Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed his retirement from football at the age of 34.
The Norwegian, who moved to Old Trafford 11 years ago and scored the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, has decided to step down after continuing problems with a knee injury.
Solskjaer will remain at the club in a coaching capacity and will represent Manchester United as an official ambassador.
Solskjaer said: 'I would like to thank the manager. The coaching and medical staff and most of all the supporters, who have supported me through my career.
'They have been fantastic and were a real inspiration to me when I was out injured.'
Solskjaer joined the Red Devils for £1.5million from Molde in 1996 but has spent the last four seasons struggling with injury and was yet to appear for the Red Devils this season.
He did manage 11 goals in United's title-winning campaign last term, with his most recent appearance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on May 19 when he came on as an extra-time substitute.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed a player who 'achieved everything'.
'Ending your playing career is a sad day for anyone, in the case of Ole, he has 11 fantastic years he can look back on,' he said.
'Ole has achieved everything a player could ever wish to achieve.
'He has been a great servant to the club and has always remained a model professional in his responsibility as a player, in his demeanour and his manners have always been exemplary.
'Ole will hopefully go on to be a good coach.'
Chief executive David Gill added: 'Ole has provided us all with some exceptional memories during his time here at the club.
'Nobody will ever forget his dramatic winner in Barcelona, but much more than that his dedication and professionalism make him one of the great role models in football.'
Read more...
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Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Carlos Tevez’s slight, but crucial, touch on Nani’s powerful shot means he should be rewarded with the goal, according to Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Carlos Tevez’s slight, but crucial, touch on Nani’s powerful shot means he should be rewarded with the goal, according to Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Portuguese winger Nani rifled in a shot that swerved past Paul Robinson in the Tottenham goal, but television replays showed the ball had taken a slight deflection off the head of his Argentinian team-mate.
The detail didn’t matter much at the time, there was just sheer relief inside Old Trafford that the goal led to United’s first win of the season. But, former centre-forward Sir Alex says the goal should be credited to Tevez.
“Carlos Tevez’s touch on the ball decided,” he told Sky Sports. “It may have gone in anyway because it was such a ferocious hit. But, personally, I think it’s Tevez’s goal, being a centre-forward.”
The Reds manager also dismissed Tottenham’s claims for a second-half penalty when Wes Brown blocked Dimitar Berbatov’s shot from six yards out.
“At the time they protested so much that I thought it must have been a penalty,” he said. “But I’ve seen it, it’s clear, and Wes said himself that it hit him on the chest. As it hits him, his arm comes out so maybe that’s why they thought it hit his arm. But I’m sure of it, it hit his chest.”
Source: Manchester United Official Website Read more...
Portuguese winger Nani rifled in a shot that swerved past Paul Robinson in the Tottenham goal, but television replays showed the ball had taken a slight deflection off the head of his Argentinian team-mate.
The detail didn’t matter much at the time, there was just sheer relief inside Old Trafford that the goal led to United’s first win of the season. But, former centre-forward Sir Alex says the goal should be credited to Tevez.
“Carlos Tevez’s touch on the ball decided,” he told Sky Sports. “It may have gone in anyway because it was such a ferocious hit. But, personally, I think it’s Tevez’s goal, being a centre-forward.”
The Reds manager also dismissed Tottenham’s claims for a second-half penalty when Wes Brown blocked Dimitar Berbatov’s shot from six yards out.
“At the time they protested so much that I thought it must have been a penalty,” he said. “But I’ve seen it, it’s clear, and Wes said himself that it hit him on the chest. As it hits him, his arm comes out so maybe that’s why they thought it hit his arm. But I’m sure of it, it hit his chest.”
Source: Manchester United Official Website Read more...
Rio's respect for new signings
Rio Ferdinand is full of admiration for United's new signings after their less than ideal introduction to life at Old Trafford.
The Reds defender says injuries and suspensions to established players have not provided the best platform for Nani and Carlos Tevez, when they would have preferred to slide into a more settled side.
"It isn’t easy for the new signings to slot in, especially when there are a lot of injuries and the side’s a bit fragmented," said Ferdinand.
"It’s been a difficult period for them, but they’ve done well. Carlos’ movement, his know-how and his nous around the pitch have been very, very good.
"Nani’s the young player with huge potential. It’s fantastic for Nani, having come to a big club like United, to hit the target like that.
"In that respect he’s similar to Ronaldo, he can hit the ball so hard that as long as he hits the target he’s got a chance of scoring like he did today.
"Hopefully we're going to see a lot more goals like that in the future."
Source: Manchester United Official Website. Read more...
The Reds defender says injuries and suspensions to established players have not provided the best platform for Nani and Carlos Tevez, when they would have preferred to slide into a more settled side.
"It isn’t easy for the new signings to slot in, especially when there are a lot of injuries and the side’s a bit fragmented," said Ferdinand.
"It’s been a difficult period for them, but they’ve done well. Carlos’ movement, his know-how and his nous around the pitch have been very, very good.
"Nani’s the young player with huge potential. It’s fantastic for Nani, having come to a big club like United, to hit the target like that.
"In that respect he’s similar to Ronaldo, he can hit the ball so hard that as long as he hits the target he’s got a chance of scoring like he did today.
"Hopefully we're going to see a lot more goals like that in the future."
Source: Manchester United Official Website. Read more...
Boss: Brighter times ahead
Sir Alex Ferguson has given United fans further good news on the back of the club's first Barclays Premier League win in 2007/08.
Speaking after Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the Reds boss revealed both Louis Saha and Anderson should be involved when Sunderland visit Old Trafford. The latter has yet to play for United competitively due to a hamstring problem.
"I think Louis Saha will be available for next Saturday's game, and Anderson will definitely be fit," said Sir Alex.
"We've got other players to come back, too. Gary Neville is a couple of weeks away, so we're getting there. There are also new players settling into the team, like Nani and Tevez.
"It's never easy coming to United when teams are so revved up to play against us. It is not going to be easy for them and they need time to settle. We have to be patient."
Sir Alex will hope the imminent additions of Anderson and Saha will address United's uncharacteristic problems in attack - prior to Nani's stunning winner against Spurs, the Reds had failed to score in 233 minutes of football.
"I thought we lacked a bit of confidence in the early part of the match," admitted Sir Alex. "I think the players were anxious, because the expectation is high here.
"But once the first ten minutes were over, it was a reasonable performance from us, not brilliant, not as good as in previous games.
"What was required during the second half and right through the game was to dig in, play with great commitment and show the right discipline to win a football match. 1-0 was a great scoreline today simply because it was going to be a difficult game anyway.
"I can look on today as the first time this season that we've had a little break. Hopefully it will give us the confidence to enjoy our football and we can now go on a long run." Read more...
Speaking after Sunday's narrow 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the Reds boss revealed both Louis Saha and Anderson should be involved when Sunderland visit Old Trafford. The latter has yet to play for United competitively due to a hamstring problem.
"I think Louis Saha will be available for next Saturday's game, and Anderson will definitely be fit," said Sir Alex.
"We've got other players to come back, too. Gary Neville is a couple of weeks away, so we're getting there. There are also new players settling into the team, like Nani and Tevez.
"It's never easy coming to United when teams are so revved up to play against us. It is not going to be easy for them and they need time to settle. We have to be patient."
Sir Alex will hope the imminent additions of Anderson and Saha will address United's uncharacteristic problems in attack - prior to Nani's stunning winner against Spurs, the Reds had failed to score in 233 minutes of football.
"I thought we lacked a bit of confidence in the early part of the match," admitted Sir Alex. "I think the players were anxious, because the expectation is high here.
"But once the first ten minutes were over, it was a reasonable performance from us, not brilliant, not as good as in previous games.
"What was required during the second half and right through the game was to dig in, play with great commitment and show the right discipline to win a football match. 1-0 was a great scoreline today simply because it was going to be a difficult game anyway.
"I can look on today as the first time this season that we've had a little break. Hopefully it will give us the confidence to enjoy our football and we can now go on a long run." Read more...
What Sir Alex talked about Spur match
Ferguson said: 'At the time they protested so much I thought it was a penalty, but when I've seen it (it was not) and Wes has said it has hit him on the chest. It does hit him on the chest, I'm sure of that.'
Asked for his thoughts on the game, he added: 'Narrow margin, touch and go, nothing to choose between two sides.
'I knew it was going to be almost a war of attrition in the second half.
'They dug in and got forward a bit. There was really nothing in it in the second half.
'(With the goal) I think Carlos Tevez touching the ball decided it.'
Ferguson admitted his relief at finally claiming the first victory of the season.
'I thought we lacked a little bit of confidence. Players are anxious, there is a lot of expectation here, there are new players here,' he said.
'It was a reasonable performance from us. What was required was to dig in, show great commitment.
'Tottenham are in the wrong position just as ourselves. The expectation level for both sides is very high.' Read more...
Asked for his thoughts on the game, he added: 'Narrow margin, touch and go, nothing to choose between two sides.
'I knew it was going to be almost a war of attrition in the second half.
'They dug in and got forward a bit. There was really nothing in it in the second half.
'(With the goal) I think Carlos Tevez touching the ball decided it.'
Ferguson admitted his relief at finally claiming the first victory of the season.
'I thought we lacked a little bit of confidence. Players are anxious, there is a lot of expectation here, there are new players here,' he said.
'It was a reasonable performance from us. What was required was to dig in, show great commitment.
'Tottenham are in the wrong position just as ourselves. The expectation level for both sides is very high.' Read more...
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (Nani)
Position: Winger
Joined United: 01 Jul 2007
Transfer Fee: Undisclosed
Previous Clubs: Sporting Lisbon
United Debut: Shenzhen
International Portugal
Honours
Sporting - Taça de Portugal: 2007
Manchester United - Community Shield: 2007 Read more...
Machester United Vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Report)
MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Nani (68)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0
This 1-0 victory, courtesy of a 68th-minute Nani strike which deflected off Carlos Tevez’s head, may not have had much of the attacking flair and verve that United’s performances at the start of last season were blessed with, but it is a victory nonetheless, and the Reds’ first of the season.
There were times when it appeared United’s winless start to 2007/08 would continue, and the final whistle was met with considerable relief from the home crowd.
Before the match, Sir Alex claimed not to have looked at the league table. Had he done so, he would have seen his team second bottom on just two points. And the Reds could have been propping up the rest of the division had Derby County claimed a point against Birmingham on Saturday.
Martin Jol’s side, who themselves have made a slower-than-expected start to the campaign, began with immediate purpose to their play. After just 20 seconds, Robbie Keane had Edwin van der Sar scrambling across his six-yard box with a curling shot that clipped the crossbar of the Dutchman’s goal.
Tottenham had clearly come with the specific intention of pressing United back in order to keep Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick deep, and blocking avenues through to Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nani, who looked to break forward and support Carlos Tevez in attack.
The weight of expectation around Old Trafford and the necessity for a first win of the season was abundantly apparent. It was certainly a cagey start from the Reds, highlighted when Rio Ferdinand dallied on the ball in his own area expecting van der Sar to come and collect and Keane quickly stole in. It took a last-ditch block from Wes Brown to save his team-mate’s blushes.
But the United defender almost immediately redeemed himself, forcing a brilliant save from Paul Robinson in the Spurs goal with a powerful volley at the far post. That one incident inspired urgency among the supporters and the team.
With Hargreaves winning and retaining possession brilliantly in midfield, United piled forward midway through the half. Carrick went close with ferocious 30-yard shot, then Scholes, who actually knew little about it, saw a Tevez cross deflect off his shin and onto the roof of the net. However, Sir Alex’s men needed to contradict recent form and turn possession and chances into goals, and as half-time approached the breach had not been made.
Ten minutes into the second half and the impasse remained. So Sir Alex switched to a 4-4-2, replacing Carrick with Chris Eagles and pushing Giggs up front alongside Tevez, and it gave United an added attacking edge.
The game sprang into life after the hour when Gareth Bale broke away for Spurs and slipped a ball through to Berbatov, who although he stumbled managed to toe his shot through van der Sar’s legs. The ball trickled towards the goal and Ferdinand had to race back to clear off the line. Then the visitors claimed a penalty as Brown blocked Berbatov’s shot.
Seconds later, United attacked and Tevez had a shot from outside the area cleared off the line by Jermaine Jenas. It stirred the crowd, and the cacophonous support drove the Reds on. After 68 minutes Nani dispossessed Tom Huddlestone on the edge of the area and rifled a shot past Robinson via the slightest of deflections off Tevez’s head. The stadium erupted, as much a huge sigh of relief as sheer joy.
Tottenham weren’t about to surrender easily. Berbatov, largely quiet throughout the match, is capable of moments of true class, and after expertly controlling the ball on the edge of United’s penalty box, he arrowed a shot millimetres over the crossbar.
In the end, the Reds were prepared to see this match out and secure a much-needed first win of the team’s title defence. Victory at last, and for the Reds the season starts here.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Scholes, Hargreaves, Carrick (Eagles, 57), Giggs (c);
Tevez (Fletcher, 78).
Subs not used: Dong, O’Shea, Kuszczak.
Tottenham Hostpur: Robinson; Chimbonda, Rocha (Zokora, 83), Gardner, Lee (Taarabt, 75); Malbranque, Huddlestone, Jenas, Bale; Berbatov, Keane (c) (Defoe, 75).
Subs not used: Stalteri, Cerny. Read more...
Nani (68)
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0
This 1-0 victory, courtesy of a 68th-minute Nani strike which deflected off Carlos Tevez’s head, may not have had much of the attacking flair and verve that United’s performances at the start of last season were blessed with, but it is a victory nonetheless, and the Reds’ first of the season.
There were times when it appeared United’s winless start to 2007/08 would continue, and the final whistle was met with considerable relief from the home crowd.
Before the match, Sir Alex claimed not to have looked at the league table. Had he done so, he would have seen his team second bottom on just two points. And the Reds could have been propping up the rest of the division had Derby County claimed a point against Birmingham on Saturday.
Martin Jol’s side, who themselves have made a slower-than-expected start to the campaign, began with immediate purpose to their play. After just 20 seconds, Robbie Keane had Edwin van der Sar scrambling across his six-yard box with a curling shot that clipped the crossbar of the Dutchman’s goal.
Tottenham had clearly come with the specific intention of pressing United back in order to keep Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick deep, and blocking avenues through to Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nani, who looked to break forward and support Carlos Tevez in attack.
The weight of expectation around Old Trafford and the necessity for a first win of the season was abundantly apparent. It was certainly a cagey start from the Reds, highlighted when Rio Ferdinand dallied on the ball in his own area expecting van der Sar to come and collect and Keane quickly stole in. It took a last-ditch block from Wes Brown to save his team-mate’s blushes.
But the United defender almost immediately redeemed himself, forcing a brilliant save from Paul Robinson in the Spurs goal with a powerful volley at the far post. That one incident inspired urgency among the supporters and the team.
With Hargreaves winning and retaining possession brilliantly in midfield, United piled forward midway through the half. Carrick went close with ferocious 30-yard shot, then Scholes, who actually knew little about it, saw a Tevez cross deflect off his shin and onto the roof of the net. However, Sir Alex’s men needed to contradict recent form and turn possession and chances into goals, and as half-time approached the breach had not been made.
Ten minutes into the second half and the impasse remained. So Sir Alex switched to a 4-4-2, replacing Carrick with Chris Eagles and pushing Giggs up front alongside Tevez, and it gave United an added attacking edge.
The game sprang into life after the hour when Gareth Bale broke away for Spurs and slipped a ball through to Berbatov, who although he stumbled managed to toe his shot through van der Sar’s legs. The ball trickled towards the goal and Ferdinand had to race back to clear off the line. Then the visitors claimed a penalty as Brown blocked Berbatov’s shot.
Seconds later, United attacked and Tevez had a shot from outside the area cleared off the line by Jermaine Jenas. It stirred the crowd, and the cacophonous support drove the Reds on. After 68 minutes Nani dispossessed Tom Huddlestone on the edge of the area and rifled a shot past Robinson via the slightest of deflections off Tevez’s head. The stadium erupted, as much a huge sigh of relief as sheer joy.
Tottenham weren’t about to surrender easily. Berbatov, largely quiet throughout the match, is capable of moments of true class, and after expertly controlling the ball on the edge of United’s penalty box, he arrowed a shot millimetres over the crossbar.
In the end, the Reds were prepared to see this match out and secure a much-needed first win of the team’s title defence. Victory at last, and for the Reds the season starts here.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Scholes, Hargreaves, Carrick (Eagles, 57), Giggs (c);
Tevez (Fletcher, 78).
Subs not used: Dong, O’Shea, Kuszczak.
Tottenham Hostpur: Robinson; Chimbonda, Rocha (Zokora, 83), Gardner, Lee (Taarabt, 75); Malbranque, Huddlestone, Jenas, Bale; Berbatov, Keane (c) (Defoe, 75).
Subs not used: Stalteri, Cerny. Read more...
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Ferguson adamant over United's title hopes
Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed it would be 'ridiculous' to count Manchester United out of the Premier League title race just yet.
By Ferguson's own admission, the Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to their championship defence, netting just two points from their opening three games, scoring just once in the process.
It is a complete contrast to their flying start 12 months ago and having already slipped behind all their major rivals, some pundits are already suggesting United will not win the league this season.
However, while Ferguson accepts results have not been what he hoped for, the Scot is confident his side will soon be forcing their way back into contention, starting with a win over Tottenham at Old Trafford tomorrow.
'It is ridiculous to suggest we are out of the title race already because, let's face it, we are only three games into the season,' he said.
'I have certainly not lost faith in what we can do and we will change things around.
'The players have not enjoyed this nightmare. They know our rivals must be rubbing their hands and they are determined to do something about it.'
With Louis Saha likely to be on the bench and Brazil international Anderson pencilled in for his first start alongside Carlos Tevez in attack, Ferguson's early season injury problems are starting to ease.
Rumours of a move for Tottenham hit-man Dimitar Berbatov are likely to persist until the transfer window closes on August 31 but the forceful rebuttal of chief executive David Gill to renewed speculation that a bid had been made for the Bulgarian - who will miss tomorrow's clash with an ankle problem - suggests no deal is likely.
Instead, Ferguson will stick with a squad which has so far produced a significantly high level of performance, without being able to collect the results to match.
'I think you have to trust the players,' reflected Wes Brown, who will continue at right-back in the absence of injured skipper Gary Neville.
'If we were in this situation and not playing well maybe you have to look a bit deeper.
'But we have been playing good football, we have just not managed to put the ball in the net.'
Born and bred in Manchester, last week's derby-day loss to City hurt Brown more than most.
He has still not replied to the more sarcastic texts he received from Blue-supporting friends and still struggles to believe United did not emerge victorious.
'We could have beaten them by six,' he said.
'We pressurised them for most of the game but missed some really good chances and somehow they managed to keep us out.
'That kind of thing happens sometimes. All you can do is hold your hands up, try to do the same things in the next game and think a bit more positively about putting the ball in the net.'
Like his manager, Brown has insisted no-one at United should be getting too concerned about the present situation.
Not only is the England defender confident the Red Devils will turn the situation around, he also feels early evidence points to the so-called big four dropping more points this term than they have in previous years.
'Don't get me wrong, we don't want to be this far behind Chelsea already but no-one is too worried at the moment,' he said.
'As the season has gone on in previous years, we have always come back into it.
'I know it is easy for me to say that but history proves it has happened and it can happen again.
'I also think the middle ranking teams will take more points off the top four. There are a lot of teams now who have built up their squads and, as we have found out already, they will definitely give problems to the bigger teams.' Read more...
By Ferguson's own admission, the Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to their championship defence, netting just two points from their opening three games, scoring just once in the process.
It is a complete contrast to their flying start 12 months ago and having already slipped behind all their major rivals, some pundits are already suggesting United will not win the league this season.
However, while Ferguson accepts results have not been what he hoped for, the Scot is confident his side will soon be forcing their way back into contention, starting with a win over Tottenham at Old Trafford tomorrow.
'It is ridiculous to suggest we are out of the title race already because, let's face it, we are only three games into the season,' he said.
'I have certainly not lost faith in what we can do and we will change things around.
'The players have not enjoyed this nightmare. They know our rivals must be rubbing their hands and they are determined to do something about it.'
With Louis Saha likely to be on the bench and Brazil international Anderson pencilled in for his first start alongside Carlos Tevez in attack, Ferguson's early season injury problems are starting to ease.
Rumours of a move for Tottenham hit-man Dimitar Berbatov are likely to persist until the transfer window closes on August 31 but the forceful rebuttal of chief executive David Gill to renewed speculation that a bid had been made for the Bulgarian - who will miss tomorrow's clash with an ankle problem - suggests no deal is likely.
Instead, Ferguson will stick with a squad which has so far produced a significantly high level of performance, without being able to collect the results to match.
'I think you have to trust the players,' reflected Wes Brown, who will continue at right-back in the absence of injured skipper Gary Neville.
'If we were in this situation and not playing well maybe you have to look a bit deeper.
'But we have been playing good football, we have just not managed to put the ball in the net.'
Born and bred in Manchester, last week's derby-day loss to City hurt Brown more than most.
He has still not replied to the more sarcastic texts he received from Blue-supporting friends and still struggles to believe United did not emerge victorious.
'We could have beaten them by six,' he said.
'We pressurised them for most of the game but missed some really good chances and somehow they managed to keep us out.
'That kind of thing happens sometimes. All you can do is hold your hands up, try to do the same things in the next game and think a bit more positively about putting the ball in the net.'
Like his manager, Brown has insisted no-one at United should be getting too concerned about the present situation.
Not only is the England defender confident the Red Devils will turn the situation around, he also feels early evidence points to the so-called big four dropping more points this term than they have in previous years.
'Don't get me wrong, we don't want to be this far behind Chelsea already but no-one is too worried at the moment,' he said.
'As the season has gone on in previous years, we have always come back into it.
'I know it is easy for me to say that but history proves it has happened and it can happen again.
'I also think the middle ranking teams will take more points off the top four. There are a lot of teams now who have built up their squads and, as we have found out already, they will definitely give problems to the bigger teams.' Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Hotspur Head to Head
2002 - 2003 21- Sep Manchester United 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
27- Apr Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 2 Manchester United
2003 - 2004 21-Dec Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 2 Manchester United
20-Mar Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
2004 - 2005 25-Sep Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 1 Manchester United
04-Jan Manchester United 0 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
2005 - 2006 22-Oct Manchester United 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
17-Apr Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 2 Manchester United
2006 - 2007 09-Sep Manchester United 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
04-Feb Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 4 Manchester United Read more...
27- Apr Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 2 Manchester United
2003 - 2004 21-Dec Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 2 Manchester United
20-Mar Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
2004 - 2005 25-Sep Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 1 Manchester United
04-Jan Manchester United 0 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
2005 - 2006 22-Oct Manchester United 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur
17-Apr Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 2 Manchester United
2006 - 2007 09-Sep Manchester United 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur
04-Feb Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 4 Manchester United Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Hotspur Preview
Manchester United out of the Premier League title race just yet. By Ferguson's own admission, the Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to their championship defence, netting just two points from their opening three games, scoring just once in the process.
It is a complete contrast to their flying start 12 months ago and having already slipped behind all their major rivals, some pundits are already suggesting United will not win the league this season. However, while Ferguson accepts results have not been what he hoped for, the Scot is confident his side will soon be forcing their way back into contention, starting with a win over Tottenham at Old Trafford tomorrow.
``It is ridiculous to suggest we are out of the title race already because, let's face it, we are only three games into the season,'' he said. ``I have certainly not lost faith in what we can do and we will change things around. ``The players have not enjoyed this nightmare. They know our rivals must be rubbing their hands and they are determined to do something about it.''
With Louis Saha likely to be on the bench and Brazil international Anderson pencilled in for his first start alongside Carlos Tevez in attack, Ferguson's early season injury problems are starting to ease. Rumours of a move for Tottenham hit-man Dimitar Berbatov are likely to persist until the transfer window closes on August 31 but the forceful rebuttal of chief executive David Gill to renewed speculation that a bid had been made for the Bulgarian - who will miss tomorrow's clash with an ankle problem - suggests no deal is likely.
Instead, Ferguson will stick with a squad which has so far produced a significantly high level of performance, without being able to collect the results to match. ``I think you have to trust the players,'' reflected Wes Brown, who will continue at right-back in the absence of injured skipper Gary Neville.
``If we were in this situation and not playing well maybe you have to look a bit deeper. ``But we have been playing good football, we have just not managed to put the ball in the net.'' Born and bred in Manchester, last week's derby-day loss to City hurt Brown more than most.
He has still not replied to the more sarcastic texts he received from Blue-supporting friends and still struggles to believe United did not emerge victorious. ``We could have beaten them by six,'' he said. ``We pressurised them for most of the game but missed some really good chances and somehow they managed to keep us out.
``That kind of thing happens sometimes. All you can do is hold your hands up, try to do the same things in the next game and think a bit more positively about putting the ball in the net.'' Like his manager, Brown has insisted no-one at United should be getting too concerned about the present situation.
Not only is the England defender confident the Red Devils will turn the situation around, he also feels early evidence points to the so-called big four dropping more points this term than they have in previous years. ``Don't get me wrong, we don't want to be this far behind Chelsea already but no-one is too worried at the moment,'' he said.
``As the season has gone on in previous years, we have always come back into it. ``I know it is easy for me to say that but history proves it has happened and it can happen again. ``I also think the middle ranking teams will take more points off the top four. There are a lot of teams now who have built up their squads and, as we have found out already, they will definitely give problems to the bigger teams.''
Read more...Ferguson blames boardroom 'hangers-on' for managerial sackings
MANCHESTER, England, Aug 25, 2007 (AFP) - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has blamed boardroom 'hangers-on' for the high number of managerial casualties in the English game.
Read more...
Martin Jol arrives at Old Trafford on Sunday with his long-term future as Tottenham manager hanging in the balance after being left in no doubt about the club's Champions League expectations at a meeting with chairman Daniel Levy.
Ferguson is an admirer of Jol's work as a coach in Holland and is dismayed that the Dutchman's position has been called into question so early in the season.
But with the Premier League champions yet to register a win this season, the Tottenham manager can expect no favours at Old Trafford.
Yet Ferguson has no doubt who he believes is responsible for costing many of his colleagues their jobs.
"It's just sad that there's such a knee jerk reaction in football today," said Ferguson.
"I don't know how many times I have sat here over the years and supported managers under pressure because you know it's not fair. But it doesn't change.
"There's no evidence that sacking a manager gets you success.
"I don't know where the root of it comes from. I know it's probably happened here from time to time.
"When I had a bad spell here people were saying I should have retired six years ago, I'm too old and all that nonsense.
"There's a root to criticism quickly in football today.
"If you look at the corporate hospitality of football today - you go into some boardrooms and there's only about four directors but 30 or 40 hangers-on.
"They (the hangers-on) are the ones who think they know everything and are the ones who are probably laying the seeds of it.
"When I came here at first they used to call it the second board. They used to meet on Monday in the Grill Room (at Old Trafford) and discuss everything that happened on the Saturday and make their opinions known. That was the way.
"That happens at football clubs and that maybe is where the seed is sewn.
"And so when somebody like Martin at a club with Tottenham's expectations has a bad spell the inevitable happens."
Ferguson is refusing to press the panic button despite failing to see his side win any of their first three games.
United start the weekend seven points adrift of the top of the table after two draws and a defeat, but believes it is only a matter of time before his side is firing on all cylinders again.
"We'll win the game on Sunday," said a confident Ferguson. "Tottenham are coming with a great determination to help their manager but with the ability in this team, (the winless run) can't continue for long, I'm sure of that."
United are without Gary Neville who has picked up a thigh strain in training, but Louis Saha could be on the bench after a knee injury.
"Louis gave us 15 goals in the first half of last season and if he'd continued playing he may probably have got to the 30 mark," said Ferguson.
"That was a big loss to us in the second half of last season and we just never got him back on the field. But he has been doing well in training for us in the last few weeks and if he does come back for us it is a big boost."
Tottenham have 18-year-old defender Gareth Bale and Teemu Tainio back to face United and Jol has not ruled Dimitar Berbatov out.
Bale, who has yet to start a game since his five-million-pound (10 million dollar) move from Southampton, and Tainio returned from injury and illness for Wales and Finland respectively on Wednesday.
"Dimitar still has a bit of a problem with his groin but he might be able to make it and Younes Kaboul is progressing well with his hamstring, better than Michael Dawson, who is still out with his ankle injury," said Jol.
Darren Bent is struggling to make the game because of a thigh problem while England defender Ledley King remains sidelines with a damaged knee.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Welbeck stars in World Cup
Young United winger Danny Welbeck has helped England reach the last 16 of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Korea after victory over Brazil.
The Reds winger was part of Paul McGuinness' side that reached the FA Youth Cup final last season, losing on penalities to Liverpool. He has signed scholarship forms in United's Academy this year and has already been highlighted as a promising player for the future by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 16-year-old midfielder, who was an unused substitute in England's first match - a 1-1 draw with host nation Korea - played in both of the last two matches to help John Peacock's side finish top of Group B.
Manchester-born Welbeck scored twice in England’s 5-0 thrashing of New Zealand earlier this week, and he also played 83 minutes of the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over tournament favourites Brazil on Friday.
Source: Manchester United Official Website Read more...
The Reds winger was part of Paul McGuinness' side that reached the FA Youth Cup final last season, losing on penalities to Liverpool. He has signed scholarship forms in United's Academy this year and has already been highlighted as a promising player for the future by Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 16-year-old midfielder, who was an unused substitute in England's first match - a 1-1 draw with host nation Korea - played in both of the last two matches to help John Peacock's side finish top of Group B.
Manchester-born Welbeck scored twice in England’s 5-0 thrashing of New Zealand earlier this week, and he also played 83 minutes of the Three Lions’ 2-1 victory over tournament favourites Brazil on Friday.
Source: Manchester United Official Website Read more...
Christiano Ronaldo's Profile
Position: Winger
Joined United: 12 Aug 2003
Transfer Fee: £12.24million
Previous Clubs: Sporting Lisbon
United Debut: 16 Aug 2003 v Bolton (H)
International Portugal
Honours
Team honours with Manchester United
* FA Premier League: 2006-2007
* FA Cup: 2004
* Football League Cup: 2006
* Community Shield: 2007
Individual honours and awards
* PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2007
* PFA Young Player of the Year: 2007
* PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2007
* PFA Premiership Team of the Year: 2005-2006, 2006-2007
* Football Writers' Association Award: 2007
* Barclays Player of the Season: 2006-2007
* Barclays Player of the Month: November 2006, December 2006
* PFA Fans' Player of the Month: October 2006, February 2007
* FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
* Portuguese Sports Personality: 2006
* Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2007
* Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2006-2007
* Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2006-2007 Read more...
Sir Alex issues Spurs warning
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that United will get off to winning ways against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Reds have drawn with Reading and Portsmouth and lost to Manchester City in the opening three games of the season. And in United’s title defence, Sir Alex admits the team has already given itself an uphill task. But he’s confident that the Reds’ poor luck cannot continue.
"We will win the game on Sunday," he said confidently. "Our performance level will win the game for us. There is no question Tottenham will come here with a great determination to help their manager. But with the ability in this team, I know the results we have been having will not carry on for long."
The Reds boss remains upbeat despite the disappointment of last week’s derby defeat, although he was significantly heartened by the performance and dominance of his team. "Has there ever been a derby game in history where the home side did not win one corner?” he said incredulously. "I am perfectly aware winning is the name of the game, and we do not like losing. But everyone played with great intensity and commitment, and their passing was excellent. It was just the finishing that let us down.
"You just have to ride along with it. There is no point me deserting players who have proved their ability at the top level of the game. So, what is the issue? The issue is that - because we are not winning games - there is a different slant on everything. I understand that. It’s the opposite of last season’s good start in terms of results. But performance-wise, we’ve done really well.
“We had the worst result. But if there is a saving grace, it’s that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all dropped two points. That in some way helped to ease the pain.”
Source: Manchester United Official Website Read more...
The Reds have drawn with Reading and Portsmouth and lost to Manchester City in the opening three games of the season. And in United’s title defence, Sir Alex admits the team has already given itself an uphill task. But he’s confident that the Reds’ poor luck cannot continue.
"We will win the game on Sunday," he said confidently. "Our performance level will win the game for us. There is no question Tottenham will come here with a great determination to help their manager. But with the ability in this team, I know the results we have been having will not carry on for long."
The Reds boss remains upbeat despite the disappointment of last week’s derby defeat, although he was significantly heartened by the performance and dominance of his team. "Has there ever been a derby game in history where the home side did not win one corner?” he said incredulously. "I am perfectly aware winning is the name of the game, and we do not like losing. But everyone played with great intensity and commitment, and their passing was excellent. It was just the finishing that let us down.
"You just have to ride along with it. There is no point me deserting players who have proved their ability at the top level of the game. So, what is the issue? The issue is that - because we are not winning games - there is a different slant on everything. I understand that. It’s the opposite of last season’s good start in terms of results. But performance-wise, we’ve done really well.
“We had the worst result. But if there is a saving grace, it’s that Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all dropped two points. That in some way helped to ease the pain.”
Source: Manchester United Official Website Read more...
No Berbadov Bid
The club have responded to reports linking them with a bid for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Media reports suggested the Reds would move for the Bulgarian international in the wake of Wayne Rooney's broken foot, which will keep him out of action until mid-October.
However, the club have denied making any bid for the Spurs front man.
"Manchester United is linked to many players in every transfer window. The club have categorically not made any offer for Dimitar Berbatov," said a club spokesman.
The 26-year-old will miss his side's trip to Old Trafford on Sunday after suffering a recurrence of an old groin injury. Read more...
Media reports suggested the Reds would move for the Bulgarian international in the wake of Wayne Rooney's broken foot, which will keep him out of action until mid-October.
However, the club have denied making any bid for the Spurs front man.
"Manchester United is linked to many players in every transfer window. The club have categorically not made any offer for Dimitar Berbatov," said a club spokesman.
The 26-year-old will miss his side's trip to Old Trafford on Sunday after suffering a recurrence of an old groin injury. Read more...
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