Manchester United defender Wes Brown is looking forward to a 'great ending' to the season.
He remains in sight of a second Champions League winners' medal after a highly-disciplined display in the victory against Barcelona.
Manchester-born Brown, 28, was an unused substitute when the team famously lifted the trophy in 1999.
Since then his Old Trafford career has been series of highs and lows, mainly because of injury.
And there was a time when this looked as though it could be his final season at the club after a long-running dispute over a new contract.
It was recently resolved with Brown sealing a four-year deal - and life could now hardly be sweeter.
With United going for a league and Champions League double, he has impressed Fabio Capello and been picked in his first two England teams.
Brown said: 'I have been here at Manchester United since I was a boy.
'I was happy to sign a new contract and we could have a great ending to the season.'
In addition to securing a place in Moscow, United are favourites to pip Chelsea and retain their crown.
Brown said: 'If anyone had told us at the start of the season we would be in the final and needed to win two games to take the title, we would have been delighted.
'We are all happy to go through. Now we aim to do our best in Moscow. The lads are buzzing at the thought of being in the final.'
United refused to buckle when the Spanish side stepped up the tempo in search of a crucial goal and Brown said: 'It was a great performance as we stopped them scoring.
'We dug in, knowing it was going to be difficult as they have some great players.
'They put a lot of pressure on us but we did brilliantly over the two legs and deserve to be in the final.
'We showed we can play as well as them. The fans were great as well. They got us going in the game.'
Next up for United are West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday and they complete the campaign at Wigan a week on Sunday.
Brown added: 'They are two tough games but this victory against Barcelona will help us.
'We know if we play as well as we did in the Champions League then we have a great chance of retaining our title.'
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ronaldo: It's a team game
Cristiano Ronaldo took another step towards becoming FIFA'S World Player of the Year but insisted the team was more important than any individual.
Manchester United's gifted winger proved he is prepared to put in a hard shift as well as they secured a place in the Champions League final in Moscow next month.
Although he failed to improve on his 38-goal tally, Ronaldo's gritty display in the 1-0 defeat of Barcelona only served to emphasise how far he has come this season.
He is now widely recognised as the best player in the world after finishing third behind Kaka and Lionel Messi last season.
Ronaldo, the PFA player of the Year, remains modest about his part in United's success as they chase a double of league and Champions League.
He said: 'My performance is not important, winning is and we're in the final. It was a great result.
'Of course I feel good. It has been a great season and I'm in a great moment. I've scored many goals. I have played well but so have the team - they have been fantastic.'
Ronaldo is blossoming at the top level - even in the face of change.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has surprised many pundits with the way he has set up his side in Europe, especially with the way United counter attack.
But his tactics have proved spot on as under-pressure Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard knows only too well.
Ferguson said: 'I have watched them a lot. If you try and meet them too early, they always open you up because they have the extra man in midfield.
'We didn't go hell for leather at them and defend too early. I think Frank Rijkaard would have liked that. It is something we have learned in Europe. We have enough experience in certain positions to wait for the counter-attack.
'The pace we have up front and the goalscoring threat we have allow us to do that.'
Ferguson's comments were endorsed by Ronaldo.
'It's very important to have experienced players but it's also equally important to have young players, ' said the Portugal international.
'Young players have a lot of power and run more, so you need that balance. You also want to win all the time when you play for Manchester United.
'I thought we played better than Barcelona. It was an intensive game but we created more chances and played the better football.
'The fans were absolutely fantastic. They did a great job singing all through the game - the motivation helped the players to get a great victory.'
Ronaldo is now putting thoughts of the final to the back of his mind with crucial Premier League games to come against West Ham on Saturday and Wigan a week on Sunday.
United are level on points with Chelsea - who face Newcastle on Monday - but have a superior goal difference.
Ronaldo said: 'The most important thing now is the league because the final is weeks away. We have work to do and it is important to keep our concentration.
'We have two games now to lift the Premier League, we have a good chance and if we win them both we are champions.'
Meanwhile Ferguson will monitor the fitness of Wayne Rooney (hip) and Nemanja Vidic (face) ahead of the West Ham match after they sat out the victory against Barcelona through injury.
Patrice Evra, however, is expected to be fit after suffering a knock last night.
Read more...
Manchester United's gifted winger proved he is prepared to put in a hard shift as well as they secured a place in the Champions League final in Moscow next month.
Although he failed to improve on his 38-goal tally, Ronaldo's gritty display in the 1-0 defeat of Barcelona only served to emphasise how far he has come this season.
He is now widely recognised as the best player in the world after finishing third behind Kaka and Lionel Messi last season.
Ronaldo, the PFA player of the Year, remains modest about his part in United's success as they chase a double of league and Champions League.
He said: 'My performance is not important, winning is and we're in the final. It was a great result.
'Of course I feel good. It has been a great season and I'm in a great moment. I've scored many goals. I have played well but so have the team - they have been fantastic.'
Ronaldo is blossoming at the top level - even in the face of change.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has surprised many pundits with the way he has set up his side in Europe, especially with the way United counter attack.
But his tactics have proved spot on as under-pressure Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard knows only too well.
Ferguson said: 'I have watched them a lot. If you try and meet them too early, they always open you up because they have the extra man in midfield.
'We didn't go hell for leather at them and defend too early. I think Frank Rijkaard would have liked that. It is something we have learned in Europe. We have enough experience in certain positions to wait for the counter-attack.
'The pace we have up front and the goalscoring threat we have allow us to do that.'
Ferguson's comments were endorsed by Ronaldo.
'It's very important to have experienced players but it's also equally important to have young players, ' said the Portugal international.
'Young players have a lot of power and run more, so you need that balance. You also want to win all the time when you play for Manchester United.
'I thought we played better than Barcelona. It was an intensive game but we created more chances and played the better football.
'The fans were absolutely fantastic. They did a great job singing all through the game - the motivation helped the players to get a great victory.'
Ronaldo is now putting thoughts of the final to the back of his mind with crucial Premier League games to come against West Ham on Saturday and Wigan a week on Sunday.
United are level on points with Chelsea - who face Newcastle on Monday - but have a superior goal difference.
Ronaldo said: 'The most important thing now is the league because the final is weeks away. We have work to do and it is important to keep our concentration.
'We have two games now to lift the Premier League, we have a good chance and if we win them both we are champions.'
Meanwhile Ferguson will monitor the fitness of Wayne Rooney (hip) and Nemanja Vidic (face) ahead of the West Ham match after they sat out the victory against Barcelona through injury.
Patrice Evra, however, is expected to be fit after suffering a knock last night.
Read more...
Van Der Sar dreaming of another medal
Veteran goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar can scarcely believe he is on the verge of becoming a two-time Champions League winner.
Manchester United's formidable keeper is daring to dream again after helping Ajax become kings of Europe in 1995.
The Dutch side came within a whisker of regaining their crown the following year but Van der Sar had to settle for a loser's medal as they lost to Juventus on penalties.
He later moved to the Italian giants before joining Fulham and then United in June 2005.
At 37 Van der Sar is savouring every moment as the team chase a glorious double of league and Champions League.
United booked their place in the final in Moscow thanks to a 1-0 aggregate victory against Barcelona and the Dutchman said: 'You remember 13 years ago you won it and 12 years ago you lost it.
'It has been a long time in between and it is a great feeling to go to the final again and try to win it for a second time.
'We knew we had to perform against Barcelona to go through. We achieved that and are delighted.'
Van der Sar claimed United gave the perfect response to the those who had doubted them after the controversial defeat by title rivals Chelsea at the weekend.
He said: 'The quality of the team is its strength and that includes mental strength.
'The players and the management team have a lot of character. You have to go from game to game and from strength to strength. That is how it is at this club.
'We have a lot of individual quality in the team but being a team is also important. We worked extremely hard together as Barcelona are not a bad team.
'They have not done brilliantly in the league but against us they really performed. It was hard work but we got a great result.'
United saw off Barcelona thanks to a superb defensive display and a magnificent winner from the evergreen Paul Scholes.
Van der Sar added: 'I was pleased to keep two clean sheets against them because we always know we have a goal in us.
'Scholesy was brilliant in training before the game. We know he is always capable of scoring and is a great player.'
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Manchester United's formidable keeper is daring to dream again after helping Ajax become kings of Europe in 1995.
The Dutch side came within a whisker of regaining their crown the following year but Van der Sar had to settle for a loser's medal as they lost to Juventus on penalties.
He later moved to the Italian giants before joining Fulham and then United in June 2005.
At 37 Van der Sar is savouring every moment as the team chase a glorious double of league and Champions League.
United booked their place in the final in Moscow thanks to a 1-0 aggregate victory against Barcelona and the Dutchman said: 'You remember 13 years ago you won it and 12 years ago you lost it.
'It has been a long time in between and it is a great feeling to go to the final again and try to win it for a second time.
'We knew we had to perform against Barcelona to go through. We achieved that and are delighted.'
Van der Sar claimed United gave the perfect response to the those who had doubted them after the controversial defeat by title rivals Chelsea at the weekend.
He said: 'The quality of the team is its strength and that includes mental strength.
'The players and the management team have a lot of character. You have to go from game to game and from strength to strength. That is how it is at this club.
'We have a lot of individual quality in the team but being a team is also important. We worked extremely hard together as Barcelona are not a bad team.
'They have not done brilliantly in the league but against us they really performed. It was hard work but we got a great result.'
United saw off Barcelona thanks to a superb defensive display and a magnificent winner from the evergreen Paul Scholes.
Van der Sar added: 'I was pleased to keep two clean sheets against them because we always know we have a goal in us.
'Scholesy was brilliant in training before the game. We know he is always capable of scoring and is a great player.'
Read more...
The reluctant hero
While a host of jubilant United players stopped to address the world's media after Tuesday night's Champions League victory over Barcelona, there was no sign of match winner Paul Scholes.
Having scored the tie-settling goal against the Catalan giants, the softly-spoken midfielder typically shunned the limelight and disappeared to be with his family after the final whistle.
His team-mates, however, were more than happy to heap praise on Scholes, who now seems guaranteed to start a Champions League final after missing the 1999 final through suspension.
"You could see his reaction, it was a big relief for him," Mikael Silvestre told MUTV. "He wasn’t involved in ’99, but now he is taking the team with him to Moscow. It’s good for him, he fully deserves it. He is a great professional. He is a local lad so it means a lot to him."
Scholes swung the tie in United's favour with a scorching 25-yard drive which faded into the top corner of Victor Valdes' goal, and his colleagues were far from surprised by the moment of brilliance.
"I was talking to Patrice Evra about Scholesy in training before the game," said Ji-sung Park. "He was unbelievable. We said that he would do something big in the game and he did."
"It was a great goal, unbelievable," added Wes Brown. "I’m just glad it was Scholesy, he deserves it. He’s got us into the final."
Read more...
Having scored the tie-settling goal against the Catalan giants, the softly-spoken midfielder typically shunned the limelight and disappeared to be with his family after the final whistle.
His team-mates, however, were more than happy to heap praise on Scholes, who now seems guaranteed to start a Champions League final after missing the 1999 final through suspension.
"You could see his reaction, it was a big relief for him," Mikael Silvestre told MUTV. "He wasn’t involved in ’99, but now he is taking the team with him to Moscow. It’s good for him, he fully deserves it. He is a great professional. He is a local lad so it means a lot to him."
Scholes swung the tie in United's favour with a scorching 25-yard drive which faded into the top corner of Victor Valdes' goal, and his colleagues were far from surprised by the moment of brilliance.
"I was talking to Patrice Evra about Scholesy in training before the game," said Ji-sung Park. "He was unbelievable. We said that he would do something big in the game and he did."
"It was a great goal, unbelievable," added Wes Brown. "I’m just glad it was Scholesy, he deserves it. He’s got us into the final."
Read more...
Ronny: Fans were fantastic
Cristiano Ronaldo says United’s fans played a starring role in the Reds’ Champions League victory on Tuesday night.
Old Trafford was a cauldron of noise for Barcelona’s visit, as supporters rallied behind United and cheered the lads to Moscow.
“The fans were absolutely fantastic,” Ronaldo told MUTV. “They did a great job and sang for the whole game. It gave the players motivation and helped us get a massive result.”
Ronaldo flung himself to the ground at the final whistle, apparently almost overcome with emotion.
“The feeling is great,” he said. “It will be my first Champions League final and I feel very good. It’s great for me and my colleagues.
“The final is in three weeks and we have time to work and keep our concentration. But the most important thing now is the league.”
Read more...
Old Trafford was a cauldron of noise for Barcelona’s visit, as supporters rallied behind United and cheered the lads to Moscow.
“The fans were absolutely fantastic,” Ronaldo told MUTV. “They did a great job and sang for the whole game. It gave the players motivation and helped us get a massive result.”
Ronaldo flung himself to the ground at the final whistle, apparently almost overcome with emotion.
“The feeling is great,” he said. “It will be my first Champions League final and I feel very good. It’s great for me and my colleagues.
“The final is in three weeks and we have time to work and keep our concentration. But the most important thing now is the league.”
Read more...
United's treble boost
Sir Alex is hopeful Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra will all be fit to face West Ham at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Rooney (hip) and Vidic (head) missed the Reds’ triumphant Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday night, while Evra (head) was stretchered off in the game’s dying stages.
“Patrice got a real bang on the head,” the manager confirmed, “but I’m sure he’ll be all right for Saturday.
“Vidic may be okay too, but that’s in the doctor’s hands.”
There were murmurs of doubt among United fans when it became apparent Rooney had been left out of the Barcelona clash, but Sir Alex told MUTV he had little choice.
“After getting the knock against Chelsea on Saturday, Wayne was in real pain on Monday.
“I made the decision not to risk him because if I had to then substitute him early in the match it could really have affected us. So I went with a front two of Ronaldo and Tevez.
“Wayne has got a big chance [of being fit for West Ham]. He’ll be all right for Saturday.”
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Rooney (hip) and Vidic (head) missed the Reds’ triumphant Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday night, while Evra (head) was stretchered off in the game’s dying stages.
“Patrice got a real bang on the head,” the manager confirmed, “but I’m sure he’ll be all right for Saturday.
“Vidic may be okay too, but that’s in the doctor’s hands.”
There were murmurs of doubt among United fans when it became apparent Rooney had been left out of the Barcelona clash, but Sir Alex told MUTV he had little choice.
“After getting the knock against Chelsea on Saturday, Wayne was in real pain on Monday.
“I made the decision not to risk him because if I had to then substitute him early in the match it could really have affected us. So I went with a front two of Ronaldo and Tevez.
“Wayne has got a big chance [of being fit for West Ham]. He’ll be all right for Saturday.”
Read more...
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Scholes rolls back the years
Richard Jolly
Archive
Manchester United 1-0 Barcelona
Barcelona has helped define Paul Scholes' career. But not, until Tuesday night, in the right way. They may be more than a club, but he has less than happy memories of the city. Banned for one Champions League final, he belatedly earned himself a second nine years on. That is Scholes, unhurried to the last in everything other than his tackling.
And it was fitting that he was the man to take Manchester United to Moscow. Though he didn't play there on the most famous night in the club's history, with Ryan Giggs demoted to the bench and Gary Neville unable to make the match-day 18, he nonetheless represented the last survivor of the Barcelona generation. He was a spectator in a suit at the Nou Camp nine years ago, and a source of excellence in the midfield there six days ago.
Now he has eliminated them with a wondrous winner. Sir Alex Ferguson had previously said he would be sentimental in selecting Scholes in the event of a May date in Moscow. He need only be practical in picking him, given the veteran's impact on the two legs against the Catalan club. There are times when Scholes can appear the connoisseurs' choice, overlooked by the masses but valued by his manager. He was singled out for praise by Ferguson after the first leg, and he decided the second.
Unwilling to risk a second suspension for the biggest club game of them all, Ferguson removed his goalscorer with a quarter of an hour remaining. Scholes duly trotted off in suitably undemonstrative fashion, even while being granted a standing ovation. It was all too typical, though, of a player who can wilfully eschew the flashy, though he is eminently capable of it. After the first-leg passing exhibition of Xavi and co, there is a sense that, despite Rio Ferdinand's elegant defending and Cristiano Ronaldo's showmanship, he may be the United player best suited to Barcelona's brand of football.
But there were times this season when the chant that Scholes scores goals has appeared anachronistic. Not any longer, a statistic of one all season suggested. His second, however, was one to savour. After Gianluca Zambrotta won the ball from Ronaldo and then swiftly returned possession to the on-rushing Scholes.
His shot was one of ferocity and technique, arcing past Victor Valdes from 25 yards and into the top corner. If the definition of a great goal requires a sense of occasion as well as perfect execution, this met both criteria. It was, too, an instant reminder of why Ferguson used to refer to him as the best finisher at Old Trafford.
'It was a fantastic goal,' said the United manager. 'I don't think we can expect Paul Scholes to score 10-15 goals like he when he was younger, but that made up for it. He's one of the great players. He's come through the ranks and knows the club.'
His trust in a 33-year-old with diminishing stamina was apparent. Scholes and Michael Carrick were left outnumbered in midfield as United, especially in the first half, almost played 4-2-4. Ferguson gambled with his selection on Saturday at Chelsea. This, too, was risky. But it was an indication of the urgency and it enabled them to impose their game on the 2006 champions. Barcelona's technique was the defining theme of the first leg. This time it was Manchester United's pace. Their previous meeting was played on Barcelona's terms, this on United's.
Their attacking approach was reflected in their chances. Scholes' goal was an exception as each of the others involved combinations of the four forwards. The best was spurned by Nani, heading Ji-Sung Park's inviting cross wide.
ChrisColeman/GettyImages
Nani of Manchester United clashes with Lionel Messi of Barcelona
In the final half-hour, however, the key personnel were found at the other end. Carrick, in particular, produced a series of inspired interceptions. Behind him, the injured Nemanja Vidic was not missed, which is testament to the performances of Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown.
After spending the majority of the first half on the right touchline, there were spells when Lionel Messi ran the game thereafter, an enviable elusiveness enabling him to avoid opponents almost at will. Yet his skill was not reflected in Barcelona's tally of attempts. At times they display an Arsenalesque reluctance to shoot when the alternative is another pass. For the second time in a week, they rendered Edwin van der Sar a spectator for too much of the match. It amounted to an underwhelming way to announce what is in all probability the end of an era the break-up of what was, for two years, a great team.
If some have their way, the most prominent departure will be that of the manager. Frank Rijkaard was asked if the best solution for all concerned was for him to go. He replied: 'That thought hasn't entered my head. I've no intention of leaving. The club and the team need help and support. It would be a different thing if the players were saying that it's time to go, but that's not the case.'
No such questions will be put to Ferguson. 'We needed a fantastic performance and we got one,' he added. 'We were playing a football club with a fantastic philosophy and a great team. It's not easy to beat that Barcelona team because they play fantastic football.'
So, too, does Paul Scholes.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wes Brown
He and Ferdinand were defiance personified at the heart of the United defence, matching each other for astute reading of the game, well-timed tackles and general dependability. Ferdinand has frequently been reliable, but this appeared a landmark performance from Brown.
MANCHESTER UNITED VERDICT: They coped admirably without Vidic and Wayne Rooney. The sole specialist striker available, Carlos Tevez, has gained a reputation for scoring vital goals and, while he didn't add to that tally, his was the performance of a big-game player, especially in the first half. Scholes and Carrick executed their disciplined roles admirably, but the two central defenders were arguably their outstanding performers.
BARCELONA VERDICT: They have assembled arguably the most gifted group of players in the world, but for all the expert passing of Xavi, Barca contrived to be less than the sum of their parts. The absent Ronaldinho is unlikely to be the only departure. Thierry Henry was again confined to the bench and Barcelona's other star striker also endured a frustrating night. Perhaps Rijkaard is overly wedded to the Dutch formation of 4-3-3, perhaps he had other reasons, but removing Samuel Eto'o when they needed a goal appeared strange.
REVOLUTION, COMRADE? Manchester United's choice of 'the Red Flag' on the tannoy beforehand was unusual. They may play in red, but the song's communist connotations jar with the club's commercialisation. Still, Rio Ferdinand will no doubt donate his earnings from his new contract to his less fortunate comrades among the proletariat.
Read more...
Archive
Manchester United 1-0 Barcelona
Barcelona has helped define Paul Scholes' career. But not, until Tuesday night, in the right way. They may be more than a club, but he has less than happy memories of the city. Banned for one Champions League final, he belatedly earned himself a second nine years on. That is Scholes, unhurried to the last in everything other than his tackling.
And it was fitting that he was the man to take Manchester United to Moscow. Though he didn't play there on the most famous night in the club's history, with Ryan Giggs demoted to the bench and Gary Neville unable to make the match-day 18, he nonetheless represented the last survivor of the Barcelona generation. He was a spectator in a suit at the Nou Camp nine years ago, and a source of excellence in the midfield there six days ago.
Now he has eliminated them with a wondrous winner. Sir Alex Ferguson had previously said he would be sentimental in selecting Scholes in the event of a May date in Moscow. He need only be practical in picking him, given the veteran's impact on the two legs against the Catalan club. There are times when Scholes can appear the connoisseurs' choice, overlooked by the masses but valued by his manager. He was singled out for praise by Ferguson after the first leg, and he decided the second.
Unwilling to risk a second suspension for the biggest club game of them all, Ferguson removed his goalscorer with a quarter of an hour remaining. Scholes duly trotted off in suitably undemonstrative fashion, even while being granted a standing ovation. It was all too typical, though, of a player who can wilfully eschew the flashy, though he is eminently capable of it. After the first-leg passing exhibition of Xavi and co, there is a sense that, despite Rio Ferdinand's elegant defending and Cristiano Ronaldo's showmanship, he may be the United player best suited to Barcelona's brand of football.
But there were times this season when the chant that Scholes scores goals has appeared anachronistic. Not any longer, a statistic of one all season suggested. His second, however, was one to savour. After Gianluca Zambrotta won the ball from Ronaldo and then swiftly returned possession to the on-rushing Scholes.
His shot was one of ferocity and technique, arcing past Victor Valdes from 25 yards and into the top corner. If the definition of a great goal requires a sense of occasion as well as perfect execution, this met both criteria. It was, too, an instant reminder of why Ferguson used to refer to him as the best finisher at Old Trafford.
'It was a fantastic goal,' said the United manager. 'I don't think we can expect Paul Scholes to score 10-15 goals like he when he was younger, but that made up for it. He's one of the great players. He's come through the ranks and knows the club.'
His trust in a 33-year-old with diminishing stamina was apparent. Scholes and Michael Carrick were left outnumbered in midfield as United, especially in the first half, almost played 4-2-4. Ferguson gambled with his selection on Saturday at Chelsea. This, too, was risky. But it was an indication of the urgency and it enabled them to impose their game on the 2006 champions. Barcelona's technique was the defining theme of the first leg. This time it was Manchester United's pace. Their previous meeting was played on Barcelona's terms, this on United's.
Their attacking approach was reflected in their chances. Scholes' goal was an exception as each of the others involved combinations of the four forwards. The best was spurned by Nani, heading Ji-Sung Park's inviting cross wide.
ChrisColeman/GettyImages
Nani of Manchester United clashes with Lionel Messi of Barcelona
In the final half-hour, however, the key personnel were found at the other end. Carrick, in particular, produced a series of inspired interceptions. Behind him, the injured Nemanja Vidic was not missed, which is testament to the performances of Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown.
After spending the majority of the first half on the right touchline, there were spells when Lionel Messi ran the game thereafter, an enviable elusiveness enabling him to avoid opponents almost at will. Yet his skill was not reflected in Barcelona's tally of attempts. At times they display an Arsenalesque reluctance to shoot when the alternative is another pass. For the second time in a week, they rendered Edwin van der Sar a spectator for too much of the match. It amounted to an underwhelming way to announce what is in all probability the end of an era the break-up of what was, for two years, a great team.
If some have their way, the most prominent departure will be that of the manager. Frank Rijkaard was asked if the best solution for all concerned was for him to go. He replied: 'That thought hasn't entered my head. I've no intention of leaving. The club and the team need help and support. It would be a different thing if the players were saying that it's time to go, but that's not the case.'
No such questions will be put to Ferguson. 'We needed a fantastic performance and we got one,' he added. 'We were playing a football club with a fantastic philosophy and a great team. It's not easy to beat that Barcelona team because they play fantastic football.'
So, too, does Paul Scholes.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wes Brown
He and Ferdinand were defiance personified at the heart of the United defence, matching each other for astute reading of the game, well-timed tackles and general dependability. Ferdinand has frequently been reliable, but this appeared a landmark performance from Brown.
MANCHESTER UNITED VERDICT: They coped admirably without Vidic and Wayne Rooney. The sole specialist striker available, Carlos Tevez, has gained a reputation for scoring vital goals and, while he didn't add to that tally, his was the performance of a big-game player, especially in the first half. Scholes and Carrick executed their disciplined roles admirably, but the two central defenders were arguably their outstanding performers.
BARCELONA VERDICT: They have assembled arguably the most gifted group of players in the world, but for all the expert passing of Xavi, Barca contrived to be less than the sum of their parts. The absent Ronaldinho is unlikely to be the only departure. Thierry Henry was again confined to the bench and Barcelona's other star striker also endured a frustrating night. Perhaps Rijkaard is overly wedded to the Dutch formation of 4-3-3, perhaps he had other reasons, but removing Samuel Eto'o when they needed a goal appeared strange.
REVOLUTION, COMRADE? Manchester United's choice of 'the Red Flag' on the tannoy beforehand was unusual. They may play in red, but the song's communist connotations jar with the club's commercialisation. Still, Rio Ferdinand will no doubt donate his earnings from his new contract to his less fortunate comrades among the proletariat.
Read more...
Fergie: Scholes first name on Moscow team sheet
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed match-winner Paul Scholes would be on duty in the Champions League final after his memorable goal saw off Barcelona at Old Trafford.
Scholes unleashed a fierce, drilled shot after 14 minutes to hand the Red Devils a 1-0 win against the Primera Liga giants in the semi-final second leg.
Having already said he would hand the former England midfielder a starting berth if they reached the final after suspension ruled him out of the club's 1999 triumph, his second goal of the season sealed the deal.
Asked if he would make the first XI in Moscow, Ferguson told ITV1: 'Absolutely. He's one of the great players to come through the ranks here.
'But I'm so pleased for everyone.
'It's a great feeling, marvellous for this club. This club deserves to be in the final. It's fantastic.'
The Scot was also keen to thank the Old Trafford supporters, adding: 'They (Barca) chased the goal and they had to gamble but the fans got us over the line.'
United captain Rio Ferdinand also paid to tribute to Scholes and the crowd.
'You can't put this into words. The fans played their part and backed us the whole way and we dug deep.
'Then there was a moment of quality from a fantastic player. Paul Scholes...what a goal. A great time to get one.'
Looking forward to what is now certain to be an all-English final, Ferdinand insisted he did not mind whether Chelsea or Liverpool awaited them in Russia.
'We stayed together tonight and now we're waiting for whoever comes,' he added.
Team-mate Michael Carrick, taking up the theme, added: 'I don't care which one it is. Once we're there if we play well we're confident we can win.'
Read more...
Scholes unleashed a fierce, drilled shot after 14 minutes to hand the Red Devils a 1-0 win against the Primera Liga giants in the semi-final second leg.
Having already said he would hand the former England midfielder a starting berth if they reached the final after suspension ruled him out of the club's 1999 triumph, his second goal of the season sealed the deal.
Asked if he would make the first XI in Moscow, Ferguson told ITV1: 'Absolutely. He's one of the great players to come through the ranks here.
'But I'm so pleased for everyone.
'It's a great feeling, marvellous for this club. This club deserves to be in the final. It's fantastic.'
The Scot was also keen to thank the Old Trafford supporters, adding: 'They (Barca) chased the goal and they had to gamble but the fans got us over the line.'
United captain Rio Ferdinand also paid to tribute to Scholes and the crowd.
'You can't put this into words. The fans played their part and backed us the whole way and we dug deep.
'Then there was a moment of quality from a fantastic player. Paul Scholes...what a goal. A great time to get one.'
Looking forward to what is now certain to be an all-English final, Ferdinand insisted he did not mind whether Chelsea or Liverpool awaited them in Russia.
'We stayed together tonight and now we're waiting for whoever comes,' he added.
Team-mate Michael Carrick, taking up the theme, added: 'I don't care which one it is. Once we're there if we play well we're confident we can win.'
Read more...
Rio: We had to dig deep
Rio Ferdinand praised United for "digging deep" to get past Barcelona and reach the Champions League final on Tuesday night.
A wonderful Paul Scholes goal gave United the lead, but some valiant defending was needed to stave off Barcelona's challenge.
"We had to dig deep in the end, but we feel we did enough to get there," Rio admitted after the game.
"We had to show discipline, quality in the goal from Paul Scholes - and what a goal! - and then resilience. We stuck together and we're there now."
Ferdinand and Wes Brown were rocks at the centre of a resilient defence.
United will play either Liverpool or Chelsea in the final, but Rio insists he doesn't care who the Reds' opponents are.
"I don't care who we face in the final," he added. "We're there and that's all that matters."
Read more...
A wonderful Paul Scholes goal gave United the lead, but some valiant defending was needed to stave off Barcelona's challenge.
"We had to dig deep in the end, but we feel we did enough to get there," Rio admitted after the game.
"We had to show discipline, quality in the goal from Paul Scholes - and what a goal! - and then resilience. We stuck together and we're there now."
Ferdinand and Wes Brown were rocks at the centre of a resilient defence.
United will play either Liverpool or Chelsea in the final, but Rio insists he doesn't care who the Reds' opponents are.
"I don't care who we face in the final," he added. "We're there and that's all that matters."
Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Barcelona Result Report
Before the game the message was to believe. Now you can. United are going to Moscow.
And what sweet irony it is that Paul Scholes, the man who along with Roy Keane missed the Champions League final in 1999, scored the goal to take United there.
United were dealt a real blow when Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney were ruled out before kick-off. Vidic hadn’t recovered after losing a tooth in a challenge with Didier Drogba against Chelsea on Saturday, while Rooney was kept out with a persistent hip problem. Fortunately, Wes Brown had slotted in seamlessly in the Nou Camp last week when Vidic was ill. And Rooney’s replacement, Carlos Tevez, has scored important goals in big games this season – notably Chelsea, Liverpool, Lyon and, recently, Blackburn.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are considered a club in crisis in Catalonia. But Frank Rijkaard was able to rest several key players in their weekend defeat to Deportivo la Coruna, so they arrived at Old Trafford fresh and with the Champions League representing their only chance of silverware this season.
Before kick-off, United’s fans held up cards in the Stretford End and the old schoreboard end. Behind one goal, a picture of the European Cup and the years 68 and 99, at the other end the simple message: Believe. After press claims that Sir Alex’s side had cracked under pressure, it was exactly what United had to do.
Old Trafford buzzed with anticipation and the atmosphere was as electric as it has been for years. But hearts were in mouths when, after barely a minute, Lionel Messi went tumbling in the box. Paul Scholes committed the foul, but referee Herbert Fandel judged the offence to have taken place outside the box.
Sometimes semi-finals are an occasion that call for supporters to be on their game as much as the players, and the Red army weren’t about to let anyone down. The fans cheered each intricate move, every tackle won, even throw-ins. It was no surprise that the first 10 minutes were fraught and frenetic. As the dust settled, Barcelona did as the European away manual dictates: they kept the ball, attempting to quieten the support and frustrate United’s players.
The Reds almost expected it, sticking to the game plan and picking Barcelona off when they did venture forward. And at the first opportunity Cristiano Ronaldo had to open up and run at Barcelona, the approach paid off. His run was halted on the edge of the area, but the ball fell to Paul Scholes and he hit a humdinger into the top corner. He may no longer give many reasons to legitimately air the song ‘Paul Scholes, he scores goals’, but if he has become more selective, he’s not lost his sense for the big occasion. Old Trafford erupted. The dream start.
Barcelona, of course, still represented a danger – Messi’s darting runs and the presence of Samuel Eto’o made sure of that. The point was highlighted when Messi had Edwin van der Sar at full stretch to stop a curling effort five minutes after United took the lead.
United, with Ronaldo ever the outlet, were hardly sitting on the lead. The Portuguese winger’s pull-back found Ji-sung Park on 25 minutes, whose side-footed shot was desperately close to doubling the lead. Deco twice went close from long range efforts, while Nani headed just wide from Park’s pinpoint cross. As the play ebbed and flowed, this tie became the product of two clubs built only to attack.
The Reds had to be careful that the lead at half time did not lull United into a false sense of security, knowing that a Barcelona equaliser would be enough to send them through. United attacked without reservation, and on 55 minutes Tevez went close to making it 2-0. A neat one-two with Ronaldo on the edge of the box and he was aware, with three defenders in pursuit, but his shot from 12 yards was saved well by Victor Valdes.
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was introduced on the hour as Barcelona looked to penetrate, and seconds later Deco again went close with a 30-yard free-kick that deflected off the wall. The tension at the precariousness of United’s lead may have added to the drama for any neutral, but for Reds fans it was hell. But credit to the supporters, the noise rarely inside the stadium rarely dropped.
Sensing the need to keep the ball – Barcelona held the vast majority of the possession – Sir Alex swapped Nani and Scholes for Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher.
Entering the final ten minutes, it had become a game of surprisingly few chances, although Barcelona were virtually camped in United’s half and continued to relentlessly probe and press. The Reds’ performance was epitomised by Tevez. His tireless display took on the role of closing down defenders, tracking back and tackling anything that moved in a Barcelona shirt.
The six minutes of injury time seemed like an age, but United defended bravely, valiantly, and finally held out.
Follow, follow, follow, United are going to Moscow.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra (Silvestre 90); Nani (Giggs 76), Carrick, Scholes (Fletcher 76), Park; Ronaldo, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, O'Shea, Welbeck.
FC Barcelona: Valdes; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Messi, Xavi, Toure (Gudjohnsen), Deco, Iniesta (Henry 60); Eto'o (Bojan 71).
Subs not used: Pinto, Edmilson, Silvinho, Thuram.
Attendance: 75,061
Read more...
And what sweet irony it is that Paul Scholes, the man who along with Roy Keane missed the Champions League final in 1999, scored the goal to take United there.
United were dealt a real blow when Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney were ruled out before kick-off. Vidic hadn’t recovered after losing a tooth in a challenge with Didier Drogba against Chelsea on Saturday, while Rooney was kept out with a persistent hip problem. Fortunately, Wes Brown had slotted in seamlessly in the Nou Camp last week when Vidic was ill. And Rooney’s replacement, Carlos Tevez, has scored important goals in big games this season – notably Chelsea, Liverpool, Lyon and, recently, Blackburn.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are considered a club in crisis in Catalonia. But Frank Rijkaard was able to rest several key players in their weekend defeat to Deportivo la Coruna, so they arrived at Old Trafford fresh and with the Champions League representing their only chance of silverware this season.
Before kick-off, United’s fans held up cards in the Stretford End and the old schoreboard end. Behind one goal, a picture of the European Cup and the years 68 and 99, at the other end the simple message: Believe. After press claims that Sir Alex’s side had cracked under pressure, it was exactly what United had to do.
Old Trafford buzzed with anticipation and the atmosphere was as electric as it has been for years. But hearts were in mouths when, after barely a minute, Lionel Messi went tumbling in the box. Paul Scholes committed the foul, but referee Herbert Fandel judged the offence to have taken place outside the box.
Sometimes semi-finals are an occasion that call for supporters to be on their game as much as the players, and the Red army weren’t about to let anyone down. The fans cheered each intricate move, every tackle won, even throw-ins. It was no surprise that the first 10 minutes were fraught and frenetic. As the dust settled, Barcelona did as the European away manual dictates: they kept the ball, attempting to quieten the support and frustrate United’s players.
The Reds almost expected it, sticking to the game plan and picking Barcelona off when they did venture forward. And at the first opportunity Cristiano Ronaldo had to open up and run at Barcelona, the approach paid off. His run was halted on the edge of the area, but the ball fell to Paul Scholes and he hit a humdinger into the top corner. He may no longer give many reasons to legitimately air the song ‘Paul Scholes, he scores goals’, but if he has become more selective, he’s not lost his sense for the big occasion. Old Trafford erupted. The dream start.
Barcelona, of course, still represented a danger – Messi’s darting runs and the presence of Samuel Eto’o made sure of that. The point was highlighted when Messi had Edwin van der Sar at full stretch to stop a curling effort five minutes after United took the lead.
United, with Ronaldo ever the outlet, were hardly sitting on the lead. The Portuguese winger’s pull-back found Ji-sung Park on 25 minutes, whose side-footed shot was desperately close to doubling the lead. Deco twice went close from long range efforts, while Nani headed just wide from Park’s pinpoint cross. As the play ebbed and flowed, this tie became the product of two clubs built only to attack.
The Reds had to be careful that the lead at half time did not lull United into a false sense of security, knowing that a Barcelona equaliser would be enough to send them through. United attacked without reservation, and on 55 minutes Tevez went close to making it 2-0. A neat one-two with Ronaldo on the edge of the box and he was aware, with three defenders in pursuit, but his shot from 12 yards was saved well by Victor Valdes.
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was introduced on the hour as Barcelona looked to penetrate, and seconds later Deco again went close with a 30-yard free-kick that deflected off the wall. The tension at the precariousness of United’s lead may have added to the drama for any neutral, but for Reds fans it was hell. But credit to the supporters, the noise rarely inside the stadium rarely dropped.
Sensing the need to keep the ball – Barcelona held the vast majority of the possession – Sir Alex swapped Nani and Scholes for Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher.
Entering the final ten minutes, it had become a game of surprisingly few chances, although Barcelona were virtually camped in United’s half and continued to relentlessly probe and press. The Reds’ performance was epitomised by Tevez. His tireless display took on the role of closing down defenders, tracking back and tackling anything that moved in a Barcelona shirt.
The six minutes of injury time seemed like an age, but United defended bravely, valiantly, and finally held out.
Follow, follow, follow, United are going to Moscow.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra (Silvestre 90); Nani (Giggs 76), Carrick, Scholes (Fletcher 76), Park; Ronaldo, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, O'Shea, Welbeck.
FC Barcelona: Valdes; Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal; Messi, Xavi, Toure (Gudjohnsen), Deco, Iniesta (Henry 60); Eto'o (Bojan 71).
Subs not used: Pinto, Edmilson, Silvinho, Thuram.
Attendance: 75,061
Read more...
Monday, April 28, 2008
Manchester United Vs. Barcelona Match Preview
Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are both doubts for the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford after missing training on Monday morning.
Rooney took a knock to his hip before scoring the equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, while Vidic suffered a facial injury.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has scoffed at suggestions his team could be on the wane entering the most crucial phase of the season.
Instead, he maintains they are still well on course for a Barclays Premier League and Champions League double.
However, they go into the match on the back of a defeat against Chelsea, which saw their rivals move level at the top with two games to go.
But with matches to come at home to West Ham and away to Wigan, Ferguson is convinced they can achieve their goals.
Asked if he was worried, he said: "Not at all. We should be sitting here as champions of the league.
"I think decisions, bad decisions have gone against us. But it does not matter about those decisions now.
"When we signed on in August, it was to play 38 league matches and we need to win the last two to win the league. So be it.
"No matter what has happened, terrible performances or great performances, bad decisions, that's in the past.
"We have a semi-final, then a home game on Saturday (against West Ham) and a game against Wigan away... disaster.''
United hold the Champions League record for straight home victories and Ferguson has spoken of his pride in his players as they aim to extend that run to 12 games.
He said: "There was a lot of disappointment in the dressing room at the time up at Chelsea, especially in the manner which we lost.
"But we have the incentive of a big game, so you put that behind you quickly. A training session will reflect that.
"I trust these players. I am a lucky manager to have such good lads.
"Character-wise, they are fantastic. You saw that in the second half on Saturday, they were absolutely magnificent.
"That character is also a part of Manchester United. It epitomises the kind of player you have to be to play for the club.
"I am proud of those players representing me and the club.''
Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has pledged to stay true to his side's attacking philosophy.
Following last week's goalless first-leg draw at the Nou Camp, Barca could have opted for a safety-first attitude for Tuesday's return meeting and look to sneak an away goal.
However, that would be a break from tradition for a side famed for their forward play, and Rijkaard believes it would be wrong to switch to more defensive tactics for the game with United.
"I think that we have always maintained our style of play wherever we have been, with only one exception, which was when we went to play at Chelsea's ground,'' Rijkaard said, recalling the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in October 2006.
"There we played much more defensively than we are used to because at that point Chelsea were a very well-armed, organised and hard-working team, who were very dangerous on the counter-attack.
"But against Manchester United we have to play strong. To defend is not the correct course of action in this case. We have to play with aggression and by putting them under pressure.''
Rijkaard knows it is unlikely to be easy at Old Trafford, but is adamant his side can put aside their poor domestic form and make it through to the Champions League final.
"It is a difficult ground and a strong team, but I think that we can get through,'' said the Dutchman, who side have won just one of their last nine league matches while on Saturday they lost 2-0 at Deportivo La Coruna - a result that ultimately ended their chances of catching Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Rijkaard added: "United are a team that have no fear. They play how they know, with a good attitude, with a lot of individual talent and without complicating things.
"On Tuesday I am sure they will come out more to attack than at the Nou Camp and we must take advantage of our chances. The keys to the tie? To be aggressive and put them under a lot of pressure so as to make life difficult for them.
"To defend the result is not our style. We need to worry only about our play.''
Read more...
Rooney took a knock to his hip before scoring the equaliser in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, while Vidic suffered a facial injury.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has scoffed at suggestions his team could be on the wane entering the most crucial phase of the season.
Instead, he maintains they are still well on course for a Barclays Premier League and Champions League double.
However, they go into the match on the back of a defeat against Chelsea, which saw their rivals move level at the top with two games to go.
But with matches to come at home to West Ham and away to Wigan, Ferguson is convinced they can achieve their goals.
Asked if he was worried, he said: "Not at all. We should be sitting here as champions of the league.
"I think decisions, bad decisions have gone against us. But it does not matter about those decisions now.
"When we signed on in August, it was to play 38 league matches and we need to win the last two to win the league. So be it.
"No matter what has happened, terrible performances or great performances, bad decisions, that's in the past.
"We have a semi-final, then a home game on Saturday (against West Ham) and a game against Wigan away... disaster.''
United hold the Champions League record for straight home victories and Ferguson has spoken of his pride in his players as they aim to extend that run to 12 games.
He said: "There was a lot of disappointment in the dressing room at the time up at Chelsea, especially in the manner which we lost.
"But we have the incentive of a big game, so you put that behind you quickly. A training session will reflect that.
"I trust these players. I am a lucky manager to have such good lads.
"Character-wise, they are fantastic. You saw that in the second half on Saturday, they were absolutely magnificent.
"That character is also a part of Manchester United. It epitomises the kind of player you have to be to play for the club.
"I am proud of those players representing me and the club.''
Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard has pledged to stay true to his side's attacking philosophy.
Following last week's goalless first-leg draw at the Nou Camp, Barca could have opted for a safety-first attitude for Tuesday's return meeting and look to sneak an away goal.
However, that would be a break from tradition for a side famed for their forward play, and Rijkaard believes it would be wrong to switch to more defensive tactics for the game with United.
"I think that we have always maintained our style of play wherever we have been, with only one exception, which was when we went to play at Chelsea's ground,'' Rijkaard said, recalling the 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in October 2006.
"There we played much more defensively than we are used to because at that point Chelsea were a very well-armed, organised and hard-working team, who were very dangerous on the counter-attack.
"But against Manchester United we have to play strong. To defend is not the correct course of action in this case. We have to play with aggression and by putting them under pressure.''
Rijkaard knows it is unlikely to be easy at Old Trafford, but is adamant his side can put aside their poor domestic form and make it through to the Champions League final.
"It is a difficult ground and a strong team, but I think that we can get through,'' said the Dutchman, who side have won just one of their last nine league matches while on Saturday they lost 2-0 at Deportivo La Coruna - a result that ultimately ended their chances of catching Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid.
Rijkaard added: "United are a team that have no fear. They play how they know, with a good attitude, with a lot of individual talent and without complicating things.
"On Tuesday I am sure they will come out more to attack than at the Nou Camp and we must take advantage of our chances. The keys to the tie? To be aggressive and put them under a lot of pressure so as to make life difficult for them.
"To defend the result is not our style. We need to worry only about our play.''
Read more...
Testimonial tribute for Ole
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Testimonial Committee are delighted to announce they have agreed in principle with Manchester United that a testimonial match for the Norwegian against Spanish side Espanyol will be played at Old Trafford on Saturday 2 August 2008.
The former United striker was forced to retire from the game at the end of the August after a long battle with injuries.
Solskjaer has since joined the Reds' coaching staff and is looking forward to sharing his big day with the Old Trafford faithful.
“I am delighted to be given this game by the club," he told ManUtd.com. "It will be a very emotional day for me, to play one last time at Old Trafford in front of our amazing fans.
"I am going to savour every moment and I hope the fans and Manchester United can also share in my special day.”
Sir Alex Ferguson gave his backing to the match, adding: “Ole is a loyal servant of Manchester United and I can not think of a more fitting tribute than the club to honour Ole in this way.
"It also gives the fans the opportunity to show their admiration and appreciation for such a well loved player. It will be a fantastic day for everyone."
“Ole is one of Manchester United’s true professionals," continued chief executive David Gill. "We look forward to hosting the first pre-season game at Old Trafford in honour of Ole’s illustrious career.”
Ticket Information will follow shortly. Please keep an eye on ManUtd.com for more information. United will be selling the tickets on behalf of Ole’s Testimonial Committee.
Ticket sales in Norway will be managed through Travel Partner AS. Please contact www.travel-partner.no for more details.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a long term servant as a Unicef Ambassador and the Committee will employ this opportunity to promote Ole’s Unicef Project Schools of Africa.
Read more...
The former United striker was forced to retire from the game at the end of the August after a long battle with injuries.
Solskjaer has since joined the Reds' coaching staff and is looking forward to sharing his big day with the Old Trafford faithful.
“I am delighted to be given this game by the club," he told ManUtd.com. "It will be a very emotional day for me, to play one last time at Old Trafford in front of our amazing fans.
"I am going to savour every moment and I hope the fans and Manchester United can also share in my special day.”
Sir Alex Ferguson gave his backing to the match, adding: “Ole is a loyal servant of Manchester United and I can not think of a more fitting tribute than the club to honour Ole in this way.
"It also gives the fans the opportunity to show their admiration and appreciation for such a well loved player. It will be a fantastic day for everyone."
“Ole is one of Manchester United’s true professionals," continued chief executive David Gill. "We look forward to hosting the first pre-season game at Old Trafford in honour of Ole’s illustrious career.”
Ticket Information will follow shortly. Please keep an eye on ManUtd.com for more information. United will be selling the tickets on behalf of Ole’s Testimonial Committee.
Ticket sales in Norway will be managed through Travel Partner AS. Please contact www.travel-partner.no for more details.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been a long term servant as a Unicef Ambassador and the Committee will employ this opportunity to promote Ole’s Unicef Project Schools of Africa.
Read more...
Tevez: Evra insult prompted Bridge brawl
Manchester United players have accused Chelsea staff of provoking a brawl at Stamford Bridge by abusing defender Patrice Evra.
The aftermath of the Blues' 2-1 win on Saturday saw scuffles between United substitutes and ground staff and stewards.
United stars Evra, Paul Scholes, John O'Shea, Gerard Pique and Gary Neville were taking part in a warm-down on the pitch when they were asked to move by ground staff.
A scuffle erupted, in which fellow substitute Carlos Tevez also became embroiled.
The Argentina striker said in The Guardian: 'Patrice received a grave insult from a member of Chelsea's staff.
'He demanded an explanation and, from that moment, these men just wanted to attack Patrice.
'Obviously it's normal that we tried to defend our team-mate but within a few seconds all of the United players were surrounded by stewards.'
Chelsea are to examine CCTV footage of the incident, which the Football Association have asked to see before 'considering the appropriate course of action'.
Tevez said: 'I think that the security cameras will show the provocation we received. I have never seen anything like this in my career... if the FA opens an investigation, we will cooperate and happily give our version of what happened.'
Defender Pique added: 'Basically, this came about because of the provocation of somebody who works for Chelsea.
'Patrice wanted an explanation but these men were very aggressive. All we were doing was finishing our work-out after the game.
'Even now, I just do not understand the reaction of these people. I have seen the photos and, if the images are stored in the CCTV cameras then it will be impossible for them to say that the players were not provoked.'
Tevez added: 'We noticed a hostile atmosphere during the match. That is normal but never did I believe these incidents would happen afterwards without any spectators in the ground.'
Since confirming they would look into the incident, Chelsea have not commented on the matter but one of the men allegedly involved in the fracas, groundsman Sam Bethell, played it down.
'It was handbags really,' he said in The Sun. 'It was not as bad as it appeared.
'I've been told not to say anything about what actually happened.'
Saturday's referee, Alan Wiley, has confirmed he only became aware of the trouble when he watched highlights of the game later that evening.
He said in the Daily Mail: 'With me being in the changing room, I didn't know anything about what might have happened after the match until I saw `Match of the Day'.
'The security people said they had nothing to report to me. The players from both teams worked really well with me.'
Wiley came under fire from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for awarding Chelsea the late penalty which won them the game.
Ferguson branded the decision to penalise Michael Carrick for handball 'diabolical'.
But Wiley said: 'If there is a penalty shout, the team on the receiving end will be disappointed.
'But if they sit down and look at it, they'll accept that it was a penalty.'
Read more...
The aftermath of the Blues' 2-1 win on Saturday saw scuffles between United substitutes and ground staff and stewards.
United stars Evra, Paul Scholes, John O'Shea, Gerard Pique and Gary Neville were taking part in a warm-down on the pitch when they were asked to move by ground staff.
A scuffle erupted, in which fellow substitute Carlos Tevez also became embroiled.
The Argentina striker said in The Guardian: 'Patrice received a grave insult from a member of Chelsea's staff.
'He demanded an explanation and, from that moment, these men just wanted to attack Patrice.
'Obviously it's normal that we tried to defend our team-mate but within a few seconds all of the United players were surrounded by stewards.'
Chelsea are to examine CCTV footage of the incident, which the Football Association have asked to see before 'considering the appropriate course of action'.
Tevez said: 'I think that the security cameras will show the provocation we received. I have never seen anything like this in my career... if the FA opens an investigation, we will cooperate and happily give our version of what happened.'
Defender Pique added: 'Basically, this came about because of the provocation of somebody who works for Chelsea.
'Patrice wanted an explanation but these men were very aggressive. All we were doing was finishing our work-out after the game.
'Even now, I just do not understand the reaction of these people. I have seen the photos and, if the images are stored in the CCTV cameras then it will be impossible for them to say that the players were not provoked.'
Tevez added: 'We noticed a hostile atmosphere during the match. That is normal but never did I believe these incidents would happen afterwards without any spectators in the ground.'
Since confirming they would look into the incident, Chelsea have not commented on the matter but one of the men allegedly involved in the fracas, groundsman Sam Bethell, played it down.
'It was handbags really,' he said in The Sun. 'It was not as bad as it appeared.
'I've been told not to say anything about what actually happened.'
Saturday's referee, Alan Wiley, has confirmed he only became aware of the trouble when he watched highlights of the game later that evening.
He said in the Daily Mail: 'With me being in the changing room, I didn't know anything about what might have happened after the match until I saw `Match of the Day'.
'The security people said they had nothing to report to me. The players from both teams worked really well with me.'
Wiley came under fire from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson for awarding Chelsea the late penalty which won them the game.
Ferguson branded the decision to penalise Michael Carrick for handball 'diabolical'.
But Wiley said: 'If there is a penalty shout, the team on the receiving end will be disappointed.
'But if they sit down and look at it, they'll accept that it was a penalty.'
Read more...
Fletcher upbeat over title
Darren Fletcher looked at the positives after United's defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea drew level at the top after their 2-1 win, but a vastly superior goal difference means the Reds will be champions with victories over West Ham and Wigan.
The midfielder told MUTV: “It was a disappointing result and it puts a bit of pressure on us.
"But the positive we must take is that it’s still in our hands, and if we concentrate and win our last two games, we will win the league.”
Fletcher’s appearance at Stamford Bridge was his first since picking up a knee injury on international duty with Scotland in March.
"In the last couple of minutes I was blowing a little bit, but that’s natural when you’ve not played for a month. My knee's still a bit painful but at a bearable level so I can play.”
Fletcher is looking forward to Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona and is confident that an electric atmosphere will help the Reds reach the final in Moscow.
“We’re coming back to Old Trafford knowing we have to win to qualify,” he said.
“It’s going to be a great night and the fans will get behind us. If you can’t get lifted for a Champions League semi-final in front of your own fans, what can you get lifted for?”
Read more...
Chelsea drew level at the top after their 2-1 win, but a vastly superior goal difference means the Reds will be champions with victories over West Ham and Wigan.
The midfielder told MUTV: “It was a disappointing result and it puts a bit of pressure on us.
"But the positive we must take is that it’s still in our hands, and if we concentrate and win our last two games, we will win the league.”
Fletcher’s appearance at Stamford Bridge was his first since picking up a knee injury on international duty with Scotland in March.
"In the last couple of minutes I was blowing a little bit, but that’s natural when you’ve not played for a month. My knee's still a bit painful but at a bearable level so I can play.”
Fletcher is looking forward to Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona and is confident that an electric atmosphere will help the Reds reach the final in Moscow.
“We’re coming back to Old Trafford knowing we have to win to qualify,” he said.
“It’s going to be a great night and the fans will get behind us. If you can’t get lifted for a Champions League semi-final in front of your own fans, what can you get lifted for?”
Read more...
Deco: Reds fear away goal
Deco feels United will be fearful of Barcelona's attacking capabilities in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final settler at Old Trafford.
A goalless draw in last week's first leg in the Nou Camp means United's aim is simple - win in Manchester. Conversely, Barca know a scoring draw will be enough to take them to Moscow next month.
While the Catalans' form has been far from inspirational, their unquestioned attacking thrust will have nerves jangling in Sir Alex Ferguson's side, according to Barca's Portuguese playmaker.
"The fear is with them now," Deco is quoted as saying in the News of the World. "They know if they concede at home they will have to score twice to win the semi-final. I'm optimistic."
United are widely tipped to adopt a more offensive strategy than in last week's first leg, and Deco is confident that Barca star Lionel Messi will revel in the extra space he will subsequently be afforded.
"In the first leg Messi had a lot of players on top of him when he received the ball, but he still caused problems," said Deco. "Now they have to attack us more and they will not be able to concentrate so much on covering Messi.
"When I saw that Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo were all starting on Wednesday, I thought they would pressure us high up the pitch. But they defended quite deep and can't do that at home."
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A goalless draw in last week's first leg in the Nou Camp means United's aim is simple - win in Manchester. Conversely, Barca know a scoring draw will be enough to take them to Moscow next month.
While the Catalans' form has been far from inspirational, their unquestioned attacking thrust will have nerves jangling in Sir Alex Ferguson's side, according to Barca's Portuguese playmaker.
"The fear is with them now," Deco is quoted as saying in the News of the World. "They know if they concede at home they will have to score twice to win the semi-final. I'm optimistic."
United are widely tipped to adopt a more offensive strategy than in last week's first leg, and Deco is confident that Barca star Lionel Messi will revel in the extra space he will subsequently be afforded.
"In the first leg Messi had a lot of players on top of him when he received the ball, but he still caused problems," said Deco. "Now they have to attack us more and they will not be able to concentrate so much on covering Messi.
"When I saw that Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo were all starting on Wednesday, I thought they would pressure us high up the pitch. But they defended quite deep and can't do that at home."
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Doubts remain over Reds duo
Sir Alex Ferguson will wait until the final moment before deciding whether his injured warriors Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic can face Barcelona.
Both players were substituted during Saturday's defeat at Chelsea and there is concern that Tuesday night will come too soon for the pair as they recover from facial (Vidic) and hip problems (Rooney).
"Obviously for such an important game, we’ve got to give them every chance," said Sir Alex, at Monday's pre-match press conference.
"Nemanja didn’t train yesterday or today, neither did Wayne. It’s a difficult one. We think both could make it but I can’t be dead certain.”
What does seem certain is that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the starting line-up, fresh from being a sub on Saturday and being crowned PFA Player of the Year on Sunday.
Patrice Evra could also come back in, despite being one booking away from missing the final. Mikael Silvestre performed impressively in Evra's absence at left-back but has only just returned to the fold after a lengthy spell out with injury.
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Both players were substituted during Saturday's defeat at Chelsea and there is concern that Tuesday night will come too soon for the pair as they recover from facial (Vidic) and hip problems (Rooney).
"Obviously for such an important game, we’ve got to give them every chance," said Sir Alex, at Monday's pre-match press conference.
"Nemanja didn’t train yesterday or today, neither did Wayne. It’s a difficult one. We think both could make it but I can’t be dead certain.”
What does seem certain is that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the starting line-up, fresh from being a sub on Saturday and being crowned PFA Player of the Year on Sunday.
Patrice Evra could also come back in, despite being one booking away from missing the final. Mikael Silvestre performed impressively in Evra's absence at left-back but has only just returned to the fold after a lengthy spell out with injury.
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Ronaldo retains PFA award
Cristiano Ronaldo received a timely tonic on Sunday evening when he was confirmed as PFA Player of the Year for the second successive season.
After a week in which he missed a penalty in Barcelona and suffered defeat at Chelsea, the award reminds us how rare these occasional lows are in Cristiano's high-flying career.
Ronaldo's fellow professionals voted him the top performer in English football, ahead of Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Arsenal pair Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James. All six were shortlisted for the award but few people gave the other five a prayer of pipping the Portuguese ace.
Cristiano was again nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year - which he also won in 2007 - but this time the gong went to Fabregas of Arsenal. The awards were presented at London's Grosvenor House Hotel but Ronaldo did not attend, given the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona is just two days away.
In a pre-recorded acceptance speech, Ronaldo said:
"I feel very happy. When you work all season to do something for the team, and then at the end the PFA give you this award, it is a great moment.
"It is an honour, a pleasure and a great motivation to carry on, to work more and get better.
"This is a good moment for me but it is not just my award, my team-mates have helped me a lot this season. They give me good passes to score goals - and I score.''
Cristiano's remarkable tally of 38 goals so far this season include his first hat-trick for United - against Newcastle in January - and a run of eight strikes in seven consecutive games from 15 March to 13 April. The winger has also set up numerous goals for his team-mates as the Reds close in on a possible Premier League and Champions League double.
Ronaldo is only the second player to win the PFA award in two successive years since its inception in 1974. Ironically, he'll come face to face with the first man to do it on Tuesday when Thierry Henry (2003, 2004, then of Arsenal) lines up for Barcelona.
Cristiano wasn't the only Red to be heralded at the PFA awards - Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were also named in the Premier League Team of the Year:
David James (Portsmouth); Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Ferdinand, Vidic, Gael Clichy (Arsenal); Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa); Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).
Fanzone Poll: If you could sign one player for United from the PFA Team of the Year, who would it be? Cast your vote at www.manutd.com/polls.
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After a week in which he missed a penalty in Barcelona and suffered defeat at Chelsea, the award reminds us how rare these occasional lows are in Cristiano's high-flying career.
Ronaldo's fellow professionals voted him the top performer in English football, ahead of Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Arsenal pair Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James. All six were shortlisted for the award but few people gave the other five a prayer of pipping the Portuguese ace.
Cristiano was again nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year - which he also won in 2007 - but this time the gong went to Fabregas of Arsenal. The awards were presented at London's Grosvenor House Hotel but Ronaldo did not attend, given the Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona is just two days away.
In a pre-recorded acceptance speech, Ronaldo said:
"I feel very happy. When you work all season to do something for the team, and then at the end the PFA give you this award, it is a great moment.
"It is an honour, a pleasure and a great motivation to carry on, to work more and get better.
"This is a good moment for me but it is not just my award, my team-mates have helped me a lot this season. They give me good passes to score goals - and I score.''
Cristiano's remarkable tally of 38 goals so far this season include his first hat-trick for United - against Newcastle in January - and a run of eight strikes in seven consecutive games from 15 March to 13 April. The winger has also set up numerous goals for his team-mates as the Reds close in on a possible Premier League and Champions League double.
Ronaldo is only the second player to win the PFA award in two successive years since its inception in 1974. Ironically, he'll come face to face with the first man to do it on Tuesday when Thierry Henry (2003, 2004, then of Arsenal) lines up for Barcelona.
Cristiano wasn't the only Red to be heralded at the PFA awards - Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were also named in the Premier League Team of the Year:
David James (Portsmouth); Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Ferdinand, Vidic, Gael Clichy (Arsenal); Ronaldo, Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa); Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).
Fanzone Poll: If you could sign one player for United from the PFA Team of the Year, who would it be? Cast your vote at www.manutd.com/polls.
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Sunday, April 27, 2008
Man United will still win title - McClaren
Former England manager Steve McClaren still believes his old club Manchestern United will win the Premier League crown.
Manchester United remain on top, due to their vastly superior goal difference, despite a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which left the clubs locked on 81 points with two games each to go.
But McClaren believes that his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, has the experience and know-how to get United across the finishing line.
'There's always pressure at Manchester United and people take their lead from the manager. He has the experience, the belief, the stature, the charisma, and he has won it before,' McClaren told BBC Radio.
'That's what the players look to, they'll look to a manager and other players who have done it before.'
Ferguson has been criticised for resting star players against Chelsea ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Barcelona but McClaren believes he was looking at the big picture.
'He (Ferguson) knew they had three opportunities to win the league. They have let one slip and they will make sure they don't waste the other two.
'With West Ham and Wigan still to play, I believe United are still favourites.
'They are phenomenal at home, and when they have to go to Wigan, they (Wigan) will be safe.
'If it goes down to the wire they (United) have the experience and character to come through that.
'Chelsea have to go to Newcastle. But look at how Newcastle are playing, and they will have 52,000 people there behind them. They will want to win and that means it is not an easy one for Chelsea.
'Sir Alex, this week, will be focused and relaxed. That is the key thing, not to panic.
'United did not get the luck yesterday, but they will get it in the future. This is where a manager comes into his own and earns the money.
'I think they are still favourites. I must give credit for Chelsea's great run but I do think it is still United's title. They hold all the cards with two games they should win.'
On the prospect of Rio Ferdinand being made England's new captain, McClaren explained the thinking behind his decision when in charge of the national team to appoint John Terry.
McClaren said: 'John Terry was a simple choice, he was my kind of captain. Terry was captain of Chelsea, they were winning the Premier League and he was on the top of his game.
'He has character and the players respect and listen to him in the dressing room.
'It just followed on from the great job he was doing at Chelsea to do the same with England. But other people have different opinions.
'An international captain is very important. He is your eyes and ears in the dressing room and can help you nip in the bud any problems before they could explode.
'It is important the captain is a leader and has great character in the dressing room. There are many who have been captain and cannot handle the responsibility.
'Terry will never lose what he has and his vocal side. But you need several leaders that drive the others on.'
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Manchester United remain on top, due to their vastly superior goal difference, despite a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which left the clubs locked on 81 points with two games each to go.
But McClaren believes that his former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, has the experience and know-how to get United across the finishing line.
'There's always pressure at Manchester United and people take their lead from the manager. He has the experience, the belief, the stature, the charisma, and he has won it before,' McClaren told BBC Radio.
'That's what the players look to, they'll look to a manager and other players who have done it before.'
Ferguson has been criticised for resting star players against Chelsea ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg with Barcelona but McClaren believes he was looking at the big picture.
'He (Ferguson) knew they had three opportunities to win the league. They have let one slip and they will make sure they don't waste the other two.
'With West Ham and Wigan still to play, I believe United are still favourites.
'They are phenomenal at home, and when they have to go to Wigan, they (Wigan) will be safe.
'If it goes down to the wire they (United) have the experience and character to come through that.
'Chelsea have to go to Newcastle. But look at how Newcastle are playing, and they will have 52,000 people there behind them. They will want to win and that means it is not an easy one for Chelsea.
'Sir Alex, this week, will be focused and relaxed. That is the key thing, not to panic.
'United did not get the luck yesterday, but they will get it in the future. This is where a manager comes into his own and earns the money.
'I think they are still favourites. I must give credit for Chelsea's great run but I do think it is still United's title. They hold all the cards with two games they should win.'
On the prospect of Rio Ferdinand being made England's new captain, McClaren explained the thinking behind his decision when in charge of the national team to appoint John Terry.
McClaren said: 'John Terry was a simple choice, he was my kind of captain. Terry was captain of Chelsea, they were winning the Premier League and he was on the top of his game.
'He has character and the players respect and listen to him in the dressing room.
'It just followed on from the great job he was doing at Chelsea to do the same with England. But other people have different opinions.
'An international captain is very important. He is your eyes and ears in the dressing room and can help you nip in the bud any problems before they could explode.
'It is important the captain is a leader and has great character in the dressing room. There are many who have been captain and cannot handle the responsibility.
'Terry will never lose what he has and his vocal side. But you need several leaders that drive the others on.'
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Saturday, April 26, 2008
Bizarre pitch fracas follows Chelsea match
LONDON, April 26 (Reuters) - Chelsea ground staff and Manchester United players were involved in a bizarre fracas on the pitch in an almost deserted Stamford Bridge stadium after Saturday's Premier League match between the two teams.
None of the United players who played in the match were involved but players Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Gerard Pique and John O'Shea were all warming down when an argument began with the ground staff tending the pitch.
Stewards quickly moved in to separate those involved but after the situation quietened down the row flared up again, although no punches were thrown.
The incident came a few minutes after Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-1 to pull level with United at the top of the table.
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None of the United players who played in the match were involved but players Patrice Evra, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Gerard Pique and John O'Shea were all warming down when an argument began with the ground staff tending the pitch.
Stewards quickly moved in to separate those involved but after the situation quietened down the row flared up again, although no punches were thrown.
The incident came a few minutes after Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-1 to pull level with United at the top of the table.
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Injured duo OK for Tuesday?
Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney were both in the wars again this weekend, as United lost the battle at Stamford Bridge.
Serbian centre-back Vidic, who missed the midweek match in Barcelona, saw just eight minutes of action against Chelsea. The defender came off worse in a duel with Didier Drogba and was treated by physio Rob Swire before leaving the field on a stretcher.
“He (Vidic) got kneed in the face by Drogba - and no foul was given," grimaced Sir Alex, who had certain other grumbles about the officials.
"He’s got a few stitches under his lip and he’s lost a tooth. He was dazed rather than concussed but if we’d waited for him to come round we would have played 10 or 15 minutes (with ten men) and you can’t afford that in such a big game. So we had to take him off."
United played the remaining 82 minutes with the same back four that started at the Nou Camp, with Owen Hargreaves coming on at right-back and Wes Brown replacing Vidic as Rio Ferdinand's partner in the centre. The reorganised rearguard kept Chelsea at bay for almost 40 minutes before Michael Ballack scored in first-half injury time - and for a similar length of time in the second period until Ballack scored his controversial penalty.
The scorer of United's goal, Wayne Rooney was the next casualty to be withdrawn, moments after scoring United's equaliser.
“Rooney’s got the same knock as he got last week, straight on the hip bone. It takes a while for that to clear because when you get a bang on it, it’s very painful. I’m hopeful he will be alright for Tuesday. Other than that, I think everyone’s okay.
“It reflected in my team selection today because we’re one step away from Moscow. We can’t turn that down and hopefully we can do it.”
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Serbian centre-back Vidic, who missed the midweek match in Barcelona, saw just eight minutes of action against Chelsea. The defender came off worse in a duel with Didier Drogba and was treated by physio Rob Swire before leaving the field on a stretcher.
“He (Vidic) got kneed in the face by Drogba - and no foul was given," grimaced Sir Alex, who had certain other grumbles about the officials.
"He’s got a few stitches under his lip and he’s lost a tooth. He was dazed rather than concussed but if we’d waited for him to come round we would have played 10 or 15 minutes (with ten men) and you can’t afford that in such a big game. So we had to take him off."
United played the remaining 82 minutes with the same back four that started at the Nou Camp, with Owen Hargreaves coming on at right-back and Wes Brown replacing Vidic as Rio Ferdinand's partner in the centre. The reorganised rearguard kept Chelsea at bay for almost 40 minutes before Michael Ballack scored in first-half injury time - and for a similar length of time in the second period until Ballack scored his controversial penalty.
The scorer of United's goal, Wayne Rooney was the next casualty to be withdrawn, moments after scoring United's equaliser.
“Rooney’s got the same knock as he got last week, straight on the hip bone. It takes a while for that to clear because when you get a bang on it, it’s very painful. I’m hopeful he will be alright for Tuesday. Other than that, I think everyone’s okay.
“It reflected in my team selection today because we’re one step away from Moscow. We can’t turn that down and hopefully we can do it.”
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Ryan rues Chelsea defeat
Ryan Giggs felt luck deserted United when they needed it most in the disappointing 2-1 defeat to title rivals Chelsea.
Michael Ballack scored the late winner from the spot after Michael Carrick was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Even then United had chances to equalise, with Chelsea making last-ditch clearances from Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher shots at the death.
But it wasn’t to be and Chelsea are now behind United on goal difference only – although the Reds will win the title if they beat West Ham and Wigan in the final two games.
Giggs told MUTV: “When you concede a late goal it’s always hard to take, especially having got ourselves back in the game.
“The luck just didn’t go for us. Sometimes you get the breaks and Chelsea had them today. They cleared two shots off the line, they were given a penalty and Ronaldo got a dubious offside call when through on goal."
Giggs accepted Chelsea were dominant early on but was pleased with the fight United showed after the break, which culminated in Wayne Rooney's equaliser.
“Chelsea were the better team in the first half and we were disappointed because we didn’t keep the ball enough,” the Welshman said.
“But in the second half we played to our tempo and showed great character to get back in the game, so to lose the game to a penalty is disappointing.”
Giggs knows the Reds must put the defeat behind them and focus on the remaining games, starting with Tuesday’s titanic Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.
“We’ve got to pick ourselves up,” the winger added. “There’s no bigger game than Barcelona. We want to win the league and we want to reach the Champions League final, and it’s still in our hands.
“We showed our battling qualities in the second half today, and we’ll need them in the next two games.”
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Michael Ballack scored the late winner from the spot after Michael Carrick was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box.
Even then United had chances to equalise, with Chelsea making last-ditch clearances from Cristiano Ronaldo and Darren Fletcher shots at the death.
But it wasn’t to be and Chelsea are now behind United on goal difference only – although the Reds will win the title if they beat West Ham and Wigan in the final two games.
Giggs told MUTV: “When you concede a late goal it’s always hard to take, especially having got ourselves back in the game.
“The luck just didn’t go for us. Sometimes you get the breaks and Chelsea had them today. They cleared two shots off the line, they were given a penalty and Ronaldo got a dubious offside call when through on goal."
Giggs accepted Chelsea were dominant early on but was pleased with the fight United showed after the break, which culminated in Wayne Rooney's equaliser.
“Chelsea were the better team in the first half and we were disappointed because we didn’t keep the ball enough,” the Welshman said.
“But in the second half we played to our tempo and showed great character to get back in the game, so to lose the game to a penalty is disappointing.”
Giggs knows the Reds must put the defeat behind them and focus on the remaining games, starting with Tuesday’s titanic Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.
“We’ve got to pick ourselves up,” the winger added. “There’s no bigger game than Barcelona. We want to win the league and we want to reach the Champions League final, and it’s still in our hands.
“We showed our battling qualities in the second half today, and we’ll need them in the next two games.”
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Boss troubled by major decisions
Sir Alex Ferguson added three more refereeing decisions to a growing list of gripes in the aftermath of United's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea.
The manager criticised the call to punish Michael Carrick for handball in the 85th minute, given that the midfielder couldn't move out of the way and that Michael Essien's cross was destined to be cleared.
"It’s a major decision that’s cost us the game," Sir Alex rued on MUTV.
"To give a penalty kick for that in a game of such importance, on the linesman’s say-so, is absolutely diabolical.
"Granted the ball hit his (Michael Carrick's) hand but he couldn’t get out of the road. He didn’t lift his hands above his shoulders or above his head, and the ball was going straight to Rio Ferdinand anyway. The referee should have seen that.
"It was a major decision and if the title is going to come down to decisions like that, we’re in trouble. If we’re not getting the decisions we deserve, we’re going to have to perform really well.
"In the last few weeks we’ve been knocked out of the FA Cup after not getting a penalty kick. There should have been a clear penalty kick at Middlesbrough from Mike Riley when the Boro player dived and saved the ball. And the same linesman we had today, Glenn Turner, disallowed Wayne Rooney when he was clean through and he was five yards onside. Then last week at Blackburn, Rob Styles, who’s turned down five penalty kicks for us this season, doesn’t give one out of three.
"As for today, when Ronaldo came on he was grappled almost to the floor by Ballack (at a United corner) and it was a clear penalty kick. Then Michael Carrick went down in the same way, the referee (Alan Wiley) was right there and again he didn't give it. The game hinged on major decisions and unfortunately they didn’t go our way."
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The manager criticised the call to punish Michael Carrick for handball in the 85th minute, given that the midfielder couldn't move out of the way and that Michael Essien's cross was destined to be cleared.
"It’s a major decision that’s cost us the game," Sir Alex rued on MUTV.
"To give a penalty kick for that in a game of such importance, on the linesman’s say-so, is absolutely diabolical.
"Granted the ball hit his (Michael Carrick's) hand but he couldn’t get out of the road. He didn’t lift his hands above his shoulders or above his head, and the ball was going straight to Rio Ferdinand anyway. The referee should have seen that.
"It was a major decision and if the title is going to come down to decisions like that, we’re in trouble. If we’re not getting the decisions we deserve, we’re going to have to perform really well.
"In the last few weeks we’ve been knocked out of the FA Cup after not getting a penalty kick. There should have been a clear penalty kick at Middlesbrough from Mike Riley when the Boro player dived and saved the ball. And the same linesman we had today, Glenn Turner, disallowed Wayne Rooney when he was clean through and he was five yards onside. Then last week at Blackburn, Rob Styles, who’s turned down five penalty kicks for us this season, doesn’t give one out of three.
"As for today, when Ronaldo came on he was grappled almost to the floor by Ballack (at a United corner) and it was a clear penalty kick. Then Michael Carrick went down in the same way, the referee (Alan Wiley) was right there and again he didn't give it. The game hinged on major decisions and unfortunately they didn’t go our way."
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Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Result Report
United slipped to a late defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to leave the title race very much in the balance.
Michael Ballack scored the dramatic winner from the penalty spot with five minutes left after Michael Carrick had handled in the box.
Chelsea dominated the first half and Ballack gave them into a deserved half-time lead when he headed home Didier Drogba’s cross.
But United improved greatly after the break and Wayne Rooney looked set to have earned a crucial point when he took advantage of a Ricardo Carvalho mistake to fire home.
Goal difference is now all that separates the sides at the top of the table, but United know that wins over West Ham and Wigan in the final two games will guarantee them the title.
The Reds suffered a further blow when Nemanja Vidic, named in the starting line-up after recovering from a stomach virus which kept him out of the draw in Barcelona on Wednesday, was forced off with a nasty-looking facial injury in the first 10 minutes.
With the second leg of the Champions League semi-final coming up on Tuesday, it was no surprise to see changes to Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up.
Darren Fletcher made a surprise return from a month-long injury absence and Mikael Silvestre replaced Patrice Evra at left-back. Nani, Anderson and Ryan Giggs all started, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez named on the bench.
Chelsea, defending an unbeaten home record in the Premier League stretching back to February 2004, were nearly gifted a goal in the opening 30 seconds.
Wes Brown’s poor header back to Edwin van der Sar forced the goalkeeper to scramble clear and the ball fell to Michael Essien, who volleyed just over.
Van der Sar saved low to his left from Salomon Kalou a minute later as Chelsea began purposefully.
Vidic, who has often put his body on the line this season, then took a stray knee to the face from Drogba and was stretchered off looking bloodied and groggy.
Owen Hargreaves replaced him and took his place at right-back, with Brown shuffling into the middle alongside Rio Ferdinand.
Chelsea continued to threaten and Kalou galloped into the box but was crowded out by United’s defence as he was about to pull the trigger.
United had an escape in the 21st minute when Joe Cole sprinted into the box and, after initially losing the ball, he regained it and smacked the bar with van der Sar beaten.
Essien was controlling the midfield for Chelsea in the absence of Frank Lampard, who missed the game following the death of his mother on Thursday.
Avram Grant’s side were playing a one-touch, high-tempo game and, although United conceded several free-kicks, that at least disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm.
United looked to have stemmed the Chelsea tide and were set to go in level at the break when Ballack broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.
Drogba held off the attentions of three Reds defenders on the right before clipping a cross over to Ballack, who arrowed a header past van der Sar.
The Germany international was booked for removing his shirt in the ensuing celebrations, while the Chelsea players raised another shirt aloft in tribute to Lampard’s mother.
Ferguson made no changes at the break but the Reds’ attacking intent at the start of the second half was much more apparent as they forced Chelsea onto the backfoot.
Brown was booked for impeding Essien but soon after the Reds were level through Rooney’s first career goal against Chelsea.
Carvalho played a lazy backpass to Petr Cech which Rooney pounced on gleefully, before cutting across John Terry and firing past Cech. Cue rapturous celebrations.
Unsurprisingly, the goal put an extra spring in United’s step and they began to find more space in Report: Chelsea 2 United 1
the final third, with Giggs forcing Cech into a smart save from the edge of the box.
Rooney, who appeared to injure himself while celebrating his goal, was forced to leave the field in the 64th minute, but the sight of Ronaldo replacing him won’t have pleased Chelsea’s increasingly forlorn supporters.
John O’Shea came on for the tireless Anderson shortly afterwards and, after a poor first half, suddenly everything looked rosy for the Reds.
But just as they looked set to hold out for a vital point, they were hit by a killer blow.
Referee Alan Wiley waved away Chelsea’s appeals for a penalty with nine minutes left when Brown appeared to handle the ball in the box, but two minutes later his assistant awarded a spot-kick against Carrick for the same infringement.
In Lampard’s absence, Ballack stepped up to send van der Sar the wrong way and keep Chelsea in the title race.
In a frantic finale, Ashley Cole and substitute Andriy Shevchenko blocked shots from Ronaldo and Fletcher on the goalline, but Chelsea held on – and the title race is going to the wire.
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Michael Ballack scored the dramatic winner from the penalty spot with five minutes left after Michael Carrick had handled in the box.
Chelsea dominated the first half and Ballack gave them into a deserved half-time lead when he headed home Didier Drogba’s cross.
But United improved greatly after the break and Wayne Rooney looked set to have earned a crucial point when he took advantage of a Ricardo Carvalho mistake to fire home.
Goal difference is now all that separates the sides at the top of the table, but United know that wins over West Ham and Wigan in the final two games will guarantee them the title.
The Reds suffered a further blow when Nemanja Vidic, named in the starting line-up after recovering from a stomach virus which kept him out of the draw in Barcelona on Wednesday, was forced off with a nasty-looking facial injury in the first 10 minutes.
With the second leg of the Champions League semi-final coming up on Tuesday, it was no surprise to see changes to Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up.
Darren Fletcher made a surprise return from a month-long injury absence and Mikael Silvestre replaced Patrice Evra at left-back. Nani, Anderson and Ryan Giggs all started, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez named on the bench.
Chelsea, defending an unbeaten home record in the Premier League stretching back to February 2004, were nearly gifted a goal in the opening 30 seconds.
Wes Brown’s poor header back to Edwin van der Sar forced the goalkeeper to scramble clear and the ball fell to Michael Essien, who volleyed just over.
Van der Sar saved low to his left from Salomon Kalou a minute later as Chelsea began purposefully.
Vidic, who has often put his body on the line this season, then took a stray knee to the face from Drogba and was stretchered off looking bloodied and groggy.
Owen Hargreaves replaced him and took his place at right-back, with Brown shuffling into the middle alongside Rio Ferdinand.
Chelsea continued to threaten and Kalou galloped into the box but was crowded out by United’s defence as he was about to pull the trigger.
United had an escape in the 21st minute when Joe Cole sprinted into the box and, after initially losing the ball, he regained it and smacked the bar with van der Sar beaten.
Essien was controlling the midfield for Chelsea in the absence of Frank Lampard, who missed the game following the death of his mother on Thursday.
Avram Grant’s side were playing a one-touch, high-tempo game and, although United conceded several free-kicks, that at least disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm.
United looked to have stemmed the Chelsea tide and were set to go in level at the break when Ballack broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.
Drogba held off the attentions of three Reds defenders on the right before clipping a cross over to Ballack, who arrowed a header past van der Sar.
The Germany international was booked for removing his shirt in the ensuing celebrations, while the Chelsea players raised another shirt aloft in tribute to Lampard’s mother.
Ferguson made no changes at the break but the Reds’ attacking intent at the start of the second half was much more apparent as they forced Chelsea onto the backfoot.
Brown was booked for impeding Essien but soon after the Reds were level through Rooney’s first career goal against Chelsea.
Carvalho played a lazy backpass to Petr Cech which Rooney pounced on gleefully, before cutting across John Terry and firing past Cech. Cue rapturous celebrations.
Unsurprisingly, the goal put an extra spring in United’s step and they began to find more space in Report: Chelsea 2 United 1
the final third, with Giggs forcing Cech into a smart save from the edge of the box.
Rooney, who appeared to injure himself while celebrating his goal, was forced to leave the field in the 64th minute, but the sight of Ronaldo replacing him won’t have pleased Chelsea’s increasingly forlorn supporters.
John O’Shea came on for the tireless Anderson shortly afterwards and, after a poor first half, suddenly everything looked rosy for the Reds.
But just as they looked set to hold out for a vital point, they were hit by a killer blow.
Referee Alan Wiley waved away Chelsea’s appeals for a penalty with nine minutes left when Brown appeared to handle the ball in the box, but two minutes later his assistant awarded a spot-kick against Carrick for the same infringement.
In Lampard’s absence, Ballack stepped up to send van der Sar the wrong way and keep Chelsea in the title race.
In a frantic finale, Ashley Cole and substitute Andriy Shevchenko blocked shots from Ronaldo and Fletcher on the goalline, but Chelsea held on – and the title race is going to the wire.
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Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Chelsea [1 - 1] Manchester United
45' [1 - 0] M. Ballack
56' [1 - 1] W. Rooney
86' [2 - 1] M. Ballack (pen.)
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45' [1 - 0] M. Ballack
56' [1 - 1] W. Rooney
86' [2 - 1] M. Ballack (pen.)
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Friday, April 25, 2008
Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Match Preview
Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as Manchester United look to wrap up a 10th Premier League title.
Only a mathematical improbability will prevent United securing the title should they beat Avram Grant's men and the return of Vidic will be a major boost.
The Serb was rushed to hospital with a stomach complaint on Tuesday and missed the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona 24 hours later but trained on Friday and should be ready for Saturday's clash.
Ryan Giggs may also be involved given Park Ji-Sung's uninspiring contribution on Wednesday, while Anderson might also come into contention.
"I have nothing definite in mind but I will freshen up in one or two places,'' said Ferguson.
"With the squad I have it is definitely something I am able to do.''
Ferguson is convinced his troops have the strength to handle the clash.
Even a draw, with a three-point advantage and a better goal difference, would be almost enough for United as they head into the final two games.
But the United boss knows how much confidence his side would gain from sealing the championship at the home of their closest challengers. And he is backing his squad to finish the job.
"The incentives are all there for us over the next few days - and we have the players and the squad to do it,'' he said.
"It's a massive game, one that will take care of itself in terms of focus, we just have to make sure we are properly rested and properly prepared.''
By remaining in Barcelona overnight following their midweek exertions, Ferguson has done his best to minimise any tiredness United's players may be feeling.
And he is confident his other major concern, his side's poor passing in the Nou Camp, will prove to be no more than a temporary blip.
"We have to recover our passing ability because it was an area that let us down on Wednesday,'' he said.
"It was surprising because normally we are very good at that part of our game. But I am sure we will get it back.
"Our record against them is not great but overall, I guess it balances itself out.''
Chelsea are expected to be without Frank Lampard's following the death of his mother after coach Avram Grant insisted the decision on playing would be left to the grieving player .
"He didn't train (on Friday) and I can tell you that all our thoughts are with him,'' said Grant.
"We are in contact. Frank was very close to his family, so it's not an easy situation.
"He's a professional with full commitment to the team. For the moment, because we have a game, we will keep it between me and him. We need to respect him.
"We are a close family here at Chelsea and all our sympathies are with him and his family. We just want to make sure that, when Frank comes back, we will still be fighting.
"I think he will not play, but we need to speak with him. In these things, football is very important but there are things that are more important. It's how he feels with this.
"All the players and the staff were very sad because of him. We cannot say more than all our sympathies are with him.''
It is understood that both teams will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Lampard's loss.
Michael Essien, suspended for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final draw at Liverpool on Tuesday, returns to the squad.
Germany captain Michael Ballack looks set to have an important role to play in midfield as the Blues seek to close the gap on United.
The 31-year-old feels he is in good shape for the final push, after having been forced to sit out the early part of the campaign because of an ankle problem.
"It's always important to be in good shape and at your best at the end of the season, when it's all about the championships,'' Ballack said.
"I didn't play for half a year, because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn't feel drawn-out to me.
"I feel fit and I'm highly motivated.''
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Only a mathematical improbability will prevent United securing the title should they beat Avram Grant's men and the return of Vidic will be a major boost.
The Serb was rushed to hospital with a stomach complaint on Tuesday and missed the Champions League semi-final with Barcelona 24 hours later but trained on Friday and should be ready for Saturday's clash.
Ryan Giggs may also be involved given Park Ji-Sung's uninspiring contribution on Wednesday, while Anderson might also come into contention.
"I have nothing definite in mind but I will freshen up in one or two places,'' said Ferguson.
"With the squad I have it is definitely something I am able to do.''
Ferguson is convinced his troops have the strength to handle the clash.
Even a draw, with a three-point advantage and a better goal difference, would be almost enough for United as they head into the final two games.
But the United boss knows how much confidence his side would gain from sealing the championship at the home of their closest challengers. And he is backing his squad to finish the job.
"The incentives are all there for us over the next few days - and we have the players and the squad to do it,'' he said.
"It's a massive game, one that will take care of itself in terms of focus, we just have to make sure we are properly rested and properly prepared.''
By remaining in Barcelona overnight following their midweek exertions, Ferguson has done his best to minimise any tiredness United's players may be feeling.
And he is confident his other major concern, his side's poor passing in the Nou Camp, will prove to be no more than a temporary blip.
"We have to recover our passing ability because it was an area that let us down on Wednesday,'' he said.
"It was surprising because normally we are very good at that part of our game. But I am sure we will get it back.
"Our record against them is not great but overall, I guess it balances itself out.''
Chelsea are expected to be without Frank Lampard's following the death of his mother after coach Avram Grant insisted the decision on playing would be left to the grieving player .
"He didn't train (on Friday) and I can tell you that all our thoughts are with him,'' said Grant.
"We are in contact. Frank was very close to his family, so it's not an easy situation.
"He's a professional with full commitment to the team. For the moment, because we have a game, we will keep it between me and him. We need to respect him.
"We are a close family here at Chelsea and all our sympathies are with him and his family. We just want to make sure that, when Frank comes back, we will still be fighting.
"I think he will not play, but we need to speak with him. In these things, football is very important but there are things that are more important. It's how he feels with this.
"All the players and the staff were very sad because of him. We cannot say more than all our sympathies are with him.''
It is understood that both teams will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Lampard's loss.
Michael Essien, suspended for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final draw at Liverpool on Tuesday, returns to the squad.
Germany captain Michael Ballack looks set to have an important role to play in midfield as the Blues seek to close the gap on United.
The 31-year-old feels he is in good shape for the final push, after having been forced to sit out the early part of the campaign because of an ankle problem.
"It's always important to be in good shape and at your best at the end of the season, when it's all about the championships,'' Ballack said.
"I didn't play for half a year, because of my ankle injury, which is why this season doesn't feel drawn-out to me.
"I feel fit and I'm highly motivated.''
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A chance to make history
Sir Alex Ferguson says his players are fully prepared for what could be a monumental four days in the club's history.
The Reds have the chance to all but seal a tenth Premier League title with victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
And they can book their place in next month's Champions League final in Moscow with victory over Barcelona on Tuesday at Old Trafford.
The United boss is relishing the tasks ahead and has the uppermost confidence in his team to rise to the occasion.
"We could achieve quite a lot in the next few days. The incentives are all there and we have the players to do it," declared Sir Alex. "We just have to make sure we are rested properly and prepared for both games.
"We have to recover our passing ability a bit better. That was one area that let us down [in Barcelona]. That was surprising because normally we are very good at that as we showed in Rome.
"We will get back to that at Chelsea. I think we will be alright."
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The Reds have the chance to all but seal a tenth Premier League title with victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
And they can book their place in next month's Champions League final in Moscow with victory over Barcelona on Tuesday at Old Trafford.
The United boss is relishing the tasks ahead and has the uppermost confidence in his team to rise to the occasion.
"We could achieve quite a lot in the next few days. The incentives are all there and we have the players to do it," declared Sir Alex. "We just have to make sure we are rested properly and prepared for both games.
"We have to recover our passing ability a bit better. That was one area that let us down [in Barcelona]. That was surprising because normally we are very good at that as we showed in Rome.
"We will get back to that at Chelsea. I think we will be alright."
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Vidic set to return
Nemanja Vidic looks set to play in United's lunchtime trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday after recovering from a stomach virus.
The Serbian defender missed the Reds' Champions League clash in Barcelona on Wednesday, but was able to train on Friday morning and is now all but certain to start against Chelsea.
"Vidic will hopefully be okay," confirmed Sir Alex. "He has trained this morning. We are hopeful he will be fit. He has a good chance. We dealt with it [the virus] right away. We got him to the hospital quickly. We hope he is going to be alright."
The United boss also confirmed he would make one or two changes to the side which earned a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.
"I will freshen up one or two positions. With the squad I've got, I can do that. There's nothing definite at the moment but I will make a couple of changes."
The big games just keep coming for United with the semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Tuesday. But Sir Alex feels the scheduling of the last four clashes, either side of the lunchtime visit to South London, have gone against the Reds.
"The Liverpool fixture with Chelsea was Tuesday followed by Wednesday, so there is four days either way to get themselves ready, which is a big advantage, there is no question about that," stated the boss.
"Unfortunately, we have 60 hours to prepare for this game. All we can do is rest them. We stayed overnight in Barcelona. Then we had a light training session at Barcelona's training ground. Being in the sun and having a day relaxing is probably the best thing we could have done.
"Once you shake hands with the devil, there is nothing you can do about it. It is not fair but what can you do? It happened to us last year after the semi-final with AC Milan, when we had to play Manchester City on the Saturday lunchtime straight afterwards. We just get on with it."
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The Serbian defender missed the Reds' Champions League clash in Barcelona on Wednesday, but was able to train on Friday morning and is now all but certain to start against Chelsea.
"Vidic will hopefully be okay," confirmed Sir Alex. "He has trained this morning. We are hopeful he will be fit. He has a good chance. We dealt with it [the virus] right away. We got him to the hospital quickly. We hope he is going to be alright."
The United boss also confirmed he would make one or two changes to the side which earned a 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.
"I will freshen up one or two positions. With the squad I've got, I can do that. There's nothing definite at the moment but I will make a couple of changes."
The big games just keep coming for United with the semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Old Trafford on Tuesday. But Sir Alex feels the scheduling of the last four clashes, either side of the lunchtime visit to South London, have gone against the Reds.
"The Liverpool fixture with Chelsea was Tuesday followed by Wednesday, so there is four days either way to get themselves ready, which is a big advantage, there is no question about that," stated the boss.
"Unfortunately, we have 60 hours to prepare for this game. All we can do is rest them. We stayed overnight in Barcelona. Then we had a light training session at Barcelona's training ground. Being in the sun and having a day relaxing is probably the best thing we could have done.
"Once you shake hands with the devil, there is nothing you can do about it. It is not fair but what can you do? It happened to us last year after the semi-final with AC Milan, when we had to play Manchester City on the Saturday lunchtime straight afterwards. We just get on with it."
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Hargreaves: Our plan worked
Owen Hargreaves declared United’s goalless draw with Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final was a job well done.
The makeshift right-back revealed that containing Barca’s potent attack was always the main priority at the Nou Camp and believes the Reds now have the upper hand going into Tuesday’s second leg.
He told MUTV: “I think we’d have taken a 0-0 before the game. Defensively I thought we were strong and didn’t allow Barcelona any clear chances.
“They had a lot of possession and kept the ball well, but they didn’t really penetrate us and that was the strategy going into the game.”
Hargreaves refused to blame Cristiano Ronaldo for missing an early penalty which could have changed the nature of the tie entirely.
“You’re not going to score them all,” he said. “He’s scored more than he’s missed and I think maybe he changed his mind at the last moment. It probably would have changed the flow of the game had we scored, but it’s fine.”
Ronaldo had another strong penalty appeal waved away by referee Massimo Busacca later in the first half when Barca defender Rafael Marquez appeared to obstruct the winger as he bore down on goal.
Hargreaves added: “It looked like a penalty but after the referee had given one penalty, it would have been brave for him to give another and a red card.”
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The makeshift right-back revealed that containing Barca’s potent attack was always the main priority at the Nou Camp and believes the Reds now have the upper hand going into Tuesday’s second leg.
He told MUTV: “I think we’d have taken a 0-0 before the game. Defensively I thought we were strong and didn’t allow Barcelona any clear chances.
“They had a lot of possession and kept the ball well, but they didn’t really penetrate us and that was the strategy going into the game.”
Hargreaves refused to blame Cristiano Ronaldo for missing an early penalty which could have changed the nature of the tie entirely.
“You’re not going to score them all,” he said. “He’s scored more than he’s missed and I think maybe he changed his mind at the last moment. It probably would have changed the flow of the game had we scored, but it’s fine.”
Ronaldo had another strong penalty appeal waved away by referee Massimo Busacca later in the first half when Barca defender Rafael Marquez appeared to obstruct the winger as he bore down on goal.
Hargreaves added: “It looked like a penalty but after the referee had given one penalty, it would have been brave for him to give another and a red card.”
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Carrick: Now we'll attack
Michael Carrick was satisfied with United's goalless draw against Barcelona, but admitted the Reds will adopt a more attacking mentality in next week's Champions League semi-final decider at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side successfully adopted a conservative approach in the Nou Camp en route to a goalless draw. With Barca due in Manchester next Tuesday, Carrick admits he and his colleagues are intent on reaching the final in Moscow.
"We looked very solid as a team and put in a very good performance defensively," he told MUTV. "In a perfect world we would like to score, but it’s not to be. It’s not the end of the world, a draw’s not a bad result for us.
"We could have nicked it. Cristiano’s had a penalty, there’s been a couple of decent opportunities – I had one myself that might have gone in. On a different day we might be sitting here with a victory."
The Catalans rarely posed a serious threat to United's stout defence, but fleeting glimpses of their attacking prowess have reinforced Carrick's belief that the Reds can't go too gung-ho in pursuit of victory at Old Trafford.
"We know now that if we can win next week at home, we go through," he said. "It’s a different game at a different place, so we’ll be looking to attack more – that’s for sure. But we’re not going to do that in a stupid way.
"They’ve got some world class players. They’re not a side you can take lightly, and we’re all aware of that. We know the threats that they possess and it’s going to probably be another tight affair. Hopefully we’ll come out on top."
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Sir Alex Ferguson's side successfully adopted a conservative approach in the Nou Camp en route to a goalless draw. With Barca due in Manchester next Tuesday, Carrick admits he and his colleagues are intent on reaching the final in Moscow.
"We looked very solid as a team and put in a very good performance defensively," he told MUTV. "In a perfect world we would like to score, but it’s not to be. It’s not the end of the world, a draw’s not a bad result for us.
"We could have nicked it. Cristiano’s had a penalty, there’s been a couple of decent opportunities – I had one myself that might have gone in. On a different day we might be sitting here with a victory."
The Catalans rarely posed a serious threat to United's stout defence, but fleeting glimpses of their attacking prowess have reinforced Carrick's belief that the Reds can't go too gung-ho in pursuit of victory at Old Trafford.
"We know now that if we can win next week at home, we go through," he said. "It’s a different game at a different place, so we’ll be looking to attack more – that’s for sure. But we’re not going to do that in a stupid way.
"They’ve got some world class players. They’re not a side you can take lightly, and we’re all aware of that. We know the threats that they possess and it’s going to probably be another tight affair. Hopefully we’ll come out on top."
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Eto'o: We're favourites now
Samuel Eto'o insists Barcelona have one foot in the Champions League final after last night's 0-0 draw with Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo's second-minute penalty miss meant United left the Nou Camp without a vital away goal. And Cameroon hitman Eto'o believes Barca are now the clear favourites to progress. He said: "I really think that if we go to Manchester and play like this then there is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't go through. It's not an easy task to be the home side when you have drawn 0-0 away from home in the first leg of a knockout tie."
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Vida doubtful for Blues
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Nemanja Vidic is a major doubt for Saturday's Premier League showdown at Chelsea.
The Serbian defender missed Wednesday night's draw in Barcelona with a stomach bug and, although he is on the road to recovery, Sir Alex is not hopeful of having Vidic available at Stamford Bridge.
"I think he’s doubtful, but we’ll do our best," the United manager told Sky Sports.
"He’s back at the hotel, he’s taking plenty of fluids, he had a bit of soup this afternoon for the first time in 36 hours – that’s promising, I suppose.
"Let’s hope we can get him there on Saturday morning – we’ve only got 72 hours to do that, but he’ll want to have a go. He’ll be desperate to play and if we do get him, it’ll be a bonus to us."
Wes Brown deputised in central defence against the Catalans, with Owen Hargreaves excelling as a makeshift right-back.
With Gerard Pique, John O'Shea, Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre all fit, however, Sir Alex has no shortage of options if he opts to shuffle his pack.
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The Serbian defender missed Wednesday night's draw in Barcelona with a stomach bug and, although he is on the road to recovery, Sir Alex is not hopeful of having Vidic available at Stamford Bridge.
"I think he’s doubtful, but we’ll do our best," the United manager told Sky Sports.
"He’s back at the hotel, he’s taking plenty of fluids, he had a bit of soup this afternoon for the first time in 36 hours – that’s promising, I suppose.
"Let’s hope we can get him there on Saturday morning – we’ve only got 72 hours to do that, but he’ll want to have a go. He’ll be desperate to play and if we do get him, it’ll be a bonus to us."
Wes Brown deputised in central defence against the Catalans, with Owen Hargreaves excelling as a makeshift right-back.
With Gerard Pique, John O'Shea, Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre all fit, however, Sir Alex has no shortage of options if he opts to shuffle his pack.
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Solid display pleases boss
Sir Alex Ferguson believes United have a “marvellous chance” of reaching the Champions League final after their workmanlike performance against Barcelona.
Barca enjoyed plenty of possession at the Nou Camp without creating many clear-cut opportunities and, although United offered little in attack themselves, Ferguson was satisfied with the defensive display.
“It was a professional performance,” the Reds boss told Sky Sports. “Our concentration in defending the space was very good and, although they had a lot of play on the edge of our box, they didn’t have many chances.
“On the negative side, we should have done better with our possession. We had opportunities to counter-attack and gave the ball away too easily.
“But going back to Old Trafford for the second leg, 0-0 gives us a marvellous chance.”
United’s night could have been even better had Cristiano Ronaldo converted a second-minute penalty. The Reds’ top scorer surprisingly put his spot-kick wide of Victor Valdes’ left-hand post, but Ferguson was quick to defend the winger.
“I would have backed him to score,” he said. “He’s a bit unlucky – maybe it came a bit too early in the match. It was disappointing but nonetheless, he was fantastic for us tonight.
Ferguson reserved special praise for Paul Scholes, who made his 100th Champions League appearance.
“I thought he was one of our best players,” he said. “His reading of the play outside the box was terrific, his interceptions were marvellous and he was the one player on our team who didn’t give it away.”
The United boss insisted it was no surprise that Barcelona enjoyed long periods of possession on their home ground, but he is determined for the Reds to up the ante in Tuesday’s second leg.
He said: “You have to admire the style of their game. They always get an extra player in midfield, no matter what you do, so possession was always going to be in their favour on their own ground.
“At Old Trafford we want to reverse that to make sure they don’t get that kind of possession. I think we’ll impose ourselves much better in the second leg.”
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Barca enjoyed plenty of possession at the Nou Camp without creating many clear-cut opportunities and, although United offered little in attack themselves, Ferguson was satisfied with the defensive display.
“It was a professional performance,” the Reds boss told Sky Sports. “Our concentration in defending the space was very good and, although they had a lot of play on the edge of our box, they didn’t have many chances.
“On the negative side, we should have done better with our possession. We had opportunities to counter-attack and gave the ball away too easily.
“But going back to Old Trafford for the second leg, 0-0 gives us a marvellous chance.”
United’s night could have been even better had Cristiano Ronaldo converted a second-minute penalty. The Reds’ top scorer surprisingly put his spot-kick wide of Victor Valdes’ left-hand post, but Ferguson was quick to defend the winger.
“I would have backed him to score,” he said. “He’s a bit unlucky – maybe it came a bit too early in the match. It was disappointing but nonetheless, he was fantastic for us tonight.
Ferguson reserved special praise for Paul Scholes, who made his 100th Champions League appearance.
“I thought he was one of our best players,” he said. “His reading of the play outside the box was terrific, his interceptions were marvellous and he was the one player on our team who didn’t give it away.”
The United boss insisted it was no surprise that Barcelona enjoyed long periods of possession on their home ground, but he is determined for the Reds to up the ante in Tuesday’s second leg.
He said: “You have to admire the style of their game. They always get an extra player in midfield, no matter what you do, so possession was always going to be in their favour on their own ground.
“At Old Trafford we want to reverse that to make sure they don’t get that kind of possession. I think we’ll impose ourselves much better in the second leg.”
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Ronny warns Barca
Cristiano Ronaldo has warned Barcelona that he will atone for his Nou Camp penalty miss in next week's semi-final decider at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese winger blazed a second-minute spot kick past the post as United and Barca fought out a goalless first leg draw, but he insists he will score when the teams reconvene in six days' time.
"Today I didn't score," he told Sky Sports. "No problem, now I'm going to score in Manchester. Nil-nil is a good result. Of course, if you score a goal it is better for us. We didn't score, but 0-0 is good.
"It was a tough game, Barcelona played very well and kept the ball a lot. But I think we defended very well and we played well too. I think 0-0 away is a good result."
Aside from Ronaldo's penalty miss - and the decision not to award a second spot kick for a foul by Rafael Marquez - the 23-year-old winger is still confident that United can book a berth against either Chelsea or Liverpool in Moscow.
"Now we're playing at home, and I think we're going to win," he said. "The team feels good confidence, we played very well, we play at home now and we have a great chance."
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The Portuguese winger blazed a second-minute spot kick past the post as United and Barca fought out a goalless first leg draw, but he insists he will score when the teams reconvene in six days' time.
"Today I didn't score," he told Sky Sports. "No problem, now I'm going to score in Manchester. Nil-nil is a good result. Of course, if you score a goal it is better for us. We didn't score, but 0-0 is good.
"It was a tough game, Barcelona played very well and kept the ball a lot. But I think we defended very well and we played well too. I think 0-0 away is a good result."
Aside from Ronaldo's penalty miss - and the decision not to award a second spot kick for a foul by Rafael Marquez - the 23-year-old winger is still confident that United can book a berth against either Chelsea or Liverpool in Moscow.
"Now we're playing at home, and I think we're going to win," he said. "The team feels good confidence, we played very well, we play at home now and we have a great chance."
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Barcelona Vs. Manchester United Result Report
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-minute penalty as United held Barcelona to a goalless draw in Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final, first leg.
The Portuguese winger blazed wide from 12 yards after Gabriel Milito had been penalised for handball, while Michael Carrick smashed a shot into the side netting with the Reds’ best second-half opening.
Samuel Eto’o wasted Barca’s best opportunity as a superb defensive display from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side neutralised the Catalans’ potent attack.
The prudent nature of the first leg could well have been blown out of the water as early as the second minute, however, had Ronaldo converted a golden opportunity from the penalty spot.
From a Wayne Rooney corner, Gabriel Milito blocked Ronaldo’s diving header with his hands, and referee Massimo Busacca immediately awarded the spot kick.
After lengthy protests from the home side, the Portuguese winger placed the ball on the spot, adopted his trademark stance, sidled up and sidefooted his effort off target.
A huge let off for Barca, and a missed opportunity for United. Despite that glorious early opening, the game failed to descend into the anticipated slugfest where both sides would wantonly deploy their rich attacking arsenals.
With the stakes so high, the two teams opted instead to remain at arm’s length. Barca cagily probed with more attacking intent, while United reverted to the initial gameplan of containment and countering.
Barring two scuffed kicks from Edwin van der Sar which suddenly put the Reds on the back foot, United were able to restrict their hosts to pretty, but largely ineffective possession.
On one of United’s rare forays into enemy territory, just before the half-hour mark, referee Busacca could very easily have given Ronaldo a second chance from the penalty spot.
Seizing on a slack pass from Andres Iniesta, the 23-year-old burst through on goal, only to have his route unceremoniously blocked by Rafael Marquez, who showed little interest in playing the ball.
Busacca quickly waved away the claim, however, much to the delight of the home contingent. Ronaldo, already frustrated by his earlier miss from 12 yards, could scarcely believe the decision.
At the other end, Wes Brown was alert to block a goal-bound shot from the ever-dangerous Samuel Eto’o, while Edwin van der Sar comfortably clutched a low 25-yard free kick from Deco.
In the first half’s final act, Ronaldo was again tripped by Marquez. This time the foul was given, outside the area, and the Mexican was punished with a yellow card which rules him out of next week’s return leg. From the free kick, Ronaldo curled his effort a yard wide of the far post.
The second half started in the same vein as the first had ended, with Barca probing without genuine purpose – although Gianluca Zambrotta saw a speculative 30-yard effort fly just over van der Sar’s crossbar.
Four minutes after the break, United were indebted to the defensive backtracking of Michael Carrick. Eto’o skipped away from Ferdinand’s lunging challenge and pulled the ball back for Messi 10 yards from goal, but Carrick brilliantly intercepted the cross and hoofed it to safety.
That opening sparked a brief, flurried exchange from both sides. Lovely slick interplay from Messi and Xavi fed Eto’o, who fired wastefully wide, before Carrick engineered space for himself on the left side of the area before firing high into the side netting.
Xavi went one better just before the hour mark, hitting the target with a powerful effort from 20 yards, but van der Sar contorted well to hold the Spaniard’s low, deflected shot.
The Catalan crowd were growing in confidence as their side showed more attacking intent, but were dealt a huge blow when Messi was withdrawn with an injury after 62 minutes.
The Argentine, a victim of recurring thigh problems throughout his burgeoning career, was replaced by Croatian teenager Bojan Krkic – himself something of a star in the making at the Nou Camp.
Although the man billed as Barca’s most likely threat to United had left the fray, the Reds still struggled to gain a creative foothold in the game. Sir Alex’s men defended stoutly, but could impact little on a home defence missing suspended skipper Carles Puyol.
It was a familiar foe who almost snatched victory for Barca with eight minutes remaining. Former Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry, on as a substitute for Deco, stung the palms of van der Sar with a rasping drive from the edge of the area, but Hargreaves was able to clear the loose ball.
With United so resolute at the back, such pot-shots were Barca’s best hope of establishing a lead. Iniesta tried another from fully 35 yards, but van der Sar was again comfortably equal to it.
Amid the pre-match fervour of two of world football’s most talented attacks coming together, the word ‘caution’ rarely surfaced in conversation. However, those who sat down to gorge on a feast of attacking football will not have been satisfied.
With 90 decisive minutes to come in Manchester next Tuesday, however, it’s safe to assume that the second course will be a far tastier affair.
United will be regarded as having a slender advantage going into the match and, with a baying home crowd behind them, the scene is set for Old Trafford to roar the Reds to Moscow.
FC BARCELONA: Valdes; Zambrotta, Marquez, Milito, Abidal; Deco (Henry 77), Toure, Xavi; Messi (Krkic 62), Eto’o, Iniesta
Subs not used: Pinto, Gudjohnsen, Sylvinho, Giovani, Thuram
MANCHESTER UNITED: Van der Sar; Hargreaves, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra; Rooney (Nani 76), Carrick, Scholes; Park, Ronaldo, Tevez (Giggs 85)
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, Pique, O’Shea, Silvestre
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The Portuguese winger blazed wide from 12 yards after Gabriel Milito had been penalised for handball, while Michael Carrick smashed a shot into the side netting with the Reds’ best second-half opening.
Samuel Eto’o wasted Barca’s best opportunity as a superb defensive display from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side neutralised the Catalans’ potent attack.
The prudent nature of the first leg could well have been blown out of the water as early as the second minute, however, had Ronaldo converted a golden opportunity from the penalty spot.
From a Wayne Rooney corner, Gabriel Milito blocked Ronaldo’s diving header with his hands, and referee Massimo Busacca immediately awarded the spot kick.
After lengthy protests from the home side, the Portuguese winger placed the ball on the spot, adopted his trademark stance, sidled up and sidefooted his effort off target.
A huge let off for Barca, and a missed opportunity for United. Despite that glorious early opening, the game failed to descend into the anticipated slugfest where both sides would wantonly deploy their rich attacking arsenals.
With the stakes so high, the two teams opted instead to remain at arm’s length. Barca cagily probed with more attacking intent, while United reverted to the initial gameplan of containment and countering.
Barring two scuffed kicks from Edwin van der Sar which suddenly put the Reds on the back foot, United were able to restrict their hosts to pretty, but largely ineffective possession.
On one of United’s rare forays into enemy territory, just before the half-hour mark, referee Busacca could very easily have given Ronaldo a second chance from the penalty spot.
Seizing on a slack pass from Andres Iniesta, the 23-year-old burst through on goal, only to have his route unceremoniously blocked by Rafael Marquez, who showed little interest in playing the ball.
Busacca quickly waved away the claim, however, much to the delight of the home contingent. Ronaldo, already frustrated by his earlier miss from 12 yards, could scarcely believe the decision.
At the other end, Wes Brown was alert to block a goal-bound shot from the ever-dangerous Samuel Eto’o, while Edwin van der Sar comfortably clutched a low 25-yard free kick from Deco.
In the first half’s final act, Ronaldo was again tripped by Marquez. This time the foul was given, outside the area, and the Mexican was punished with a yellow card which rules him out of next week’s return leg. From the free kick, Ronaldo curled his effort a yard wide of the far post.
The second half started in the same vein as the first had ended, with Barca probing without genuine purpose – although Gianluca Zambrotta saw a speculative 30-yard effort fly just over van der Sar’s crossbar.
Four minutes after the break, United were indebted to the defensive backtracking of Michael Carrick. Eto’o skipped away from Ferdinand’s lunging challenge and pulled the ball back for Messi 10 yards from goal, but Carrick brilliantly intercepted the cross and hoofed it to safety.
That opening sparked a brief, flurried exchange from both sides. Lovely slick interplay from Messi and Xavi fed Eto’o, who fired wastefully wide, before Carrick engineered space for himself on the left side of the area before firing high into the side netting.
Xavi went one better just before the hour mark, hitting the target with a powerful effort from 20 yards, but van der Sar contorted well to hold the Spaniard’s low, deflected shot.
The Catalan crowd were growing in confidence as their side showed more attacking intent, but were dealt a huge blow when Messi was withdrawn with an injury after 62 minutes.
The Argentine, a victim of recurring thigh problems throughout his burgeoning career, was replaced by Croatian teenager Bojan Krkic – himself something of a star in the making at the Nou Camp.
Although the man billed as Barca’s most likely threat to United had left the fray, the Reds still struggled to gain a creative foothold in the game. Sir Alex’s men defended stoutly, but could impact little on a home defence missing suspended skipper Carles Puyol.
It was a familiar foe who almost snatched victory for Barca with eight minutes remaining. Former Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry, on as a substitute for Deco, stung the palms of van der Sar with a rasping drive from the edge of the area, but Hargreaves was able to clear the loose ball.
With United so resolute at the back, such pot-shots were Barca’s best hope of establishing a lead. Iniesta tried another from fully 35 yards, but van der Sar was again comfortably equal to it.
Amid the pre-match fervour of two of world football’s most talented attacks coming together, the word ‘caution’ rarely surfaced in conversation. However, those who sat down to gorge on a feast of attacking football will not have been satisfied.
With 90 decisive minutes to come in Manchester next Tuesday, however, it’s safe to assume that the second course will be a far tastier affair.
United will be regarded as having a slender advantage going into the match and, with a baying home crowd behind them, the scene is set for Old Trafford to roar the Reds to Moscow.
FC BARCELONA: Valdes; Zambrotta, Marquez, Milito, Abidal; Deco (Henry 77), Toure, Xavi; Messi (Krkic 62), Eto’o, Iniesta
Subs not used: Pinto, Gudjohnsen, Sylvinho, Giovani, Thuram
MANCHESTER UNITED: Van der Sar; Hargreaves, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra; Rooney (Nani 76), Carrick, Scholes; Park, Ronaldo, Tevez (Giggs 85)
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, Pique, O’Shea, Silvestre
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Barcelona Vs. Manchester United Match Preview
Edwin Van der Sar is in line to return to the Manchester United team for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona.
The Holland goalkeeper travelled to Spain with the rest of the squad this morning after missing the draw against Blackburn because of a groin strain.
Wayne Rooney suffered a hip injury in that match but he too joined the squad and looks certain to feature at the Nou Camp.
Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are also in contention after they were ruled out of the game at Ewood Park with minor injuries.
Gary Neville made his first trip abroad in a year after a long-standing ankle problem while Darren Fletcher was also in the party as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his players have the potential to shape their own destiny and enter Old Trafford's `Hall of Fame'.
However, he has resisted the temptation to take his vibrant squad down memory lane as he returned to the city which hosted a never-to-be-forgotten Champions League final.
Nine years ago Ferguson's side recorded an astonishing last-gasp victory against Bayern Munich thanks to goals from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham to lift the trophy.
And on Wednesday they return to the Nou Camp for the first time since that memorable night.
This time Barcelona provide the opposition in the semi-final first leg of Europe's top club competition.
Ferguson insists his squad do not need a history lesson. Instead he tipped his players to set their own benchmark.
"It is almost 10 years since we won the final,'' said the United boss.
"The team of today do not need to worry about the past and be reminded of the past.
"They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them.
"What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that.''
United went out at the semi-final stage to AC Milan last season but Ferguson insists they are much better equipped to go the distance this time around.
The likes of Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez arrived in the summer along with outstanding prospects Nani and Anderson to boost the playing pool.
With 38-goal Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney showing remarkable maturity this season, United have good reason to go forward with confidence.
Ferguson said: "We are in a much stronger position this year in terms of the energy of the team, not to mention the ability in it.
"Last season we played much the same team every week because of injuries.
"Now we have bigger squad, you can see the difference and how it has helped us.''
Johan Cruyff believes Barcelona must eradicate the errors which have blighted their Primera Liga season if they are to have any chance of beating Manchester United in the Champions League semi-finals.
Having slipped well off the pace in the league in recent weeks, the Catalans now host United on Wednesday in the first leg of the last-four tie and Cruyff warns they cannot make mistakes.
"Barcelona will have to do things well. If there aren't any stupidities, the tie is there to be won,'' said Cruyff, who achieved legendary status after hugely successful spells as a player and a coach at the Nou Camp.
Frank Rijkaard's side have not won any of their last four league games and are now 11 points adrift of arch rivals Real Madrid in the race for the title.
However, Cruyff hopes the Catalans can rediscover their best form in Europe.
"If Barcelona play like they know how, they have a chance of getting to Moscow (for the Champions League final next month).
"Even though they are stumbling in the league and have literally thrown away the title, my thoughts don't change. Europe is another story, another competition. There is a different mentality and I believe it will be an even tie.''
Read more...
The Holland goalkeeper travelled to Spain with the rest of the squad this morning after missing the draw against Blackburn because of a groin strain.
Wayne Rooney suffered a hip injury in that match but he too joined the squad and looks certain to feature at the Nou Camp.
Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are also in contention after they were ruled out of the game at Ewood Park with minor injuries.
Gary Neville made his first trip abroad in a year after a long-standing ankle problem while Darren Fletcher was also in the party as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his players have the potential to shape their own destiny and enter Old Trafford's `Hall of Fame'.
However, he has resisted the temptation to take his vibrant squad down memory lane as he returned to the city which hosted a never-to-be-forgotten Champions League final.
Nine years ago Ferguson's side recorded an astonishing last-gasp victory against Bayern Munich thanks to goals from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham to lift the trophy.
And on Wednesday they return to the Nou Camp for the first time since that memorable night.
This time Barcelona provide the opposition in the semi-final first leg of Europe's top club competition.
Ferguson insists his squad do not need a history lesson. Instead he tipped his players to set their own benchmark.
"It is almost 10 years since we won the final,'' said the United boss.
"The team of today do not need to worry about the past and be reminded of the past.
"They have seen the game many times on video and television, so I do not think it is lost on any of them.
"What is more important is that they can shape their own history. I think they are good enough to do that.''
United went out at the semi-final stage to AC Milan last season but Ferguson insists they are much better equipped to go the distance this time around.
The likes of Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez arrived in the summer along with outstanding prospects Nani and Anderson to boost the playing pool.
With 38-goal Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney showing remarkable maturity this season, United have good reason to go forward with confidence.
Ferguson said: "We are in a much stronger position this year in terms of the energy of the team, not to mention the ability in it.
"Last season we played much the same team every week because of injuries.
"Now we have bigger squad, you can see the difference and how it has helped us.''
Johan Cruyff believes Barcelona must eradicate the errors which have blighted their Primera Liga season if they are to have any chance of beating Manchester United in the Champions League semi-finals.
Having slipped well off the pace in the league in recent weeks, the Catalans now host United on Wednesday in the first leg of the last-four tie and Cruyff warns they cannot make mistakes.
"Barcelona will have to do things well. If there aren't any stupidities, the tie is there to be won,'' said Cruyff, who achieved legendary status after hugely successful spells as a player and a coach at the Nou Camp.
Frank Rijkaard's side have not won any of their last four league games and are now 11 points adrift of arch rivals Real Madrid in the race for the title.
However, Cruyff hopes the Catalans can rediscover their best form in Europe.
"If Barcelona play like they know how, they have a chance of getting to Moscow (for the Champions League final next month).
"Even though they are stumbling in the league and have literally thrown away the title, my thoughts don't change. Europe is another story, another competition. There is a different mentality and I believe it will be an even tie.''
Read more...
Let's make history
The presence of the likes of Brian Kidd, Denis Irwin and Pat Crerand as guests on the official Manchester United flight to Spain on Tuesday was enough to stir memories of the club's greatest moments. Whatever the modern crop of players achieve, they will do well to top the European Cup successes of 1968 and 1999. In the past, however, lurks danger — at least in the mind of the ever-pragmatic Ferguson. To the United manager, former glories are there to learn from, not romanticise. And so Ferguson will send his players out to face Barcelona with a simple message. He said: "I don't know what the players talk about, but they know all about 1999. They have all seen it. It is on the MUTV re-runs all the time. What happened back then is not lost on anybody. But it is almost 10 years ago now. What is more important is how they can shape their own history."
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail Read more...
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail Read more...
Vidic eyes deadly duo
Nemanja Vidic will not shirk the responsibility of trying to stop Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o if he's fit to face the Barcelona duo tonight.
United's Serbian hardman missed training at the Nou Camp on Tuesday evening, fuelling speculation he could also miss the match. He insists the task of tackling Argentina star Messi and Cameroon striker Eto'o is imperative to United's cause.
"Messi is one of the best players in the world," said Vidic.
"He's very good in one-on-one situations. But he's not the only player. Barcelona have many good players. Take Samuel Eto'o - he is an excellent striker.
"My job on Wednesday night is just to do my best to stop them. Hopefully we can prevent them from playing and get the result we need."
Vidic played in the semi-final second leg defeat to Milan last season and the 0-3 scoreline clearly cut deep.
"Last season we were not ourselves in the semi-final," Vidic added. "We were knocked out and we want to fix that.
"We are much better this season and we want to win trophies. Last season we played most of the games with the same squad. In the last few games we had a few injured players and this was the reason why we didn't play well in the semi-final.
"Now we have a stronger squad and we are in a good position physically."
Let's hope that's also true of Nemanja come kick-off at the Nou Camp tonight.
Read more...
United's Serbian hardman missed training at the Nou Camp on Tuesday evening, fuelling speculation he could also miss the match. He insists the task of tackling Argentina star Messi and Cameroon striker Eto'o is imperative to United's cause.
"Messi is one of the best players in the world," said Vidic.
"He's very good in one-on-one situations. But he's not the only player. Barcelona have many good players. Take Samuel Eto'o - he is an excellent striker.
"My job on Wednesday night is just to do my best to stop them. Hopefully we can prevent them from playing and get the result we need."
Vidic played in the semi-final second leg defeat to Milan last season and the 0-3 scoreline clearly cut deep.
"Last season we were not ourselves in the semi-final," Vidic added. "We were knocked out and we want to fix that.
"We are much better this season and we want to win trophies. Last season we played most of the games with the same squad. In the last few games we had a few injured players and this was the reason why we didn't play well in the semi-final.
"Now we have a stronger squad and we are in a good position physically."
Let's hope that's also true of Nemanja come kick-off at the Nou Camp tonight.
Read more...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Rio bullish ahead of Barca test
United have seen off the best of Italy and France in this season’s Champions League – and Rio Ferdinand is confident of doing the same to Barcelona in the semi-finals.
The Reds defender is far from fazed by the Catalan giants’ wealth of attacking talent and even questioned their tag as the competition’s best team.
“We are confident, definitely,” he told ManUtd.com. “People talk about them being the best side in the tournament but I don’t know.
“We have already beaten Roma and Lyon, the best sides in Italy and France. Barcelona, if you look at the league table, aren’t the best team in Spain and weren’t last season either.
“We know we’re playing a top side. People talk about ‘acid tests’ but I think each game is an acid test. Barcelona have great prestige and history, but whether they’re the best team around at the moment, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Ferdinand is excited by the prospect of Wednesday’s first leg at the Nou Camp, and is seeking a defensive performance similar to that which the Reds produced in the Stadio Olimpico at the start of the month.
The 29-year-old added: “I hope we defend as a team and are compact because if we are open, they have the players to punish us. So, fingers crossed, we’ll be a tight unit and will be able to hit them on the counter-attack like we did in Rome.
“I’m looking forward to the game and the occasion – the Nou Camp is a prestigious arena with great traditions. The players on show are all illustrious names and talented footballers, so to be able to come up against them is a fantastic opportunity.”
Ferdinand was speaking at the launch of United's National Curriculum Education Programme at Old Trafford.
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The Reds defender is far from fazed by the Catalan giants’ wealth of attacking talent and even questioned their tag as the competition’s best team.
“We are confident, definitely,” he told ManUtd.com. “People talk about them being the best side in the tournament but I don’t know.
“We have already beaten Roma and Lyon, the best sides in Italy and France. Barcelona, if you look at the league table, aren’t the best team in Spain and weren’t last season either.
“We know we’re playing a top side. People talk about ‘acid tests’ but I think each game is an acid test. Barcelona have great prestige and history, but whether they’re the best team around at the moment, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Ferdinand is excited by the prospect of Wednesday’s first leg at the Nou Camp, and is seeking a defensive performance similar to that which the Reds produced in the Stadio Olimpico at the start of the month.
The 29-year-old added: “I hope we defend as a team and are compact because if we are open, they have the players to punish us. So, fingers crossed, we’ll be a tight unit and will be able to hit them on the counter-attack like we did in Rome.
“I’m looking forward to the game and the occasion – the Nou Camp is a prestigious arena with great traditions. The players on show are all illustrious names and talented footballers, so to be able to come up against them is a fantastic opportunity.”
Ferdinand was speaking at the launch of United's National Curriculum Education Programme at Old Trafford.
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Reds on the plane to Spain
A full-strength United squad, minus the injured Louis Saha, flew out to Barcelona on Tuesday morning ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final first leg.
The Reds will train at the collossal Nou Camp stadium on Tuesday night before taking on Frank Rijkaard's FC Barcelona the following evening (kick-off 19:45 BST).
All those involved in the weekend's draw with Blackburn Rovers travelled, as did Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves, who all sat out the Rovers game due to minor injuries. Sir Alex has said he expects all three to be fit to face Barcelona.
Darren Fletcher, injured since late March, was among the 23-man party, as was club captain Gary Neville and youngster Danny Welbeck.
United squad: Heaton, Kuszczak, van der Sar; Brown, Evra, Ferdinand, Neville, Pique, Silvestre, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Hargreaves, Nani, O'Shea, Park, Ronaldo, Scholes; Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck
All those involved in the weekend's draw with Blackburn Rovers travelled, as did Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves, who all sat out the Rovers game due to minor injuries. Sir Alex has said he expects all three to be fit to face Barcelona.
Darren Fletcher, injured since late March, was among the 23-man party, as was club captain Gary Neville and youngster Danny Welbeck.
United squad: Heaton, Kuszczak, van der Sar; Brown, Evra, Ferdinand, Neville, Pique, Silvestre, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Hargreaves, Nani, O'Shea, Park, Ronaldo, Scholes; Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck
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The Reds will train at the collossal Nou Camp stadium on Tuesday night before taking on Frank Rijkaard's FC Barcelona the following evening (kick-off 19:45 BST).
All those involved in the weekend's draw with Blackburn Rovers travelled, as did Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves, who all sat out the Rovers game due to minor injuries. Sir Alex has said he expects all three to be fit to face Barcelona.
Darren Fletcher, injured since late March, was among the 23-man party, as was club captain Gary Neville and youngster Danny Welbeck.
United squad: Heaton, Kuszczak, van der Sar; Brown, Evra, Ferdinand, Neville, Pique, Silvestre, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Hargreaves, Nani, O'Shea, Park, Ronaldo, Scholes; Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck
All those involved in the weekend's draw with Blackburn Rovers travelled, as did Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves, who all sat out the Rovers game due to minor injuries. Sir Alex has said he expects all three to be fit to face Barcelona.
Darren Fletcher, injured since late March, was among the 23-man party, as was club captain Gary Neville and youngster Danny Welbeck.
United squad: Heaton, Kuszczak, van der Sar; Brown, Evra, Ferdinand, Neville, Pique, Silvestre, Vidic; Anderson, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Hargreaves, Nani, O'Shea, Park, Ronaldo, Scholes; Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck
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Ron: Double will make us best ever
Cristiano Ronaldo has told his United pals: “We’ll only be the best ever if we win the Premier League and Champions League Double.” Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his current squad as the top United side in his 22 years as manager — even better than the 1999 Treble-winners. But, ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona, Ronaldo insists that only winning silverware this season can prove Fergie right. “What he said about the team makes me feel great," he said. "Ferguson has been at the club for more than 20 years. He has signed great players, incredible goalscorers. I also think this is the most talented team Ferguson’s had - but you can only confirm that at the end of the season by seeing what the team has won. Only if we win the Champions League or the Premier League will we be able to give a definitive answer as to whether this is really the best United team of all time."
Antony Kastrinakis, The Sun Read more...
Antony Kastrinakis, The Sun Read more...
Monday, April 21, 2008
Star Ronaldo full of praise for 'talented' United
Cristiano Ronaldo believes the end of the season will provide 'a definite answer' to whether the current Manchester United team is the best ever.
Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed recently that this was probably the best United squad 'in terms of completeness' he has had under his command since taking over at Old Trafford in 1986.
Ronaldo also believes the current crop of players is packed with talent, but the Portuguese superstar believes the team needs to prove it over the next few weeks as they chase a Premier League and Champions League double.
'It makes me feel good. He (Ferguson) has been at the club for 17-20 years, he has signed great players, incredible goalscorers,' Ronaldo told Spanish newspaper Sport.
'I also think that this is the most talented team, but you can only confirm this at the end of the season, seeing what the team has won.
'There is a lot of talent, I think that we are going along the right path.
'Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time.
'If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea.'
Ronaldo was speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
United are favourites heading into the tie, but Ronaldo is taking nothing for granted against a Barca side who were European champions just two years ago.
'At this stage there are no easy games. They are all very important matches where the pressure is very high for both teams and you need the maximum concentration. Anything can happen,' said Ronaldo, who is looking forward to locking horns with Barca ace Lionel Messi.
'Messi is a very good player. It is a pleasure to play with players like him. We seem similar - we always want to score and win.
'Our objective is to win as quickly as possible. We will play to find the best result in the Nou Camp. I want to win.'
On a personal level, Ronaldo admits he is thoroughly enjoying life at United, who he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
'I feel very proud to represent this club, for whom I have been playing for five years,' he explained.
'I feel privileged to have played so many games at this stadium for so many years. It is a great honour for me to show my ability on the pitch, in front of the 60,000 or 70,000 people who go there every weekend, it is amazing.
'I am at a club which allows me to work well and win all the competitions that we participate in. I want to win both trophies with the team and individually.'
Ronaldo is enjoying a remarkable season at United and has netted 28 league goals already as the Red Devils look to defend their Premier League title.
That form has seen the 23-year-old emerge as one of the favourites to walk off with a host of individual awards this year, but the flying winger insists his main aim is to help United to silverware.
'My objective at this point is to win all the competitions that I am still playing in,' he added.
'The Premier League is a reward for the whole year but they are all very important. I am not obsessed with the best player award. What I want is to play well and to always win.'
Read more...
Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed recently that this was probably the best United squad 'in terms of completeness' he has had under his command since taking over at Old Trafford in 1986.
Ronaldo also believes the current crop of players is packed with talent, but the Portuguese superstar believes the team needs to prove it over the next few weeks as they chase a Premier League and Champions League double.
'It makes me feel good. He (Ferguson) has been at the club for 17-20 years, he has signed great players, incredible goalscorers,' Ronaldo told Spanish newspaper Sport.
'I also think that this is the most talented team, but you can only confirm this at the end of the season, seeing what the team has won.
'There is a lot of talent, I think that we are going along the right path.
'Game after game we have shown that we have a fantastic team, with a lot of talent and magnificent players, but at the end of the season we will be able to provide a definite answer if this team is the best Manchester United side of all time.
'If we win the Champions League or the Premier League we will have a better idea.'
Ronaldo was speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
United are favourites heading into the tie, but Ronaldo is taking nothing for granted against a Barca side who were European champions just two years ago.
'At this stage there are no easy games. They are all very important matches where the pressure is very high for both teams and you need the maximum concentration. Anything can happen,' said Ronaldo, who is looking forward to locking horns with Barca ace Lionel Messi.
'Messi is a very good player. It is a pleasure to play with players like him. We seem similar - we always want to score and win.
'Our objective is to win as quickly as possible. We will play to find the best result in the Nou Camp. I want to win.'
On a personal level, Ronaldo admits he is thoroughly enjoying life at United, who he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
'I feel very proud to represent this club, for whom I have been playing for five years,' he explained.
'I feel privileged to have played so many games at this stadium for so many years. It is a great honour for me to show my ability on the pitch, in front of the 60,000 or 70,000 people who go there every weekend, it is amazing.
'I am at a club which allows me to work well and win all the competitions that we participate in. I want to win both trophies with the team and individually.'
Ronaldo is enjoying a remarkable season at United and has netted 28 league goals already as the Red Devils look to defend their Premier League title.
That form has seen the 23-year-old emerge as one of the favourites to walk off with a host of individual awards this year, but the flying winger insists his main aim is to help United to silverware.
'My objective at this point is to win all the competitions that I am still playing in,' he added.
'The Premier League is a reward for the whole year but they are all very important. I am not obsessed with the best player award. What I want is to play well and to always win.'
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Pique earns Rio praise
Nemanja Vidic returned against Blackburn but Rio Ferdinand says he has every confidence in Gerard Pique should the young Spaniard be required to step in against his old club on Wednesday.
Pique, a versatile defender who can also push into midfield, arrived at Old Trafford from Barcelona in July 2004 after spending seven years in the Catalan club’s junior ranks.
First-team opportunites at United have been limited, although with Vidic recently sidelined with a knee injury the 21-year-old partnered Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the Reds’ defence.
And Ferdinand saw enough to convince him Pique has what it takes to perform consistently at the top level.
“Gerard Pique is a class player,” Ferdinand told ManUtd.com.
“Remember, he spent a whole season on loan at Real Zaragosa [in 2006/07] and after that spell there were a few clubs interested in him because of his quality.
"But the manager wanted to keep him, which shows how good he must be.
“There’s absolutely no question that Gerard Pique is a very good player. He’s extremely technically sound and he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet.”
Press reports have linked Pique with a possible move back to Spain at the end of this season, but Ferdinand is adamant there’s a future for the defender at Old Trafford.
“Like anybody, Gerard wants to play regularly and he might not have played as often as he’d have liked this season,” he said.
“But the manager showed great faith in him by playing him against Arsenal recently.
"He slotted in terrifically in that match. It was a massive game and he showed he could play on the big stage when it was necessary.
“That game was really significant to the title race, so he would have had a confidence boost by being selected for that match. He’ll know just how highly the manager rates him.”
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Pique, a versatile defender who can also push into midfield, arrived at Old Trafford from Barcelona in July 2004 after spending seven years in the Catalan club’s junior ranks.
First-team opportunites at United have been limited, although with Vidic recently sidelined with a knee injury the 21-year-old partnered Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the Reds’ defence.
And Ferdinand saw enough to convince him Pique has what it takes to perform consistently at the top level.
“Gerard Pique is a class player,” Ferdinand told ManUtd.com.
“Remember, he spent a whole season on loan at Real Zaragosa [in 2006/07] and after that spell there were a few clubs interested in him because of his quality.
"But the manager wanted to keep him, which shows how good he must be.
“There’s absolutely no question that Gerard Pique is a very good player. He’s extremely technically sound and he’s comfortable with the ball at his feet.”
Press reports have linked Pique with a possible move back to Spain at the end of this season, but Ferdinand is adamant there’s a future for the defender at Old Trafford.
“Like anybody, Gerard wants to play regularly and he might not have played as often as he’d have liked this season,” he said.
“But the manager showed great faith in him by playing him against Arsenal recently.
"He slotted in terrifically in that match. It was a massive game and he showed he could play on the big stage when it was necessary.
“That game was really significant to the title race, so he would have had a confidence boost by being selected for that match. He’ll know just how highly the manager rates him.”
Read more...
Sir Alex: Show your colours
Sir Alex Ferguson is calling on United supporters attending the Barcelona home game on Tuesday 29 April to make Old Trafford a "sea of red and white".
The Reds boss believes fans have a real part to play in the remainder of this season and says that, with the help of United’s support, the home leg of the Champions League semi final against the Barca could be a memorable occasion.
Many of Old Trafford’s greatest atmospheres have come in European games – Barca ’84, Porto ’77, Inter ’99, Roma last season – and Sir Alex is urging fans to help add Barcelona 2008 to that list.
“There have been so many occasions over the years, we’ve always referred to it time and time again, of the crowd being the 12th man in the way they create such great encouragement,” the boss told MUTV.
“If it’s like that on that night with our supporters bringing their red and white scarves it should be fantastic. We want to make sure it’s a real sea of red and white, and if we can do that we have a big, big chance [of reaching the final].”
We know that not all fans are keen on wearing a scarf to the match but we’re calling on all Reds to make an exception for what is the biggest game of the season so far.
Sir Alex believes the backing of the fans really gives the players a lift – so show your colours, exercise your vocal cords and let’s roar the lads to Moscow.
Read more...
The Reds boss believes fans have a real part to play in the remainder of this season and says that, with the help of United’s support, the home leg of the Champions League semi final against the Barca could be a memorable occasion.
Many of Old Trafford’s greatest atmospheres have come in European games – Barca ’84, Porto ’77, Inter ’99, Roma last season – and Sir Alex is urging fans to help add Barcelona 2008 to that list.
“There have been so many occasions over the years, we’ve always referred to it time and time again, of the crowd being the 12th man in the way they create such great encouragement,” the boss told MUTV.
“If it’s like that on that night with our supporters bringing their red and white scarves it should be fantastic. We want to make sure it’s a real sea of red and white, and if we can do that we have a big, big chance [of reaching the final].”
We know that not all fans are keen on wearing a scarf to the match but we’re calling on all Reds to make an exception for what is the biggest game of the season so far.
Sir Alex believes the backing of the fans really gives the players a lift – so show your colours, exercise your vocal cords and let’s roar the lads to Moscow.
Read more...
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