While all the attention on this season's title contest has centred around United and Arsenal, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea are serious challengers and should not be underestimated.
Avram Grant's side are six points behind the Reds and nine adrift of league leaders Arsenal. But they have a game in hand and are poised to pounce should the league's two pace-setters slip.
"The number of points Chelsea are behind Arsenal is not insurmountable," Sir Alex told the League Managers' Association website. "The fact that they have got us and Arsenal at home, and their home record is so good, you would have to think they have still got a big chance in the Premier League."
Chelsea are unbeaten at home this season, but they have dropped points at Stamford Bridge - far more than their rivals, too. Arsenal have surrendered four points at the Emirates Stadium this term, while United have missed out on five points at Old Trafford. But Chelsea have drawn five on their patch, losing out on a surprising ten points.
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Friday, February 29, 2008
Evra: Louis fuelled by anger
Opposition defenders beware: Louis Saha is ready to vent his frustration at another season disrupted by injury.
The 29-year-old striker scored his first goal in 2008 in the 5-1 win over Newcastle, and Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson immediately highlighted the powerful frontman as a key figure in the hunt for trophies.
Saha’s fellow countryman, Patrice Evra, strongly agrees and says his team-mate has plenty of pent-up anger to expend.
“We’ve got Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, but we need one more striker to win trophies this season,” he told ManUtd.com.
“Louis is the right guy for that job. In training he has been unbelievable. He looks sharp, strong and, most importantly, angry. You can see it in his eyes. He wants to do well. Louis is back.
“He has a strong mentality because he has suffered quite a few injuries, but he’s still here and wants to do well. Now I hope his injuries are behind him. We need Louis Saha if we are going to win trophies this year. That’s why everyone in the squad was really happy when he scored against Newcastle.”
Saha could come up against his former club Fulham at the weekend, and will be hoping he can add to last weekend’s strike to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
“We have got two really important games against Fulham and Lyon,” adds Evra. “If we can play with the same energy as we did against Arsenal in the FA Cup and Newcastle in the league then we have a strong chance of winning both matches and setting us up to do well until the end of the season.” Read more...
The 29-year-old striker scored his first goal in 2008 in the 5-1 win over Newcastle, and Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson immediately highlighted the powerful frontman as a key figure in the hunt for trophies.
Saha’s fellow countryman, Patrice Evra, strongly agrees and says his team-mate has plenty of pent-up anger to expend.
“We’ve got Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, but we need one more striker to win trophies this season,” he told ManUtd.com.
“Louis is the right guy for that job. In training he has been unbelievable. He looks sharp, strong and, most importantly, angry. You can see it in his eyes. He wants to do well. Louis is back.
“He has a strong mentality because he has suffered quite a few injuries, but he’s still here and wants to do well. Now I hope his injuries are behind him. We need Louis Saha if we are going to win trophies this year. That’s why everyone in the squad was really happy when he scored against Newcastle.”
Saha could come up against his former club Fulham at the weekend, and will be hoping he can add to last weekend’s strike to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
“We have got two really important games against Fulham and Lyon,” adds Evra. “If we can play with the same energy as we did against Arsenal in the FA Cup and Newcastle in the league then we have a strong chance of winning both matches and setting us up to do well until the end of the season.” Read more...
Giggs misses out, but Vidic is fit
Ryan Giggs will sit out United's trip to Fulham on Saturday, but Nemanja Vidic is available after overcoming a calf strain.
The Serbian defender was withdrawn after 72 minutes of last weekend's win at Newcastle, but he trained on Friday and is fit for the clash at Craven Cottage.
United will not take a chance on Giggs, however, after he too picked up a calf strain. "Ryan is our one doubt. He’s got a calf strain and I don’t think he’ll make it,” said the Reds boss. "Other than that everyone is fit.
"There is no need to risk Ryan," Sir Alex added at his pre-match press conference. "It's nothing serious and we have a strong enough squad [to cope]. We've got an important game against Lyon on Tuesday, so hopefully he'll be ready for that."
Meanwhile, Gary Neville has suffered no effects from his 60-minute Reserves run-out on Tuesday night. The skipper trained on Thursday and Friday and will continue his fitness programme over the weekend instead of travelling with the team to London.
Mikael Silvestre, who has not played for the Reds since damaging knee ligaments in the win at Everton in September, is also close to making a comeback. "Mikael may join the first-team in full training at the end of next week," says the boss. "Hopefully by the end of March we should have a complete, and fully fit, squad."
The confirmation of Neville and Silvestre's good progress comes at the end of a week which brought news of goalkeeper Ben Foster's impending return from a cruciate knee ligament operation in the summer. Sir Alex says Foster, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Reds, is in contention for the Reserves' home clash with Middlesbrough next Thursday. Read more...
The Serbian defender was withdrawn after 72 minutes of last weekend's win at Newcastle, but he trained on Friday and is fit for the clash at Craven Cottage.
United will not take a chance on Giggs, however, after he too picked up a calf strain. "Ryan is our one doubt. He’s got a calf strain and I don’t think he’ll make it,” said the Reds boss. "Other than that everyone is fit.
"There is no need to risk Ryan," Sir Alex added at his pre-match press conference. "It's nothing serious and we have a strong enough squad [to cope]. We've got an important game against Lyon on Tuesday, so hopefully he'll be ready for that."
Meanwhile, Gary Neville has suffered no effects from his 60-minute Reserves run-out on Tuesday night. The skipper trained on Thursday and Friday and will continue his fitness programme over the weekend instead of travelling with the team to London.
Mikael Silvestre, who has not played for the Reds since damaging knee ligaments in the win at Everton in September, is also close to making a comeback. "Mikael may join the first-team in full training at the end of next week," says the boss. "Hopefully by the end of March we should have a complete, and fully fit, squad."
The confirmation of Neville and Silvestre's good progress comes at the end of a week which brought news of goalkeeper Ben Foster's impending return from a cruciate knee ligament operation in the summer. Sir Alex says Foster, who is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Reds, is in contention for the Reserves' home clash with Middlesbrough next Thursday. Read more...
Rio: I'll sign up
Rio Ferdinand has begun talks on a new Manchester United contract. The England defender has 16 months left on his current agreement but discussions have started on a four-year deal. Ferdinand, 29, said: “We are on the cusp of something very good. I’ve been here through a transitional period and I can see the fruits beginning to ripen. We have a strong bond and a great bunch of players ready to achieve. The rewards are there to be taken - now is the time to deliver.” Ferdinand, who currently earns £110,000 a week, added: “We’ve done a lot on the training pitch and the manager has worked tirelessly to bring in the right players. So we’re in a position to strike.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Fergie: United kept me from going foreign
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he considered working abroad but the magnetic appeal of Manchester United proved too strong.
The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.
While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.
Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated.
His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.
'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager told www.leaguemanagers.com.
'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
'He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.
'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup.
'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.
'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about.
'Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.
'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'
Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.
With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.
He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition.
'It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves.
'We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.
'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.' Read more...
The Old Trafford boss was speaking ahead of the Premier League match against Fulham on Saturday when he pits his wits against Roy Hodgson, whose coaching CV reads like a travel brochure.
While Ferguson has ruled over United for the past 21 years, his managerial counterpart in that time has covered all corners of the globe in pursuit of his craft.
Hodgson is now hoping to put that vast experience to good use and prevent second-bottom Fulham being relegated.
His work ethic certainly impresses Ferguson.
'Roy Hodgson has done what a lot of us would love to have done and work abroad, ' the United manager told www.leaguemanagers.com.
'I always remember Bobby Robson saying that the best thing he ever did was go to PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.
'He was out of the country for maybe 10 or 12 years. Working in different climates with different cultures definitely broadens your education.
'I remember meeting Roy Hodgson in Malmo in 1987 when I had just joined Manchester United. Malmo were playing Ajax in the European Cup.
'Over the years he has gone to Inter Milan, Switzerland, Finland, Udinese, Blackburn etc... it's incredible all the teams that he has managed.
'You can see when he's interviewed he knows what he is talking about.
'Sometimes I used to say to myself `I'd love to have tried managing abroad sometime' but then it was difficult for me.
'My choices were cut off simply because I was the manager of Manchester United which is amazing and you don't leave Manchester United.'
Ferguson aims to close the three point gap to leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage and is adamant United will continue to allow their players to express themselves.
With the likes of gifted young stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Anderson and Nani on their books, it is little wonder the manager looks forward with optimism.
He said: 'The players have that joy of being at a club with a lot of ambition.
'It is good to see young players having the energy and the commitment to try and enjoy themselves.
'We work hard at making sure that they are relaxed in that respect with a responsibility to use their talents all the time to express themselves.
'We are fortunate in that it is easier for them than a lot of other players because they are exceptional talents.' Read more...
Park: We'll catch Arsenal
United may have thumped five goals past Newcastle last weekend but Ji-sung Park hopes the Reds won’t need to rely on goal difference come the end of the season.
Sir Alex’s men went into the most recent round of Barclays Premier League fixtures level with Arsenal in terms of goal difference (+36) but a five-goal haul at St James’ Park, coupled with the Gunners’ draw with Birmingham City, saw United gain a valuable advantage.
And while it puts United in pole position should the teams finish level on points, South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park is determined the title race doesn’t go down to the wire.
“After the weekend, the gap is only three points at the top of the table and that’s very important for us,” Park told MUTV.
“And remember we have to play Arsenal at Old Trafford in April, so that means we can potentially take another three points off them. Everybody in the squad is determined to get to the top of the league as quickly as possible and I’m sure it will happen.
“The league is close so it’s possible we’ll end the season on the same points as Arsenal. In that case, games like the one against Newcastle where we score four or five goals can certainly help us.
“I prefer not to think about that scenario though! We just want to win all our games and I’d rather finish comfortably ahead of Arsenal come the end of the season.”
Park says the desire to reel in the Gunners sooner rather than later is shared by everyone at the club, although he’s quick to point out the title isn’t necessarily a two-horse race.
“I think Chelsea can also challenge,” he said. “They have real quality in their squad and lots of hunger to win. But our confidence is high at the moment and we just want to hurry up and get back on top. Everybody believes we can go all the way.” Read more...
Sir Alex’s men went into the most recent round of Barclays Premier League fixtures level with Arsenal in terms of goal difference (+36) but a five-goal haul at St James’ Park, coupled with the Gunners’ draw with Birmingham City, saw United gain a valuable advantage.
And while it puts United in pole position should the teams finish level on points, South Korean midfielder Ji-sung Park is determined the title race doesn’t go down to the wire.
“After the weekend, the gap is only three points at the top of the table and that’s very important for us,” Park told MUTV.
“And remember we have to play Arsenal at Old Trafford in April, so that means we can potentially take another three points off them. Everybody in the squad is determined to get to the top of the league as quickly as possible and I’m sure it will happen.
“The league is close so it’s possible we’ll end the season on the same points as Arsenal. In that case, games like the one against Newcastle where we score four or five goals can certainly help us.
“I prefer not to think about that scenario though! We just want to win all our games and I’d rather finish comfortably ahead of Arsenal come the end of the season.”
Park says the desire to reel in the Gunners sooner rather than later is shared by everyone at the club, although he’s quick to point out the title isn’t necessarily a two-horse race.
“I think Chelsea can also challenge,” he said. “They have real quality in their squad and lots of hunger to win. But our confidence is high at the moment and we just want to hurry up and get back on top. Everybody believes we can go all the way.” Read more...
Scholes still peerless
The performances of United newcomers Anderson and Nani indicate a prosperous future at Old Trafford. But old heads like Paul Scholes still have plenty to offer, according to former Reds midfielder Ray Wilkins.
Sir Alex's two young summer signings have turned in excellent performances of late, providing stiff competition for the likes of Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
"It's a first-class array of talent in that department," says Wilkins. "Only Chelsea can come anywhere near United's senior midfield in terms of quality and quantity.
"Can having too many players be confusing? Let's just say that Sir Alex Ferguson rarely gets it wrong. It's great for United."
The United boss will have a tough job selecting his central midfield pairing to face Fulham on Saturday. But, for Wilkins, there's one player that should be first pick every week.
"They all have their qualities and each combination has its merits. But I'd always have Paul Scholes in there," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"It's Paul and one from the other four for me, depending on the circumstances. If you want a holding player with him, then choose Michael Carrick at home and Owen Hargreaves away from Old Trafford."
Wilkins insists that 33-year-old Scholes remains one of the English game's top talents, and believes his influence will have a decisive impact on United's success this season.
"Paul is an absolute must," he says. "He is still one of the best in the country. He's still a very big influence for United and will continue to be so for some time.
"I know some fans and some critics are claiming he might be on his way out but I bet none of United's opponents are thinking that.
"Of course, Paul is getting on and he may have had a quiet period since his return, but he is going to have a major say for United for a long while yet." Read more...
Sir Alex's two young summer signings have turned in excellent performances of late, providing stiff competition for the likes of Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
"It's a first-class array of talent in that department," says Wilkins. "Only Chelsea can come anywhere near United's senior midfield in terms of quality and quantity.
"Can having too many players be confusing? Let's just say that Sir Alex Ferguson rarely gets it wrong. It's great for United."
The United boss will have a tough job selecting his central midfield pairing to face Fulham on Saturday. But, for Wilkins, there's one player that should be first pick every week.
"They all have their qualities and each combination has its merits. But I'd always have Paul Scholes in there," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"It's Paul and one from the other four for me, depending on the circumstances. If you want a holding player with him, then choose Michael Carrick at home and Owen Hargreaves away from Old Trafford."
Wilkins insists that 33-year-old Scholes remains one of the English game's top talents, and believes his influence will have a decisive impact on United's success this season.
"Paul is an absolute must," he says. "He is still one of the best in the country. He's still a very big influence for United and will continue to be so for some time.
"I know some fans and some critics are claiming he might be on his way out but I bet none of United's opponents are thinking that.
"Of course, Paul is getting on and he may have had a quiet period since his return, but he is going to have a major say for United for a long while yet." Read more...
Boss admits Benzema interest
Sir Alex Ferguson was last night accused of trying to unsettle Lyon striker Karim Benzema by admitting he is keen to sign him for £30million. Fergie confirmed his interest in Benzema ahead of Manchester United's Champions League meeting with Lyon, a tactic the French club's president claimed was deliberately designed to unsettled the 20-year-old. Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulus, who hosted Fergie three weeks ago when the United boss went to watch the French champions ahead of their European meeting, turned on the Scot. Aulus said: "When Lyon, during the season, are interested in a player from another French club, everybody cries 'scandal'. But when, a few days before playing Manchester United, I read here and there that Ferguson is going to make an offer for Benzema, is that not destabilisation?" Despite United's interest, Benzema is under contract until 2012 and has claimed he wants to stay at Lyon for at least one more full season, although his club would be unable to turn down a £30m bid.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Foster upbeat about his future
The 2007/08 campaign may be hugely successful for the Reds, but for Ben Foster, the United goalkeeper forced out for eight months with a serious cruciate knee ligament injury, it’s been a write off.
After an England call-up as reward for his outstanding displays on loan at Watford, the challenge of trying to depose Edwin van der Sar as United’s no.1 was next on the 24-year-old’s hit list.
Then the bad news came: a recurring cruciate knee ligament injury that would require surgery, putting his ambitions on hold. Now on the verge of making a reserves return, he explains how he has coped with the long road to recovery…
Can you explain your injury for us?
I ruptured my cruciate knee ligament. It’s an injury I’ve suffered before, years ago when I was at Stoke City. As this is the second time I’ve had the injury, the doctors decided that I should have a donor tendon. It’s had good results for other patients in the past, and the surgeon thought it would be the best option for me. The recovery time is two months longer, because it takes time for the tendon to set in and knit. It was a usual cruciate operation, but with a donor.
How long do you think it will be before you’re playing first-team football again?
I haven’t really thought about it too much. At the start of the season I wrote this season off myself. I just wanted to recover from the operation and get back to full fitness, with maybe a few reserves games. The chance of going out on loan is probably gone now. I think I will just have to wait until next season, realistically. Edwin [van der Sar] has been excellent again this season and Tomasz [Kuszczak] has performed well when he has been called in. I’ve got no qualms about not being put in any time soon.
What have you been doing during the eight months you’ve been out?
It’s really hard. People perhaps won’t realise that you’re going to work every day. You’ve still got to come in each day and go into the gym, do your cardiovascular work, weights etc. I’ve had swimming coaches in and all sorts to improve my fitness. They keep you busy, but it is hard work.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, considering you’d just started to get chances for England, and denied you the opportunity to have a go at United’s first team…
I was massively disappointed. At the end of last season I was on a high because everything seemed to be going so well. Then the bad news came along. It was bad timing. But you just have to roll with it. As soon as I did it I just had to forget about England and United’s first-team. You just have to get your head down and get on with the recovery process.
Do you hope that next season you’ll be in a position to challenge for the no.1 jersey?
Last season I felt on top of my game and that nothing would stand in my way. I’ve got to get that feeling back. First, that will mean getting my head down in training and working on the things that you lose from not playing for such a long time. I’m hoping for a few Reserves games before the end of the season and hopefully then I’ll be knocking on the manager’s door.
Ben Foster was speaking exclusively to MUTV. Read more...
After an England call-up as reward for his outstanding displays on loan at Watford, the challenge of trying to depose Edwin van der Sar as United’s no.1 was next on the 24-year-old’s hit list.
Then the bad news came: a recurring cruciate knee ligament injury that would require surgery, putting his ambitions on hold. Now on the verge of making a reserves return, he explains how he has coped with the long road to recovery…
Can you explain your injury for us?
I ruptured my cruciate knee ligament. It’s an injury I’ve suffered before, years ago when I was at Stoke City. As this is the second time I’ve had the injury, the doctors decided that I should have a donor tendon. It’s had good results for other patients in the past, and the surgeon thought it would be the best option for me. The recovery time is two months longer, because it takes time for the tendon to set in and knit. It was a usual cruciate operation, but with a donor.
How long do you think it will be before you’re playing first-team football again?
I haven’t really thought about it too much. At the start of the season I wrote this season off myself. I just wanted to recover from the operation and get back to full fitness, with maybe a few reserves games. The chance of going out on loan is probably gone now. I think I will just have to wait until next season, realistically. Edwin [van der Sar] has been excellent again this season and Tomasz [Kuszczak] has performed well when he has been called in. I’ve got no qualms about not being put in any time soon.
What have you been doing during the eight months you’ve been out?
It’s really hard. People perhaps won’t realise that you’re going to work every day. You’ve still got to come in each day and go into the gym, do your cardiovascular work, weights etc. I’ve had swimming coaches in and all sorts to improve my fitness. They keep you busy, but it is hard work.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, considering you’d just started to get chances for England, and denied you the opportunity to have a go at United’s first team…
I was massively disappointed. At the end of last season I was on a high because everything seemed to be going so well. Then the bad news came along. It was bad timing. But you just have to roll with it. As soon as I did it I just had to forget about England and United’s first-team. You just have to get your head down and get on with the recovery process.
Do you hope that next season you’ll be in a position to challenge for the no.1 jersey?
Last season I felt on top of my game and that nothing would stand in my way. I’ve got to get that feeling back. First, that will mean getting my head down in training and working on the things that you lose from not playing for such a long time. I’m hoping for a few Reserves games before the end of the season and hopefully then I’ll be knocking on the manager’s door.
Ben Foster was speaking exclusively to MUTV. Read more...
Form pleases Carrick
Michael Carrick has been pleased with his own performances this season, but he accepts that it won’t earn him a permanent place in the team.
The 26-year-old midfielder’s passing and vision has been a real asset to United in recent weeks.
“I’m pleased with my own form,” he told MUTV. “As the season has gone on I feel I’ve got stronger and stronger and I’m happy with the way things are going. But now is the time where we need everyone to be in top form with important games coming up every week.”
In a midfield where competition for places is fierce, a good performance can often be followed by a space on the bench. But Carrick doesn’t see it as being dropped, and can suppress his disappointment with the thought that the policy is more likely to deliver trophies come the end of the season.
“You have to get used to it,” he explains. “It’s not a case of getting dropped, it’s about making the right decisions for the benefit of the team.
“You have to look at the bigger picture for the whole season. The boss has got all the experience in the world, he knows exactly what is required over the course of the campaign. You don’t want to be sat on the sidelines, but you can’t get too down. Your chance comes round pretty quickly.
“As the years go on it’s becoming more and more of a squad game. Every game is important. But everyone here is happy to miss the odd game if you can win trophies at the end of the season.”
The advantage of a large squad not only aids physical recovery, it enhances the options available to Sir Alex to counter opponents differing styles of play.
“There’s so much quality in our midfield, and the advantage of that is that you can adapt to different games, opposition or scenarios,” he adds.
“Each player has their own strengths, it’s not like we have five players who are all exactly the same.
“There is a good variety, and that gives the boss options. So far it’s worked pretty well. Players have come in and out, and it hasn’t seemed to affect us. It’s working really well.” Read more...
The 26-year-old midfielder’s passing and vision has been a real asset to United in recent weeks.
“I’m pleased with my own form,” he told MUTV. “As the season has gone on I feel I’ve got stronger and stronger and I’m happy with the way things are going. But now is the time where we need everyone to be in top form with important games coming up every week.”
In a midfield where competition for places is fierce, a good performance can often be followed by a space on the bench. But Carrick doesn’t see it as being dropped, and can suppress his disappointment with the thought that the policy is more likely to deliver trophies come the end of the season.
“You have to get used to it,” he explains. “It’s not a case of getting dropped, it’s about making the right decisions for the benefit of the team.
“You have to look at the bigger picture for the whole season. The boss has got all the experience in the world, he knows exactly what is required over the course of the campaign. You don’t want to be sat on the sidelines, but you can’t get too down. Your chance comes round pretty quickly.
“As the years go on it’s becoming more and more of a squad game. Every game is important. But everyone here is happy to miss the odd game if you can win trophies at the end of the season.”
The advantage of a large squad not only aids physical recovery, it enhances the options available to Sir Alex to counter opponents differing styles of play.
“There’s so much quality in our midfield, and the advantage of that is that you can adapt to different games, opposition or scenarios,” he adds.
“Each player has their own strengths, it’s not like we have five players who are all exactly the same.
“There is a good variety, and that gives the boss options. So far it’s worked pretty well. Players have come in and out, and it hasn’t seemed to affect us. It’s working really well.” Read more...
Sir Alex Ferguson: Anderson is the natural successor for Paul Scholes
Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Manchester United's rising young midfield star Anderson as the natural successor to Old Trafford veteran Paul Scholes.
Anderson, 19, has broken into the United first-team far quicker than expected following his £19million move from Porto last summer.
He starred in the recent 4-0 FA Cup rout of Arsenal, impressed in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Lyon, and is set to start in the crucial Premier League clash at Fulham on Saturday.
"Anderson has exploded on to the scene for us and been absolutely phenomenal," said Fergie.
"We're really pleased with his progress and the evidence is there for all to see.
"When Scholes got his last injury it opened the door for Anderson, and we discovered a boy who had talent.
"He isn't entirely like Scholes, although there are similarities. But he's more of an aggressive running player.”
David McDonnell, The Mirror Read more...
Anderson, 19, has broken into the United first-team far quicker than expected following his £19million move from Porto last summer.
He starred in the recent 4-0 FA Cup rout of Arsenal, impressed in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Lyon, and is set to start in the crucial Premier League clash at Fulham on Saturday.
"Anderson has exploded on to the scene for us and been absolutely phenomenal," said Fergie.
"We're really pleased with his progress and the evidence is there for all to see.
"When Scholes got his last injury it opened the door for Anderson, and we discovered a boy who had talent.
"He isn't entirely like Scholes, although there are similarities. But he's more of an aggressive running player.”
David McDonnell, The Mirror Read more...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Title could go to goal difference
Sir Alex Ferguson believes this season's title race is so tight it could ultimately be decided by goal difference. Second-placed Manchester United and leaders Arsenal are separated by three points, with the Gunners still having to travel to Old Trafford on April 12. If United, who beat Arsenal 4-0 there in the FA Cup 10 days ago, can stage a repeat victory over Arsene Wenger's side, the two arch rivals could be neck-and-neck with four games left. And United boss Fergie reckons the title could then be determined by goal difference for the first time in almost 20 years. "We're scoring a lot of goals and, you never know, it could be an issue," said Fergie. "I've always said that having a superior goal difference is worth an extra point. And it could be vital this season with the championship being so close. The title run-in is always tough. If you're involved in Europe, FA Cup and chasing the championship, what do you expect? It's not a doddle, that's for sure."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
Benzema focused on OT result
Lyon striker Karim Benzema says he is ignoring persistent speculation linking him with a move to Champions League last 16 opponents and concentrating on helping his side reach the quarter finals.
The 20-year-old forward has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, but with United and Lyon set to resume battle after last week's 1-1 draw, Benzema is staying focused.
"I have a contract with Lyon until 2012," he was quoted as saying. "I signed an extension last June. There will be plenty of time for me to think about other clubs in the future.
"I don't know when I will take a decision, but one thing that is certain is that it will not be at the end of this season. I will still be playing for Lyon next year. I am just 20-years-old, and I have my future in front of me."
It was reported that Lyon have slapped a £45million price tag on their exciting young centre forward.
That may not quell the interest in the player who scored Lyon's goal in the last 16 first leg tie against the Reds. But Benzema insists he won't let it affect him when the French champions visit Manchester next Tuesday.
"I am just concentrating on playing football, and I follow the advice of those close to me," he said. "I haven't discussed anything with the Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas. My agent does that for me - my only job is out on the pitch." Read more...
The 20-year-old forward has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, but with United and Lyon set to resume battle after last week's 1-1 draw, Benzema is staying focused.
"I have a contract with Lyon until 2012," he was quoted as saying. "I signed an extension last June. There will be plenty of time for me to think about other clubs in the future.
"I don't know when I will take a decision, but one thing that is certain is that it will not be at the end of this season. I will still be playing for Lyon next year. I am just 20-years-old, and I have my future in front of me."
It was reported that Lyon have slapped a £45million price tag on their exciting young centre forward.
That may not quell the interest in the player who scored Lyon's goal in the last 16 first leg tie against the Reds. But Benzema insists he won't let it affect him when the French champions visit Manchester next Tuesday.
"I am just concentrating on playing football, and I follow the advice of those close to me," he said. "I haven't discussed anything with the Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas. My agent does that for me - my only job is out on the pitch." Read more...
Saha's time to shine
Louis Saha could make a decisive impact on United’s chase for trophies on three fronts, according to Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The French forward, who has started just four league games this season, has recently returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
He came off the bench against Newcastle to complete a 5-1 romp over Kevin Keegan’s men with his fifth goal of the season.
Sir Alex feels Saha’s return to action is ideally timed in the final few months of the season, and sees the former Fulham front man as a key figure, bringing an alternative approach to United’s forward play.
"Louis Saha is a definite, big bonus to us," the Reds boss told MUTV. "He is different from everyone else in the squad. He gives us strength and penetration.
"You've got to understand what the run-in is like," he added. "It's tense. Points will be dropped. You saw last season, we had some real nail-biters.
"We've got players coming back that are helping. That's the important thing. we have got a good, strong squad. Everyone is fit at the moment, and hopefully we can keep them that way." Read more...
The French forward, who has started just four league games this season, has recently returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
He came off the bench against Newcastle to complete a 5-1 romp over Kevin Keegan’s men with his fifth goal of the season.
Sir Alex feels Saha’s return to action is ideally timed in the final few months of the season, and sees the former Fulham front man as a key figure, bringing an alternative approach to United’s forward play.
"Louis Saha is a definite, big bonus to us," the Reds boss told MUTV. "He is different from everyone else in the squad. He gives us strength and penetration.
"You've got to understand what the run-in is like," he added. "It's tense. Points will be dropped. You saw last season, we had some real nail-biters.
"We've got players coming back that are helping. That's the important thing. we have got a good, strong squad. Everyone is fit at the moment, and hopefully we can keep them that way." Read more...
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Boss allays injury fears
Sir Alex Ferguson moved to dispel worries over the fitness of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic after United’s 5-1 victory over Newcastle.
Evra was replaced by John O’Shea at half-time at St James’ Park, while Vidic limped off during the second half, seemingly still feeling the effects of an earlier challenge by Michael Owen.
Ferguson told MUTV: “Patrice wasn’t feeling very well. He was sick at half-time so we took him off.
“Then Vida came off. I think he’s okay – hopefully it’s just a calf strain.”
Following the midweek Champions League draw at Lyon, Ferguson made four changes against the Magpies, leaving Ryan Giggs out of his squad entirely.
“Ryan got a kick below the knee on Wednesday,” the Reds boss added. “I wasn’t going to start him after his exertions against Lyon.” Read more...
Evra was replaced by John O’Shea at half-time at St James’ Park, while Vidic limped off during the second half, seemingly still feeling the effects of an earlier challenge by Michael Owen.
Ferguson told MUTV: “Patrice wasn’t feeling very well. He was sick at half-time so we took him off.
“Then Vida came off. I think he’s okay – hopefully it’s just a calf strain.”
Following the midweek Champions League draw at Lyon, Ferguson made four changes against the Magpies, leaving Ryan Giggs out of his squad entirely.
“Ryan got a kick below the knee on Wednesday,” the Reds boss added. “I wasn’t going to start him after his exertions against Lyon.” Read more...
Foster nears Reds return
Ben Foster is tantalisingly close to playing for United’s reserves, a huge step on his road to recovery after eight months out following a serious knee injury.
Foster, who underwent cruciate knee ligament surgery in the summer, has been training hard for months now and is itching to get back into action.
"All is going well," he told MUTV. "I've been training for the last two or three months. I started full time training about six weeks ago.
"All been good so far, no niggles or pain, so I'm looking to play a reserves game pretty soon.”
The 24-year-old is yet to play for the first-team, despite being a United player for almost three years. Impressive spells on loan with Watford raised his profile to the extent that he earned his first England cap a year ago – which came in a friendly against Spain, ironically at Old Trafford.
The temptation, for Sir Alex Ferguson as much as Foster, is to return as soon as possible. But United’s medical staff don’t want to rush the former Stoke City keeper at the risk of re-injury.
"It's a serious injury,” he added. “I've been out for eight months. I always knew it would be tough this season. I've got to the stage now where I'm itching to go, but the physios are just having to hold me back. It's frustrating, but you have to listen to them.”
United’s Reserves play Liverpool next week, a game Foster would love to play in. But it is likely to come too soon, and there is more vital work to be done on the training ground before Foster is completely ready for his comeback.
“The Liverpool game on Tuesday for the Reserves would have been ideal, but the medical staff just want me to have a couple more weeks in training.
“I've got to start from where I left off at the start of last season. I felt confident in myself in any given situation. Eight months out knocks you a bit. You forget tiny little things about your game that you need to think about.
“I'm working on my sharpness and my handling in training now. There's a few things I'm going to work on. Kicking, cross-taking with players around me. I've got to do a bit of that, and then I'll hopefully be ready to play for the reserves.”
Foster can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and United very shortly could have at their disposal one of the best young goalkeepers in the game. Read more...
Foster, who underwent cruciate knee ligament surgery in the summer, has been training hard for months now and is itching to get back into action.
"All is going well," he told MUTV. "I've been training for the last two or three months. I started full time training about six weeks ago.
"All been good so far, no niggles or pain, so I'm looking to play a reserves game pretty soon.”
The 24-year-old is yet to play for the first-team, despite being a United player for almost three years. Impressive spells on loan with Watford raised his profile to the extent that he earned his first England cap a year ago – which came in a friendly against Spain, ironically at Old Trafford.
The temptation, for Sir Alex Ferguson as much as Foster, is to return as soon as possible. But United’s medical staff don’t want to rush the former Stoke City keeper at the risk of re-injury.
"It's a serious injury,” he added. “I've been out for eight months. I always knew it would be tough this season. I've got to the stage now where I'm itching to go, but the physios are just having to hold me back. It's frustrating, but you have to listen to them.”
United’s Reserves play Liverpool next week, a game Foster would love to play in. But it is likely to come too soon, and there is more vital work to be done on the training ground before Foster is completely ready for his comeback.
“The Liverpool game on Tuesday for the Reserves would have been ideal, but the medical staff just want me to have a couple more weeks in training.
“I've got to start from where I left off at the start of last season. I felt confident in myself in any given situation. Eight months out knocks you a bit. You forget tiny little things about your game that you need to think about.
“I'm working on my sharpness and my handling in training now. There's a few things I'm going to work on. Kicking, cross-taking with players around me. I've got to do a bit of that, and then I'll hopefully be ready to play for the reserves.”
Foster can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and United very shortly could have at their disposal one of the best young goalkeepers in the game. Read more...
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Rampant Reds delight manager
Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see his side’s voracious approach in swatting aside Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The Reds romped to a 5-1 victory over Kevin Keegan’s side, despite having played two extra matches since the Magpies’ last action, and the United manager watched with great satisfaction as the hosts were run ragged.
“It was a good performance. We could have scored a few goals, we made chances, but the important thing is that they’re looking really fresh,” Sir Alex told Setanta Sports.
“Coming to Newcastle is never easy. The crowd are fantastic, they urge their team on and it’s a volatile place to come. The first job to do is to try and quieten them. It’s not easy, but I think we did that for the most part of the game.”
Sir Alex made four changes to the side which drew with Lyon on Wednesday, rotating his forward six after the exertions of facing the French champions.
“We freshened up the centre of midfield, because that’s an area in which we have a lot of strength,” he said. “We brought Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in after Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson all played on Wednesday, so it gave us a freshness.
“But the match was decided by the ability of our front players, they were all absolutely fantastic. They all did really well. Obviously with Ronaldo and Rooney scoring two goals apiece, they’re going to get all the headlines, but the movement of Tevez and the penetration of Nani contributed to that.”
Following last weekend’s FA Cup romp against Arsenal, a vital away draw against Lyon and Saturday’s thumping of Newcastle, Sir Alex feels his side have responded in the right fashion to the disappointing defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.
“We’re all disappointed with our performance against Manchester City, and since then the players have done their best to atone for that,” he said. “They performed against Arsenal last week, then in midweek against Lyon it was a very good result for us, and today stresses our urgency to try and do better and get up that league.” Read more...
The Reds romped to a 5-1 victory over Kevin Keegan’s side, despite having played two extra matches since the Magpies’ last action, and the United manager watched with great satisfaction as the hosts were run ragged.
“It was a good performance. We could have scored a few goals, we made chances, but the important thing is that they’re looking really fresh,” Sir Alex told Setanta Sports.
“Coming to Newcastle is never easy. The crowd are fantastic, they urge their team on and it’s a volatile place to come. The first job to do is to try and quieten them. It’s not easy, but I think we did that for the most part of the game.”
Sir Alex made four changes to the side which drew with Lyon on Wednesday, rotating his forward six after the exertions of facing the French champions.
“We freshened up the centre of midfield, because that’s an area in which we have a lot of strength,” he said. “We brought Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in after Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Anderson all played on Wednesday, so it gave us a freshness.
“But the match was decided by the ability of our front players, they were all absolutely fantastic. They all did really well. Obviously with Ronaldo and Rooney scoring two goals apiece, they’re going to get all the headlines, but the movement of Tevez and the penetration of Nani contributed to that.”
Following last weekend’s FA Cup romp against Arsenal, a vital away draw against Lyon and Saturday’s thumping of Newcastle, Sir Alex feels his side have responded in the right fashion to the disappointing defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.
“We’re all disappointed with our performance against Manchester City, and since then the players have done their best to atone for that,” he said. “They performed against Arsenal last week, then in midweek against Lyon it was a very good result for us, and today stresses our urgency to try and do better and get up that league.” Read more...
Rooney: Arsenal draw lifted us
Wayne Rooney revealed that Arsenal’s surprise draw at Birmingham gave United extra motivation to beat Newcastle.
The striker scored two of the Reds’ five goals in a superb win at St James’ Park which closed the gap on the Gunners at the top to three points.
“We saw the Arsenal result before we played and that made us want to win even more, if that's possible,” Rooney told Setanta Sports.
“We knew we had to go out there and get three points, nothing less.
“Now we have to keep working hard and winning to try and overtake Arsenal and hopefully stay there until the end of the season.”
Rooney opened the scoring with a close-range volley but he was especially pleased with his second goal, which took his tally to eight in eight league games against the Magpies.
“I enjoyed my second goal. I'm always on the edge of the box for corners and I've been saying one will drop out to me and I'll score – thankfully that happened today.” Read more...
The striker scored two of the Reds’ five goals in a superb win at St James’ Park which closed the gap on the Gunners at the top to three points.
“We saw the Arsenal result before we played and that made us want to win even more, if that's possible,” Rooney told Setanta Sports.
“We knew we had to go out there and get three points, nothing less.
“Now we have to keep working hard and winning to try and overtake Arsenal and hopefully stay there until the end of the season.”
Rooney opened the scoring with a close-range volley but he was especially pleased with his second goal, which took his tally to eight in eight league games against the Magpies.
“I enjoyed my second goal. I'm always on the edge of the box for corners and I've been saying one will drop out to me and I'll score – thankfully that happened today.” Read more...
Newcastle United Vs. Manchester United Result Report
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored twice as United closed the gap on Arsenal at the top with an emphatic victory at St James’ Park.
Buoyed by news of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw at Birmingham earlier in the day, the Reds dominated from start to finish to record their second convincing win over Newcastle in as many months.
Ronaldo set up Rooney for the opener before the Portugal winger bagged his 28th and 29th goals of the season to put United out of sight.
Abdoulaye Faye pulled one back but Rooney’s superb second and a late strike from substitute Louis Saha left Newcastle still searching for their first win since Kevin Keegan returned to the club.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, mindful of the need to keep his squad fresh as they chase three trophies, made four changes to his starting line-up after the midweek draw in Lyon.
In came Nani, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Carlos Tevez for Anderson, Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Ryan Giggs, with the latter two not even on the bench.
Keegan’s men had conceded 11 goals in four games coming into the match and United threatened to open them up at will early on.
Carrick made a marauding run through the middle and played in Rooney on the right of the box, but the striker failed to pick out one of his team-mates with his pulled-back cross.
In the 24th minute, Rio Ferdinand had to be at his best to clear the ball in the box with Michael Owen poised to pull the trigger – and a minute later United were ahead.
Ronaldo motored down the left, cut back inside Habib Beye and delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Rooney, who volleyed home smartly at the back post.
Charles N’Zogbia was booked for bringing down Nani and Faye followed him minutes later after preventing Edwin van der Sar from making a quick clearance. Owen then became the third Newcastle player into referee Chris Foy’s notebook for raising his studs as he contested a ball with Nemanja Vidic.
Tevez missed a great chance to double United’s lead five minutes before the break, heading a Nani cross wide from seven yards.
But it wasn’t long before the Reds had their second and it was Ronaldo who delivered the sucker-punch with his 20th Barclays Premier League goal of the season.
This time Carrick was the provider, the midfielder finding himself in acres of space as he drove forward and picking out Ronaldo, who calmly slotted past Shay Given.
Ferguson brought on John O’Shea for Patrice Evra at the break, while Keegan’s only move was to replace goalkeeper Given with Steve Harper, suggesting he was more concerned with keeping the scoreline respectable than mounting a fightback.
And five minutes in Ronaldo ended the game as a contest with his second goal of the night. Fletcher intercepted Faye’s poor clearance, put Ronaldo through on goal and the winger rounded Harper before finishing emphatically.
The 23-year-old was denied the chance to score his second Reds hat-trick when he was replaced by Saha in the 66th minute, to a standing ovation from the away support.
Nicky Butt was booked for a crude tackle from behind on Carrick before Vidic, still feeling the effects of Owen’s late challenge in the first half, was replaced by Scholes.
Newcastle battled to offer a silenced St James’ Park something to cheer, but by now United were in total command.
However, Faye ensured there was to be no exact repeat of the Tynesiders’ 6-0 mauling at Old Trafford last month when he smashed home after a goalmouth scramble.
Scholes, eyeing his first goal since August, almost netted United’s fifth but, after a neat one-two with Nani, the midfielder’s header was well pushed over by Harper.
Rooney’s second goal and United’s fourth was exquisite. With 10 minutes left, he collected the ball on the edge of the box after the Magpies had only half-cleared a corner and curled an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner. It was his eighth goal in eight league games against Newcastle.
Former United man Alan Smith came close to opening his account for the Magpies but saw his shot from the edge of the box tipped over by Van der Sar.
By now, Newcastle were all over the place at the back and Harper tipped over Saha’s toe-poke inside the box.
But the Frenchman did get on the scoresheet in stoppage-time, firing home from inside the box to cap another resounding win for the Reds over their north-east rivals.
Team Line-ups
Newcastle United: Given (Harper 46); Beye, Taylor, Faye, N'Zogbia; Milner (Geremi 84), Butt, Barton (Carroll 61), Duff; Smith, Owen.
Subs not used: Cacapa, Ameobi.
Booked: Butt, Faye, N'Zogbia, Owen
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic (Scholes 74), Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 46); Ronaldo (Saha 67), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani; Rooney, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson.
Attendance: 52, 291 Read more...
Buoyed by news of the Gunners’ 2-2 draw at Birmingham earlier in the day, the Reds dominated from start to finish to record their second convincing win over Newcastle in as many months.
Ronaldo set up Rooney for the opener before the Portugal winger bagged his 28th and 29th goals of the season to put United out of sight.
Abdoulaye Faye pulled one back but Rooney’s superb second and a late strike from substitute Louis Saha left Newcastle still searching for their first win since Kevin Keegan returned to the club.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, mindful of the need to keep his squad fresh as they chase three trophies, made four changes to his starting line-up after the midweek draw in Lyon.
In came Nani, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Carlos Tevez for Anderson, Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Ryan Giggs, with the latter two not even on the bench.
Keegan’s men had conceded 11 goals in four games coming into the match and United threatened to open them up at will early on.
Carrick made a marauding run through the middle and played in Rooney on the right of the box, but the striker failed to pick out one of his team-mates with his pulled-back cross.
In the 24th minute, Rio Ferdinand had to be at his best to clear the ball in the box with Michael Owen poised to pull the trigger – and a minute later United were ahead.
Ronaldo motored down the left, cut back inside Habib Beye and delivered a pinpoint cross to an unmarked Rooney, who volleyed home smartly at the back post.
Charles N’Zogbia was booked for bringing down Nani and Faye followed him minutes later after preventing Edwin van der Sar from making a quick clearance. Owen then became the third Newcastle player into referee Chris Foy’s notebook for raising his studs as he contested a ball with Nemanja Vidic.
Tevez missed a great chance to double United’s lead five minutes before the break, heading a Nani cross wide from seven yards.
But it wasn’t long before the Reds had their second and it was Ronaldo who delivered the sucker-punch with his 20th Barclays Premier League goal of the season.
This time Carrick was the provider, the midfielder finding himself in acres of space as he drove forward and picking out Ronaldo, who calmly slotted past Shay Given.
Ferguson brought on John O’Shea for Patrice Evra at the break, while Keegan’s only move was to replace goalkeeper Given with Steve Harper, suggesting he was more concerned with keeping the scoreline respectable than mounting a fightback.
And five minutes in Ronaldo ended the game as a contest with his second goal of the night. Fletcher intercepted Faye’s poor clearance, put Ronaldo through on goal and the winger rounded Harper before finishing emphatically.
The 23-year-old was denied the chance to score his second Reds hat-trick when he was replaced by Saha in the 66th minute, to a standing ovation from the away support.
Nicky Butt was booked for a crude tackle from behind on Carrick before Vidic, still feeling the effects of Owen’s late challenge in the first half, was replaced by Scholes.
Newcastle battled to offer a silenced St James’ Park something to cheer, but by now United were in total command.
However, Faye ensured there was to be no exact repeat of the Tynesiders’ 6-0 mauling at Old Trafford last month when he smashed home after a goalmouth scramble.
Scholes, eyeing his first goal since August, almost netted United’s fifth but, after a neat one-two with Nani, the midfielder’s header was well pushed over by Harper.
Rooney’s second goal and United’s fourth was exquisite. With 10 minutes left, he collected the ball on the edge of the box after the Magpies had only half-cleared a corner and curled an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner. It was his eighth goal in eight league games against Newcastle.
Former United man Alan Smith came close to opening his account for the Magpies but saw his shot from the edge of the box tipped over by Van der Sar.
By now, Newcastle were all over the place at the back and Harper tipped over Saha’s toe-poke inside the box.
But the Frenchman did get on the scoresheet in stoppage-time, firing home from inside the box to cap another resounding win for the Reds over their north-east rivals.
Team Line-ups
Newcastle United: Given (Harper 46); Beye, Taylor, Faye, N'Zogbia; Milner (Geremi 84), Butt, Barton (Carroll 61), Duff; Smith, Owen.
Subs not used: Cacapa, Ameobi.
Booked: Butt, Faye, N'Zogbia, Owen
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic (Scholes 74), Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 46); Ronaldo (Saha 67), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani; Rooney, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson.
Attendance: 52, 291 Read more...
Newcastle United Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Newcastle United 1 - 5 Manchester United
25′ [0 - 1] W. Rooney
45′ [0 - 2] C. Ronaldo
56′ [0 - 3] C. Ronaldo
78′ [1 - 3] A. Diagne-Faye
80′ [1 - 4] W. Rooney
90′ [1 - 5] L. Saha
Read more...
25′ [0 - 1] W. Rooney
45′ [0 - 2] C. Ronaldo
56′ [0 - 3] C. Ronaldo
78′ [1 - 3] A. Diagne-Faye
80′ [1 - 4] W. Rooney
90′ [1 - 5] L. Saha
Read more...
Friday, February 22, 2008
Brown heading for United exit
Wes Brown's Manchester United future is on a knife-edge after Alex Ferguson hit out at his contract demands. Brown, 28, wants £65,000 a week to sign a new deal but has been offered £10,000 less. He could leave on a free in the summer. Boss Fergie said: “We’ve given him his offer. It’s in his hands, not in ours. Players today live in their agents’ pockets. It’s a situation which depresses me at times. Wes has been with us since he was 12 but I don’t think that matters these days. Their agents live their lives for them — and if you are happy to go along with that then you get the situation you have just now.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Milner: We must have belief
Newcastle midfielder James Milner insists his side must believe in themselves if they are to have any chance of picking up a positive result against United on Saturday.
The Toon Army go into the tea-time clash at St James' Park still without a win under new boss Kevin Keegan and having conceded 11 goals in their last four games.
Unlike United, who have had FA Cup and Champions League commitments in the last week, Keegan's men have had a fortnight to prepare for the match and Milner is hoping their preparation will pay off.
"Manchester United is a big game for us and we have to rise to the occasion," he told Newcastle's official website. "It is all about how we are mentally as well. That is a big part of it.
"For instance at Villa, instead of us being 2-1 down, we were 4-1 down. Some of the time we have not really deserved it.
"It is about how we bounce back from conceding a goal. We need to be strong mentally. We know we need to get better, and that comes from hard work on the training field.
"Having a game every few days, you don't really get a chance to work on it. During this break, we have had a chance to assess things and to see where we are going wrong."
Newcastle were on the end of a 6-0 thrashing from United last month at Old Trafford. Milner admits the wounds are still raw from the defeat, but says a result against the Reds on Saturday would go a long way to getting the Geordies back on track.
"When results are not going your way, you lose a bit of confidence," admits the 22-year-old. "We sometimes do not have the confidence to put our feet on the ball and pass it as well as we can.
"That will come with a few positive results and performances - hopefully we get that against United. At the moment, things are not going for us, but we have been working hard to put things right."
Newcastle will be boosted by the return of Africa Nations Cup quartet Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins. Steve Harper will continue to deputise in goal if Shay Given fails to recover from a groin injury. It will Harper's 100th Newcastle appearance if he plays. Read more...
The Toon Army go into the tea-time clash at St James' Park still without a win under new boss Kevin Keegan and having conceded 11 goals in their last four games.
Unlike United, who have had FA Cup and Champions League commitments in the last week, Keegan's men have had a fortnight to prepare for the match and Milner is hoping their preparation will pay off.
"Manchester United is a big game for us and we have to rise to the occasion," he told Newcastle's official website. "It is all about how we are mentally as well. That is a big part of it.
"For instance at Villa, instead of us being 2-1 down, we were 4-1 down. Some of the time we have not really deserved it.
"It is about how we bounce back from conceding a goal. We need to be strong mentally. We know we need to get better, and that comes from hard work on the training field.
"Having a game every few days, you don't really get a chance to work on it. During this break, we have had a chance to assess things and to see where we are going wrong."
Newcastle were on the end of a 6-0 thrashing from United last month at Old Trafford. Milner admits the wounds are still raw from the defeat, but says a result against the Reds on Saturday would go a long way to getting the Geordies back on track.
"When results are not going your way, you lose a bit of confidence," admits the 22-year-old. "We sometimes do not have the confidence to put our feet on the ball and pass it as well as we can.
"That will come with a few positive results and performances - hopefully we get that against United. At the moment, things are not going for us, but we have been working hard to put things right."
Newcastle will be boosted by the return of Africa Nations Cup quartet Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins. Steve Harper will continue to deputise in goal if Shay Given fails to recover from a groin injury. It will Harper's 100th Newcastle appearance if he plays. Read more...
Boss joy at Ando and Nani
A week that has gleaned two excellent results in the cup competitions for United has also highlighted just how important Sir Alex Ferguson’s summer signings have become to the team.
Carlos Tevez got the winner against Lyon in midweek, with Owen Hargreaves operating a pivotal midfield holding role. But it is the form of Nani and Anderson, both new to England, that have pleased the United boss.
The pair have both perhaps played more regularly than that they would have hoped at the start of the season. But their excellent recent displays make it increasingly difficult leave them out of the side.
“We’re very pleased with their progress,” Sir Alex says. “The evidence of their development is there to see on the pitch.
“With Anderson, he has exploded onto the scene, whereas Nani is taking his time. But he is gradually getting better and better.
"They’re different players of course, so that makes a difference. But they’re both doing really well.” Read more...
Carlos Tevez got the winner against Lyon in midweek, with Owen Hargreaves operating a pivotal midfield holding role. But it is the form of Nani and Anderson, both new to England, that have pleased the United boss.
The pair have both perhaps played more regularly than that they would have hoped at the start of the season. But their excellent recent displays make it increasingly difficult leave them out of the side.
“We’re very pleased with their progress,” Sir Alex says. “The evidence of their development is there to see on the pitch.
“With Anderson, he has exploded onto the scene, whereas Nani is taking his time. But he is gradually getting better and better.
"They’re different players of course, so that makes a difference. But they’re both doing really well.” Read more...
Sir Alex: No Keegan rift
Sir Alex Ferguson has described his supposed fierce rivalry with Kevin Keegan as “a myth”, and says he is looking forward to seeing the Newcastle manager at St James’ Park on Saturday.
The infamous “love it” rant and the two manager's contest for the title during Keegan's last spell in charge on Tyneside have given rise to the notion of a rift. But Sir Alex insists their relationship isn’t thorny in the slightest.
“I’ve not spoken to him for ages,” said the Reds boss. “But it’s a myth [that we don’t get on]. I’ve always got on with Kevin and I’ll look forward to seeing him on Saturday.”
Sir Alex even took time to sympathise with his opposite number's predicament, and the difficulty of bringing in players in the January transfer window.
“Kevin didn’t really have a lot of time to understand the market," he said. "Everyone thinks it’s easy to get players in January, but it’s not. I’ve said it many times. He maybe didn’t have the time to get in the players he wanted, so he has to rely on the players he’s got at the moment.”
But that apparent cordiality will not prevent Sir Alex wanting to further dampen the mood after Keegan’s so far unsuccessful return to St James’ and earn three more valuable points towards United's title defence.
The United boss enjoys trips to Newcastle, not least because he is unbeaten there in almost seven years, but also because of the desire for football in the North East. “Newcastle is one of my favourite venues,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed going there. You see the passion of their fans, and I enjoy that. I think it’s one of the main games of the season in the sense of it being a football occasion.
“We have got a decent record at St James’ Park, but that doesn’t guarantee us anything. We know we have to perform on the day. Last season we were coasting at 2-1 and they got a late goal from a deflection. You can lose a goal in any game, at any time. We have to be alert to that.”
With United five points behind league leaders Arsenal, the Reds cannot afford to slip. By the time the 17:15 GMT kick-off comes around, Sir Alex’s men could be eight points adrift, which is all part of being chasers rather than the chased.
“It’s not easy to close these gaps,” Sir Alex says, the voice of experience. “We’ve achieved it in the past, and we’ve failed to do it in the past. Hopefully experience counts. You know that points will be dropped. Arsenal and Chelsea are well aware of that. The name of the game is not to drop as many points as your opponents.
"At the moment, Arsenal have an advantage. But we also know that they have some tough games to come, so they will drop points. It’s unavoidable.” United have to be sure to be in the position to pounce if, or when, the Gunners do stumble. Read more...
The infamous “love it” rant and the two manager's contest for the title during Keegan's last spell in charge on Tyneside have given rise to the notion of a rift. But Sir Alex insists their relationship isn’t thorny in the slightest.
“I’ve not spoken to him for ages,” said the Reds boss. “But it’s a myth [that we don’t get on]. I’ve always got on with Kevin and I’ll look forward to seeing him on Saturday.”
Sir Alex even took time to sympathise with his opposite number's predicament, and the difficulty of bringing in players in the January transfer window.
“Kevin didn’t really have a lot of time to understand the market," he said. "Everyone thinks it’s easy to get players in January, but it’s not. I’ve said it many times. He maybe didn’t have the time to get in the players he wanted, so he has to rely on the players he’s got at the moment.”
But that apparent cordiality will not prevent Sir Alex wanting to further dampen the mood after Keegan’s so far unsuccessful return to St James’ and earn three more valuable points towards United's title defence.
The United boss enjoys trips to Newcastle, not least because he is unbeaten there in almost seven years, but also because of the desire for football in the North East. “Newcastle is one of my favourite venues,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed going there. You see the passion of their fans, and I enjoy that. I think it’s one of the main games of the season in the sense of it being a football occasion.
“We have got a decent record at St James’ Park, but that doesn’t guarantee us anything. We know we have to perform on the day. Last season we were coasting at 2-1 and they got a late goal from a deflection. You can lose a goal in any game, at any time. We have to be alert to that.”
With United five points behind league leaders Arsenal, the Reds cannot afford to slip. By the time the 17:15 GMT kick-off comes around, Sir Alex’s men could be eight points adrift, which is all part of being chasers rather than the chased.
“It’s not easy to close these gaps,” Sir Alex says, the voice of experience. “We’ve achieved it in the past, and we’ve failed to do it in the past. Hopefully experience counts. You know that points will be dropped. Arsenal and Chelsea are well aware of that. The name of the game is not to drop as many points as your opponents.
"At the moment, Arsenal have an advantage. But we also know that they have some tough games to come, so they will drop points. It’s unavoidable.” United have to be sure to be in the position to pounce if, or when, the Gunners do stumble. Read more...
Reds set for changes
Sir Alex Ferguson has a full squad to select from ahead of the Reds' Premier League trip to Newcastle on Saturday, but the United boss is certain to make changes to keep a freshness to his side's play.
Ryan Giggs, who suffered a knee injury in a tackle with Juninho in the first half of Wednesday's Champions League clash, is available.
The Welshman was replaced by Nani in the 65th minute as United went in search of an equaliser, but he was able to train on Friday.
The United boss confirmed the stand-in skipper would be available for the visit to St James' Park, but revealed he may even leave some players behind.
“I may freshen up and make a few changes,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday.
“We’re looking for enough freshness to get over Wednesday’s travelling into Europe.
“It can be difficult coming back off a mid-week tie in Europe, so hopefully I can pick the right team for the occasion. Read more...
Ryan Giggs, who suffered a knee injury in a tackle with Juninho in the first half of Wednesday's Champions League clash, is available.
The Welshman was replaced by Nani in the 65th minute as United went in search of an equaliser, but he was able to train on Friday.
The United boss confirmed the stand-in skipper would be available for the visit to St James' Park, but revealed he may even leave some players behind.
“I may freshen up and make a few changes,” Sir Alex told reporters on Friday.
“We’re looking for enough freshness to get over Wednesday’s travelling into Europe.
“It can be difficult coming back off a mid-week tie in Europe, so hopefully I can pick the right team for the occasion. Read more...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Christiano Ronaldo Laser Dsitraction against Lyon Video Clip
Cristiano Ronaldo gets a laser/strong light in his eyes against Lyon, which could have had an effect..
Read more...
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UEFA probe as laser is aimed at Ronaldo
United’s evening in Lyon got off to a bizarre start when Ferguson’s staff noticed that what seemed to be a laser was being shone into the eye of Cristiano Ronaldo from the crowd during the warm-up.
United reported the matter to UEFA but the problem appeared to continue during the first half of the game at the Stade de Gerland.
Ferguson said: “We reported what was happening to UEFA before the game because we noticed what was going on.
“UEFA tried to deal with it but I’m not sure what happened after that.”
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail Read more...
United reported the matter to UEFA but the problem appeared to continue during the first half of the game at the Stade de Gerland.
Ferguson said: “We reported what was happening to UEFA before the game because we noticed what was going on.
“UEFA tried to deal with it but I’m not sure what happened after that.”
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail Read more...
Benzema: We'll fight for it
Lyon goalscorer Karim Benzema concedes that United are "big favourites" to go through to the quarter finals after snatching a late away goal at Stade Gerland on Wednesday.
However, the powerful 20-year-old forward has vowed to push the Reds all the way in the return leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 4 March.
"United were big favourites but we showed we can compete with them and we'll go to Old Trafford to win," he told uefa.com.
"Even if we know it'll be tough, we believe we can do it. United are one of the biggest clubs in Europe, yet they are the ones going home feeling happy with a draw."
Lyon were sturdy in defence and even if they were only occasionally threatening going forward, Benzema says the performance has given the team the lift they needed after some inconsistent form domestically.
"This performance will give us a lift because we'd dug ourselves into a bit of a hole," he added. "We hadn't really been playing as a team in the past few weeks but we showed we can still be a strong side when we work hard for each other." Read more...
However, the powerful 20-year-old forward has vowed to push the Reds all the way in the return leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 4 March.
"United were big favourites but we showed we can compete with them and we'll go to Old Trafford to win," he told uefa.com.
"Even if we know it'll be tough, we believe we can do it. United are one of the biggest clubs in Europe, yet they are the ones going home feeling happy with a draw."
Lyon were sturdy in defence and even if they were only occasionally threatening going forward, Benzema says the performance has given the team the lift they needed after some inconsistent form domestically.
"This performance will give us a lift because we'd dug ourselves into a bit of a hole," he added. "We hadn't really been playing as a team in the past few weeks but we showed we can still be a strong side when we work hard for each other." Read more...
Vidic: It felt like victory
United's hard work in a tough match against Lyon was rewarded with a late goal that Nemanja Vidic says made the 1-1 first-leg draw feel like victory.
The Reds enjoyed large periods of dominance against the French Ligue 1 leaders, but Lyon's impressive 20-year-old forward Karim Benzema hit a wonderful opener on 54 minutes.
The goal came against the run of play, and momentarily knocked the United players out of their rhythm.
However, substitutes Nani and Carlos Tevez gave United an attacking edge. And it was from Lyon's failure to clear a Nani cross that Tevez was able to fire home the equaliser three minutes from time.
"Lyon have some good players and Benzema caused us some problems," Vidic said after the match. "But scoring near the end makes it feel a little bit like a victory."
Vidic praised the influence of Tevez and Nani and says it is a sign of the squad's strength in depth.
"Nani and Tevez made a big difference when they came on," Vida added. "We are capable of finishing games strongly because we have so much strength on the bench." Read more...
The Reds enjoyed large periods of dominance against the French Ligue 1 leaders, but Lyon's impressive 20-year-old forward Karim Benzema hit a wonderful opener on 54 minutes.
The goal came against the run of play, and momentarily knocked the United players out of their rhythm.
However, substitutes Nani and Carlos Tevez gave United an attacking edge. And it was from Lyon's failure to clear a Nani cross that Tevez was able to fire home the equaliser three minutes from time.
"Lyon have some good players and Benzema caused us some problems," Vidic said after the match. "But scoring near the end makes it feel a little bit like a victory."
Vidic praised the influence of Tevez and Nani and says it is a sign of the squad's strength in depth.
"Nani and Tevez made a big difference when they came on," Vida added. "We are capable of finishing games strongly because we have so much strength on the bench." Read more...
Gallas clash over with
Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to draw a line under William Gallas’ actions in United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, but feels the defender escaping punishment for kicking Nani will disappoint plenty of other clubs.
Referee Alan Wylie has watched the incident again on tape, but declined to include the defender’s kick in his report – thus the FA will take no further action.
“It’s hard to assess,” Sir Alex said at a press conference in Lyon. “There will be a lot of clubs disappointed because they’ve had players suffer from a retrospective view of incidents. It was a tough game for Alan Wylie, and he’d probably had enough. He was probably quite happy to put a marker under it and get a rest for the rest of this week.”
A fiery encounter saw Emmanuel Eboue sent off for the Gunners. And although Sir Alex insists there were other offences – including Gallas’ – that could have warranted the same punishment, he's happy to draw a line under the incident.
“It was very difficult in the second half,” he said. “There could have been three or four red cards for Arsenal. The important thing is everybody’s been made aware of the incident. We don’t need to answer to it, and we’re happy to leave it now.” Read more...
Referee Alan Wylie has watched the incident again on tape, but declined to include the defender’s kick in his report – thus the FA will take no further action.
“It’s hard to assess,” Sir Alex said at a press conference in Lyon. “There will be a lot of clubs disappointed because they’ve had players suffer from a retrospective view of incidents. It was a tough game for Alan Wylie, and he’d probably had enough. He was probably quite happy to put a marker under it and get a rest for the rest of this week.”
A fiery encounter saw Emmanuel Eboue sent off for the Gunners. And although Sir Alex insists there were other offences – including Gallas’ – that could have warranted the same punishment, he's happy to draw a line under the incident.
“It was very difficult in the second half,” he said. “There could have been three or four red cards for Arsenal. The important thing is everybody’s been made aware of the incident. We don’t need to answer to it, and we’re happy to leave it now.” Read more...
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lyon Vs. Manchester United Result Report
A late Carlos Tevez goal levelled the scores on the night, but handed United the advantage in the Reds’ Champions League last 16 tie with Olympique Lyonnais.
Tevez fired home in the 87th minute after Karim Benzema, French football’s finest young talent, scored against the run of play early in the second half. Benzema’s goal looked to have handed Lyon a famous victory on a night that yielded few clear-cut chances but plenty of engaging football.
United travelled to Lyon on a high after a tremendous 4-0 defeat of Arsenal in the FA Cup. Despite producing one of his finest performances in that match, Darren Fletcher had to be content with a spot on the bench in Lyon, alongside Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Carrick, John O’Shea, Nani, Louis Saha and Tevez.
Before kick-off, Sir Alex admitted some players were unlucky not to retain their spot after the FA Cup victory, but explained the need for experience when playing away from home in Europe.
Of course, nobody in the Reds’ squad can boast Ryan Giggs’ experience. It was his quick thinking that handed United a 1-0 win against Lille the last time United travelled to France (at the same stage of last season’s competition), and on Wednesday night, almost 14-and-a-half years after his Champions League debut, the Welshman joined a elite group of players who have made 100 appearances in the competition.
The Reds’ no.11 only had fleeting touches early on. The home side was happy to gift United possession, but only in deep-lying areas of the pitch; any ball played into the final third induced a strong challenge from the Lyon centre-backs.
Lyon’s early play was concentrated down the left flank, with full back Fabio Grosso keen to get forward as much as possible. It was Grosso who supplied the cross that almost led to a Lyon opener in the 7th minute. Sidney Govou was first to the ball, but his shot was blocked before Patrice Evra scrambled the loose ball to safety.
The resulting corner saw dangerman Karim Benzema ghost in at the far post but he couldn’t connect cleanly with his volley, which dribbled into Edwin van der Sar’s hands. It was only a half chance, but Sir Alex will have been looking for greater concentration at set pieces, especially given Lyon midfielder Juninho’s ability to deliver balls into dangerous areas.
United’s first real chance fell to Wayne Rooney on 25 minutes. Ryan Giggs flicked a ball through the Lyon defence, which Rooney reached just ahead of Sebastien Squillaci. His touch took him into the box where he was left with only veteran goalkeeper Gregory Coupet to beat. Coupet was equal to the task, saving low at Rooney’s feet.
Benzema then blazed over the bar at the other end before Paul Scholes – the killer ball again provided by Giggs – was denied by a last-ditch block from former Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong.
Cristiano Ronaldo was upended in the 33rd minute by a challenge that earned Anthony Reveillere a booking, which will see the 28-year-old miss the return leg at Old Trafford. Swede Kim Kallstrom followed his team-mate into referee Luis Medina Cantalejo’s notebook just three minutes later when he brought down the same player in the centre circle.
Owen Hargreaves was the first United player to see a yellow card when he fouled Govou on the edge of the box, a tackle that prompted protestations from Boumsong that were vehement enough to earn the defender a booking of his own.
Despite the cards, the game never threatened to boil over, although Juninho went in late and high on Ryan Giggs just before the interval. It was more mistimed than malicious, however, and gave Ronaldo a chance from out wide to fizz the ball across the penalty area.
Coupet fisted the ball away for a corner, which Giggs took and Ronaldo headed over after out-jumping his man. It was the first half’s last meaningful piece of action and Sir Alex will have been pleased enough with United’s opening 45 minutes. He confirmed as much to Sky Sports just before the second half kicked off, yet reiterated his desire to leave the Stade Gerland with an “all important away goal”.
It wasn’t forthcoming in the early stages of the second period, although the Reds enjoyed almost uninterrupted possession.
And so it was against the run of play that Lyon took the lead in the 54th minute. Benzema picked up the ball on the edge of the box and, despite close attention from three Reds defenders, found space to rattle a low drive in off the post and give Lyon the advantage.
It was a cruel blow for United, who had begun the half so brightly, and a timely reminder of how finely balanced Champions League football can be. The goal triggered a prompt response, as red shirts piled forward in search of an equaliser and Carlos Tevez and Nani stripped off on the touchline.
Ten minutes after Benzema’s strike, United were still a goal down. Tevez came on for Scholes, while Nani replaced Giggs on the left side of midfield as Sir Alex sacrificed experience for energy and enthusiasm.
The two substitutes were at the heart of the move that finally saw Lyon’s net bulge, although Wayne Rooney was correctly flagged offside after Tevez had headed Nani’s cross into the England striker’s path.
United huffed and puffed, but Lyon stood firm despite the Reds’ best efforts. Ronaldo drew a spectacular save from Coupet before substitute Michael Carrick saw a drive bravely blocked just yards off the line.
The French defence did eventually crack, however, and it was Carlos Tevez who found the net with just three minutes to play. Tevez, who’d looked United’s liveliest player since his 65th-minute introduction, was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net after Fred failed to clear Nani’s cross at the far post.
The history books will show the teams finished on equal terms, but with the Reds playing the second leg at Old Trafford, the advantage has swung well and truly in United’s favour.
Line-ups
United: van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Anderson, Hargreaves (Carrick 78), Scholes (Tevez 65), Giggs (Nani 65); Rooney
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Saha, O’Shea, Fletcher
Booked: Hargreaves
Lyon: Coupet; Reveillere, Squillaci, Boumsong, Grosso; Clerc (Ben Arfa 78), Juninho (Bodmer 74), Toulalan, Govou, Kallstrom; Benzema (Fred 83)
Subs not used: Vercoutre, Cris, Delgado, Keita
Booked: Reveillere, Kallstrom, Boumsong Read more...
Tevez fired home in the 87th minute after Karim Benzema, French football’s finest young talent, scored against the run of play early in the second half. Benzema’s goal looked to have handed Lyon a famous victory on a night that yielded few clear-cut chances but plenty of engaging football.
United travelled to Lyon on a high after a tremendous 4-0 defeat of Arsenal in the FA Cup. Despite producing one of his finest performances in that match, Darren Fletcher had to be content with a spot on the bench in Lyon, alongside Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Carrick, John O’Shea, Nani, Louis Saha and Tevez.
Before kick-off, Sir Alex admitted some players were unlucky not to retain their spot after the FA Cup victory, but explained the need for experience when playing away from home in Europe.
Of course, nobody in the Reds’ squad can boast Ryan Giggs’ experience. It was his quick thinking that handed United a 1-0 win against Lille the last time United travelled to France (at the same stage of last season’s competition), and on Wednesday night, almost 14-and-a-half years after his Champions League debut, the Welshman joined a elite group of players who have made 100 appearances in the competition.
The Reds’ no.11 only had fleeting touches early on. The home side was happy to gift United possession, but only in deep-lying areas of the pitch; any ball played into the final third induced a strong challenge from the Lyon centre-backs.
Lyon’s early play was concentrated down the left flank, with full back Fabio Grosso keen to get forward as much as possible. It was Grosso who supplied the cross that almost led to a Lyon opener in the 7th minute. Sidney Govou was first to the ball, but his shot was blocked before Patrice Evra scrambled the loose ball to safety.
The resulting corner saw dangerman Karim Benzema ghost in at the far post but he couldn’t connect cleanly with his volley, which dribbled into Edwin van der Sar’s hands. It was only a half chance, but Sir Alex will have been looking for greater concentration at set pieces, especially given Lyon midfielder Juninho’s ability to deliver balls into dangerous areas.
United’s first real chance fell to Wayne Rooney on 25 minutes. Ryan Giggs flicked a ball through the Lyon defence, which Rooney reached just ahead of Sebastien Squillaci. His touch took him into the box where he was left with only veteran goalkeeper Gregory Coupet to beat. Coupet was equal to the task, saving low at Rooney’s feet.
Benzema then blazed over the bar at the other end before Paul Scholes – the killer ball again provided by Giggs – was denied by a last-ditch block from former Newcastle defender Jean-Alain Boumsong.
Cristiano Ronaldo was upended in the 33rd minute by a challenge that earned Anthony Reveillere a booking, which will see the 28-year-old miss the return leg at Old Trafford. Swede Kim Kallstrom followed his team-mate into referee Luis Medina Cantalejo’s notebook just three minutes later when he brought down the same player in the centre circle.
Owen Hargreaves was the first United player to see a yellow card when he fouled Govou on the edge of the box, a tackle that prompted protestations from Boumsong that were vehement enough to earn the defender a booking of his own.
Despite the cards, the game never threatened to boil over, although Juninho went in late and high on Ryan Giggs just before the interval. It was more mistimed than malicious, however, and gave Ronaldo a chance from out wide to fizz the ball across the penalty area.
Coupet fisted the ball away for a corner, which Giggs took and Ronaldo headed over after out-jumping his man. It was the first half’s last meaningful piece of action and Sir Alex will have been pleased enough with United’s opening 45 minutes. He confirmed as much to Sky Sports just before the second half kicked off, yet reiterated his desire to leave the Stade Gerland with an “all important away goal”.
It wasn’t forthcoming in the early stages of the second period, although the Reds enjoyed almost uninterrupted possession.
And so it was against the run of play that Lyon took the lead in the 54th minute. Benzema picked up the ball on the edge of the box and, despite close attention from three Reds defenders, found space to rattle a low drive in off the post and give Lyon the advantage.
It was a cruel blow for United, who had begun the half so brightly, and a timely reminder of how finely balanced Champions League football can be. The goal triggered a prompt response, as red shirts piled forward in search of an equaliser and Carlos Tevez and Nani stripped off on the touchline.
Ten minutes after Benzema’s strike, United were still a goal down. Tevez came on for Scholes, while Nani replaced Giggs on the left side of midfield as Sir Alex sacrificed experience for energy and enthusiasm.
The two substitutes were at the heart of the move that finally saw Lyon’s net bulge, although Wayne Rooney was correctly flagged offside after Tevez had headed Nani’s cross into the England striker’s path.
United huffed and puffed, but Lyon stood firm despite the Reds’ best efforts. Ronaldo drew a spectacular save from Coupet before substitute Michael Carrick saw a drive bravely blocked just yards off the line.
The French defence did eventually crack, however, and it was Carlos Tevez who found the net with just three minutes to play. Tevez, who’d looked United’s liveliest player since his 65th-minute introduction, was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net after Fred failed to clear Nani’s cross at the far post.
The history books will show the teams finished on equal terms, but with the Reds playing the second leg at Old Trafford, the advantage has swung well and truly in United’s favour.
Line-ups
United: van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Anderson, Hargreaves (Carrick 78), Scholes (Tevez 65), Giggs (Nani 65); Rooney
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Saha, O’Shea, Fletcher
Booked: Hargreaves
Lyon: Coupet; Reveillere, Squillaci, Boumsong, Grosso; Clerc (Ben Arfa 78), Juninho (Bodmer 74), Toulalan, Govou, Kallstrom; Benzema (Fred 83)
Subs not used: Vercoutre, Cris, Delgado, Keita
Booked: Reveillere, Kallstrom, Boumsong Read more...
Rooney salutes Tevez strike
Wayne Rooney hailed strike partner Carlos Tevez after the Argentine came off the bench to fire a vital away goal in the Reds' 1-1 draw against Lyon.
Tevez entered the fray on 65 minutes and blasted the ball home three minutes from time to earn United a share of the spoils in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
"Carlos came on and did what he does best - getting on the ball and creating chances and thankfully he took one of them," Rooney told Sky Sports.
"It's always crucial to get an away goal and 1-1 is a lot better than losing 1-0 or even 0-0. It's a crucial goal to take back to Old Trafford.
"I felt we controlled the game for most of it. They had a few chances and scored a good goal, but we showed good courage to fight back.
"Lyon are a good team and we know we have to concentrate 100 per cent to beat them at Old Trafford." Read more...
Tevez entered the fray on 65 minutes and blasted the ball home three minutes from time to earn United a share of the spoils in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
"Carlos came on and did what he does best - getting on the ball and creating chances and thankfully he took one of them," Rooney told Sky Sports.
"It's always crucial to get an away goal and 1-1 is a lot better than losing 1-0 or even 0-0. It's a crucial goal to take back to Old Trafford.
"I felt we controlled the game for most of it. They had a few chances and scored a good goal, but we showed good courage to fight back.
"Lyon are a good team and we know we have to concentrate 100 per cent to beat them at Old Trafford." Read more...
Boss praises fighting spirit
Until the referee blows for full-time, United are never beaten.
That was the message from Sir Alex Ferguson after the Reds scored another late goal in Europe to wrestle advantage away from Lyon in United’s Champions League last 16 tie.
“It was absolutely vital,” Sir Alex said of Carlos Tevez’s 87th-minute leveller. “Time and time again we rescue games or score late winners and it’s purely down to the players’ determination to do something about it.”
On this occasion, Tevez’s strike cancelled out Karim Benzema’s opener, which looked to have given the home side a valuable win ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 4 March. Instead, Lyon now face an uphill battle to progress to the quarter finals.
“We showed a lot of determination to try and get back into the game,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports.
“We lost a goal out of nothing, really, but it showed the qualities of the boy Benzema. It was a marvellous strike but I thought we were in complete control at the time.
“Lyon’s goal knocked us back a bit and then they defended very well and made it difficult for us.”
Despite mounting pressure, the Reds struggled to create clear-cut chances until the United boss turned to the bench and introduced Tevez and Nani.
“I thought Nani provided a real threat for us with his pace and crossing. And of course Carlos Tevez scored a great equaliser.
“We weren’t magnificent but it was a decent performance and I think we deserved the result. When you’re away from home and 1-0 down with a few minutes to play then you count your blessings when you get back into the match.”
Of course, it’s not the first time United have scored a late goal in Europe.
“There was a real urgency from us to get back into the game and I think we’re at our best when we’re up against it,” added the Reds' manager.
“It’s now a matter of getting a good performance at Old Trafford. We have a big advantage with the away goal and I’m sure there’ll be an electric atmosphere. We’re looking forward to the return leg.” Read more...
That was the message from Sir Alex Ferguson after the Reds scored another late goal in Europe to wrestle advantage away from Lyon in United’s Champions League last 16 tie.
“It was absolutely vital,” Sir Alex said of Carlos Tevez’s 87th-minute leveller. “Time and time again we rescue games or score late winners and it’s purely down to the players’ determination to do something about it.”
On this occasion, Tevez’s strike cancelled out Karim Benzema’s opener, which looked to have given the home side a valuable win ahead of the return leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday 4 March. Instead, Lyon now face an uphill battle to progress to the quarter finals.
“We showed a lot of determination to try and get back into the game,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports.
“We lost a goal out of nothing, really, but it showed the qualities of the boy Benzema. It was a marvellous strike but I thought we were in complete control at the time.
“Lyon’s goal knocked us back a bit and then they defended very well and made it difficult for us.”
Despite mounting pressure, the Reds struggled to create clear-cut chances until the United boss turned to the bench and introduced Tevez and Nani.
“I thought Nani provided a real threat for us with his pace and crossing. And of course Carlos Tevez scored a great equaliser.
“We weren’t magnificent but it was a decent performance and I think we deserved the result. When you’re away from home and 1-0 down with a few minutes to play then you count your blessings when you get back into the match.”
Of course, it’s not the first time United have scored a late goal in Europe.
“There was a real urgency from us to get back into the game and I think we’re at our best when we’re up against it,” added the Reds' manager.
“It’s now a matter of getting a good performance at Old Trafford. We have a big advantage with the away goal and I’m sure there’ll be an electric atmosphere. We’re looking forward to the return leg.” Read more...
Boss expects tough test
Sir Alex Ferguson is reading nothing into Lyon’s shock defeat against Le Mans last weekend, insisting that he expects a thorough examination from the Ligue 1 champions when they host United on Wednesday night.
Alain Perrin rested a host of his top players in readiness for United’s visit, and Sir Alex is well aware that his side are up against tough opposition in a side that has won their domestic league for the last six seasons.
“I’ve seen some parts of it (Lyon’s 1-0 defeat at Le Mans), just what we need for the team,” he told his pre-match press conference. “Obviously it was a disappointment for Lyon, but I saw the game last Saturday against Sochaux, and we know it’s a big match for both teams.
“It’ll be a difficult game, but I think it’s a good atmosphere and the pitch is good, so I think it will be a really good match.”
United go into Wednesday’s second round, first leg tie on the back of a thumping FA Cup win over Arsenal, but that match is dead and buried according to Sir Alex, whose sights are firmly set on posting a positive result in France.
“We haven’t discussed the Arsenal match with the players because we have a big match tomorrow,” he said. “It’s normal. We don’t look back, we look forward. Today’s the day, tomorrow’s the big day.” Read more...
Alain Perrin rested a host of his top players in readiness for United’s visit, and Sir Alex is well aware that his side are up against tough opposition in a side that has won their domestic league for the last six seasons.
“I’ve seen some parts of it (Lyon’s 1-0 defeat at Le Mans), just what we need for the team,” he told his pre-match press conference. “Obviously it was a disappointment for Lyon, but I saw the game last Saturday against Sochaux, and we know it’s a big match for both teams.
“It’ll be a difficult game, but I think it’s a good atmosphere and the pitch is good, so I think it will be a really good match.”
United go into Wednesday’s second round, first leg tie on the back of a thumping FA Cup win over Arsenal, but that match is dead and buried according to Sir Alex, whose sights are firmly set on posting a positive result in France.
“We haven’t discussed the Arsenal match with the players because we have a big match tomorrow,” he said. “It’s normal. We don’t look back, we look forward. Today’s the day, tomorrow’s the big day.” Read more...
Giggs joins centurions
Ryan Giggs will become only the eighth player to make 100 Champions League appearances in Wednesday night’s second round clash with Lyon, and Sir Alex Ferguson admits everyone at United is proud of the veteran winger.
The 34-year-old was rested for the Reds’ FA Cup battering of Arsenal last Saturday, and is expected to follow in the footsteps of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, David Beckham, Oliver Kahn, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf in passing the century mark.
“There are only a few players who will reach that milestone in European football,” admitted Sir Alex at his pre-match press conference. “It’s because of his ability, his longevity, how he prepares himself to have a good lifestyle, and obviously being at a successful club.
“For me, Ryan has been an absolute model in his time with us. Even at 34 years of age we expect big, big things of him. Obviously we don’t play him in every game, but that’s natural for someone of that age. We want to play him in the games that really, really matter to our football club, and one of them is tomorrow.
“Ryan, throughout his time with us, has always reserved his best performances for the biggest occasions. I’ve said many times about occasions at Old Trafford and the atmosphere, and the great nights we’ve had there. They could only happen because the right type of players are playing on that stage, and Ryan has produced many great moments for us. So it’s a great occasion for him, we’re all proud of him.”
Patrice Evra is likely to start behind Giggs on United’s left side at the Stade Gerland, and the French defender admits that he is delighted for his team-mate to join such an exclusive club.
“I think it is a privilege to play with Ryan Giggs,” he said. “For me I just say thanks to Giggsy because I’ve learnt a lot of things with him, he’s a great player and I’m very happy for him.”
Giggs is likely to have familiar company in the 100 club sooner rather than later, with Paul Scholes set to join Gary Neville on 98 appearances if he features against Lyon. Read more...
The 34-year-old was rested for the Reds’ FA Cup battering of Arsenal last Saturday, and is expected to follow in the footsteps of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Paolo Maldini, David Beckham, Oliver Kahn, Luis Figo and Clarence Seedorf in passing the century mark.
“There are only a few players who will reach that milestone in European football,” admitted Sir Alex at his pre-match press conference. “It’s because of his ability, his longevity, how he prepares himself to have a good lifestyle, and obviously being at a successful club.
“For me, Ryan has been an absolute model in his time with us. Even at 34 years of age we expect big, big things of him. Obviously we don’t play him in every game, but that’s natural for someone of that age. We want to play him in the games that really, really matter to our football club, and one of them is tomorrow.
“Ryan, throughout his time with us, has always reserved his best performances for the biggest occasions. I’ve said many times about occasions at Old Trafford and the atmosphere, and the great nights we’ve had there. They could only happen because the right type of players are playing on that stage, and Ryan has produced many great moments for us. So it’s a great occasion for him, we’re all proud of him.”
Patrice Evra is likely to start behind Giggs on United’s left side at the Stade Gerland, and the French defender admits that he is delighted for his team-mate to join such an exclusive club.
“I think it is a privilege to play with Ryan Giggs,” he said. “For me I just say thanks to Giggsy because I’ve learnt a lot of things with him, he’s a great player and I’m very happy for him.”
Giggs is likely to have familiar company in the 100 club sooner rather than later, with Paul Scholes set to join Gary Neville on 98 appearances if he features against Lyon. Read more...
Rio and Vida: Keep it clean
United’s centre backs are aiming for a clean sheet in Lyon tonight, but warn it won’t be easy.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were both delighted with the Reds’ weekend mauling of Arsenal – not least because the Gunners failed to find the net – and hope United can carry that form into tonight’s Champions League last 16 first leg.
“We had a bad result against Manchester City and we couldn’t wait for the next game so we could put things right,” Vidic told MUTV.
“We’ve done that now – we won 4-0 in an amazing game against Arsenal. That was a nice feeling but now there’s another game to look forward to and we’d love to reproduce that form.”
Ferdinand says the United squad know all about their French opponents and won’t take anything for granted.
“We expect a tough game and they’ve got this far in the competition for a reason: they’re a very good side. The manager’s drilled us and we’re well informed about Lyon. We’ve seen bits on the television and we played them a couple of years ago.
“If we can score an away goal then we’re halfway there, as long as we don’t concede more than one or two ourselves. But our aim is to keep a clean sheet – that will really make life easier in the return leg.
“Last season we reached the semi final and were knocked out by the eventual winners. This time we want to go one or two better than that.
“But there are some big teams standing in our way – the first one’s Lyon. It’s going to be difficult but I think we have the players to achieve things in Europe this season.” Read more...
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were both delighted with the Reds’ weekend mauling of Arsenal – not least because the Gunners failed to find the net – and hope United can carry that form into tonight’s Champions League last 16 first leg.
“We had a bad result against Manchester City and we couldn’t wait for the next game so we could put things right,” Vidic told MUTV.
“We’ve done that now – we won 4-0 in an amazing game against Arsenal. That was a nice feeling but now there’s another game to look forward to and we’d love to reproduce that form.”
Ferdinand says the United squad know all about their French opponents and won’t take anything for granted.
“We expect a tough game and they’ve got this far in the competition for a reason: they’re a very good side. The manager’s drilled us and we’re well informed about Lyon. We’ve seen bits on the television and we played them a couple of years ago.
“If we can score an away goal then we’re halfway there, as long as we don’t concede more than one or two ourselves. But our aim is to keep a clean sheet – that will really make life easier in the return leg.
“Last season we reached the semi final and were knocked out by the eventual winners. This time we want to go one or two better than that.
“But there are some big teams standing in our way – the first one’s Lyon. It’s going to be difficult but I think we have the players to achieve things in Europe this season.” Read more...
Beware the underdog
Patrice Evra insists United must ignore their status as favourites going into Wednesday night’s tricky Champions League clash with Lyon.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions have been in mixed form of late, but Evra insists they will thrive on their underdog status, just as he did as part of the Monaco side which shocked Europe by reaching the 2004 final.
“It’s a bit like Monaco’s situation against Real Madrid, when everybody was tipping them to win,” he told the pre-match press conference.
“That seriously annoyed us and we ended up beating them, so it just goes to show that you need total respect for your opponents or you could get a nasty surprise."
United are on a high after beating title rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday. By comparison, Lyon continued their inconsistent form since the turn of the year with a 1-0 defeat to Le Mans at the weekend. But Evra won't be paying too much attention to domestic results.
“Just because we put a beautiful performance in against Arsenal last weekend doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the same against Lyon," he added. "They have won their championship for the last six years on the run, they’re in the last 16 so clearly they’re a major team.
“We must show them serious respect. We don’t want to fall into the trap of not respecting them and end up struggling to qualify. But, at such a big club like United, with Sir Alex at the helm, it’s very difficult to actually lose concentration.” Read more...
The reigning Ligue 1 champions have been in mixed form of late, but Evra insists they will thrive on their underdog status, just as he did as part of the Monaco side which shocked Europe by reaching the 2004 final.
“It’s a bit like Monaco’s situation against Real Madrid, when everybody was tipping them to win,” he told the pre-match press conference.
“That seriously annoyed us and we ended up beating them, so it just goes to show that you need total respect for your opponents or you could get a nasty surprise."
United are on a high after beating title rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday. By comparison, Lyon continued their inconsistent form since the turn of the year with a 1-0 defeat to Le Mans at the weekend. But Evra won't be paying too much attention to domestic results.
“Just because we put a beautiful performance in against Arsenal last weekend doesn’t mean that it’s going to be the same against Lyon," he added. "They have won their championship for the last six years on the run, they’re in the last 16 so clearly they’re a major team.
“We must show them serious respect. We don’t want to fall into the trap of not respecting them and end up struggling to qualify. But, at such a big club like United, with Sir Alex at the helm, it’s very difficult to actually lose concentration.” Read more...
United eye £30m Kar
The striker who could wreck the Champions League hopes of Manchester United will catch Sir Alex Ferguson’s eye tonight. But Fergie is adamant he hasn’t talked to French opponents Lyon about signing £30 million rated Karim Benzema. The marksman, 20, is being monitored by Europe’s top clubs, but Ferguson insists he didn’t discuss a deal with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas when they dined together 12 days ago before watching Benzema hit his 25th goal of the season in a 4-1 win over Sochaux. United have also been linked with Lyon midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.
George Scott, Daily Star Read more...
George Scott, Daily Star Read more...
Lyon Vs. Manchester United Match Preview
Lyon coach Alain Perrin believes the open style of football practised by English clubs gives his side a great chance of causing an upset against Manchester United in the Champions League last 16. Perrin knows about the Premier League thanks to his short stint as manager of Portsmouth between April and November 2005.
His eight months at Fratton Park may have been seen by many as a failure - his record shows only four wins from 21 games - but they gave him an insight into life in the blood-and-thunder English top flight. And ahead of tomorrow's last-16 first leg at the Stade Gerland, Perrin is confident his team will be afforded opportunities to trouble United, who are currently in second place in the Barclays Premier League.
``We can rightly compare this to a tennis match between the second-ranked player in the world and the 15th-ranked player,'' he said. ``In 10 matches, we would lose six or seven of them. But we would win the others. ``And English football always gives an opponent the hope of succeeding. The game is less padlocked than in Italy, for example, and you get the feeling you can achieve something against them.
``But you always return to the same old axiom: there are exceptional players that make the difference. Cristiano Ronaldo is on fire at the moment, and (Wayne) Rooney is really strong.'' After being sacked by Portsmouth, Perrin had six months out of football before taking up the coaching post at Ligue 1 side Sochaux. His managerial integrity returned in the year he spent at the small Montbeliard club, who he guided into Europe after winning the Coupe de France.
He was appointed coach of Lyon, the reigning six-time French champions, last summer and Les Gones have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and currently sit atop the Ligue 1 standings. But a 1-0 loss to Le Mans on Saturday means they are just one point above second-placed Bordeaux, and Perrin is rumoured to have had frank talks with club president Jean-Michel Aulas after the lacklustre defeat.
Perrin's credentials have also been questioned following Les Gones' sluggish start to 2008, but he does not see himself suddenly having come under pressure. ``There isn't any concern, I know the group has the necessary resources and the means to react,'' he said. ``I haven't just suddenly discovered this pressure, it is with me each match. I know about the fragility linked with football.
``And there is always this pressure at Lyon. I am hardened to it and I am strong enough mentally not to be destabilised by all this. ``Pressure comes from within. The only pressure comes from my desire to succeed.'' There is no doubt all is not right in the Lyon squad, with even Perrin admitting ``the team is drifting at the moment``. Injuries to players like entre-back Cris, goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and striker Fred has meant Perrin has often been without key performers in the spine of his team this season.
It is the closest title race in Ligue 1 for a number of years, while Lyon have the psychological barrier to climb of knowing they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Perrin is confident his underdogs will give it a good shot against United over the two legs. ``We know we are not favourites,'' he said.
``But that is going to allow us to play with a certain calmness, in the hope of causing an upset.'' Perrin will be boosted by the return to the squad of Cris, the Brazilian ball-playing defender who has been out of action since August with a knee injury. ``It is good news for everyone,'' added Perrin, who is unlikely to play the club captain from the start. Read more...
His eight months at Fratton Park may have been seen by many as a failure - his record shows only four wins from 21 games - but they gave him an insight into life in the blood-and-thunder English top flight. And ahead of tomorrow's last-16 first leg at the Stade Gerland, Perrin is confident his team will be afforded opportunities to trouble United, who are currently in second place in the Barclays Premier League.
``We can rightly compare this to a tennis match between the second-ranked player in the world and the 15th-ranked player,'' he said. ``In 10 matches, we would lose six or seven of them. But we would win the others. ``And English football always gives an opponent the hope of succeeding. The game is less padlocked than in Italy, for example, and you get the feeling you can achieve something against them.
``But you always return to the same old axiom: there are exceptional players that make the difference. Cristiano Ronaldo is on fire at the moment, and (Wayne) Rooney is really strong.'' After being sacked by Portsmouth, Perrin had six months out of football before taking up the coaching post at Ligue 1 side Sochaux. His managerial integrity returned in the year he spent at the small Montbeliard club, who he guided into Europe after winning the Coupe de France.
He was appointed coach of Lyon, the reigning six-time French champions, last summer and Les Gones have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League and currently sit atop the Ligue 1 standings. But a 1-0 loss to Le Mans on Saturday means they are just one point above second-placed Bordeaux, and Perrin is rumoured to have had frank talks with club president Jean-Michel Aulas after the lacklustre defeat.
Perrin's credentials have also been questioned following Les Gones' sluggish start to 2008, but he does not see himself suddenly having come under pressure. ``There isn't any concern, I know the group has the necessary resources and the means to react,'' he said. ``I haven't just suddenly discovered this pressure, it is with me each match. I know about the fragility linked with football.
``And there is always this pressure at Lyon. I am hardened to it and I am strong enough mentally not to be destabilised by all this. ``Pressure comes from within. The only pressure comes from my desire to succeed.'' There is no doubt all is not right in the Lyon squad, with even Perrin admitting ``the team is drifting at the moment``. Injuries to players like entre-back Cris, goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and striker Fred has meant Perrin has often been without key performers in the spine of his team this season.
It is the closest title race in Ligue 1 for a number of years, while Lyon have the psychological barrier to climb of knowing they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Perrin is confident his underdogs will give it a good shot against United over the two legs. ``We know we are not favourites,'' he said.
``But that is going to allow us to play with a certain calmness, in the hope of causing an upset.'' Perrin will be boosted by the return to the squad of Cris, the Brazilian ball-playing defender who has been out of action since August with a knee injury. ``It is good news for everyone,'' added Perrin, who is unlikely to play the club captain from the start. Read more...
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
LYON, February 19 (Champions League) - Lyon coach Alain Perrin believes the open style of football practised by English clubs gives his side a great c
LYON, February 19 (Champions League) - Lyon coach Alain Perrin believes the open style of football practised by English clubs gives his side a great chance of causing an upset against Manchester United in the Champions League last 16.
Perrin knows about the Premier League thanks to his short stint as manager of Portsmouth between April and November 2005.
His eight months at Fratton Park may have been seen by many as a failure - his overall record reads just four wins from 21 games in charge of Pompey - but they gave him an insight into life in the blood-and-thunder English top flight.
And ahead of Wednesday's last-16 first leg at the Stade Gerland, Perrin is confident his team will be afforded opportunities to trouble United, who are currently in second place in the Premier League.
'We can rightly compare this to a tennis match between the second-ranked player in the world and the 15th-ranked player,' he said.
'In 10 matches, we would lose six or seven of them. But we would win the others.
'And English football always gives an opponent the hope of succeeding. The game is less padlocked than in Italy, for example, and you get the feeling you can achieve something against them.
'But you always return to the same old axiom: there are exceptional players that make the difference. Cristiano Ronaldo is on fire at the moment, and (Wayne) Rooney is really strong.'
After being sacked by Portsmouth, Perrin had six months out of football before taking up the coaching post at Ligue 1 side Sochaux.
His managerial integrity returned in the year he spent at the small Montbeliard club, who he guided into Europe after winning the Coupe de France.
He was appointed coach of Lyon, the reigning six-time French champions, last summer and Les Gones have reached the knockout stages of Champions League and currently sit atop the Ligue 1 standings.
But a 1-0 loss to Le Mans on Saturday meant they are just one point above second-placed Bordeaux, and Perrin is rumoured to have had frank talks with club president Jean-Michel Aulas after the lacklustre defeat.
Perrin's credentials have also been questioned following Les Gones' sluggish start to 2008 but he does not see himself suddenly having come under pressure.
'There isn't any concern - I know the group has the necessary resources and the means to react,' he said.
'I haven't just suddenly discovered this pressure - it is with me each match. I know about the fragility linked with football.
'And there is always this pressure at Lyon. I am hardened to it and I am strong enough mentally not to be destabilised by all this.
'Pressure comes from within. The only pressure comes from my desire to succeed.'
There is no doubt all is not right in the Lyon squad, with even Perrin admitting 'the team is drifting at the moment'.
Injuries to players like centre-back Cris, goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and striker Fred has meant Perrin has often been without key performers in the spine of his team this season.
It is the closest title race in Ligue 1 for a number of years, while Lyon have the psychological barrier to climb of knowing they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Perrin is confident his underdogs will give it a good shot against United over the two legs.
'We know we are not favourites,' he said.
'But that is going to allow us to play with a certain calmness, in the hope of causing an upset.'
Perrin will be boosted by the return to the squad of Cris, the Brazilian ball-playing defender who has been out of action since August with a knee injury.
'It is good news for everyone,' added Perrin, who is unlikely to play the club captain from the start. Read more...
Perrin knows about the Premier League thanks to his short stint as manager of Portsmouth between April and November 2005.
His eight months at Fratton Park may have been seen by many as a failure - his overall record reads just four wins from 21 games in charge of Pompey - but they gave him an insight into life in the blood-and-thunder English top flight.
And ahead of Wednesday's last-16 first leg at the Stade Gerland, Perrin is confident his team will be afforded opportunities to trouble United, who are currently in second place in the Premier League.
'We can rightly compare this to a tennis match between the second-ranked player in the world and the 15th-ranked player,' he said.
'In 10 matches, we would lose six or seven of them. But we would win the others.
'And English football always gives an opponent the hope of succeeding. The game is less padlocked than in Italy, for example, and you get the feeling you can achieve something against them.
'But you always return to the same old axiom: there are exceptional players that make the difference. Cristiano Ronaldo is on fire at the moment, and (Wayne) Rooney is really strong.'
After being sacked by Portsmouth, Perrin had six months out of football before taking up the coaching post at Ligue 1 side Sochaux.
His managerial integrity returned in the year he spent at the small Montbeliard club, who he guided into Europe after winning the Coupe de France.
He was appointed coach of Lyon, the reigning six-time French champions, last summer and Les Gones have reached the knockout stages of Champions League and currently sit atop the Ligue 1 standings.
But a 1-0 loss to Le Mans on Saturday meant they are just one point above second-placed Bordeaux, and Perrin is rumoured to have had frank talks with club president Jean-Michel Aulas after the lacklustre defeat.
Perrin's credentials have also been questioned following Les Gones' sluggish start to 2008 but he does not see himself suddenly having come under pressure.
'There isn't any concern - I know the group has the necessary resources and the means to react,' he said.
'I haven't just suddenly discovered this pressure - it is with me each match. I know about the fragility linked with football.
'And there is always this pressure at Lyon. I am hardened to it and I am strong enough mentally not to be destabilised by all this.
'Pressure comes from within. The only pressure comes from my desire to succeed.'
There is no doubt all is not right in the Lyon squad, with even Perrin admitting 'the team is drifting at the moment'.
Injuries to players like centre-back Cris, goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and striker Fred has meant Perrin has often been without key performers in the spine of his team this season.
It is the closest title race in Ligue 1 for a number of years, while Lyon have the psychological barrier to climb of knowing they have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Perrin is confident his underdogs will give it a good shot against United over the two legs.
'We know we are not favourites,' he said.
'But that is going to allow us to play with a certain calmness, in the hope of causing an upset.'
Perrin will be boosted by the return to the squad of Cris, the Brazilian ball-playing defender who has been out of action since August with a knee injury.
'It is good news for everyone,' added Perrin, who is unlikely to play the club captain from the start. Read more...
Into the Lyon's den
United, beware! Olympique Lyonnais have their own Cristiano Ronaldo. His name? Hatem Ben Arfa. And though still only 20, he’s far from a newcomer – his first game in Ligue 1 was in August 2004, a 1-0 victory at Nice.
Back then, he was seen as a talented amateur, and freely admits playing fast and loose with some of the strictures imposed on a professional athlete. Off the pitch, that is. On it, his incredible ease with the ball was not always a help either.
A talented player with immense potential, he was by turns breathtaking and frustrating. Many doubted his ability to succeed at the highest level, but after a series of false starts – he scored just once in 2006/07 – he is now serving up healthy slices of humble pie to his critics.
Against Toulouse, in mid-January, Ben Arfa was flying. “His first half was out of this world,” says Pierre Michaud, a journalist with French TV station, Euronews. And Michaud knows what he’s talking about, having seen almost every match at Lyon’s Stade Gerland in the last five years.
“He’s so unpredictable,” he says, an adjective that crops up time and again in analysis of Ben Arfa’s game. “He really makes it happen because he’s such a powerful, offensive force.”
Michaud likens Ben Arfa to former Lyon academy starlet, Steed Malbranque, but it’s arguable that he is now closer to the Premier League’s premier wide player: Ronaldo. The lofty parallels don’t stop there. Alongside Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri, Ben Arfa has been dubbed the ‘new Zidane’ in France.
To be fair, Ben Arfa’s promising season has, in part, been made possible thanks to the emerging talent of his attacking colleague, Karim Benzema. Also 20, Benzema seems to be the final piece of the jigsaw neatly assembled by coach Alain Perrin.
Benzema, too, is a phenomenon. The youngster is a hybrid of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs with the nous of Teddy Sheringham; the resultant package offers power, precision, speed and accuracy. Benzema has 16 goals in the French top flight and a further three in Europe.
Already a French international, he has made such an impact since winning his first cap against Austria last March that his Euro 2008 spot seems almost guaranteed.
Lyon have arguably never had it so good up front. But if this fixture offers a sterner test of United’s resolve than some might expect, the French are far from invincible. While the attack is flourishing, all is not well at the back.
Full-backs Fabio Grosso and Anthony Réveillère have been described as the weak links in an otherwise strong team. “World champion he might be, but he is no [Eric] Abidal,” said a Lyon fan of Grosso, while a scribe for L’Equipe mused: “Grosso is more of an attacker than a defender.”
Lyon have leaked 24 goals in Ligue 1, very nearly a goal a game, and conceded eight goals in their six Champions League Group E games. But they do have Grégory Coupet back in goal after five months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury. He seems stronger than ever. His stand-in Rémy Vercoutre is an able deputy, but not up to coping with the highest levels of European football.
Last but not least, influential centre-half Cris is on the road to recovery, and itching to make the date with United. The Brazilian was injured at the start of last season and returned home for an operation on his right knee. Having recuperated at his alma mater Corinthians, he has only recently returned to training, but the injury now seems behind him.
Cris is all-too-aware of the problems Lyon suffered in his absence. “I was far away, but followed what my team-mates were doing,” he said. “The start of the campaign was difficult because we changed coaches [Gerard Houllier was replaced by Perrin] and some major players left: Abidal, Florent Malouda, Tiago. We also had many injuries with Fred, Coupet and myself. And others did not fit into our style of play, such as Kader Keita [bought from Lille].”
The burning question is, can Lyon overcome United? Cris certainly thinks so. “People thought we couldn’t go through against Rangers and we did. No team is easy at this stage, especially Manchester United. When one thinks of United, one thinks of the whole of the history of the game, the traditions. Their strength? Cristiano Ronaldo. But they also have Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, and Louis Saha. These are the kind of games that offer a great stage for us.”
Cris doesn’t even feel a draw on their own patch would spell disaster. “The Champions League is a complicated tournament. If we get a 0-0 draw, it will be an excellent result. A scoring draw or a win [at Old Trafford] would see us qualify. Once you reach this stage of the competition it’s like a new tournament. The team should know how to handle the various situations occurring, otherwise, you’re out!”
Without tempting fate, this clash has the potential to be a truly memorable affair. “United are favourites, no doubt about it,” concedes Cris. “But Lyon have a great chance to go through." Read more...
Back then, he was seen as a talented amateur, and freely admits playing fast and loose with some of the strictures imposed on a professional athlete. Off the pitch, that is. On it, his incredible ease with the ball was not always a help either.
A talented player with immense potential, he was by turns breathtaking and frustrating. Many doubted his ability to succeed at the highest level, but after a series of false starts – he scored just once in 2006/07 – he is now serving up healthy slices of humble pie to his critics.
Against Toulouse, in mid-January, Ben Arfa was flying. “His first half was out of this world,” says Pierre Michaud, a journalist with French TV station, Euronews. And Michaud knows what he’s talking about, having seen almost every match at Lyon’s Stade Gerland in the last five years.
“He’s so unpredictable,” he says, an adjective that crops up time and again in analysis of Ben Arfa’s game. “He really makes it happen because he’s such a powerful, offensive force.”
Michaud likens Ben Arfa to former Lyon academy starlet, Steed Malbranque, but it’s arguable that he is now closer to the Premier League’s premier wide player: Ronaldo. The lofty parallels don’t stop there. Alongside Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri, Ben Arfa has been dubbed the ‘new Zidane’ in France.
To be fair, Ben Arfa’s promising season has, in part, been made possible thanks to the emerging talent of his attacking colleague, Karim Benzema. Also 20, Benzema seems to be the final piece of the jigsaw neatly assembled by coach Alain Perrin.
Benzema, too, is a phenomenon. The youngster is a hybrid of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs with the nous of Teddy Sheringham; the resultant package offers power, precision, speed and accuracy. Benzema has 16 goals in the French top flight and a further three in Europe.
Already a French international, he has made such an impact since winning his first cap against Austria last March that his Euro 2008 spot seems almost guaranteed.
Lyon have arguably never had it so good up front. But if this fixture offers a sterner test of United’s resolve than some might expect, the French are far from invincible. While the attack is flourishing, all is not well at the back.
Full-backs Fabio Grosso and Anthony Réveillère have been described as the weak links in an otherwise strong team. “World champion he might be, but he is no [Eric] Abidal,” said a Lyon fan of Grosso, while a scribe for L’Equipe mused: “Grosso is more of an attacker than a defender.”
Lyon have leaked 24 goals in Ligue 1, very nearly a goal a game, and conceded eight goals in their six Champions League Group E games. But they do have Grégory Coupet back in goal after five months out with a cruciate knee ligament injury. He seems stronger than ever. His stand-in Rémy Vercoutre is an able deputy, but not up to coping with the highest levels of European football.
Last but not least, influential centre-half Cris is on the road to recovery, and itching to make the date with United. The Brazilian was injured at the start of last season and returned home for an operation on his right knee. Having recuperated at his alma mater Corinthians, he has only recently returned to training, but the injury now seems behind him.
Cris is all-too-aware of the problems Lyon suffered in his absence. “I was far away, but followed what my team-mates were doing,” he said. “The start of the campaign was difficult because we changed coaches [Gerard Houllier was replaced by Perrin] and some major players left: Abidal, Florent Malouda, Tiago. We also had many injuries with Fred, Coupet and myself. And others did not fit into our style of play, such as Kader Keita [bought from Lille].”
The burning question is, can Lyon overcome United? Cris certainly thinks so. “People thought we couldn’t go through against Rangers and we did. No team is easy at this stage, especially Manchester United. When one thinks of United, one thinks of the whole of the history of the game, the traditions. Their strength? Cristiano Ronaldo. But they also have Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, and Louis Saha. These are the kind of games that offer a great stage for us.”
Cris doesn’t even feel a draw on their own patch would spell disaster. “The Champions League is a complicated tournament. If we get a 0-0 draw, it will be an excellent result. A scoring draw or a win [at Old Trafford] would see us qualify. Once you reach this stage of the competition it’s like a new tournament. The team should know how to handle the various situations occurring, otherwise, you’re out!”
Without tempting fate, this clash has the potential to be a truly memorable affair. “United are favourites, no doubt about it,” concedes Cris. “But Lyon have a great chance to go through." Read more...
Reds jet off to France
Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a strong squad to France for United's Champions League tie against Ligue 1 champions Lyon.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves all returned after sitting out Saturday's thumping FA Cup win over Arsenal, forming part of a 20-man squad that departed Manchester airport this morning.
Sir Alex and one of his players will face the international media at a press conference shortly after touching down in France, before heading over to the Stade de Gerland for a training session ahead of Wednesday's crucial first leg.
All the latest news from United's trip will appear first on ManUtd.com.
United: Van der Sar, Kuszczak; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Simpson, Pique; Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Eagles; Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Giggs, Saha Read more...
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves all returned after sitting out Saturday's thumping FA Cup win over Arsenal, forming part of a 20-man squad that departed Manchester airport this morning.
Sir Alex and one of his players will face the international media at a press conference shortly after touching down in France, before heading over to the Stade de Gerland for a training session ahead of Wednesday's crucial first leg.
All the latest news from United's trip will appear first on ManUtd.com.
United: Van der Sar, Kuszczak; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Simpson, Pique; Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Eagles; Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Giggs, Saha Read more...
Milan defeat inspires Sir Alex
United face a severe test in Lyon on Wednesday night, but Sir Alex Ferguson is confident his side will be inspired by the disappointment of last year's semi final exit.
A 3-2 win at Old Trafford gave United a slight advantage. Two weeks later in Milan, however, an injury-hit Reds team, chasing three trophies at the time, couldn't cope with a Rosonerri side focused solely on Champions League success.
First up in the knockout stages this term are Lyon, who are themselves looking to prove that they can convert domestic domination onto the European stage. With six straight Ligue 1 titles, this season's league leaders are a formidable force. But Sir Alex is confident.
"We got the hardest draw in terms of the teams we could have faced, but I think we can navigate it successfully," he told Inside United. "Lyon have won their league for the last six years and they’re top again this year, so I expect it to be a tough game."
The Reds boss admits that last year's defeat to Milan was difficult to take. "We want to do well this year in the Champions League," he added. "Losing to Milan last year really hurt us. We just didn’t have the legs. We had a bad injury spell in March, which killed us.
"We'd lost Saha from December, then we lost Mikael Silvestre, Ji-Sung Park, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic. Three of those players didn’t play again that season.
"Vidic came back against Milan. It was a gamble, one worth taking. Ronaldo was also carrying an ankle injury for that game. We were well short of being full-strength, whereas Milan had rested players and were primed for that game. We were unlucky. This year, if we stay fit we’ll have an better chance." Read more...
A 3-2 win at Old Trafford gave United a slight advantage. Two weeks later in Milan, however, an injury-hit Reds team, chasing three trophies at the time, couldn't cope with a Rosonerri side focused solely on Champions League success.
First up in the knockout stages this term are Lyon, who are themselves looking to prove that they can convert domestic domination onto the European stage. With six straight Ligue 1 titles, this season's league leaders are a formidable force. But Sir Alex is confident.
"We got the hardest draw in terms of the teams we could have faced, but I think we can navigate it successfully," he told Inside United. "Lyon have won their league for the last six years and they’re top again this year, so I expect it to be a tough game."
The Reds boss admits that last year's defeat to Milan was difficult to take. "We want to do well this year in the Champions League," he added. "Losing to Milan last year really hurt us. We just didn’t have the legs. We had a bad injury spell in March, which killed us.
"We'd lost Saha from December, then we lost Mikael Silvestre, Ji-Sung Park, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic. Three of those players didn’t play again that season.
"Vidic came back against Milan. It was a gamble, one worth taking. Ronaldo was also carrying an ankle injury for that game. We were well short of being full-strength, whereas Milan had rested players and were primed for that game. We were unlucky. This year, if we stay fit we’ll have an better chance." Read more...
Giggs: We'll be Kings of Lyon
Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United will be driven on by last year’s Champions League semi-final heartache. The Wales wing wizard, 34, will make his 100th appearance in the competition if he features against Lyon in the Stade Gerland. He admits he still thinks back to the devastating 3-0 defeat by AC Milan last May. But with a much stronger squad to choose from this year, he is sure United can banish that memory once and for all. "I think the players who experienced that disappointment in Milan will be helped by it. Milan weren’t really going for anything else and were able to rest players. This year we’ll hopefully be wiser."
Martin Blackburn, The Sun Read more...
Martin Blackburn, The Sun Read more...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Don’t blame Nani
Not far behind Wayne Rooney as Man of the Match was fellow scorer Nani. It was easily his best game for the club and I don’t believe he should have been criticised for his ball juggling towards the end that so angered Arsenal. Arsene Wenger said Nani had incensed his players and that it was disrespectful. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he’d had a word with his Portugal player. Why? What Nani did was simply skilful. Taking the mickey is when you blatantly try and show that your opponents are inferior. Nani’s skill and control needs to be encouraged and I just hope the rollicking doesn’t send him into a shell.
Brian Woolnough, Daily Star Read more...
Brian Woolnough, Daily Star Read more...
Fletcher: Prepared to wait
With United still firing in three competitions, Darren Fletcher will be hoping for more time on the pitch between now and the end of the season.
The Scotland international made only his seventh start of the campaign in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Arsenal, a match in which Fletcher scored twice to cap a breathtaking performance in the heart of United’s midfield.
But despite Fletcher’s starring role, he knows he could find himself back among the substitutes for the Reds’ Champions League clash with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday.
“It’s a squad game and you have to be patient,” Fletcher reasoned after the FA Cup victory.
“We have a talented squad with a lot of players in it and against Arsenal I was called upon to do a job.
“I always go out there and do my best in every game, whether that’s as a substitute or from the start.
“Fortunately for me, I got a start on Saturday and hopefully I’ll get a few more before the end of the season.
“Everyone wants to play all the time. It’s no different whatever level you play at. When you’re not playing regularly you just have to keep yourself fit, train hard and your chances will come.”
Darren Fletcher was speaking to MUTV. Read more...
The Scotland international made only his seventh start of the campaign in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Arsenal, a match in which Fletcher scored twice to cap a breathtaking performance in the heart of United’s midfield.
But despite Fletcher’s starring role, he knows he could find himself back among the substitutes for the Reds’ Champions League clash with Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday.
“It’s a squad game and you have to be patient,” Fletcher reasoned after the FA Cup victory.
“We have a talented squad with a lot of players in it and against Arsenal I was called upon to do a job.
“I always go out there and do my best in every game, whether that’s as a substitute or from the start.
“Fortunately for me, I got a start on Saturday and hopefully I’ll get a few more before the end of the season.
“Everyone wants to play all the time. It’s no different whatever level you play at. When you’re not playing regularly you just have to keep yourself fit, train hard and your chances will come.”
Darren Fletcher was speaking to MUTV. Read more...
Bodmer has no fear
Lyon midfielder Mathieu Bodmer believes the French champions have what it takes to knock United out of the Champions League.
Bodmer, who joined Lyon in the summer, knows all about the Reds from his time as a Lille player. Despite Lyon being out of form - they lost 1-0 to Le Mans at the weekend - he thinks they're capable of edging past United.
"The worst possible draw would have been Internazionale, they are very strong," Bodmer told uefa.com. "In England, United and Arsenal are above the others. But I have played United with Lille, and I'm sure we have a chance of going through."
The defensive midfielder didn't play in Lille's second-leg trip to Old Trafford last season but did play a key role in the previous campaign's group stage matches. In those games, Lyon earned a 0-0 draw in Manchester before winning 1-0 at Stade de France.
United had no trouble scoring goals on the weekend, however. The Reds smashed four past Arsenal in the FA Cup and Bodmer admits United's strikeforce is of most concern. "Cristiano Ronaldo is key, and the Rooney-Tevez duo works very well," he said. "They have lots of attacking assets but they hate to defend. Our aim will be to force them to defend." Read more...
Bodmer, who joined Lyon in the summer, knows all about the Reds from his time as a Lille player. Despite Lyon being out of form - they lost 1-0 to Le Mans at the weekend - he thinks they're capable of edging past United.
"The worst possible draw would have been Internazionale, they are very strong," Bodmer told uefa.com. "In England, United and Arsenal are above the others. But I have played United with Lille, and I'm sure we have a chance of going through."
The defensive midfielder didn't play in Lille's second-leg trip to Old Trafford last season but did play a key role in the previous campaign's group stage matches. In those games, Lyon earned a 0-0 draw in Manchester before winning 1-0 at Stade de France.
United had no trouble scoring goals on the weekend, however. The Reds smashed four past Arsenal in the FA Cup and Bodmer admits United's strikeforce is of most concern. "Cristiano Ronaldo is key, and the Rooney-Tevez duo works very well," he said. "They have lots of attacking assets but they hate to defend. Our aim will be to force them to defend." Read more...
Rested stars set to return
United's squad should be bolstered by the return of four key players for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Lyon.
Sir Alex Ferguson left Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves out of Saturday's squad to face Arsenal, and restricted Paul Scholes to a 20-minute runout in the Reds' 4-0 win.
That key quartet should all be in contention to start, however, as United resume their European campaign against the French champions.
"I gave them a rest, although Ronaldo had a bit of a tummy upset," Sir Alex said after Saturday's win. "I was thinking about resting him anyway and perhaps put him on the bench, but when we found out he wasn't well, we decided to give him a complete break.
"The likes of Ryan and Paul Scholes - players with great experience - will play in Lyon on Wednesday. They'll be very important for us."
While United warmed up for Tuesday's trip to France in stunning fashion against Arsenal, Lyon slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat at Le Mans.
Manager Alain Perrin rested several players ahead of United's visit, and the result sees Les Gones' lead at the top of Ligue 1 cut down to just one point. Former Reds defender Laurent Blanc guided his second-placed Bordeaux side to a 6-0 win at Monaco. Read more...
Sir Alex Ferguson left Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves out of Saturday's squad to face Arsenal, and restricted Paul Scholes to a 20-minute runout in the Reds' 4-0 win.
That key quartet should all be in contention to start, however, as United resume their European campaign against the French champions.
"I gave them a rest, although Ronaldo had a bit of a tummy upset," Sir Alex said after Saturday's win. "I was thinking about resting him anyway and perhaps put him on the bench, but when we found out he wasn't well, we decided to give him a complete break.
"The likes of Ryan and Paul Scholes - players with great experience - will play in Lyon on Wednesday. They'll be very important for us."
While United warmed up for Tuesday's trip to France in stunning fashion against Arsenal, Lyon slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat at Le Mans.
Manager Alain Perrin rested several players ahead of United's visit, and the result sees Les Gones' lead at the top of Ligue 1 cut down to just one point. Former Reds defender Laurent Blanc guided his second-placed Bordeaux side to a 6-0 win at Monaco. Read more...
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Manchester United Vs. Arsenal Result Report
United spectacularly banished memories of their derby defeat with a stunning 4-0 win over Arsenal to book a place in the FA Cup quarter finals.
The Reds oozed energy, class and goals to register a memorable Cup victory and, perhaps, strike a key psychological blow in the race for the title.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on 16 minutes before Darren Fletcher made it two four minutes later. Nani put the Reds three-up seven minutes before half-time, while Fletcher grabbed his second on 74 minutes.
Sir Alex made five changes to the side that lost to Manchester City last weekend. Rooney and Patrice Evra returned from suspension, while Ji-sung Park, Michael Carrick and Fletcher were all handed starts. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo were rested, no doubt with Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Lyon in mind.
United lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Rooney working the line as the lone striker. Support was close at hand from Fletcher, Nani, Carrick, Park and the outstanding Anderson and it was the Brazilian who produced the Reds’ first effort on goal. With nine minutes gone, Anderson lashed a first-time volley goalwards after Evra’s attempted cross was block. The shot was on target but Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved well down to his right.
The Reds continued to press and both Rooney and Fletcher came close to capitalising on a stray Arsenal backpass. Luckily for the Gunners, their German stopper was alert to the situation as he sprinted from goal to clear.
Skipper for the day Rio Ferdinand had remarked in the matchday programme how the Reds were determined to banish the memories of last weekend’s derby defeat and they duly did that after just 16 minutes.
Arsenal failed to clear Nani’s left wing corner, allowing Anderson the chance to head the ball back into the danger area. It fell to the unmarked Rooney who duly headed past Lehmann from five yards. It was only his third ever headed Reds goal – the first came against the Gunners in the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates last season.
There was a real zip to United’s play, a feature that had been devoid throughout the City game. Much was made of Rooney’s absence last weekend and how it contrived to United’s downfall and on this showing it seemed a plausible argument.
Having opened the scoring, Rooney played his part in United’s second, which arrived on 20 minutes. The striker picked up possession in midfield and laid the ball off to Anderson, who fed Nani down the left. The Portuguese winger twisted and turned before reaching the goal-line and clipping an inch-perfect cross to Fletcher, who headed home via a slight deflection off William Gallas.
It was the Scot’s first goal of the campaign in only his seventh start of the season. It was nothing more than he deserved, however, after a superb first half display full of endeavour.
Rooney went close to making it three just after the half-hour when Evra sent Lehmann’s poor goal kick into Rooney’s path. Unfortunately the 22-year-old dragged his shot wide and did the same again a minute later.
after brilliant work from Fletcher.
The electric atmosphere inside Old Trafford – earlier buoyed by news of Liverpool’s FA Cup exit – was further boosted by a third goal for the Reds seven minutes from the break. Carrick collected the ball in midfield and sent a pinpoint pass over the top to Nani. The winger kept his cool, controlling the ball well and setting himself in one movement, before firing a low left-foot drive past Lehmann.
The Reds continued where they left off after the restart. Carrick looped a pass towards Park who out-muscled Traore and fed Rooney, who took one touch before letting fly. Lehmann stood firm, however, and parried clear.
United’s lone frontman went close again shortly afterwards, this time from a free-kick. With Cristiano Ronaldo watching from the stands, United's other sharp-shooters were afforded a rare opportunity to take aim from set-pieces. Rooney’s effort, which took a slight nick off Fletcher, was well held by Lehmann.
Arsenal’s chances of somehow finding a way back into the game were all but dashed on 49 minutes when Emmanuel Eboue was dismissed for a high tackle on Evra, although replays showed the red card was rather harsh from Alan Wiley.
Rooney’s duel with Lehmann continued just after the hour when the German stopper foiled the striker once more after Anderson had slid him through on goal.
Having been under the cosh for most of the game, Arsenal registered their first real effort on 64 minutes. Even so, Eduardo’s header was always going over and Edwin van der Sar never looked troubled.
Arsene Wenger made a triple substitution six minutes later – introducing Flamini, Adebayor and Senderos – but it was too little too late. Paul Scholes and Louis Saha also entered the fray, with Rooney and Anderson given standing ovations as they trudged off the pitch.
United grabbed a fourth on 74 minutes through Fletcher. Nani, who impressed throughout, floated a cross to the back post where Fletcher was waiting to power a header past Lehmann.
As the game drew to a close, the Old Trafford faithful taunted the travelling support with chants of "You’re going out with the Scousers." More importantly, the Reds were through after a performance any opposition team would have found hard to live with. After last weekend's bad day at the office, United are well and truly back on track.
Team line-ups:
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Park; Anderson (Scholes, 71), Rooney (Saha, 71).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Tevez.
Arsenal: Lehmann; Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore; Eboue, Gilberto, Fabregas (Flamini, 70); Hleb (Senderos, 70), Bendtner, Eduardo (Adebayor (70).
Subs not used: Fabianski (GK), Clichy Read more...
The Reds oozed energy, class and goals to register a memorable Cup victory and, perhaps, strike a key psychological blow in the race for the title.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on 16 minutes before Darren Fletcher made it two four minutes later. Nani put the Reds three-up seven minutes before half-time, while Fletcher grabbed his second on 74 minutes.
Sir Alex made five changes to the side that lost to Manchester City last weekend. Rooney and Patrice Evra returned from suspension, while Ji-sung Park, Michael Carrick and Fletcher were all handed starts. Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo were rested, no doubt with Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Lyon in mind.
United lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with Rooney working the line as the lone striker. Support was close at hand from Fletcher, Nani, Carrick, Park and the outstanding Anderson and it was the Brazilian who produced the Reds’ first effort on goal. With nine minutes gone, Anderson lashed a first-time volley goalwards after Evra’s attempted cross was block. The shot was on target but Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved well down to his right.
The Reds continued to press and both Rooney and Fletcher came close to capitalising on a stray Arsenal backpass. Luckily for the Gunners, their German stopper was alert to the situation as he sprinted from goal to clear.
Skipper for the day Rio Ferdinand had remarked in the matchday programme how the Reds were determined to banish the memories of last weekend’s derby defeat and they duly did that after just 16 minutes.
Arsenal failed to clear Nani’s left wing corner, allowing Anderson the chance to head the ball back into the danger area. It fell to the unmarked Rooney who duly headed past Lehmann from five yards. It was only his third ever headed Reds goal – the first came against the Gunners in the 2-1 defeat at the Emirates last season.
There was a real zip to United’s play, a feature that had been devoid throughout the City game. Much was made of Rooney’s absence last weekend and how it contrived to United’s downfall and on this showing it seemed a plausible argument.
Having opened the scoring, Rooney played his part in United’s second, which arrived on 20 minutes. The striker picked up possession in midfield and laid the ball off to Anderson, who fed Nani down the left. The Portuguese winger twisted and turned before reaching the goal-line and clipping an inch-perfect cross to Fletcher, who headed home via a slight deflection off William Gallas.
It was the Scot’s first goal of the campaign in only his seventh start of the season. It was nothing more than he deserved, however, after a superb first half display full of endeavour.
Rooney went close to making it three just after the half-hour when Evra sent Lehmann’s poor goal kick into Rooney’s path. Unfortunately the 22-year-old dragged his shot wide and did the same again a minute later.
after brilliant work from Fletcher.
The electric atmosphere inside Old Trafford – earlier buoyed by news of Liverpool’s FA Cup exit – was further boosted by a third goal for the Reds seven minutes from the break. Carrick collected the ball in midfield and sent a pinpoint pass over the top to Nani. The winger kept his cool, controlling the ball well and setting himself in one movement, before firing a low left-foot drive past Lehmann.
The Reds continued where they left off after the restart. Carrick looped a pass towards Park who out-muscled Traore and fed Rooney, who took one touch before letting fly. Lehmann stood firm, however, and parried clear.
United’s lone frontman went close again shortly afterwards, this time from a free-kick. With Cristiano Ronaldo watching from the stands, United's other sharp-shooters were afforded a rare opportunity to take aim from set-pieces. Rooney’s effort, which took a slight nick off Fletcher, was well held by Lehmann.
Arsenal’s chances of somehow finding a way back into the game were all but dashed on 49 minutes when Emmanuel Eboue was dismissed for a high tackle on Evra, although replays showed the red card was rather harsh from Alan Wiley.
Rooney’s duel with Lehmann continued just after the hour when the German stopper foiled the striker once more after Anderson had slid him through on goal.
Having been under the cosh for most of the game, Arsenal registered their first real effort on 64 minutes. Even so, Eduardo’s header was always going over and Edwin van der Sar never looked troubled.
Arsene Wenger made a triple substitution six minutes later – introducing Flamini, Adebayor and Senderos – but it was too little too late. Paul Scholes and Louis Saha also entered the fray, with Rooney and Anderson given standing ovations as they trudged off the pitch.
United grabbed a fourth on 74 minutes through Fletcher. Nani, who impressed throughout, floated a cross to the back post where Fletcher was waiting to power a header past Lehmann.
As the game drew to a close, the Old Trafford faithful taunted the travelling support with chants of "You’re going out with the Scousers." More importantly, the Reds were through after a performance any opposition team would have found hard to live with. After last weekend's bad day at the office, United are well and truly back on track.
Team line-ups:
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand (c), Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Park; Anderson (Scholes, 71), Rooney (Saha, 71).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O'Shea, Tevez.
Arsenal: Lehmann; Hoyte, Gallas, Toure, Traore; Eboue, Gilberto, Fabregas (Flamini, 70); Hleb (Senderos, 70), Bendtner, Eduardo (Adebayor (70).
Subs not used: Fabianski (GK), Clichy Read more...
Boss hopes for title impact
Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful that United's enthralling 4-0 FA Cup victory over Arsenal will further enhance the Reds' title aspirations.
The Gunners hold a five point advantage at the top of the table having capitalised on United's derby defeat last weekend.
However, the Reds produced the perfect response with a superb display against Arsene Wenger's side at Old Trafford and Sir Alex believes United may have gained a psychological edge over the Gunners ahead of their league visit in April.
"I hope this result has an impact on the title race," he told MUTV. "When Arsenal come here in April they know they're in for a really good game.
"Who knows though - it's two months away and both clubs could be in different positions to now. But this result has certainly whetted our appetite for the league game."
Sir Alex was delighted with the overall team performance and had some special words of praise for two-goal hero Darren Fletcher.
"He showed what a good player he really is," enthused the boss. "Sometimes you go with horses for courses and this game was tailor-made for Darren. He always seems to do well against Arsenal. It was Darren's day.
"The whole team can be very proud of themselves. It was a really fantastic performance and a great way to respond to last Sunday's defeat. I think they were all disappointed with themselves. They felt flat and the emotions of the week probably took their toll.
"But they have made amends and atoned for that in a big, big way. It was a marvellous performance. They played with verve and tenacity, and the passing was terrific." Read more...
The Gunners hold a five point advantage at the top of the table having capitalised on United's derby defeat last weekend.
However, the Reds produced the perfect response with a superb display against Arsene Wenger's side at Old Trafford and Sir Alex believes United may have gained a psychological edge over the Gunners ahead of their league visit in April.
"I hope this result has an impact on the title race," he told MUTV. "When Arsenal come here in April they know they're in for a really good game.
"Who knows though - it's two months away and both clubs could be in different positions to now. But this result has certainly whetted our appetite for the league game."
Sir Alex was delighted with the overall team performance and had some special words of praise for two-goal hero Darren Fletcher.
"He showed what a good player he really is," enthused the boss. "Sometimes you go with horses for courses and this game was tailor-made for Darren. He always seems to do well against Arsenal. It was Darren's day.
"The whole team can be very proud of themselves. It was a really fantastic performance and a great way to respond to last Sunday's defeat. I think they were all disappointed with themselves. They felt flat and the emotions of the week probably took their toll.
"But they have made amends and atoned for that in a big, big way. It was a marvellous performance. They played with verve and tenacity, and the passing was terrific." Read more...
The perfect response
Derby-day disappointment inspired the Reds to victory on Saturday against Arsenal in the FA Cup, according to Darren Fletcher.
Two-goal hero Fletcher said United desperately wanted to banish the memory of last weekend’s loss to Manchester City.
“It was the perfect response to last week’s defeat,” Fletcher told MUTV. “We were all hurt by that performance and we wanted to put things right today. Our attitude, tempo and work-rate was top-class today and we got our just rewards.”
Fletcher found the net either side of the interval but was typically modest about his performance.
“I’ve scored a few headers for United and today I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.
“We created some great chances today and it could have been even more. But the important thing is we’re in the next round of the FA Cup after a terrific team performance.
“At times it was a bit feisty out there but you expect that in a cup game against Arsenal. It’s part of the game and we enjoy that. Sometimes it boiled over a little bit but I think it was all right today. We try to tackle hard and fair and we enjoy it that way.” Read more...
Two-goal hero Fletcher said United desperately wanted to banish the memory of last weekend’s loss to Manchester City.
“It was the perfect response to last week’s defeat,” Fletcher told MUTV. “We were all hurt by that performance and we wanted to put things right today. Our attitude, tempo and work-rate was top-class today and we got our just rewards.”
Fletcher found the net either side of the interval but was typically modest about his performance.
“I’ve scored a few headers for United and today I was in the right place at the right time,” he said.
“We created some great chances today and it could have been even more. But the important thing is we’re in the next round of the FA Cup after a terrific team performance.
“At times it was a bit feisty out there but you expect that in a cup game against Arsenal. It’s part of the game and we enjoy that. Sometimes it boiled over a little bit but I think it was all right today. We try to tackle hard and fair and we enjoy it that way.” Read more...
Rooney: Bring on the Blues
Wayne Rooney says he’ll be delighted if United draw Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter final.
The England international got the scoring underway at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory against top-of-the-league Arsenal.
Minnows Barnsley and Bristol City remain in the competition, but Rooney would prefer a tussle with Avram Grant’s Chelsea.
“I hope we get Chelsea,” Rooney told MUTV. “Personally, I’d like to play them at home and try to knock them out. After that we’ll be through to the semi final and I’m sure we can take things from there.”
Rooney has twice been on the losing side in an FA Cup final and is determined to add a winners medal to his collection this season.
“The FA Cup means a lot to me. I’ve been excited by the competition from a very young age and hopefully we can now go all the way.”
United swept Arsenal aside on Saturday afternoon even though the Reds began the match missing experienced players.
“Last season we had to play all the players in every game,” Rooney said. “Today we had Paul Scholes on the bench and Ryan Giggs got a rest all together. That keeps them fresh and could be key come the end of the season.
“We were very disappointed after last week’s performance against Manchester City. Training was difficult this week and we spent a lot of time talking about the tactics and how we were going to approach the game against Arsenal. I think we got it spon on.”
The FA Cup quarter final draw takes place on Monday 18 February at 13:30 GMT. Read more...
The England international got the scoring underway at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as the Reds romped to a 4-0 victory against top-of-the-league Arsenal.
Minnows Barnsley and Bristol City remain in the competition, but Rooney would prefer a tussle with Avram Grant’s Chelsea.
“I hope we get Chelsea,” Rooney told MUTV. “Personally, I’d like to play them at home and try to knock them out. After that we’ll be through to the semi final and I’m sure we can take things from there.”
Rooney has twice been on the losing side in an FA Cup final and is determined to add a winners medal to his collection this season.
“The FA Cup means a lot to me. I’ve been excited by the competition from a very young age and hopefully we can now go all the way.”
United swept Arsenal aside on Saturday afternoon even though the Reds began the match missing experienced players.
“Last season we had to play all the players in every game,” Rooney said. “Today we had Paul Scholes on the bench and Ryan Giggs got a rest all together. That keeps them fresh and could be key come the end of the season.
“We were very disappointed after last week’s performance against Manchester City. Training was difficult this week and we spent a lot of time talking about the tactics and how we were going to approach the game against Arsenal. I think we got it spon on.”
The FA Cup quarter final draw takes place on Monday 18 February at 13:30 GMT. Read more...
Friday, February 15, 2008
Owen has confidence in Reds
It has been five days since Manchester United slumped to defeat at the hands of Manchester City and lost ground in the Barclays Premier League title race, but with critical assignments against Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford tomorrow evening and Lyons in the Champions League four days later, Owen Hargreaves believes that they are ready to renew their campaign on all three fronts. “I don’t think there’s anyone with their head down,” said the England midfield player. “The derby game has gone and we’re all professional enough and have been in the game long enough to know there’s a next game. We’ve got to take that opportunity to make things better. It’s a long season and there are definitely games in a season that are more important than others. Next week is one of those weeks; we’re in three competitions and it’s very important to see what direction we are heading in.”
Oliver Kay, The Times Read more...
Oliver Kay, The Times Read more...
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Neville: Ronny will shine
Cristiano Ronaldo may not have been able to sprinkle some of his magic on last weekend's disappointing derby defeat, but skipper Gary Neville has backed the winger to continue his incredible form.
Neville has followed Ronaldo's performances closely and says the Portuguese winger's form is incomparable to anything he's ever seen.
Ronaldo has already fired 27 goals this term, surpassing last year's tally of 23, and is within touching distance of George Best's remarkable record of 32 goals in 1967/68.
Neville believes the way in which the 23-year-old has developed into a team player has been key to his emergence as one of the best players in the world.
"In terms of entertainment, performance and production, the player that we’re watching now is every bit as good as anything I’ve ever seen," Neville told United Review. "He’s playing on another planet at the moment.
"His goals’ tally is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is the appreciation he has for playing in a team. His passing, dribbling and crossing are all carefully selected and completed at the right times."
Neville has been a frustrated bystander for the last eleven months with a series of injuries. Nevertheless, his time in the stands has at least allowed him to sit back and appreciate the high standards his team-mates have set this season.
"I said at the start of the campaign that United fans should be as excited as they’ve ever been and that’s been proved," he said. "We’ve had the odd blip, but you experience that every year. We’re getting to the business part of the season now, there’s everything to play for." Read more...
Neville has followed Ronaldo's performances closely and says the Portuguese winger's form is incomparable to anything he's ever seen.
Ronaldo has already fired 27 goals this term, surpassing last year's tally of 23, and is within touching distance of George Best's remarkable record of 32 goals in 1967/68.
Neville believes the way in which the 23-year-old has developed into a team player has been key to his emergence as one of the best players in the world.
"In terms of entertainment, performance and production, the player that we’re watching now is every bit as good as anything I’ve ever seen," Neville told United Review. "He’s playing on another planet at the moment.
"His goals’ tally is exceptional, but the most impressive thing is the appreciation he has for playing in a team. His passing, dribbling and crossing are all carefully selected and completed at the right times."
Neville has been a frustrated bystander for the last eleven months with a series of injuries. Nevertheless, his time in the stands has at least allowed him to sit back and appreciate the high standards his team-mates have set this season.
"I said at the start of the campaign that United fans should be as excited as they’ve ever been and that’s been proved," he said. "We’ve had the odd blip, but you experience that every year. We’re getting to the business part of the season now, there’s everything to play for." Read more...
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