Ji-sung Park says he was delighted to be back out on the pitch as United and Villarreal played out a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night.
Park started his first game for the Reds since undergoing a knee operation over the summer, drew praise from Sir Alex for his energetic performance on the right side of midfield.
The Korean's performance was clearly noted, he lead the voting in ManUtd.com's Man of the Match poll with 38 per cent of the votes. It's a big boost to his confidence that he beat United's other top performers on the night, Patrice Evra and Carlos Tevez, who were tied for second place with 17 per cent of fans' votes each.
“It’s been a long time since I last played for United, so it was good to get out there again,” Park told reporters after the match. “I’m quite satisfied with my performance, but there’s still room for improvement.”
And although Villarreal kept the Reds scoreless, the South Korean international says his team-mates aren’t overly concerned by the result.
“The performance was okay,” he insisted. “We just couldn’t score. But it’s only the first game in this season’s Champions League, so we’re not worried too much. We’ll keep going, our confidence will grow and hopefully the goals will come.
“I think we’re good enough to defend the trophy this season – our squad is strong and we have a lot of experience from last season.”
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fergie: Watch out Chelsea
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo will be red hot against Chelsea after being forgiven by the fans. The Old Trafford faithful gave him a rousing reception against Villarreal even though he tried to quit the club for Real Madrid in the summer. Ferguson said: “The crowd reaction was important to Cristiano. It will help him to realise what a great club he is at and how loyal those fans are to him. He will take great encouragement from it. Cristiano has shown great loyalty in five years but has had a turbulent summer. Since then he has dedicated himself to getting fit and committing to the club.” Ronaldo has made a timely return from an ankle injury with United travelling to title rivals Chelsea on Sunday. Fergie added: “It would be a big ask for him to play from the start on Sunday. But I will certainly have a lot more selection possibilities by then.”
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Evra relishes tough task
Following Wednesday's goalless draw with Villarreal, Patrice Evra admits United are facing up to a tough challenge in trying to repeat last season's Double.
The Reds have just one win from five competitive games this season but, after the emotional glory of last May, French full-back Evra is still relishing the task of defending two major trophies this term.
"It's not extra pressure, it's just a massive challenge," he told MUTV after Wednesday's draw. "It's easy to win some titles when you play for United, but it's very hard to keep the trophies.
"You have the best challenge this year to prove that, to keep the Champions League and the Premier League.
"It is more difficult (as champions). You have to work harder in training every day, but I am just glad to have the challenge like that. When you go to play for United, you need challenges like that."
The Reds' tough start to the season will continue this weekend when high-flying Chelsea prepare to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson's side to Stamford Bridge.
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The Reds have just one win from five competitive games this season but, after the emotional glory of last May, French full-back Evra is still relishing the task of defending two major trophies this term.
"It's not extra pressure, it's just a massive challenge," he told MUTV after Wednesday's draw. "It's easy to win some titles when you play for United, but it's very hard to keep the trophies.
"You have the best challenge this year to prove that, to keep the Champions League and the Premier League.
"It is more difficult (as champions). You have to work harder in training every day, but I am just glad to have the challenge like that. When you go to play for United, you need challenges like that."
The Reds' tough start to the season will continue this weekend when high-flying Chelsea prepare to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson's side to Stamford Bridge.
Read more...
Park: It's good to be back
Ji-sung Park says he was delighted to be back out on the pitch as United and Villarreal played out a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night.
Park, who started his first game for the Reds since undergoing an operation over the summer, drew praise from Sir Alex for his energetic performance on the right side of midfield.
“It’s been a long time since I last played for United, so it was good to get out there again,” Park told reporters after the match. “I’m quite satisfied with my performance, but there’s still room for improvement.”
And although Villarreal kept the Reds scoreless, the South Korean international says his team-mates aren’t overly concerned by the result.
“The performance was okay,” he insisted. “We just couldn’t score.
“It’s only the first game in this season’s Champions League, so we’re not worried too much. We’ll keep going, our confidence will grow and hopefully the goals will come.
“I think we’re good enough to defend the trophy this season – our squad is strong and we have a lot of experience from last season.”
Read more...
Park, who started his first game for the Reds since undergoing an operation over the summer, drew praise from Sir Alex for his energetic performance on the right side of midfield.
“It’s been a long time since I last played for United, so it was good to get out there again,” Park told reporters after the match. “I’m quite satisfied with my performance, but there’s still room for improvement.”
And although Villarreal kept the Reds scoreless, the South Korean international says his team-mates aren’t overly concerned by the result.
“The performance was okay,” he insisted. “We just couldn’t score.
“It’s only the first game in this season’s Champions League, so we’re not worried too much. We’ll keep going, our confidence will grow and hopefully the goals will come.
“I think we’re good enough to defend the trophy this season – our squad is strong and we have a lot of experience from last season.”
Read more...
Fergie cheered by rousing reception for Ronaldo
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the reception Cristiano Ronaldo received during the goalless Champions League draw at home to Villarreal will have convinced the player he made the right decision in staying with the club.
United fought off concerted pressure from Real Madrid to hang on to their star winger and the Portugal international, coming back from an ankle operation, made his first appearance of the season as 62nd-minute substitute.
Ferguson expected the Old Trafford crowd to be generous in their welcome but he felt it was important for the player to hear it for himself.
"He has had a turbulent summer and a lot has been said about it but when I had my meeting in June in Portugal with him that was over,'' Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"He dedicated himself to getting fit and his commitment to the club.
"It (the crowd's reception) was important for Cristiano.
"I think he realises what a great club he is at and how loyal the fans are. He will take great encouragement from that.''
Despite the disappointment of a draw in their opening Champions League match, Ferguson was relatively happy with the performance from a team which included a number of players short of match practice.
"I thought we did well,'' said the Scot. "The players expressed themselves well, Jonny Evans hit the post and Ji-sung Park should have had a penalty in the first-half.
"There were also a number of players who will benefit from the game such as Park, Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Gary Neville, so that is positive as well.''
Ferguson confirmed record signing Dimitar Berbatov faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's meeting with Chelsea.
The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury in Saturday's defeat at Liverpool which ruled him out this evening and it seems doubtful he will be available for the weekend either.
"He has a little tweak behind the knee,'' he said. "We did not want to take a chance tonight and really it is too early to say for Sunday.''
Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini admitted United posed more of a threat after Ronaldo was introduced.
"He did cause us one or two problems,'' he said. "Ronaldo is obviously a great player but he was quite fresh as well and we had one or two tired legs out there.''
In fact, Villarreal came closest to scoring through Guille Franco, who might have done better going for goal in conventional manner rather than attempt the audacious flick that bounced back off the inside of a post.
"It is a difficult one,'' said Pellegrini. "In a situation like that you have a millisecond to make a decision.
"It would have been a great time to score and if it had gone in we would have been talking about a fabulous goal and a great decision to do what he did.
"Unfortunately he did what he did and the ball did not go in.''
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United fought off concerted pressure from Real Madrid to hang on to their star winger and the Portugal international, coming back from an ankle operation, made his first appearance of the season as 62nd-minute substitute.
Ferguson expected the Old Trafford crowd to be generous in their welcome but he felt it was important for the player to hear it for himself.
"He has had a turbulent summer and a lot has been said about it but when I had my meeting in June in Portugal with him that was over,'' Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"He dedicated himself to getting fit and his commitment to the club.
"It (the crowd's reception) was important for Cristiano.
"I think he realises what a great club he is at and how loyal the fans are. He will take great encouragement from that.''
Despite the disappointment of a draw in their opening Champions League match, Ferguson was relatively happy with the performance from a team which included a number of players short of match practice.
"I thought we did well,'' said the Scot. "The players expressed themselves well, Jonny Evans hit the post and Ji-sung Park should have had a penalty in the first-half.
"There were also a number of players who will benefit from the game such as Park, Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Gary Neville, so that is positive as well.''
Ferguson confirmed record signing Dimitar Berbatov faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's meeting with Chelsea.
The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury in Saturday's defeat at Liverpool which ruled him out this evening and it seems doubtful he will be available for the weekend either.
"He has a little tweak behind the knee,'' he said. "We did not want to take a chance tonight and really it is too early to say for Sunday.''
Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini admitted United posed more of a threat after Ronaldo was introduced.
"He did cause us one or two problems,'' he said. "Ronaldo is obviously a great player but he was quite fresh as well and we had one or two tired legs out there.''
In fact, Villarreal came closest to scoring through Guille Franco, who might have done better going for goal in conventional manner rather than attempt the audacious flick that bounced back off the inside of a post.
"It is a difficult one,'' said Pellegrini. "In a situation like that you have a millisecond to make a decision.
"It would have been a great time to score and if it had gone in we would have been talking about a fabulous goal and a great decision to do what he did.
"Unfortunately he did what he did and the ball did not go in.''
Read more...
UEFA Champion League 2008-2009 Group Standing on September 17, 2008
| 2008 First Phase - Group E | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overall | Home | Away | |||||||||||||||||||||
| GP | W | D | L | GS | GA | W | D | L | GS | GA | W | D | L | GS | GA | GD | P | ||||||
| 1 |  | AaB | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 2 | | Celtic | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 3 | | Man Utd | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
| 4 | | Villarreal | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |||
Manchester United Vs. Villareal Match Report
United's Champions League defence got off to a frustrating start, as Villarreal's stifling approach yielded a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
Both sides struck the upright in the second half as the game opened up, but not even the return of Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute could provide the inspiration required for United to overcome the Spaniards.
Following Saturday's defeat at Liverpool, Sir Alex Ferguson freshened up his side with six changes. Jonny Evans and Gary Neville replaced Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown in defence, while Ji-sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Owen Hargreaves and Nani comprised an entirely new midfield quartet.
The Reds' reversion to a 4-4-2 saw Wayne Rooney back upfront alongside Carlos Tevez, with new signing Dimitar Berbatov ruled out entirely by a slight knee injury sustained during his debut.
Despite the wholesale changes, United fashioned the first opening after eight minutes. Hargreaves' left-wing corner evaded everybody, including Villarreal 'keeper Diego Lopez. Fortunately for the flapping Spaniard, his attempts to claim the ball were enough to put off the unmarked Rio Ferdinand, who could only mis-hit his effort, allowing the chance to pass.
Lopez did muster a fine save from Tevez's powerful 25-yarder, but the visitors were lucky to survive two decent penalty shouts when Park was twice brought down inside the area. An effort from Rooney - from the halfway line on the stroke of half-time - perfectly summed up the mood of frustration inside Old Trafford.
Villarreal emerged late for the second half, continuing the theme of doing all they could to stifle United. They almost nicked a lead, when Guille Franco sent a cheeky backheel against van der Sar's post, prompting the introduction of substitutes Ronaldo and Anderson to try and inspire some penetration.
The move gave the Old Trafford crowd a major lift, and Ronaldo's first major contribution was to release Rooney on a breakaway. The striker unselfishly squared for Tevez who managed to scuff a shot goalwards, only for Yellow Submarines skipper Gonzalo Rodriguez to slide the ball off the line.
With 10 minutes remaining, Ronaldo passed up a golden opportunity to mark his return with a dramatic winner, but he could only glance a header wide from Nani's inswinging left-wing cross. Moments later, Ronaldo fizzed in a superb cross, but Jonny Evans could only send a diving header against the foot of the post.
That proved to be the match's last effort of note. A draw ended a run of two straight defeats - against Zenit St Petersburg and Liverpool - but was far from the ideal start to United's defence of the Champions League title.
The Line-ups
MANCHESTER UNITED: Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Park (Ronaldo, 59), Fletcher, Hargreaves (Anderson, 59), Nani; Tevez (Giggs, 81), Rooney.
Subs not used: Foster, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea.
Booked: Tevez
VILLARREAL: D Lopez; A Lopez, Edmilson, Rodriguez, Capdevila; Eguren, Cani, Fernandez, Godin,Pires; Franco (Llorente 77)
Subs not used: Viera, Cazorla, Ibagaza, Venta, Senna, Fuentes.
Booked: Franco, Ibagaza, D Lopez.
Attendance: 74, 944
Read more...
Both sides struck the upright in the second half as the game opened up, but not even the return of Cristiano Ronaldo as a substitute could provide the inspiration required for United to overcome the Spaniards.
Following Saturday's defeat at Liverpool, Sir Alex Ferguson freshened up his side with six changes. Jonny Evans and Gary Neville replaced Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown in defence, while Ji-sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Owen Hargreaves and Nani comprised an entirely new midfield quartet.
The Reds' reversion to a 4-4-2 saw Wayne Rooney back upfront alongside Carlos Tevez, with new signing Dimitar Berbatov ruled out entirely by a slight knee injury sustained during his debut.
Despite the wholesale changes, United fashioned the first opening after eight minutes. Hargreaves' left-wing corner evaded everybody, including Villarreal 'keeper Diego Lopez. Fortunately for the flapping Spaniard, his attempts to claim the ball were enough to put off the unmarked Rio Ferdinand, who could only mis-hit his effort, allowing the chance to pass.
Lopez did muster a fine save from Tevez's powerful 25-yarder, but the visitors were lucky to survive two decent penalty shouts when Park was twice brought down inside the area. An effort from Rooney - from the halfway line on the stroke of half-time - perfectly summed up the mood of frustration inside Old Trafford.
Villarreal emerged late for the second half, continuing the theme of doing all they could to stifle United. They almost nicked a lead, when Guille Franco sent a cheeky backheel against van der Sar's post, prompting the introduction of substitutes Ronaldo and Anderson to try and inspire some penetration.
The move gave the Old Trafford crowd a major lift, and Ronaldo's first major contribution was to release Rooney on a breakaway. The striker unselfishly squared for Tevez who managed to scuff a shot goalwards, only for Yellow Submarines skipper Gonzalo Rodriguez to slide the ball off the line.
With 10 minutes remaining, Ronaldo passed up a golden opportunity to mark his return with a dramatic winner, but he could only glance a header wide from Nani's inswinging left-wing cross. Moments later, Ronaldo fizzed in a superb cross, but Jonny Evans could only send a diving header against the foot of the post.
That proved to be the match's last effort of note. A draw ended a run of two straight defeats - against Zenit St Petersburg and Liverpool - but was far from the ideal start to United's defence of the Champions League title.
The Line-ups
MANCHESTER UNITED: Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Park (Ronaldo, 59), Fletcher, Hargreaves (Anderson, 59), Nani; Tevez (Giggs, 81), Rooney.
Subs not used: Foster, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea.
Booked: Tevez
VILLARREAL: D Lopez; A Lopez, Edmilson, Rodriguez, Capdevila; Eguren, Cani, Fernandez, Godin,Pires; Franco (Llorente 77)
Subs not used: Viera, Cazorla, Ibagaza, Venta, Senna, Fuentes.
Booked: Franco, Ibagaza, D Lopez.
Attendance: 74, 944
Read more...
Schmikes: Come on Reds
Peter Schmeichel is backing Manchester United – and Edwin van der Sar – in this season’s Champions League campaign.
The Reds legend made no secret of his continued affection for United in a recent webchat at Uefa.com.
“I’ll be supporting United and I’m sure they'll have a great season,” he said.
The Dane, who played 398 times for the Reds, also had high praise for Edwin van der Sar.
Schmeichel claims the Dutchman's mere presence inspires confidence in those around him.
“Edwin has been fantastic at Manchester United,” Schmeichel said. “There have been many goalkeepers at the club in recent years but nobody has really stepped forward – but Edwin has shown when he plays there is no issue.
“He’s made a lot of players better. Take Rio Ferdinand: he’s a better player because he trusts the goalkeeper behind him. The way Edwin plays is ideal for the team. He’s the exact goalkeeper for United.”
Schmeichel, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever walk onto a football pitch, seemed almost envious of van der Sar’s ability to deal with back-passes.
“Edwin’s a product of the new rules,” Schmeichel said. “When I first started playing I could pick the ball up [from a back-pass].
“Edwin’s ability with his feet is second to none – players can pass the ball back knowing that he’ll control the ball and not make a mistake.”
Read more...
The Reds legend made no secret of his continued affection for United in a recent webchat at Uefa.com.
“I’ll be supporting United and I’m sure they'll have a great season,” he said.
The Dane, who played 398 times for the Reds, also had high praise for Edwin van der Sar.
Schmeichel claims the Dutchman's mere presence inspires confidence in those around him.
“Edwin has been fantastic at Manchester United,” Schmeichel said. “There have been many goalkeepers at the club in recent years but nobody has really stepped forward – but Edwin has shown when he plays there is no issue.
“He’s made a lot of players better. Take Rio Ferdinand: he’s a better player because he trusts the goalkeeper behind him. The way Edwin plays is ideal for the team. He’s the exact goalkeeper for United.”
Schmeichel, widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever walk onto a football pitch, seemed almost envious of van der Sar’s ability to deal with back-passes.
“Edwin’s a product of the new rules,” Schmeichel said. “When I first started playing I could pick the ball up [from a back-pass].
“Edwin’s ability with his feet is second to none – players can pass the ball back knowing that he’ll control the ball and not make a mistake.”
Read more...
Fans will welcome Ronaldo
Sir Alex Ferguson insists Cristiano Ronaldo has no cause to win United’s fans over after a summer which saw the player heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. The Reds boss instead has praised the player's maturity as he prepares to return from an ankle injury against Villarreal on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old winger is well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and will make an appearance of some sort – most likely as a substitute – when the Reds take on the Spaniards in Wednesday’s Champions League Group E opener at Old Trafford.
Real Madrid’s public pursuit of Ronaldo throughout the summer brought matters to a head when Sir Alex met with the Portuguese international during pre-season. The United boss insists that is where the matter ended, and now predicts a welcome return from the Old Trafford faithful.
“I don’t think [he has to win the fans over],” Sir Alex said on Tuesday. “I think our fans understand the situation. He’s a young man who was tempted by the lure of money, but since we gave him our decision he has accepted it.
“He said that he’d like to go to Real Madrid. When I had the meeting with him, that was it finished. He understood my position and the club’s position. He has accepted it and got on with it like a professional. There has not been a problem since.”
Ronaldo has thrown himself at his recovery from the surgery he underwent in July with the same dedication he has to developing his raw skill into world football's most sought-after talent during five years with the Reds.
“His training and rehabilitation has been fantastic,” said Sir Alex. “Every day, right through till five o’clock, he has shown a real determination to get back playing for us.
“He is well ahead of schedule. That is credit to him and our medical team. They have done a fantastic job, but he has been a great patient. We could have included him against Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe if we’d been at home we would have done. With the game being away we thought it best to give him a few more days.
“He has shown great maturity as well, accepting the decision of Manchester United and getting on with it. No pettiness, no throwing the toys out of the pram. He’s been professional, in training every day and working very hard. We’re delighted that he is back. His return is a huge lift because he is such a fantastic player.”
And Sir Alex isn’t the only one delighted at Ronaldo’s return. His team-mates will be pleased to see a player whose 42-goals coloured and characterised United’s incredible Premier League and Champions League double success last term.
“He is such a massive player for us,” said Carlos Tevez. “He is a great person to have on your side. It’s almost like having an extra player when he is playing for you because he is such a danger to our opponents. It will be a big boost to have him back.”
Read more...
The 23-year-old winger is well ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and will make an appearance of some sort – most likely as a substitute – when the Reds take on the Spaniards in Wednesday’s Champions League Group E opener at Old Trafford.
Real Madrid’s public pursuit of Ronaldo throughout the summer brought matters to a head when Sir Alex met with the Portuguese international during pre-season. The United boss insists that is where the matter ended, and now predicts a welcome return from the Old Trafford faithful.
“I don’t think [he has to win the fans over],” Sir Alex said on Tuesday. “I think our fans understand the situation. He’s a young man who was tempted by the lure of money, but since we gave him our decision he has accepted it.
“He said that he’d like to go to Real Madrid. When I had the meeting with him, that was it finished. He understood my position and the club’s position. He has accepted it and got on with it like a professional. There has not been a problem since.”
Ronaldo has thrown himself at his recovery from the surgery he underwent in July with the same dedication he has to developing his raw skill into world football's most sought-after talent during five years with the Reds.
“His training and rehabilitation has been fantastic,” said Sir Alex. “Every day, right through till five o’clock, he has shown a real determination to get back playing for us.
“He is well ahead of schedule. That is credit to him and our medical team. They have done a fantastic job, but he has been a great patient. We could have included him against Liverpool on Saturday. Maybe if we’d been at home we would have done. With the game being away we thought it best to give him a few more days.
“He has shown great maturity as well, accepting the decision of Manchester United and getting on with it. No pettiness, no throwing the toys out of the pram. He’s been professional, in training every day and working very hard. We’re delighted that he is back. His return is a huge lift because he is such a fantastic player.”
And Sir Alex isn’t the only one delighted at Ronaldo’s return. His team-mates will be pleased to see a player whose 42-goals coloured and characterised United’s incredible Premier League and Champions League double success last term.
“He is such a massive player for us,” said Carlos Tevez. “He is a great person to have on your side. It’s almost like having an extra player when he is playing for you because he is such a danger to our opponents. It will be a big boost to have him back.”
Read more...
Fergie: Terry let-off is ridiculous
Sir Alex Ferguson launched a furious attack on refs’ chief Keith Hackett after John Terry escaped a red-card ban. Chelsea had Terry’s dismissal for fouling Manchester City’s Jo overturned by the FA. The England centre-half will now not serve a three-match suspension — and is free to face title rivals Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Sir Alex fumed: “I understand Hackett told ref Mark Halsey to rescind the card and he wouldn’t. So now he is refereeing in League Two this weekend. I do not understand how this has happened. If it had been a Manchester United player, Hackett would not have done this. This is going to have to happen all the time if a referee is considered to have made a mistake.” An independent FA panel — which did not include Hackett — upheld Chelsea’s claim of wrongful dismissal.
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...
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