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Thursday, March 20, 2008

Liverpool Highlights

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Carlos: We're in control

Assistant manager Carlos Queiroz is delighted that United have their fate in their own hands, after opening up a three point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bolton took the Reds three points clear of Arsenal and five ahead of Chelsea. With a host of tough fixtures remaining, Queiroz is relieved to have some breathing room.

"It was crucial to win and be in this position with eight games left," he told BBC Sport. "It gives us the right confidence and motivation. It is very positive that from now to the end our it is in our hands."

United made seven changes in personnel between the victories over Derby and Bolton, and Queiroz admits it is important to be able to call upon a wealth of talent during such a hectic period.

"This is a crucial moment in the season, but all the games will be difficult," he said. "We need to be ready and strong because all teams are fighting for something."

"We need to think about the games in front of us. We have a strong squad and all the lads are ready to play." Read more...

'Rocket' Ronny honoured

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted it was 'an honour and a pleasure' to have captained United for the first time against Bolton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old also scored both goals in the 2-0 victory, to take his personal tally to 33 for the season and cap a highly satisfactory evening.

"It is always good to be captain at this massive club," he told Sky Sports. "For me it is an honour and a pleasure.

"But my responsibilities are still the same. I do not change my game or personality just because I am captain. It was a marvellous night for me."

Sir Alex Ferguson felt that Ronaldo coped superbly with the captaincy, taking the extra pressure of the role in his stride.

"Cristiano looks for that kind of responsibility, I think he’s very comfortable with it," he told MUTV. "Not everyone wants to be captain to be honest with you, but he carries the mantle very well."

Ronaldo's second goal against Bolton was another superb long-range free-kick - his fifth of the season - and Sir Alex reiterated that the winger's repeated success is down to his commitment to practice.

"It’s another marvellous free-kick. He does practice them, as we know, and he has a technique, but the practice thing is the most important aspect in terms of getting shots on target," he said.

Yet again, Ronaldo's technique for striking dead balls came into question and, when asked if he had christened his style, he replied: "Rocket. I like to hear people say 'the Ronaldo rocket'. I am joking!" Read more...

United will fear us

John Arne Riise reckons Manchester United will be running scared from in-form rivals Liverpool on Sunday. Rafa Benitez’s men have won seven in a row since their shock FA Cup defeat to Barnsley. And Reds winger Riise reckons it will not have escaped the notice of the league leaders ahead of their crunch clash at Old Trafford. Norwegian ace Riise, 27, said: "United will definitely be worried about us because we’re the form side. These next couple of weeks are going to be unbelievable. We are playing top games against top teams. But we are looking strong and so can’t wait for the matches to come around. This is the sort of run of games you train for and work towards during the season."
Martin Blackburn, The Sun Read more...