.

"I said the same thing about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when he arrived. I thought I'd give him a year or two in the Reserves but after three or four games he was in the first team.

"It all boils down to the boy himself, how he adapts to the change and how he commits himself to learning. Every young player has to learn."


http://picsrv.manutd.com/?fif=/manu/img_10_22079_5829.jpg&obj=iip,1.0&wid=

[CibLover]

Double post deleted. Pai seh.

http://picsrv.manutd.com/?fif=/manu/img_10_22079_5829.jpg&obj=iip,1.0&wid=

[yinyang]

Sunderland v Man Utd

Stadium of Light
Wednesday, 26 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is a doubt with a heel injury he picked up at Reading on Saturday.

Liam Miller is still suspended, while Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring), Kieran Richardson (back) and Russell Anderson (ankle) are not yet ready to return.

Park Ji-sung could return to the Manchester United squad for the first time since March after knee surgery.

Edwin van der Sar (groin) is definitely out, while Rio Ferdinand (foot) and Owen Hargreaves (back) should be fit.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Ward, McShane, Halford, Harte, Higginbotham, Collins, Yorke, Etuhu, Leadbitter, Wallace, Whitehead, Kavanagh, O'Donovan, Jones, Chopra, Connolly, Murphy, Stokes, Cole.

Man Utd (from): Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, O'Shea, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Nani, Eagles, Carrick, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Tevez, Rooney, Saha.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------Sunderland manager Roy Keane on recent refereeing decisions:
"You just keep hoping that over the course of the season these decisions will even themselves out.

"It hasn't for the last few weeks but we hope, come May, that we look back and say 'well some went for us and some went against us'.

"At the moment they are all going against us."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"December is a very important month.

"If we get through Christmas, we have tough away games at Sunderland and West Ham and Birmingham at home, and are still with Arsenal we have a chance.

"We have Nani, Saha and Park all back in the squad, but there won't be a lot of changes."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Third bottom meets second top at the Stadium of Light; Roy Keane comes up against his old boss for the first time on home soil.

Manchester United have won more league games on the road (four), than Sunderland have managed home and away (three).

The Black Cats have registered one win in 12 league outings; the Red Devils have won four on the bounce.

Sunderland have a 50% win record in Premier League matches on Boxing Day; won three of six, but not since the 0-3 triumph over Blackburn at Ewood Park in 2001.

Middlesbrough beat Manchester United on Boxing Day in 2002. It was the only occasion United have lost a Premier League fixture on 26 December, they have won 11 of 12, including the last four.

United are unbeaten in 11 Premier League matches against Sunderland. They've won eight and drawn three since losing 2-1 at Roker Park on the 8 March 1997.

CLUB FORM
SUNDERLAND

Club stats
Fixtures
Highest realistically achievable: 16th
Lowest could fall: 19th

1. Won only six of their last 76 games in the Premier League.

2. This season's three victories have all come at home and against bottom-half clubs; Tottenham, Reading and Derby.

3. Need a draw to total 100 league points under Roy Keane.

4. Scored 17 goals, at one every 95 minutes (one hour 35 minutes) of Premier League football played; only Derby's attack is inferior to that, with a paltry eight goals netted.

5. Managed one clean sheet in 17 league matches; the 1-0 home win over Derby on 1 December was the only shut-out since the opening day 1-0 home victory over Spurs on 11 August.

6. Lost one of the last six home league matches; the 1-2 reverse to Blackburn on 29 September.

7. Scored one goal in each of the last five at the Stadium of Light.

8. Entertain Bolton on Saturday, before visiting Blackburn on 2 January.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

1. Won 18 of 23 in all competitions, and lost one of 16.

2. One of two clubs with as many as 13 Premier League wins; the other is Arsenal.

3. Boasting the tightest defence in the highest league; just nine goals shipped in 18 outings, at one every two games, or 180 minutes (three hours) of Premier League football played on average.

4. Won 13 of the last 15 Premier League matches, losing just one of the 15.

5. Kept clean sheets in nine of the last 15 league outings, and failed to score in one of their last 15 league games; the 1-0 loss, away to Bolton on 24 November.

6. Not lost in any league game this term in which they have scored; won 13 and drawn two of 15.

7. Scored first in an unequalled 14 Premier League matches; won 12 and drawn two.

8. Conceded only two goals in the last 15 minutes of Premier League matches this term; only Arsenal and Liverpool can match that.

9. Beaten Everton, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Liverpool on their league travels.

10. Next is a trip to West Ham on Saturday, before the New Year's Day fixture home to Birmingham.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
SUNDERLAND

Kenwyne JONES is Sunderland's top scorer with four Premier League goals.

Michael CHOPRA is a double shy of 50 career league goals (Newcastle, Watford, Barnsley, Cardiff and Sunderland).

Last season's top scorer David CONNOLLY needs one goal to total 100 in his league career (Watford, Wolves, Wimbledon, West Ham, Leicester, Wigan and Sunderland).

If selected:-

Danny COLLINS will be making his 100th appearance for Sunderland.

Dickson ETUHU will be making his 250th club career appearance (Manchester City, Norwich, Preston and Sunderland).

Anthony STOKES will be making his 50th club career appearance in England and Scotland (Falkirk and Sunderland).

Andrew COLE, Danny HIGGINBOTHAM, Kieran RICHARDSON and Dwight YORKE will be facing a former club.

HIGGINBOTHAM will be playing three days before his 29th birthday.

Suspended:-

Liam MILLER

MANCHESTER UNITED

Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 16 goals.

RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with 11, and leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot.

If on the field from the outset:-

Wayne ROONEY will be making his 150th start in a United shirt.

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.
=
HEAD TO HEAD
United have won eight and drawn three Premier League matches since Sunderland's 2-1 win on 8 March 1997, when Michael Gray and John Mullin scored the decisive goals at Roker Park.

The Black Cats have recorded one subsequent 2-1 home victory over the Red Devils, winning a Worthington League Cup fourth round tie after extra time on 28 November 2000, at the Stadium of Light.

It was a losing first return for Roy Keane, when he took Sunderland to Old Trafford for the reverse fixture in September. That leaves the Red Devils with the possibly of completing the double over the Wearsiders for the third time in five attempts.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Sunderland 37 wins, Man Utd 46, Draws 26
Prem: Sunderland 1 wins, Man Utd 9, Draws 3

at Sunderland only
League (inc PL): Sunderland 26 wins, Man Utd 15, Draws 13
Prem: Sunderland 1 wins, Man Utd 3, Draws 2

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Manchester United 1-0 Sunderland
1 September 2007 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
Man Utd scorer: Saha 72

REFEREE
Uriah Rennie (Sheffield, Yorkshire)

[CibLover]

Feels good to be where we belong!! ;) :D

GLORY, GLORY MAN UTD!!!!

[mr_missile]

Cut and paste story

KEANE IMPRESSED BY UNITED


Sunderland boss Roy Keane is convinced former club Manchester United will retain their Barclays Premier League title after witnessing a romp on Wearside.

United maintained the pressure on Arsenal with a comprehensive 4-0 victory at the Stadium of Light to leave Keane's Sunderland deep in relegation trouble.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men simply had too much for the top-flight novices and raced into a 3-0 lead before the break.

Louis Saha's 86th-minute penalty simply cemented a win which had long been in the bag to leave Keane in little doubt as to the season's outcome.

He said: "I have been asked this question for the last month or two and I have said before my money is still on United and today has not changed that, it has not wavered it one bit.

"Any team that wins the league, history will tell you - and the manager of United has got so much experience - that they will get stronger as the season goes on.

"We did not kid ourselves when we were beaten 1-0 down there. It's like ourselves, it takes eight, nine, 10 games to get into the swing of things, even more so for the big boys who might have brought in one or two big signings.

"United, as the manager has said, if they are there or thereabouts coming into the new year, they will have a hell of a chance and I would not disagree with that one bit."

United were on their way with just 20 minutes gone when Wayne Rooney ended his six-game wait for a goal with an unerring finish.

He then turned provider to allow Saha to double the lead on the half-hour, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had earlier forced Craig Gordon into two important saves from free-kicks, finally beat him with a third in first-half injury time.

From then on, it was simply a matter of by how many United won, although they had to wait until the death for number four.

Ferguson was understandably delighted with his strikers in particular.

Asked about Saha's goal, he said: "It will do him a load of good, his confidence.

"We were having no problems at all - he and Rooney worked particularly well together and they were a real threat today."

Keane, who handed a debut to 17-year-old striker Martyn Waghorn, was defiant after a defeat which left his side just one place off bottom.

He said: "We are where we are. The best team will win the league and the three worst teams will go down - and I believe we are not one of the three worst teams in the Premier League.

"But it would be nice to back that up with some positive results and some wins.

"We are doing okay. We have got lots going for us in terms of the spirit of the players, the attitude of the players, and I am very lucky with the support and the staff I have got.

"But again, I keep saying, we do need a few more players of real quality."

[alex18122003]

Arsenal slipped behind Manchester United to second place in the Premier League after being held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Portsmouth side at Fratton Park.

It is the first time Arsenal have failed to score in the Premier League all season, thanks in no small part to a quite excellent defensive performance by man-of-the-match Sol Campbell who shackled his former club in world class fashion.

Campbell and defensive partner Sylvain Distin were immense as Pompey set their stall to soak up a predictable Arsenal and occasionally threaten on the break.

David James only had one real save to make - a comfortable catch from a long range Tomas Rosicky effort in the first half - while the same man had Arsenal's second best chance when he drilled just wide late on after being set up by substitute Nicklas Bendtner.

The best opportunity for the Gunners had been and gone, William Gallas volleying over from close range after he cottoned onto Cesc Fabregas' mis-hit shot. But the most clear-cut chance of the game fell to Pompey, Benjani bursting clean through with 16 minutes remaining but knocking the ball too far when rounding Manuel Almunia and losing the ball when he really should have scored.

The first half had been a fairly inconsequential affair, Arsenal looking a touch tired and lacking a truly killer final ball, although the width offered by Emmanuel Eboue and Rosicky - Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy overlapping well - was wasted with only Emmanuel Adebayor foraging a lonely furrow up front.

Eboue fired over on five minutes after playing a deft one-two with the Togo striker that brilliantly carved open the Pompey defence, while Niko Krancjar sent a low drive just wide after turning Sagna on the edge of the box.

Both sides were effectively nullifying each other with packed midfielder, with Benjani operating more on the flanks for much of the game, and the burst in activity later in the second half came when Pompey shut up shop, asked Arsenal to come at them and solely attacked on the break.

Arsenal now have 44 points, one behind Manchester United - who thrashed Sunderland 4-0 at the Stadium of Light - while Pompey stay 7th after Everton made light work of Bolton.

[<<<SUCHINDA>>>]

West Ham winning 2-1 confirm will be tomorrow's headlines ;)

[imom]

Papers: Dimi to join Reds?
31/12/2007 09:37

Berba: I'm off

Dimitar Berbatov has sensationally told Spurs he would like to join a ‘big’ club — putting Manchester United on red alert. In a bombshell interview with SunSport, the Bulgarian superstar’s agent Emil Dantchev last night revealed: “I have already spoken to the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, and told him that if a club that corresponds to Dimitar’s class and ambition comes in with an offer that suits his current club in January, he would like to be allowed to go. Dimitar is OK at Tottenham. I would not say he is happy. But his performances for the club are a testament to his commitment to the fans and his team-mates. He has never stopped trying and scoring goals to help the team. Fans must understand Dimitar is 27 next month and time is running out for him to play for a club that can match his ambition.”
Antony Kastrinakis, The Sun

In other news, Sir Alex Ferguson has told United to win the Champions League as a reward for Cristiano Ronaldo. "Six players in today’s squad have won a Champions League medal — Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves and Edwin van der Sar, as well as Paul Scholes who was suspended for the 1999 final," said the boss. "I know the others are keen to join them. We are rating Cristiano Ronaldo the best player in the world. But he needs the medals to prove it."

Sir Alex hopes Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick will have recovered from illness when United look to bounce back from defeat at West Ham by beating Birmingham at Old Trafford on New Year's Day.

[virginlovers]

man u needs someone to replace giggs. nani is not that experienced yet. not to forget van der sar will have to hang up his boots soon. a better reserve keeper is needed.

who might be a better reserve keeper?
kuzscak seems competent enough.

what they really need is a right back n a left back who can switch to central defence where possible.
phillip lahm is good.
:D

IMHO

[CibLover]

Newcastle have bid rejected for Utd's Brown.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'We have had an inquiry from Newcastle for Wes Brown but we have turned it down.'

The 28-year-old England international will be out of contract in the summer and has recently turned down an improved final deal from Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News reported that Newcastle came through with a firm offer, believed to be approximately £2million, for the versatile defender.

Although Ferguson has reject Newcastle's initial offer has not ruled out a deal taking place if the player is interested.

'The matter rests with Wes and his agent,' Ferguson said. 'We'll just wait and see what happens. Our offer is still there - it's now up to Wes.'

Brown has spent most of the season deputising for the injured Gary Neville at right-back and if United manager Ferguson decides to accept an offer, rather than lose the player for nothing in the summer, he may be left short of defenders.

Toon manager Sam Allardyce is under serious pressure on Tyneside as his team has struggled home and away and sees the addition of Brown as key to bolstering his side's shaky defence.

The former Bolton boss is also maintaining his interest in Tal Ben-Haim, whom he tried to sign on a free transfer from his old club during the close-season, but was beaten to the punch by Chelsea.

The Israel international has found his chances limited at Stamford Bridge, although has been involved in recent games because of the absence of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

However, the Blues are said to have placed a £2million price-tag on his head.

================================================== =======

Looks like we have a rebel on our hands!! I'll say let's sell him off for some $$ and get a better righ-back to deputise for Gary. Brown is just an okay defender IMHO.. not great.

I'm sure the Gaffer already has someone in his mind. ;)

[alex18122003]

Familiar feeling for O'Neill as Villa face Man Utd in FA Cup tie

It would be no surprise if Martin O'Neill was sick of the sight of Manchester United but the Aston Villa manager has every reason to believe his side can finally end a frustrating run of failure against Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

The two clubs come into this third round clash having faced each other at this stage of the competition three times in the previous six seasons with United triumphing on each occasion.

But with Villa playing as well as they have done for years - and United having stuttered unconvincingly through a difficult festive programme - a repeat victory for Ferguson's side at Villa Park is not a foregone conclusion.

The United manager's decision to criticise the Old Trafford crowd for the lack of atmosphere during the narrow new year's day league victory over Birmingham may have distracted from his players' underwhelming recent form.

But with Argentine play-maker Carlos Tevez - scorer of the only goal against Birmingham - missing with a bruised ankle, Ferguson will be forced to look elsewhere for inspiration if his side are to retain hope of improving on last season's run when they were defeated by Chelsea in the Wembley final.

Wayne Rooney's return after a two-game absence should at least compensate for the loss of Tevez, but with fast-improving Villa having moved to sixth in the Premier League on the back of a five-game unbeaten run, United's passage into the fourth round is far from assured.

O'Neill declared after the draw that "I'd have taken a home tie against anybody" and the recent performances against Spurs and Chelsea have done nothing to temper that view.

Gabriel Agbonhalor, the Villa winger who is expected to receive his first England call-up under new coach Fabio Capello, insists they must target a replay at a minimum.

United condemned Villa to a humiliating 4-1 defeat earlier this season in a match that also saw Scott Carson, the England goalkeeper, and Nigel Reo-Coker both dismissed.

Agbonlahor said: "We got on top of them last time, but against those teams, I don't think it's good to score the first goal.

"I think we got them angry and they came back at us! We've got to go out and do what we did against Tottenham and Chelsea and get at least a replay out of it.

"We've shown we can hurt them and, on our day, we can hurt anyone. We've got to try to stop them from scoring because we're capable of scoring in every game."

"They thumped us in the League. But this is the FA Cup, so you never know what to expect. We'll try our best and see what happens. We know they're so strong, especially at home, so we've just got to try our hardest and see what we can get out of the game."

[yinyang]

Commemorative piece for our beloved club (bottom below)

---------------------------------------------------
Eriksson calls for Munich respect

Eriksson wants to ensure City's fans are respectful. Sven-Goran Eriksson has called on Manchester City's fans to be respectful of commemorations planned for the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.

City play at Manchester United on 10 February and Eriksson has written to fans asking them to pay tribute to those killed in the Munich plane crash.

Eight United stars and former City keeper Frank Swift were among 23 who lost their lives on 6 February, 1958.

Eriksson has urged fans not to disrupt a minute's silence before the match.

Former Manchester United club secretary Ken Ramsden, who has helped organise the commemorations for the day said: "What happened at Munich was not just a disaster for United but for the whole of the city of Manchester.

"We are sure that City fans will unite with us and share in the occasion with us."

United will wear a special replica of their 1958 kit on the day, devoid of the players' names or shirt numbers on the back, while City's kit will incorporate a black ribbon with their sponsors branding removed.

[alex18122003]

Manchester United will not buy or sell any players during the January transfer window, according to their chief executive David Gill.

The Premier League champions have been linked with a £30 million move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov but Gill insisted they would not look to improve the squad until the end of the season.

"I don't think there will be any purchases in the transfer window," he told the BBC.

"We invested heavily last summer and believe we have a very good squad that can really go for the honours in the balance of the season.

"We will assess in the summer as well always do and see where things have gone well and not so well, and see where we can strengthen."

Gill sought to ward off any interest in their in-form duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, saying that United have never been a selling club.

He said the only major players sold in Alex Ferguson's reign - such as David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy - were those the manager was willing to let go.

"We made it clear Cristiano would never be for sale. Wayne and a number of other key players fit into that category," Gill said.

"Rooney is a world-class footballer and 22 years old, not only a great player but very popular around the club. He absolutely loves the club and we will make sure we keep him for many, many years."

Gill also rubbished reports that Louis Saha will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The fragile Frenchman has made just 50 league starts in four years since joining from Fulham, and underwent knee surgery in the summer.

However, Gill said the 29-year-old had not suffered a recurrence of the same injury, describing the latest setback as: "A slight knock - he is certainly not out for the rest of the season."

[dom01]

It seems that our dear Saha is down and out for the season again.... :cool:

[DatukSeks]

It seems that our dear Saha is down and out for the season again.... :cool:
we should sell the injury prone saha and buy berbatov

[sammyboy101]

who might be a better reserve keeper?
kuzscak seems competent enough.

what they really need is a right back n a left back who can switch to central defence where possible.
phillip lahm is good.
:D

IMHO

kuzscak's clearance SUCK man..lol..plus he can't clear the ball properly with his left leg i think..

dey need a striker!! if 1 day ronaldo is out injured man utd = only haf rooney = draw or lose..tevez oso on n off..how i wish berba can just leave tottenham already n join man utd..been hopin for that since the end of season transfer window last year..lol..

[alex18122003]

Ronaldo: No need to rest me


Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said he does not need a rest as he looks to continue his red-hot form for the Red Devils.The Portuguese winger scored his first hat-trick for the club in Saturday's 6-0 win over Newcastle to take his tally for the campaign to 22 goals.

This time last season, though, Ronaldo was enjoying the Dubai sunshine after being given a mid-term break by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the reigning Footballer of the Year has no intention of putting his feet up this month as he aims to maintain his scoring streak.

Ronaldo said in the Daily Mirror: "This time last season the boss gave me a break for four or five days.

"But people who know me will know that all I want to do is play. I just want to play, score goals, make assists and do good things for the team.

"I'm enjoying staying here in Manchester. There isn't much sun at the moment, but it's not a problem. The weather is not the most important thing.

"I had a great season in 2007 and played really well. I scored a lot of goals, made a few goals and it was a wonderful season for me.

"But this season I'm at the same level. I've scored quite a few goals, played at a good level and the important thing is to keep going like that. I want to learn more and play more.

"I want to score as many goals as I can. I have many opportunities to score because my team-mates make good passes and because there are so many games, not just the Premier League but Champions League and FA Cup."

[alex18122003]

Manchester United came from behind to beat Tottenham 3-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup as Michael Dawson saw red for the visitors.

Dawson's dismissal was the key moment in the match, as the same incident led to the penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo that put United in front 21 minutes from time.

Robbie Keane had put Spurs in front mid-way through the first-half but Carlos Tevez restored parity before the break.

Ronaldo then sealed the win two minutes before the end as Radek Cerny let the winger's low drive slip under his body for a soft third.

At 1-1, Spurs had chances to get back in front, but then Dawson let Wayne Rooney slip in behind him after a booming clearance from Edwin Van der Sar.

Rooney took the ball down superbly but just before he could shoot, Dawson's hand came out to bat the ball away. Referee Peter Walton spotted the infringement, sent the centre-half off, and then Ronaldo calmly put the spot kick away.

Tottenham took the lead with a finely crafted goal in the 24th minute. Aaron Lennon did superbly to trick his way past Patrice Evra and then he side footed home a low cross across the six-yard area. Keane was then there to tap in after superbly peeling off Rio Ferdinand, although Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious with his team's marking for the goal.

United were level seven minutes from time when Dawson could only head Rooney's long ball up into the air. Ryan Giggs then shielded the ball from Lee Young-pyo and Tevez was able to rush in and sweep home.

United had most of the play in the opening period but struggled to created anything and it was actually Spurs who had the better chances, with Rooney having to head off the line after a Dimitar Berbatov header early on and then, just before the break, Jenas broke away from midfield and Edwin Van der Sar had to get down quickly to make an excellent save.

After the break Jenas again broke free but this time scuffed his attempt and at the other end Ronaldo fired into the side-netting after he finally got in behind the previously outstanding Jamie O'Hara.

However, the Portuguese man would have his moments before the end as he slotted home the penalty and then helped himself to a fortuitous second before the end.

Spurs were unlucky not to get anything from the game though, and indeed nearly levelled at 2-2 five minutes from time when Wayne Brown deflected a Berbatov cross onto his own post while under pressure from Berbatov

[me|zuo]

Spurs were unlucky not to get anything from the game though, and indeed nearly levelled at 2-2 five minutes from time when Wayne Brown deflected a Berbatov cross onto his own post while under pressure from Berbatov


who is that?? :rolleyes::confused:

[skippydoo]

"We are sure that City fans will unite with us and share in the occasion with us."


Sadly, there are a hard core of ManC fans who will not respect the occasion. I think that instead of a minute's silence, a minute's hand clap would have been a much better tribute to the memory of those players (and staff, media reps) that perished in Munich 50 years ago. It would also remove the opportunity for the bad element to spoil the occasion. :mad:

[dc7176]

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth: Ronaldo dazzles againPA

Cristiano Ronaldo steered Manchester United back to the top of the table with his second brace in the space of three days as they beat Portsmouth 2-0.


http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/jb2/ronalalalla_get41222.jpg

Cristiano Ronaldo booms in a free-kick to score his second goal at Old Trafford.

After dismantling Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, he showed similar panache against Pompey.

Ronaldo's two goals took his tally to 27 - and the campaign still has a way to run.

The Portugal winger looks intent on winning a second successive championship single-handedly.

However United are much more than a one-man team and with Paul Scholes back to full fitness they have plenty of impressive options.

• Fergie: Best free kick I've seen

With England manager Fabio Capello looking on they took the game by the scruff of the neck inside the first quarter.

United made the breakthrough in the 10th minute after an incisive break which dismantled Portsmouth - and the visitors never recovered.

Nani showed superb vision to pick out Ronaldo and he took full advantage with a cool finish.

That put United firmly in the driving seat early in the match.

It did not take Ronaldo long to add to his tally, either, with James stranded as a magnificent 25-yard free-kick whistled past his left shoulder in the 13th minute.

Such was the sweetness of the strike even the visiting fans must have felt like applauding.

Ronaldo then turned provider in the 20th minute when he set up Rooney but his chip was cleanly taken by James.

Ronaldo almost scored from an identical free-kick four minutes later, only for James to deflect his effort to safety before Brown thumped a close range shot over the bar.

United kept up the pace and Patrice Evra strode forward in the 27th minute but James made a good parry.

Portsmouth again found themselves on the back foot four minutes later when Scholes picked out Ronaldo with a good through-ball.

However Glen Johnson read the situation well and made a timely interception.

Rooney should then have made it 3-0 to United but contrived to miskick in front of goal.

Such was United's dominance at this stage he could afford a wry smile at fluffing the chance.

Scholes looked as though he had never been away by spraying some precise passes around the pitch.

Nani then went close in the 42nd minute after cutting inside, only to see his effort go wide of the target.

United started the second half where they had left off and James did well to push away a header from Rio Ferdinand in the 51st minute following a corner from Nani.

Rooney was wasteful in the 55th minute when he intercepted a sloppy back pass from Sol Campbell - the United striker lofted the ball up in the air but did not put enough weight on it and James was able to make the save.

Nani was looking lively and tried to release Rooney three minutes later but he had strayed offside.

Portsmouth were having a little more more possession at this stage but were finding United difficult to break down.

Ronaldo should have completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute but scuffed his effort wide after Rooney had won the ball off Campbell.

Rooney was putting in a hard shift and cut inside three minutes later, only send a shot into James' arms.

Nani almost got his reward for a promising display in the 72nd minute but James stood up and made the block.

The Portuguese winger was intent on seeing his name on the scoresheet but rattled a shot over the bar in the 82nd minute.

Then substitutes Carlos Tevez and Anderson both went close as United regained their place at the top of the table ahead of Arsenal.

Fergie: Best free kick I've seen

Sir Alex Ferguson described Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick as 'the best I've seen in the Premier League' after the Portuguese's double.

Ferguson told Sky Sports 2: 'David Beckham's strike rate was pretty good, Eric Cantona used to take them too but Ronaldo's strike rate is phenomenal.

'That without doubt must be the best (I've seen in the Premier League).

'From that distance he is going to hit them. No keeper in the world would save that.

'The boy practices. It's a delight to see, terrific.' Ferguson also hailed his side's performance but was flabbergasted they had not managed to score more than two goals.

'I think it was a fantastic performance - one of the best this season,' he said.

'I can't believe it was only two. We missed a few chances, but at the end of the day you've got to think about the performance.

'We wanted to get back (to the top) - because it's a tricky part of the season now, with cup ties and European ties.'

Ronaldo admitted the free-kick was up there with his favourite goals. managed to score more than two goals.

'I've seen the replay and it is difficult. Maybe it's the best, maybe, I don't know.

Asked about his technique, he added: 'This is my style. I feel great, so when I shoot like that, sometimes it is a goal, sometimes not. managed to score more than two goals.

'I'm very happy and proud to help my team.'


YouTube - Cristiano Ronaldo Free Kick Goal January 30th 2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ-ok2JdfZI)

Goals

First Goal (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1739646) for Manchester United by Ronaldo 9

Second Goal (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1739646) for Manchester United by Ronaldo from a wonderful Free kick 12

[machoman]

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth: Ronaldo dazzles againPA

YouTube - Cristiano Ronaldo Free Kick Goal January 30th 2008 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ-ok2JdfZI)

Goals

First Goal (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1739646) for Manchester United by Ronaldo 9

Second Goal (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1739646) for Manchester United by Ronaldo from a wonderful Free kick 12

Thanks for posting the above article & video clips, bro dc7176. :p :D

[mr_missile]

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth: Ronaldo dazzles againPA

Second Goal (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1739646) for Manchester United by Ronaldo from a wonderful Free kick 12

with no 'live' telecast this morning, it's so good to be able to see the superbly taken free kick by ronaldo here.
thanks bro dc7176!
onwards united!

[yinyang]

Top clubs consider overseas games

The English Premier League is considering the idea of staging some matches around the rest of the world. At a meeting in London on Thursday, all 20 clubs agreed to explore a proposal to extend the season to 39 games.

Those 10 extra games would be played at five different venues, with cities bidding for the right to stage them.

It is understood the additional fixtures could be determined by a draw but that the top-five teams could be seeded to avoid playing each other.

Premier League's overseas plan explained

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore told BBC Sport: "I think it's an idea whose time has come. It's an exciting prospect.

We believe that an 'international round' of matches will enhance the strength of the Barclays Premier League as a competition

"It's an extra game, it's is not taking anybody's game away, and it includes all 20 clubs which is very important. All 20 clubs will benefit and there is a huge element of solidarity about it.

"When the league does well, other people in the football family do well in terms of redistribution. We feel it is a very positive thing.

"You can't stand still and if we don't do this then somebody else is going to do it, whether it be football or another sport. Therefore it's trying to ride the crest of that wave at the same as protecting what is good and great about what we do.

"Every time there is an evolutionary step, the reaction of the fans is not always great but I would ask them to take a step back and look at the positives."

The Football Association has given its provisional support to the plans.

"We understand the reasons for this proposals and the benefits it can bring to English football as a whole," said an FA source.

A final decision on the proposals will not be made until January 2009.

The main aspects of the plans are:

An additional round of Premier League fixtures, extending the season to 39 games, from January 2011

Four clubs to travel to one of five host cities, with two games taking place in each venue over a weekend

Cities would bid for the right to become a host, not for individual matches

Points earned from the games would count towards the final Premier League table

Scudamore added that "there is much more detail to follow which we will work on over the next 12 months".

Cities in Asia, Middle East and North America are likely to show a strong interest in hosting the extra games.

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose says the Premier League's decision to explore such a move is a "logical" one.

"The growth of the Premier League has been impressive in the last 15 years thanks to the sale of television rights in this country," he said.

"But now the market in the United Kingdom is becoming saturated and it is the overseas market which is now the big target area."

This is a chance for the Premier League to showcase its product around the world

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose

The Premier League's income from the sale of overseas TV rights has already increased from £178m in 2001 to £625m for the current deal that runs until 2010.

Broadcaster NowTV paid around £100m for the rights to Hong Kong alone.

Premier League games are broadcast to over 600m homes in 202 countries worldwide, while an estimated 1bn people watched the Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester United in November 2007.

A number of top-flight clubs already play matches around the world as they seek to capitalise on the huge global interest in the English game.

Manchester United are regular visitors to Asia, Middle East and America while other clubs are beginning to follow their lead.

"This is a chance for the Premier League to showcase its product around the world," added Bose.

"Some fans may feel aggrieved, but their concerns will be outweighed in the eyes of the clubs by the financial advantages.

"The clubs will see this as a chance to make more money so they can invest in new facilities and better players."

There is also likely to be a big scramble for the right to host the extra games.


Man Utd make regular visits to Asia and are proving a big hit in China

"It will be like cities bidding for the Olympic Games or the World Cup," explained Bose.

The Premier League's proposal mirrors moves in other sports, notably American Football.

Miami Dolphins and New York Giants met at Wembley in October, the first competitive NFL game outside the Americas.

"Globalisation is a challenge for all sports because the whole world seems to be interested in the very best of sport wherever it comes from," added Scudamore.

"Through modern media exposure there is a globalisation and we need to do something to make sure we are at the forefront of that and making sure we turn that into positive benefits for the game at all levels in this country."

Scudamore also defended the claim that taking away the principle of teams playing each other twice, home and away, removes the league's fairness.

"There is a perfect symmetry to our league but that is not the same thing as saying it is fair," he said.

"The clubs will know in advance what the rules are, there will be a draw and these matches will not be anyone's home or away games.

"There are a lot of things that will be done to make it as fair as you can make it. This is not a challenge to the integrity of the competition."

[machoman]

Ferguson: Title race still on

http://www.premierleague.com/javaImages/97/5f/0,,12306~3563415,00.jpg http://www.premierleague.com/javaImages/9b/5f/0,,12306~3563419,00.jpg
Sir Alex Ferguson says there is plenty of life left in the Barclays Premier League title race.
Ferguson says Manchester United are not out of the title race
"It's going to be a really good, tight finish"
- Sir Alex Ferguson

Reigning champions United's defeat to local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday and Arsenal's subsequent victory over Blackburn Rovers have left Arsene Wenger's team in pole position with a dozen games remaining.

United have slipped five points off leaders Arsenal and the Red Devils face the Gunners and third placed Chelsea within a fortnight in April.

"It was an important weekend for Arsenal in that ourselves and Chelsea dropped points," United manager Ferguson said.

"But points will be dropped by the top teams. There is a long way to go and it makes it interesting now. It's going to be a really good, tight finish.

"It's something the neutrals will all be enthralled by. We know the job we've got to do. Arsenal still have to come to Old Trafford and they have got to go to Chelsea. It's like I said at the start of the season - I think it will go to the wire."

[dom01]

Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal: Abject Gunners thumped

Manchester United may be lying in Arsenal's slipstream at the top of the table but they gained the high ground in the FA Cup following a 4-0 win at Old Trafford.
Two goals from Darren Fletcher and one each from Wayne Rooney secured their place in the quarter-final.

Arsenal's cause was not helped, however, by Emmanuel Eboue's sending off in the 49th minute.

Both United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger made five changes with vital Champions League matches ahead next week.

It was Ferguson, however, who was left smiling after this rout of their title rivals.

United made a blistering start and it was no surprise they made the breakthrough in the 16th minute following a corner from Nani.

Anderson flicked the ball on and Rooney headed it beyond Jens Lehmann for his 11th goal of the season.

Three minutes later United made it 2-0 after good work by Nani on the left.

The Portuguese player chipped the ball into the area and Fletcher marked his first start in two months by heading home, although his effort seemed to take took a deflection off William Gallas.

It was all United at this stage with Arsenal looking lethargic and out of sorts.

Nani and Anderson were showing good skill while Rooney was bright after missing the derby defeat by Manchester City at the weekend after suspension.

He latched on to a pass from Patrice Evra in the 32nd minute, only to clip his effort wide of the post.

Fletcher then picked out Rooney two minutes later but he failed to test Lehmann from inside the penalty area.

However Wenger must have been alarmed at the amount of room the England striker was being given by the Gunners' defence.

United made it 3-0 in the 38th minute following a pinpoint pass from Michael Carrick from deep.

Nani was alert and skipped goal-side of Justin Hoyte to score with a low drive into the corner.

United started the second half where they had left off with Rooney testing Lehmann in the 47th minute.

A minute later the Arsenal goalkeeper had to look alert as a free-kick from Rooney spun off Fletcher.

Arsenal's problems increased in the 49th minute when they were reduced to 10 men.

Eboue was dismissed by referee Alan Wiley after a clumsy challenge left Evra on the floor.

Eboue refused to believe it and questioned the decision before being led away down the touchline.

United were spraying the ball around, particularly Carrick, and Arsenal were being constantly stretched.

Evra then picked out Nani inside the six-yard box after 58 minutes but his effort was safely taken by Lehmann.

While Lehmann was being kept busy, his opposite number Edwin van der Sar was having little to do.

Rooney could have extended United's lead in the space of a couple of minutes but each time his finish was wasteful.

Arsenal launched a rare counter-attack in the 64th minute but substitute Eduardo da Silva headed over the top following a cross from Cesc Fabregas.

Anderson then found himself in acres of space, only to toe-poke his effort wide of the target.

Rooney came off after 68 minutes and was applauded by England boss Fabio Capello.

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor was introduced in the 71st minute but three minutes later United made it 4-0.

Fletcher scored his second goal of the game with a header at the far post following a cross from the irrepressible Nani.

Adebayor joined Eduardo and Gilberto in the book soon after with United well on top and Nani beginning to showboat - much to the delight of the home fans.

However he took exception to the way he was being marked and squared up to Gallas.

United could have added to their tally but this was a super show nonetheless which secured their place in the last eight.



Fergie: We're back on song


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson felt the FA Cup drubbing of Arsenal was the perfect response to last week's Manchester derby defeat.
Ferguson told MUTV: 'It was a really fantastic performance. The players looked great. They showed tenacity and the passing was terrific.

'They were so disappointed with themselves (after losing 2-1 to Manchester City) on a really important day. I think all the emotions of the week probably caught up with them.

'But today they've made amends for that with a marvellous performance.'

United ran the midfield, and Ferguson reserved particular praise for Fletcher, who has had little opportunity to shine this season.

'Darren Fletcher is one of these players who always plays well against Arsenal,' he added on his club's TV station.

'I think he's had two man of the matches in semi-finals. Sometimes it's horses for courses and I think it was Darren's day.

'We decided to play three in the middle of the park to control things, which we did very well.

'Some of the passing was very good and the running off the ball was very good. It was a great performance by us.'

Arsenal's cause was not helped by the sending-off of Emmanuel Eboue early in the second half for a high challenge on Nani.

But Ferguson felt Gunners defender William Gallas should also have seen red.

'I thought Gallas should have been sent off,' the United boss said.

'The referee must have a look at that again. He kicked Nani from behind and the referee called both over because they sized up to each other. He should have been red-carded.'

Arsenal seemed unhappy with Nani's apparent show-boating, and Ferguson admitted the Portuguese winger's tricks were somewhat unnecessary.

The Scot explained: 'I agree, I think he shouldn't be doing that, he doesn't need to do that.

'In some ways it shows a great deal of courage to do what he did, that's one side of it, but you don't need to do that.'

Arsenal have a five-point lead in the Barclays Premier League title race, but Ferguson hopes today's result could prove the turning point.

'I hope so, I really do,' he added. 'Who knows? You never know what position both clubs are going to be in but it's certainly whetted our appetite for future games.'

The result was achieved without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Ferguson revealed Ronaldo had a stomach upset while Giggs and Scholes were rested ahead of the Champions League meeting with Lyon on Wednesday.

[dom01]

United offer trial to Mpoklu
Manchester United are the latest club linked with 15-year-old defender Paul Jose Mpoklu, who has also attracted the interest of Tottenham

The Congolese, from Belgian club Standard Liege, has already had a trial with Spurs, who are keen to sign him when he turns 16.

But now United have offered a trial to the highly-regarded youngster, who has a Belgian passport, and want to snap him up before he signs any formal deal with Liege.

Speaking of the situation, Mpoklu told the Daily Mirror: "I will have to wait a few months before I make a decision.

"Now I have Manchester United to think about too but I did enjoy London and went to the Tottenham-Wigan game and it was fantastic."

Mpoklu is the cousin of Porto defender Jose Bosingwa and gets advice from him.

"I have spoken a lot with my cousin and he gives me good advice," he said, adding: "I love English football, they have great players and the atmosphere in stadiums is amazing."

[dom01]

Wes craving Euro tie with Lyon

Manchester United cannot wait for the Champions League to resume next week, according to defender Wes Brown

Sir Alex Ferguson's side face Lyon in the first leg of the last 16 in France on Wednesday night.

With this being the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash, United would love nothing better than to lift the trophy as a tribute to the 23 people who died, including eight of their players.

Certainly, their form in the group stages could hardly have been better as they look to emulate the class of 1999.

They managed to get their hands on the trophy with a nailbiting victory against Bayern Munich.

United won their group this season at a canter, recording five straight victories against Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kiev and Roma.

Then they had to settle for a point against Roma in December when qualification was already assured.

Two months on and England right-back Brown is anxious for the side to progress to the next phase.

He said: "We have all been looking forward to the Champions League starting again as we enjoy being in all competitions.

"We have played Lyon in the past and every time it has been difficult there.

"Perhaps they are not as strong as in previous years but they can punish you just the same.

"We are happy to be in the competition and want to progress to the next stage."

Lyon recovered from losing their first two group games to pick up 10 points from four matches, including a decisive 3-0 victory against Rangers at Ibrox.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased the second leg is Old Trafford on March 4.

He said: "It's maybe the hardest of the five (possible draws) we could have got.

"Lyon have won their league for the last six seasons in a row - that's an incredible record.

"They've lost some players over the last few years but they're always capable of producing new ones.

"It's important to come back from France with a good result. Then our fans, with Old Trafford at its loudest, can help us go through."

United have registered an additional three youngsters for the competition - striker Daniel Welbeck (17), defender Craig Cathcart (19) and midfielder Rodrigo Possebon (19).

Possebon, who was recruited from Brazil's Sport Club Internacional, made his debut for the reserves in midweek.

Former United star Paddy Crerand was impressed by the rookie's performance.

"I'm looking forward to seeing an awful lot more of this boy," Crerand told MUTV. "He was fantastic.

"He can use both feet, he's very calm on the ball and his passing is very, good. He's a big lad too, so he's strong and can hold off players.

"Players like Paul Scholes are always looking around and know exactly where they want to play the ball before it even comes to them.

"This kid looks as if he could be that kind of player."

[dom01]

Nike : Who is the Fastest? (http://www.skysports.com/whoisthefastest/index.html)

Please check this out... ;)

[stevie.tan]

Well done MU!:)

[dom01]

Rodrigo Possebon - The Next Big Thing At Old Trafford? - Footy/Soccer Blog | English Premier League | Football Video | Soccer News at footyblog.net (http://footyblog.net/2008/02/18/rodrigo-possebon-the-next-big-thing-at-old-trafford/)

Check him out...

[mr_missile]

Cut and paste story.

FERGUSON HINTS AT BENZEMA DEAL


Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Manchester United could sign Lyon striker Karim Benzema.

The Reds boss watched Benzema, along with his team-mate winger Hatem Ben Arfa, when Lyon beat Sochaux 4-1 in Ligue 1 last weekend.

Ferguson will get a further chance to see the French international when his side face Lyon in the Champions League on Wednesday and he has done nothing to dismiss speculation of a move for the forward.

"It is an area we tried to strengthen last summer and I don't think that's left us," Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News

"I have big hopes for Danny Welbeck and he's progressing well but he's young. And we have Frazier Campbell coming back who has done well at Hull, but he's young as well.

"Benzema is only 20 and Ben Arfa is also 20. Lyon produce young players and Benzema is a local boy, which I'm sure gives them pride."

Ferguson though knows the player won't come cheap, rating Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas as one of European football's best negotiators.

"The president is a very clever man," he said. "He's so clever he can sell midfield players (Mahamadou Diarra) for £20m. That's amazing.

"That Jeremy Toulalan he bought from Nantes just sits and does the same job Diarra did. When they sold Michael Essien, they took Tiago then sold Tiago to Juventus for £6m.

"Eric Abidal, £10m for a left back. They're a well-run club."

However Benzema has said he would reject a switch to Old Trafford because he wants to win the Champions League with Lyon.

"A move to United wouldn't be right for me at this time," Benzema told the News of the World.

"I have said I wouldn't leave Lyon until we've won the Champions League and I have no intention of trying to go too quickly."

[yinyang]

Lyon v Man Utd
Venue: Stade Gerland
Date: Wed 20 Feb
Round: Last 16
Kick-off: 1945 GMT

BIG MATCH STATS
Olympique Lyon and Manchester United's only previous European meetings came in the 2004-05 Champions League group phase. The first match ended in a 2-2 draw in France and the return was a 2-1 win for United.

Six Lyon players who played in those matches are still with the club - Gregory Coupet, Anthony Reveillere, Cris, Juninho Pernambucano, Sidney Govou and Hatem Ben Arfa are the sextet. Manchester United have 10 survivors from those two matches - Michael Silvestre, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher. Cris scored in the opening leg, and Gary Neville in the return.

European history
Lyon's best European performance came in the 1963-64 Cup Winners' Cup when they reached the semi-finals. Their Champions League best is three quarter-final appearances in 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06. Last season was the first time they had failed to successfully negotiate the last 16 knockout stage.

Manchester United have won three European trophies - the 1967-68 Champions Cup, 1990-91 Cup Winners' Cup and 1998-99 Champions League.

Current European form
Olympique Lyon are unbeaten in four Champions League home matches.

Manchester United have not lost in six Champions League matches. They are one of three unbeaten teams in this season's Champions League. Chelsea and FC Barcelona are the others.

Player and disciplinary info
Anthony Reveillere, Juninho Pernambucano and Sidney Govou (all Lyon) will be suspended for the second leg if they receive a yellow card.

Sebastien Squillaci and Remy Vercoutre have played every minute of Lyon's CL campaign this season. Juninho Pernambucano, Hatem Ben Arfa, Sidney Govou, Kim Kallstrom and Reveillere have also played in all six of Lyon's CL matches this season.

If selected, Ryan Giggs will play his 100th Champions League match and will become the eighth person to reach the century. He made his CL debut in United's 4-2 win against IFK Gothenburg on 14 September 1994.

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo is joint top scorer in this season's competition. He has five goals, the same as Inter Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Nani is the only Manchester United player to have appeared in all six of his clubs CL matches this season.

Other miscellaneous facts
Manchester United are currently second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by five points. They knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup in convincing fashion (4-0) in the fifth round tie at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Olympique Lyon were defeated 1-0 by Le Mans in their Saturday encounter in the French league. They lead the Ligue 1 Orange from Girondins Bordeaux, whom they saw close in to one point.

[alex18122003]

Champions League - Team news: Ton-up Giggs

Lyon v Man Utd

Ronaldo has recovered from the stomach upset that saw him miss the weekend's win over Arsenal while Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves, all rested against the Gunners, will return for the trip to play the French champions. Lyon boss Alain Perrin recalls Karim Benzema after resting him on Saturday, and must choose between Kim Kallstrom and Mathieu Bodmer in midfield. Captain and Brazil defender Cris, who has not played for six months due to torn right knee ligaments, has been included in the squad but is not expected to start.

[dc7176]

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/5012/8759fz1.jpg http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6042/7601ea0.jpg

Olympique Lyon vs Manchester United


Wednesday February 20, 2008 , 19:45
Gerland


Videos During The Match


Goals

First Goal for Lyon by Benzema 53
Click Here For Video (http://www.d1g.com/show/1803663)


Draw goal for Manchester United by Teves 86
Click Here For Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1803693)


Extras

Nice attack for Lyon saved by Ivra 6
Click Here For Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1803523)



Nice Freekick by Juninho 19
Click Here For Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1803570)



Nice Chance by Rooney saved by Coupet 24
Click Here For Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1803580)


Nice shot by Karim Benzema over the goal 25
Click Here For Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1803601)

http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/design05/images/JonMC/February2008/tevez-412.jpg

I KNEW I'd seen Carlos somewhere before... kekeke

http://forums.gotwoot.net/gallery/files/8/5/5/0/street_fighter_blanka.jpg

[alex18122003]

Vidic Hails United Squad Strength

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic believes his club represent the benchmark when it comes to squad depth.

The Serbian international says manager Sir Alex Ferguson is spoiled for choice and left with a constant headache about who to select.

Ferguson saw his side secure a 1-1 draw against Lyon last night in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie, after taking 22 players to France.

The Old Trafford boss opted to use Wayne Rooney as a solitary striker and play wise old heads Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in the middle of the park.

But when Karim Benzema put Lyon ahead in the 54th minute with a stunning strike, Ferguson reverted to plan B.

Giggs and Scholes came off and were replaced by summer singings Carlos Tevez - who was paired with Rooney - and Nani.

United suddenly had a sense of urgency about them and got a deserved equaliser, and a potentially vital away goal, three minutes from time.

Ferguson must have had a wry smile as Nani delivered the cross and Tevez scored at the back post for his 15th of the season, as Lyon failed to clear their lines.

Despite having his work cut out by Benzema, Vidic claims it is United who have good reason to be cheerful and the players to cope with a hectic schedule.

Darren Fletcher may have scored twice in the FA Cup victory against Arsenal at the weekend but he had to settle for being a substitute.

That scenario also applied to Louis Saha, Michael Carrick and John O'Shea - experienced players who can make a difference.

Vidic said: "We are capable of finishing games strongly because we have so much strength on the bench.

"Nani and Tevez made a big difference when they came on."

Vidic claims United have one foot in the quarter-finals going into the second leg at Old Trafford on March 4.

He said: "Lyon have some good players, and Benzema caused us some problems.

"But scoring near the end makes it feel a little bit like a victory."

Ferguson added: "With our attacking options we had on the bench and being 1-0 down, we were always going to make changes.

"You always wonder if a goal will come, but Tevez has given us a good opportunity to qualify."

Giggs, who made his 100th Champions League appearance in Lyon, will take another step towards a potential coaching career this summer.

He was delighted to have joined a select band of centurions - including Paolo Maldini, Raul, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Oliver Khan, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf.

He said: "I was pleased to get to the 100th Champions League milestone. To play that many is something special, and so it was a special night.

"It is always important to get the away goals and we got it, so we have to be happy.

"The job is half done, and we will need to play well to beat them at Old Trafford. We hope we will finish the job at home now."

[mr_missile]

Cut and paste story :

FERGIE WELCOMES GIGGS` INTIATIVE

Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed Ryan Giggs' enrolment on a key coaching course and indicated he could have a future role to play at Manchester United.

Giggs is due to start studying for his UEFA 'A' licence under the control of the Football Association of Wales in Aberystwyth in June.

At 34, Giggs is United's most-decorated player and he marked his 100th Champions League appearance by helping the club to a 1-1 draw in Lyon in midweek.

He suffered a knock in that first leg match but is expected to recover in time for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle.

Giggs - as well as other long-serving players Gary Neville and Paul Scholes - could follow Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by graduating from the dressing room to the boot room.

United boss Ferguson said: "Ryan is 34 now and with all players who have had long careers, they start thinking about what they are going to do when they finish.

"Players like Ryan, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes will follow the pattern of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I am sure of that.

"It is something we will be looking at in terms of a future with us in relation to a position at the club in some shape or form because they have been fantastic examples.

"It they take their coaching badges, it is a further addition to their CV in what they can offer the game.

"There is no doubt when it comes to personality, experience and lifestyle, they are absolutely perfect for a club."

Ferguson is convinced his side can close the five-point gap on Arsenal at the top of the table - but only if they stay at the top of their game.

He said: "We are in a position where we cannot afford any slip-ups now.

"We have to motor on and get a good consistency about us. We know some points will be dropped, and Arsenal and Chelsea are aware of that.

"The name of the game is not to drop as many as them. It is not easy but we have come from behind before.

"In 1993, we were well behind in November but eight points clear at the finishing line.

"What it tells you hopefully is that experience counts.

"Arsenal have an advantage of being five points clear, no question of that, but they also know they have some tough games coming up."

Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns again with Kevin Keegan.

The Newcastle manager is still reminded today of that infamous rant at his United counterpart in April 1996 in his first spell in charge at St James' Park.

That was when the wheels were coming of their title bid and he let rip on television about what he thought were underhand tactics.

Now Keegan has been charged with trying to revive Newcastle's fortunes again - and Ferguson feels he has a difficult job.

"It is not easy getting players in January. That was really Kevin's problem," said the Old Trafford boss.

"He has not really had time to get those in he wanted. He's had to rely on the players he's got.

"I haven't spoken to Kevin for ages. He was out of the game for three years of course. I am looking forward to seeing him.

"People go about mind games and get carried away with it. It is an over-played thing."

Ferguson has a full-strength squad to choose from, apart from long-term injury victims Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre.

The Scottish boss has an abiding affection for St James' Park.

He said: "Newcastle is one of my favourite venues. I have always enjoyed going there.

"Without question, it is one of the football occasions of the season.

"Going to Newcastle at any time is always a passionate game because their fans are passionate.

"Although our record is decent there, we don't take things for granted and expect a hard game. Kevin will be determined to try to get a result."

[dom01]

United’s Midfield Dilemma

Pick up a piece of paper, and write down United’s best XI. Picks itself, mostly, doesn’t it? You might be in the Giggs or the Nani camp for the left wing, but I’d bet my bottom dollar that 8 of the names down will appear on everyone’s list. The remaining two? Only the small matter of our central midfield partnership.

This is something that has elicited a lot of discussion in the comment sections recently. I don’t pretend to have the answer or anything approaching it, but what I’d like to do is present my take on the conflicting views and then give you my opinion. Which you can then rip apart (or try to!) in the comments.

As I see it, there are four players (despite Fletcher’s valiant performances recently, he’s never going to be a regular first choice), two general approaches and one big complicating factor. Let’s look at each in turn, and then try to draw the strands together.

The four contenders

All ranked in what I think are the key aspects: Tackling, Ball Retention (I’m thinking here about how well he keeps the ball under pressure, and also pass completion rate), Creativity (what he’s adding to the team going forward), Goal-scoring. I’ve also noted some other relevant points at the end of each.

Paul Scholes
Tackling - 3/10 - has always been dreadful, and is too old to improve now!
Ball Rentention - 10/10 - always seems to have time and space, regardless of pressure, and rarely misplaces a pass.
Creativity - 7/10 - prompts constantly by using the ball quickly and intelligently, but doesn’t crop up in as advanced positions as he used to. Still capable of finding a magic through ball (Milan first leg for Rooney last season, anyone?)
Goal-scoring - 6/10 - again, doesn’t get forward as much as he used to but remains a big threat from range.
Other - getting older now, and you can see the difference in his pitch coverage (and consequently his goal return). Despite everything Fergie says, I can’t see him featuring regularly beyond next season. On his day, though, in a league of his own.

Owen Hargreaves
Tackling - 9/10 - what he was bought for, and what he’s best at.
Ball Rentention - 7/10 - doesn’t try the spectacular, just gives it to his more talented team mates.
Creativity - 4/10 - rarely gets far enough forward to make a difference, and his stock pass goes sideways.
Goal-scoring - 0/10 - not as yet, and with Ronaldo around he’s not going to get many free kicks either.
Other - one word: injuries; we’re not going to see what he’s capable of until he’s fit enough to play 10 games in a row.

Michael Carrick
Tackling - 7/10 - you don’t often see him go to ground, but his positional sense is good and he screens intelligently.
Ball Rentention - 8/10 - has learned a lot from Scholes, but isn’t up there with the master yet.
Creativity - 9/10 - he always looks to pass the ball forward first, and can pick those eye-of-the-needle passes which undo tight defences.
Goal-scoring - 4/10 - picked up the message last season that he needs to contribute, and can score from distance.
Other - a confidence player, who lapsed badly at the start of this season when he found himself dropped for a spell.

Anderson
Tackling - 7/10 - very aggressive hustler, never gives opponents a moment’s peace
Ball Rentention - 6/10 - more inclined to try flicks or dribbles which don’t come off, but not bad.
Creativity - 8/10 - the only one who can beat a series of players and who will play down the channels as well; very good support for the front players.
Goal-scoring - 2/10 - the floodgates must open soon…the potential’s certainly there.
Other - he’s good this season, so god knows what he could be eventually.

The two approaches

I can see arguments for each of these, but they are broadly:

1. Have a first choice pair, who play 75% of the games together, with others providing ability to rotate and cover for injury.

Pros - first choice pair develop instinctive understanding (Carrick and Scholes had this going on last year, as did our whole Treble-winning midfield - they didn’t even need to look up to know where their mate was going to be)
- consistency also benefits the rest of the team, who know exactly what’s coming from the centre of the park.

Cons - Doesn’t make full use of the talent pool and may cause players to leave
- injuries etc have a more disruptive effect
- see the reasons for option 2 below

2. Pick a partnership based on the match you’re going into.

Pros - can tailor the strengths of the individuals to the requirements of the game (eg Hargreaves for big games to shackle dangerous midfielders, Scholes in games where experience is judged key, etc)
- retains freshness

Cons - just look at Liverpool for the downsides of constant tinkering
- players play as individuals rather than a partnership

As I said at the beginning, I can see arguments for both…I’ll discuss further in my conclusion section.

The complicating factor

Is, of course, injury. Scholes has been out for most of the season so far (which has proved to be a blessing in disguise, since it has allowed Anderson to emerge), and Hargreaves has yet to start more than 2 games in a row. Even if Fergie had decided on a first choice pair, this sort of thing makes it very difficult to implement.

Conclusion

I wrote the above without having a strong idea of where I was going - I was as much musing to myself as anything. But I am going to stick my neck out and say that Carrick and Anderson should be our first choice pair for the majority of matches. My reasoning is as follows:

- They both add a huge amount going forward. I absolutely adore Carrick’s instinct to find a piercing ball forwards to feet - Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez are all good enough to receive this sort of ball with a man at their back and do something with it, and are equally likely to be making runs in behind. I think we will get a lot of goals from Carrick’s passing. Equally, Anderson is a good passer of the ball and a potentially superb dribbler (great upper body strength, a la Rooney) who can support the front players.

- They both do enough defensively. Most teams set up very tight against us, and we’re happy to go man-for-man at the back if needs be, so the attacking penetration is crucial (this is the key argument against Hargreaves, other than injury). Which is not to say they can’t come out on top in a midfield scrap, or hold their own in a physical game.

- Carrick - who is the more controversial choice - is a confidence player. Give him responsibility and a long run in the side and he seems to grow into it. He is also a big game player (witness the two Roma games last season, where he was superb in each leg - a defensive midfield masterclass in the first, and a game-bossing, two-goal performance in the second). What he is not going to be is a useful squad player like Fletcher.

- Both are young and not injury-prone - you really can see them playing 30 games a season with each other without disruption, and doing this for the next 5 seasons. Continuity really makes a difference.

I think the nod to flexibility is that in big games against teams with dangerous midfields, we can lose Giggs/Nani and include Hargreaves as a screen, with Anderson detailed to get up and support the Holy Trinity up front when we have the ball.

But what of Scholes? Well, he has a role to play, but he is past his best and seems to be increasingly injury-prone. He doesn’t make those runs into the box as much anymore, either. As an impact player, an experienced head in some big games and a great alternative he will be unbeatable…but I think his star is waning along with Giggsy’s.

So, here’s my plea to Fergie - start Carrick and Anderson in every game possible, and don’t let the embarrassment of riches at your disposal lead you into tinkering.

Source: United’s Midfield Dilemma | Red Rants (http://redrants.com/uniteds-midfield-dilemma/)

[alex18122003]

Manchester United's big name players delivered the goods as they moved to within three points of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with a scintillating 5-1 win at St. James' Park.

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals apiece and Louis Saha added a fifth in stoppage time as United took full advantage of the Gunners' 2-2 slip-up at Birmingham earlier in the day.

Newcastle got a consolation from Abdoulaye Faye while 3-0 down but they continue their dangerous slide towards the relegation zone as they remain winless since Kevin Keegan returned to the club.

The home faithful arrived with pleasant memories of the famous 5-0 victory over the Red Devils back in 1996, but this Keegan side is a long way from being in the same class as the outfit that destroyed United that day.

Instead, all the class on show was in the United side with Newcastle's endeavour and work-rate being no match for the clinical brilliance of the visitors.

The Magpies scrapped and fought in the opening 20 minutes with James Milner causing problems down the right and Michael Owen doing his best to make a nuisance of himself in the box but United took the fizz out of their performance when they took the lead in the 25th minute.

It was Rooney who sidefooted home from close range as he reacted quicker than the sluggish Charles N'Zogbia to get on the end of Ronaldo's brilliant cross.

Only being one goal down was enough to keep the home fans enthusiastic but the vast majority of the ground was sent into deathly silence when Ronaldo doubled the advantage just before the break.

It was a simple goal as Michael Carrick split the defence with a superb ball which allowed the Portuguese international to race in from the left before calmly placing a low right-foot effort past Shay Given.

Damien Duff had an early chance for Newcastle in the second-half but then awful defending from Faye allowed Darren Fletcher to again put Ronaldo in the clear.

Steve Harper had come on for the injured Shay Given at half-time, but he was outwitted by Ronaldo who coolly rounded the sub keeper before stroking home his 29th goal of the season.

United, who thrashed a then managerless Newcastle 6-0 last month, then showed the Magpies some mercy by taking Ronaldo off in the 67th minute.

However, when Faye had the cheek to hammer home Andy Carroll's header from a corner for a consolation 11 minutes from time, United responded by going up the other end and scoring a fourth.

It was Rooney who got it, and it proved to be the goal of the match, as he curled home a sweet drive from the edge of the area after a poor clearance from Alan Smith.

Both van der Sar and Harper made a couple of smart saves at either end too, but the depressing reality for Newcastle is that the final scoreline was only given a fair gloss when Rooney set up Saha for a fifth in stoppage time.

At the full-time whistle the tannoy played Keane's song "Everything Changes" and for the Newcastle fans still pining for 1996 it must have seemed painfully apt.

[jackjack__1]

Chat-up line Anderson used to get girl into bed: F***! F***! F***!
By Matthew Acton

PREMIERSHIP ace Anderson scored with a model in a Travelodge toilet after chatting her up with those three little words: "F***, f***, f***."
The Manchester United midfielder, who is Brazilian and cannot speak English, demonstrated his low-league seduction techniques on a night out with team-mate Patrice Evra.

Firstly he tried to bed Leah Houghton, 20, IN FRONT of her pals and Evra in a hotel bedroom. Then he led her to the bathroom while their friends waited outside.

A pal of Leah said: "Anderson couldn't talk to her because he is from Brazil and only speaks Portuguese.

"So he took his top off, stripped to his boxers and socks and pushed Leah on to the bed in front of everyone.

"She asked, ‘What are you doing?' Evra translated for Anderson, who told Leah, ‘F**k, f**k, f**k.' Then he dragged her to the bathroom.

"He ripped off her grey pencil skirt and knickers, and they had sex on the toilet while we and Evra sat in the bedroom watching the TV.

"What a romantic guy!"

Last year we revealed Anderson, 19, had a six-hour romp with five hookers at team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo's house.

This time he got his kicks after an evening at swanky One-Six-One nightspot in Hale, Cheshire, with male pals including Man U's Evra, Louis Saha and Danny Simpson.

They were dancing when Anderson— whose full name is Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira—spotted Leah with her girl pals. The source said: "We didn't know who he was.

"Evra came over and told Leah he liked her. Anderson came over and took the lolly out of Leah's mouth and put it in his. Then he put it back in her mouth.

"He was wearing jeans, a scarf, a black T-shirt and a blazer with a pattern on the back in crystals.

Teasing
"Anderson couldn't talk to Leah, so Evra translated everything. He can understand Spanish, which is similar to Portuguese.

"Evra told Leah that Anderson wanted her to dance with him, and asked if she liked his hair."

Leah then teased Anderson by calling him "Roger" after an annoying character in US TV show Sister Sister.

But Anderson, a big-money signing from Portuguese team Porto last year, did not get the joke and invited the girls to a party.

The pal recalled: "We were all pretty drunk so we said yes. We got in two cars and ended up at a Marriott hotel near Manchester but it was full."


Click here for more sexy pics

Money-bags Anderson and Evra treated the girls to a nearby budget hotel instead.

The source said: "Before we got back in the cars it looked like it was going to kick off. One of the other girls got funny with Leah because she fancied Anderson too.

"But there was no doubting who Anderson wanted. He wrote, ‘I love you' with his finger on the frosty window and pointed at Leah.

"Then he snogged her in the car, all the way to the Travelodge.

"As soon as we got to one of the rooms, Anderson stripped and pushed Leah on the bed. After telling her what he wanted to do he waved at us to leave.

"But Leah had told us she didn't want to be left on her own.

"They had sex in the bathroom and used a condom. Leah said the sex was fast and rough.

"He sat on the toilet and she was on top of him. He was talking Portuguese all the time— she didn't understand a word.

"It only lasted ten minutes but she said he had a lovely body and was well endowed."

Afterwards Leah, who has the word "Scorpio" tattooed on her stomach, left with her pals.

But she saw Anderson again at Danny Simpson's 21st party in Manchester's 235 casino last month.

The source said: "Anderson waved but Leah didn't want to go over and talk to him. She said there was no point if there wasn't anyone to translate."

We're not surprised she didn't want the footballer to score with her again...

[jackjack__1]

Man Utd raid Liverpool for top England prospect


Manchester United have trumped Liverpool for teenage prospect Scott Wootton.
The People says the England youth international from the Wirral had been with the Anfield club since he was 12, but he and his family were upset when he was offered only a short-term deal to stay.

Wootton turned down the contract and was immediately picked up by United who offered him the chance to be a professional - after just one run-out in the under-18 side last week.

It is a major slap for Rafa Benitez's club and insiders reveal Wootton left because he thought there were too many foreigners at the club's academy and his way would be blocked.

And the size of his potential was quickly spotted by eager United.

[jackjack__1]

hi bros of man utd, here are some trivial news regarding man utd. please advice if i have posted wrongly or anything.. hope to add more to your reading pleasures in this thread regarding man utd..
cheers and glory glory man utd!:D

[dom01]

Just any good reading matl that you come across...

SO much sex romping sessions at Man Utd nowadays. SAF going to impose curfew soon... :cool:

Bloody saha parties when he is injuried... Sell him.. damm...

[jackjack__1]

Man Utd judged hottest team in Europe
February 26, 2008

Eurosport took into account both domestic and European performances, plus the relative difficulty of each team's league, to find out who is the best team in Europe.
European Power Rankings

1 (2) Manchester United - 23.44
2 (1) Internazionale - 23.21
3 (3) Arsenal - 22.96
4 (4) Barcelona - 22.94
5 (10) Roma - 20.63
6 (8) Everton - 20.26
7 (6) Chelsea - 19.86
8 (9) Fenerbahce - 19.81
9 (14) Liverpool - 19.59
10 (12) Milan - 19.17
11 (7) Porto - 19.11
12 (5) Real Madrid - 19.06
13 (18) Bayern Munich - 18.43
14 (15) Werder Bremen - 18.32
15 (20) Sevilla - 18.30
16 (11) Hamburg - 18.14
17 (-) PSV Eindhoven - 17.99
18 (16) Olympiacos - 17.71
19 (-) Lyon - 16.86
20 (13) Benfica - 16.61

Factors taken into account are a combination of both domestic and Champions League performances, factoring in the relative difficulty of each team's league, to find out who is the best team in Europe.

Scores are based on points per game in domestic league and European games.

[jackjack__1]

FERGIE IS NUTS OVER ANDERSON
27th February 2008 By Bill Thornton Your Shout

Anderson is in line for his 13th Premier League start on Saturday – with Sir Alex Ferguson hailing his Brazilian youngster as a star of the future.

Ferguson admitted Anderson got into his team only because of injury to Paul Scholes in October.

But the Manchester United boss immediately realised he had an exceptional talent on his books.

“When Paul got his injury it was a blow for us and opened the door for Anderson – and we discovered a boy who had talent,” he said.

“It may otherwise have turned out that Anderson would have had to wait, just getting the odd game here and there, which may not have helped him develop as we have seen.

“This boy missed pre-season training because of the Copa America. He has just emerged from the shadows and, because of him, we see the future is strong for us in that position.”

Anderson, 20, was unknown in England when United signed him and Nani in a summer double swoop in Portugal.

But he has quickly established himself as an equal contender for a place in United’s quality-packed central

midfield, along with Scholes, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Owen Hargreaves.

Ferguson, who is likely to restore Anderson to the team at Fulham after leaving him out of the 5-1 win at Newcastle, said: “Anderson is not like Scholes entirely.

“He’s more of an aggressive, running player.

“He’s quicker than Scholes, more of the type to run forward from midfield with the ball, whereas Scholes will do it without the ball.”

Anderson’s rapid emergence has increased the competition at Old Trafford, where World Cup star Hargreaves, also signed last summer, insisted he isn’t frustrated.

His attitude towards rotation is borne out of the experience of developing at a club like Bayern Munich and having to wait for his chances behind players like Germany aces Stefan Effenburg and Mehmet Scholl.

“I know you are not going to start every game because you look at the players we’ve got and you know we’ve got options,” said Hargreaves.

“We can play different styles and I think everybody would like to play every game, but physically you are not going to be at your best if you do, and it is an opportunity for the others to play.

“Everybody knows there is a bigger picture when you play for United.

“There is a lot at stake and it is not a case of being dropped. We just play in different styles and it will benefit us in the long run.

“To be at this club, with this manager and the fans, is where I want to be. I measure myself against the best and hopefully I will be here for a long time.”

Hargreaves also hopes to be selected at Fulham, having failed to start against Manchester City, Arsenal and Newcastle.

He said: “When you play, you’ve got to play well. It’s as simple as that. And even if you play well, you still might not play the next game.”

[yinyang]

SO much sex romping sessions at Man Utd nowadays. SAF going to impose curfew soon... Bloody saha parties when he is injuried... Sell him.. damm...
Just that footie stars make news ..if we did same, nobody'll bat an eye lid (maybe OC rotan):p

Saha's junior uninjured. Kns, he's hardly been around even when Roon's away. Offload him in summer season?
..some trivial news regarding man utd. please advice if i have posted wrongly or anything.. hope to add more to your reading pleasures in this thread regarding man utd
That's what this thread is for... so fill us in:D

[jackjack__1]

That's what this thread is for... so fill us in:D

okie dokie cheers.!

[jackjack__1]

Man Utd confident beating Barcelona for Lahm February 25, 2008

Manchester United and Barcelona are going head-to-head for Bayern Munich fullback Philipp Lahm.
Bild says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to offer £8.5 million for the Germany international and has opened a transfer battle with Barca for the defender's services.

With former Bayern midfielder Owen Hargreaves now at Old Trafford, Ferguson is banking on Lahm following his ex-teammate to United in the summer.

[Mafan]

Bloody saha parties when he is injuried... Sell him.. damm...

SELL THAT SAHA, I have being saying this since last season :( sell that usless

[yinyang]

SELL THAT SAHA, I have being saying this since last season . sell that usless
Sell him to Tampines Rovers.. with you as agent? SAHA = Saha Always At Hospital Again:p

[jackjack__1]

some seriously LOL news

Ferguson wants Saha to convince Benzema about Man Utd
February 27, 2008
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is leaning on Louis Saha to convince France teammate Karim Benzema to quit Olympique Lyon for Old Trafford.
The Mirror says Fergie has spoken to United hitman Saha about sounding out Benzema - his France team-mate - over a possible move in the summer.

Money is in place for Fergie to bring a big-name striker to Old Trafford. Saha is likely to make way for the new arrival, a huge irony if it turns out to be Benzema.

[jackjack__1]

United's £33m deal fearsLast Updated: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:48

Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand has reportedly shelved contract talks until the summer when he'll have just one more year left on his deal.

The England defender is out of contract at the end of the 2008/09 season but will wait until the end of the campaign before sitting down with Old Trafford's money men.

It's claimed the development has not gone down well with United's hierarchy given the fact Ferdinand has previously admitted he would like to play abroad at some stage in his career.

The 29-year-old's last deal took over 12 months to finalise his current deal so alarms bells are starting to ring at the highest level.

United paid Leeds £33million for Ferdinand in 2002 which made him the world's most expensive defender but he could walk away for nothing in 15 months' time.

Talks with Wes Brown became deadlocked earlier in the season and he looks set to leave in the summer.

[CibLover]

.....Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand has reportedly shelved contract talks until the summer when he'll have just one more year left on his deal.

.... Ferdinand has previously admitted he would like to play abroad at some stage in his career......

If this turns out to be true, then he'll be branded an ungrateful twit!!!
8 months ban and we stand by him... just because he forgot to piss!! :mad:

IMHO, he's not that a great defender that he's built-up to be. Lack of concentration is his biggest weakness. Although he's admittedly improved down the years.

Playing overseas?? Still loads to learn if he wanna be a true great central defender ....someone like say... Franco Baresi!!

Anyway, let's see how it develops.

[jackjack__1]

If this turns out to be true, then he'll be branded an ungrateful twit!!!
8 months ban and we stand by him... just because he forgot to piss!! :mad:

IMHO, he's not that a great defender that he's built-up to be. Lack of concentration is his biggest weakness. Although he's admittedly improved down the years.

Playing overseas?? Still loads to learn if he wanna be a true great central defender ....someone like say... Franco Baresi!!

Anyway, let's see how it develops.

chill bro.. althou character wise, im abit doubtful, i feel that he's really a good central defender.. he is very classy, has abit of pace and yet he posesses the physique and strength suitable for english game. his technical skills enables him to hold on to the ball very well and often, we can build our attacks from the back. must admit he has concentration lapses, althou the occurance very much reduced and on his day, he's really unplayable.. i often compare him as the thiery henry of defence; playing with so much elegence..

[CibLover]

Some news that I've picked up from another website:-

SAF considered working abroad. Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong. The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.


While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.


Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated. His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.

'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager said. 'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona. He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.

'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup. 'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.

'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about. Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.

'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'

Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.

With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.

He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition. It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves. We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.

'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.'

[jackjack__1]

Spain's big two more popular than Man Utd February 27, 2008
Barcelona and Real Madrid are Europe's two most popular football clubs according to a new survey from SPORT MARKT.
SPORT MARKT surveyed around 9,600 football fans in 16 European markets with an average of 600 respondents per country, and found that Barcelona had the most fans with 50.3 million, followed by Real Madrid with 45.9 million. Manchester United (32.8 million) and Arsenal (22.9 million) make up third and fourth places.


Spanish clubs are supported by an estimated 103.5 million while an estimated 99.2 million people across Europe follow English clubs. English clubs have a larger domestic fan base, but Spanish clubs pull in far more supporters from outside the country.

Hartmut Zastrow, Executive Director, SPORT MARKT said the survey results showed the following:

"Along with Chelsea FC, FC Barcelona is the big winner amongst the top European clubs. Despite still having an unusually high fan potential, the main loser over the past five seasons, with 11 per cent less supporters, is Real Madrid."

"The fact that Chelsea FC has increased its fan base by over five times, clearly shows what a fast-moving market football is. One can achieve a lot in a short amount of time."

. "Europe still offers massive potential for clubs. In Europe alone, clubs could increase their total revenue by four or five times in the next twenty years. In particular, this allows for new media framework to be created. The teams are no longer restricted to national television.

Furthermore, in the big leagues, TV money has been all but exhausted. With new media, the clubs can, however, uncover new target groups."

"There is a booming market of over 225 million football fans right on clubs' doorsteps. It seems more promising to concentrate business here than in East Asia, where English, Spanish and Italian leagues and top clubs already have prominence."

The Top 20 Most Popular European Clubs

Barcelona CF
Real Madrid
Manchester United
Arsenal
AC Milan
FC Bayern Munich
Chelsea FC
Liverpool FC
Juventus
Zenit St. Petersburg
FC Spartak Moscow
Inter Milan
Olympique Lyonnais
Olympique Marseille
CSKA Moscow
Wisa Krakow
Ajax Amsterdam
Galatasaray
AS Roma
Werder Bremen

[jackjack__1]

Portsmouth keeper James: Man Utd's Ronaldo free-kicks partly down to luck
February 27, 2008

Portsmouth goalkeeper David James admits Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning free-kick last month could have been down to good luck as well as good technique.
He told the Daily Mail: "A lot is made of his technique and I thought he must take thousands just like that in practice to hit it so well, until I was talking to Owen Hargeaves about it when we joined up with England and he reckons in training they fly all over the place, apparently. Thanks for that, Owen."

[jackjack__1]

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney - World Class or still a lot to prove?
FFC columnist Daniel Lomax feels that Wayne Rooney still has a lot to prove at Manchester United and that he has a long way to go before ever justifying the ‘World Class' tag that is continually thrown at him.
Every time I go to Old Trafford or watch United down the pub, my argument is the same. I simply do not think that Wayne Rooney has reached his potential, both at European and International levels. My argument has been rumbling on for months now and the reaction that I receive is divided. I often get heckled but some agree. FourFourTwo magazine recently listed him amongst the top ten players in the world but, is Wayne Rooney class or world class?


Some people will argue the fact that, of the matches Manchester United have lost this season, Rooney hasn't featured. However one player does not make a team and although I accept the fact that Rooney has a massive influence on proceedings and lifts the players around him, through his sheer determination and work rate, the blame should also rest with the rest of the team. Surely a professional player shouldn't need any motivation to pull on the famed Manchester United shirt, especially against Manchester City at Old Trafford?

Now, don't get me wrong, Rooney is still young and has doubtless natural talent and flair that, in many people's minds, has fast-tracked him to ‘World Class' status. This status though, in my opinion, is used too sparingly and should only be credited to those players who have made a significant impact at both European and International levels. Rooney hasn't achieved this feat yet.

Winning is the name of the game and whilst A.C Milan's Kaka has an honours list as long as my girlfriend's shopping list on pay day, Rooney's list isn't quite as impressive. Clearly there are many different factors that influence this and, while I appreciate that England have been a major disappointment; Rooney has also failed to perform for his Country, with the exception of Euro 2004, while Kaka has often been credited as the player to have spurred both his Milan and Brazilian team-mates to European and Worldwide success.

Throughout his career at United I have lost count of the amount of times when Rooney has wasted great goal scoring opportunity, especially in recent matches, when trying to score a spectacular chip or exquisite lob instead of just putting the ball in the back of the net. Granted, when these efforts hit the net, they are awesome and go to show the talent and skill that Rooney possesses, but just get the job done Wayne. He needs to be ruthless in his decision making when in front of goal.

Unfortunately Rooney hasn't hit the heights that were expected of him when he hit the big time. Rooney is a fantastic domestic player who epitomises the style of the English game, fast and furious, and will strive to gun down Arsenal on Saturday. My pessimism, however, lies in Europe where Rooney has hardly set the Champions League alight. It is in continental competition where players receive personal accolades and status that can elevate them to ‘World Class' status. In time, Rooney will develop his game to suit the European and International levels where opposing players will use every trick in the book to unsettle Rooney and distract him from his game.

World Class players are those that have graced the International scene and entertained spectators on a global level, along with lifting major trophies. Will Rooney become a world class player that scores goals on a regular basis for club and country in the future? Will he become a player that deserves the world class tag or is he already a world class player that deserves to be listed amongst the top ten in the world?

your views please.

[jackjack__1]

George Best vs Cristiano Ronaldo - Who is Manchester United's finest wing wizard?
FFC columnist Stephen Darwin concludes his "Who's the greatest series" on Manchester United. In his final part, Stephen turns his attention to Cristiano Ronaldo and George Best to find out who is the finest wing wizard to play at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo has set the Premier League alight over the last couple of seasons. The Portuguese winger possesses an array of dazzling tricks, a sublime turn of pace and a goal-scoring record that continues to defy the role expected of a traditional wide midfielder. It is no wonder that the Madeira-born wizard has been compared to George Best in recent times.

Best was an extraordinary footballer and undeniably one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. The Northern Irishman would humiliate defenders with his attacking guile and instantly became a favourite among supporters from all over the world. So is all the furore surrounding Ronaldo a tad premature; or can the Premier League's current top marksmen realistically claim to be the ‘Best'?

George Best

On 22nd May 1946 a genuine legend was born. George Best undoubtedly experienced some tough times during his career but this does little to tarnish the unquestionable ability of the Belfast born superstar with a football at his feet. It was by no means an understatement when United scout Bob Bishop announced that he had found a 'genius' in Best at the tender age of 15.

Best would glide past defenders effortlessly and it would seem like the ball was glued to his foot as he drifted away from challenge after challenge. Often the only way to stop the brilliance of Best was to ultimately admit defeat and foul him. Georgie boasted an incredible goal-scoring record too, with 179 goals in all competitions for Manchester United. Best's importance at Old Trafford was underlined by the unprecedented achievement of being the club's leading scorer in five consecutive campaigns.

In only his second season with the Red Devils, Best secured his first league title with the club and would go on to produce one of the most memorable performances of his career a year later. In United's 5-1 triumph over Benfica in the 1966 European Cup quarter final, Best scored a fantastic brace that included a truly remarkable solo run. The Portuguese press were quick to acknowledge Best's supreme class and famously labelled him 'El Beatle'.

A second league title would follow in 1967 and Best proved once again to be the thorn in Benfica's side in the 1968 European Cup Final. In a significantly tight affair, Best gave United a 2-1 extra-time lead that helped inspire the Red Devils to a 4-1 victory and the coveted tag of European Champions. In what had been a magnificent season for Manchester United, Best was crowned both PFA and European Footballer of the Year.

On the international scene, Best represented Northern Ireland 37 times and found the net on 6 occasions. Best has long been described as the greatest player never to have graced a major international tournament - a considerable shame for the decisive winger, as he would have certainly excelled at a World Cup or European Championship.

Best was frequently under the media spotlight and was the first footballer to experience the showbiz lifestyle. Not only an icon on the pitch, Best's appearance made him an extremely popular figure off it too, with modelling assignments and public appearances all part of the Best repertoire. Best had clearly set a trend as we witness the idolisation of the Beckham's and Ronaldo's of the modern era, where modelling contracts are highly lucrative and professional footballers are under the constant scrutiny of the media.

Cristiano Ronaldo

In a similar vein to George Best, it was apparent that United had unearthed a special talent in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo even before he had stepped foot in Manchester. During a pre-season friendly in 2003 that saw United succumb to a 3-1 defeat against Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo put in a typically impressive performance that prompted a selection of United's playing staff to encourage Sir Alex to sign the Portuguese maestro. The United manager duly obliged, parting with £12.24 million to secure Ronaldo's signature - a substantial bargain for a player of such unrivalled class.

In contrast to Best, Ronaldo prefers to tantalise and tease defenders with an assortment of tricks before producing an end product. There have been numerous critics of Ronaldo's final ball and willingness to go down but it is apparent that he has addressed these parts of his game in an attempt to become the ultimate footballer.

The manner in which Ronaldo reacted to the post World Cup anger of English supporters is something to be admired. Despite a tirade of abuse from away fans, Cristiano's personality shone through and the Portuguese set off on a mission to silence the boo boys. Infact, the 2006/2007 season proved to be particularly vibrant for United as Ronaldo's scintillating skill, electric pace and clinical finishing helped the Manchester club to their first league title in four years. Ronaldo's superlative form didn't go unnoticed and the 23 year-old picked up a number of individual accolades including the PFA Players Player and Young Player of the Year and the Football Writers Footballer of the Year awards.

Ronaldo has pushed on to unbelievably greater heights this season and his career continues to flourish at United. The exciting winger has already scored 27 goals in all competitive matches this term and is a constant attacking threat whenever he features in the famous red shirt. Ronaldo has a refreshing self belief that is clearly indestructible and he will always strive to improve despite being at the peak of his game.

The Portuguese national team have also reaped the rewards of possessing one of the finest footballers in world football. Cristiano has notched up 36 caps and 12 goals in his relatively short international career. A defeat to Greece in the Final of Euro 2004 quashed Ronaldo's dreams of winning a trophy with his country but with Euro 2008 just around the corner, I'm sure Portugal will be challenging come the end of the tournament.

The Result

Manchester United have been fortunate enough to witness the development of some outstanding number 7's in their illustrious history. Best and Ronaldo stake a legitimate claim of being the greatest and separating the two is an ultimately difficult proposition. Both technically astute and wonderfully gifted footballers but by appearing in 466 matches and consistently performing at the highest level, Best's commitment to Manchester United ever so slightly tilts the contest in my opinion. Yet with Ronaldo thriving at the current rate, there is no reason why he cannot become the indisputable king of the number 7 shirt in the future. As long as the twinkle toed talent resists the allure of Real Madrid, he may well cement himself in United's history as a true legend of the club.

your views please.

[jackjack__1]

two articles on our club's golden boys- ronaldo & rooney.
hope you enjoy and express your views if any.. cheers!:D

[yinyang]

Ferguson wary of Chelsea threat

Ferguson's United side still have to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson remains wary of the threat posed by Chelsea in the race for the Premier League title.
The Blues are nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal and six behind United but have a game in hand.

Plus, Chelsea still have to play both teams at home and Ferguson insists the title race remains a three-horse race.

"The number of points Chelsea are behind Arsenal is not insurmountable as points can be dropped," he said.

"The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home, and their home record is so good, you would have to think they have still got a big chance in the Premier League."

Chelsea finished as runners-up to Ferguson's side in the top flight last season after winning the crown for two successive seasons.

But the United boss believes Chelsea would be happier winning the Champions League rather than adding to their Premier League title count.

"I think that is what they are really after, given owner Roman Abramovich's contribution to their rise in the last few years," added Ferguson.

[yinyang]

Fulham v Man Utd

Craven Cottage
Saturday, 1 March
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Second bottom against second top.

Triple chasing Manchester United now have a superior goal difference of +4 on Arsenal, therefore victory at Craven Cottage, coupled with defeat for the Gunners, home to Aston Villa, will see the Red Devils return to the summit.

Even three points will not be enough to see the relegation-haunted Cottagers out of the bottom three.

Fulham have won as many Premier League games at home as Manchester United have lost away (three), and conceded as many at home as United have scored on the road (23).

United are still looking for a first in London this season; they have drawn two and lost one of their three Premier League visits to the capital.

Fulham have won one of 27 meetings with Manchester United stretching back to 1965. The victory was at Old Trafford in 2003.

CLUB FORM
FULHAM
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 18th
Lowest could fall: 19th

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Gained one win in 15 outings, two in 25, and only three in 27 all season. The next victory will be their 75th all-time in this league.

2. The 2-1 win over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage on 3 February is their only victory in nine matches under Roy Hodgson (all competitions). It is also their only maximum this season against a club currently in the top-half of the Premier League.

3. Drawn 10; only Liverpool have finished level more often (11).

4. Dropped 62 points, kept only three clean sheets and failed to score in 11 games (including four of the last five) in this league season; only Derby have an inferior record on all three counts (72 points dropped, two clean sheets, and failed to score in 16).

5. Managed one clean sheet in 17 outings; the goalless draw with Bolton at the Reebok on 29 January.

6. Lost the lead in 11 matches, and flittered away an unequalled 25 points from winning positions. They were in front against Arsenal (a), Middlesbrough (h), Aston Villa (a), Chelsea (h) and West Ham (a), and went on to lose all five games.

7. Only 24% of goals conceded have been in the first half (11 of 45); the lowest such percentage.

8. Gained 10 points fewer than their previous lowest to this stage of the season in 2004-05, when they rallied to finish 13th. Had 13 more points going into their 28th fixture last season, from where they only gained seven more points.

9. Drawn five and lost three of their last eight against North-West clubs since their only victory this season against a club from the region; 2-1, against Bolton in the opening home fixture of the campaign on 15 August.

10. Two more fixtures against North-West opposition follow; away to Blackburn, and home to Everton. Then it's a long trip to Newcastle and not so long journey to Derby.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st
Lowest could fall: 2nd

All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless otherwise stated.

1. Lost 1 of 11 (all competitions).

2. Won five of last seven, culminating in the 1-5 demolition of Newcastle at St James' last time out.

3. Secured 19 victories, dropped 20 points and scored 55 goals; only Arsenal eclipse the latter two with 17 points dropped and 56 goals netted, having also won 19.

4. Registered the joint fewest draws, alongside Reading; four each.

5. Boast the tightest defence with 15 goals conceded in 27 matches at one every 162 minutes (two hours 42 minutes) on average.

6. Need one more clean sheet to equal last season's tally. Kept 15 shut-outs so far; only Chelsea match that.

7. Opened the scoring in an unmatched 21 games (won 18, and lost just one of them); and allowed the opposition to score first in five matches - that's fewer occasions than any other club.

8. Fourth in the "Last Six Current Form" table with 13 points. Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton all have 14. (Fulham are fourth bottom with four points.)

9. Scored 15 goals in the last 10 minutes, 10 of which were in the last five minutes, seven of those being in stoppage time; that's the most in all three time sectors.

10. Next Lyon come to Old Trafford on Tuesday for the 2nd leg of the Champions League tie that stands at 1-1. After that it's the FA Cup quarter-final, home to Portsmouth, then a trip to bottom of the table Derby. March ends home to Liverpool and Aston Villa.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
FULHAM

Clint DEMPSEY is Fulham's top scorer with six Premier League goals.

Chris BAIRD, Paul KONCHESKY, Elliot OMOZUSI, Moritz VOLZ, Hameur BOUAZZA and Leon ANDREASEN have all been sent off in league matches this season. Fulham have received more red cards than any other club in Premier League competition this season (six).

If selected:-

David HEALY will be facing a former club. The 28 year old Northern Ireland international was a Manchester United trainee, making three appearances before joining Preston for £1.5m in December 2000.

Erik NEVLAND will be facing a club he once played for. The 30 year old Norway international made six appearances (one league) and scored one goal for United between July 1997 and December 1999.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with 29 goals, including 15 in his last 13 games.

RONALDO is also their leading Premier League marksman with 21, and is leading the race for the Barclays Golden Boot.

Carlos TEVEZ and RONALDO have scored 32 Premier League goals between them in the current campaign, and 56% of the Red Devils' entire total this season (44 of 79).

Wayne ROONEY needs one goal to total 50 in the Premier League for Manchester United.

If selected:-

Edwin VAN DER SAR will be keeping goal against his former club. The 37 year old Holland international made 154 appearances (127 in the league) for Fulham from August 2001, before signing for United in June 2005.

Louis SAHA will be facing a former club. The 29 year old France international made 143 appearances (117 in the league) and scored 63 goals (53 league) for the Cottagers between June 2000 to his £12.8m move to Old Trafford in January 2004.

If on the field from the outset:-

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th club league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Long term injury, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United are vying for a seventh successive victory over Fulham.

The Red Devils have not dropped a point against Fulham since being held to a 1-1 draw at the Cottage on 13 December 2004.

The Londoners have never beaten United in a home fixture in the Premier League, and last enjoyed victory over the them on the banks of the Thames with a 2-1 triumph on 5 September 1964.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Fulham 10 wins, Man United 32, Draws 13
Prem: Fulham 1 wins, Man United 9, Draws 3

at Fulham only
League (inc PL): Fulham 8 wins, Man United 9, Draws 10
Prem: Fulham 0 wins, Man United 3, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
24 February 2007 - Ref: Peter Walton
Fulham scorer: McBride 17
Man Utd scorers: Giggs 29, Ronaldo 88

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham
3 December 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles
Man Utd scorers: Ronaldo 10, 58

REFEREE
Mike Dean (Wirral)

[alex18122003]

Sir Alex Ferguson admits sentiment will influence his team selection if Manchester United reach the final of the Champions League

The Red Devils meet Lyon in the second leg of their last-16 encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with the tie finely poised after a 1-1 draw in France.

Ferguson is not taking progression for granted, but concedes Paul Scholes has already been pencilled in for a starting role should they make it to the final in Moscow in May.

Scholes missed the club's Champions League success over Bayern Munich in 1999 through suspension and Ferguson believes the veteran midfielder would deserve to play in the Russian capital.

"Hopefully we can get to the final again and this time Paul will get his opportunity," said Ferguson in the Sunday Mirror.

"I'm not a sentimentalist by any means. My one aim has always been to manage the club in the right way.

"But if we got to the Champions League final again then I'm telling you that I would have to be sentimental when it came to choosing my team for that one. I'd have to pick Paul to play because he deserves it.

"Paul doesn't say much about missing out in 1999, but it must have hurt him. He will still feel it because players like that always do.

"Players with his calibre and with his record of being a winner will have felt bad about missing out. It would have hurt Paul just as much as it hurt Roy Keane.

"To miss the biggest club game in the world must have an impact.

"Paul won't talk about things like that because he is not the kind of man to let disappointment destroy him. You only have to see what he has won in the game to realise that."

[alex18122003]

Coupet pain free for Old Trafford clash

Gregory Coupet is looking forward to the challenge of facing Manchester United on Tuesday night in the Champions League at Old Trafford after a season disrupted by injury.


The France goalkeeper only returned to the Lyon side in January after a five-month abscence with a knee ligament problem.


Coupet, 35, will play a vital role against a free-scoring United side with the match locked at 1-1 after the first leg.

He said: 'I feel great in myself. I still have to work on the knee but I am not feeling any pain.

'When you are out for such a long time it helps you put things in perspective, not just in football but outside the game.'

Coupet is hoping Lyon can rise to the occassion and reach the quarter-finals.

'We are not favourites but know we have a team that is capable of scoring and that gives us confidence,' he said.

'We have developed as a club and come a long way. Playing against a team like Manchester United at a fantastic stadium could bring out the best in us.

'Our morale is good. We will need to show a lot of fight and effort if we are to get the result we want.'

Coach Alain Perrin believes star striker Karim Benzema will have a vital role to play.

The league leaders know a big performance from the 20-year-old could go a long way to overcoming United.

Benzema opened the scoring in the first leg with a superb strike when he got away from Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic before Carlos Tevez grabbed a late equaliser.

The young France international is not in a good frame of mind apparently as Perrin prefers him to play out wide occasionally and not up front.

However, the coach stressed before training at Old Trafford: 'Benzema is one of the key players who could make a difference for us.

'It could come down to his quality as an individual, his skill and technique.

'He can create a chance and score and is dangerous in different areas.'

[dc7176]

http://www.geocities.com/johnny_laserbeam/BS-ManUtdVsLyon2ndLeg.gif

Nice play from ronaldo 9
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1841113)

Fletcher shot passing near the stand
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1841135)

First goal Manchester - Ronalda "GOAL"
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1841195)

Tevez misses nice pass from rooney
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1841300)

The shot hit the stand for lyon
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1841307)

[alex18122003]

Gary Neville says he’s itching to return to the first-team squad after almost 12 months out of action

United’s club captain played 70 minutes for the Reserves on Wednesday night and now has his sights firmly set on rejoining the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

“It’s great to be playing football again,” Neville told MUTV. “That’s my second game in a couple of weeks and I seem to have come through it okay. In that sense it’s a real positive, although I want to get back into travelling with the first team.

“By next week I’d like to be involved with the first team, even if’s just travelling with the side and being part of it again.”

Neville was injured last March against Bolton Wanderers and has since suffered a number of setbacks on the road to recovery.

“Hopefully I’ve seen the back of it now,” Neville said. “I just need to concentrate on training hard and playing well. It’s been a frustrating period and a very long time – too long. No footballer likes not playing but I’m not the first footballer to be out for 12 months. You just have to get on with it.

“Playing with the Reserves is really exciting for me. Just being out on the pitch and on the training ground… I love doing that.”

[alex18122003]

Five-time winners Liverpool will play Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals while Manchester United face Roma and Chelsea take on Fenerbahce.

The all-English tie is the highlight of the last eight draw, with the two legs coming either side of a league game between the two at the Emirates Stadium.

With four Premier League teams still in the competition, and English 'civil war' was always on the cards and so it proved, with Arsenal and Liverpool the first two names to come out of the hat.

Officials from both clubs quickly said they would have preferred to play foreign opponents, and the winners may face another English side in the last four - Chelsea.

United will play their fifth and sixth matches against Roma within 12 months, having played the Serie A side in last year's quarter-finals and in the group stage earlier this season.

There will be inevitable concerns about clashes between the opposing sets of fans after problems marred the match in Rome in March 2007, with the Italian police accused of heavy-handed treatment of United fans.

United thrashed Roma 7-1 at Old Trafford last season, but Luciano Spalletti's side are on a high after winning at home and away against Real Madrid.

Chelsea will be more than happy to play Turkish champions Fenerbahce after beating Olympiacos in the last 16, but are sure to face English opposition in the last four if they prevail.

Fener overcame UEFA Cup holders Sevilla on penalties after a thrilling 5-5 aggregate draw.

The Blues lost two semi-finals to Liverpool under Jose Mourinho, and could face the Merseyside club for a third time in four years.

2006 winners Barcelona will be big favourites to see off Bundesliga side Schalke, and could face United in a mouthwatering semi-final.

Barça won both legs against Celtic and look certain to pose the biggest threat to English domination of the competition.

Schalke reached the last eight on penalties after drawing 1-1 on aggregate with 2004 winners Porto.

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

Arsenal v Liverpool

Roma v Manchester United

Schalke v Barcelona

Fenerbahce v Chelsea

Quarter-final matches to be played on 01/02 and 08/09 April.

SEMI-FINAL DRAW

Schalke/Barcelona v Roma/Manchester United

Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbahce/Chelsea

Semi-finals on 22/23 and 29/30 April.

[dc7176]

http://www.geocities.com/johnny_laserbeam/BS-DerbyVsUnited15March.gif

Derby County vs Manchester United


Saturday March 15, 2008 Kick , 15 GMT

Pride Park

Dangerous shot for ronaldo 5
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864822)

Shot of Ronalda hit the stand 5
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864832)

Nice shot from Ronaldo the goal keeper save it in amazing way
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864877)

Foster save the goal from 2 great chances
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864898)

strike from rooney passing near the stand
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864899)

Ronaldo keep missing the chances
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864958)

First goal for Manchester - ronaldo 76 "GOAL"
click here (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1864992)

[alex18122003]

Manchester United struggled to a 1-0 win at Derby with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, a result that saw them take top spot in the Premier League

One of the supposed mismatches of the season ended up as a nailbiting affair as the Premier League's bottom club kept the champions out until 15 minutes from time.

Ronaldo finally beat former United keeper Roy Carroll from close range after a precise left-foot cross from Wayne Rooney.

Although they ended up on the losing side, this may go down as the Rams' best performance of the season - a world away from their abject 6-1 surrender to Chelsea on Wednesday.

United had a week to get over their FA Cup defeat at the hands of Portsmouth and, although his side take on Bolton in midweek, Sir Alex Ferguson elected to start with both Ronaldo and Rooney.

Ben Foster made his first start for United in the absence of Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuszczak and impressed in all but his kicking, which was consistently dreadful.

Although there was no Carlos Tevez or, intriguingly, Rio Ferdinand, the visitors looked certain to ease to a comfortable victory.

They enjoyed nearly unbroken possession as first Ronaldo then Ryan Giggs went close from 15 yards before the Portuguese struck the post.

O'Shea pulled a low pass back for Ronaldo, whose daisy-cutter looked destined for the corner before curling improbably onto the woodwork.

United lost their early impetus but still looked dangerous - such as when Wayne Rooney robbed Marc Edworthy and teed up Ronaldo, whose shot was clawed away by Carroll.

After a while, something strange happened. Derby started winning 50-50 balls and put together some decent moves.

In the 38th minute Eddie Lewis crossed from the left and Kenny Miller arrived with a powerful volley that Foster did well to push away, diving to his left.

A minute later the Scotsman came even closer, leaving Nemanja Vidic in a heap and racing clean through, but Foster again repelled his shot smartly.

United eventually restored their dominance of the game through the ubiquitous Ronaldo, who first caused Carroll to fumble with a long-range free-kick on 55 minutes then hit the unwitting Ulsterman with a downward header from the resultant corner.

Ronaldo went close with yet another free-kick before Foster was called into action again; the youngster reacted quickly when a Mile Sterjovski shot looped up off substitute Michael Carrick and nearly dropped into the corner.

As time ticked down, only Ronaldo looked likely to break the deadlock, and so it proved. Two minutes after shooting into the side netting he finally prevailed.

The 23-year-old was the only man in the box when Rooney broke away down the left, and showed great agility to redirect the cross into the corner.

Ronaldo has taken to celebrating his goals with a calm, arrogant shrug. Not this time - he gesticulated wildly, veins popping from his neck. That above all said everything about how hard Derby made United work.

As well as two more Ronaldo shots on target, the remainder of the game provided a pair of curiosities.

First referee Phil Dowd was forced off by injury - replaced by fourth official Trevor Kettle - then Carroll marauded forward to fire off a shot deep in injury time, but it was blocked.

[Mafan]

Manchester United struggled to a 1-0 win at Derby with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, a result that saw them take top spot in the Premier League


NB make me lose 600 :( now less bonk for me this month :(

[walabis]

NB make me lose 600 now less bonk for me this month :(

Mafan, nowaday you bet so big huh? BTW the 600 is S$, RM, TB or RMB ? :rolleyes: :D

[yinyang]

...you bet so big huh? BTW the 600 is S$, RM, TB or RMB ?
NB make me lose 600 now less bonk for me this month
So it's DIY? Sorted out your Hat Yai thing? :p

[alex18122003]

Mafan, nowaday you bet so big huh? BTW the 600 is S$, RM, TB or RMB ? :rolleyes: :D

Since Mafan support Red Devils Fan. I think should be £ (Pound) :p

[alex18122003]

Charitable Reds irk Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson admits United’s charity in front of goal is concerning him, following Saturday’s unexpectedly tight victory over Derby County.

The Reds passed up chance after chance at Pride Park, just as they did in last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth, and the manager concedes it is beginning to irk him.

“Last Saturday, of course, it (missing chances) knocked us out of the cup,” he told MUTV. “Today we made it hard for ourselves because we missed so many chances.

“We were really charitable - it was a lot of chances. Maybe it’s a little sticky spell, but we want to get over that. We’ve got big games, Bolton at home on Wednesday and then Liverpool on Sunday, so they’re important games coming up and we want to start taking chances.

“We are making them, and I suppose that’s the biggest bonus of all. If we keep making them, you know at some point someone’s going to suffer. We just have to keep going with that.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was repeatedly thwarted at Pride Park before eventually bagging the winning goal with 14 minutes remaining, and Sir Alex was quick to salute the ease with which the winger converted a potentially difficult finish.

“We needed something special and Ronaldo’s taken his chance very, very well. It’s not easy when it comes off the turf like that and he connectedreally well to score a really important goal for us. He had to control it to keep it down, it was a very good finish.”

United host Bolton on Wednesday before Liverpool’s visit on Easter Sunday and, after omitting Rio Ferdinand, Nani, and Carlos Tevez from Saturday’s squad, Sir Alex admits there will be changes for those games.

“I think that we’ll be changing on Wednesday again, but not too much,” he said. “We wanted to win this game and be top of the league. We’ve got our game in hand, we want to get those three points and then we can look forward to a real battle against Liverpool.”

[alex18122003]

paiseh double post

[onion_rings]

Mafan, nowaday you bet so big huh? BTW the 600 is S$, RM, TB or RMB ? :rolleyes: :Dnnkc la...Mafan also din go to China, where got RMB? More likely is 600 of satay "stick" ? :confused: :p

[spidermel]

NB make me lose 600 now less bonk for me this month

Ai seh bo beh chao, 600 a match sia, wooo big punter leh.... :eek:

i nv bet so much in my life b4 the most $60 nia :D

[onion_rings]

i nv bet so much in my life b4 the most $60 nia :D
nnkc la. U also quite a big punter hor! $60 for me can buy 6 pkts of ciggie liao :D Or a budget bonk oops btw me alrdy in hibernation :p

[nining]

NB make me lose 600 :( now less bonk for me this month :(

Hi brother Mafan.
Though we do not know each other, better not to bet so much. Just bet for fun its ok. 600 is way too much. Imagine if you are selling satay, how many sticks of satay you will need to sell? or if you are selling fish, how many fishes you will need to sell? Remember not to bet so much. I would prefer to give that money to my mother if I have 600 to bet. Imagine the joy and happiness she will be feeling. Priceless. So remember this piece of advise:D

[spidermel]

Hi brother Mafan.
Though we do not know each other, better not to bet so much. Just bet for fun its ok. 600 is way too much. Imagine if you are selling satay, how many sticks of satay you will need to sell? or if you are selling fish, how many fishes you will need to sell? Remember not to bet so much. I would prefer to give that money to my mother if I have 600 to bet. Imagine the joy and happiness she will be feeling. Priceless. So remember this piece of advise

Dun worry he anything oso dun have but got $$$ and satay....:D

nnkc he give his mum 600!!! he dun take 60 from his mum go bonk very good liao....:D

[onion_rings]

Dun worry he anything oso dun have but got $$$ and satay....:D

nnkc he give his mum 600!!! he dun take 60 from his mum go bonk very good liao....:D

Wahhhhhh titu, u lidat run down mafan goot meh??? People got kc liao leh... Still nid to go outside bonking meh? Saw her just now! They are alrdy cohabiting! So happy now for our bro mafan :D :p

[popiah]

Wahhhhhh titu, u lidat run down mafan goot meh??? People got kc liao leh... Still nid to go outside bonking meh? Saw her just now! They are alrdy cohabiting! So happy now for our bro mafan :D :p

hi bro onion,

why u must follow tightly on our bro mafan is it becoz you saw his KC you bei tahan is it ?

signoff
KC Popiah

[onion_rings]

hi bro onion,

why u must follow tightly on our bro mafan is it becoz you saw his KC you bei tahan is it ?

signoff
KC Popiah
hi bro popiah,

nnkc u lidat say me goot meh??? I'm just happy for mafan u buay song sibo? Btw u sound a bit sour grapes or is it u kana fly A380 by someone tio bo? :D

signoff
A380 onion_rings

[spidermel]

hi bro onion,

why u must follow tightly on our bro mafan is it becoz you saw his KC you bei tahan is it ?

signoff
KC Popiah

nnkc y? we say mafan u not happy sibo? :mad:

nnkc u watermelon roll big side see mafan big punter wan carry his balls sibo, dun carry u lick better....:D

signoff
Poh lampar jiak si gua wah tua peng popiah

[dc7176]

http://www.geocities.com/johnny_laserbeam/BS-ManUnitedVsBolton19March.gif

Man Utd v Bolton: Preview



Goalkeeper Ben Foster is on course to keep his place in the Manchester United team when Bolton visit Old Trafford tomorrow.
Edwin van der Sar's groin problem is likely to keep him out again and although Tomasz Kuszczak is available after serving a one-match ban Foster's excellent performance on his debut against Derby should persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to keep faith with the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, Ferguson insists the Easter Sunday clash against Liverpool will not deflect his side from their immediate task of seeing off Bolton's challenge on Wednesday.

Ferguson said: "There are big games coming up and Liverpool is one of them, especially when you consider Chelsea are playing Arsenal on the same day.

"But when you see what happened at Derby on Saturday, not taking our chances, you realise you can't take anything for granted. Sure, there are big weekends ahead, but the other matches are just as important.

"If we perform well and take our chances then we'll win the match against Bolton. But it's important we respect our opponents.

"Some of our football recently has been terrific and there's good penetration in the team. It's encouraging that we're making so many chances - perhaps the forwards just need to relax a little in front of goal. Then the goals will come.''

United are level on points with Arsenal, with superior goal difference, and the Bolton match is their game in hand on the Gunners, so slip-ups at this stage of the season will be immensely costly.

Bolton are also one of the few teams to have beaten United this season, courtesy of a Nicolas Anelka goal at the Reebok in November.

Ferguson said the Wanderers would miss Anelka's goals now he is at Chelsea but the fact they have been dragged back into the battle against relegation means United will face an even stiffer test.

"They are fighting for survival and any team fighting for survival have to fight. That's the name of the game,'' said the United manager.

"I thought they had got themselves clear of trouble but in this league if you lose a couple of games you are back in the mix.

"Everyone expects Derby to go down, Fulham are the next one and then it is a scramble. You've got a lot of teams down there. "Obviously they are missing Nicolas Anelka's goals but they have Kevin Davies up front and he will do everything he possibly can to unsettle us.

"He's a physical lad and we have to deal with that but I think Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have the height and ability to do that.''

Bolton manager Gary Megson has two significant injury concerns for the daunting trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Kevin Nolan faces a late test on a sore back while Gary Cahill is battling to be fit after suffering a bruised foot in Sunday's defeat by Wigan.

With goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen out of contract this summer he may have played his last game for the club after being ruled out for the remainder of the season with a back injury.

The Finn has already turned down a new contract offer and is set to end his 11-year spell at the club. But Megson said: "Jussi is finished for the season. But hopefully his Bolton career is not finished.''

Ali Al Habsi will continue to deputise when Megson's men seek to erase the memory of Sunday's dismal defeat to Wigan in a daunting trip to Old Trafford.

Megson was furious with his side's lack of effort at the JJB Stadium which paved the way for a precious win for the 10-man Latics and plunged the Trotters back into the relegation zone.

Megson said: "We let ourselves down badly and we've got to get a response from everybody we've got to go there and do what we were doing before the Wigan game, which is always giving it our best shot.

"It was a poor performance and a shocking result for us at Wigan, but we were masters of our own downfall.

"I can accept it if at times we don't pass it well or dribble well or whatever. But we just didn't get up for the game, which is something I hope never to see again.''

[dc7176]

1st Goal for Man United - C.Ronaldo
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1874576)

2nd Goal for Man United - C.ROnaldo (from a brilliant free kick)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1874591)

A scoring chance for Nani is saved by Al Habsi
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1874786)

Football Channel - MSN Video (http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-sg&playlist=videoByTag:mk:en-sg:sf:ActiveStartDate:sd:-1:ns:VC_Supplier:tag:ENSG_Starhub:vs:0&tab=m1200889673484)

[alex18122003]

1st Goal for Man United - C.Ronaldo
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1874576)

2nd Goal for Man United - C.ROnaldo (from a brilliant free kick)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1874591)

A scoring chance for Nani is saved by Al Habsi
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1874786)

Football Channel - MSN Video (http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-sg&playlist=videoByTag:mk:en-sg:sf:ActiveStartDate:sd:-1:ns:VC_Supplier:tag:ENSG_Starhub:vs:0&tab=m1200889673484)

Tks for sharing Ronaldo 2 great goals clips.

[dc7176]

Tks for sharing Ronaldo 2 great goals clips.

Next on CR7 hitlist - Liverpool!!!

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/303/fitpreviewphpsc61iz2.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/johnny_laserbeam/BigSoccer/BS-DSLiverpoolQuote.gif

[alex18122003]

Manchester United's Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Liverpool during their Premier League match in Manchester

http://i32.tinypic.com/rwi0rq.jpg

[alex18122003]

Manchester United took full advantage of Javier Mascherano's dismissal to cruise to a 3-0 win over arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.


Wes Brown put the hosts ahead before Mascherano was sent off for a second yellow card just before half time. Cristiano Ronaldo then netted his 34th goal of the season with just over ten minutes remaining before substitute Nani completed the scoring two minutes later.

The result puts United six points clear at the top of the Premier League table - at least until full-time in Arsenal's clash with Chelsea later on today.

The role Steve Bennett would play at Old Trafford had featured heavily in pre-match sparring between the two camps, and the referee's name is certain to feature in most of the post match analysis after Liverpool were reduced to ten men.

Mascherano had been booked for a wild lunge on Paul Scholes as early as the 11th minute and his subsequent protestations over the booking showed the Argentine knew he would now be walking a tightrope for the remainder of the match.

But if that was the case, he soon appeared to forget when, just before half time, he received his marching orders for needless dissent following the booking of Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard had been shown yellow for protesting too loudly over a Scholes challenge, prompting Mascherano to race over to the scene and deliver his verdict on the situation.

It was not the first time the Liverpool midfielder had been in referee Steve Bennett's ear during the first half, and with the official clearly in no mood to take any nonsense, he promptly brandished a second yellow, quickly followed by red.

In the light of this week's calls to stamp out disrespectful behaviour towards officials, Mascherano's actions were the last thing the Football Association wanted on such a high profile day and his exit from the pitch, when he had to be restrained by team-mates, will only have deepened that that sense of disappointment.

Liverpool had started the game well, enjoying the better of possession during the opening stages, although it was United who fashioned the better chances.

Wayne Rooney - one of eight changes made by Alex Ferguson following the midweek win over Bolton - squandered two decent chances early on, Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal twice making saves.

It proved to be a strange afternoon for Reina, who was guilty of some atrocious kicking and uncertain handling early on yet he still managed to pull off some tremendous stops after the break to keep the scoreline respectable.

The source of the opener could not have been more unlikely. Brown - still yet to commit his future to United - put the hosts into the lead in the 34th minute with just his second league goal of a career which has spanned 12 seasons.

Considering his contract situation, it is unclear whether Brown will score another goal in United's colours, but if he does, it is unlikely to be a more important one. The England defender rose above Martin Skrtel and ahead of Reina to meet Rooney's cross and settle any nerves that may have existed in the United side.

Unsurprisingly, the sending off then changed the dynamic of the game, and with a goal and a man to the good, United never really looked like letting the three points slip.

Further chances fell to Ronaldo, Rooney again and Carlos Tevez with his first touch after having been introduced with Nani in the 73rd minute, before Ronaldo headed the host's second to effectively seal the win.

Nani applied the icing on United's cake on 81 minutes, firing past Reina after latching onto a cute Rooney through pass.

The result hammered a final nail into Liverpool's title hopes as their impressive five-game winning streak was brought to an end.

United, on the other hand, are in a strong position to retain their title.

[spidermel]

MU win, Arsenal lost... i can smelly EPL champion on the way to Old Trafford :D

[alex18122003]

MU win, Arsenal lost... i can smelly EPL champion on the way to Old Trafford :D

Very great score results @ Old Trafford.
Glory :D Glory :p To All Red Devils Fans.

[mr_missile]

but have to be very cautious.. got Arsenal visiting Old Trafford and MU going to Stamford Bridge.
it was indeed a fantastic easter sunday for united with a thrashing of pool and the gunners going down to chelski.
looking at the title run-in of 7 remaining games, with the gunners visiting OT and united still to go to stamford bridge, the current 5 point cushion may not be enough.
however, using a very simplistic way of calculation, if united are to avoid defeats against both ars and chelski, and match their results for the rest of the games, the title is definitely staying at OT for another season.
looking forward to that and hopefully the champion's league too. ;)
cheers!

[alex18122003]

Scholes holds the key

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Paul Scholes has returned to top form in time to inspire United to a successful end of the season.

The veteran midfielder has been feeling his way back to fitness and form after being dogged by knee problems, but Sir Alex is confident that his display against Liverpool last Sunday suggests a timely return to his devastating best.

“Last Sunday's win over Liverpool was a great sign for me in terms of the confidence and composure of the team," he told his weekly press conference.

"But what pleased me most was the performance of Paul Scholes. After three and a half months out he’s taken time to get back to real Paul Scholes form.

“He was absolutely head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch – and there were some fantastic performances. His form over the next few weeks will be important for us.”

Scholes remained at Carrington during this week's international programme, leaving him fresh for the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday - a prospect which is sure to daunt Villans manager Martin O'Neill, who is a huge admirer of the midfielder.

"Winning is about being able to compete week in, week out,” said O’Neill. “All you have to do is look at Paul Scholes.

“He’s won umpteen Championships and he still plays as if he’s 18. That comes from within and from being really successful and hungry."

[dc7176]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/johnny_laserbeam/ManUtdVsAstonVilla-29Mar08.gif

Man Utd v Aston Villa: Preview

Sir Alex Ferguson has derided international friendly matches as "a waste of time'' and "futile''.
The Manchester United manager is angry at losing Darren Fletcher for six weeks, starting with the home match against Aston Villa, after he sustained a knee ligament injury in midweek in Scotland's 1-1 draw with Croatia.

It was George Burley's first match in charge, but Ferguson took issue with the former Southampton manager at the length of game time Fletcher had.

"Darren should have played only 45 minutes, 60 minutes at most. But instead he was heading for a full game before he got injured,'' said the United boss.

"He had gone up to Scotland with a bad chest cold, which caused him to miss our last game (the 3-0 victory against Liverpool on Sunday).

"It is a bad blow losing Darren and again shows the futility of playing friendly games. It is crazy.

"Supporters will stop going anyway, given the kind of money they are paying and the kind of travelling they have to do.

"Every manager knows deep down these games are a waste of time.''

Rio Ferdinand will again marshal the back line at Old Trafford as United head into an important week at home and abroad.

They follow the Villa match by facing Roma in Italy on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

With seven games remaining, Ferguson's leaders are five points ahead of Chelsea, six clear of Arsenal and have an impressive goal difference of plus 49.

The Scot has taken great heart from the emphatic victory against Liverpool and called for more of the same in the coming weeks.

He said: "I need to have one eye on Roma when it comes to team selection because it is such an important fixture.

"But that must not lessen our thoughts about the match against Villa.

"We must use the performance against Liverpool as a barometer. That game was a great sign for me. The composure in our play was top class.

Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg is poised to return to the side for Saturday evening's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Swedish international, who is bound for Juventus in the summer, was suspended for the shock home reversal by Sunderland after his red card at Portsmouth but is set to replace Craig Gardner.

Martin O'Neill has to decide whether to keep faith with on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson who has looked short of confidence in recent games and made crucial errors.

Villa will be looking to end a run of four games without a win but have not beaten the Red Devils in the Premier League for 12 years.

Martin O'Neill has challenged his side not to allow a season of steady progression to fizzle out.

He is looking for his team to recapture the form that saw them come within a few seconds of victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium only three weeks ago and rekindle their European push.

O'Neill believes Villa should have taken great confidence from that 1-1 draw but instead they collected only one point from the next three games including a shock 1-0 home reversal by Sunderland last weekend.

O'Neill said: "The performance against Arsenal should have been the spur for us to kick on and I thought it was going to be.

"But the two home games against Middlesbrough and Sunderland have been particularly disappointing, occasions when we haven't created much and we have looked poor.

"You would be hard pressed to give a proper reasoning for it after the performance against Arsenal. We have not lacked the desire but we have certainly lacked a fizz.

"I was low after the Sunderland game. If we had played Sunderland off the pitch, created lots of chances and lost, I could have genuinely accepted that.

"But we were disappointing and I don't want us to be disappointing when it is important for us not to be disappointing. That is what we have to learn. Now we have to get back on track.

"At a time when we haven't exactly excelled ourselves at all in our performance against Sunderland, you would like to think you could try and iron out a few things if at all possible.

"But we have been working with four or five of the squad and some of them only got back on Friday.''

[dc7176]

Before we hav a update on tonight match, let hav another look at CR7 MOM performance againist Aston Villa

Click here (http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-sg&vid=5a656126-2d7d-426e-96ba-8602c64dd483&tab=m1200889673484)


http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/johnny_laserbeam/ManUtdNextGame-ASRomaVsManUtd-01Apr.gif

Roma v Man Utd: Preview

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar looks set to return to the side against Roma in the Champions League quarter-final.
Van der Sar was on the flight to Italy on Monday morning after missing the 4-0 Barclays Premier League victory against Aston Villa with a groin injury.

Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs all travelled after coming off on Saturday with knocks.

Mikael Silvestre was a surprise addition to the party after recovering from a knee ligament injury, sustained in September.

However Nani was again missing and ruled out of the first-leg match because of a thigh strain.

Meanwhile, Paul Scholes has named Cristiano Ronaldo as his best ever team-mate in a glorious 14-year career at Manchester United.

It is a remarkable tribute to the Portugal winger, who is looking to improve on his 35-goal tally against Roma.

Scholes has played alongside the likes of Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes and David Beckham, not to mention the evergreen Ryan Giggs, collecting seven Premier League winners medals in the process.

However, it is Ronaldo that gets the midfielder's vote as his top team-mate at Old Trafford.

Scholes, who is due to make his 99th Champions League appearance in Italy, said: "I've been quite lucky to have played with a lot of great players.

"Cristiano has to be at the top now, purely for what he has done this season. Scoring the amount of goals from his position has been nothing short of amazing.

"It is not just that, though, it is the way he makes chances and the threat he poses to other teams.''

Ronaldo has not just reserved his scoring form for the domestic game either.

He has bagged six in seven Champions League matches heading into the quarter-final encounter.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for Ronaldo to maintain his momentum as they go for glory at home and abroad.

Ferguson said: "You have to remember Cristiano has only just turned 23.

"We have seen a development in every part of his game in domestic football.

"That's why we are delighted to bring a player back to Rome who has made an incredible improvement in the last year.

"Cristiano's goalscoring performances have been a big advantage to us as we all know.''

Meanwhile, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti is confident his side can overcome the absence of Francesco Totti and beat a Manchester United side he rates as the "best in the world''.

The Giallorossi take on United at the Stadio Olimpico without skipper Totti, who has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Spalletti believes his Serie A high-flyers have enough quality, however, to beat the Barclays Premier League leaders without their talisman.

"Totti is Totti,'' he said. "But a team that is not able to play without a player does not have the right mentality.

"To have reached this stage of the competition means we have a strong team even without Totti.

"I have a lot of confidence in my players, who I am sure will take on more responsibility as they have done in the past when we have played without Totti.''

Mirko Vucinic will lead the attack in Totti's absence and Spalletti knows the Montenegrin forward will be up to the task.

"We are all ready, including Vucinic,'' he said. "Vucinic has helped us win games and I am sure he is determined and ready.''

[alex18122003]

http://i28.tinypic.com/2145m3t.jpg


In the run-up to tonight's Champions League quarter-final, Luciano Spalletti has mocked Manchester United's away record in Europe - and looking at the statistics, the Roma coach might just have a point.

Led by the magical Cristiano Ronaldo, United head into the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico in terrific form, top of the Premier League and confident of claiming a 10th semi-final appearance in Europe's premier club competition.

The statistics make uneasy reading for United fans - their side have won just three of their last 18 games on the continent, and in Italy, their record is no better.

Out of 14 games played over there, United have lost 10 and won just two. Indeed, their winless streak in Italy was only broken in Turin just under nine years ago - when Roy Keane's header kick-started the now-famous semi-final comeback against Juventus on their way to being crowned European champions in 1999.

Since then, United have travelled to Italy six times, but managed just one further win - a 3-0 rout of Juventus back in 2002-03 - losing four more times and drawing once.

Hardly a record on Italian soil to strike fear into a Roma side who are currently pushing Internazionale for the Scudetto and who are vastly improved on the team that capitulated 7-1 at Old Trafford a year ago.

Even without their injured talisman Francesco Totti, Roma will be a different proposition altogether tonight, and with United's poor recent history on the peninsula, eyebrows should not be raised too high if the hosts are able to grab a first leg advantage.

Those six games in Italy since the Treble-winning season in 1999:

1999-2000 - Second group phase - Fiorentina 2-0 United . United fall to goals from Gabriel Batistuta and Abel Balbo but still manage to top the group. Eventually go out to Real Madrid at the quarter-final stage.

2002-03 - Second group phase - Juventus 0-3 United. An imperious performance from United, and two-goal Ryan Giggs in particular, gives United their second win at the Stadio Delle Alpi in four years - but again it is Real Madrid who end their hopes in the quarters.

2004-05 - First knockout phase - Milan 1-0 United. Hernan Crespo adds to his first leg strike in Manchester to fire Milan into the quarter-finals 2-0 on aggregate.

2006-07 - Quarter-finals - Roma 2-1 United. Rodrigo Taddei and Mirko Vucinic - both likely to start tonight - seal victory against 10-man United, but it is Alex Ferguson's side who go through 8-3 on aggregate following their stunning 7-1 win in the return leg.

2006-07 - Semi-finals - Milan 3-0 United. One of the most disappointing United performances in Europe of recent times. Kaka, Clarence Seedorf and Alberto Gilardino overturn a 2-3 deficit from the first leg in fine style to send the eventual winners through.

2007-08 - Group phase - Roma 1-1 United. Gerard Pique's header is cancelled out by Mancini as Roma claim a point. United still run out group winners before being drawn against Lyon in the first knockout phase. A 2-1 aggregate win over the French champions sees them book tonight's clash with Roma.

[dc7176]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/johnny_laserbeam/ManUtdNextGame-ASRomaVsManUtd-01Apr.gif

Match Highlight

Panucci Header (Min 15)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902418)

C.Ronaldo Free Kick (Min 20)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902430)

Vucinic Shoot (Min 28)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902452)

0-1 C.Ronaldo (Min 38)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902463)

Tonetto Shoot (Min 50)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902548)

Tonetto Chance (Min 51)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902549)

Panucci Chance (Min 52)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902555)

0-2 Rooney (Min 65)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902608)

C.Ronaldo Shoot (Min 68)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902623)

Carrick Shoot (Min 71)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902637)

C.Ronaldo Volley (Min 90)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1902662)

Roma 0-2 Man Utd: Rooney and Ronaldo sublime
Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put Manchester United firmly in the driving seat going into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Roma.

Then to heap more misery on the Italian title-chasers Wayne Rooney extended United's lead in the second half after a defensive mix-up in the six-yard box.

It was a marvellous show of composure from United, who went into the match on the back of six straight Barclays Premier League wins.

Given they had taken four points off Roma in the group stages this season, it was little surprise they approached this match with confidence.

And although the Italians had a lot of possession in the first half they found their opponents hard to break down.

Park Ji-Sung's inclusion in the United side was a surprise and he got into a good position after 12 minutes only for Christian Panucci to take the ball off his toes as he shaped to shoot.

Roma hit back and Mirko Vucinic should have tried his luck on goal but opted instead to pass to Alberto Aquilani and the move broke down.

This was a good spell for the home side and Mancini saw his effort deflected to safety by Vidic. Then Panucci headed over the top from Rodrigo Taddei's corner.

Play broke down the other end and Rooney released Anderson but the Brazilian, who has yet to score for the club, blazed a shot over the top.

Ronaldo tried his luck with a free-kick from all of 30 yards only to see his effort go wide of the post in the 22nd minute.

Roma carved out a good chance in the 28th minute when Vucinic escaped his marker and cut inside, only to rattle a shot over the top.

Vidic then needed treatment after landing badly following an aerial challenge with Vucinic.

The Serbian seemed to have twisted his knee and was forced to come off.

He was replaced by John O'Shea, who partnered Rio Ferdinand at the back.

Ronaldo was anxious to improve on his 35-goal tally but not surprisingly was finding himself closely marked.

However, he broke free of his shackles in the 39th minute to make the breakthrough.

Rooney released Scholes on the right and he delivered a delicate chip into the area.

Ronaldo ran from deep and headed the ball beyond Brazilian goalkeeper Doni for a brilliant solo effort.

The Portugal winger was left dazed in the incident but recovered quickly to United's relief.

However Roma could have equalised in the three minutes later but Vucinic dragged his shot wide of the post.

Roma started the second half brightly and Vucinic released Max Tonetto but he sent his effort over the bar.

A minute later Tonetto's shot was superbly turned over the top by Edwin van der Sar.

Roma kept up the pressure and Panucci squandered a good chance in the 52nd minute.

He was left free at the back post but only succeeded in sending his effort wide of the target.

Roma responded and substitute Ludovic Giuly got clear down the right only to send a poor cross into the grateful arms of Van der Sar.

However Van der Sar needed to look alert to make a fine one-handed save from Vucinic's header.

This was a difficult time for United and Vucinic was proving to be a bit of a handful in the absence of Francesco Totti.

United, however, made it 2-0 in the 67th minute when Park headed the ball into the area at the back post.

It resulted in a mix-up between Doni and Panucci with Rooney on hand to knock the ball home.

Then Ronaldo skipped away from his marker only to see his effort come back off the post.

With a two-goal cushion, United were knocking the ball around well and Michael Carrick came close in the 71st minute, his effort going narrowly wide.

Rooney had put in a hard shift and was replaced by Carlos Tevez with six minutes remaining as Roma looked dispirited.

Tevez saw his effort go wide then Ronaldo rattled a superb volley narrowly over the bar as United finished the match in style.

[alex18122003]

The facts and figures say Manchester United cannot fail to book a place in the semi-finals of this season's Champions League, but United know better than most that a great European comeback should not be dismissed out of hand.

Roma have a 2-0 deficit to overturn after goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney in Rome last week gave United a big advantage heading into tonight's game at Old Trafford.

It is an unenviable mission for the Giallorossi, and a quick glance at some telling statistics only serves to reinforce how difficult their task is.

United have lost just seven of 67 Champions League home games but none by the minimum two-goal margin that Roma need to reach the semi-finals.

Roma have won just once in ten previous visits to England - a 1-0 victory at Liverpool in the fourth round of the 2000-2001 UEFA Cup.

Only once have Roma come back to win, when they lost 2-1 at home to Nurnberg in the 1988-1989 UEFA Cup first round but then triumphed 3-1 in Germany.

United have been in this position 13 times before in European competitions, qualifying rounds included, and have never lost a tie after winning away in the first leg.

And United are one of just two teams, alongside Barcelona, who remain unbeaten in this season's competition

[alex18122003]

Arsenal suffered another injury blow ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United when midfielder Mathieu Flamini was ruled out for up to three weeks with an ankle injury.

The Frenchman suffered the injury in the first half of Tuesday's Champions League defeat by Liverpool when he was replaced by Gilberto Silva before half-time, and the Brazilian is set to start in his place at Old Trafford.

"I believe Mathieu will be out for three weeks," manager Arsene Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"It's a big blow but Gilberto has a lot of quality and experience. He will come in. He can help the team recover and focus.

"Apart from that we don't have any other injuries from Tuesday. We have a few bumps and bruises but nothing special.

"Robin van Persie is available. He had two good sessions yesterday and today. He looks to be OK and we'll see how we go from here. But Bacary Sagna is out."

Arsenal almost certainly need to win on Sunday to retain any hope of taking the title.

They are third on 71 points, three behind Chelsea and six behind United, with five games remaining.

[alex18122003]

RONALDO TAKES AIM AT TWO TROPHIES

United wing wizard explains why he'd gladly swap personal awards for team glory...

Are you pleased with your form this season?
I try to improve and this season has been even better than the last. People say I need to perform better in big games; I respect that opinion, but I don’t feel I need to prove anything to anyone. I’m pleased with my progress, but I believe this United squad is the best I’ve been involved in. It’s more consistent and more mature.

In recent seasons you bet Sir Alex you’d score 15 goals; now you have 36...
That’s true! I’m happy with the improvement. I’m a better player now than I was a year ago and definitely better than when I first came here. I hope that continues. Why have I scored more goals this season? It’s hard to say, I’ve just had more chances.

Do you have a favourite goal from this season?
I enjoyed my header against Roma away. That was very satisfying. But I like the free kicks against Portsmouth, Bolton and Sunderland. It’s hard to pick one.

Were you proud to beat George Best’s 32 goals in a season from midfield?
I don’t really want to break anybody’s record – I feel bad! I’ve seen tapes of George Best playing and he was absolutely fantastic. It’s a wonderful record to hold.

You’re tipped to win numerous Player of the Year awards again this year…
It’s nice to be recognised, but if I had the choice of winning, say, the Champions League or the Golden Boot, I’d pick the Champions League every time.

[LiverPOO]

arsenal were unfortunate not to progress into the champions league semi final.

with their season as good as over, they will want to avenge their 4-0 drubbing in the fa cup loss earlier this season.

expect tackles flying in from all angles - from arsenal players. ;)

[stepup]

Man-U 4eva
:D:D:D:D

[alex18122003]

Manchester United came from behind to earn a 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

http://i30.tinypic.com/2wgdsu9.jpg

Emmanuel Adebayor put the Gunners ahead early in the second half but a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and Owen Hargreaves free-kick secured a vital win for United, who established a six-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the table.

The defeat effectively ruled Arsene Wenger's side out of the title race, nine points off the lead with four games remaining.

Arsenal were impressive in the first 45 minutes. They reduced Manchester United to speculative counter-attacks and generally shackled Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo.

They also dominated in the attacking third, Adebayor guilty of no less than five glaring misses when put in good shooting positions.

Two of them were unforgivable, the first on 18 minutes when he shot tamely at Edwin van der Sar following a one-two with Robin van Persie and the second an identikit back-pass after brilliant work by Alexander Hleb on 35 minutes.

Gilberto Silva found his shot blocked by own team-mate Alex Song after United failed to clear a corner, while Cesc Fabregas shot wide from a good position.

The hosts had their chances too. Most of their attacking threat came from Rooney, who forced one good save from Jens Lehmann after an impudent flick by Ronaldo bamboozled Song on the United left.

Lehmann was standing-in for the injured Manuel Almunia, the latest instalment in their ongoing feud that recently saw Almunia declare that Lehmann "hates" him.

But the veteran German earned his coin with one superb save from Rooney, who had stroked the ball towards the bottom right after leading a counter attack. Lehmann somehow stuck his left boot out to divert the ball behind for a corner and the sides went in level at the break.

The second half continued in a similar vein and Arsenal took the lead when Adebayor exploited hesitancy between Van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand when a quickly-taken free-kick saw Van Persie cross into the six yard box.

Ferdinand stopped - one had to assume because he had heard a call - and the Togo striker nicked ahead of the Dutchman to flick the ball home with what appeared to be his hand. United's protests were waved away and Arsenal had a lead that threatened to derail Sir Alex Ferguson's title hopes.

But, as has been the case for much of this latter part of the season, Arsenal conceded almost immediately. They had been agonisingly close to doubling their lead when Ferdinand's attempted clearance was spectacularly saved by Van der Sar.

Ferdinand then hooked the loose ball away and United countered. Carrick played the ball into the box and William Gallas handballed to hand United a penalty, which Ronaldo converted twice, the first disallowed after Park Ji-Sung encroached.

The match was blown wide open, and substitute Carlos Tevez almost netted with a long-range effort while Van der Sar tipped Gael Clichy cross, deflected by Wes Brown, onto the post.

United's second goal came on 71 minutes and from two unlikely sources. Left back Patrice Evra had got forward, playing through Rooney and winning a free-kick off Gilberto on the edge of the box after the England striker's shot was blocked.

Hargreaves stepped up and asked Ronaldo to step aside. The former Bayern Munich midfielder then sent an immaculate shot that dipped over the wall and curled away from Lehmann into the bottom left for his second goal of the season, a carbon copy of his first strike against Fulham.

The stuffing was knocked out of the Gunners, although they attacked with intent late on and sub Nicklas Bendtner should have made Van der Sar work harder to save his far-post header after he was found by Fabregas.

United held on at the end, Bendtner denied by Van der Sar with another header, but the Londoners lacked a genuine cutting-edge and their title challenge stuttered to a halt while United placed one hand on the trophy.

[dc7176]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/premierleague.png

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/manu.pngVShttp://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/arsenal.png

Manchester United vs Arsenal
English Premier League 2007-2008
Matchday 34
April 13 2008


Goals

1st Goal for Arsenal - Adebayor (suspected handball)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929169)


1st Goal for Manchester United - Ronaldo (PK)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929180)

2nd Goal for Manchester United - Hargreaves
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929197)

Extras

A well built attack from Man United ends with a shot from Rooney that is denied by Lehmann
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929104)

An error from Song puts Rooney one on one with Lehmann who puts an end to the attack
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929146)

[asiancigar]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/premierleague.png

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/manu.pngVShttp://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/arsenal.png

Manchester United vs Arsenal
English Premier League 2007-2008
Matchday 34
April 13 2008


Goals

1st Goal for Arsenal - Adebayor (suspected handball)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929169)


1st Goal for Manchester United - Ronaldo (PK)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929180)

2nd Goal for Manchester United - Hargreaves
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929197)

Extras

A well built attack from Man United ends with a shot from Rooney that is denied by Lehmann
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929104)

An error from Song puts Rooney one on one with Lehmann who puts an end to the attack
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1929146)

Brilliant stuff Bro dc7176...... didn't get to watch it last nite coz here in Bali and whole of Indonesia.... ASTRO kanna screwed by the Indo govt and lose their transmitting license for the weekend..... ccb

Hopefully, they resolve it and i get to watch the Chelsea match....

ManU Forever... OLE OLE OLE

Cheerz
AC

[dc7176]

United v Arsenal post-game


We were outplayed on our own patch and really didn’t look like we wanted it or were mentally prepared for what was obviously going to be their last role of the dice for the season.
They fired out of the traps with the expected amount of intensity and we were chasing shadows, misplacing passes and being second to every ball. If it were not for Adebayor’s total loss of form and confidence, this could have been wrapped up for them by the 30 minute mark.

I know that at this point in the season performance isn’t important if the points that bring us that bit closer to the title are won and I gladly accept that – this post isn’t a moan (we’re 2wins away from the ********ing title!!) – but I’m telling you, my nerves can’t handle this kind of game and I hate it when we’re on the back-foot like that at home away, fair enough, you expect it and are prepared for it, but at home? Not so much.

Anyway, my nerves aside, I may as well offer up some thoughts.

The first one is Anderson and why he stood out to me today. It seems to me like this kid is getting by almost purely by his natural ability and the adrenalin rush he gets from these big games where it means so much to two sides considered peers. Aside from the Roma away game he has been Fletcher-esque in his bigness in these games both home and away and when he came on today it wasn’t just the fact he had the physical condition that was required for this game (I’ll get to that little caveat later) it was the thrill he seemed to get from shielding the ball, turning men and also playing the one-touch with our team that stood out.

You compare this to how he shows his actual age in ‘lesser games’ where we are expected to win from the outset, and you see two different players. Make no bones about it if there is one thing this young lad is, it is a big game player. He has the appetite for it and fortunately, the skills to match. Don’t confuse this for him being our best or one of our best players today, but take note of it and his worth to us in these games. He will have a huge role to play in our Chelsea, Barcelona and the CL final if we get there - I do not expect him to have as much of an impact in the ‘smaller’ games that are also needed to win us the title.

Right, the next thing that stood out was the Paul Scholes decision. If we were going to play him why the hell did we decide to play like we didn’t know his weaknesses or what was needed to have Paul contribute to this game? As it stands we were tactically compromised from the get-go with how we tried to play a running game with a midfield of Scholes, Carrick and Hargreaves. As stated in the Identity thread, you play Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson or in this case Anderson, Carrick and Hargreaves to play like that. Watching Scholes running around like that trying desperately to keep up with the wild game going on around him was quite tragic.

That’s not to say he wasn’t without fault, he clearly had his worst game of the season today as his passing was really, really poor (for Scholes) and on that score no blame can be apportioned to team selection. It was no surprise at all that Anderson coming on changed the game for us in midfield. It can’t possibly be that we thought Arsenal would be slower and more lethargic in this game because of Flamini being out and the nature of their CL tie could it? (That’s rhetorical by the way.) But surely the boss should have known that Gilberto would not look like he has this season in what is seen as his last big game for the club? (not rhetorical.)

To add further to the midfield conundrum we had Carrick having a first-half shocker as well. As he is our only universal midfielder he was never going to come off for another to come on and as usual, he proved himself to be versatile enough to alter his game when we went to an all-out frenzied style (which we should have done anyway if Hargreaves was to be deployed in midfield) and had a decent enough second half.

I’m not actually sure what Hargreaves is being deployed as lately. It certainly isn’t as a runner and if I had to call it I’d say his job is to expend as much energy as possible whilst also forcing the opposition to do the same thing. His goal was an absolute ********ing peach and anyone with an iota of sense has said previously that any time he is on the pitch, he takes all fk’s from 25 yards and nearer. His technique for those is unquestionable. He scored our winner today and I’m sure that goal alone will buy him the time he needs to fully find his feet for his new club. There has been a marked improvement in him these last two games and if we get that from him in the games he plays from now till the end there won’t be many complaints.

Our backline was a confusing hotch-potch of good, bad and ugly and as stated, if Adebayor had of been on his game, this match would have been over before Van der sar could have saved our arses with his heroics.

VDS. Some great shot-stopping, terrible on the goal and shaky when forced to make a decision without Rio telling him what to do. Ironically enough, his best save was the point-blank one from Rio’s crazy moment. A scout watching VDS will advise his boss to get his team to put as many hard drives at him as possible. It’s virtually guaranteed he’ll spill a few. But aside from that and the aerial flapping he was a life saver.

Rio had a very good game outside of his attempted own goal and I find it interesting to see how he changes his game to accommodate Pique’s style – he often allowed Pique to saunter off up-field and break rank to either distribute or attempt to win the ball high in our 3rd.

Pique is a very good, young centre-back who needs games. He makes the odd mistake, that is a given for his age and experience, but we must consider the level and intensity of the games he has been thrown into the deep-end of. In that case he has been absolutely superb for us and a notch up on what Wes and O’Shea have managed there. I don’t feel half as nervous with him back there next to Rio as I do with either of the aforementioned. The one fault (and it is a fault) that he discernibly has is that awful habit of planting his feet and standing on his heels, thus unbalancing him and making him easy for a nimble dribbler to hop round with nary an apologetic foot to evade. Hleb made a mug of him in this exact way a couple of times today and it could be costly should he continue to do that. With his lack of acceleration he must learn to play on the balls of his feet and not plant like that if he ever wants to make the best of himself.

Evra was OK. I felt he was put in a few compromising positions and isolated because of others not helping him in the double-team and he handled it well for the most part and made a few critical tackles …. We do that to him against Messi and he will get absolutely savaged.

I thought the pace of this game had Park a little perplexed. The style we played was more suited to Nani. Park is pretty much nullified by line-ups sent out there to play a power game more dependant on individual moments of brilliance than on considered and solid team interplay.

Ronaldo. The boy has nerves of steel. On the penalty and the re-take he slotted home perfect penalties. Nevermind the gamesmanship or the fact he had to re-take it, look at the penalties themselves and both of them were absolutely top drawer. I think he’s the best PK taker we’ve had since Eric because it’s not just that he scores, it’s that he places the ball with the power Ruud used to (Eric never did) and the placement that Eric used to (Ruud rarely did) I am very calm (tm) when he steps up to take a penno, eerily calm even. He was stifled of supply for a lot of this game and he recognised that it was time for a team game. His solo runs and even the amount of attempted shots was greatly reduced with this as a consideration. He kills me at times when he doesn’t track back, however. At times he is right there next to the ball and doesn’t run to it or the man and that sometimes leaves the full-back on his side totally at the mercy of the oppo double-team. It’s the only quibble I had with his game.

Rooney. Again had the thankless task of lone front-man, which he is anything but. He was often expected to challenge for aerial balls he just could not win. Created a fair few chances for himself and had a few chances on goal that, depending on which side of the coin you favour, could/couldn’t have been scored from. Lehmann closed down the angles well and read the intent of the chances in a way most keepers would not and that should be considered when scrutinizing those chances, that and Rooney not being the ice-cold killer finisher needed for such situations. Those were not similar to some of the woeful misses he has had this season. They were a by-product of both good keeping and decent (not poor or great) finishing – most keepers in this league would not have closed the angle like Lehmann did.

Tevez came on and ran his heart out. It’s such a shame that Saha has killed his season as a starter. We could have done with him out there from the start today.



Toure looks like he is dead on his feet. I have never ever seen this guy get ran on before and yet both Rooney and Ronaldo completely panicked him on the run. He was absolutely exhausted when subbed off and he will need weeks if not months to get back to full fitness. Wenger has killed him by burning him out.

Gallas is perhaps the worst captain I have ever seen. Not the man I would feel ‘no fear’ standing alongside in these big games.

[dc7176]

Ratings

VDS – 7 – But for the goal and his flapping would’ve been higher.

Evra – 7 – Some key tackles and interceptions. Considering he was isolated a lot of the time he did very well.

Pique – 6 – Got to stop planting his feet. For his age and the importance of this match he did very well.

Rio – 8 – Without him Adebayor’s scuffed shots and so forth would have been more composed blasts, he had one moment where he took the ball off Adebayor in one turn that made him look like he was his father telling him “no more play time.”

Brown – 5 – Wes was caught sleeping a fair few times and he played that diabolical pass across his own box that Arsenal should have done better with.

Park – 5 – He’s not built for a power game. If Nani had have been fit I don’t think Park would have fielded.

Scholes – 4 – Poor passing, completely out of it in terms of the pace of the game. Shouldn’t have started in such a midfield.

Carrick – 5 – Redeemed by his second half, but was bossed readily until Arsenal ran out of steam.

Hargreaves – 6 – Great goal, expected work-rate. Needs to close down better than he does.

Ronaldo – 6 – Good, sensible game from him today. Ice running through his veins. Great penalties.

Rooney – 6 – Solid, workmanlike and tireless. Lehmann made it hard on him to finish those chances.

Tevez – 6 – Ran his heart out.

Anderson – 6 – Loves the big games. Going to be a monster of a player in a few years.

Giggs – N/A


Match Summary

YouTube - Moves (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGQPUUNwxLU)

:D:D

[Cum_Luver]

after Chelsea 1-1 draw with Wigan. The gap is 5 pts liao.
so the EPL is only for Man Utd to lose it.

[dom01]

Yes, we do need a new RB. Brown is leaving on bosman ruling. So much for club royalty.

I guess Philip Lahm would be a good replacement.

We should buy a target man, an ideal choice would be Miroslav Klose, who has not much playing time this season, so he would leave Bayern Munich sooner or later. :D

Keeper issues, I wld say give our two young keepers a chance. ;)

[alex18122003]

Emile Heskey's injury-time equaliser cancelled out Michael Essien's second-half opener and put a huge dent in Chelsea's title ambitions as Avram Grant's side were held to a 1-1 draw by Wigan at Stamford Bridge.


The result leaves Manchester United five points clear in the title race with just four games remaining, and they could now claim the title with victory at Chelsea on April 26.

Wigan, meanwhile, are now six points clear of the relegation zone and can begin to look forward to life in the top-flight again next season.

The home side endured a frustrating first half in which they struggled to breach Wigan's determined back line, prompting jeers from the home fans as they left the field at half-time.

The introduction of Joe Cole considerably enlivened their forward play, and within 10 minutes of the second period Essien put them ahead from the edge of the area.

Chelsea thought they had escaped with the points when returning goalkeeper Petr Cech produced a fine save to deny Wigan substitute Antoine Sibierski with two minutes remaining, but Heskey's sliding back-post volley hauled Wigan level and handed United a potentially decisive advantage.

Chelsea went into the game boosted by the presence in goal of Cech - wearing a chin-strap to go with his now familiar skull-cap - after the facial injury he sustained in training last week had threatened to rule him out.

Avram Grant made seven changes to the side that beat Fenerbahce 2-0 in the Champions League last week, with Cech, Juliano Belletti, Alex, Wayne Bridge, John Mikel Obi, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka all coming into the side. Frank Lampard was a late withdrawal from the team through illness.

Anelka should have given the home side the lead after five minutes when he headed Salomon Kalou's centre wide from six yards, but Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm in the game's early stages and Antonio Valencia tested Cech with a stinging drive from the edge of the box during a spell of Wigan pressure midway through the first half.

Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland was not tested until just before the half-hour mark, but when called upon he produced a tremendous save to tip Anelka's goalbound looping header over the crossbar.

Chelsea were enjoying plenty of possession but without any discernible end product, although Josip Skoko was forced to clear off the Wigan goal-line when Kalou's header bounced past Kirkland from Belletti's right-wing corner.

A succession of rather aimless Chelsea attacks were comfortably repelled by Lactics centre-half Paul Scharner, and when the half-time whistle sounded it drew a chorus of boos from the frustrated home fans.

Grant responded by introducing Cole in place of the disappointing Malouda, and the England man immediately added some much-needed guile and invention to the home side's attacking play.

Suddenly there was cut and dash to Chelsea's forward forays, and within a minute John Terry had rattled the crossbar with a flying volley and Kirkland had produced a superb point blank save to deny Kalou.

But the men in blue were not to be denied, and moments later they took the lead when Essien's effort from the edge of the box flew past Kirkland via a slight deflection off Emmerson Boyce.

Chelsea looked on course for a fairly comfortable victory but were given a scare with two minutes remaining when Sibierski's well-struck half-volley from Marlon King's knockdown was parried by Cech.

Visiting manager Steve Bruce had his head in his hands as that chance went begging, but the man who captained Manchester United to their first ever Premier League title in 1993 was soon on his feet as Heskey thumped home Jason Koumas's measured left-wing centre to tip the balance of power in the title race firmly in United's favour.

[dom01]

Yes, Wes Brown should just leave. IMHO he is not good enough for MUFC, this fella deserves rotting in the lower tier with teams like Swansea and Derby. And i just cannot understand why he doesnt sign a new contract even after Fergie places his trust in him despite his error prone season. I guess that Fergie should go for Micah Richards as long term cover for Captain Gary, eventhough it seems unlikely Sven will allow Micah to leave.

For target man, besides Klose, Huntelaar would be good too. Dutch players normally adapt well in EPL.

Yes, Fergie should just stick with Vander Sar and give Ben Foster a chance.

There have been rumours of scholes joining up with keano at sunderland. It is about time. Let the new era of man U begin!

[imom]

Yes, Wes Brown should just leave. IMHO he is not good enough for MUFC, this fella deserves rotting in the lower tier with teams like Swansea and Derby....

Haha... give the guy a break la. I agree he's not a permanent solution, but he does have his rare moments - I'm sure you were celebrating when he opened the scoring against Liverpool, when the match was still finely poised at 0-0 and before Mascherano's insanity...

Actually, I do remember a youngster Danny Simpson doing pretty well when he came on a couple of times. I hope he continues his progress along with Pique.

[alex18122003]

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Arsenal were "unlucky" to lose to his side.

United all-but ended the Gunners' title hopes after a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in a game that Arsenal could have wrapped-up by half-time.

"The quality of that game today was outstanding," Ferguson told Sky Sports News afterwards. "Arsenal were the better team in the first half, we were a bit nervous, the passing was poor.

"When Arsenal scored it forced my hand [with two substitutions] and we did fantastically after that.

"It was just an incredible game."

Arsenal were the dominant force in the first half, while goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar made a string of top saves to compensate for his hesitancy when United conceded early in the second half.

"Van der Sar saved us at times and Arsenal were unlucky to get nothing from the game," Ferguson continued.

"We've got over a nervous day today, [because of] the games between the clubs over the years.

"There's been nothing in them, so this was a big, big game and we've come through it."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger found positives in defeat and accepted that his title challenge was finished.

"I think we played with quality and spirit and I'm very proud of our performance," he declared.

"We had plenty of chances and were really unlucky not to win this game.

"For two months we have not been very lucky. With the quality of the performance we produce, it's difficult to blame anybody."

[LiverPOO]

Who made the right back position his own when Neville was out injured?

Dare to say Brown isn't good enough for MU? If Sir Alex Ferguson plays him there who the hell is to disagree with him? A MOFO who claims he has been to O.T. for just 3 times in his lifetime?

Oui...MOFO...if you are covering for your superior's work whilst he is away on sickies or holidays, shouldn't your company increase your wages? :rolleyes:

[dom01]

Yea, agree with the wage increase. But how much is he looking at? erm.... That is y I say so much for club royalty. I doubt that Man Utd ever mistreat their players wrt to wages. Even Rio signed a new contract.

[LiverPOO]

Yea, agree with the wage increase. But how much is he looking at? erm.... That is y I say so much for club royalty. I doubt that Man Utd ever mistreat their players wrt to wages. Even Rio signed a new contract.

bro, if the reports are true regarding Ferdinand's new contract, he is getting an increment of £15k-£20k per week.

Brown is not asking anything more than that.

Loyalty is one thing...being fair to the player is another. Brown is the player covering for Neville since Neville's long term injury - more than a season.

Why should he be getting less than another player who plays less than him? He is not asking for Ferdinand's, Rooney's, or Ronaldo's wages. He just want an increment to reflect his importance to the club.

If Utd's board feel Brown is asking too much then they will have to let him leave. They will then pay more to replace him or Neville, when he eventually retires, by paying the transfer fee and weekly wages of the new player. Mind you, any player coming to Utd will not be looking at anything less than Brown - maybe £40k - £50k per week.

A fan or a true supporter will not give Brown a lambasting over his reluctance to sign a new contract.

Especially not those who has been to Old Trafford more times than many S'poreans who support Man Utd. :rolleyes:

BTW, bro...i don't question your allegiance to the club you support. :)

[zveron]

Champion is make not only by playing very well consistently but also how bad the rest of the teams are playing. Wining games that you should have lost, and others losing game they should have won. It is very clear now that Arsenal and Chelsea did not have the extra something that is required to be a Champion this time round.

[dc7176]

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/johnny_laserbeam/BlackburnVsUnited-Sat19Apr.gif
Bring it on!!

[dc7176]

Since the topic now on Wes Brown

Why does he need more money when he does ads like these ?

YouTube - Shaun Wright-Phillips vs Wes Brown: adidas Predator vs F50 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmsX2VYa1Ew)

YouTube - adidas Water Football: Defoe, Bianchi, Brown & Wilhelmsson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PM0fVzK92Y)


... up to Wes ain't it?

Nothing to be sorry about. If he leaves, then he's done so of his own accord. His agent has been like that for a while.. he puts Wes in a pay bracket that isn't justified, gasses up Wes's head to the point Wes thinks he's worth that, and then presents an unsuitable counter offer to what the club (Fergie) says Wes is worth.

Unlike Nicky and Phil who went elsewhere for more PT, Wes (agent) is doing this for cash...if Wes wants more money he needs to improve greatly... then and only then should he be thinking of going into a higher pay bracket.

Fergie will not be pleased.. he's stuck with Wes through so, so many injuries and we paid him all through that and now he's acting like a Rio mini-me with a quarter of the talent, not a smart thing to do. Where Rio was and is indespensible, Wes is not.

He'd do well to sign what is a good deal for him relative to the club he is at. Sure he could probably get more elsewhere, but then, lesser teams can't give him the football and competitions we do.

Meh, the ball's in Wes's court. Completely up to him what he does. If he leaves of his own volition, I won't be bothered - he's not being pushed, and should be looking to repay the man who stuck by him for years and years when he was perpetually injured...

Modern footballers, eh?

I guess Wesley probably sees the writing on the wall. He knows if he's smart, that Simpson is the future at RB. He understands that eventually, possibly by seasons end, Simpson will be splitting time with Neville at RB which means he's RB only against top four if Gary is not fit. Add Pique getting serious minutes at CB Brown may feel like he's not going to get 30+ starts a season and he's certainly capable of getting 40 games a season (and a better wage as a starter) with a 2nd tier team.

I think, since our defense will look like this next season:

RB:
Neville
Simpson
O'Shea

LB:
Evra
____ (I expect Fergie to bring someone in over the summer)
O'Shea

CB:
Rio
Vidic
Pique
Evans

The only worry there is at center back. If Fergie feels Evans and Pique are capable of being the 3rd and 4th choice center backs next year, we will go with this. I wouldn't mind seeing an LB/CB brought in, since a player of that style is likely to be a good backup for Evra in that he will provide a more defensive slant to the position.

[alex18122003]

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo says he is angry at all the speculation over his future insisting on Wednesday that he wants to stay at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international has scored 37 goals this season and that dazzling form has prompted links with some of United's leading European rivals.

But the 23-year-old told The Sun newspaper that he wasn't planning a move away from Manchester any time soon.

"I just don't care what the whole world seems to want to say about me or speculate about my future.

"I've said it a thousand times and, by now, people should realise...I'm totally happy at United," he told the tabloid.

"I'm in the form of my life and I'm having the season of my career so far so it makes me mad sometimes to read some of the things which are supposed to be related to my future.

"I get angry but I'm trying to accept it's a waste of energy to be furious because it is not worth it."

[yinyang]

Man Utd trio agree new contracts

Carrick (left), Brown (centre) and Ferdinand have signed new deals

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown have agreed new contracts with Manchester United.

Ferguson was informed of the news by chief executive David Gill this morning but the length of the deals has not been revealed.

"They have agreed new deals," said Ferguson ahead of his side's game against Blackburn.

"It continues our policy of lengthening contracts at the right time."

As well as tying three key members of his squad, Ferguson added that there could be some new arrivals at Old Trafford next season.

"We have a strong squad already and this just keeps it going," said Ferguson.

"And I would imagine there is a good possibility of stocking up again in the summer.

"The strong squad we have built has aided us this season and this latest bit of business is definitely good news."

Ferguson was unable to put a precise length to the new contracts but Ferdinand's representative, Pini Zahavi, revealed earlier this week that the defender agreed a new five-year deal, believed to be worth £130,000 a week.

Brown, 28, and 26-year-old Carrick meanwhile are also likely to pen new five-year deals.

Brown's contract was due to expire in the summer while 29-year-old Ferdinand had two years remaining on his previous deal.

In the absence of the injured Gary Neville, Brown has been a key figure for Ferguson this season and was subject to a bid from Newcastle during the January transfer window.

But this new deal puts paid to the intense speculation that linked the England defender with a move away from Old Trafford.

Ferguson added: "There's no other club for Wes Brown.

"He's a Manchester United player. We were always quietly confident he would sign."

Carrick, 26, only joined the club in 2006 in a £18.6m deal from Tottenham.

The midfielder has become a key player for United and his new deal underlines his importance to the club.

"Talks have been going on for a while now," said Carrick.

"Things have been falling into place for me here and it is nice to know the club reward you for that."

[alex18122003]

Sir Alex Ferguson does not believe Manchester United could be in any better shape heading into their "hugely significant" encounter with Blackburn.

Although Chelsea cut United's lead at the top of the Premier League to two points with their 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park, Avram Grant's bizarre post-match press conference hinted at extreme tension within the Stamford Bridge camp.

In contrast, Ferguson is happy in the knowledge his side will be just four points from the league title should they emerge victorious against Mark Hughes' side, with just a win at Chelsea next weekend being enough.

It is just what Ferguson was looking for heading into the Champions League semi-final meeting with Barcelona.

And while the Scot is refusing to discuss Grant's antics, he admits his own side could not be in better shape.

"This game is hugely significant for us," said the Red Devils chief.

"We got the bonus we were looking for when Chelsea dropped two points on Monday and we could not have asked for anything more.

"Ewood Park is not the easiest place to go but we are looking for top performances from our players.

"It is in our hands. We are two points in front with a game in hand, so hopefully we will make it count."

While United have often encountered difficulty at Blackburn, they have enough happy memories of their trips to Lancashire, both during Mark Hughes' time and beyond, to feel confident of gaining a positive result.

Even a draw would represent a major milestone so close to the climax of the campaign and, having come so far, Ferguson feels his players should trust each other to get the results required.

"Your players are the ones who have to go out and do it on the pitch," he said.

"They are carrying the burden of pressure.

"Blackburn play attractive, attacking football. They have some exciting players and we have to bear that in mind.

"But the players also need to trust each other because our form is good and we are not searching for anything."

The return of Nemanja Vidic after a knee injury strengthens United's defence while, even though Nani is only ready for a place on the bench after recovering from a thigh injury that he kept him out for five games, the Portugal winger provides cover should either Anderson or Owen Hargreaves fail to shake off minor knocks.

Louis Saha's absence is a bigger blow, particularly as the injury-plagued Frenchman may now find himself missing for the remainder of the season after being struck down by yet another hamstring injury, just as he was about to make his latest return.

"The season is running out, that is the problem, so this is not good news," Ferguson added.

"Louis has been training really well and was pencilled in to play part of the game at Blackburn."

[LiverPOO]

Man Utd trio agree new contracts

Brown's contract was due to expire in the summer while 29-year-old Ferdinand had two years remaining on his previous deal.

In the absence of the injured Gary Neville, Brown has been a key figure for Ferguson this season and was subject to a bid from Newcastle during the January transfer window.

But this new deal puts paid to the intense speculation that linked the England defender with a move away from Old Trafford.

Ferguson added: "There's no other club for Wes Brown.

"He's a Manchester United player. We were always quietly confident he would sign."



Barring an improbable collapse Manchester United are within touching distance of their 17th league title, and the satisfaction will be enhanced today by an official announcement that Wes Brown has ended his contract wrangle with the club.

The defender had threatened to sever his ties after months of haggling over a new deal. Sir Alex Ferguson criticised Brown's agent, Paul Martin, for his role but the impasse was broken this week with a compromise four-year agreement which will extend Brown's stay at his hometown club beyond his 32nd birthday.

Ferguson will announce the news this afternoon, with Brown agreeing a weekly salary believed to be just under £50,000. The 28-year-old had initially wanted more and it will not have escaped his notice that Rio Ferdinand will be on more than twice that money when his lawyers sign off his new five-year deal. However, it is a handsome rise on Brown's previous £31,000 a week and he is now in the middle bracket of earners at United.

Ferguson, who has relied heavily on Brown this season in the absence of the injured Gary Neville, will be relieved. He had accused the defender of "living in his agent's pocket" and had said the dispute "depresses me at times".

Brown could conceivably have earned more elsewhere but United were always bargaining from a position of strength because they knew he would be reluctant to leave a club he joined on YTS terms and for whom he made his first-team debut 11 years ago.

An extra factor in healing frayed relations is that his father died in February and Brown is understood to have been moved by the support he received from Ferguson and his colleagues.


Both club and player had done well to sort this out. The club recognise Brown's contribution and it shows in his wage increase. Loyal Brown stays whilst knowing he could play more and earn more if he joins another club. ;)

[dom01]

Hey man,

Thanks for the info. Frankly, i am saddened by the fact that he chose to stayed. Did you see how many times our right defence was breached by Arsenal last weekend? Brown was non-existence. :(

[alex18122003]

A late Carlos Tevez header salvaged a 1-1 draw for Manchester United away to Blackburn Rovers, despite a majestic performance by Brad Friedel.

Tevez glanced the ball home to equalise Roque Santa Cruz's opener three minutes from time just as it looked like they would be denied.

Friedel pulled off a string of outstanding saves while referee Rob Styles could easily have awarded a penalty for a Brett Emerton handball.

Although the leaders were held, they remain three points ahead of Chelsea at the top of the table with a significant goal difference advantage.

Consequently, they could lose to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next weekend and still retain their title if they win their remaining games against West Ham and Wigan.

The smiles on the visitors' faces at the end were testament to what they deemed a satisfactory end to an agonising afternoon that saw Wayne Rooney limp off with a stomach injury - a worry ahead of Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Barcelona.

Tevez had missed a golden chance to give United the lead on 10 minutes when he raced forward to meet a low cross from Rooney but somehow missed the ball altogether when he seemed certain to score.

United fans who expressed delight at the return of Nemanja Vidic to the centre of defence after injury found their expression turn to one of horror on 21 minutes.

Rio Ferdinand and Vidic both jumped for the same long throw from Morten Gamst Pedersen and neither won the ball, which took an unlikely deflection off both men into the path of Santa Cruz, who could hardly miss from six yards.

Ferguson's two centre-backs have excelled this season, contributing to the best defensive record in the Premier League - now their blunder threatened to derail United's bid for a second consecutive Premier League title.

As United's frustration grew, it found an outlet from a predictable source. Rooney was lucky to stay on the pitch after the red mist descended late in the first half.

Rooney has worked hard to keep his temper in check but it flared horribly after he was denied a penalty following a Steven Reid challenge.

Incensed, Rooney chased after the nearest opponent - in this case the giant Christopher Samba - and fell him with a thigh-high two-footed tackle from behind.

Referee Rob Styles could have sent him off, but showed commendable restraint in settling for a yellow card and a stern talking-to.

The second half saw Blackburn more or less give up any ambition of scoring a second as United poured forward.

Cristiano Ronaldo cracked a shot off the base of the post from the edge of the box after beating Friedel, but that was one of the few shots the veteran did not get his hands on.

At 36, the American is still at the top of the game and vastly outshone his shaky opposite number Tomasz Kuszczak, in for the injured Edwin van der Sar.

Friedel was alert to prevent an own goal when a cross ricocheted off a defender and did even better on 80 minutes.

Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to be fouled 12 yards from goal but the ball broke for Tevez, who turned and fired. Friedel got a hand to it and raced back to smother the ball as it rolled onto the line.

Four minutes later he stayed big to repel Wayne Rooney when the England striker had been sent through one-on-one. Rooney has been told by Fabio Capello to convert more chances - Friedel ensured he did not made an immediate start.

This was after referee Styles again showed leniency when Emerton appeared clearly to use his arm to 'save' a goalbound Michael Carrick header.

But if the sign of a champion side is the bloody-mindedness to plough on when all seems lost, the United might have gained a decisive result.

A Nani corner came in on 88 minutes and was flicked on by Paul Scholes to Tevez, who finally found the net from close range.

[Cum_Luver]

this will makes the next match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge,so interesting.
the last 3 matches for each club:

Manchester United:
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Chelsea v Man Utd Stamford Bridge
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Man Utd v West Ham Old Trafford
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Wigan v Man Utd The JJB Stadium

Chelsea:
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Chelsea v Man Utd Stamford Bridge
Monday, May 5, 2008
Newcastle v Chelsea St James' Park
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Chelsea v Bolton Stamford Bridge

Man Utd vs West Ham,very interesting,one of your bogey team.
If Chlesea were to win next weekend,i think the last match for each team will be the decider,if both Wigan and Bolton were still in the dog-fight for survival in the EPL by then. Presently,Wigan seems to be safe with their 2 great performance against Chelsea and Tottenham. So Chelsea will have a tougher last match,as Bolton are still not in the safe zone.

[LiverPOO]

Hey man,

Thanks for the info. Frankly, i am saddened by the fact that he chose to stayed. Did you see how many times our right defence was breached by Arsenal last weekend? Brown was non-existence. :(

If I am not wrong, Brown has played the most matches this season amongst the Utd defenders.

Probably he is tired and he is human afterall. Surely Ferguson and Queiroz know what Brown is capable of to offer him a new improved contract.

Don't be sad with Brown, be disappointed with Ferguson and Queiroz for offering him a chance to stay. :D

[dc7176]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/blacburnvsmanchesteree3.png



1-0 Santa Cruz (Min 20)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1942054)
C.Ronaldo Header (Min 42)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1942086)

C.Ronaldo Shoot (Min 64)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1942187)

Tevez Chance (Min 79)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1942213)

Rooney Chance (Min 85)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1942214)

1-1 Tevez (Min 87)
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1942217)

[dc7176]

The Last Stretch 2007-2008

Remaining Fixtures

23 Apr UEFA Champions League Barcelona (Away)
26 Apr Barclays Premier League Chelsea (Away)
29 Apr UEFA Champions League Barcelona (Home)
03 May Barclays Premier League West Ham (Home)
11 May Barclays Premier League Wigan (Away)
21 May Possible UEFA Champions League Final (Vodkaland)


Note how Barca, Chelsea, Barca, West Ham are 4 matches in 10 days. Including the match with Blackburn, this amounts to 5 matches in 13 days. Stamina, strength in depth will come into play here. Personally I feel that we did not go all out against Blackburn today by running crazy and that is crucial to riding through this upcoming demanding 2 weeks.


Premiership Table & Analysis


Man Utd 81Pts, +54
Chelsea 78Pts, +36
Arsenal 71Pts, +36

We have an enormous goal difference advantage unlikely to be surpassed by Chelsea in the final three PL games. This means that in the event of the two teams having equal points, United will take top position.


ONE. If we beat Chelsea, we (effectively) win the Premiership.

TWO. If we lose to Chelsea, we can win the Premiership by beating Wigan and West Ham.

THREE. If we draw with Chelsea, we need only one win against either Wigan or west Ham.



Overall Comments

Premiership still looks very possible, and there's no need at all to panic thanks to Tevez's equalizer at Blackburn. Chelsea will be as haggard as we are from their encounters with Liverpool, so the two teams will be more or less equally stretched save for the fact that we need to travel to Spain for the Barca match.

I have faith in our team to win the league again this year, although we all know what football can do.

Let's all be patient and grouphug when the going gets tough..

[alex18122003]

Wayne Rooney has recovered from a side injury and should start Manchester United's Champions League semi-final first leg away to Barcelona.

The England international limped out of Saturday's 1-1 against Blackburn after colliding with Ryan Nelsen but Sir Alex Ferguson said he is back at full fitness.

Rooney is expected to play as a lone striker, supported by the roaming Cristiano Ronaldo, with Carlos Tevez restricted to a place on the bench despite his goalscoring performance in the quarter-final second leg against Roma.

Edwin van der Sar is back in the squad following his groin injury and should take over from Tomasz Kuszczak, while Owen Hargreaves could also return after shrugging off a hamstring problem.

Sir Alex Ferguson has an embarrassment of riches in central midfield, and will have to perm three from Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Anderson.

With captain Gary Neville also flying to Spain, United have a fully fit squad except for Louis Saha, whose absence will barely register given his dreadful injury record.

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard is expected to take a risk by starting star man Lionel Messi, who returned from injury in a cameo performance against Espanyol on Saturday.

Thierry Henry has come in for heavy criticism following a long spell of lacklustre form and trained by himself on Tuesday. The Frenchman is unlikely to return to the left wing to play a side against whom he had a fine scoring record for Arsenal.

Teenage starlet Bojan Krkic could deputise, while Samuel Eto'o is a near-certainty to start as a lone striker.

Yaya Toure anchors the midfield with Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Deco battling it out for central midfield places - the latter two players also returning from injury.

Captain Carles Puyol misses the game through suspension, meaning Rafael Marquez partners Gabriel Milito at centre-back. Sylvinho and Gianluca Zambrotta fill the full-back positions with Victor Valdes in goal.

[alex18122003]

We sum up the key battles ahead of the massive Champions League semi-final clash between Barcelona and Manchester United in the Camp Nou.

Cristiano Ronaldo v Eric Abidal

Barcelona are going with Abidal despite a disappointing season after signing from Lyon because of his greater defensive capabilties compared with Sylvinho. The Frenchman will have to be more than wary of the player many regard as the best in the world. Make no mistake, this is Ronaldo's biggest stage yet: he will go down in history if he turns it on for a United win tonight.

Lionel Messi v United defence

The importance of Argentine whiz-kid Messi to Barcelona's cause cannot be understated. And it is not enough this season to 'do a Liverpool' - the team that knocked them out last season - and stick the full-back to him like glue, especially at the Camp Nou. Patrice Evra must do what he can at left-back as the left-footed right-sided player skips inside and across the pitch; then it is up to Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown to block his entry-route to the penalty area and goal.

Samuel Eto'o v Rio Ferdinand

Livewire front man Eto'o will be as bouncy as an over-sugared child on a bouncy castle and have to be kept in check as his team go on the attack. Nemanja Vidic is out, replaced by the less secure Wes Brown, meaning the main responsibility will fall to Ferdinand. The centre-half must perform to the standards set over a league season in games such as this and then some if United are going to win the Champions League again any time soon.

Wayne Rooney v Rafael Marquez

Barça captain Carles Puyol is suspended for the first leg and his brand of boundless energy and commitment will be sorely missed. Stand-in centre-back and Mexico captain Marquez has been criticised recently for his attitude and the spotlight will fall upon him as United's star striker Rooney looks to silence the Catalan hordes with a typical sparkling display up front.

Paul Scholes v Yaya Toure

Silent assassin Scholesy will prowl on the counter and look to get on the end of moves from Ryan Giggs on the left and Ronaldo on the right. He will be tracked by Barça's main defensive midfielder and Ivory Coast international Toure, who will have a job on his hands.

[dc7176]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/barcelonaei3.png vs http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/manu.png

FC Barcelona vs Manchester United
Uefa Champions League
Semifinal 1st Leg
April 23 2008


C. Ronaldo misses a penalty kick!!
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1951890)

Messi flicks the ball over Evra's head!!
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1951938)

A well played cooperative attack for Barcelona ends with Eto'o shooting the ball beside the left post
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1952029)

[alex18122003]

Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty as Manchester United ground out a 0-0 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp.

Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty as Manchester United ground out a 0-0 draw against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the Nou Camp.

The visitors could have gone ahead in the third minute when they were awarded a penalty for Gabriel Milito's handball, but Ronaldo placed a poor penalty wide of the post.

United were forced to defend for large portions of the game, but a disciplined defensive effort reduced their hosts to pot-shots from distance that rarely troubled goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

And despite the missed opportunity of Ronaldo's penalty, the result probably makes United slight favourites ahead of the second leg.

The Premier League leaders took to the field shorn of the services of centre-half Nemanja Vidic - laid low by a stomach bug - and Sir Alex Ferguson decided to replace him with Wes Brown and move Owen Hargreaves to right-back.

Ronaldo began the game behind Carlos Tevez in attack with Wayne Rooney starting on the right, while Lionel Messi made his first start in seven weeks for Barcelona after overcoming a thigh problem.

One of the most keenly contested pre-match talking points was the competing claims of Messi and Ronaldo for the title of best player in the world, and the United man was handed a golden chance to score a precious away goal when Milito used a hand to block his header and referee Massimo Busacca pointed to the spot.

But United's number seven, usually so reliable from 12 yards, placed his spot-kick wide of the right-hand upright, and the shock of nearly going behind so early in the tie stunned Barca into action.

First Andres Iniesta just failed to pick out a team-mate after being released by a cute ball down the inside-left channel from Messi, and then Messi seized on a scuffed clearance from Van der Sar to feed Samuel Eto'o inside the United area, only for Eto'o's attempted return pass to be intercepted.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Barca struggled to craft any clear-cut openings, and after half-an-hour Ronaldo had a second strong penalty appeal turned down when he was bundled over by Rafael Marquez after latching onto Iniesta's loose pass.

The darting Messi was at the heart of all his side's best football, but all too often their attacks ran out of steam when confronted by the massed ranks of white shirts defending the threshold of the United penalty area.

Chances were more forthcoming in the opening stages of the second period, with Gianluca Zambrotta forcing Van der Sar to touch a 30-yard effort over the crossbar and Michael Carrick producing a timely intervention to cut out Eto'o's cross after the Barca striker had skipped past a lunging challenge from Rio Ferdinand.

Eto'o then slammed a low shot into the side netting after a neat touch from Iniesta, before a rising left-footed effort from Carrick met the same fate at the other end.

Ronaldo had another penalty shout waved away after being halted in his tracks by an airborne challenge from Eric Abidal, before Frank Rijkaard revealed his final hand with the introduction of Thierry Henry from the bench.

The Frenchman was so often the scourge of Ferguson's men in his Arsenal days and he stung Van der Sar's gloves with a well-struck effort from the left-hand corner of the area with just under 10 minutes remaining.

But it was the nearest Barca game to breaking the deadlock, meaning there is all to play for at Old Trafford next week.

[machoman]

Chelsea (2nd) v
Manchester United (1st)

Last Season: 09/05/07, Chelsea 0 - 0 Man Utd
D W W W D W Form W W W D W D



Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful Nemanja Vidic will be fit to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as Manchester United look to wrap up a 10th Premier League title.

Only a mathematical improbability will prevent United securing the title should they beat Avram Grant's men and the return of Vidic will be a major boost.

The Serb was rushed to hospital with a stomach complaint on Tuesday and missed the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona but he trained on Friday morning and should be ready for Saturday, with Ferguson promising a 'couple of changes', which could include the return of Ryan Giggs.

first leg

Chelsea manager Avram Grant will be without grieving Frank Lampard following the death of his mother on Thursday.

Michael Essien, suspended for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, returns to the squad.

squads

Chelsea: Cech, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Ben-Haim, Terry, A Cole, Bridge, Essien, Makelele, Mikel, Wright-Phillips, J Cole, Malouda, Shevchenko, Drogba, Kalou, Anelka, Sidwell, Pizarro.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Silvestre, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Park, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez.

[alex18122003]

Cech plans to make United sweat for the title

Manchester United are within touching distance of the Premier League title but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is relishing the chance to make the leaders sweat on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will effectively wrap up their 17th English title with a win at Stamford Bridge. United would be six points clear of second-placed Chelsea with only two games to play and their vastly superior goal difference makes it virtually impossible for Chelsea to overhaul them.

Even a Chelsea victory won't leave Avram Grant's side in control of their own destiny as United's goal difference is guaranteed to keep them in pole position.

But Cech believes United could still crack if the Blues beat them this weekend. It is a tantalising prospect for the Czech international, who said: "Every game now is like a final. Personally I play football to play in the big games and this is an exciting time for everyone.

"The Premier League is getting towards the end and after Saturday we can be neck-and-neck with Man United."

Grant's side have no reason to fear United at the Bridge, where they are unbeaten in the league for 80 matches - a run stretching back to February 2004.

Even so, Cech admits the key to Chelsea's hopes of inflicting United's first league defeat since February rest on their ability to subdue the visitors' attacking trinity.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have proved too hot to handle for most Premier League defences this season, but Cech is convinced the Blues will be able to keep the trio in check.

"Of course, United score the most goals in the league - they have got the attacking threat. But we have got a pretty good record at Stamford Bridge, so we hope to keep that going," Cech said.

"I always like playing against United with their top players - you know you will have some work to do. When you keep a clean sheet against such an attacking team it is great."

A shadow was cast over Chelsea's preparations on Thursday when Frank Lampard's mother Pat died after a short battle with pneumonia.

Lampard played at Liverpool in midweek because the England midfielder thought his mother was recovering but could be missing as he mourns her death.

While losing Lampard would be a big blow to Chelsea, Ferguson is also facing a nervous wait to see if Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic recovers from the stomach bug which sidelined him against Barcelona.

United's surge towards the title has spluttered in the last two weeks after draws against Middlesbrough and Blackburn allowed Chelsea to close the gap.

Chelsea will take further encouragement from their lucky escape against Liverpool, when John Arne Riise's last-gasp own goal gave them a morale-boosting Champions League semi-final first leg draw.

Ferguson is well aware that result could give Chelsea a massive lift and the Scot cautioned his team to expect fired-up opponents.

"As far as the second leg is concerned, there is no doubt Chelsea's morale will have been boosted," he said. "It was a great result for them, particularly the time of the equaliser."

If United do retain the title they will owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ronaldo. The Portugal winger has an incredible 28 league goals this season and even his penalty miss against Barcelona couldn't shake his confidence ahead of the trip to west London.

"It will be a tough game but we have a great chance as the team is very confident," he said. "We do not want to drop any points at Chelsea, so it is important we go for the victory."

[dom01]

The match was so disappointing. WE never looked like beating them... duh... Sigh... :(

[bigassman]

Man Utd lost cos of the kuku ref and linesman lor

It was a lame decision... Tv replay oso hard to see lor... That linesman so

sure straight away say penalty.... COCK !

[dc7176]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/premierleague.png


Chelsea vs Manchester United

Barclays Premier League Match Day 36
Chelsea (2nd EPL, 78/105 pts) v Manchester Utd (1st EPL, 81/105 pts)
Saturday, 26 April 2008 , 12:45 GMT
Stamford Bridge, SW London


Videos of The Match


Goals

First Goal for Chelsea by Ballack , Great Header 46
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1957563)


Rooney Draws for Manchester United 56
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1957701)


Ballack Scores second goal from a PK 86
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/1957753)

Extras

Great Report About the match : Chelsea vs Manchester United
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1957398)


Joe Cole hits the post 21
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1957529)

Nice Attack by Joe Cole
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1957535)

[alex18122003]

Ballack celebrates his opening goal.

Chelsea's Michael Ballack kept his cool to keep the Barclays Premier League title race alive with a late penalty winner against Manchester United.

Ballack struck from the spot six minutes from time at Stamford Bridge - his second goal of the afternoon - to secure a 2-1 win after a handball by Michael Carrick.

The win puts Chelsea level on points with the champions at the top but United, who had equalised through Wayne Rooney, retain a significant advantage on goal difference with just two games remaining.

[joew2005]

i would think that manu would still retain the EPL at the end of tis season.
The red devils' last 2 games r against Wigan & West Ham,whereas the blues needs to play against Newcastle & Bolton.
manu hv a far superior GD then chelsea,which is 53 against 37.

[dom01]

West ham is always banana skin for us. Damm... makes me more worried, that we would not have any trophies in our cabinet this season.

Is Stamford Bridge a fortress? I cannot believe that the Arsenal, Liverpool and Man U lost at this bloody plc. Deja vu? :cool:

Praying Liv to beat Chelsea. haha...

[alex18122003]

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are doubtful for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona on Tuesday after picking up injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

Vidic had to be stretchered off after Didier Drogba caught him in the face with his knee during the first half and required stitches beneath his bottom lip after losing a tooth in the incident.

Rooney aggravated a hip injury originally sustained in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn and appeared to be in considerable discomfort before being substituted for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both players missed training on Monday, and United will give them as much time as possible to prove their fitness.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's a difficult one. We think both could make it but I can't be certain about that."

Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez all started on the bench for the game at Stamford Bridge, while Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra were left out of the squad altogether.

All will hope to start against Frank Rijkaard's side, with Hargreaves a contender for the right-back position if Wes Brown is moved to centre-half to deputise for Vidic.

Ferguson has tended to field a defensive 4-5-1 formation for home games in the knockout stages of the Champions League, meaning Scholes, Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson and Darren Fletcher will compete for the three central midfield berths.

Winger Ryan Giggs, meanwhile, is under pressure from Nani and Park Ji-sung after an uninspiring performance against Chelsea saw him substituted at half-time.

Barcelona welcome back Carles Puyol from suspension, and he will slot into the centre of defence in place of Rafael Marquez, who is himself suspended after being booked in the 0-0 first leg draw at the Nou Camp.

Midfielder Yaya Toure is a doubt with an ankle injury, meaning Edmilson may be in line for a start in front of the back four.

With Ronaldinho out for the season, Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o could make up the visitors' front three, although young striker Bojan Krkic will hope to be involved after starting in the first leg.

[alex18122003]

Home Comforts Boost Fergie's United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects his side's proud Champions League record to be tested to the full on Tuesday night.

While United's away form in the league has dipped there is no disputing at Old Trafford it is a different story, especially in Europe.

And Ferguson is looking for his side to make it 12 straight home wins in the competition when they face Barcelona.

That would see them progress to the final in Moscow - and an all Premier League showdown against either Liverpool or Chelsea - following the 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.

United go into the match on the back of a controversial 2-1 defeat by Chelsea that has opened up the title race.

Ferguson is certainly not taking anything for granted despite his team's great home form in Europe.

He said: "It is a marvellous record, I cannot dispute that. We are proud of it.

"It does not change the aspect of this game, however.

"It will be a very balanced game, an open game, a fascinating game.

"It will be tactical at times and given nights like this, the fans can have an impact on our team.

"But our home record does not matter in this instance. It is just a good record, that's all."

United went out at the semi-final stage last season to AC Milan but Ferguson is quietly confident they will not trip up this time.

He said: "We have a very good team and some big-game players. We have a chance, a marvellous chance.

"While we have been unlucky in some semi-finals, Milan were much better prepared than us last season. We now have a bigger squad and that helps us."

United will be more adventurous than they were at the Nou Camp but Ferguson is not expecting any surprises from Barcelona.

The Spanish side are desperate to lift the trophy as they are off the pace in La Liga.

Ferguson said: "They play the same system, the same way. They try and get you on that passing carousel and hope you get dizzy.

"I enjoy watching Barcelona. You have to be patient and on your guard when you play them."

Ferguson questioned referee Alan Wiley's decision to award Chelsea a penalty with four minutes remaining on Saturday.

Michael Ballack kept his cool to score the winner - his second goal of the game - and leave United fuming.

Top German official Herbert Fandel will be in charge on Tuesday night, and Ferguson said: "The referee's performance is always important.

"They have a big part to play in football matches, particularly major matches.

"This referee has experience of big games, so it is a big responsibility."

Wayne Rooney (hip) and Nemanja Vidic (face) are doubtful for the match after missing training on Monday having picked up injuries at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson added: "It is an important game, so we have got to give them every chance.

"It is a difficult one. Both of them could make it but I cannot be dead certain about that."

[alex18122003]

Red Devils 1-0 Barcelona (HT : 1-0) :D

Glory Glory 45 mins marching to Moscow liao :p

[alex18122003]

Before the game the message was to believe. Now you can. United are going to Moscow

And what sweet irony it is that Paul Scholes, the man who along with Roy Keane missed the Champions League final in 1999, scored the goal to take United there.

United were dealt a real blow when Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney were ruled out before kick-off. Vidic hadn’t recovered after losing a tooth in a challenge with Didier Drogba against Chelsea on Saturday, while Rooney was kept out with a persistent hip problem. Fortunately, Wes Brown had slotted in seamlessly in the Nou Camp last week when Vidic was ill. And Rooney’s replacement, Carlos Tevez, has scored important goals in big games this season – notably Chelsea, Liverpool, Lyon and, recently, Blackburn.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are considered a club in crisis in Catalonia. But Frank Rijkaard was able to rest several key players in their weekend defeat to Deportivo la Coruna, so they arrived at Old Trafford fresh and with the Champions League representing their only chance of silverware this season.

Before kick-off, United’s fans held up cards in the Stretford End and the old schoreboard end. Behind one goal, a picture of the European Cup and the years 68 and 99, at the other end the simple message: Believe. After press claims that Sir Alex’s side had cracked under pressure, it was exactly what United had to do.

Old Trafford buzzed with anticipation and the atmosphere was as electric as it has been for years. But hearts were in mouths when, after barely a minute, Lionel Messi went

[alex18122003]

http://i27.tinypic.com/5d5cmr.jpg

Paul Scholes's stunning first-half strike earned Manchester United a nervy 1-0 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford that sent them through to the Champions League final.

Scholes put United ahead with a superb long-range effort after a quarter of an hour before Ji-sung Park, Nani and Carlos Tevez all went close.

Lionel Messi proved a constant threat with his daring running from deep, but as in the goalless first leg he was unable to provide the spark Barcelona needed.

Instead United held firm in a frantic last 10 minutes of constant Barcelona attacks to secure a place in the final in Moscow on May 21 and ensure that the winner of the 2007-2008 Champions League will definitely be an English side.

United had been dealt a sizeable blow prior to kick-off when it emerged that Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney would not be able to feature due to the injuries they sustained in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea at the weekend, so Wes Brown continued to deputise for the Serbian at centre-half, with Owen Hargreaves starting at right-back and Nani coming into the side in place of Rooney.

The home side got off to a nervy start, with Scholes conceding a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area for a trip on Messi inside the first minute and Samuel Eto'o having a low cross cleared after Edwin van der Sar had sliced a clearance straight to him.

Barcelona settled quickly by comparison and looked typically comfortable in possession until a loose pass from Gianluca Zambrotta gave Scholes the chance to test his shooting boots from 25 yards, and he made no mistake with an unstoppable right-footed effot that soared into the top-right corner.

Visiting keeper Victor Valdes then spilled a free-kick from Nani as the home side, emboldened by the roars of the crowd, threatened to over-run them, before Messi reminded them of the unique danger he poses with a run and shot that forced van der Sar into a save.

The shackles of the first leg cast off, chances were exchanged by both sides, with Park slotting narrowly wide from Cristiano Ronaldo's lay-off and Deco twice going close from the edge of the United penalty area.

As the first half drew to a close United found themselves increasingly penned back, and they were lucky to escape when van der Sar dropped Messi's cross right in front of Eto'o, only for Patrice Evra to intervene at the vital moment.

Nani flashed a header wide of Valdes's left-hand post minutes before the break and United went close again just before the hour when Tevez stang the Barca keeper's palms with a rising left-footed effort after a lovely exchange of passes with Ronaldo.

Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard responded to the growing need for a goal by introducing Thierry Henry with half an hour to go, and the Frenchman put a header straight at van der Sar with just over 10 minutes remaining.

United's defenders came to the fore in the game's dramatic closing stages, with Brown first tackling substitute Bojan Krkic as he prepared to shoot before sliding in to cut out Carles Puyol's centre from the left.

A head injury to Evra - who had to be replaced by Mikael Silvestre - prompted six minutes of added time, but with Ferguson anxiously checking his watch referee Herbert Fandel blew his whistle to send United through to the first all-English final in the competition's history.

[alex18122003]

Rijkaard: Final won't be pretty

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has applauded English football for its first Champions League final - but he does not expect a classic showdown.Paul Scholes' goal at Old Trafford on Tuesday gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory over the two legs against Barca to set up a final in Moscow with either Liverpool or Chelsea.

Despite calls for him to resign in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Rijkaard intends to remain in his job, at least until the end of the season.

The former Holland star was magnanimous enough to say English clubs deserve their success but Rijkaard, tipped as a potential successor to Chelsea coach Avram Grant, is not a great lover of the way they play.

"The level of English teams is high," he said.

"It is very difficult to beat them because they are very strong. They are very organised and all get behind the ball. It is very tough to beat an English team.

"The type of football they play is only in the Premier League. They defend as though their lives depend on it. And they are very successful.

"If they didn't play each other, they could easily have had four English teams in the semi-finals.

"But I do feel English teams have a lot more to give. I just feel it is a great pity it is not the most beautiful kind of football to watch."

Rijkaard claimed he was happy with his side's performance, bemoaning only their failure to score over the two legs.

And, rather than attack his players for their failure, he feels they should be backed by ultra-critical supporters as they bid to at least secure an automatic path to next year's competition.

"We did everything but score," he said.

"We gave everything and had the better of the play but the rules of the game are that the team who scores goes through - and they scored.

"It is a difficult defeat to stomach, a tough one to take. But the players require help and support and they need to show character and courage."

Rijkaard insists he will stay at the club, even though it seems certain his tenure at the Nou Camp will end this summer.

"Leaving has not entered my head. I have no intention of leaving," he said.

"It would be a different thing if the players were saying it's time for me to go but that's not the case.

"Barcelona is a massive club with plenty of people capable of making decisions at the end of the season if decisions need to be taken.

"It will be time to draw conclusions at the end of the season. but it would be overplaying it to say the season has been a failure."

[yinyang]

Bro Alex, great stuff (your updates on our beloved red devils):D:)

[dc7176]

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/manu.png vshttp://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/barcelonaei3.png

Manchester United vs FC Barcelona
UEFA Champions League
Semi Final 2nd Leg
April 29 2008


1st Goal for Man United - Scholes
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1964546)

A shot from Messi is saved by van der Sar
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1964567)

A ground shot from Deco passes by the right post
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1964588)

A one two play between Ronaldo and Tevez whose shot is saved by Valdes
Click Here for Video (http://www.d1g.com/video/show/?id=1964666)

[dc7176]

Before the game the message was to believe. Now you can. United are going to Moscow

And what sweet irony it is that Paul Scholes, the man who along with Roy Keane missed the Champions League final in 1999, scored the goal to take United there.

Thanks to his goal
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/ps.gif

Our ticket to Moscow
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s104/dc7176/BS-Moscow01.gif

[alex18122003]

Premier League - Rooney "fit" for Saturday

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could come into contention against West Ham on Saturday at Old Trafford.

The England striker sat out the Champions League victory over Barcelona, which saw the club secure a place in the final, because of a hip injury.

Ferguson will monitor Rooney's fitness over the next few days and said: "He may have a chance for Saturday.

"We just cancelled him out yesterday, he was in a lot of pain.

"It was his hip joint, he was never close to playing. It was out of the question.

"He will be a lot better in a few days and involved on Saturday somewhere along the line."

Patrice Evra is expected to recover from a knock but Nemanja Vidic remains doubtful with a facial injury.

The Serbian, like Rooney, missed the game against Barcelona after being hurt in a collision with Didier Drogba in the defeat by Chelsea at the weekend.

Ferguson said: "Vidic is under the control of the doctor. He got a bit of concussion, so we have to be careful of that. He may have a chance for Saturday."

United, in sight of a glorious league and Champions League double, are aiming to keep up the pressure on Chelsea on Saturday as their rivals do not face Newcastle until Monday.

[alex18122003]

Fergie two motivated, says Curbs

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley reckons Sir Alex Ferguson wants to on claim at least two more Premier League titles before he retires.The 66-year-old Scot - who was originally due to retire in 2002 - has guided his side to the top of the table with just a couple of games left and also into the Champions League final, also against title rivals Chelsea.

Curbishley takes his men to Old Trafford on Saturday looking to emulate their famous victory on the final day of last season which kept the Hammers up against all odds.

However, the stakes for United this time around are much higher as a win would all but secure a 17th league championship for the club - just one behind Liverpool's long-standing record.

Hammers boss Curbishley is in no doubt of the legacy Ferguson is determined to leave when he eventually does vacate the Old Trafford hotseat after more than 20 seasons at the helm.

"I think Sir Alex is looking at going one better than Liverpool's trophy record," said the West Ham manager.

"Since United won the Champions League the last time, that has also been something which is driving him on.

"The players he has brought into Old Trafford are young and that is what has fuelled his enthusiasm."

Curbishley, 50, has a good relationship with the United manager, which stretches back to his time at Charlton when Ferguson visited the south-east London club for an FA Youth Cup tie.

At the time they had just returned to The Valley and were changing in Portakabins. The pair are also both involved in the Nordoff-Robbins music therapy charity.

"Sir Alex is the sort of manager who is tremendously busy and occupied, but has always got time to return calls," said the West Ham boss.

"With the League Manager's Association, he sees his role as helping the next generation of managers improve their lot. He not doing it for himself, he is trying to help the managers in the lower leagues who perhaps have contracts that are not worth the paper they're written on try and get the better benefits for the managers, where the lifespan is becoming increasingly short.

"So with all the commitments he has elsewhere, the other managers really appreciate that."

But the Hammers boss will not be ready to hand out any favours to Ferguson this weekend - having beaten the Red Devils in their last three meetings.

He said: "Alex is well aware that teams raise their game against Manchester United; the atmosphere changes somewhat.

"Last year when we went there we had to get something there to survive and they had already finished their season, were waiting for the cup final - this time they are looking to get something."

Argentina striker Carlos Tevez was the Hammers hero at Old Trafford last May, but has since joined United.

Curbishley said: "During the run-in, Carlos played a big part.

"He has now gone to a club, where the big thing is 'can you handle Old Trafford?' .

"That's what Sir Alex looks at.

"Carlos has got that in his locker with his experience and everything else.

"When we played them at Upton Park, Carlos was very generous coming in and speaking to the players.

"I am sure we will get the same reaction this weekend - and nobody at West Ham is ever going to forget Carlos Tevez."

Curbishley has seen his injury woes increased with the loss of midfielder Freddie Ljungberg because of a cracked rib following a collision in the Newcastle game last week.

"There is a big disappointment with that because once we have seen it again, we think [Steven] Taylor could have done a bit more to avoid it," said the Hammers boss.

"He has landed on him and that caused the damage."

[alex18122003]

Former England defender Paul Parker says his former club Manchester United must lay down the attacking gauntlet to defeat Chelsea in Moscow.

"If Man Utd play the way they do week in week out in the Premier League they will win the Champions League final. They must attack, play their game and go for the win. If they try to match Chelsea like for like, they'll lose out. That's what happened in last year's FA Cup final. Both sides cancelled each other out and Chelsea won it.

I expect United to go 4-4-1-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney up front, but Carlos Tevez is going to be hard to leave out. He was phenomenal on Tuesday and he's scored some really vital goals this year - so maybe the option is to play Rooney on the left of the midfield. The problem with that is he'll run all over the place and could tire easily.

Chelsea have been one of the most unadventurous sides in Europe, but the way they play suits the Champions League. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a fairly dour match in Moscow. Both sides will not want to lose, and it's a long way home if you're beaten. So it's bound to be cagey.

Chelsea's biggest threats are Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. United won't want to man-mark Lampard, but if they can stop his link-up play with Drogba, and leave the striker isolated they can stop Chelsea's attacking threat.

United haven't been good away from home in Europe this season, and you have to wonder if they'd have made it through the group stages if they'd faced more testing opposition.

It's going to be a big night for Paul Scholes, who I know well from my days at Old Trafford. I can't imagine how he felt missing the '99 final through suspension, but this will go some way to making up for it. I remember in my United days missing much of the 94/95 season through injury and it was really tough, but it doesn't compare to missing a big final.

I'm pleased Ronaldo won the PFA Player of the Year award, he really deserved it. What I can't understand is how he missed out on the Young Player of the Year prize. Cesc Fabregas has gone off the boil recently and nobody has come close to Ronaldo."

[yinyang]

Hope Roon makes it, conflicting news if he plays sat or not. Football Channel blurb says no, but BBC's more upbeat

Rooney will play against West Ham

Rooney aggravated a hip injury against Chelsea last weekend. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will return for the club's crucial match against West Ham on Saturday.

The striker sat out Tuesday's Champions League win over Barcelona with a hip injury but Sir Alex Ferguson is confident he will return to fitness.

"We just cancelled him out [against Barcelona]. He was in a lot of pain," the double title chasing manager said.

"He will be a lot better in a few days and involved on Saturday somewhere along the line."

Patrice Evra left the field on a stretcher during injury-time at Old Trafford on Tuesday but is expected to recover from a knock in time to face West Ham.

But Nemanja Vidic remains doubtful with the face injury that ruled him out against Barcelona. Ferguson said: "Vidic is under the control of the doctor. He got a bit of concussion, so we have to be careful of that. He may have a chance for Saturday."