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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
O'Shea wants clean sweep
A 1-1 draw with Newcastle was not exactly the start to the 2008/09 campaign United wanted, but no-one is panicking at Old Trafford.
John O'Shea insists the Reds remain fully focused on retaining their double crown and, with four other major trophies up for grabs, are intent on adding to their collection.
"We have to aim for the same again. That’s the very minimum that’s required at a club like this," he told ManUtd.com.
"There’s the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Champions League… but this season we’ve also got the chance to win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
"We’ll go for all of them, of course, but we’ll need a little bit of luck along the way! First and foremost, it would be great to try and retain the two trophies we’ve just won, but we’ll have to wait and see."
A valuable first team squad member, O'Shea made 38 appearances last season and is hoping to play an important role in United's trophy quest this time round.
"I just want to play as much as I can and take my chances when I get them," he declared. "You’ll always be handed opportunities at United, so it’s important you grasp them."
Read more...
John O'Shea insists the Reds remain fully focused on retaining their double crown and, with four other major trophies up for grabs, are intent on adding to their collection.
"We have to aim for the same again. That’s the very minimum that’s required at a club like this," he told ManUtd.com.
"There’s the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Champions League… but this season we’ve also got the chance to win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
"We’ll go for all of them, of course, but we’ll need a little bit of luck along the way! First and foremost, it would be great to try and retain the two trophies we’ve just won, but we’ll have to wait and see."
A valuable first team squad member, O'Shea made 38 appearances last season and is hoping to play an important role in United's trophy quest this time round.
"I just want to play as much as I can and take my chances when I get them," he declared. "You’ll always be handed opportunities at United, so it’s important you grasp them."
Read more...
Owen's best yet to come
Owen Hargreaves has a point to prove this season - a self-imposed target of showing his true abilities for the Reds.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who missed United's entire pre-season, is working on his fitness after a flare-up of the tendinitis problem that disrupted his debut season at Old Trafford.
The part he played in 2007/08's success should not be underplayed, but Hargreaves believes he never operated above half capacity.
"There is a lot more to come from me," he says confidently. "I don't think I played a game healthy last season. I was at about 50 or 60% at best. When I had a scan on the knee this summer it hadn't improved, so I came back early to try to fix it at the start of pre-season. Hopefully I'll be fit soon."
In the current climate of injuries, suspensions and absentees, Hargreaves's midfield bite is sorely missed but, despite his determination to return, no comeback date is set in stone.
"I'm not setting a timetable but I am close," he said. "I've not joined the lads yet, hopefully it will happen this week. Whether I'm fit for Portsmouth or the match after that, the most important thing is I'm healthy for the rest of the season."
Owen's Key Games
He may not feel like he was operating above "50 or 60 per cent" but Hargreaves more than played his part last term. Here are three key performances from 2007/08...
Liverpool 0 United 1
Anfield, 16.12.07
The smash and grab job at Anfield was a gleaming example of a controlled and accomplished defensive performance, and Hargreaves was vital in the Reds' midfield engine room. Anderson, Tevez and Rio may have grabbed the attention, but Hargreaves' part was crucial.
United 2 Arsenal 1
Old Trafford, 13.04.08
Managing to take the free-kick responsibilities off Ronaldo was a feat in itself. But his winning strike against the Gunners was a critical moment in the title race. The match proved that Hargreaves is a player for the big occasion.
United 1 Chelsea 1 (6-5 pens)
Luzhniki Stadium, 21.5.08
With Ronaldo switched to the left, Hargreaves started on the right. He pushed Ashley Cole deeper into defence and delivered some excellent crosses. When he moved into central midfield later in the game he was vital. Scored a cracking penalty in the shoot-out.
Read more...
The 27-year-old midfielder, who missed United's entire pre-season, is working on his fitness after a flare-up of the tendinitis problem that disrupted his debut season at Old Trafford.
The part he played in 2007/08's success should not be underplayed, but Hargreaves believes he never operated above half capacity.
"There is a lot more to come from me," he says confidently. "I don't think I played a game healthy last season. I was at about 50 or 60% at best. When I had a scan on the knee this summer it hadn't improved, so I came back early to try to fix it at the start of pre-season. Hopefully I'll be fit soon."
In the current climate of injuries, suspensions and absentees, Hargreaves's midfield bite is sorely missed but, despite his determination to return, no comeback date is set in stone.
"I'm not setting a timetable but I am close," he said. "I've not joined the lads yet, hopefully it will happen this week. Whether I'm fit for Portsmouth or the match after that, the most important thing is I'm healthy for the rest of the season."
Owen's Key Games
He may not feel like he was operating above "50 or 60 per cent" but Hargreaves more than played his part last term. Here are three key performances from 2007/08...
Liverpool 0 United 1
Anfield, 16.12.07
The smash and grab job at Anfield was a gleaming example of a controlled and accomplished defensive performance, and Hargreaves was vital in the Reds' midfield engine room. Anderson, Tevez and Rio may have grabbed the attention, but Hargreaves' part was crucial.
United 2 Arsenal 1
Old Trafford, 13.04.08
Managing to take the free-kick responsibilities off Ronaldo was a feat in itself. But his winning strike against the Gunners was a critical moment in the title race. The match proved that Hargreaves is a player for the big occasion.
United 1 Chelsea 1 (6-5 pens)
Luzhniki Stadium, 21.5.08
With Ronaldo switched to the left, Hargreaves started on the right. He pushed Ashley Cole deeper into defence and delivered some excellent crosses. When he moved into central midfield later in the game he was vital. Scored a cracking penalty in the shoot-out.
Read more...
Berbatov wants end to impasse
It is understood Berbatov handed his request on Friday to sporting director Damien Comolli and chairman Daniel Levy, the day before he was named as a substitute at Middlesbrough where Spurs lost 2-1. Earlier in the summer, Levy feared Berbatov would have a negative influence on the dressing room after making it clear he wanted to join Manchester United. A United bid of £20.5million was rejected last month and they have not made another formal offer, although Tottenham have insisted they do not want to let him go. However, the saga has entered a crucial stage following Berbatov's request and comments on his arrival for international duty. "I'm now at Tottenham but no one can disagree with me wanting to follow my dream," said Berbatov.
Richard Bright, Daily Telegraph Read more...
Richard Bright, Daily Telegraph Read more...
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