Sir Alex Ferguson was far from despondent after United were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
After watching Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all drop points on Saturday, the Reds were held to a battling stalemate by Martin O'Neill's side, but Sir Alex did not see the draw as a missed opportunity.
The manager told MUTV: "Obviously we haven't taken advantage (of other results), but in context of the difficulties of the three teams we're talking about - Liverpool, Chelsea and ourselves - I think we're the team that's had the best result today.
"At the end of the day I'm satisfied in the effort the players made. It was a very determined and aggressive Aston Villa team. They really set out to make it difficult for us, but we handled that well. Today has proved that Aston Villa are a much-improved side with a lot of consistency about them, and I really think they could be in the top four."
The United boss felt that his side had done enough to warrant all three points, but reserved praise for the way Villa defended resolutely to keep United at bay.
"It was a great effort against a very determined Aston Villa team who defended for their lives, and you saw towards the end of the match that they were just hanging on," he said.
"We created the chances in the game, Villa didn't really have any. Wayne and Ji-sung Park both had good chances. Our possession was good and we had so much pressure, but in fairness to them they hung in."
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Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Danny has what it takes
Michael Carrick says Danny Welbeck has the star quality required to make the grade at Old Trafford.
The 17-year-old Reds striker marked his Premier League debut by smashing a shot into the top corner in front of the Stretford End during United's 5-0 win over Stoke. But Carrick insists Welbeck won’t get carried away.
“He’s so talented,” Michael told MUTV. “We see it every day in training. It’s nice for him to produce it on the big stage. His temperament is spot on, though, so he won’t get carried away. He’s got a good chance of achieving big things here.”
Welbeck’s incredible strike late in the game was as much an indication of his unshakeable confidence as his ability to utilise the talent he possesses. Now Carrick wants to see the Longsight-born forward excel in the first-team arena.
“What a goal,” said Carrick, who was also among the scorers on an incredible afternoon. “To come on and score a goal like that must be beyond his wildest dreams. I’m sure he’ll build on that.
“He’s got bags of ability and good temperament, so he suits playing for us. I’m not sure about the celebration, but he can work on that!”
Carrick also took time to praise Ronaldo for reaching the incredible landmark of 101 goals for United in his 253rd Reds appearance.
“His scoring record is unbelievable, especially for a winger,” he said. “Even for a goal-poaching centre-forward it’d be a good record. It’s incredible that he scores as many as he does, but his game is about so much more than that. It’s a fantastic achievement and a credit to him.”
Carrick passed a goals landmark of his own on Saturday, albeit on a smaller scale to Ronaldo, with his first-half strike against the Potters. It was his tenth goal for the Reds and, after grabbing his second goal of the season, admits that he’d like to contribute more.
“It was a nice strike,” he added. “I managed to turn and get half a yard and just hit through the back of the ball and it went in. It’s something I’d like to do more of, I’d like to get a few goals. Hopefully there’s more to come.”
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The 17-year-old Reds striker marked his Premier League debut by smashing a shot into the top corner in front of the Stretford End during United's 5-0 win over Stoke. But Carrick insists Welbeck won’t get carried away.
“He’s so talented,” Michael told MUTV. “We see it every day in training. It’s nice for him to produce it on the big stage. His temperament is spot on, though, so he won’t get carried away. He’s got a good chance of achieving big things here.”
Welbeck’s incredible strike late in the game was as much an indication of his unshakeable confidence as his ability to utilise the talent he possesses. Now Carrick wants to see the Longsight-born forward excel in the first-team arena.
“What a goal,” said Carrick, who was also among the scorers on an incredible afternoon. “To come on and score a goal like that must be beyond his wildest dreams. I’m sure he’ll build on that.
“He’s got bags of ability and good temperament, so he suits playing for us. I’m not sure about the celebration, but he can work on that!”
Carrick also took time to praise Ronaldo for reaching the incredible landmark of 101 goals for United in his 253rd Reds appearance.
“His scoring record is unbelievable, especially for a winger,” he said. “Even for a goal-poaching centre-forward it’d be a good record. It’s incredible that he scores as many as he does, but his game is about so much more than that. It’s a fantastic achievement and a credit to him.”
Carrick passed a goals landmark of his own on Saturday, albeit on a smaller scale to Ronaldo, with his first-half strike against the Potters. It was his tenth goal for the Reds and, after grabbing his second goal of the season, admits that he’d like to contribute more.
“It was a nice strike,” he added. “I managed to turn and get half a yard and just hit through the back of the ball and it went in. It’s something I’d like to do more of, I’d like to get a few goals. Hopefully there’s more to come.”
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Sir Alex: Ronaldo's on fire
Sir Alex Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo has reached top form after watching the Reds winger strike two unstoppable free-kicks in the 5-0 win over Stoke.
The United boss was pleased to see Ronaldo score his 100th and 101st goals for the Reds with two wonderfully struck set-pieces.
It indicates that the Portuguese winger is now back to his very best following a start to the season disrupted by an ankle operation in the summer.
"You saw his celebration, he was very pleased and the crowd were delighted," said Sir Alex.
"He's on fire now, he's back. He's overcome his operation and he is getting quicker with every game. His fitness levels are fantastic. The boy is back."
United's five-star performance against Stoke wasn't all about Ronaldo. Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Premier League debutant Danny Welbeck also chipped in. And Sir Alex was pleased with the way the Reds defended against Stoke's physical and aerial threats.
"We did some work on it during the week. We handled the throw-ins very well - I think the crowd helped us there!" he said refferring to United's fans jeering whenever their was a throw-in that didn't fluster the Reds rearguard.
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The United boss was pleased to see Ronaldo score his 100th and 101st goals for the Reds with two wonderfully struck set-pieces.
It indicates that the Portuguese winger is now back to his very best following a start to the season disrupted by an ankle operation in the summer.
"You saw his celebration, he was very pleased and the crowd were delighted," said Sir Alex.
"He's on fire now, he's back. He's overcome his operation and he is getting quicker with every game. His fitness levels are fantastic. The boy is back."
United's five-star performance against Stoke wasn't all about Ronaldo. Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and Premier League debutant Danny Welbeck also chipped in. And Sir Alex was pleased with the way the Reds defended against Stoke's physical and aerial threats.
"We did some work on it during the week. We handled the throw-ins very well - I think the crowd helped us there!" he said refferring to United's fans jeering whenever their was a throw-in that didn't fluster the Reds rearguard.
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Welbeck playing it cool
Danny Welbeck announced his arrival on the Premier League stage with a wonder goal in the 5-0 win over Stoke City, but the level-headed striker has promised to keep his feet firmly on the ground.
Welbeck doesn’t turn 18 until the end of this month, but he has already caused a stir among those in the know with some exciting displays in the Carling Cup this season. But to score on his Premier League debut is the biggest indication yet of the talent he possesses.
“It feels amazing,” he told MUTV after the game. “Scoring in front of the Stretford End is what every young boy from Manchester dreams of. I loved it. I wouldn’t say I’ve dreamt about it, but I’ve thought about it every day of my life ever since I started playing football. There’s nothing better.”
The goal, a shot from 30 yards which flew into the top corner, also shows his limitless confidence in his own ability. “I got the ball on the edge of the centre-circle and I knew Ryan Shawcross was behind me. I played a one-two with Manucho, took a touch and just thought, ‘I’m going to hit it’.
“I was just relieved to see it hit the back of the net. I’m not going to lie, I’ve seen replays of it a few times already!”
But he’s not getting too carried away. “I’m sure the manager will help me keep my feet on the ground but I’m quite level-headed anyway, so I’ll just take it all in my stride. I just want more opportunities. It’s made me hungry for more. Playing with these players in the first team – there’s no better experience. I’m willing to learn and improve as much as I can as a player.”
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Welbeck doesn’t turn 18 until the end of this month, but he has already caused a stir among those in the know with some exciting displays in the Carling Cup this season. But to score on his Premier League debut is the biggest indication yet of the talent he possesses.
“It feels amazing,” he told MUTV after the game. “Scoring in front of the Stretford End is what every young boy from Manchester dreams of. I loved it. I wouldn’t say I’ve dreamt about it, but I’ve thought about it every day of my life ever since I started playing football. There’s nothing better.”
The goal, a shot from 30 yards which flew into the top corner, also shows his limitless confidence in his own ability. “I got the ball on the edge of the centre-circle and I knew Ryan Shawcross was behind me. I played a one-two with Manucho, took a touch and just thought, ‘I’m going to hit it’.
“I was just relieved to see it hit the back of the net. I’m not going to lie, I’ve seen replays of it a few times already!”
But he’s not getting too carried away. “I’m sure the manager will help me keep my feet on the ground but I’m quite level-headed anyway, so I’ll just take it all in my stride. I just want more opportunities. It’s made me hungry for more. Playing with these players in the first team – there’s no better experience. I’m willing to learn and improve as much as I can as a player.”
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Thursday, November 13, 2008
Evans rated by Rio
Rio Ferdinand has tipped fellow United centre-back Jonny Evans as a future international captain.
Evans' appearances for Northern Ireland are already in double figures, even though he's played just seven times for the Reds at senior level - including Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Queens Park Rangers.
However, his club statistics are bolstered by his time on loan at Sunderland, whose manager Roy Keane attempted to lure Evans to the north east on a permanent deal in the summer. The reason it didn't happen was Sir Alex Ferguson's determination not to lose a player whose career he believes is “absolutely guaranteed”.
Now Ferdinand, a veteran of almost 300 United appearances, has echoed his manager’s sentiments.
“Jonny is a top, top player,” said Rio. “A few managers wanted to buy him in the summer, so that tells you what a good prospect he is.
“At Sunderland last season he was probably one of their better players. He’s good with both feet, he’s playing for Northern Ireland and he’ll probably be their captain in the near future.
“You can see why the manager fought so hard to keep him, and to make sure Jonny realises his future is here at Old Trafford. He’ll have a major part to play in the coming years.”
A decade ago, Rio was a promising defender coming through the ranks at West Ham United. He knows all too well the frustrations young players can face when breaking into the first team.
“You’re impatient and you just want to play football,” he said.
“When I was a kid I was behind the likes of Slaven Bilic, Alvin Martin and Marc Rieper, but I wanted to play every game. Jonny will be thinking the same.
“No matter who’s in front of you, no matter how good they are, you just want to play football.
“The manager will just make sure Jonny trains hard and takes the best bits from all the players he works with and brings it to his own game.
“He’s looked assured each time he’s been called upon this season and I’m sure that will continue.”
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Evans' appearances for Northern Ireland are already in double figures, even though he's played just seven times for the Reds at senior level - including Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Queens Park Rangers.
However, his club statistics are bolstered by his time on loan at Sunderland, whose manager Roy Keane attempted to lure Evans to the north east on a permanent deal in the summer. The reason it didn't happen was Sir Alex Ferguson's determination not to lose a player whose career he believes is “absolutely guaranteed”.
Now Ferdinand, a veteran of almost 300 United appearances, has echoed his manager’s sentiments.
“Jonny is a top, top player,” said Rio. “A few managers wanted to buy him in the summer, so that tells you what a good prospect he is.
“At Sunderland last season he was probably one of their better players. He’s good with both feet, he’s playing for Northern Ireland and he’ll probably be their captain in the near future.
“You can see why the manager fought so hard to keep him, and to make sure Jonny realises his future is here at Old Trafford. He’ll have a major part to play in the coming years.”
A decade ago, Rio was a promising defender coming through the ranks at West Ham United. He knows all too well the frustrations young players can face when breaking into the first team.
“You’re impatient and you just want to play football,” he said.
“When I was a kid I was behind the likes of Slaven Bilic, Alvin Martin and Marc Rieper, but I wanted to play every game. Jonny will be thinking the same.
“No matter who’s in front of you, no matter how good they are, you just want to play football.
“The manager will just make sure Jonny trains hard and takes the best bits from all the players he works with and brings it to his own game.
“He’s looked assured each time he’s been called upon this season and I’m sure that will continue.”
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Scholes makes City return bid
Paul Scholes could make a sensational return in the Manchester derby. The midfield ace has surprised everyone with his fast recovery from the knee ligament injury he picked up last month. Yesterday, he was on the training ground and is expected to resume full training in 10 days, leaving him with a week to prepare for the away clash with City on November 30. A United insider said: “Paul was spraying 40 yard passes around as if he had never been away. You would not believe he suffered an injury just six weeks ago. He could play in the derby — it’s just a question of what the boss wants to do.”
Staff writer, The Sun Read more...
Staff writer, The Sun Read more...
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Focus on .. Rafael
The arrival of identical twins, both full-backs and Under-18 internationals for Brazil, slipped under the radar of most Reds. For those in the know, whispers abounded about the former Fluminense pair who were dubbed, unimaginatively, the ‘Samba Nevilles’.
Rafael impressed in pre-season at Peterborough and during his competitive debut against Newcastle, and has tasted more first-team action since, notably scoring against Arsenal at the weekend. Former Red Clayton Blackmore has watched with interest as Rafael has slotted into Sir Alex’s side, whether in the Premier League, Carling Cup or Champions League.
“Rafael’s been fantastic,” says Blackmore. “He’s like a breath of fresh air. He’s got so much energy, he’s lightning fast and he loves to get stuck in and make a tackle, which is perfect for the English game. He’s very similar to Patrice Evra in the way that he likes to charge forward. I think he’ll be well suited to a wing-back role, which is how we like to play these days.”
Sir Alex recently admitted that he’d been so impressed by his new no.21 that he now considers three players when selecting his right-back. Rafael got the nod when the Reds faced Aalborg on Champions League Matchday 2, and the youngster seized the opportunity.
“He wasn’t fazed by playing at the highest level and he was probably one of our best players that night,” Blackmore says. “He was cutting inside, shooting; he was playing in a similar way to Ronaldo. Obviously he doesn’t have quite as many tricks as Ronny, but he does look very comfortable with the ball at his feet.”
Blackmore, who often played at full-back during his 245-game United career, is quick to point out, however, that Rafael is far from the finished article. Experience will help him become that, insists the Welshman.
“He’ll be learning every day on the training ground from Gary, Wes and Patrice,” he says. “And don’t forget he’ll be up against the likes of Ronaldo, Nani and Park, too, so he’ll soon learn how to stop the best wingers in the world.”
Can we expect to see more of the tireless young Brazilian this season? Blackmore thinks so… “Wes and Gary are ahead of Rafael in the pecking order, but the manager won’t hesitate to give him games, especially when we find ourselves regularly playing twice a week.”
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Rafael impressed in pre-season at Peterborough and during his competitive debut against Newcastle, and has tasted more first-team action since, notably scoring against Arsenal at the weekend. Former Red Clayton Blackmore has watched with interest as Rafael has slotted into Sir Alex’s side, whether in the Premier League, Carling Cup or Champions League.
“Rafael’s been fantastic,” says Blackmore. “He’s like a breath of fresh air. He’s got so much energy, he’s lightning fast and he loves to get stuck in and make a tackle, which is perfect for the English game. He’s very similar to Patrice Evra in the way that he likes to charge forward. I think he’ll be well suited to a wing-back role, which is how we like to play these days.”
Sir Alex recently admitted that he’d been so impressed by his new no.21 that he now considers three players when selecting his right-back. Rafael got the nod when the Reds faced Aalborg on Champions League Matchday 2, and the youngster seized the opportunity.
“He wasn’t fazed by playing at the highest level and he was probably one of our best players that night,” Blackmore says. “He was cutting inside, shooting; he was playing in a similar way to Ronaldo. Obviously he doesn’t have quite as many tricks as Ronny, but he does look very comfortable with the ball at his feet.”
Blackmore, who often played at full-back during his 245-game United career, is quick to point out, however, that Rafael is far from the finished article. Experience will help him become that, insists the Welshman.
“He’ll be learning every day on the training ground from Gary, Wes and Patrice,” he says. “And don’t forget he’ll be up against the likes of Ronaldo, Nani and Park, too, so he’ll soon learn how to stop the best wingers in the world.”
Can we expect to see more of the tireless young Brazilian this season? Blackmore thinks so… “Wes and Gary are ahead of Rafael in the pecking order, but the manager won’t hesitate to give him games, especially when we find ourselves regularly playing twice a week.”
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Park praises youthful Reds
Ji-sung Park was impressed by the display of United's youngsters in the 1-0 Carling Cup win over Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday night.
The Korean winger lined up alongside the likes of Darron Gibson, Jonny Evans and Rafael in a fourth-round tie which was settled by Carlos Tevez's penalty 15 minutes from time.
Park told ManUtd.kr: "Many young players played and, although we only scored one goal, we controlled the match so it was not bad.
"The younger players have been training with the first team so we have no problem playing together, and they did very well."
Park improved as the game unfolded against the Championship side and almost capped his second successive 90-minute run-out with a goal, only to see his rising shot hit the post.
"I thought it was in!" he said. "I felt good when I struck the ball, but sadly it did not go in. I played against Arsenal and am now getting some consistent action, so I was able to keep up my pace throughout the game."
United return to league action against Stoke on Saturday and Park knows there is plenty of time for the champions to overhaul leaders Chelsea.
"We lost against Arsenal, which was obviously not good," Park added. "But we’re still in the season and there are many matches ahead, so I'm not worried."
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The Korean winger lined up alongside the likes of Darron Gibson, Jonny Evans and Rafael in a fourth-round tie which was settled by Carlos Tevez's penalty 15 minutes from time.
Park told ManUtd.kr: "Many young players played and, although we only scored one goal, we controlled the match so it was not bad.
"The younger players have been training with the first team so we have no problem playing together, and they did very well."
Park improved as the game unfolded against the Championship side and almost capped his second successive 90-minute run-out with a goal, only to see his rising shot hit the post.
"I thought it was in!" he said. "I felt good when I struck the ball, but sadly it did not go in. I played against Arsenal and am now getting some consistent action, so I was able to keep up my pace throughout the game."
United return to league action against Stoke on Saturday and Park knows there is plenty of time for the champions to overhaul leaders Chelsea.
"We lost against Arsenal, which was obviously not good," Park added. "But we’re still in the season and there are many matches ahead, so I'm not worried."
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United join race to sign Witsel
Manchester United have joined the chase for Axel Witsel after Sir Alex Ferguson sent one of his top scouts to watch the teenage midfielder in UEFA Cup action last week. The United manager has been alerted to growing interest in Witsel and may now join the bidding for him after studying a report on another impressive performance in Standard Liege's 1-0 win over Sevilla last Thursday.
Sportsmail can reveal that United and Inter Milan were both represented at the game but that Bolton's hopes of landing the 19-year old for £6million have been dashed after they were told it would take at least twice as much to prise him away.
John Edwards, Daily Mail Read more...
Sportsmail can reveal that United and Inter Milan were both represented at the game but that Bolton's hopes of landing the 19-year old for £6million have been dashed after they were told it would take at least twice as much to prise him away.
John Edwards, Daily Mail Read more...
Monday, November 10, 2008
Welbeck is raring to go
Welbeck did everything but score on his United debut in the 3-1 Carling Cup third round win over Middlesbrough. Now, he’s looking to build on that display against Queens Park Rangers.
Sir Alex intends to start the 17-year-old striker against Rangers on Tuesday at OT. Danny is keen to avenge a missed chance against Boro, when goalkeeper Brad Jones denied him at the start of the second half.
“I’ve seen the replay and I could maybe have done better," he tells United Review. "It was a good save, but scoring on my debut would have been perfect.
“I’m just looking forward to the next chance I get - hopefully against QPR. We’re wary of the threat they pose. It’ll be tough because they’ll be at us from the first whistle. I’ve watched a few of QPR’s games this season and they look decent, but we’re ready to go – whoever plays.”
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Sir Alex intends to start the 17-year-old striker against Rangers on Tuesday at OT. Danny is keen to avenge a missed chance against Boro, when goalkeeper Brad Jones denied him at the start of the second half.
“I’ve seen the replay and I could maybe have done better," he tells United Review. "It was a good save, but scoring on my debut would have been perfect.
“I’m just looking forward to the next chance I get - hopefully against QPR. We’re wary of the threat they pose. It’ll be tough because they’ll be at us from the first whistle. I’ve watched a few of QPR’s games this season and they look decent, but we’re ready to go – whoever plays.”
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Sir Alex set to ring changes
Sir Alex Ferguson will continue his policy of youth alongside older, more experienced heads when the Reds take on Queens Park Rangers in the Carling Cup fourth round at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
After handing out four first United starts and three debuts outright in the 3-1 third round win over Middlesbrough, the Reds boss is set for a similar approach as he rings the changes after Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
Sir Alex says: “The younger ones who will play will be Jonny Evans, Rodrigo Possebon, Rafael, Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck – who is back playing now in the Reserves after overcoming injury – and possibly Manucho. The rest of the team will be filled by the first team squad.”
It’s a comeback to first-team action for Brazilian midfielder Possebon, who suffered a nasty injury in the last round after a crunching tackle from Emanuel Pogatetz. Initial fears of a broken leg or damaged knee ligaments thankfully did not materialise, and it will be a welcome return to the Old Trafford stage for the creative 19-year-old midfielder.
“There’s absolutely no problem with the boy now,” added the boss. “We did worry at the time, but fortunately he was OK.”
However, there’s still not a chance for United fans to Fabio, twin brother of Rafael, who hit a wonderful volley against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. Fabio, who plays on the left side of defence had an operation on his shoulder recently and won’t recover in time to play.
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After handing out four first United starts and three debuts outright in the 3-1 third round win over Middlesbrough, the Reds boss is set for a similar approach as he rings the changes after Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
Sir Alex says: “The younger ones who will play will be Jonny Evans, Rodrigo Possebon, Rafael, Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck – who is back playing now in the Reserves after overcoming injury – and possibly Manucho. The rest of the team will be filled by the first team squad.”
It’s a comeback to first-team action for Brazilian midfielder Possebon, who suffered a nasty injury in the last round after a crunching tackle from Emanuel Pogatetz. Initial fears of a broken leg or damaged knee ligaments thankfully did not materialise, and it will be a welcome return to the Old Trafford stage for the creative 19-year-old midfielder.
“There’s absolutely no problem with the boy now,” added the boss. “We did worry at the time, but fortunately he was OK.”
However, there’s still not a chance for United fans to Fabio, twin brother of Rafael, who hit a wonderful volley against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. Fabio, who plays on the left side of defence had an operation on his shoulder recently and won’t recover in time to play.
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Sir Alex fumes at United away days
Sir Alex Ferguson has complained that Manchester United’s bid for a third consecutive Barclays Premier League title is being undermined by an unbalanced fixture list. United have taken a solitary point from their meetings with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, their main challengers for the title, but Ferguson believes that his team have been “handicapped” by an unforgiving programme. All six of United’s six Champions League group matches have been or will be followed by tough away assignments – against Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur – and Ferguson believes that the situation is unfair, even though he said that fatigue did not appear to be a contributing factor on Saturday. “They say the league is not handicapped, but I’m not so sure,” Ferguson said. “Having every game away from home following a European tie is not easy. Going from Celtic on Wednesday to play at Arsenal the following Saturday lunchtime is hard, although, funnily enough, I didn’t think it was a problem on this occasion.”
Oliver Kay, The Times Read more...
Oliver Kay, The Times Read more...
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Boss rues missed chances
Sir Alex Ferguson was rueful, but not disheartened after watching his side edged out in a thrilling game against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Samir Nasri's double gave the Gunners all three points, while United passed up a string of decent chances - including one gilt-edged opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo shortly after Nasri's second - before Rafael's late consolation strike.
"The chances we had in the game were incredible," Sir Alex told Sky Sports. "It was the area in which we let ourselves down. I think if we'd got one when Ronaldo got his great chance, then we'd have got something out of the game.
"It was fantasy football, it was like playground stuff - you attack, we attack - and they got the goals that mattered. In fairness to my own team, after the second goal their determination and drive to try and rescue the game was fantastic, and we probably deserved something from the game, I think."
After watching his side play a huge part in a pulsating game, the United manager felt the whole affair was a tremendous advert for attacking football.
"Some of the football out there today from both teams was magnificent," he said. "I don't think you'll see a game as good as that anywhere else in the country.
"Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say 'if you're going to get beaten, just make sure it's someone who's going to play football', and Arsenal played good football at times. Not as dangerous as us in attacking play, but they got the goals that mattered."
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Samir Nasri's double gave the Gunners all three points, while United passed up a string of decent chances - including one gilt-edged opportunity for Cristiano Ronaldo shortly after Nasri's second - before Rafael's late consolation strike.
"The chances we had in the game were incredible," Sir Alex told Sky Sports. "It was the area in which we let ourselves down. I think if we'd got one when Ronaldo got his great chance, then we'd have got something out of the game.
"It was fantasy football, it was like playground stuff - you attack, we attack - and they got the goals that mattered. In fairness to my own team, after the second goal their determination and drive to try and rescue the game was fantastic, and we probably deserved something from the game, I think."
After watching his side play a huge part in a pulsating game, the United manager felt the whole affair was a tremendous advert for attacking football.
"Some of the football out there today from both teams was magnificent," he said. "I don't think you'll see a game as good as that anywhere else in the country.
"Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say 'if you're going to get beaten, just make sure it's someone who's going to play football', and Arsenal played good football at times. Not as dangerous as us in attacking play, but they got the goals that mattered."
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Thursday, November 6, 2008
History repeated for Carrick
The last time United were at Celtic Park, a moment of inspiration gave the hosts all three points, despite the Reds completely dominating the match.
It's little surprise, then, having sampled that galling defeat just under two years ago, that Michael Carrick felt a sense of 'here we go again' on Wednesday evening.
United again dominated matters in Glasgow, perhaps even more so than in 2006, but looked set to fall foul of Scott McDonald's neat lob until Ryan Giggs' vital late leveller.
"It was a little bit like two years ago in the sense that we had a lot of chances," Carrick told reporters after the match. "When chances go begging and the match goes on longer and longer it's always in the back of your mind that you might not score.
"But we never give up. I'm disappointed really. We played well and had enough opportunities to win the game. We left it late but we deserved a point."
Next up for United is another high-profile away game, with Arsenal awaiting the Reds at the Emirates Stadium for Saturday's early kick-off, and Carrick cannot wait for another crack at winning on the Gunners' new patch.
"We don't have much time before Arsenal now and it's a massive game for us," he said. "But we'll be ready. We're playing well and we want to go there and win."
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It's little surprise, then, having sampled that galling defeat just under two years ago, that Michael Carrick felt a sense of 'here we go again' on Wednesday evening.
United again dominated matters in Glasgow, perhaps even more so than in 2006, but looked set to fall foul of Scott McDonald's neat lob until Ryan Giggs' vital late leveller.
"It was a little bit like two years ago in the sense that we had a lot of chances," Carrick told reporters after the match. "When chances go begging and the match goes on longer and longer it's always in the back of your mind that you might not score.
"But we never give up. I'm disappointed really. We played well and had enough opportunities to win the game. We left it late but we deserved a point."
Next up for United is another high-profile away game, with Arsenal awaiting the Reds at the Emirates Stadium for Saturday's early kick-off, and Carrick cannot wait for another crack at winning on the Gunners' new patch.
"We don't have much time before Arsenal now and it's a massive game for us," he said. "But we'll be ready. We're playing well and we want to go there and win."
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Ronaldo ready for Gunners
Ronaldo says United can take solace in the Reds' commanding second half performance against Celtic, despite not finding the goals to secure a victory.
Ronaldo's closest attempt in the first half was a rasping free kick that flew just over the bar, and six minutes from time his shot was too hot to handle for Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, who spilled the ball into Ryan Giggs' path.
The Welshman headed United level with the rebound to earn a point, which Ronaldo said United should not be ashamed of.
"We had enough chances to win but a draw is good," he told MUTV. "We now have eight points and it looks like we're through to the next round.
"Sometimes the goal doesn't come but in the second half we played fantastically and created a lot of chances. We played in their half of the pitch and played a lot better in the second half.
"We could have scored more than one. The goalkeeper made a few good saves, but sometimes it's not possible to score goals. Last week we scored four goals, tonight we scored one goal. Celtic didn't cause us any problems in the second half, so I think we deserved the point."
Ronaldo and co. now gear up for a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime. He added: "The aim is not to lose a game. We came [to Celtic] to win three points. It wasn't possible tonight but we did get one point and now we're thinking about the next game. I think the team is playing well."
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Ronaldo's closest attempt in the first half was a rasping free kick that flew just over the bar, and six minutes from time his shot was too hot to handle for Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, who spilled the ball into Ryan Giggs' path.
The Welshman headed United level with the rebound to earn a point, which Ronaldo said United should not be ashamed of.
"We had enough chances to win but a draw is good," he told MUTV. "We now have eight points and it looks like we're through to the next round.
"Sometimes the goal doesn't come but in the second half we played fantastically and created a lot of chances. We played in their half of the pitch and played a lot better in the second half.
"We could have scored more than one. The goalkeeper made a few good saves, but sometimes it's not possible to score goals. Last week we scored four goals, tonight we scored one goal. Celtic didn't cause us any problems in the second half, so I think we deserved the point."
Ronaldo and co. now gear up for a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime. He added: "The aim is not to lose a game. We came [to Celtic] to win three points. It wasn't possible tonight but we did get one point and now we're thinking about the next game. I think the team is playing well."
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Giggs puts rocket up Celtic
Alex Ferguson was saved by his very own Ry Fawkes. Ryan Giggs’ 84th-minute goal earned United a Fireworks Night draw. And relieved boss Fergie admitted: “When you are still 1-0 down with a few minutes to go you do think you are going to lose. But give credit to the players. We kept battling and battling and we deserved the point for our perseverance. We created a lot of chances but their keeper made a few decent saves, and when the ball isn’t going in you do start to wonder if it isn’t going to be your night. But no complaints - we’ve qualified, and that’s the main thing.”
David Facey, The Sun Read more...
David Facey, The Sun Read more...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Giggs: We're still on course
Ryan Giggs says United are firmly on course for qualification to the last 16 despite frustration at not making the most of chances to win at Celtic Park.
United had almost 25 attempts at goal against Gordon Strachan's men, but it took until the 21st opportunity for Giggs to nod his header past Artur Boruc, who had failed to hold Cristiano Ronaldo’s swerving drive.
Dimitar Berbatov missed a golden opportunity to win it right at the death, but he turned his close-range shot wide of the goal. A chance missed, and a metaphor for the game itself, but Giggs wasn't too disheartened.
“With so little time to go and being 1-0 down we’d have settled for a draw,” admitted Ryan. “But the way we played and the tempo of our game in the second half, I think deserved a win. We came here to win, but we’ll go into the last two games knowing that we can qualify.”
The United skipper admitted the Reds weren't happy with the first-half display, but he was pleased with the attitude in the second half in trying to break down a stubborn Celtic rearguard.
“We were disappointed with our first-half performance,” Giggs told Sky Sports. “We didn’t keep the ball well enough. It came up to the front men and wasn’t sticking there. It wasn’t a really bad performance in the first half, we just knew that we could do better.
“But we came out in the second half and kept Celtic pinned back. We knew the chances would come, it was just a case of taking them. Celtic made it hard for us, they got men behind the ball. We knew that we just had to keep creating chances, whether it was from crosses, one-twos on the edge of the box, or just keeping the tempo going. That’s what we did.”
The pressure paid off when Giggs headed United level with little more than five minutes remaining. The Welshman says it is always worth anticipating the goalkeeper spilling one of Ronaldo’s rockets. “His shots are always worth following up,” Giggs added. “It moved all over the place, which is difficult for the goalkeeper to deal with and I just gambled on it. It fell to me and I headed it in.”
The Reds are top of Group E, but level on points with second-placed Villarreal, who drew 2-2 with Aalborg. United travel to Spain later this month in a match that will all but decide who goes through as group winners.
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United had almost 25 attempts at goal against Gordon Strachan's men, but it took until the 21st opportunity for Giggs to nod his header past Artur Boruc, who had failed to hold Cristiano Ronaldo’s swerving drive.
Dimitar Berbatov missed a golden opportunity to win it right at the death, but he turned his close-range shot wide of the goal. A chance missed, and a metaphor for the game itself, but Giggs wasn't too disheartened.
“With so little time to go and being 1-0 down we’d have settled for a draw,” admitted Ryan. “But the way we played and the tempo of our game in the second half, I think deserved a win. We came here to win, but we’ll go into the last two games knowing that we can qualify.”
The United skipper admitted the Reds weren't happy with the first-half display, but he was pleased with the attitude in the second half in trying to break down a stubborn Celtic rearguard.
“We were disappointed with our first-half performance,” Giggs told Sky Sports. “We didn’t keep the ball well enough. It came up to the front men and wasn’t sticking there. It wasn’t a really bad performance in the first half, we just knew that we could do better.
“But we came out in the second half and kept Celtic pinned back. We knew the chances would come, it was just a case of taking them. Celtic made it hard for us, they got men behind the ball. We knew that we just had to keep creating chances, whether it was from crosses, one-twos on the edge of the box, or just keeping the tempo going. That’s what we did.”
The pressure paid off when Giggs headed United level with little more than five minutes remaining. The Welshman says it is always worth anticipating the goalkeeper spilling one of Ronaldo’s rockets. “His shots are always worth following up,” Giggs added. “It moved all over the place, which is difficult for the goalkeeper to deal with and I just gambled on it. It fell to me and I headed it in.”
The Reds are top of Group E, but level on points with second-placed Villarreal, who drew 2-2 with Aalborg. United travel to Spain later this month in a match that will all but decide who goes through as group winners.
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United won't play games
It won’t be the end of the world if United lose at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
With a trip to Villarreal and a home tie against Danish minnows Aalborg to come, the Reds would still be odds-on favourites to qualify from Group E.
But Sir Alex Ferguson is determined this season’s group stage campaign won’t go down to the wire.
“Hopefully I can give a few players some minutes on the pitch [against Celtic],” he told MUTV in an exclusive interview at the Reds’ team hotel.
“But I’ll be picking a team to get a result. That’s the important thing: we’re not fiddling about here.
“We did that in 2006 and threw away a game [against FC Copenhagen in Denmark]. We can’t afford to do that.”
On that occasion, United had to scrape through on Matchday 6 with a come-from-behind win against Benfica at Old Trafford.
Victory on Wednesday night would secure the Reds’ passage to the next phase and allow Sir Alex the freedom to rest and rotate players in the remaining group games.
See the manager’s exclusive pre-match interview on MUTV at 18:30 on Wednesday night.
Read more...
With a trip to Villarreal and a home tie against Danish minnows Aalborg to come, the Reds would still be odds-on favourites to qualify from Group E.
But Sir Alex Ferguson is determined this season’s group stage campaign won’t go down to the wire.
“Hopefully I can give a few players some minutes on the pitch [against Celtic],” he told MUTV in an exclusive interview at the Reds’ team hotel.
“But I’ll be picking a team to get a result. That’s the important thing: we’re not fiddling about here.
“We did that in 2006 and threw away a game [against FC Copenhagen in Denmark]. We can’t afford to do that.”
On that occasion, United had to scrape through on Matchday 6 with a come-from-behind win against Benfica at Old Trafford.
Victory on Wednesday night would secure the Reds’ passage to the next phase and allow Sir Alex the freedom to rest and rotate players in the remaining group games.
See the manager’s exclusive pre-match interview on MUTV at 18:30 on Wednesday night.
Read more...
Owen may not need op
Contrary to press reports last weekend, a decision has not been made on the best treatment for Owen Hargreaves’ ongoing tendonitis problem.
Some UK papers claimed Hargreaves was set to go under the knife in an effort to ease the knee trouble he’s experienced since arriving at United in July 2007. The on-again, off-again nature of the problem has restricted the midfielder to just three appearances this season.
Earlier this week, a club spokesperson told ManUtd.com Hargreaves would return to a specialist; on Tuesday evening, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed a decision on the best way forward is unlikely to be made before next week.
“We’re managing it at the moment,” he said. “We should have some news next week on our exact position.”
Meanwhile, an ankle injury means Wes Brown didn’t travel to Glasgow for Wednesday night’s match against Celtic. The boss said Brown could be out of action for “a couple of weeks”.
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Some UK papers claimed Hargreaves was set to go under the knife in an effort to ease the knee trouble he’s experienced since arriving at United in July 2007. The on-again, off-again nature of the problem has restricted the midfielder to just three appearances this season.
Earlier this week, a club spokesperson told ManUtd.com Hargreaves would return to a specialist; on Tuesday evening, Sir Alex Ferguson revealed a decision on the best way forward is unlikely to be made before next week.
“We’re managing it at the moment,” he said. “We should have some news next week on our exact position.”
Meanwhile, an ankle injury means Wes Brown didn’t travel to Glasgow for Wednesday night’s match against Celtic. The boss said Brown could be out of action for “a couple of weeks”.
Read more...
Rio wants to make history
Rio Ferdinand insists he will view his career as a failure if he does not add to the three Premier League titles and Champions League crown he has won with Manchester United. Ferdinand's status as an Old Trafford legend is assured but the defender, who turns 30 on Friday, is far from satisfied. "I won't be looking back yet," said Ferdinand. "But if I get to the end of my career and have only won the trophies I currently have, I'd be disappointed. I want to win more. I'm greedy. You have to be in this sport to try and achieve anything. I would not be happy to just have this. It's realistic to think we can win the Champions League again this season, because we have fantastic players. We've added Dimitar Berbatov - he's a fantastic player - and we have a very talented squad if everyone stays fit."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror Read more...
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