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Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wenger not worried by Reds

Arsene Wenger insists he is not worried about his side's title chances after the Gunners relinquished top spot to United on Boxing Day.

Arsenal could only manage a 0-0 draw at Portsmouth in the day's evening kick-off having seen the Reds thrash Sunderland 4-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Wenger admits he would prefer to be in pole position, but is unfazed by the swap in positions at the Premier League summit.

"I prefer to be in front, but with one point difference that is not that big a deal. We have only lost one game so you will have problems to convince me that we are in a crisis."

Arsenal will be hoping for a positive result at Goodison Park on Saturday, having picked up just two points from their three previous away games.

"I believe that if we just try and focus on our performances and get a good result at Everton then everything is alright," added Wenger.

"If we go six months again unbeaten then we will be champions." Read more...

Boss expects Wazza goal rush

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney's eighth strike of the season at Sunderland - his first in six games since returning from an ankle injury - could spark another goal rush.

The striker netted seven times in seven games during October and November and also bagged two goals for England during that period.

A freak training ground accident in mid-November, which ruled him out for three weeks, derailed the 22-year-old somewhat, but Sir Alex believes his Boxing Day opener at the Stadium of Light could be the catalyst to another good run of goalscoring form.

"I have said before that strikers do go on little runs like that," the boss told MUTV. "It is his first goal for six games, but his goals have come in waves.

"When he got his recent injury, he was out for nearly a month and since then, he has been gradually getting towards what we have seen of him against Sunderland." Read more...

Keane: Yule win it, Fergie

United legend Roy Keane tipped his old club to hang on to their Premier League crown after Arsenal were held 0-0 at Portsmouth. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co went a point clear at the top following a scintillating 4-0 destruction of Keane’s Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Keane said: “My money’s still on United. I thought that two months ago and my opinion hasn’t changed. They are just a lethal attacking team. And they are equally good at the back. Ferdinand and Vidic — they are not bad are they? It takes a combination like that to win the league. Any team like that will get stronger. If United are there or thereabouts they have a chance."
Steve Brenner, The Sun Read more...

Boss hails super squad

Sir Alex reiterated his belief that the current squad is among the best he's ever assembled after United trounced Sunderland 4-0 at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day.

The Reds boss made five changes to the team that beat Everton at Old Trafford last weekend but the squad's strength ensured United's winning form was never threatened.

"I said earlier in the season that I think this is one of my strongest squads and I think the players are proving that at the moment," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"We have some big games coming up and the players are all playing their part – Gerard Pique came on for Nemanja Vidic today, Ji-sung Park got his first match since March and other players got some valuable minutes, which is very important in terms of having everyone ready for what lies ahead."

Despite the manager's tinkering, United remained fluent going forward and solid at the back. In fact, Tomasz Kuszczak was only stretched on one occasion, tipping over athletically from Ross Wallace before the break.

"I thought we were very sharp and our passing was excellent today," the United boss said. "The first goal put us in the driving seat because Sunderland have been going through a sticky patch lately and I felt if we could go in front we would make it difficult for them. It was a marvellous move for the first goal and it was well taken by Wayne [Rooney]." Read more...

Sunderland Vs. Manchester United Highlight




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