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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Title could go to goal difference
Sir Alex Ferguson believes this season's title race is so tight it could ultimately be decided by goal difference. Second-placed Manchester United and leaders Arsenal are separated by three points, with the Gunners still having to travel to Old Trafford on April 12. If United, who beat Arsenal 4-0 there in the FA Cup 10 days ago, can stage a repeat victory over Arsene Wenger's side, the two arch rivals could be neck-and-neck with four games left. And United boss Fergie reckons the title could then be determined by goal difference for the first time in almost 20 years. "We're scoring a lot of goals and, you never know, it could be an issue," said Fergie. "I've always said that having a superior goal difference is worth an extra point. And it could be vital this season with the championship being so close. The title run-in is always tough. If you're involved in Europe, FA Cup and chasing the championship, what do you expect? It's not a doddle, that's for sure."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
Benzema focused on OT result
Lyon striker Karim Benzema says he is ignoring persistent speculation linking him with a move to Champions League last 16 opponents and concentrating on helping his side reach the quarter finals.
The 20-year-old forward has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, but with United and Lyon set to resume battle after last week's 1-1 draw, Benzema is staying focused.
"I have a contract with Lyon until 2012," he was quoted as saying. "I signed an extension last June. There will be plenty of time for me to think about other clubs in the future.
"I don't know when I will take a decision, but one thing that is certain is that it will not be at the end of this season. I will still be playing for Lyon next year. I am just 20-years-old, and I have my future in front of me."
It was reported that Lyon have slapped a £45million price tag on their exciting young centre forward.
That may not quell the interest in the player who scored Lyon's goal in the last 16 first leg tie against the Reds. But Benzema insists he won't let it affect him when the French champions visit Manchester next Tuesday.
"I am just concentrating on playing football, and I follow the advice of those close to me," he said. "I haven't discussed anything with the Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas. My agent does that for me - my only job is out on the pitch." Read more...
The 20-year-old forward has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, but with United and Lyon set to resume battle after last week's 1-1 draw, Benzema is staying focused.
"I have a contract with Lyon until 2012," he was quoted as saying. "I signed an extension last June. There will be plenty of time for me to think about other clubs in the future.
"I don't know when I will take a decision, but one thing that is certain is that it will not be at the end of this season. I will still be playing for Lyon next year. I am just 20-years-old, and I have my future in front of me."
It was reported that Lyon have slapped a £45million price tag on their exciting young centre forward.
That may not quell the interest in the player who scored Lyon's goal in the last 16 first leg tie against the Reds. But Benzema insists he won't let it affect him when the French champions visit Manchester next Tuesday.
"I am just concentrating on playing football, and I follow the advice of those close to me," he said. "I haven't discussed anything with the Lyon president, Jean-Michel Aulas. My agent does that for me - my only job is out on the pitch." Read more...
Saha's time to shine
Louis Saha could make a decisive impact on United’s chase for trophies on three fronts, according to Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The French forward, who has started just four league games this season, has recently returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
He came off the bench against Newcastle to complete a 5-1 romp over Kevin Keegan’s men with his fifth goal of the season.
Sir Alex feels Saha’s return to action is ideally timed in the final few months of the season, and sees the former Fulham front man as a key figure, bringing an alternative approach to United’s forward play.
"Louis Saha is a definite, big bonus to us," the Reds boss told MUTV. "He is different from everyone else in the squad. He gives us strength and penetration.
"You've got to understand what the run-in is like," he added. "It's tense. Points will be dropped. You saw last season, we had some real nail-biters.
"We've got players coming back that are helping. That's the important thing. we have got a good, strong squad. Everyone is fit at the moment, and hopefully we can keep them that way." Read more...
The French forward, who has started just four league games this season, has recently returned to full fitness following a knee injury.
He came off the bench against Newcastle to complete a 5-1 romp over Kevin Keegan’s men with his fifth goal of the season.
Sir Alex feels Saha’s return to action is ideally timed in the final few months of the season, and sees the former Fulham front man as a key figure, bringing an alternative approach to United’s forward play.
"Louis Saha is a definite, big bonus to us," the Reds boss told MUTV. "He is different from everyone else in the squad. He gives us strength and penetration.
"You've got to understand what the run-in is like," he added. "It's tense. Points will be dropped. You saw last season, we had some real nail-biters.
"We've got players coming back that are helping. That's the important thing. we have got a good, strong squad. Everyone is fit at the moment, and hopefully we can keep them that way." Read more...
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