Sir Alex Ferguson admits he was stunned to learn United had been drawn with yet another Premier League side when the Reds were paired with Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
Incredibly, it'll be the tenth time in succession that United have faced top flight opposition and the Reds' boss jokingly suggested it is becoming more than just a coincidence.
"I just can't believe it!" he told MUTV. "Everyone thinks the draw is fixed so BBC can get the best game - I'm beginning to wonder!
"I think there were four ties that came out before ours without us, Arsenal or Chelsea and I was thinking 'oh come on, surely it can't happen?'
"Nevertheless, I always say you can't ask for any more than a home draw. The build-up will be enormous and I'm sure there will be interest from everyone all over the world. Sometimes these games can disappoint, but I'm sure it'll be a fantastic Cup tie."
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Carrick glad Scholes is back
Michael Carrick was pleased to see Paul Scholes back pulling the strings in the middle of the park, even if it does mean more competition for places in midfield.
Scholes made his first start in over three months since damaging knee ligaments in October - his 550th appearance in total - and looked as sharp as ever, orchestrating United’s attacking moves in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth.
For Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Darren Fletcher, it could mean less playing time, but none of them look on the 33-year-old’s return to action as anything other than positive.
“It’s great to have Scholesy back,” Carrick told MUTV. “We have been getting good results without him in the team, so to have him back now is a boost to everyone.
“He’s a top, top player. You saw against Portsmouth what he can do, and he seemed to fit in like he has never been away. It’s great to see him back.”
Carrick insists that all five central midfielders at Old Trafford must not count the word ‘dropped’ as part of their football vocabulary.
“Every one of the midfielders is playing really well,” he says. “But we all know that we’re not going to play in every single game. But it’s not a case of getting dropped, it’s about resting players and keep everyone in top shape and in good form. That’s certainly the case at the moment. Hopefully we can all stay sharp for the run-in, that will only help us.” Read more...
Scholes made his first start in over three months since damaging knee ligaments in October - his 550th appearance in total - and looked as sharp as ever, orchestrating United’s attacking moves in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth.
For Carrick, Owen Hargreaves, Anderson and Darren Fletcher, it could mean less playing time, but none of them look on the 33-year-old’s return to action as anything other than positive.
“It’s great to have Scholesy back,” Carrick told MUTV. “We have been getting good results without him in the team, so to have him back now is a boost to everyone.
“He’s a top, top player. You saw against Portsmouth what he can do, and he seemed to fit in like he has never been away. It’s great to see him back.”
Carrick insists that all five central midfielders at Old Trafford must not count the word ‘dropped’ as part of their football vocabulary.
“Every one of the midfielders is playing really well,” he says. “But we all know that we’re not going to play in every single game. But it’s not a case of getting dropped, it’s about resting players and keep everyone in top shape and in good form. That’s certainly the case at the moment. Hopefully we can all stay sharp for the run-in, that will only help us.” Read more...
Welbeck relishes his chance
United’s teenage striker Danny Welbeck is targeting more involvement in the Reds senior team after being given a taste of first-team action on the recent trip to Saudi Arabia.
The skilful 17-year-old striker, who was part of the squad that reported for duty against Portsmouth, made a distinct impression as a substitute in the 3-2 friendly defeat to Al Hilal in Riyadh last week.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Welbeck, an England U17 international, will now be regularly involved with the first-team and could be given his competitive debut before the end of the current season after being handed the squad number 47.
For Welbeck, it was back to Under-18 duties last weekend, scoring the first goal in a 3-3 draw with Everton.
“I’m trying to get as many goals as possible,” he told MUTV. “I scored again for the U18s and I want to keep on scoring goals.”
But the lure of first-team football is intense, especially after his experience in the Middle East.
“It was great,” the Manchester-born forward declared. “The players and the coaches were all really welcoming. They helped me get through it all. The training was so quick, but it was a good experience.
“It was a shame that I missed the penalty, but I’m over that now. I hope I can be involved with the first team more often, which can only help me improve as a player.” Read more...
The skilful 17-year-old striker, who was part of the squad that reported for duty against Portsmouth, made a distinct impression as a substitute in the 3-2 friendly defeat to Al Hilal in Riyadh last week.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson says Welbeck, an England U17 international, will now be regularly involved with the first-team and could be given his competitive debut before the end of the current season after being handed the squad number 47.
For Welbeck, it was back to Under-18 duties last weekend, scoring the first goal in a 3-3 draw with Everton.
“I’m trying to get as many goals as possible,” he told MUTV. “I scored again for the U18s and I want to keep on scoring goals.”
But the lure of first-team football is intense, especially after his experience in the Middle East.
“It was great,” the Manchester-born forward declared. “The players and the coaches were all really welcoming. They helped me get through it all. The training was so quick, but it was a good experience.
“It was a shame that I missed the penalty, but I’m over that now. I hope I can be involved with the first team more often, which can only help me improve as a player.” Read more...
Ron just two hot
You’ll never stop Ronaldo! That was the message from Old Trafford last night as Manchester United’s Portuguese ace continued his astonishing scoring run.
He notched twice in the space of four first-half minutes to put Sir Alex Ferguson’s side on course for another regulation win.
Ronaldo has scored nine in his last five games, and has failed to hit the net in only two of his last 16 outings.
Last night’s first was a one-on-one against keeper David James, but the second was a stunning free kick that he simply slammed over the wall.
Bill Thornton, Daily Star Read more...
He notched twice in the space of four first-half minutes to put Sir Alex Ferguson’s side on course for another regulation win.
Ronaldo has scored nine in his last five games, and has failed to hit the net in only two of his last 16 outings.
Last night’s first was a one-on-one against keeper David James, but the second was a stunning free kick that he simply slammed over the wall.
Bill Thornton, Daily Star Read more...
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Ronaldo: His best goal yet?
Cristiano Ronaldo believes his stunning free-kick goal against Portsmouth could be the best of his career so far.
In a post-match interview, United's leading scorer pondered: "It's difficult to say but maybe this one is the best. It's my style to shoot like that - sometimes it's a goal, sometimes not. I'm very proud to help my team."
Opposition goalkeeper David James could only shrug his shoulders after being beaten by the pearl of a setpiece. The former England goalkeeper looked awestruck and he wasn't the only player to feel that way.
Ronaldo's team-mate Michael Carrick told MUTV: "I was in the wall, trying to block David James' view. I just turned around and saw it go in the top corner. It was a fantastic free-kick, probably the best one he's scored. It was nice to see it fly in.
"He practices an awful lot and obviously the more you do that, the better you'll get. A few have flown in this season and I don't think that's down to luck. We all know the ability he's got. Hopefully he can keep that going for the rest of the season and score a few more."
Reds defender Nemanja Vidic added: "It was unbelievable. I think it was the best goal I've seen in a game I have played in."
Sir Alex Ferguson also gave Ronaldo's 13th-minute strike top billing, telling MUTV: "That must be the best free-kick in the Premier League.
"It was a marvellous hit. It was within two inches of the junction of the crossbar and the post. No goalkeeper in the world could possibly save it." Read more...
In a post-match interview, United's leading scorer pondered: "It's difficult to say but maybe this one is the best. It's my style to shoot like that - sometimes it's a goal, sometimes not. I'm very proud to help my team."
Opposition goalkeeper David James could only shrug his shoulders after being beaten by the pearl of a setpiece. The former England goalkeeper looked awestruck and he wasn't the only player to feel that way.
Ronaldo's team-mate Michael Carrick told MUTV: "I was in the wall, trying to block David James' view. I just turned around and saw it go in the top corner. It was a fantastic free-kick, probably the best one he's scored. It was nice to see it fly in.
"He practices an awful lot and obviously the more you do that, the better you'll get. A few have flown in this season and I don't think that's down to luck. We all know the ability he's got. Hopefully he can keep that going for the rest of the season and score a few more."
Reds defender Nemanja Vidic added: "It was unbelievable. I think it was the best goal I've seen in a game I have played in."
Sir Alex Ferguson also gave Ronaldo's 13th-minute strike top billing, telling MUTV: "That must be the best free-kick in the Premier League.
"It was a marvellous hit. It was within two inches of the junction of the crossbar and the post. No goalkeeper in the world could possibly save it." Read more...
Sir Alex surprise at scoreline
Sir Alex Ferguson was left in awe at some of the attacking, penetrating football United produced again Portsmouth, but was baffled that the scoreline was a deceptive 2-0.
The Reds created a host of chances and could have easily trebled the scoreline, but he remains satisfied with the quality of United’s play.
“It was a fantastic performance from us,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s one of the best displays of the season.
“I just can’t believe it was only 2-0,” he added. “We opened them up so many times. There was a bit of misfortune, shots were blocked and the goalkeeper made a few saves. But we missed some chances.
“But we have to think about the performance. The energy we put in was tremendous. I’m really pleased with that.
“The movement and penetration was very good. And I thought Ji-sung and Nani were really helped that from the flanks.” Read more...
The Reds created a host of chances and could have easily trebled the scoreline, but he remains satisfied with the quality of United’s play.
“It was a fantastic performance from us,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s one of the best displays of the season.
“I just can’t believe it was only 2-0,” he added. “We opened them up so many times. There was a bit of misfortune, shots were blocked and the goalkeeper made a few saves. But we missed some chances.
“But we have to think about the performance. The energy we put in was tremendous. I’m really pleased with that.
“The movement and penetration was very good. And I thought Ji-sung and Nani were really helped that from the flanks.” Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Portsmouth result Report
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his irrepressible goalscoring form with yet another delightful double to sink Portsmouth and send United back to the top of the Premier League.
His two goals – one a neat finish, the other a jaw-droppingly good 25-yard free-kick – came within three minutes of each other and completely deflated Harry Redknapp’s men.
What this excellent performance proves beyond doubt is just how ruthless the Reds can be. This was a game United controlled from start to finish, but it was less about blitzing a team for 90 minutes, and more about a clinical job, pitilessly carried out.
The visitors may have lost four key players to African Nations Cup duty, but they cannot really complain with new signings Lassana Diarra and Milan Baros bolstering their ranks. The simple fact is that United, on this attacking form, are unplayable for most opponents. Even for a Portsmouth side that has taken seven wins from 12 on the road this term - Redknapp's men arrived in Manchester confident, if perhaps quietly so.
For United it was a case of maintaining momentum. Unbeaten in 2008, the Reds’ chief aim was to regain top spot from Arsenal in what is turning into a see-saw claim for the title. Paul Scholes, making his 550th appearance for the Reds, was given his first start since mid-October, and the Salford-born midfield magician was heavily involved from the start, pinging passes all over the pitch.
He was involved in United’s opener after just ten minutes. His pass forward was chested down by Ronaldo to Nani, whose lofted return pass found his fellow countryman’s run forward. Ronaldo one-on-one with a goalkeeper: the script rarely deviates. His finish was slipped inside David James’ post.
Ronaldo, it appears, seems intent on rewriting the record books when it comes to the tag ‘goalscoring midfielder’. But his second goal of the night – three minutes after his first – deserves an entry in the dictionary under ‘unstoppable’.
Ronaldo's free-kick are hit with such venom, they could merely cannon off the wall or head high into the stands. But when he catches them right, goalkeepers might as well not bother diving. David James didn’t, as the United winger’s shot arrowed its way into the top corner. The goal took him to 27 for the season, and it sapped all enthusiasm from the Portsmouth players. They were simply unable to recover.
United continued to press forward, with Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo, Nani, Park and Rooney interlinking beautifully to create sweeping attacking moves that Portsmouth were unable to cope with.
The Reds couldn’t add to the scoreline before half-time, but after the break Harry Redknapp gave a nod to United’s midfield dominance by switching to a five-man midfield, with Baros up front on his own.
United began the second half as positively as they had finished the first 45 minutes. Ferdinand tested James with a powerful header from Nani’s corner shortly after the restart. Then after 55 minutes, Rooney went desperately close to United’s third. Campbell failed to deal with a long ball forward - his header was never likely to reach James and it left Rooney with the chance to shoot. But the Portsmouth goalkeeper rushed back in time to keep out the United striker's chip.
Portsmouth’s change of tactics may have stemmed the tide of attacks that came their way in the first half, but it also blunted their ability to penetrate going forward.
United were still hunting a third goal, albeit without great urgency, and it would have arrived with just over 15 minutes of the match remaining but for excellent goalkeeping from James. The Pompey keeper managed to smother Park’s shot from 12 yards after nice work from Ronaldo and Rooney, and then he threw himself in front of Nani’s follow-up.
Sir Alex could afford to take off Ronaldo and Rooney with a quarter of an hour to spare. Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez came on to replace them, joining Anderson who was brought on in place of Scholes ten minutes earlier.
Portsmouth dropped to walking pace at times in the closing ten minutes, which allowed United to take their foot off the pedal rather than needlessly expend energy.
Anderson was denied a goal of sheer majesty late on when his run past two players couldn’t quite be rewarded with the finish as his shot trickled wide of the post. The damage, however, had already been done. Ronaldo’s quickfire double – his fifth brace in an incredible season – had all but guaranteed the points, and restored United as the Premier League’s premier club once again.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Park, Carrick, Scholes (Anderson 63), Nani; Ronaldo (Tevez 74), Rooney (Hargreaves 74).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O’Shea.
Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Distin (Hreidarrsson 46), Campbell (c), Pamarot; Lauren (Mvuemba 46), Diarra, Davis, Kranjcar; Baros (Hughes 79), Benjani.
Subs not used: Pedro Mendes, Begovic (GK).
Booked: Pamarot
Attendance: 75,415 Read more...
His two goals – one a neat finish, the other a jaw-droppingly good 25-yard free-kick – came within three minutes of each other and completely deflated Harry Redknapp’s men.
What this excellent performance proves beyond doubt is just how ruthless the Reds can be. This was a game United controlled from start to finish, but it was less about blitzing a team for 90 minutes, and more about a clinical job, pitilessly carried out.
The visitors may have lost four key players to African Nations Cup duty, but they cannot really complain with new signings Lassana Diarra and Milan Baros bolstering their ranks. The simple fact is that United, on this attacking form, are unplayable for most opponents. Even for a Portsmouth side that has taken seven wins from 12 on the road this term - Redknapp's men arrived in Manchester confident, if perhaps quietly so.
For United it was a case of maintaining momentum. Unbeaten in 2008, the Reds’ chief aim was to regain top spot from Arsenal in what is turning into a see-saw claim for the title. Paul Scholes, making his 550th appearance for the Reds, was given his first start since mid-October, and the Salford-born midfield magician was heavily involved from the start, pinging passes all over the pitch.
He was involved in United’s opener after just ten minutes. His pass forward was chested down by Ronaldo to Nani, whose lofted return pass found his fellow countryman’s run forward. Ronaldo one-on-one with a goalkeeper: the script rarely deviates. His finish was slipped inside David James’ post.
Ronaldo, it appears, seems intent on rewriting the record books when it comes to the tag ‘goalscoring midfielder’. But his second goal of the night – three minutes after his first – deserves an entry in the dictionary under ‘unstoppable’.
Ronaldo's free-kick are hit with such venom, they could merely cannon off the wall or head high into the stands. But when he catches them right, goalkeepers might as well not bother diving. David James didn’t, as the United winger’s shot arrowed its way into the top corner. The goal took him to 27 for the season, and it sapped all enthusiasm from the Portsmouth players. They were simply unable to recover.
United continued to press forward, with Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo, Nani, Park and Rooney interlinking beautifully to create sweeping attacking moves that Portsmouth were unable to cope with.
The Reds couldn’t add to the scoreline before half-time, but after the break Harry Redknapp gave a nod to United’s midfield dominance by switching to a five-man midfield, with Baros up front on his own.
United began the second half as positively as they had finished the first 45 minutes. Ferdinand tested James with a powerful header from Nani’s corner shortly after the restart. Then after 55 minutes, Rooney went desperately close to United’s third. Campbell failed to deal with a long ball forward - his header was never likely to reach James and it left Rooney with the chance to shoot. But the Portsmouth goalkeeper rushed back in time to keep out the United striker's chip.
Portsmouth’s change of tactics may have stemmed the tide of attacks that came their way in the first half, but it also blunted their ability to penetrate going forward.
United were still hunting a third goal, albeit without great urgency, and it would have arrived with just over 15 minutes of the match remaining but for excellent goalkeeping from James. The Pompey keeper managed to smother Park’s shot from 12 yards after nice work from Ronaldo and Rooney, and then he threw himself in front of Nani’s follow-up.
Sir Alex could afford to take off Ronaldo and Rooney with a quarter of an hour to spare. Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez came on to replace them, joining Anderson who was brought on in place of Scholes ten minutes earlier.
Portsmouth dropped to walking pace at times in the closing ten minutes, which allowed United to take their foot off the pedal rather than needlessly expend energy.
Anderson was denied a goal of sheer majesty late on when his run past two players couldn’t quite be rewarded with the finish as his shot trickled wide of the post. The damage, however, had already been done. Ronaldo’s quickfire double – his fifth brace in an incredible season – had all but guaranteed the points, and restored United as the Premier League’s premier club once again.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Park, Carrick, Scholes (Anderson 63), Nani; Ronaldo (Tevez 74), Rooney (Hargreaves 74).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O’Shea.
Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Distin (Hreidarrsson 46), Campbell (c), Pamarot; Lauren (Mvuemba 46), Diarra, Davis, Kranjcar; Baros (Hughes 79), Benjani.
Subs not used: Pedro Mendes, Begovic (GK).
Booked: Pamarot
Attendance: 75,415 Read more...
Nani: I'll play my part
Portuguese winger Nani says he is ready to play whenever Sir Alex Ferguson calls on him, but says patience and a determination to develop are key attributes in this stage of his United career.
Nani joined the Reds in the summer and, despite starting six of United’s first ten games of the season, has found regular appearances more difficult to come by. He has started just three of the last ten matches for the Reds.
However, the 21-year-old expected a gradual learning curve. And in an interview conducted in English, which shows he has developed an impressive grasp of English, Nani told MUTV that he is sure his time will come.
“It’s a long season so some of the players will get tired,” he said. “But we have a big squad and if we change one player it is not a problem because the players that come in do a good job.
“I am confident that, if I play, I can do well for the team. I have to wait for my opportunities and I knew that was the case when I joined. I don’t see it as a problem.”
Nani is in direct competition with United stalwart and stand-in skipper Ryan Giggs for the left wing position, a player he has great respect for.
“I am new at this club and players like Ryan Giggs have played for United for many years,” he added. “Giggs has a great history at this club. I just have to wait for my time to come and when it does I have to show that I can play well.
“I am OK and I feel settled at the club. I think I have improved a lot since I started. And as I get more games, more training and more time learning I will keep on improving as a player." Read more...
Nani joined the Reds in the summer and, despite starting six of United’s first ten games of the season, has found regular appearances more difficult to come by. He has started just three of the last ten matches for the Reds.
However, the 21-year-old expected a gradual learning curve. And in an interview conducted in English, which shows he has developed an impressive grasp of English, Nani told MUTV that he is sure his time will come.
“It’s a long season so some of the players will get tired,” he said. “But we have a big squad and if we change one player it is not a problem because the players that come in do a good job.
“I am confident that, if I play, I can do well for the team. I have to wait for my opportunities and I knew that was the case when I joined. I don’t see it as a problem.”
Nani is in direct competition with United stalwart and stand-in skipper Ryan Giggs for the left wing position, a player he has great respect for.
“I am new at this club and players like Ryan Giggs have played for United for many years,” he added. “Giggs has a great history at this club. I just have to wait for my time to come and when it does I have to show that I can play well.
“I am OK and I feel settled at the club. I think I have improved a lot since I started. And as I get more games, more training and more time learning I will keep on improving as a player." Read more...
Reds have staying power
Sir Alex Ferguson has seen enough recent evidence to suggest that his United side has the endurance to keep fighting on all fronts over the remainder of the season.
United have posted five successive wins after December's defeat at West Ham, and are looking increasingly strong in the closing stages of games - much to the manager's delight.
Sunday's victory over Tottenham took the Reds into the fifth round of the FA Cup, progression that augurs well alongside top spot in the Premier League and a berth in the Champions League second round.
“I think every team goes through the December programme and there is a draining effect on everyone, every team gets it,” Sir Alex told the press.
“What’s encouraged me is that at Aston Villa in the last 20 minutes, Newcastle in the second half and Reading we looked strong. Reading make you run more than any team does, but we were so strong in the last 20 minutes again.
“That’s given me the encouragement that this is a powerful team we’ve got, who can endure gruelling competition. I’m encouraged by that.”
Paul Scholes' return against Spurs leaves only Louis Saha, Gary Neville, Ben Foster and Mikael Silvestre on the sidelines, and Sir Alex is happy that his squad depth is able to cope with whatever obstacles the second half of the season may bring.
“I’ve got Paul coming back, so we’re happy with the squad we’ve got, happy at the competitive factor in picking teams at the moment, especially in the midfield area,” he said. “It’s not easy when I’ve got so many choices.
“But my experience at this club is that when the season comes into the Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday situation, then you need everyone, and everyone will play their part.” Read more...
United have posted five successive wins after December's defeat at West Ham, and are looking increasingly strong in the closing stages of games - much to the manager's delight.
Sunday's victory over Tottenham took the Reds into the fifth round of the FA Cup, progression that augurs well alongside top spot in the Premier League and a berth in the Champions League second round.
“I think every team goes through the December programme and there is a draining effect on everyone, every team gets it,” Sir Alex told the press.
“What’s encouraged me is that at Aston Villa in the last 20 minutes, Newcastle in the second half and Reading we looked strong. Reading make you run more than any team does, but we were so strong in the last 20 minutes again.
“That’s given me the encouragement that this is a powerful team we’ve got, who can endure gruelling competition. I’m encouraged by that.”
Paul Scholes' return against Spurs leaves only Louis Saha, Gary Neville, Ben Foster and Mikael Silvestre on the sidelines, and Sir Alex is happy that his squad depth is able to cope with whatever obstacles the second half of the season may bring.
“I’ve got Paul coming back, so we’re happy with the squad we’ve got, happy at the competitive factor in picking teams at the moment, especially in the midfield area,” he said. “It’s not easy when I’ve got so many choices.
“But my experience at this club is that when the season comes into the Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday-Wednesday situation, then you need everyone, and everyone will play their part.” Read more...
Sir Alex: All bets are off
Cristiano Ronaldo’s form is so good United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to enter into any bets with the Portuguese winger about how many goals he’ll score this season.
Ferguson famously paid out at the end of the 2006/07 campaign after the Reds’ no.7 found the net 23 times, smashing the manager's 20-goal target to finish joint top scorer alongside Wayne Rooney.
This season Ronaldo has outdone himself once again, passing last term’s tally before January has even finished. All the talk now centres on George Best’s club record of 32 goals from midfield and whether 22-year-old Ronaldo can overtake the Irishman.
Sir Alex’s targets have undoubtedly provided added motivation in the past, but the United boss believes a place in the history books is incentive enough this time around.
“No way!” the Reds boss told Manchester United Radio when asked if money would change hands should Ronaldo surpass Best’s record. “Being a Scot, I value my money.”
Ronaldo took his season tally to 25 with a double against Tottenham last weekend, although neither goal is likely to feature in his career highlights reel. Not that his manager cared…
“The boy has been fantastic recently,” Sir Alex said. “Against Spurs he showed great composure in taking his penalty kick at what was an important time in the game. His second goal was a goalkeeping mistake but if you don’t shoot you don’t score. He was rewarded for that mentality." Read more...
Ferguson famously paid out at the end of the 2006/07 campaign after the Reds’ no.7 found the net 23 times, smashing the manager's 20-goal target to finish joint top scorer alongside Wayne Rooney.
This season Ronaldo has outdone himself once again, passing last term’s tally before January has even finished. All the talk now centres on George Best’s club record of 32 goals from midfield and whether 22-year-old Ronaldo can overtake the Irishman.
Sir Alex’s targets have undoubtedly provided added motivation in the past, but the United boss believes a place in the history books is incentive enough this time around.
“No way!” the Reds boss told Manchester United Radio when asked if money would change hands should Ronaldo surpass Best’s record. “Being a Scot, I value my money.”
Ronaldo took his season tally to 25 with a double against Tottenham last weekend, although neither goal is likely to feature in his career highlights reel. Not that his manager cared…
“The boy has been fantastic recently,” Sir Alex said. “Against Spurs he showed great composure in taking his penalty kick at what was an important time in the game. His second goal was a goalkeeping mistake but if you don’t shoot you don’t score. He was rewarded for that mentality." Read more...
On a par with '99
Harry Redknapp believes his Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson has created a squad which is close to matching the treble-winners of 1999. Redknapp believes it is a mark of Ferguson's quality that he can continue to deliver teams capable of competing at the very highest level, typified by the famous Champions League-winning side of almost nine years ago. "Alex has done a fantastic job there, hasn't he? I was at Bournemouth when I first met him 20-odd years ago and the team he's put together now could be one of his best," said the Portsmouth manager. "He's up there with all the great managers; Cloughie, Shankly, Busby – all the greats. Alex is not far from having another team as good as the one which had David Beckham, Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in his prime and won the treble," Redknapp added. "But with Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and the rest of them now it's another fantastic team. You can't write off Chelsea and certainly not Arsenal but, for me, United are still favourites to take the title again."
Bill Pierce, The Independent Read more...
Bill Pierce, The Independent Read more...
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Carrick: This week is vital
United may have been drawn with Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday but Michael Carrick’s focus is on the immediate future.
The Reds welcome Portsmouth to Old Trafford on Wednesday night before travelling to London on Saturday to face Tottenham for the second time in six days. United ended Spurs' FA Cup dream on Sunday with a 3-1 win courtesy of goals from Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo (2).
“Weeks like this can define a season,” Carrick told Manchester United Radio.
“If we can get the three wins we’re aiming for then we’ll be in good shape.”
Carrick did afford a quick glance to the future, admitting he’d love to reach the FA Cup final for a second successive year.
“A club like United is in competitions to win them and we’re now starting to look towards Wembley. Of course, you don’t want to get too carried away because there are tough games ahead.
“But we want to be there again come May, especially because we came so close last season and lost right at the death. We’re determined to put things right this season.” Read more...
The Reds welcome Portsmouth to Old Trafford on Wednesday night before travelling to London on Saturday to face Tottenham for the second time in six days. United ended Spurs' FA Cup dream on Sunday with a 3-1 win courtesy of goals from Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo (2).
“Weeks like this can define a season,” Carrick told Manchester United Radio.
“If we can get the three wins we’re aiming for then we’ll be in good shape.”
Carrick did afford a quick glance to the future, admitting he’d love to reach the FA Cup final for a second successive year.
“A club like United is in competitions to win them and we’re now starting to look towards Wembley. Of course, you don’t want to get too carried away because there are tough games ahead.
“But we want to be there again come May, especially because we came so close last season and lost right at the death. We’re determined to put things right this season.” Read more...
Reds target maximum points
Top-of-the-league United are aiming for maximum points until the end of the season.
Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea says confidence in the Reds’ camp is sky-high ahead of Portsmouth’s visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of twists and turns before the end of the season but we’re definitely capable of winning all our matches,” 26-year-old O’Shea told Manchester United Radio.
“I’m not saying we will do that – we have to treat each match as it comes – but everyone’s really positive at the moment. The manager’s happy as well!”
Portsmouth arrive in Manchester with five players away on African Nations Cup duty, although Harry Redknapp boosted his squad on Monday with the loan signing of Lyon’s Milan Baros.
“Harry’s brought in one or two new players and Portsmouth will be intent on finishing strongly this season,” O’Shea said.
“It’s been a small surprise how well they’ve done this season, particularly away from home. You come across one or two teams who struggle away from home but the opposite applies to Portsmouth.
“We’ll have to be on our toes but I think our home form is good and we’re scoring plenty of goals. We’re positive going into the match. It’s all guns blazing right now.” Read more...
Republic of Ireland international John O’Shea says confidence in the Reds’ camp is sky-high ahead of Portsmouth’s visit to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
“I’m sure there will be plenty of twists and turns before the end of the season but we’re definitely capable of winning all our matches,” 26-year-old O’Shea told Manchester United Radio.
“I’m not saying we will do that – we have to treat each match as it comes – but everyone’s really positive at the moment. The manager’s happy as well!”
Portsmouth arrive in Manchester with five players away on African Nations Cup duty, although Harry Redknapp boosted his squad on Monday with the loan signing of Lyon’s Milan Baros.
“Harry’s brought in one or two new players and Portsmouth will be intent on finishing strongly this season,” O’Shea said.
“It’s been a small surprise how well they’ve done this season, particularly away from home. You come across one or two teams who struggle away from home but the opposite applies to Portsmouth.
“We’ll have to be on our toes but I think our home form is good and we’re scoring plenty of goals. We’re positive going into the match. It’s all guns blazing right now.” Read more...
Boss hopeful over Manucho
Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that Manucho’s fine form in the African Cup of Nations will facilitate a successful work permit application for the striker.
The 24-year-old’s move to Old Trafford is pending approval, and his haul of three goals in Angola’s opening two tournament matches will no doubt aid his cause.
“It just adds to the fact that we’ll get the work permit easier, I’m sure of that,” said Sir Alex. “He’s got a talent, the boy, there’s no question about that. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in the rest of the tournament.”
With the work permit application still to be approved and Angola seemingly set to progress into the quarter-finals, Sir Alex admits it is unlikely that Manucho will feature for United this season.
“It’ll be too late, really, by the time we get him back and get a permit,” he said. “We’ll probably farm him out somewhere else for the remainder of the season.” Read more...
The 24-year-old’s move to Old Trafford is pending approval, and his haul of three goals in Angola’s opening two tournament matches will no doubt aid his cause.
“It just adds to the fact that we’ll get the work permit easier, I’m sure of that,” said Sir Alex. “He’s got a talent, the boy, there’s no question about that. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in the rest of the tournament.”
With the work permit application still to be approved and Angola seemingly set to progress into the quarter-finals, Sir Alex admits it is unlikely that Manucho will feature for United this season.
“It’ll be too late, really, by the time we get him back and get a permit,” he said. “We’ll probably farm him out somewhere else for the remainder of the season.” Read more...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Danny Welbeck
Full name: Daniel Welbeck
Date of birth: November 26, 1990 (1990-11-26) (age 17)
Place of birth: Manchester, England
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position: Striker, Winger
Welbeck joined Manchester United during the 2005–06 season, making his debut for the club's Under-18 side on 8 April 2006 in a league match against Sunderland. He then came on as a substitute in the next game, before being named as an unused substitute in the team's last two games of the season. The following season, he made a further 28 appearances for the Under-18s, scoring nine goals, including eight appearances and one goal in the FA Youth Cup, in which he helped the team to reach the final. Read more...
Date of birth: November 26, 1990 (1990-11-26) (age 17)
Place of birth: Manchester, England
Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Playing position: Striker, Winger
Welbeck joined Manchester United during the 2005–06 season, making his debut for the club's Under-18 side on 8 April 2006 in a league match against Sunderland. He then came on as a substitute in the next game, before being named as an unused substitute in the team's last two games of the season. The following season, he made a further 28 appearances for the Under-18s, scoring nine goals, including eight appearances and one goal in the FA Youth Cup, in which he helped the team to reach the final. Read more...
Vidic hit by virus
Nemanja Vidic is suffering from a virus and faces a race against time to be fit for United’s clash with Portsmouth on Wednesday night.
The Serbian centre-back missed Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with Wes Brown shifting from his usual right back spot to partner Rio Ferdinand in the middle.
Speaking after the Reds’ cup win, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV 26-year-old Vidic may not be ready for Wednesday night.
“Vidic had a virus so he didn’t play against Spurs,” the boss said.
“The doctor went to see him yesterday and he was quite poorly. In fact, his whole family aren’t too good at the moment.
“We’ll see what he’s like during the week but whether he’ll be ready for Wednesday, I don’t know.”
Prior to Sunday's cup clash with Spurs, Vidic had missed just four matches all season. He had started 28 games for the Reds, more than any other United player except his central defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, who moved on to 29 starts after helping United to victory at the weekend. Read more...
The Serbian centre-back missed Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur, with Wes Brown shifting from his usual right back spot to partner Rio Ferdinand in the middle.
Speaking after the Reds’ cup win, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV 26-year-old Vidic may not be ready for Wednesday night.
“Vidic had a virus so he didn’t play against Spurs,” the boss said.
“The doctor went to see him yesterday and he was quite poorly. In fact, his whole family aren’t too good at the moment.
“We’ll see what he’s like during the week but whether he’ll be ready for Wednesday, I don’t know.”
Prior to Sunday's cup clash with Spurs, Vidic had missed just four matches all season. He had started 28 games for the Reds, more than any other United player except his central defensive partner, Rio Ferdinand, who moved on to 29 starts after helping United to victory at the weekend. Read more...
Owen's Wembley mission
Success in this season’s FA Cup won’t just provide Owen Hargreaves with another winners’ medal – it could also afford the 26-year-old his first run-out at Wembley Stadium.
It seems incredible that Hargreaves, now a regular in the national side, has never played at the home of English football. And yet, following United’s win over Spurs in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, Hargreaves told MUTV of his ambition to go all the way in this season’s competition.
“We’ll just take it game by game and we’ll focus on the next one once we know our opposition,” he said. “But hopefully we’ll get to Wembley. It’s still a long way away and there’s lots of football to be played.
“I’ve never played at Wembley before. I’ve sat on the bench for England once or twice and I was injured when United were there for the Community Shield last year. It would be nice if we could get there.”
There is a chance Hargreaves could fulfil his ambition of playing on the hallowed Wembley turf before May’s FA Cup final. If picked by new manager Fabio Capello, the former Bayern Munich midfielder could line up for England against Switzerland in a friendly match on Wednesday 6 February. Read more...
It seems incredible that Hargreaves, now a regular in the national side, has never played at the home of English football. And yet, following United’s win over Spurs in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, Hargreaves told MUTV of his ambition to go all the way in this season’s competition.
“We’ll just take it game by game and we’ll focus on the next one once we know our opposition,” he said. “But hopefully we’ll get to Wembley. It’s still a long way away and there’s lots of football to be played.
“I’ve never played at Wembley before. I’ve sat on the bench for England once or twice and I was injured when United were there for the Community Shield last year. It would be nice if we could get there.”
There is a chance Hargreaves could fulfil his ambition of playing on the hallowed Wembley turf before May’s FA Cup final. If picked by new manager Fabio Capello, the former Bayern Munich midfielder could line up for England against Switzerland in a friendly match on Wednesday 6 February. Read more...
Park sings club's praises
Ji-sung Park has hailed United’s medical staff for their support during his nine-month spell on the sidelines.
The Korea winger admits he spent many “lonely” hours in the gym recovering from his knee injury, but says the club helped him to maintain a positive outlook.
“They encouraged me by making my rehabilitation exciting,” Park told ManUtd.com.
“They said a lot of good things like telling me that I would be back stronger than I had been before. That helped me concentrate on getting back – they really helped a lot.”
Park, who has made four energetic appearances since his Boxing Day comeback, revealed that frequent trips home to Korea also boosted his morale.
“I went home in the summer, and also for two weeks and then another week later," he continued. "That was really nice because it allowed me to see my family and friends. It allowed me to talk a lot and the mentality is very relaxed and quiet, and I felt so good there.
“I then had to come back to Manchester and start the rehabilitation training again, but mentally I was relaxed. That allowed me to concentrate again, so it definitely helped.” Read more...
The Korea winger admits he spent many “lonely” hours in the gym recovering from his knee injury, but says the club helped him to maintain a positive outlook.
“They encouraged me by making my rehabilitation exciting,” Park told ManUtd.com.
“They said a lot of good things like telling me that I would be back stronger than I had been before. That helped me concentrate on getting back – they really helped a lot.”
Park, who has made four energetic appearances since his Boxing Day comeback, revealed that frequent trips home to Korea also boosted his morale.
“I went home in the summer, and also for two weeks and then another week later," he continued. "That was really nice because it allowed me to see my family and friends. It allowed me to talk a lot and the mentality is very relaxed and quiet, and I felt so good there.
“I then had to come back to Manchester and start the rehabilitation training again, but mentally I was relaxed. That allowed me to concentrate again, so it definitely helped.” Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Hotspur Result Report
A goal from Carlos Tevez and yet another Cristiano Ronaldo brace sealed United’s spot in Monday’s FA Cup fifth round draw.
Tottenham Hotspur came to Old Trafford and put up a brave fight – and indeed took the lead – but the Reds’ patience paid off to keep alive dreams of another trip to the new Wembley.
Juande Ramos’ side were far from favourites going into this fixture, despite thumping Arsenal 5-1 on Tuesday in the Carling Cup semi final second leg. History had been against Tottenham on that occasion – it was their first victory over their North London rivals in nine years – but to not nearly the same extent as when they arrived in Manchester.
Without a win at Old Trafford since December 1989, Spurs have endured a horrible run on the Reds’ turf and, despite going in front through Robbie Keane on 24 minutes, now see that record stretched to 20 games.
The match started brightly, with both sides venturing forward at startling pace. Wayne Rooney had two half chances in the opening five minutes; he first failed by inches to reach Edwin van der Sar’s mammoth clearance before sweeping a low Ryan Giggs cross into the side-netting.
The visitors didn’t create any firm opportunities until Dimitar Berbatov's header was cleared off the line by Wayne Rooney in the 15th minute. They had, however, shown promising signs in the early stages, stretching the Reds’ defence on a number of occasions.
Without Nemanja Vidic, Wes Brown came inside to partner Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the back four, while John O’Shea slotted into the right back position.
Tottenham seemed to be allowing Cristiano Ronaldo a surprising amount of space in midfield and a minute before Berbatov’s header was nodded wide by Rooney, the Portuguese winger found himself unmarked 25 yards from goal.
With the crowd urging the no.7 to shoot, Ronaldo duly pulled the trigger but, unusually, his aim failed, the shot skewing wide of Radek Cerny’s right-hand post.
Tottenham took heart from Berbatov’s near miss and, spurred on by a raucous travelling support, took the lead through captain Robbie Keane. Aaron Lennon collected the ball wide on the right and, despite Patrice Evra’s close attention, found enough space beyond the Frenchman to tease a low ball across the Reds’ six-yard-box.
The cross eluded both Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand, but Robbie Keane stretched out a left boot to send the ball into the net and Tottenham into a shock lead.
United prodded and probed in search of a way back into the match but too often mislaid passes in vital areas of the pitch. Still, when Ryan Giggs forced Cerny to tip over a rasping half-volley on 37 minutes you sensed the Reds were getting closer. A minute later, Tevez met Ryan Giggs’ knockdown inside the box, fired hard and low with his left foot and the job was complete.
Former Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick then fired over from 20 yards as United looked to have wrestled momentum back from the visitors. But there was still time for a scare at the other end, as Jermaine Jenas forced a fine finger-tip save from van der Sar with half-time looming.
As the second half began, United fans were treated to the sight of Paul Scholes warming up on the touchline. The Reds' no.18 has been missing from action since 20 October and, although Sir Alex’s side has coped well enough in his absence, United without Scholes is akin to an orchestra without its conductor.
Out on the pitch, Aaron Lennon made life uncomfortable for Evra on the flank before clipping a cheeky cross onto the roof of the net. Jamie O’Hara then curled a free-kick past the post and Jermaine Jenas fluffed a golden chance in front of the Stretford End.
Last-ditch defending from Tottenham saved the visitors on a handful of occasions, although Ronaldo’s radar was again wayward just before the hour mark when he was sent through on goal.
Midfield maestro Scholes was introduced on 65 minutes and, with his first touch, sent a raking ball out to Ronaldo on the right flank. Penetrating and perfectly weighted, it was the kind of ball Scholes has played so many times throughout his career. Indeed, such skill from the 33-year-old is almost taken for granted these days. And yet, on this occasion, some three full months since he last pulled on United's red, it was met with rapturous applause from a capacity Old Trafford crowd.
An even louder cheer greeted referee Peter Walton's award of a penalty on 68 minutes when Michael Dawson deliberately used his arm to divert the ball from Rooney’s path. Occurring where it did, deep inside the Tottenham penalty area, Walton had little choice but to show Dawson the red card.
The delay while the Spurs defender trudged off the pitch did little to faze Cristiano Ronaldo, who calmly converted from 12 yards to give United the lead.
Although now trailing and reduced to 10 men, Tottenham pushed for an equaliser and threw on Jermaine Defoe with 10 minutes to play. It meant gaps appeared at the back from time to time, but the tactic almost paid off on 85 minutes when a curling cross saw Wes Brown deflect the ball onto the post.
The visitors may have felt they deserved an equaliser and it was a case of so near yet so far when Ronaldo’s shot squeezed underneath Radek Cerny a minute later to put the result beyond doubt.
The final scoreline may read 3-1 but it’s difficult to recall too many sterner tests at Old Trafford this season. Spurs were beaten but not outclassed.
United: Van der Sar; O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra (Simpson 90); Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Carrick (Scholes 65), Giggs; Rooney, Tevez (Anderson 81).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Nani.
Booked: Evra
Spurs: Cerny; Pyo-Lee (Gunter 59), Huddlestone, Dawson, O’Hara; Lennon (Boateng 72), Tainio (Defore 81), Jenas, Malbranque; Berbatov, Keane.
Subs not used: Robinson, Kaboul.
Attendance: 75,369. Read more...
Tottenham Hotspur came to Old Trafford and put up a brave fight – and indeed took the lead – but the Reds’ patience paid off to keep alive dreams of another trip to the new Wembley.
Juande Ramos’ side were far from favourites going into this fixture, despite thumping Arsenal 5-1 on Tuesday in the Carling Cup semi final second leg. History had been against Tottenham on that occasion – it was their first victory over their North London rivals in nine years – but to not nearly the same extent as when they arrived in Manchester.
Without a win at Old Trafford since December 1989, Spurs have endured a horrible run on the Reds’ turf and, despite going in front through Robbie Keane on 24 minutes, now see that record stretched to 20 games.
The match started brightly, with both sides venturing forward at startling pace. Wayne Rooney had two half chances in the opening five minutes; he first failed by inches to reach Edwin van der Sar’s mammoth clearance before sweeping a low Ryan Giggs cross into the side-netting.
The visitors didn’t create any firm opportunities until Dimitar Berbatov's header was cleared off the line by Wayne Rooney in the 15th minute. They had, however, shown promising signs in the early stages, stretching the Reds’ defence on a number of occasions.
Without Nemanja Vidic, Wes Brown came inside to partner Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the back four, while John O’Shea slotted into the right back position.
Tottenham seemed to be allowing Cristiano Ronaldo a surprising amount of space in midfield and a minute before Berbatov’s header was nodded wide by Rooney, the Portuguese winger found himself unmarked 25 yards from goal.
With the crowd urging the no.7 to shoot, Ronaldo duly pulled the trigger but, unusually, his aim failed, the shot skewing wide of Radek Cerny’s right-hand post.
Tottenham took heart from Berbatov’s near miss and, spurred on by a raucous travelling support, took the lead through captain Robbie Keane. Aaron Lennon collected the ball wide on the right and, despite Patrice Evra’s close attention, found enough space beyond the Frenchman to tease a low ball across the Reds’ six-yard-box.
The cross eluded both Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand, but Robbie Keane stretched out a left boot to send the ball into the net and Tottenham into a shock lead.
United prodded and probed in search of a way back into the match but too often mislaid passes in vital areas of the pitch. Still, when Ryan Giggs forced Cerny to tip over a rasping half-volley on 37 minutes you sensed the Reds were getting closer. A minute later, Tevez met Ryan Giggs’ knockdown inside the box, fired hard and low with his left foot and the job was complete.
Former Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick then fired over from 20 yards as United looked to have wrestled momentum back from the visitors. But there was still time for a scare at the other end, as Jermaine Jenas forced a fine finger-tip save from van der Sar with half-time looming.
As the second half began, United fans were treated to the sight of Paul Scholes warming up on the touchline. The Reds' no.18 has been missing from action since 20 October and, although Sir Alex’s side has coped well enough in his absence, United without Scholes is akin to an orchestra without its conductor.
Out on the pitch, Aaron Lennon made life uncomfortable for Evra on the flank before clipping a cheeky cross onto the roof of the net. Jamie O’Hara then curled a free-kick past the post and Jermaine Jenas fluffed a golden chance in front of the Stretford End.
Last-ditch defending from Tottenham saved the visitors on a handful of occasions, although Ronaldo’s radar was again wayward just before the hour mark when he was sent through on goal.
Midfield maestro Scholes was introduced on 65 minutes and, with his first touch, sent a raking ball out to Ronaldo on the right flank. Penetrating and perfectly weighted, it was the kind of ball Scholes has played so many times throughout his career. Indeed, such skill from the 33-year-old is almost taken for granted these days. And yet, on this occasion, some three full months since he last pulled on United's red, it was met with rapturous applause from a capacity Old Trafford crowd.
An even louder cheer greeted referee Peter Walton's award of a penalty on 68 minutes when Michael Dawson deliberately used his arm to divert the ball from Rooney’s path. Occurring where it did, deep inside the Tottenham penalty area, Walton had little choice but to show Dawson the red card.
The delay while the Spurs defender trudged off the pitch did little to faze Cristiano Ronaldo, who calmly converted from 12 yards to give United the lead.
Although now trailing and reduced to 10 men, Tottenham pushed for an equaliser and threw on Jermaine Defoe with 10 minutes to play. It meant gaps appeared at the back from time to time, but the tactic almost paid off on 85 minutes when a curling cross saw Wes Brown deflect the ball onto the post.
The visitors may have felt they deserved an equaliser and it was a case of so near yet so far when Ronaldo’s shot squeezed underneath Radek Cerny a minute later to put the result beyond doubt.
The final scoreline may read 3-1 but it’s difficult to recall too many sterner tests at Old Trafford this season. Spurs were beaten but not outclassed.
United: Van der Sar; O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra (Simpson 90); Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Carrick (Scholes 65), Giggs; Rooney, Tevez (Anderson 81).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Nani.
Booked: Evra
Spurs: Cerny; Pyo-Lee (Gunter 59), Huddlestone, Dawson, O’Hara; Lennon (Boateng 72), Tainio (Defore 81), Jenas, Malbranque; Berbatov, Keane.
Subs not used: Robinson, Kaboul.
Attendance: 75,369. Read more...
Dimitar Berbatov's United Dream
It's clear Dimitar Berbatov has the ability to play for Manchester United - but does he have the pace? Tottenham's top talent has been linked with Old Trafford longer than any Spurs fan would like. And the heavy hints that he would like to play for a 'top team' are being dropped for Sir Alex Ferguson to hear. But, while the big Bulgarian showed once again yesterday that he has the flair to light up the United stage, there are real doubts about whether he would fit in with the way Fergie plays.
Alan Nixon, Daily Mirror Read more...
Alan Nixon, Daily Mirror Read more...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Boss wary of buoyant Spurs
Tottenham will go into Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Old Trafford on the crest of a wave, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Juande Ramos’ side hammered bitter rivals Arsenal 5-1 on Tuesday to book a berth in the Carling Cup final, and the United manager expects the Londoners to be galvanised by their morale-boosting victory.
“You saw from their performance on Tuesday night, they’re on the up,” Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. “There’s an increase in their performances. The result on Tuesday will have them buoyed, there’s no question about that.
“It wasn’t Arsenal’s strongest team, but it was nevertheless an emphatic 5-1 victory. I thought Tottenham were better. They could have scored more goals. It was an emphatic victory and I don’t think Arsenal could complain about it.”
With Spurs improving by the week and goals usually at a premium when the two sides meet at Old Trafford, Sir Alex is wary of a tough test on Sunday.
“Funnily enough, the goalscoring statistics at Old Trafford aren’t great, they’re usually 1-0 or something like that,” he said. The goals are usually reserved for White Hart Lane, there have been some very big scores down the years.
“It’ll be tight cup tie again, I would think, but I can’t complain – I have a home draw in the FA Cup. What more can you ask for? You’ve got to perform, you can’t take things for granted and we don’t either. But our team is in good form.” Read more...
Juande Ramos’ side hammered bitter rivals Arsenal 5-1 on Tuesday to book a berth in the Carling Cup final, and the United manager expects the Londoners to be galvanised by their morale-boosting victory.
“You saw from their performance on Tuesday night, they’re on the up,” Sir Alex told his pre-match press conference. “There’s an increase in their performances. The result on Tuesday will have them buoyed, there’s no question about that.
“It wasn’t Arsenal’s strongest team, but it was nevertheless an emphatic 5-1 victory. I thought Tottenham were better. They could have scored more goals. It was an emphatic victory and I don’t think Arsenal could complain about it.”
With Spurs improving by the week and goals usually at a premium when the two sides meet at Old Trafford, Sir Alex is wary of a tough test on Sunday.
“Funnily enough, the goalscoring statistics at Old Trafford aren’t great, they’re usually 1-0 or something like that,” he said. The goals are usually reserved for White Hart Lane, there have been some very big scores down the years.
“It’ll be tight cup tie again, I would think, but I can’t complain – I have a home draw in the FA Cup. What more can you ask for? You’ve got to perform, you can’t take things for granted and we don’t either. But our team is in good form.” Read more...
Scholes touch and go for Sunday
After three months on the sidelines with a knee injury, Paul Scholes has an outside chance of playing a part in Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham.
The veteran midfield schemer has been training for the last month to build his fitness, and resumed competitive training with the rest of the first team squad on Friday.
“His rehabilitation went fantastically well, he’s been training fantastic the last four weeks on a physical and endurance side,” Sir Alex Ferguson told his weekly press conference.
“That’s all perfectly ok. It’s just a decision on how he comes through today’s training session. I don’t think he’ll be involved on Sunday, but he is a consideration simply because he’s such a great player.
“He could be on the bench, it really depends on how he comes through today. Other than that, I’m sure he’ll be involved against Portsmouth.”
If the decision were down to Scholes himself, there’s no doubt he would be lining up against Juande Ramos’ side, according to the United manager.
“He’s champing at the bit, as you would expect with him,” said Sir Alex. “All week he’s been begging the coaches for a game. But we’ve adhered to the guidance from our specialists and the 24th (of January) was his deadline on the medical side.”
While Scholes is itching to play some part against Spurs, Sunday’s match comes too soon for Louis Saha and Gary Neville. Striker Saha should be ready for action in time for Manchester City’s visit early next month, while club captain Neville begins training again this Saturday.
With Scholes' return imminent, however, Sir Alex is in no doubt that his squad will benefit immensely from having the midfielder back in action.
"He’s a great player," he said. "At this time of the season he’s going to bring his experience, because we’re going into the tricky part of the season, the important part. We’ve got 15 league games left, hopefully we’ve got a few European ties and FA Cup ties left. Him coming back fresh at this time of the season is brilliant for us.
"It happened when he was out with the eye injury. He came back and the season he had last season was fantastic after it. So we’re very buoyed by Paul coming back, it’s almost like a new signing at a very important time with the Champions League and FA Cup starting." Read more...
The veteran midfield schemer has been training for the last month to build his fitness, and resumed competitive training with the rest of the first team squad on Friday.
“His rehabilitation went fantastically well, he’s been training fantastic the last four weeks on a physical and endurance side,” Sir Alex Ferguson told his weekly press conference.
“That’s all perfectly ok. It’s just a decision on how he comes through today’s training session. I don’t think he’ll be involved on Sunday, but he is a consideration simply because he’s such a great player.
“He could be on the bench, it really depends on how he comes through today. Other than that, I’m sure he’ll be involved against Portsmouth.”
If the decision were down to Scholes himself, there’s no doubt he would be lining up against Juande Ramos’ side, according to the United manager.
“He’s champing at the bit, as you would expect with him,” said Sir Alex. “All week he’s been begging the coaches for a game. But we’ve adhered to the guidance from our specialists and the 24th (of January) was his deadline on the medical side.”
While Scholes is itching to play some part against Spurs, Sunday’s match comes too soon for Louis Saha and Gary Neville. Striker Saha should be ready for action in time for Manchester City’s visit early next month, while club captain Neville begins training again this Saturday.
With Scholes' return imminent, however, Sir Alex is in no doubt that his squad will benefit immensely from having the midfielder back in action.
"He’s a great player," he said. "At this time of the season he’s going to bring his experience, because we’re going into the tricky part of the season, the important part. We’ve got 15 league games left, hopefully we’ve got a few European ties and FA Cup ties left. Him coming back fresh at this time of the season is brilliant for us.
"It happened when he was out with the eye injury. He came back and the season he had last season was fantastic after it. So we’re very buoyed by Paul coming back, it’s almost like a new signing at a very important time with the Champions League and FA Cup starting." Read more...
Owen: Onus is on us
Owen Hargreaves says United must make home advantage count in Sunday's FA Cup fourth tie against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Having faced Premier League opposition in every round of the competition last season, including the final, the Reds are once again up against a top flight opponent having already successfully by-passed Aston Villa in the third round.
Hargreaves, who is set to feature on Sunday, would love the opportunity to help United book their place at Wembley in this season's tournament, but says the players must first focus on getting past a Spurs side buoyed by their Carling Cup semi-final win in mid-week.
"To play at Wembley against one of the top teams would be brilliant. But we will take step by step, focus on Tottenham and take it from there," he told MUTV.
"They have some fabulous players and I think it is just a case of them trying to find the right balance.
"I look forward to every game and the atmosphere against Tottenham will be exceptional. As it is a home game for us, it becomes a must-win situation." Read more...
Having faced Premier League opposition in every round of the competition last season, including the final, the Reds are once again up against a top flight opponent having already successfully by-passed Aston Villa in the third round.
Hargreaves, who is set to feature on Sunday, would love the opportunity to help United book their place at Wembley in this season's tournament, but says the players must first focus on getting past a Spurs side buoyed by their Carling Cup semi-final win in mid-week.
"To play at Wembley against one of the top teams would be brilliant. But we will take step by step, focus on Tottenham and take it from there," he told MUTV.
"They have some fabulous players and I think it is just a case of them trying to find the right balance.
"I look forward to every game and the atmosphere against Tottenham will be exceptional. As it is a home game for us, it becomes a must-win situation." Read more...
Fabio will cap Becks, says Fergie
Sir Alex Ferguson has backed calls for David Beckham to be awarded his 100th England cap. The pair have long made up since Becks’ bitter departure from Manchester United. And former boss Fergie said: “To deny him his 100th cap would not be right and I think Fabio Capello has made up his mind about that. In fact, I don’t think there is any doubt about that.” Becks, 32, will reach that milestone if he plays in the Switzerland friendly at Wembley on February 6.
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Fergie Blast For Yanks
Alex Ferguson says Liverpool’s American owners lack class for undermining Kop boss Rafa Benitez. Manchester United chief Fergie said: “At big clubs it is paramount that the board shows its class. Big clubs should be seen to be big clubs.” Yanks Tom Hicks and George Gillett approached Jurgen Klinsmann about taking Benitez’s job. And Ferguson added: “That was a bad piece of business on Liverpool’s part, no doubt about that. That sort of thing can be very upsetting for a manager. In a moment like that, Rafa must feel very alone.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Welbeck potential excites ex-Red
Former United defender Arthur Albiston has tipped Danny Welbeck to become a first-team regular after his impressive 25-minute appearance in Saudi Arabia.
Despite missing a penalty, the Mancunian’s assured display raised hopes he can become the first homegrown striker to make the grade at senior level since Mark Hughes.
MUTV pundit Albiston has seen Welbeck making waves in the Reserves and Academy this season, and he is convinced the 17-year-old will soon feature in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans.
Albiston said: "Danny has the ability to drag the ball past defenders. He has a languid style and you might think, at first look, that he is not quick. But, believe me, he is.
"Often tall players don't look comfortable on the ball and their control doesn't appear great. But Danny is a really smooth mover, is confident on the ball and has great control.
"He can beat defenders using either foot and has a very nice unflustered temperament. He gets knocked about a lot but he just gets up and gets on with it.
"United have the likes of Rooney and Tevez who are low centre of gravity, powerful players. If Danny progresses as he should, he could offer another option."
Arthur Albiston was quoted in the Manchester Evening News. Read more...
Despite missing a penalty, the Mancunian’s assured display raised hopes he can become the first homegrown striker to make the grade at senior level since Mark Hughes.
MUTV pundit Albiston has seen Welbeck making waves in the Reserves and Academy this season, and he is convinced the 17-year-old will soon feature in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans.
Albiston said: "Danny has the ability to drag the ball past defenders. He has a languid style and you might think, at first look, that he is not quick. But, believe me, he is.
"Often tall players don't look comfortable on the ball and their control doesn't appear great. But Danny is a really smooth mover, is confident on the ball and has great control.
"He can beat defenders using either foot and has a very nice unflustered temperament. He gets knocked about a lot but he just gets up and gets on with it.
"United have the likes of Rooney and Tevez who are low centre of gravity, powerful players. If Danny progresses as he should, he could offer another option."
Arthur Albiston was quoted in the Manchester Evening News. Read more...
Anderson handed Brazil boost
Reds midfielder Anderson has been called up to Brazil’s squad for February’s international friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
The 19-year-old has been in superb form in his first season with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and has played his way into the plans of Brazil manager Dunga.
The 22-man squad to play in Dublin is comprised largely of young talents, with Dunga keen to give youth a chance ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games.
"I named players of Olympic age before," he said. "It's important for them to gain experience in the national team environment.
"The upcoming games will be useful to keep watching the men who can play in Beijing."
Anderson has not featured for Brazil since a brief cameo at last summer’s triumphant Copa America campaign. Read more...
The 19-year-old has been in superb form in his first season with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, and has played his way into the plans of Brazil manager Dunga.
The 22-man squad to play in Dublin is comprised largely of young talents, with Dunga keen to give youth a chance ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games.
"I named players of Olympic age before," he said. "It's important for them to gain experience in the national team environment.
"The upcoming games will be useful to keep watching the men who can play in Beijing."
Anderson has not featured for Brazil since a brief cameo at last summer’s triumphant Copa America campaign. Read more...
Manucho Goncalves Video Clip
Prospective United striker Manucho scored a superb goal in his first African Cup of Nations appearance as Angola drew with South Africa on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old, who will join United if his work permit application is successful, gave his side the lead in exceptional style, powering home a brilliant diving header after 30 minutes.
Just as the Angolans seemed set to make a winning start to the tournament, however, South Africa equalised with three minutes remaining through Elrio van Heerden.
The result, allied to Tunisia's draw with Senegal, leaves all four teams in Group D level on a solitary point from the opening round of games.
Read more...
The 24-year-old, who will join United if his work permit application is successful, gave his side the lead in exceptional style, powering home a brilliant diving header after 30 minutes.
Just as the Angolans seemed set to make a winning start to the tournament, however, South Africa equalised with three minutes remaining through Elrio van Heerden.
The result, allied to Tunisia's draw with Senegal, leaves all four teams in Group D level on a solitary point from the opening round of games.
Read more...
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Hargreaves: I'm fully fit
Owen Hargreaves is determined to play in every game until the end of the season.
The summer signing from Bayern Munich has been in and out of Sir Alex’s side since his arrival at Old Trafford, largely due to niggling knee injuries.
But the 27-year-old told the Manchester Evening News he now feels fully fit.
“The game against Reading was the best and strongest I have felt in weeks,” Hargreaves said. “It was good to be back. I feel positive and optimistic now. I’m looking forward to the next three of four months because I think Manchester United can have a fabulous season. I want to play every game.”
The England international played 45 minutes in Monday night’s exhibition match in Saudi Arabia and appeared to suffer no ill effects. Of course, that game was played at low intensity, a far cry from the rigours of the Barclays Premier League.
“It’s a different environment for me [playing in England],” Hargreaves admitted. “It’s a different climate, there are different pitches, different services and staff at the club to get used to.
“Maybe the body has to get used to all those changes. The physical intensity of the English league may have had something to do with [my injuries at the start of this season]… perhaps I needed to adjust to it, having played in Germany.
“It will be nice from now on to play with the lads day in and day out. At the beginning of the season I would play and then not train all week. That’s no good for anybody.
“I’m really happy to be feeling good again. We have big goals this season and are going to need everyone.” Read more...
The summer signing from Bayern Munich has been in and out of Sir Alex’s side since his arrival at Old Trafford, largely due to niggling knee injuries.
But the 27-year-old told the Manchester Evening News he now feels fully fit.
“The game against Reading was the best and strongest I have felt in weeks,” Hargreaves said. “It was good to be back. I feel positive and optimistic now. I’m looking forward to the next three of four months because I think Manchester United can have a fabulous season. I want to play every game.”
The England international played 45 minutes in Monday night’s exhibition match in Saudi Arabia and appeared to suffer no ill effects. Of course, that game was played at low intensity, a far cry from the rigours of the Barclays Premier League.
“It’s a different environment for me [playing in England],” Hargreaves admitted. “It’s a different climate, there are different pitches, different services and staff at the club to get used to.
“Maybe the body has to get used to all those changes. The physical intensity of the English league may have had something to do with [my injuries at the start of this season]… perhaps I needed to adjust to it, having played in Germany.
“It will be nice from now on to play with the lads day in and day out. At the beginning of the season I would play and then not train all week. That’s no good for anybody.
“I’m really happy to be feeling good again. We have big goals this season and are going to need everyone.” Read more...
United reject applause idea
United have dismissed suggestions there could be a minute's applause at Old Trafford when fans mark 50 years since the Munich tragedy.
Tuesday's papers report opposition fans have urged the Reds not to hold a minute's silence before the Manchester City match on Sunday 10 February - the nearest fixture to the anniversary - because of fears the tribute may be disrupted by a dissenting minority.
But Phil Townsend, United's communications director, told us today:
"Manchester United have given great thought to the best way of remembering those who died at Munich. We feel a minute’s silence is the most appropriate way of paying tribute.
"We do not feel that applause is appropriate given that 23 people died.”
A number of tributes are planned for the City match. For example, the two sides will wear special kit that will not feature the clubs' sponsors. Read more...
Tuesday's papers report opposition fans have urged the Reds not to hold a minute's silence before the Manchester City match on Sunday 10 February - the nearest fixture to the anniversary - because of fears the tribute may be disrupted by a dissenting minority.
But Phil Townsend, United's communications director, told us today:
"Manchester United have given great thought to the best way of remembering those who died at Munich. We feel a minute’s silence is the most appropriate way of paying tribute.
"We do not feel that applause is appropriate given that 23 people died.”
A number of tributes are planned for the City match. For example, the two sides will wear special kit that will not feature the clubs' sponsors. Read more...
Al Jaber Testimonial Match - Al Hilal Vs Manchester United Result Report
An acrobatic overhead kick proved the difference in Riyadh as United’s exhibition match against Al Hilal ended in a 3-2 defeat.
Bader Al-Kharashi scored the spectacular winner on 73 minutes in a game to honour Saudi Arabia’s most famous footballer, Sami Al Jaber.
Jaber, 35, represented Saudi Arabia at four World Cup finals and scored in three. His club career, which began in 1988 and ended only this season, has been spent entirely at Al Hilal, except for a four-game spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2001.
Despite United’s impending heavy fixture load, Sir Alex remained true to his word and sent out a strong team in the impressive King Fahd Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the fans’ favourite, drawing cheers and whistles of admiration with every touch. He dazzled in the early minutes with fancy footwork but failed to test Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea with a long-range strike.
It was the home side who came closest to opening the scoring on seven minutes when Yasser Al Qahtani beat the Reds’ offside trap and teased Edwin van der Sar to the right-hand side of his area. With the Dutchman stranded, Al Qahtani crossed into the middle but the ball was just too high for the man of the moment, Al Jaber, who failed to meet the cross.
The execution may not have been perfect but the move sent out a clear statement of intent: the Saudis were not about to lie down and let United steal all the headlines. That message was rammed home on 19 minutes when Al Hilal took a shock lead, albeit slightly fortuitously when Al Qahtani capitalised on a ricochet off Rio Ferdinand to fire past van der Sar.
The lead didn’t last long, however, and United turned defence into attack with trademark speed on 25 minutes. Seconds after Ferdinand had put his body on the line to block another Al Hilal shot, Ronaldo was riding a challenge in the centre circle before releasing Carlos Tevez through the middle. Tevez, one on one with Al-Deayea, made the finish look easy as he slotted the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper with his left foot.
The 1-1 scoreline reflected the balance of play, although neither side had really broken sweat. Testimonial matches are rarely played at the highest intensity and this was no exception. Few tackles were felt at full force, with Ronaldo allowed to display his full repertoire of tricks and flicks.
After setting up United’s equaliser, the Reds’ no.7 got on the scoresheet himself just after the half-hour mark when he met Nani’s corner with a firm header at the near post.
Sir Alex’s men would have gone into the break 2-1 up had the referee not awarded Al Hilal a highly dubious penalty on 38 minutes. Not that anybody seemed to mind. In fact, even the United boss was smiling when he realised the decision was engineered, it seemed, in order to give Sami Al Jaber the opportunity to score in his own testimonial.
It had been an innocuous challenge from Rio Ferdinand but Al Jaber was emphatic with his finish from the spot, sending substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way and the ball into the top corner. The 70,000 who had gathered in the King Fahd Stadium to pay tribute to Al Jaber’s career erupted with delight, their hero savouring every moment of applause.
Sir Alex made four changes at half-time, the most unpopular of which was Ronaldo’s withdrawal. The trade-off, however, was the introduction of Wayne Rooney, another favourite among the Saudi Arabian fans. Owen Hargreaves, Ji-sung Park and Nemanja Vidic were also granted time on the pitch, with Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez rested.
There was more penalty drama early in the second half when John O’Shea was adjudged to have brought down Al Jaber, although replays showed only the slightest of touches. Al Jaber, presented with a chance to score his second from the spot, passed on the opportunity, graciously allowing team-mate Mohamed Al Shalhoub to take the kick.
Shalhoub stepped forward and duly found the net, but the bizarre award of the penalty was nothing compared to the official’s even stranger request for it to be re-taken. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Shalhoub lacked composure the second time around, screwing his shot wide of Tomasz Kuszczak’s post.
And then came the moment Saudi football fans never wanted to see. Fifty-six minutes into the game, the fourth official held up the number nine and brought an end to Sami Al Jaber’s night. In the stands supporters stood and voiced their appreciation, while hugs and kisses abounded on the pitch.
Sir Alex made his own significant substitution on 65 minutes when 17-year-old Danny Welbeck has handed a taste of first-team action. Just last week, Welbeck was playing for United’s Academy side; here he was in Saudi Arabia performing in front of 70,000 fans.
Welbeck showed some assured touches on the ball and almost found the net with a smart header on 86 minutes.
Before that, Wayne Rooney went within inches of giving United the lead. Owen Hargreaves missed a free header in front of goal, but the ball hit Rooney at the back post and looked destined for the net until a goal-line intervention kept the score at 2-2.
The scoreboard operators were spared on that occasion but were called into action on 73 minutes when Bader Al-Kharashi secured the win. A looping header across goal seemed to pose little danger to the Reds’ defence until Al-Karashi launched himself into the air and executed a terrific overhead kick that flew into the bottom corner.
Danny Welbeck had a chance in the final minute to level the scores but the youngster blazed over from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the area. Had he scored, Welbeck would have been hugely unpopular for the night belonged to Sami Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia's favourite footballing son.
United: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 30, Heaton 65); Simpson, Ferdinand (Vidic 46), O'Shea, Evra (Hargreaves 46); Eagles, Fletcher, Anderson (Welbeck 65), Nani; Ronaldo (Park 46), Tevez (Rooney 46)
Subs not used: Brown Read more...
Bader Al-Kharashi scored the spectacular winner on 73 minutes in a game to honour Saudi Arabia’s most famous footballer, Sami Al Jaber.
Jaber, 35, represented Saudi Arabia at four World Cup finals and scored in three. His club career, which began in 1988 and ended only this season, has been spent entirely at Al Hilal, except for a four-game spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2001.
Despite United’s impending heavy fixture load, Sir Alex remained true to his word and sent out a strong team in the impressive King Fahd Stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo was undoubtedly the fans’ favourite, drawing cheers and whistles of admiration with every touch. He dazzled in the early minutes with fancy footwork but failed to test Al Hilal goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Deayea with a long-range strike.
It was the home side who came closest to opening the scoring on seven minutes when Yasser Al Qahtani beat the Reds’ offside trap and teased Edwin van der Sar to the right-hand side of his area. With the Dutchman stranded, Al Qahtani crossed into the middle but the ball was just too high for the man of the moment, Al Jaber, who failed to meet the cross.
The execution may not have been perfect but the move sent out a clear statement of intent: the Saudis were not about to lie down and let United steal all the headlines. That message was rammed home on 19 minutes when Al Hilal took a shock lead, albeit slightly fortuitously when Al Qahtani capitalised on a ricochet off Rio Ferdinand to fire past van der Sar.
The lead didn’t last long, however, and United turned defence into attack with trademark speed on 25 minutes. Seconds after Ferdinand had put his body on the line to block another Al Hilal shot, Ronaldo was riding a challenge in the centre circle before releasing Carlos Tevez through the middle. Tevez, one on one with Al-Deayea, made the finish look easy as he slotted the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper with his left foot.
The 1-1 scoreline reflected the balance of play, although neither side had really broken sweat. Testimonial matches are rarely played at the highest intensity and this was no exception. Few tackles were felt at full force, with Ronaldo allowed to display his full repertoire of tricks and flicks.
After setting up United’s equaliser, the Reds’ no.7 got on the scoresheet himself just after the half-hour mark when he met Nani’s corner with a firm header at the near post.
Sir Alex’s men would have gone into the break 2-1 up had the referee not awarded Al Hilal a highly dubious penalty on 38 minutes. Not that anybody seemed to mind. In fact, even the United boss was smiling when he realised the decision was engineered, it seemed, in order to give Sami Al Jaber the opportunity to score in his own testimonial.
It had been an innocuous challenge from Rio Ferdinand but Al Jaber was emphatic with his finish from the spot, sending substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way and the ball into the top corner. The 70,000 who had gathered in the King Fahd Stadium to pay tribute to Al Jaber’s career erupted with delight, their hero savouring every moment of applause.
Sir Alex made four changes at half-time, the most unpopular of which was Ronaldo’s withdrawal. The trade-off, however, was the introduction of Wayne Rooney, another favourite among the Saudi Arabian fans. Owen Hargreaves, Ji-sung Park and Nemanja Vidic were also granted time on the pitch, with Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez rested.
There was more penalty drama early in the second half when John O’Shea was adjudged to have brought down Al Jaber, although replays showed only the slightest of touches. Al Jaber, presented with a chance to score his second from the spot, passed on the opportunity, graciously allowing team-mate Mohamed Al Shalhoub to take the kick.
Shalhoub stepped forward and duly found the net, but the bizarre award of the penalty was nothing compared to the official’s even stranger request for it to be re-taken. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Shalhoub lacked composure the second time around, screwing his shot wide of Tomasz Kuszczak’s post.
And then came the moment Saudi football fans never wanted to see. Fifty-six minutes into the game, the fourth official held up the number nine and brought an end to Sami Al Jaber’s night. In the stands supporters stood and voiced their appreciation, while hugs and kisses abounded on the pitch.
Sir Alex made his own significant substitution on 65 minutes when 17-year-old Danny Welbeck has handed a taste of first-team action. Just last week, Welbeck was playing for United’s Academy side; here he was in Saudi Arabia performing in front of 70,000 fans.
Welbeck showed some assured touches on the ball and almost found the net with a smart header on 86 minutes.
Before that, Wayne Rooney went within inches of giving United the lead. Owen Hargreaves missed a free header in front of goal, but the ball hit Rooney at the back post and looked destined for the net until a goal-line intervention kept the score at 2-2.
The scoreboard operators were spared on that occasion but were called into action on 73 minutes when Bader Al-Kharashi secured the win. A looping header across goal seemed to pose little danger to the Reds’ defence until Al-Karashi launched himself into the air and executed a terrific overhead kick that flew into the bottom corner.
Danny Welbeck had a chance in the final minute to level the scores but the youngster blazed over from the penalty spot after being brought down inside the area. Had he scored, Welbeck would have been hugely unpopular for the night belonged to Sami Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia's favourite footballing son.
United: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 30, Heaton 65); Simpson, Ferdinand (Vidic 46), O'Shea, Evra (Hargreaves 46); Eagles, Fletcher, Anderson (Welbeck 65), Nani; Ronaldo (Park 46), Tevez (Rooney 46)
Subs not used: Brown Read more...
City plea to scrap silence for Munich
Manchester United have been urged not to hold a minute's silence at the Munich memorial match at Old Trafford - by fans from visiting rivals Manchester City. City fear a minority of their followers are intent on ruining proposed tributes at the Manchester derby to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people. Such is the concern a planned tribute could be marred that the official City Supporters' Club have written to United and urged them instead to have a minute's applause.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
Monday, January 21, 2008
Ryan Giggs
Birthdate: 29 Nov 1973
Birthplace: Cardiff, Wales
Position: Midfielder
Joined United: 09 Jul 1990
United Debut: 02 Mar 1991 v Everton (H)
International Wales
Honours
Club
Manchester United (1990-present)
* FA Premier League - Champion (9): 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07
* FA Premier League - Runner Up: 1994-95, 1997-98, 2005-06
* FA Youth Cup Winner: 1992
* FA Cup Winner (4): 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
* FA Cup Runner Up: 1995, 2005, 2007
* League Cup Winner (2): 1992, 2006
* League Cup Runner Up: 1994, 2003
* Community Shield Winner (6): 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2003, 2007
* Community Shield Runner Up: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004
* UEFA Champions League Winner: 1998-99
* UEFA Super Cup Winner: 1991
* UEFA Super Cup Runner Up: 1999
* Intercontinental Cup: 1999
Individual
* Barclays Premiership Player of the Month: August, 2006, February 2007.
* Intercontinental Cup Man of the Match: 1999
* Manchester United Players Player of the Year Award: 2005/2006[citation needed]
* U-21 European Footballer of the Year: (1993)[citation needed]
* Wales Player of the Year Award: 1996, 2006
* Inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame: 2005
* Inducted into the Premiership Team of the Decade: 2003[citation needed]
* Inducted into the FA Challenge Cup Team of the Century: 2006[citation needed]
* Only Manchester United player to have played in all 9 Premiership title winning teams; also a record of English title holders overall
* Only Manchester United player to have played in both League Cup winning teams
* Only player to have scored in 12 consecutive Champions League tournaments
* Along with Gary Speed, the only player have scored in every Premier League campaign since its inception
* Member of PFA Team of the Year: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2001, 2007
* OBE for services to football
Read more...
Great David Beckham and Ryan Giggs Video Clip
This is great compilation video of the great wingers in the history of Manchester United.
Read more...
Read more...
Fergie denies gesture
Sir Alex Ferguson last night denied deliberately making an abusive gesture towards Reading fans during Manchester United's 2-0 weekend win. The United boss faces trial by television after allegedly goading Reading supporters in his over-zealous celebrations that followed Cristiano Ronaldo's decisive stoppage-time goal at the Stadium. Fergie had been involved in a touchline bust-up with Reading assistant boss Wally Downes after the fourth official decided on four additional minutes, with United clinging to a one-goal advantage. But last night, after United touched down in Riyah for today's testimonial for former Saudia Arabia international Sami Al-Jaber, Fergie protested his innocence and denied he had done anything to purposefully antagonise the Reading fans. "All I was doing was expressing my relief at winning what was one of our hardest games of the season," he said.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Boss relieved after Reading test
Sir Alex Ferguson was as relieved as anyone to hear the final whistle at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, having watched his side make hard work of a 2-0 win over Reading.
Wayne Rooney scored 13 minutes from time, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding a second in injury time. But it was by no means comfortable, Reading caused United problems all afternoon and never gave in.
“By the end we were quite happy to get through it,” admitted Sir Alex afterwards.
“Considering the number of opportunities we had, maybe our decision-making in the final third of the field wasn’t at its best. We kept making chances, but you do start to worry when the game goes on and you haven’t scored.
“You worry whether you’re going to get the goal, and it took a lovely flick from Wayne to get us in front. Credit to Reading they kept going at us. They really do make you work.”
Both sides set out with an attacking agenda, which made for an end-to-end encounter.
“It was a really open match,” added Sir Alex. “It really needed an early goal, which could have led to a lot of goals in that game. We got the goal at the right time and managed to hold on to get through.
“I wasn’t sure how Reading were going to approach it. When I saw their line-up I knew they were going gung-ho. The opportunities they had, they had a go for it.
“Kitson gave us a lot of problems, but in the main it was down to our own attacking play, which wasn’t at its best today. With a bit more care in the last third we would maybe have scored more.” Read more...
Wayne Rooney scored 13 minutes from time, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding a second in injury time. But it was by no means comfortable, Reading caused United problems all afternoon and never gave in.
“By the end we were quite happy to get through it,” admitted Sir Alex afterwards.
“Considering the number of opportunities we had, maybe our decision-making in the final third of the field wasn’t at its best. We kept making chances, but you do start to worry when the game goes on and you haven’t scored.
“You worry whether you’re going to get the goal, and it took a lovely flick from Wayne to get us in front. Credit to Reading they kept going at us. They really do make you work.”
Both sides set out with an attacking agenda, which made for an end-to-end encounter.
“It was a really open match,” added Sir Alex. “It really needed an early goal, which could have led to a lot of goals in that game. We got the goal at the right time and managed to hold on to get through.
“I wasn’t sure how Reading were going to approach it. When I saw their line-up I knew they were going gung-ho. The opportunities they had, they had a go for it.
“Kitson gave us a lot of problems, but in the main it was down to our own attacking play, which wasn’t at its best today. With a bit more care in the last third we would maybe have scored more.” Read more...
Reading Vs. Manchester United Result Report
United remain top of the Premier League but the Reds made things difficult for themselves at the Madejski Stadium, leaving it late for Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to seal a 2-0 victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson will not have been thankful for his side’s profligacy in front of goal for much of the match, especially against a side of Reading’s energy, enthusiasm and unwillingness to give in.
It took 77 minutes for Rooney to put United in front with an expert flicked finish, but it should have been far more straightforward. Ronaldo’s goal deep in injury time confirmed victory, although this was a win that tested the nerves.
The game was wide open in the first ten minutes, with United picking up where they left off in the second half against Newcastle creating chance after chance.
Inside the first minute Carlos Tevez and Rooney linked up to play in Ronaldo on the right, and the Portuguese winger’s low shot was only narrowly wide.
The Reds still had to be sharp at the opposite end when Leroy Lita got in behind Rio Ferdinand after ten minutes. Edwin van der Sar saved the Royals striker’s shot, and Nemanja Vidic's brilliantly-timed sliding tackle stopped Dave Kitson passing the rebound into an empty net.
Seconds later Ronaldo sent another shot fizzing past the post, before Rooney and Tevez again combined with the Argentina international firing narrowly wide.
Sir Alex’s men rarely face teams that play an open game; it’s far more common to come up against rigidly stubborn resistance than Reading’s have-a-go outlook. Some could say it was a brave decision by Steve Coppell, simply because it can play into United’s hands.
Owen Hargreaves, making only his 11th league start, was the latest to have a go, this time from a set-piece. Ronaldo was hacked down, central to the goal, 25 yards out. Hargreaves arced in his shot, which Marcus Hahnemann brilliantly turned behind for a corner.
Reading weren’t without their moments. A weak van der Sar clearance was very nearly punished by Kitson, whose 40-yard shot had to be headed clear by Ferdinand, with Edwin stranded out of his goal.
However, as against Newcastle, United could find a way through before the interval and faced a second-half searching for a way to break their opponents down.
Two minutes after the restart, United almost got a similar response to the one against Newcastle. From a corner taken by Ryan Giggs, on for Ji-sung Park at half-time, Kitson almost headed into his own goal, but Hahnemann saved the Reading striker’s blushes.
After an hour Ronaldo had a chance to score his 23rd goal of the season. Rio burst into the box and squared the ball across goal, but it bobbled just as Ronaldo went to shoot and his shot was sent skyward. United’s frustrations continued.
Sir Alex’s side played some good, penetrative football early in the second half, but the final, crucial touch was proving elusive.
The longer the game went on the greater the feeling that Reading would deny United three points. But with little more than ten minutes left, that changed with a moment of sheer brilliance.
Tevez received the ball 35 yards from goal and picked out Rooney’s run into the box. The striker allowed the ball to drop over his left shoulder before expertly guiding the ball past Hahnemann. It was as much relief as joy for the Reds.
Carrick and Ronaldo both had chances to wrap up all three points. Carrick failed to latch onto Nani’s neat pull-back from the byline, while Ronaldo was denied one-on-one by Hahnemann.
Reading kept pushing for an equaliser and there were some desperate moments during the four minutes of added time, which ended with a United breakaway and Ronaldo running the full length of the pitch to dispatch his 23rd goal of the season.
Three points and a goal each for Rooney and Ronaldo: sounds like business as usual. But it certainly wasn’t done the easy way.
Team Line-ups
Reading: Hahnemann; Murty (c), Cisse, Ingimarsson, Shorey; Doyle, Harper, Hunt, Convey (Matejovsky 79); Lita (Long 83), Kitson.
Sub not used: Federici, De la Cruz, Rosenior.
Booked: Convey
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Nani 70), Carrick, Park (Giggs 46); Tevez (Fletcher 79), Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O’Shea.
Booked: Ferdinand Read more...
Sir Alex Ferguson will not have been thankful for his side’s profligacy in front of goal for much of the match, especially against a side of Reading’s energy, enthusiasm and unwillingness to give in.
It took 77 minutes for Rooney to put United in front with an expert flicked finish, but it should have been far more straightforward. Ronaldo’s goal deep in injury time confirmed victory, although this was a win that tested the nerves.
The game was wide open in the first ten minutes, with United picking up where they left off in the second half against Newcastle creating chance after chance.
Inside the first minute Carlos Tevez and Rooney linked up to play in Ronaldo on the right, and the Portuguese winger’s low shot was only narrowly wide.
The Reds still had to be sharp at the opposite end when Leroy Lita got in behind Rio Ferdinand after ten minutes. Edwin van der Sar saved the Royals striker’s shot, and Nemanja Vidic's brilliantly-timed sliding tackle stopped Dave Kitson passing the rebound into an empty net.
Seconds later Ronaldo sent another shot fizzing past the post, before Rooney and Tevez again combined with the Argentina international firing narrowly wide.
Sir Alex’s men rarely face teams that play an open game; it’s far more common to come up against rigidly stubborn resistance than Reading’s have-a-go outlook. Some could say it was a brave decision by Steve Coppell, simply because it can play into United’s hands.
Owen Hargreaves, making only his 11th league start, was the latest to have a go, this time from a set-piece. Ronaldo was hacked down, central to the goal, 25 yards out. Hargreaves arced in his shot, which Marcus Hahnemann brilliantly turned behind for a corner.
Reading weren’t without their moments. A weak van der Sar clearance was very nearly punished by Kitson, whose 40-yard shot had to be headed clear by Ferdinand, with Edwin stranded out of his goal.
However, as against Newcastle, United could find a way through before the interval and faced a second-half searching for a way to break their opponents down.
Two minutes after the restart, United almost got a similar response to the one against Newcastle. From a corner taken by Ryan Giggs, on for Ji-sung Park at half-time, Kitson almost headed into his own goal, but Hahnemann saved the Reading striker’s blushes.
After an hour Ronaldo had a chance to score his 23rd goal of the season. Rio burst into the box and squared the ball across goal, but it bobbled just as Ronaldo went to shoot and his shot was sent skyward. United’s frustrations continued.
Sir Alex’s side played some good, penetrative football early in the second half, but the final, crucial touch was proving elusive.
The longer the game went on the greater the feeling that Reading would deny United three points. But with little more than ten minutes left, that changed with a moment of sheer brilliance.
Tevez received the ball 35 yards from goal and picked out Rooney’s run into the box. The striker allowed the ball to drop over his left shoulder before expertly guiding the ball past Hahnemann. It was as much relief as joy for the Reds.
Carrick and Ronaldo both had chances to wrap up all three points. Carrick failed to latch onto Nani’s neat pull-back from the byline, while Ronaldo was denied one-on-one by Hahnemann.
Reading kept pushing for an equaliser and there were some desperate moments during the four minutes of added time, which ended with a United breakaway and Ronaldo running the full length of the pitch to dispatch his 23rd goal of the season.
Three points and a goal each for Rooney and Ronaldo: sounds like business as usual. But it certainly wasn’t done the easy way.
Team Line-ups
Reading: Hahnemann; Murty (c), Cisse, Ingimarsson, Shorey; Doyle, Harper, Hunt, Convey (Matejovsky 79); Lita (Long 83), Kitson.
Sub not used: Federici, De la Cruz, Rosenior.
Booked: Convey
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Nani 70), Carrick, Park (Giggs 46); Tevez (Fletcher 79), Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O’Shea.
Booked: Ferdinand Read more...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Reading Vs. Manchester United Match Preview
Paul Scholes could make a dramatic return to action for Manchester United against Tottenham in the FA Cup. The 33-year-old midfielder is set to resume full training on Thursday after a knee operation. Scholes last figured for United in October but could be in the squad for the cup tie at Old Trafford a week on Sunday if all goes well.Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said: ``Paul might be back on Thursday if he gets the all clear from the medical staff.
``We are very pleased with the situation and maybe he can play in the FA Cup. It is a possibility he could be on the bench.``I think he can start to smell he is coming back to the team.'' Scholes has been involved up to now in light training and Queiroz said: ``He has been like an 18-year-old boy with his attitude. ``It would be fantastic to have someone like him back in the squad.''
While Gary Neville will sit out the match against Reading tomorrow because of an ankle injury, United are to decide later today whether he will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a testimonial. The option for the England defenderis to continue his recovery in the reserves next week. However England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is available again after being sidelined with a rib injury.
Defender Wes Brown also comes into contention after sitting out the 6-0 victory over Newcastle because of suspension. But Louis Saha is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a knee problem. Queiroz - who reiterated that United do not intend to make any additions to the squad this month - expects another tough game against Reading.
Steve Coppell's side secured a point at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season. Since then Reading have been inconsistent but Queiroz said: ``Steve Coppell is doing a very good job there. ``Reading are a team that never rests and they are very well organised. ``They also have players who can score goals like (Dave) Kitson and (Kevin) Doyle. They are both doing very well. ``It will be a difficult game for us but we would like to think we can perform as well as we did against Newcastle.'' Read more...
``We are very pleased with the situation and maybe he can play in the FA Cup. It is a possibility he could be on the bench.``I think he can start to smell he is coming back to the team.'' Scholes has been involved up to now in light training and Queiroz said: ``He has been like an 18-year-old boy with his attitude. ``It would be fantastic to have someone like him back in the squad.''
While Gary Neville will sit out the match against Reading tomorrow because of an ankle injury, United are to decide later today whether he will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a testimonial. The option for the England defenderis to continue his recovery in the reserves next week. However England midfielder Owen Hargreaves is available again after being sidelined with a rib injury.
Defender Wes Brown also comes into contention after sitting out the 6-0 victory over Newcastle because of suspension. But Louis Saha is unlikely to be risked as he recovers from a knee problem. Queiroz - who reiterated that United do not intend to make any additions to the squad this month - expects another tough game against Reading.
Steve Coppell's side secured a point at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season. Since then Reading have been inconsistent but Queiroz said: ``Steve Coppell is doing a very good job there. ``Reading are a team that never rests and they are very well organised. ``They also have players who can score goals like (Dave) Kitson and (Kevin) Doyle. They are both doing very well. ``It will be a difficult game for us but we would like to think we can perform as well as we did against Newcastle.'' Read more...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Royals fear Ronaldo
Reading boss Steve Coppell has spent much of this week hoping for one thing – a Cristiano Ronaldo off-day when the Royals entertain United at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds winger’s form has been jaw-droppingly good in recent weeks, scoring 16 goals in his last 13 games.
As a former United wide man himself, Coppell has ultimate respect for United’s Portuguese prince. But that hasn’t stopped him fearing what Ronaldo could do to his side this weekend.
"Ronaldo's goalscoring record is phenomenal for a wide man," Coppell told local reporters.
"You can have nothing but respect for his talents. When I was player I went into the start of a season thinking a goal every six games would be a great return for a winger. But Ronaldo is scoring almost a goal a game - and he's not even a striker.
"He's scoring goals and he's also creating things for the team as well. He's got an awful lot going on in his game and he's a threat to any side in the world. You can only stand back and admire him because he's broken the mould in terms of what wide players can do.”
But if Reading’s players think they have only got Ronaldo to worry about, Coppell has some other words of warning.
"It’s not just Ronaldo, then there's Wayne Rooney. On the four occasions United have lost this season, he hasn't played. I watched their FA Cup tie at Aston Villa and he really made the difference when he came on for the last 20 minutes. That's why he cost £25 million as a 17-year-old, he makes things happen."
But Coppell’s compliments should also come with the caveat that his side are well-drilled at frustrating United. In five meetings in the last two seasons – twice in the FA Cup and three times in the league – Reading have drawn three matches, with United’s two victories both narrow 3-2 successes.
"We've got to think we can get something from these games,” added Coppell. “These are the elite teams by some way and they are always going to be difficult tests for us.
"But we've got to think we're capable of getting points off them. We know we're capable because we've done it before, but that doesn't make it any easier." Read more...
The Reds winger’s form has been jaw-droppingly good in recent weeks, scoring 16 goals in his last 13 games.
As a former United wide man himself, Coppell has ultimate respect for United’s Portuguese prince. But that hasn’t stopped him fearing what Ronaldo could do to his side this weekend.
"Ronaldo's goalscoring record is phenomenal for a wide man," Coppell told local reporters.
"You can have nothing but respect for his talents. When I was player I went into the start of a season thinking a goal every six games would be a great return for a winger. But Ronaldo is scoring almost a goal a game - and he's not even a striker.
"He's scoring goals and he's also creating things for the team as well. He's got an awful lot going on in his game and he's a threat to any side in the world. You can only stand back and admire him because he's broken the mould in terms of what wide players can do.”
But if Reading’s players think they have only got Ronaldo to worry about, Coppell has some other words of warning.
"It’s not just Ronaldo, then there's Wayne Rooney. On the four occasions United have lost this season, he hasn't played. I watched their FA Cup tie at Aston Villa and he really made the difference when he came on for the last 20 minutes. That's why he cost £25 million as a 17-year-old, he makes things happen."
But Coppell’s compliments should also come with the caveat that his side are well-drilled at frustrating United. In five meetings in the last two seasons – twice in the FA Cup and three times in the league – Reading have drawn three matches, with United’s two victories both narrow 3-2 successes.
"We've got to think we can get something from these games,” added Coppell. “These are the elite teams by some way and they are always going to be difficult tests for us.
"But we've got to think we're capable of getting points off them. We know we're capable because we've done it before, but that doesn't make it any easier." Read more...
Brazilian twins set for switch to United
Manchester United are preparing to announce the signing of Fabio and Rafael Silva, Brazil’s answer to the Neville brothers. The 17-year-old twins, who are identical, are scheduled to arrive in Manchester on Monday to join United in a joint £5.2 million transfer from Fluminense, a deal that has been two and a half years in the planning. Like Gary and Phil Neville, the Silva brothers are full backs, with Rafael operating on the right flank and Fabio on the left, even though both are right-footed. They caught Sir Alex Ferguson’s eye in a youth tournament in Hong Kong in 2005, during United’s preseason tour to Asia, and signed precontract agreements with the Barclays Premier League club when they turned 16 in July 2006. Initially the plan was for them to move to Manchester this summer, but the deal has been brought forward now that they have received the necessary paperwork. The twins excelled for Brazil in the Under-17 World Cup finals in South Korea last August, with Fabio, the captain, finishing as his country’s leading scorer.
Oliver Kay, The Times. Read more...
Oliver Kay, The Times. Read more...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Patrice Evra
Birthdate: 15 May 1981
Birthplace: Dakar, Senegal
Position: Defender
Joined United: 10 Jan 2006
United Debut: 14 Jan 2006 v Manchester City (A)
International France
Honours:
* 2003 - Coupe de la Ligue with Monaco
* 2003 - Ligue 1 with Monaco - Runner Up
* 2004 - UEFA Champions League with Monaco - Runner Up
* 2006 - Carling Cup with Manchester United
* 2007 - FA Premier League with Manchester United
* 2007 - FA Community Shield with Manchester United
Read more...
Fletcher wants to stay
Darren Fletcher says he is happy at United and has no intention of leaving, despite interest from other Premier League clubs.
Media reports suggest the 23-year-old midfielder's former international boss Alex McLeish is keen on taking him to Birmingham City. But Fletcher insists he is not looking for pastures new.
"I am still happy playing for Manchester United and I am not thinking of going elsewhere," he said. "I never heard anything about Birmingham being interested, I just know I want to be here for a long time.
"My only focus is on being ready when the manager needs me and being able to perform for the club when asked."
The Scot has played 15 times for the Reds this season, nine times as a substitute with Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick so far higher up the pecking order. And with Paul Scholes due back later this month, competition is fierce for central midfield opportunities. But as the season enters its crucial stages, Fletcher hopes this will be the time where he can make his contribution felt.
"It is frustrating because any player wants to play," he said. "But it has been down to the form of the midfield. Fair play to Anderson, when Paul Scholes got injured, he came in and has great. The manager has stuck by him, which is what he does when you perform well.
"We will see how things pan out at the end of the season in terms of games played and what you have contributed to the squad. But I am not thinking about that just now. I'm looking short term, and I'd like to win a few trophies and hopefully go a few steps further than last year." Read more...
Media reports suggest the 23-year-old midfielder's former international boss Alex McLeish is keen on taking him to Birmingham City. But Fletcher insists he is not looking for pastures new.
"I am still happy playing for Manchester United and I am not thinking of going elsewhere," he said. "I never heard anything about Birmingham being interested, I just know I want to be here for a long time.
"My only focus is on being ready when the manager needs me and being able to perform for the club when asked."
The Scot has played 15 times for the Reds this season, nine times as a substitute with Anderson, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick so far higher up the pecking order. And with Paul Scholes due back later this month, competition is fierce for central midfield opportunities. But as the season enters its crucial stages, Fletcher hopes this will be the time where he can make his contribution felt.
"It is frustrating because any player wants to play," he said. "But it has been down to the form of the midfield. Fair play to Anderson, when Paul Scholes got injured, he came in and has great. The manager has stuck by him, which is what he does when you perform well.
"We will see how things pan out at the end of the season in terms of games played and what you have contributed to the squad. But I am not thinking about that just now. I'm looking short term, and I'd like to win a few trophies and hopefully go a few steps further than last year." Read more...
United risk losing Brown
Manchester United will resist the temptation to sell Wes Brown before the January 31 transfer deadline, despite the growing danger of losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season. Brown has reached an impasse with the club, who have refused his demands for a contract extension worth £55,000 a week, but, despite firm interest from Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager, will not sell. “We did turn down an offer from Newcastle a couple of weeks ago,” David Gill, the United chief executive, said. “But it’s unlikely that a team would come in and offer something substantial for him when he is out of contract in the summer.”
Oliver Kay, The Times Read more...
Oliver Kay, The Times Read more...
Interview: Peter Schmeichel
United's former goal keeper Peter Schmeichel enjoyed eight glory-laden years with the Reds. We caught up with the Great Dane at a feelfootball.com coaching event in Manchester to discuss if the current crop has what it takes...
What have you made of United’s performances so far this season?
It’s starting to smell of big times again. I know we lost against Bolton but defeats give you a reality check and United know they need to keep working hard. Traditionally United are a stronger team come the latter part of the season and I think things look good. My main concern is when the big players are absent. I don’t believe we can play without Wayne Rooney or Nemanja Vidic. They are too important for us. Carlos Tevez is a great signing and one year down the line he and Wayne will be perfect together. But I still believe we need another striker. For me, Vidic has been the key to the defence. And he’s made Rio [Ferdinand] into a top class player. I thought Rio was a very good player before, but since Vidic has arrived they’ve got a settled partnership and Rio has developed brilliantly, just like Vidic.
Sir Alex recently commented that this is the strongest squad he’s ever had. You’ve been part of great United squads – how does this one compare?
The history of the club is something that is constantly breathing down your neck when you’re a United player. That history and the expectation level makes you go that one step further than any other player at any other club in the world. When I first joined, the history we had to deal with was the Busby Babes, 1968 and the fact that we hadn’t won the title for over 20 years. The desperation to win it was incredible and we all felt that. The current squad did brilliantly to win it last season and they have a great chance to go on to big things, but they have history on their shoulders as well because they have ’99 to contend with which is a hell of a year to compete with. So, of course, the manager has got to go out there and say they’re the best squad he’s had. He has to make the players believe that and that’s a good way of doing it. He said it in the past when I was there and after I left. What he’s saying is I’m extremely happy with what I’ve got and I love to work with these players. If Sir Alex is happy United will win matches which is the most important thing.
Is winning a second European Cup something that niggles away at Sir Alex?
Yes definitely. There's no reason why he couldn’t have won a second one, but once you get down to the last four like United did last season it becomes a lottery. And things just haven’t gone their way at the important times in the important games. They have a great chance to win the Champions League every season and I'd love to see them do it this time round.
Ferdinand and Vidic have been compared to Bruce and Pallister…
I definitely see similarities. I loved playing behind those two and for me Rio and Vidic are on a par with them. Brucey had a great heart and Pallister was superb on the ball and you see similar aspects in Rio and Vidic. The game has changed so much since I played – it’s a lot quicker nowadays and there are even more skilful players around these days. That’s why Rio and Vidic are so impressive.
What have you made of the progress Ronaldo has made since he joined United?
He’s been outstanding. He is up there as one of the five best players in the world. He’s learnt that the game is not all about doing fancy tricks, you need to do them at the right time. He’s found the perfect balance now of proving hugely effective by scoring and making goals, whilst still being able to throw in the odd trick and entertain the crowd. I believe Sir Alex is probably one of the few managers in the world who could manage a player like Ronaldo. Had Ronaldo been anywhere else I think he would be a different player – I’ve no doubt about that. Sir Alex is hard enough to put him in his place, but he’s also soft enough to encourage him as well.
There’s an interesting battle developing between United and City at the top of the table…
It’s fantastic for Manchester to see the two teams so close to each other. Obviously with my son Kasper being at City I want them to do well, but United are my team and I always want them to win. City have done brilliantly to stay up there for so long, but I can’t see them being there for the duration. The problem they have is despite doing so well this season, they still went to Chelsea and lost 6-0. It’s something that Sven [Goran-Eriksson] still needs to work on and it can take years to do that. In terms of the title race itself, it looks like it’ll be strongly contested by United and Arsenal, but I wouldn’t discount Chelsea either – they may still have a shot at it. Liverpool have an outside chance, but I don’t believe they’re as strong as United and Arsenal. Read more...
What have you made of United’s performances so far this season?
It’s starting to smell of big times again. I know we lost against Bolton but defeats give you a reality check and United know they need to keep working hard. Traditionally United are a stronger team come the latter part of the season and I think things look good. My main concern is when the big players are absent. I don’t believe we can play without Wayne Rooney or Nemanja Vidic. They are too important for us. Carlos Tevez is a great signing and one year down the line he and Wayne will be perfect together. But I still believe we need another striker. For me, Vidic has been the key to the defence. And he’s made Rio [Ferdinand] into a top class player. I thought Rio was a very good player before, but since Vidic has arrived they’ve got a settled partnership and Rio has developed brilliantly, just like Vidic.
Sir Alex recently commented that this is the strongest squad he’s ever had. You’ve been part of great United squads – how does this one compare?
The history of the club is something that is constantly breathing down your neck when you’re a United player. That history and the expectation level makes you go that one step further than any other player at any other club in the world. When I first joined, the history we had to deal with was the Busby Babes, 1968 and the fact that we hadn’t won the title for over 20 years. The desperation to win it was incredible and we all felt that. The current squad did brilliantly to win it last season and they have a great chance to go on to big things, but they have history on their shoulders as well because they have ’99 to contend with which is a hell of a year to compete with. So, of course, the manager has got to go out there and say they’re the best squad he’s had. He has to make the players believe that and that’s a good way of doing it. He said it in the past when I was there and after I left. What he’s saying is I’m extremely happy with what I’ve got and I love to work with these players. If Sir Alex is happy United will win matches which is the most important thing.
Is winning a second European Cup something that niggles away at Sir Alex?
Yes definitely. There's no reason why he couldn’t have won a second one, but once you get down to the last four like United did last season it becomes a lottery. And things just haven’t gone their way at the important times in the important games. They have a great chance to win the Champions League every season and I'd love to see them do it this time round.
Ferdinand and Vidic have been compared to Bruce and Pallister…
I definitely see similarities. I loved playing behind those two and for me Rio and Vidic are on a par with them. Brucey had a great heart and Pallister was superb on the ball and you see similar aspects in Rio and Vidic. The game has changed so much since I played – it’s a lot quicker nowadays and there are even more skilful players around these days. That’s why Rio and Vidic are so impressive.
What have you made of the progress Ronaldo has made since he joined United?
He’s been outstanding. He is up there as one of the five best players in the world. He’s learnt that the game is not all about doing fancy tricks, you need to do them at the right time. He’s found the perfect balance now of proving hugely effective by scoring and making goals, whilst still being able to throw in the odd trick and entertain the crowd. I believe Sir Alex is probably one of the few managers in the world who could manage a player like Ronaldo. Had Ronaldo been anywhere else I think he would be a different player – I’ve no doubt about that. Sir Alex is hard enough to put him in his place, but he’s also soft enough to encourage him as well.
There’s an interesting battle developing between United and City at the top of the table…
It’s fantastic for Manchester to see the two teams so close to each other. Obviously with my son Kasper being at City I want them to do well, but United are my team and I always want them to win. City have done brilliantly to stay up there for so long, but I can’t see them being there for the duration. The problem they have is despite doing so well this season, they still went to Chelsea and lost 6-0. It’s something that Sven [Goran-Eriksson] still needs to work on and it can take years to do that. In terms of the title race itself, it looks like it’ll be strongly contested by United and Arsenal, but I wouldn’t discount Chelsea either – they may still have a shot at it. Liverpool have an outside chance, but I don’t believe they’re as strong as United and Arsenal. Read more...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Brown's England ambition
Wes Brown is determined to feature in Fabio Capello’s plans when the new England boss picks his first squad on 31 January.
The 28-year-old defender has been almost ever-present in the Reds’ defence this season, making 20 league appearances in the absence of regular right back Gary Neville. Now he wants to be involved when England play Switzerland in a friendly at Wembley on 6 February.
Brown played just five of England’s 18 matches under Steve McClaren and was an unused substitute on a further six occasions.
But his form for United this term has been top-drawer and he may well have done enough to catch Capello’s eye.
“Hopefully that’s the case,” Brown told Manchester United Radio. “If I can stay in the United team and continue to play well then hopefully I can get an England call up.” Read more...
The 28-year-old defender has been almost ever-present in the Reds’ defence this season, making 20 league appearances in the absence of regular right back Gary Neville. Now he wants to be involved when England play Switzerland in a friendly at Wembley on 6 February.
Brown played just five of England’s 18 matches under Steve McClaren and was an unused substitute on a further six occasions.
But his form for United this term has been top-drawer and he may well have done enough to catch Capello’s eye.
“Hopefully that’s the case,” Brown told Manchester United Radio. “If I can stay in the United team and continue to play well then hopefully I can get an England call up.” Read more...
Carrick eyes front-runner role
Michael Carrick says United’s challenge now is to remain top of the league until the end of the season.
The Reds midfielder had arguably his finest game of the season in the 6-0 hammering of Newcastle on Saturday evening. The win moved United above Arsenal on goal difference at the Premier League's summit, and Carrick says the Reds are determined not to let the advantage go.
"Before we played Newcastle we knew Arsenal had drawn and that if we won we would go top," Carrick told MUTV.
"It is nice now to be sitting on top of the pile. Hopefully we can stay there, but that’s up to us. That’s the hard part. We managed to do it last season and hopefully we can do it again.
"I am sure we will if we keep playing like that. We want to get the momentum again and hopefully stay there for the rest of the season."
United currently have 51 points from 22 games, three less than last season’s total at the same stage. The Reds took 35 points from a possible 48 in the final 16 matches of last term’s title run-in, and may have to go close to that total again this time around. That means the Reds may have to pass the 85-point mark to retain the title.
Carrick is certain the Reds can deliver successive titles if United take all the good elements of the second-half performance against Newcastle into the crucial forthcoming months.
"We just have to do the right things in games," he added. "As long as we try to do that we’ll win a lot of games. When it does click, teams struggle to cope with us. When we play to that standard we will beat anyone and cause anyone problems. Hopefully that continues." Read more...
The Reds midfielder had arguably his finest game of the season in the 6-0 hammering of Newcastle on Saturday evening. The win moved United above Arsenal on goal difference at the Premier League's summit, and Carrick says the Reds are determined not to let the advantage go.
"Before we played Newcastle we knew Arsenal had drawn and that if we won we would go top," Carrick told MUTV.
"It is nice now to be sitting on top of the pile. Hopefully we can stay there, but that’s up to us. That’s the hard part. We managed to do it last season and hopefully we can do it again.
"I am sure we will if we keep playing like that. We want to get the momentum again and hopefully stay there for the rest of the season."
United currently have 51 points from 22 games, three less than last season’s total at the same stage. The Reds took 35 points from a possible 48 in the final 16 matches of last term’s title run-in, and may have to go close to that total again this time around. That means the Reds may have to pass the 85-point mark to retain the title.
Carrick is certain the Reds can deliver successive titles if United take all the good elements of the second-half performance against Newcastle into the crucial forthcoming months.
"We just have to do the right things in games," he added. "As long as we try to do that we’ll win a lot of games. When it does click, teams struggle to cope with us. When we play to that standard we will beat anyone and cause anyone problems. Hopefully that continues." Read more...
Man Utd deal on cards says Hertha's Gilberto
Hertha Berlin's Gilberto has emerged as a candidate to give United extra cover at left back. The 31-year-old's agent Alexandra Martins claimed agreement with United was close after talks on a new deal at his German club broke down over his demand for £1.75million a year. Gilberto's contract runs out at the end of the season and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to snap up the tough-tackling left-sided defender or midfielder. Gilberto said: "I have received offers from England, Portugal and Brazil. I have become accustomed to winning trophies with Brazil and would like to do the same at club level." Hertha general manager Dieter Hoeness said: "Trying to extend his contract is a priority for us."
Read more...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Rio relishes Reds' miserly streak
Rio Ferdinand insisted clean sheets are as important as goals after United’s 6-0 romp over Newcastle on Saturday.
The towering centre-back scored the Reds’ fourth goal against the Magpies, but he took greater pride from his side’s imperious defending throughout the match as United registered a 13th clean sheet in 22 league games.
“It’s nice to get on the goalscoring sheet, but more important for me was the clean sheet,” he told Setanta Sports. “If we keep clean sheets then we’ve got people like Ronny (Cristiano Ronaldo) upfront who can score us goals.”
The Reds’ canter, allied to Arsenal’s failure to beat Birmingham, saw the champions move back to the top of the Premier League. United’s form augurs well in the ongoing title race, and Ferdinand is keen to keep his focus in-house.
“We’ll have to wait and see, we just concentrate on Manchester United,” he said. “If we keep clean sheets and score the odd goal here and there then we know we’re going to be in with a shout at the end of the season.
“It’s too early to say whether we’re going to stay there or not, we have to get our consistency going and make sure we’re performing like we did today and we’ll be alright.” Read more...
The towering centre-back scored the Reds’ fourth goal against the Magpies, but he took greater pride from his side’s imperious defending throughout the match as United registered a 13th clean sheet in 22 league games.
“It’s nice to get on the goalscoring sheet, but more important for me was the clean sheet,” he told Setanta Sports. “If we keep clean sheets then we’ve got people like Ronny (Cristiano Ronaldo) upfront who can score us goals.”
The Reds’ canter, allied to Arsenal’s failure to beat Birmingham, saw the champions move back to the top of the Premier League. United’s form augurs well in the ongoing title race, and Ferdinand is keen to keep his focus in-house.
“We’ll have to wait and see, we just concentrate on Manchester United,” he said. “If we keep clean sheets and score the odd goal here and there then we know we’re going to be in with a shout at the end of the season.
“It’s too early to say whether we’re going to stay there or not, we have to get our consistency going and make sure we’re performing like we did today and we’ll be alright.” Read more...
Rooney's been robbed!
Wayne Rooney's frustration at not finding the net in the Reds’ 6-0 win on the weekend was clear, and perhaps more understandable when you consider the United ace learnt just 24 hours prior to kick off that his personal goals tally had been cut by the Premier League.
A memo circulated last Friday from the Dubious Goals Committee revealed the Reds’ opener at the Emirates Stadium in November had been ruled as a William Gallas own goal.
United’s club statistician and official media outlets, including ManUtd.com, had previously credited the strike to the England international.
The decision now means Rooney’s 2007/08 tally stands at nine, while his goal at Villa Park in the recent FA Cup third round clash was his 68th in a United shirt.
Other rulings by the Dubious Goals Committee included allowing Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs’ strikes at Villa Park in October to stand as Reds goals, while the same decision applies to Carlos Tevez’s second against Middlesbrough and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first against Blackburn Rovers. Read more...
A memo circulated last Friday from the Dubious Goals Committee revealed the Reds’ opener at the Emirates Stadium in November had been ruled as a William Gallas own goal.
United’s club statistician and official media outlets, including ManUtd.com, had previously credited the strike to the England international.
The decision now means Rooney’s 2007/08 tally stands at nine, while his goal at Villa Park in the recent FA Cup third round clash was his 68th in a United shirt.
Other rulings by the Dubious Goals Committee included allowing Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs’ strikes at Villa Park in October to stand as Reds goals, while the same decision applies to Carlos Tevez’s second against Middlesbrough and Cristiano Ronaldo’s first against Blackburn Rovers. Read more...
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Man Utd deny injured Saha's season is over
Manchester United insist that striker Louis Saha will be back sooner rather than later from injury.
There has been speculation the Frenchman is out for the remainder of the season with knee ligament damage.
However, chief executive David Gill has dismissed that suggestion.
'He only has a slight knock, ' Gill told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
'He is not going to be out for the rest of the season - I know that for a fact.''
Saha has been troubled by a series of injuries since his £12.8m move to Old Trafford from Fulham in 2004.
He had knee surgery in the summer and has scored four goals so far this season. Read more...
There has been speculation the Frenchman is out for the remainder of the season with knee ligament damage.
However, chief executive David Gill has dismissed that suggestion.
'He only has a slight knock, ' Gill told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.
'He is not going to be out for the rest of the season - I know that for a fact.''
Saha has been troubled by a series of injuries since his £12.8m move to Old Trafford from Fulham in 2004.
He had knee surgery in the summer and has scored four goals so far this season. Read more...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Manchester United Vs. New Castle Result Report
United produced an utterly imperious performance against a beleaguered Newcastle to move top of the Premier League on Saturday night, Cristiano Ronaldo heading up the 6-0 victory with his first hat-trick for the Reds.
Astonishingly, all of United's goals came in a second-half blitz. Carlos Tevez (2) and Rio Ferdinand also got in on the act in a game the Reds dominated from start to finish. Remarkably, it could have been even more convincing. Clear-cut opportunities ran comfortably into double figures, and so too could the scoreline.
Newcastle arrived in Manchester in the midst of uncertainty. The departure of Sam Allardyce after a five-match run without a win was hardly the best preparation three days before a trip to Old Trafford. And it showed.
United, buoyed by the news of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham earlier in the day, were in mood to take mercy on the visitors. And with a place atop the Premier League up for grabs, the Reds started at a tempo Newcastle struggled to cope with.
Wayne Rooney had two 25-yard shots saved by Shay Given inside the first ten minutes. The first arrived after Michael Carrick’s cutting through-ball, but Rooney’s shot was high over the bar. Given was proving to be the nemesis of the United striker as twice either side of the 15-minute mark the Newcastle goalkeeper denied him. First Rooney cut inside from the left to hit a low, skidding drive that forced Given to turn the ball behind for a corner, then he proved equal to a fizzing Rooney volley from Carrick’s wonderful, arced pass.
After 27 minutes Ronaldo set a course through the heart of Newcastle’s defence. He skipped past two players and took on Steven Taylor, but the Magpies defender left a leg out to bring Ronaldo down – as clear a penalty as you are likely to see. But Rob Styles was unmoved, as he was a minute later when Alan Smith bundled Ryan Giggs over inside the area. The Welshman would have been fortunate to earn a spot-kick, but Ronaldo had every right to feel aggrieved.
Newcastle offered very little threat. But a team’s manager-less state does not necessarily preclude the ability to turn their fortunes around. In fact, it often encourages it. And Michael Owen, always capable of snatching a goal, did have the ball in the back of the net. Edwin van der Sar had already stopped as the linesman’s flag was raised, but television replays showed the decision was incorrect.
United continued to pepper Given’s goal, but to no avail. Ronaldo had one shot saved and watched his downward header from a corner go narrowly wide. The long and the short of the first-half tale was that United should have been ahead, regardless of Styles’ inability to see a clear foul on Ronaldo.
Undeterred, the Reds began the second half with the same dominance and purpose. Inside 30 seconds of the restart Taylor cleared a Tevez shot off the line and somehow turned Rooney’s follow-up over the bar.
But United would not be denied for much longer. Four minutes into the half Ronaldo gave the Reds the lead. Smith clipped the Portuguese winger’s heels as he went to shoot, and Styles awarded a rare decision in United’s favour.
Ronaldo geared up to take the 20-yard shot. Old Trafford anticipated his usual, occasionally hit-and-miss, policy of power. But he elected to strike his shot underneath the wall, to great effect. Given, who saw it late, was fooled more than anyone, unable to keep the ball out.
It took just seven minutes for the Reds to make it 2-0. A poor Given clearance struck Claudio Cacapa, freeing Giggs to square a pass across goal for Tevez to slot home at the far post.
United were utterly dominant. Steeled by a rock-solid defence, steered by Carrick and Anderson’s passing in midfield, and always with the threat of Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo on swift counter attacks. Just as importantly, there was no danger of Old Trafford’s atmosphere falling flat. A rapturous Stretford End even cheekily requested: “Fergie, give us a song!”
On the pitch there was still plenty to shout about. The Reds’ forward play was sumptuous, and soon garnered a devastating third goal. Carrick, Rooney and Tevez all interchanged passes, before the Argentinian found Ronaldo’s run into the box. His finish was as sharp as the most clinical poacher, and his 21st goal of the season ensured beyond any doubt that three points and top spot would be United’s.
Simpson, Rooney (again!) and Carrick were denied goals in the final 20 minutes, but there was still more to come. Rio Ferdinand popped up at the far post five minutes from time to make it four, before Ronaldo completed his hat-trick and Tevez grabbed a second in off the bar. On a day when both Arsenal and Liverpool dropped points, this was an emphatic message to send out to the rest of the Premier League: the Champions will take some shifting.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Simpson 68); Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson (Fletcher 73), Giggs (Nani 73); Tevez, Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Park.
Booked: Rooney
Newcastle United: Given; Carr, Taylor, Cacapa, Enrique; Milner (Viduka 65), Butt, Smith, N’Zogbia; Duff, Owen (Rozehnal 83).
Subs not used: Harper, Emre, LuaLua.
Booked: Duff
Sent off: Smith
Attendance: 75,965 Read more...
Astonishingly, all of United's goals came in a second-half blitz. Carlos Tevez (2) and Rio Ferdinand also got in on the act in a game the Reds dominated from start to finish. Remarkably, it could have been even more convincing. Clear-cut opportunities ran comfortably into double figures, and so too could the scoreline.
Newcastle arrived in Manchester in the midst of uncertainty. The departure of Sam Allardyce after a five-match run without a win was hardly the best preparation three days before a trip to Old Trafford. And it showed.
United, buoyed by the news of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham earlier in the day, were in mood to take mercy on the visitors. And with a place atop the Premier League up for grabs, the Reds started at a tempo Newcastle struggled to cope with.
Wayne Rooney had two 25-yard shots saved by Shay Given inside the first ten minutes. The first arrived after Michael Carrick’s cutting through-ball, but Rooney’s shot was high over the bar. Given was proving to be the nemesis of the United striker as twice either side of the 15-minute mark the Newcastle goalkeeper denied him. First Rooney cut inside from the left to hit a low, skidding drive that forced Given to turn the ball behind for a corner, then he proved equal to a fizzing Rooney volley from Carrick’s wonderful, arced pass.
After 27 minutes Ronaldo set a course through the heart of Newcastle’s defence. He skipped past two players and took on Steven Taylor, but the Magpies defender left a leg out to bring Ronaldo down – as clear a penalty as you are likely to see. But Rob Styles was unmoved, as he was a minute later when Alan Smith bundled Ryan Giggs over inside the area. The Welshman would have been fortunate to earn a spot-kick, but Ronaldo had every right to feel aggrieved.
Newcastle offered very little threat. But a team’s manager-less state does not necessarily preclude the ability to turn their fortunes around. In fact, it often encourages it. And Michael Owen, always capable of snatching a goal, did have the ball in the back of the net. Edwin van der Sar had already stopped as the linesman’s flag was raised, but television replays showed the decision was incorrect.
United continued to pepper Given’s goal, but to no avail. Ronaldo had one shot saved and watched his downward header from a corner go narrowly wide. The long and the short of the first-half tale was that United should have been ahead, regardless of Styles’ inability to see a clear foul on Ronaldo.
Undeterred, the Reds began the second half with the same dominance and purpose. Inside 30 seconds of the restart Taylor cleared a Tevez shot off the line and somehow turned Rooney’s follow-up over the bar.
But United would not be denied for much longer. Four minutes into the half Ronaldo gave the Reds the lead. Smith clipped the Portuguese winger’s heels as he went to shoot, and Styles awarded a rare decision in United’s favour.
Ronaldo geared up to take the 20-yard shot. Old Trafford anticipated his usual, occasionally hit-and-miss, policy of power. But he elected to strike his shot underneath the wall, to great effect. Given, who saw it late, was fooled more than anyone, unable to keep the ball out.
It took just seven minutes for the Reds to make it 2-0. A poor Given clearance struck Claudio Cacapa, freeing Giggs to square a pass across goal for Tevez to slot home at the far post.
United were utterly dominant. Steeled by a rock-solid defence, steered by Carrick and Anderson’s passing in midfield, and always with the threat of Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo on swift counter attacks. Just as importantly, there was no danger of Old Trafford’s atmosphere falling flat. A rapturous Stretford End even cheekily requested: “Fergie, give us a song!”
On the pitch there was still plenty to shout about. The Reds’ forward play was sumptuous, and soon garnered a devastating third goal. Carrick, Rooney and Tevez all interchanged passes, before the Argentinian found Ronaldo’s run into the box. His finish was as sharp as the most clinical poacher, and his 21st goal of the season ensured beyond any doubt that three points and top spot would be United’s.
Simpson, Rooney (again!) and Carrick were denied goals in the final 20 minutes, but there was still more to come. Rio Ferdinand popped up at the far post five minutes from time to make it four, before Ronaldo completed his hat-trick and Tevez grabbed a second in off the bar. On a day when both Arsenal and Liverpool dropped points, this was an emphatic message to send out to the rest of the Premier League: the Champions will take some shifting.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Simpson 68); Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson (Fletcher 73), Giggs (Nani 73); Tevez, Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Park.
Booked: Rooney
Newcastle United: Given; Carr, Taylor, Cacapa, Enrique; Milner (Viduka 65), Butt, Smith, N’Zogbia; Duff, Owen (Rozehnal 83).
Subs not used: Harper, Emre, LuaLua.
Booked: Duff
Sent off: Smith
Attendance: 75,965 Read more...
Ronny revels in 'special day'
Cristiano Ronaldo was predictably elated to finally score his first United hat-trick in Saturday’s destruction of Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Having struck braces on 13 separate occasions for the Reds, the Portuguese winger finally bagged a match ball with a second half treble against the Magpies, taking United back to the top of the Barclays Premier League in style.
“I’ve said before, if I score two in every game then I’m very happy,” he told Setanta Sports. “But I’ve looked for a few years to score three goals for this massive club and I’m very proud.
“It’s a special day. I’m happy of course to win the game and to go top of the league, I think this is most important. It is also important to score, to help my team and today I’m very proud and happy.”
With United rampant in retaking top spot, Ronaldo is keen for the champions to kick on and stay in top form as the title race unfolds over the coming months.
“It’s important to stay at the top of the table,” he said. “If the team plays like that, in the second half, I’m sure we are the best team. But you need to keep going like that. It’s a good moment for the team and for the players.” Read more...
Having struck braces on 13 separate occasions for the Reds, the Portuguese winger finally bagged a match ball with a second half treble against the Magpies, taking United back to the top of the Barclays Premier League in style.
“I’ve said before, if I score two in every game then I’m very happy,” he told Setanta Sports. “But I’ve looked for a few years to score three goals for this massive club and I’m very proud.
“It’s a special day. I’m happy of course to win the game and to go top of the league, I think this is most important. It is also important to score, to help my team and today I’m very proud and happy.”
With United rampant in retaking top spot, Ronaldo is keen for the champions to kick on and stay in top form as the title race unfolds over the coming months.
“It’s important to stay at the top of the table,” he said. “If the team plays like that, in the second half, I’m sure we are the best team. But you need to keep going like that. It’s a good moment for the team and for the players.” Read more...
Boss applauds "incredible" Ronny
Sir Alex Ferguson described Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring this season as “fantastic” and “incredible” after the Portuguese winger shifted his tally for the campaign up to 22.
That figure puts him one behind last season’s total of 23, and a remarkable ten more goals than he had scored at the same stage last season.
“It’s fantastic, incredible in fact,” Sir Alex said after the game.
“We wondered at the start of last season whether he could match last season’s tally of 23. You had to say ‘why not?’
“I expected him to score more this season because he works so hard. That’s why there were no bets this season, all bets are off with Ronaldo,” he joked.
“[His first hat-trick] was always coming. He’s been close on a number of occasions but today he capped a really fine display with the hat-trick. We’re all delighted for him.”
But this was more than just the Ronaldo show. Carlos Tevez grabbed two goals, while Rio Ferdinand chipped in with another.
Likewise, it wasn’t just about the goals, it was another sterling defensive display, which Sir Alex feels could be the foundation for retaining United’s title crown.
“Our performance last week at Aston Villa in the cup was carved out of a magnificent defensive display,” he said. “It gave us the energy to go and win the game in the last 20 minutes. It was the same against Newcastle.
“You have to have good home form,” he added, alluding to United’s 11 wins from 12 at Old Trafford. “We’ve lost three games away from home, but the reason we’re top of the league is because our home form has been so good.
“It’s a hard league. You saw the results with Arsenal and Liverpool drawing, teams are taking points off one another.
"We expected it to be tough. Teams well below the top four are spending a lot of money on their squads. There is a drive for teams to improve themselves and stay in the Premier League. The points total could be lower this year.” Read more...
That figure puts him one behind last season’s total of 23, and a remarkable ten more goals than he had scored at the same stage last season.
“It’s fantastic, incredible in fact,” Sir Alex said after the game.
“We wondered at the start of last season whether he could match last season’s tally of 23. You had to say ‘why not?’
“I expected him to score more this season because he works so hard. That’s why there were no bets this season, all bets are off with Ronaldo,” he joked.
“[His first hat-trick] was always coming. He’s been close on a number of occasions but today he capped a really fine display with the hat-trick. We’re all delighted for him.”
But this was more than just the Ronaldo show. Carlos Tevez grabbed two goals, while Rio Ferdinand chipped in with another.
Likewise, it wasn’t just about the goals, it was another sterling defensive display, which Sir Alex feels could be the foundation for retaining United’s title crown.
“Our performance last week at Aston Villa in the cup was carved out of a magnificent defensive display,” he said. “It gave us the energy to go and win the game in the last 20 minutes. It was the same against Newcastle.
“You have to have good home form,” he added, alluding to United’s 11 wins from 12 at Old Trafford. “We’ve lost three games away from home, but the reason we’re top of the league is because our home form has been so good.
“It’s a hard league. You saw the results with Arsenal and Liverpool drawing, teams are taking points off one another.
"We expected it to be tough. Teams well below the top four are spending a lot of money on their squads. There is a drive for teams to improve themselves and stay in the Premier League. The points total could be lower this year.” Read more...
Friday, January 11, 2008
Trio suffer knocks
Owen Hargreaves and Gary Neville are major doubts for United's Barclays Premier League clash with managerless Newcastle United on Saturday, but Louis Saha has an outside chance of making the squad.
Neville strained his hamstring during his comeback for the Reserves in mid-week, while Hargreaves injured his ribs in training.
Saha also picked up a knock in the build-up to Saturday's tea-time clash, but Sir Alex Ferguson says the striker could be involved against the Geordies.
"Louis got a knock in training, but hopefully he'll be okay - we're going to have a look at him later," revealed the boss at his pre-match press conference.
"Gary's hamstring was a bit tight at half-time in the Reserves game the other night. The weather conditions were appalling and the pitch was very heavy so we decided to take him off. Nevertheless, it was a good start for him.
"Owen got a knock in training in the ribs and is doubtful for Saturday. Chris Eagles is definitely out after picking up a thigh injury also in training. The number of training injuries we've had is amazing. But everyone else is fine."
Earlier this week Sir Alex was looking forward to facing his big pal Sam Allardyce, but after just eight months in charge at St. James' Park Allardyce left the club by mutual consent on Wednesday evening.
Sir Alex admits he finds it hard to believe he's discussing yet another managerial casulty this season.
"Eight times this season I've had to talk about a Premier League manager leaving their jobs and every time I say there's a lack of patience from clubs," he explained.
"I think it's a modern day trend - people today have not got the patience and the unfortunate thing for Sam was he was appointed by a different chairman [Freddy Shepherd] to the one that's there now. That was probably the most dangerous part about the situation he found himself in.
"I don't really know what to make of the game itself," he added. "Sometimes when a team loses a manager and appoints a new one it can be difficult [for the opposition] as we found when we played West Ham last season [after Alan Curbishley took over].
"But obviously in Newcastle's case they don't have a new manager yet, Nigel Pearson is taking the team for the day. Hopefully, we can do what we have to do and get the win." Read more...
Neville strained his hamstring during his comeback for the Reserves in mid-week, while Hargreaves injured his ribs in training.
Saha also picked up a knock in the build-up to Saturday's tea-time clash, but Sir Alex Ferguson says the striker could be involved against the Geordies.
"Louis got a knock in training, but hopefully he'll be okay - we're going to have a look at him later," revealed the boss at his pre-match press conference.
"Gary's hamstring was a bit tight at half-time in the Reserves game the other night. The weather conditions were appalling and the pitch was very heavy so we decided to take him off. Nevertheless, it was a good start for him.
"Owen got a knock in training in the ribs and is doubtful for Saturday. Chris Eagles is definitely out after picking up a thigh injury also in training. The number of training injuries we've had is amazing. But everyone else is fine."
Earlier this week Sir Alex was looking forward to facing his big pal Sam Allardyce, but after just eight months in charge at St. James' Park Allardyce left the club by mutual consent on Wednesday evening.
Sir Alex admits he finds it hard to believe he's discussing yet another managerial casulty this season.
"Eight times this season I've had to talk about a Premier League manager leaving their jobs and every time I say there's a lack of patience from clubs," he explained.
"I think it's a modern day trend - people today have not got the patience and the unfortunate thing for Sam was he was appointed by a different chairman [Freddy Shepherd] to the one that's there now. That was probably the most dangerous part about the situation he found himself in.
"I don't really know what to make of the game itself," he added. "Sometimes when a team loses a manager and appoints a new one it can be difficult [for the opposition] as we found when we played West Ham last season [after Alan Curbishley took over].
"But obviously in Newcastle's case they don't have a new manager yet, Nigel Pearson is taking the team for the day. Hopefully, we can do what we have to do and get the win." Read more...
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