Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours [Archive] - Page 4

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30-04-2007, 01:03 PM

Paolo Menicucci Milan
30 April 2007
The Guardian

Milan beat Torino 1-0 at the weekend to move up to third in Serie A but most of the talk afterwards was of a 33-year-old striker who did not even make it on to the pitch. Filippo Inzaghi was rested on Saturday so he could continue his recovery from injury and be fit for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final return leg against Manchester United.

And how Milan need him. Alberto Gilardino has been poor in Europe, Ronaldo is cup-tied and Ricardo Oliveira has failed to settle in Italy. "Gilardino has scored only once in the Champions League so far," said the Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti. "There is more pressure in the Champions League than in the league and Gilardino is not experienced enough to manage it yet. Inzaghi is in good condition and there's a good chance he could play on Wednesday."

Inzaghi showed in the quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich that he is still a forward to fear. After the first game finished 2-2, he beat the German side's offside trap to pick up Clarence Seedorf's clever through ball and beat Oliver Kahn from close range. It was his fourth Champions League goal this season and set Milan on their way to a 2-0 win.

"I'm very happy to hear that everyone is counting on me for the game against Manchester," Inzaghi said yesterday. "I love to feel the trust of the people around me. It helps me to perform better. We will give it our all in this game. We are perfectly aware of our strengths and we will play in front of our fans, who will give us a tremendous support."

Gennaro Gattuso is expected to recover from the foot injury he sustained in the first leg, but Paolo Maldini is still a doubt. Inzaghi, meanwhile, have more incentive than most to eliminate United, having scored two early goals as Juventus lost 3-2 to Sir Alex Ferguson's side in that memorable 1999 second-leg semi-final in Turin. "We will have to play a great game, but we know we can beat them," he said. "These are the games you always want to play."

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30-04-2007, 03:20 PM

Inzaghi plots his revenge on United
Paolo Menicucci Milan

Milan beat Torino 1-0 at the weekend to move up to third in Serie A but most of the talk afterwards was of a 33-year-old striker who did not even make it on to the pitch. Filippo Inzaghi was rested on Saturday so he could continue his recovery from injury and be fit for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final return leg against Manchester United.

And how Milan need him. Alberto Gilardino has been poor in Europe, Ronaldo is cup-tied and Ricardo Oliveira has failed to settle in Italy. "Gilardino has scored only once in the Champions League so far," said the Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti. "There is more pressure in the Champions League than in the league and Gilardino is not experienced enough to manage it yet. Inzaghi is in good condition and there's a good chance he could play on Wednesday."

Inzaghi showed in the quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich that he is still a forward to fear. After the first game finished 2-2, he beat the German side's offside trap to pick up Clarence Seedorf's clever through ball and beat Oliver Kahn from close range. It was his fourth Champions League goal this season and set Milan on their way to a 2-0 win.

"I'm very happy to hear that everyone is counting on me for the game against Manchester," Inzaghi said yesterday. "I love to feel the trust of the people around me. It helps me to perform better. We will give it our all in this game. We are perfectly aware of our strengths and we will play in front of our fans, who will give us a tremendous support."

Gennaro Gattuso is expected to recover from the foot injury he sustained in the first leg, but Paolo Maldini is still a doubt. Inzaghi, meanwhile, have more incentive than most to eliminate United, having scored two early goals as Juventus lost 3-2 to Sir Alex Ferguson's side in that memorable 1999 second-leg semi-final in Turin. "We will have to play a great game, but we know we can beat them," he said. "These are the games you always want to play."

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30-04-2007, 09:27 PM

Carrick sale helps Spurs post record profits
1 May 2007
Leisure Report

Reporting interim results for the six months to 31 December 2006, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club said it had recorded a a record pre-tax profit of £20m, thanks largely to the sale of midfielder Michael Carrick to Manchester United, for an initial £14m.

Turnover from key operational areas was higher than in the corresponding period last year, while total turnover for the period was higher than the club's annual turnover, prior to the current management team joining the business six years ago.

The 32% increase in turnover was driven primarily from the uplift in key sponsorship deals, and the club's progress in both cup and European competitions.

Spurs generated an operating profit of £14.3m, before amortisation. Profit on disposals (player sales) came in at a total of £15.2m, which after all other trading brought profit on ordinary activities, before interest and taxation to £20.9m (2005: £5.8m).

Premier League gate receipts were marginally higher than in the same period last year, representing the same number of league games with attendances consistently at or near capacity. The key difference for the period was the receipts from Cup competitions, which were £4.5m higher than in the corresponding period last year due to the five additional home games played in the period.

Sponsorship income of £7.0m for the six months was £3.8m up against the corresponding prior period. Corporate hospitality also contributed a strong performance, producing income of £5.9m (2005: £5.3m) boosted by the income from additional cup games.

Media and broadcasting revenues in the period rose by £1.7m, largely due to increased live Sky television appearances compared to the same period last year but also from the sale of broadcasting rights for the club's home UEFA Cup games. This revenue stream will continue to outperform prior years as the new media deals for domestic and overseas rights from the 2007/2008 season are substantially higher.

The merchandising division also improved against the same period last year, with turnover up by £1.5m.

Operating expenses before amortisation were 4% higher at £33.5m, compared to £32.1m in the comparative period, the key increment being player salaries and the additional cost of transporting the team around Europe for Uefa Cup matches.

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets continued to increase, seeing a 30% rise, reflecting continued investment in the squad. This was balanced by the profit on disposal of players.

During the period the club drew down £20m of securitised funding which is repayable over a 16-year period. This was set up to fund investment in the proposed new Academy and First Team Facility. These monies have been ring fenced from operational requirements, together with additional funds from the club's own resources, while the planning process continues.

Daniel Levy, chairman, said: The overall position is a significant improvement as we continue to push every area of the club to perform at its best. The financial position remains strong and we remain in the elite group of Europe's wealthiest clubs, as defined by the Deloitte Football Money League. The key is to build on European progression and ensure we attain greater consistency in the league, and domestic cup competitions."

Financial Highlights

Six months to 31 Dec 06 £m Six months to 31 Dec 05 £m

Turnover 47.8 36.3

Amortisation of intangible fixed assets (8.6) (6.7)

Profit on sale of intangible fixed assets 15.2 8.3

Profit before tax 20.0 4.4

Retained profit for the financial period 13.8 2.5

Earnings per share - basic 14.8p 2.6p

Earnings per share - diluted 7.9p 1.9p

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30-04-2007, 09:34 PM

Quality offsets fatigue;Football
Gianluca Vialli
30 April 2007

Gianluca Vialli : United and Chelsea have defied the odds despite hectic run-ins.

IF YOU HAD ASKED ME before the semi-finals, I would have told you that Chelsea and Manchester United deserved to meet in Athens, mostly for the amazing consistency they have displayed all season. If you are chasing a treble (or, in Chelsea's case, a quadruple), you have proved that your semi-final status is not a fluke, rather you are one of the best around.

Yet, at the same time, I had a hunch that it would be AC Milan and Liverpool who would advance. Given everything that United and Chelsea have been through - particularly fixture pile-ups and injuries - I thought they could falter at the penultimate hurdle.

And yet, United and Chelsea proved me wrong in the first leg. Chelsea matched Liverpool mentally and physically and, if anything, United looked fresher than Milan. This does not mean, however, that United and Chelsea are not fatigued.

Rather, they are handling the exhaustion well.

I have been fortunate to play for teams who went all the way domestically and in Europe and I know how tough it can be when the fixtures come thick and fast. In my opinion, if you put in the hard work ahead of time and came into the season with a solid fitness base, you can weather the rapid succession of big games.

Part of it is psychosomatic. As long as you keep winning and are confident, you don't feel the fatigue as much. But a big part of it is what happens off the pitch and what came before, during pre-season. Most clubs realise that, come the spring, it is impossible to work on fitness training. So you try to maintain - and even top up - the players' fitness levels on the pitch, during matches. It is really the only time when they can push themselves. It can work, as long as they complement this by doing the right things in terms of diet and, particularly, rest.

Indeed, I would suggest that there is only one significant downside to playing so many matches in such a short period of time: when you rush back players from injury and they are less than 100 per cent fit. I have been in that situation and it can be very difficult. On the one hand you're trying to find your match rhythm; on the other you don't have your fitness back, so every game is twice as exhausting.

At this stage of the season, managers also have to worry about the mental side. In this sense, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benitez have an easier job because they have far less at stake in the league. However, Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson have to deal with the title race every day. True, there is a five-point gap after Saturday's matches, but, given the head-to-head clash at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday week, I am convinced that there will be a few twists and turns. And I think the players on both teams know this all too well.

Yet, right now, both sides need to force themselves not to think about the league and focus exclusively on Europe, at least until the semi-finals are decided. You cannot let the disappointment or elation (depending on where you stand) of the weekend affect your preparation. Both managers have been in these situations before, so they will have the experience of knowing what to tell their players.

Whether or not they respond in the right way is a different matter. We will find out in the next few days.

Looking at the match-ups, clearly the one at Old Trafford was more entertaining, reflecting the philosophy of the managers. Both teams simply went for it, believing that the best defence is attack, which, not coincidentally, means that both teams were playing to their strengths. I expect the return leg will be no different and, frankly, it is impossible to make any kind of prediction on the outcome.

Solidity is etched in the DNA of Liverpool and Chelsea, so perhaps it is not surprising that things played out the way they did at Stamford Bridge. We were never going to see the swashbuckling entertainment of the night before. Still, I think that perhaps Liverpool - had they shown a bit more creativity and enterprise on the night - could have done a bit more, given Chelsea's numerous absences.

Speaking of absences, I am sure that many Chelsea fans held their breath when Ricardo Carvalho picked up an injury against Bolton Wanderers. I think he has been an unsung hero this season and his partnership with John Terry is one of the best around. If he is not ready tomorrow, Mourinho will have a difficult decision to make. Regardless of whether he moves Michael Essien into the back four or whether he goes with Khalid Boulahrouz, he will be forced to play a 6ft central defender (and a makeshift one in Essien's case) against Peter Crouch, who is 7in taller. It could be one of the tactical keys to the game. Stay tuned.

qbdp

01-05-2007, 01:22 AM

Scholes shrugs off final ban fear

Paul Scholes will not allow the heartbreaking prospect of missing a second Champions League final to affect his performance in Milan on Wednesday.

Just like Roy Keane, Scholes was sat in the Nou Camp stands on the night Manchester United became champions of Europe in such thrilling fashion against Bayern Munich in 1999, a legacy of a needless booking picked up for dissent in the semi-final win over Juventus.

Eight years on and Scholes will head to Italy this week once again walking a disciplinary tightrope, knowing a yellow card will prevent him from appearing on the greatest stage the European club game has to offer should United preserve their narrow first-leg lead at the San Siro.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze are in exactly the same position. But, while it would be fair to wonder whether that duo's mindset might be affected by potentially missing out on the biggest game of their lives, there are no such fears over Scholes.

"I won't let the bookings situation bother me," he said. "It is just another game to and another chance to get to a Champions League final."

One of the game's most straightforward individuals, Scholes assesses the situation confronting him with a refreshing lack of sentimentality.

"I don't think of it being more important to get through because of what happened to me last time," he said.

"It is a major tournament, one that every team in Europe wants to be involved in.

"It still feels the same as the semi-final was in 1999. We all want to get there and we all want to win it if we do."

A more pertinent point, although one that almost certainly escapes the Scholes radar as well is that, at 32, time is running out for one of the finest English players of his generation to make an indelible mark on the wider game.

Six times a Premiership winner already, Scholes was a major influence behind the remarkable win at Everton on Saturday that will almost certainly ensure he finishes the season with a seventh championship medal in his pocket.

England coach Steve McClaren still shakes his head with a mixture of disbelief and frustration at Scholes' refusal to countenance a return to international combat.

That means any future success the Salford-born player enjoys will be exclusively at club level, and - barring any late transfer to his beloved Oldham - with United.

Scholes is not the type to start making any bold statements about what the Red Devils will achieve in Milan but he does recognise a couple of positive signs.

Seven of the XI which started in the San Siro when United were beaten by the same opponents in the first knockout round two years ago are likely to be in Sir Alex Ferguson's side this week.

Crucially, as well as Scholes and fellow veteran Ryan Giggs, the number includes star youngsters Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

And, while a repeat of the 1-0 defeat United suffered on that occasion would see Milan through, Scholes is hopeful of a more positive outcome.

"It will help having been there before," he said. "We know what we are facing.

"What happened a couple of years ago was a big disappointment. But the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney are a couple of years older now."

Ferguson is likely to stick to his attacking philosophy as doubts persist over his defence.

First-choice central defensive partners Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could be involved but neither can be assured of full match fitness.

Vidic in particular can hardly be expected to reach his peak given he has not played since dislocating his collarbone against Blackburn at the end of last month.

The results of a scan the Serbian is due to have on the injury will determine whether he travels with the United squad, with Ferguson declaring "we will have a decision to make", if the news is positive.

In all likelihood though, the best Ferguson can expect from Vidic is to bolster the bench in a tie where Scholes feels plenty of thrills and spills remain after last week's five-goal epic.

"We never seem to do things the easy way, so there is probably more excitement to come," said the midfielder.

"The goal we scored in the last minute of the first game certainly gave us a boost and I suppose there is a possibility it might disheartened Milan a little bit.

"I can't really see that happening though. It is going to be a very tough game. I just hope we can do a bit better than we did last time."

qbdp

01-05-2007, 09:01 AM

Mourinho puts his job on line by dropping Shevchenko

It is the row that could tear Chelsea apart ahead of the biggest game of their season. Jose Mourinho and Andrei Shevchenko have fallen out over the Chelsea manager's decision to drop the £31m striker from tonight's Champions League semi-final second leg match against Liverpool and Shevchenko will not even be on the bench.

The repercussions for Mourinho's relationship with Roman Abramovich over Shevchenko are likely to be serious, but in the meantime the manager is understood to have the full backing of the other senior players in his squad. Shevchenko became aware on Sunday morning that he was not part of Mourinho's first XI plans for tonight and reported yesterday at their Cobham training ground with what the club have officially described as a groin strain.

As a result, there is understood to be serious disillusionment with Shevchenko among the rest of the Chelsea players. They know that by leaving out the Ukrainian for tonight's game, Mourinho is risking the long-term security of his recent peace deal with Abramovich. That Shevchenko has subsequently not travelled has heightened tensions between the striker and his team-mates, who believe he should be with them regardless of whether he is injured.

Shevchenko was not at the training session at Anfield yesterday evening. Mourinho's decision to drop him may go right to the heart of the club's politics but it would certainly be justified by recent form. There was no outcry when the player was substituted at half-time against Bolton on Saturday, after a half in which he had barely made an impression.

However, it is unlikely that Abramovich will see it that way. The treatment of Shevchenko by Mourinho has been a major sticking point between the Russian billionaire and his manager and this latest episode seems to have the potential to cause another serious rift between the two men. It is not even clear whether Abramovich will be at Anfield tonight, especially after he learns what has taken place in the last two days.

Shevchenko is not the only player that Mourinho has fallen out with over the last week: he is also understood to be furious with Michael Ballack for going ahead with ankle surgery in Munich. Mourinho wanted the player to play on until the end of the season with his side in an injury crisis but now the German has risked his manager's wrath by independently deciding to have the operation.

Arjen Robben is back in the squad tonight for the first time since 19 March.

Without Shevchenko, it is expected that Mourinho, whose side lead 1-0 from the first leg, will now start with Salomon Kalou in his forward line, as well as Didier Drogba and Joe Cole. Ricardo Carvalho, the Chelsea manager insisted, will not be fit despite the Chelsea medical team's huge effort to get him ready. It was telling that in his press conference yesterday, Mourinho did not even mention Shevchenko or the notion that he was injured. While Shevchenko was not discussed, Mourinho was in one of his more sullen moods yesterday although the same could not be said of Rafael Benitez who, uncharacteristically went on the attack against the Chelsea manager. Mocking Mourinho's injury worries he also said that the decision by the Portuguese to rest key players against Bolton on Saturday had "cost" him his chance of the Premiership title.

"Carvalho's loss is not a big difference for them," Benitez said. "They have Essien as an option. Who is better, Carvalho or Essien? In January [when Essien played], I think they didn't have 'the best defender in the world'. That was Terry. Now they 'don't have the best defender in the world'. That is Carvalho. Each time they have some problems.

"People talk about Benitez against Mourinho, but you cannot change things from the bench if the players don't perform. They are the key. The managers can talk, but they cannot score. I prefer not to talk about these things because we will not change the personality of the other person. I prefer to talk about the players. They will be the stars."

There was a certain edginess between the two men about the choice of tonight's Spanish referee, Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez, who, ironically, also took charge of Liverpool's win over Milan in the 2005 final as well as the comeback against Olympiakos in the same competition. Benitez played down the significance of having a compatriot as the referee - "We can change the referee if you want and have a Portuguese one," he said, "it's not a problem".

Mourinho sounded as if he would like a bigger say on the choice of referee but reined himself in. "I can't imagine what you'd say if he was Portuguese," he said, "but he is a top referee and I prefer a top Spanish referee than a bad referee from another nationality".

The atmosphere at Anfield will also play its part tonight although Mourinho dismissed any negative effect it might have on his players. "I can't see players like [Claude] Makelele not sleeping tonight because of that," he said. "Everyone wants to play in a great atmosphere."

Benitez even joked that "only our supporters can score goals" in reference to Mourinho's claim that Luis Garcia's controversial semi-final winner two years ago was only given because of the roar of the Kop. But he added that the fans would be crucial. "If you know the history of our club, you don't need to say anything else. Our fans will have the last word. It's easier for me. I don't need to give a team talk now."

On Mourinho he finished with a Spanish phrase: "'No ofende quien quiere sino quien puede' means 'you can talk, but you cannot offend me'. Our supporters will be more focused and more behind their team. It's not the club. It's one person [Mourinho] talking. I have a lot of respect for their club, but this is one person talking."

Mourinho said that his opponents would be "Peter Crouch plus 10" with the emphasis on attack if they were to overturn the one-goal lead and take advantage of Essien's unfamiliarity with the centre-back position. As for Abramovich's feelings? "He will be very proud because a team with so many problems is surviving in May with so much to play for," Mourinho said.

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No Shevchenko, Ballack and Carvalho for Chelsea tonight. If Liverpool still can't win tonight then their season is totally fucked!

giggsgiggs

01-05-2007, 10:23 AM

I go t a feeling Liverpool will win and go to CL Final

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01-05-2007, 01:33 PM

Football: Blanket alcohol ban for Milan v Man Utd decider
GLE

ROME, April 30, 2007 (AFP) -

Authorities in Milan have enforced a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol this Wednesday in a bid to stave off the threat of trouble between Manchester United and AC Milan fans.

AC Milan host United for the second leg of their semi-final a week after United won the first leg 3-2 at Old Trafford.

More than 5,000 United supporters are expected in Milan for the decider, and local authorities, fearing an alcohol-fuelled free-for-all following several incidents prior to and during United's quarter-final against Roma, have banned the sale of alcohol in shops througout the city and the airport.

The only place fans will be able to drink alcohol is in restaurants.

The decision seems to be inspired by the authorities in Rome, who said alcohol was the main reason behind the dozen or so incidents which marred the first leg of United's quarter-final against Roma in the Italian capital.

However there remains widespread doubt that the alcohol ban in Milan will be respected.

The day after the Roma v United match the Italian media reported that despite a similar ban in Rome spirits and beer were seen to be freely on sale.

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01-05-2007, 01:36 PM

Football: IRWIN: SIR ALEX WON'T BE GOING ANYWHERE
Garry DOYLE Chief Soccer Writer

OLD TRAFFORD LEGEND ON WHY FERGIE HAS TIME ON HIS SIDE

MANCHESTER United's Irish legend Denis Irwin believes Alex Ferguson is years away from retiring - and won't let go of the Old Trafford reins until Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo pass their prime.

Irwin won 13 major trophies, including seven Premiership titles and the Champions League in his 12 years under Ferguson - and can't see his old mentor packing it in.

Not when the third great side Fergie is building is on the brink of emulating Irwin's class of 1999 by winning the Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

And not when Ronaldo and Rooney are just beginning to come to the boil.

Irwin said: "I think the fact he has such a good side now would make him reluctant to relinquish control of it.

"I'd say he is looking at the youthful nature of his players - Ronaldo is 22, Rooney is 21 - and saying, 'I'll hang on for a bit longer'.

"Plus, I don't think there would be an awful lot for him to do if he retired. I mean football is his life. I don't know what he would do if he finished football. So I'd say he'll hang on for a bit longer."

By hanging on way beyond his original retirement date in 2002, Ferguson has seen this current team mature into a swashbuckling outfit, one that is now on the brink of something special.

Saturday saw them place one hand on the Premiership crown with a stunning win at Goodison Park which saw them recover from a 2-0 deficit to beat Everton 4-2.

In doing so there were echoes of that infamous late win over Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 - when Steve Bruce scored two late goals to turn the Championship tide their way.

Irwin was part of that first great Ferguson side - and provided a link between 1993 and 1999 when the treble was secured.

So how does the class of 2007 compare to those previous sides? And can they win another treble?

Irwin said: "It's possible but there is still such a long way to go.

"It's amazing when you get to this stage of the season how fine a line it is between success and failure.

"I remember going for the FA Cup and League - in 1995 - and ending up with neither. But the Premiership is firmly in their own hands now.

"It's too early to say if they will win the other two competitions and tomorrow's game in the San Siro is delicately poised.

"While they impressed by coming back from 2-1 down to beat Milan last week, winning in the San Siro is a different proposition.

"Milan will try to dictate the game, slow it down a little bit whereas United would like to keep the tempo high.

"But sometimes, away from home, it is harder to keep a high tempo and they may have to play with a bit more caution."

Playing with caution is not within the United coaching manual, though - and herein lies a notable difference between Irwin's 1999 side and the current United batch.

Irwin said: "This side - with Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggsy and Scholesy has more goalscoring power - and that's been seen by the fact that they have scored 20 more goals than Chelsea this year."

Five of those goals have come from John O'Shea, who sparked Saturday's comeback with a closerange effort.

Considering too that he got the winner on his last trip to Merseyside, when his 90th minute goal saw off Liverpool, and considering that Saturday was his 44th game of the campaign then it is hard to see how people can say that O'Shea is a makeweight at Old Trafford.

Irwin said: "All in all, if there was a strongest XI available, a lot of fans wouldn't put John in that XI but when you are at a club like United, it is not all about the XI, it is about the squad. You need as big a squad as possible.

"John fits into that. He has done fantastically well whenever he has come into the team and the fact that he is popping up with a few goals now is adding another string to his bow."

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01-05-2007, 01:38 PM

Football: NEVILLE KO FOR REDS & ENGLAND
By ALAN NIXON

SKIPPER Gary Neville is out for the rest of Manchester United's season in a bitter blow for the right-back and boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Neville (right) has been recovering slowly from the ankle injury he picked up against Bolton in March and new scans have revealed worse damage than first thought.

The defender has ligament trouble and bruising that means he will be laid up for over a month more - which ends his United campaign.

It is a desperate setback for Neville who will miss the run-in for the title, a possible Champions League final and the FA Cup showdown with Chelsea.

Neville's injury also makes him a major doubt for England's end-of-season double header with Brazil and Estonia. United would not be keen for him to play in those fixtures after being out for so long.

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01-05-2007, 01:40 PM

Football: SIR ALEX: HUNGER IS KEY TO SUCCESS
by DAVID ANDERSON
1 May 2007

EXCLUSIVE MILAN v MAN UTD, TOMORROW, 7.45PM

SIR ALEX FERGUSON claims the secret of his Manchester United Treble chasers is hunger.

The Old Trafford boss cites Ryan Giggs as an example of the club's insatiable appetite for success.

The veteran winger is desperate to get his hands on more silverware - even though he is already the most decorated player in United's history. And Ferguson takes great heart from his side's intense desire to win as they prepare for the toughest test yet of their Treble credentials against AC Milan in the San Siro tomorrow.

The United boss said: "It's a great squad and what I like about the bunch of lads we have is their hunger and spirit.

"We have a good young team, who are starting to mature and they have that all-important desire to win.

"Look at Giggsy, he's 33 and he's been in the first team since he was 16.

"He's made his money, he doesn't need to play the game anymore, but this is what he lives for. He's lost none of his appetite.

"The players have an attitude and desire to score all the time. They are desperate to win games and score goals, which is a fantastic attitude to have.

"You see the atmosphere in the dressing room and that's a great help to me.

"I see enthusiasm, camaraderie and team spirit and I can go to bed at night knowing I've got a great team."

Fergie says this hunger is also evident in Cristiano Ronaldo and claims the Portuguese is the world's best player because he works so hard at his game.

"The truth is there is no short-cut to becoming a great player," he said.

"Like anything else in life, if you want anything bad enough, then it is hard work and sacrifice that will get you to the top.

"What makes Ronaldo such a great player is his commitment to succeed and the sacrifices he has made. The best sportsmen practise and practise and Ronaldo is still practising after an hour's training session. That's his sacrifice."

The San Siro was the graveyard of United's Champions League hopes two years ago when Milan won 1-0 to wrap up a 2-0 aggregate victory.

Ferguson, who hopes to have Rio Ferdinand back from his groin injury, says the likes of Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney were boys then, but are men now.

United take a slender 3-2 lead into the semifinal return and Ferguson said: "Players such as Rooney and Ronaldo were not ready for those kind of nights two years ago and found it difficult against experienced and accomplished opponents.

"How different they look now. The boys have become men."

Rooney, 21, is on a double mission - in order to win a wager with his boss.

The England striker bet Fergie he would score 25 goals and needs just two more after bagging eight in his last eight games.

Rooney said: "There's not a lot of money involved, but it's a nice incentive."

epsilon

01-05-2007, 03:37 PM

AC Milan v Man Utd

Champions League semi-final, 2nd leg
Date: Wednesday, 2 May
Kick-off: 1945 BST
First leg: 2-3
Venue: San Siro
Listen: BBC Radio Five Live
Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will be available but veteran defender Paolo Maldini is a possible absentee.

Both players picked up injuries in the first leg and while Gattuso is expected to recover, Maldini is likely to miss out with a knee injury.

Belgian referee Frank de Bleeckere will take charge of the match.

Manchester United team news to follow.

Belgian referee Frank de Bleeckere will take charge of the match.

BIG MATCH STATS

Definitions of terms used:-

Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

Head-to-heads

AC Milan and Manchester United have met seven times before in European competition, United winning three and AC Milan the other four. Milan have won all three matches played in Italy, all without conceding a goal. The Italians have knocked United out each time they have met in Europe.

AC Milan have hosted English clubs on 11 previous occasions and are yet to lose, winning six and drawing five. Manchester United have visited Italy 12 times, winning just twice and losing nine times.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have all knocked AC Milan out of European competition. The last to do so over two legs was Manchester City in the 1978-79 Uefa Cup.

European history

Milan are taking part in the Champions League main competition for the 11th time. They are two times winners of the Champions League and have added these to four Champions Cup triumphs. Last season, Milan were eliminated in the CL semi-finals by eventual winners FC Barcelona. Apart from their six Champions Cups, Milan have also won the now obsolete Cup Winners' Cup twice. They have featured in a record five CL finals, since the competition was launched in 1992-93.

Manchester United are playing in their 31st season of European competition and their 12th in the Champions League. They have won all three European finals they have reached, the 1968 Champions Cup final, 1991 Cup Winners' Cup final and the 1999 Champions League final.

Current European form

AC Milan have struggled in recent home matches, losing 0-2 to Lille OSC, requiring extra time to beat Celtic 1-0 and drawing 2-2 with Bayern Munich.

Manchester United have lost three of their five away matches in this season's Champions League, winning only at Benfica and Lille.

Player and disciplinary info

Patrice Evra is suspended against AC Milan. Gabriel Heinze, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes (Man. Utd) and Paolo Maldini (AC Milan) will be suspended for the final if they receive another caution and their team progresses.

Maldini is AC Milan's most experienced player in the Champions League with 104 matches. Filippo Inzaghi has scored 36 Champions League goals in his career, the most by a current Milan player. Kaka and Marek Jankulovski are the only AC Milan players who have played all 11 Champions League matches this season. Kaka has scored nine of the 15 AC Milan goals in this year's Champions League, and has more goals to his name in the Champions League than in Serie A this season.

Wayne Rooney could become the first English player ever to score in four successive Champions League matches. Gary Neville is Manchester United's most experienced player in the Champions League with 98 matches. Ryan Giggs is the club's current top scorer in the competition with 23 goals. Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick and Rooney have played in all 11 of United's Champions League matches this season. Only Van der Sar is yet to miss a minute.

Other miscellaneous facts

AC Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti has reached the Champions League semis for a record fifth time. Sir Alex Ferguson has taken Manchester United to this stage for the fourth time.

This match will be Manchester United's 127th in the Champions League, equalling Real Madrid's record.

Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports

qbdp

02-05-2007, 12:13 AM

Fergie hits back at Mourinho
1/ 5/2007

SIR Alex Ferguson has launched a furious attack on Jose Mourinho following the Chelsea manager's latest outburst about Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mourinho branded Ronaldo a "liar" last week for questioning his claim that 'new rules' were in operation in the Premier League which prevented Chelsea from getting a penalty and United from conceding one.

Ferguson hit back with predictable force, although that only triggered another personal retort from Mourinho, who accused Ronaldo of being uneducated because he came from working-class family in Madeira.

The attack is clearly a step too far for Ferguson, a socialist to the core, who takes immense pride in his own roots forged the shipyards of Govan.

And the Scot has now rounded on Mourinho, who was brought up in the comfort of a middle-class family in Setubal.

"I don't know why he has done this," said Ferguson.

Principles

"Maybe he is trying to unsettle the boy. But it is really below the belt to bring class into it.

"Just because you come from a poor, working-class background does not mean to say you are not educated.

"What Ronaldo has are principles, that is why he has not responded to it.

"Other people are educated but have no principles."

Ferguson has declared his desire to draw a line under the row, although that seems highly unlikely given the number of times United must face Chelsea before the campaign reaches its conclusion.

The Red Devils are due at Stamford Bridge in eight days' time for the game which, providing the title has not already been tied up by then, could see Ferguson's men crowned champions.

The pair will then meet at Wembley on May 19 in the FA Cup final, when one of them will be thirsting to gain revenge for their failure to win the league.

In addition, it is already certain England's top two will collide in next season's Community Shield, while the possibility of a Champions League epic in Athens on May 23 could become a reality over the next 24 hours.

Foursome

02-05-2007, 12:44 AM

Defenders Vidic and Ferdinand travel to Italy
Updated: May 1, 2007

Defensive duo Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both flew out to Milan on Tuesday morning, with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson still to decide whether to name them in his Champions League semi-final line-up.

JohnWalton/Empics
Nemanja Vidic could return from injury

The Red Devils take a 3-2 lead into the decider against AC Milan at the San Siro, but Ferguson knows the presence of Vidic and Ferdinand could be invaluable as they look to preserve their narrow lead.

Ferdinand aggravated a groin injury against Middlesbrough 10 days ago and Vidic has not played since breaking a collarbone in the Premiership triumph over Blackburn on March 31.

However, Ferguson was optimistic enough over both players to name them in his travelling party.

'It is too early to say whether they will play,' said the Scot. 'They will travel and we will assess the situation after training tonight.'

With Patrice Evra suspended, the odds are at least one of them will play, allowing Gabriel Heinze to switch into his favoured left-back role.

Louis Saha could be on the bench despite his recent hamstring problems although the absence of Gary Neville will only fuel speculation the United skipper's ankle injury will rule him out for the season.

Three men: Heinze, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes - who famously missed the 1999 Champions League final - are one caution away from a ban, although Ferguson will hope the trio remain fully focused on steering United to what would be only their third European Cup final.

Twice before, in 1958 and 1969, United have fallen to Milan at this stage of the competition.

Ferguson himself has suffered semi-final defeats against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.

But, a better statistic for United followers is that their club have not lost a European tie after winning the first leg since 1985 and have never done so under Ferguson.

Provisional squad: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Fletcher, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Richardson, Eagles, Saha, Smith, Solskjaer, Rooney, Dong.

epsilon

02-05-2007, 01:30 AM

Ferguson has faith in fair play
Tuesday, 1 May 2007

by Michael Harroldfrom Milan

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Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the spirit in which AC Milan and his side play the game should ensure there is no repeat of the disciplinary heartache Paul Scholes and Roy Keane suffered in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League eight years ago.

'Tragedy'
Both players missed United's 2-1 victory against FC Bayern München in the 1999 final after collecting yellow cards in the second leg of their last-four triumph against Juventus. With United players Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze, as well as Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, all one booking away from a suspension that would rule them out of the Athens showpiece, Sir Alex hopes history will not repeat itself. "I think it's a tragedy to miss a final," he said, as his team aim to build on last week's thrilling 3-2 victory.

'Confidence'
"My biggest confidence is in AC Milan because I don't think they're a team who do anything bad to get players booked because there's no point to it. Neither team benefits because we don't play each other again. It's a semi-final so it can only help the opponents in the final. From what I've seen in the last two games against AC Milan - the last game, and the two before, two years ago [in the first knockout round] - there was absolutely no evidence of anything wrong.

Maldini praise
"You only have to go back a week and see the manner and spirit in which the game was played in Manchester. I think it was a credit to both sets of players and their professionalism, and I expect the same tomorrow. Paolo Maldini, I believe, is also on two yellows and I think if Milan were to beat us, I think everybody would want to see Maldini in the final. I would like to, because I'll be in Athens no matter whether it's with United or to see the final, and I think a tournament like that should get the best players. For me, it would be fantastic to see Maldini at 38 years of age playing in a European final."

'Thrilling spectacle'
UEFA President Michel Platini praised both clubs for the manner in which the first leg was played, describing the match as a "thrilling spectacle" and a "positive advertisement for European football". They are comments Carlo Ancelotti clearly took to heart. "I'm pleased he said that because, at the moment, it is very important to represent Italian football in the best way," said the Milan coach. "We need to follow the example of other countries in order to improve the situation at hom

epsilon

02-05-2007, 01:32 AM

Jordan chooses United over Milan
Tuesday, 1 May 2007

by Alex O'Henleyfrom Glasgow

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Former Manchester United FC striker Joe Jordan believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side have the edge over another of his former clubs, AC Milan, as they prepare for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Slight favourites
Jordan, who played for United between 1978 and 1981 before spending two seasons at Milan, feels Wayne Rooney's added-time winner in last week's 3-2 triumph at Old Trafford makes the English team slight favourites to progress to the final in Athens. "At 2-1 up it looked good for Milan but United showed great character to come back the way they did in the second half," the Scot told uefa.com. "At 2-2 you would still have fancied Milan because they had scored two goals away from home. However, Rooney's goal right at the death changed the complexion of the tie. It will still be tough but that goal has given United a good chance of going through."

Absent defenders
As was feared in the first leg, United could start at San Siro without their recognised back four, although there is an outside chance Nemanja Vidić may make it. Jordan - nicknamed 'Lo Squalo' (The Shark) for his gap-toothed appearance and wholehearted approach during his stay in Italy - prefers to concentrate on the attacking threat posed by the likes of Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo rather than missing personnel.

Attacking menace
"Ideally Sir Alex would prefer to have the likes of Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Vidić at his disposal, but he faced the same dilemma in the first leg and they overcame that difficulty," said the 55-year-old Jordan, now first-team coach at Portsmouth FC. "The key to United's result at Old Trafford was the quality of their attackers, especially Rooney and Ronaldo. They have real pace going forward and if they adopt that approach on Wednesday, United will make it tough for Milan."

All-English affair
With Chelsea FC or Liverpool FC guaranteed a place in the final, Jordan, who lost two European finals with Leeds United AFC in the mid-1970s - including the 1973 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup against the Rossoneri - is hoping United can make it an all-Premiership affair on 23 May. Jordan said: "It's great for English football to have three teams in the semi-finals. Obviously it would be good to have an all-English final, but you would never write off Milan as they are very capable of getting the 1-0 result that would take them through. Having connections with both clubs, I suppose I can't lose either way, but as I said I just feel that goal from Rooney could prove decisive one way or another."

epsilon

02-05-2007, 01:34 AM

Rooney hoping to shine again
Tuesday, 1 May 2007

by Kevin Ashbyfrom Manchester

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He may have played the support act to Cristiano Ronaldo's leading man for much of Manchester United FC's season, but Wayne Rooney proved against AC Milan that he is not the type to stay in the shadows for long.

Bright young things
The meeting of the red halves of Manchester and Milan had been billed as a showdown between football's brightest young things, Ronaldo and Kaká. Yet it was apt that Rooney, epitomising more than anyone the never-say-die spirit of Sir Alex Ferguson's treble-chasers, should outshine both by scoring twice - including an added-time winner - on a thrilling night at Old Trafford to ensure United travel to Italy on Wednesday with a 3-2 lead and in expectation rather than hope of reaching the Athens final.

'Feeling good'
"I think Kaká showed how good he is with his two goals and Ronaldo has proved himself all season by playing well week in, week out," Rooney told uefa.com. But his own contribution to United's epic campaign should not be underestimated. That double strike in the first leg took him level on 22 goals for the season with Ronaldo and he is hungry for more. "It's the end of the season and I'm feeling good, feeling fit, and hopefully I can keep playing and scoring goals."

Ruthless
Rooney may have taken time to find his feet in the UEFA Champions League, going 17 matches without a goal prior to his home-and-away efforts against AS Roma, but the 21-year-old displayed a ruthless touch against Milan. He registered his first with a finish which matched the deftness of Paul Scholes's flicked pass. For the second he reached Ryan Giggs's pass ahead of Alessandro Nesta before dispatching the ball with equal parts power and precision inside Dida's near post in added time.

'Pegged them back'
"The last goal was so important, to get it at the end, and I'm just delighted we got the win," he said. "In the first half they had a couple of chances and took them so it hurt us a bit. In the second we pegged them right back and knew that if we had chances we had to take them. We kept pressurising them to make chances and fortunately we got the two goals at the end so we're delighted."

Lone role
Rooney's brace came from a position he has not enjoyed in the past, that of the lone striker, as Sir Alex opted to omit Alan Smith and use Darren Fletcher as a midfield anchor alongside Michael Carrick - the duo providing the platform for the increased second-half tempo which culminated in Rooney's late heroics. The match-winner said of his manager: "He told us at half-time to keep playing, keep going forward and that's what we did. We kept going and didn't let our heads go down and got the win in the end."

Three fronts
Rooney sees "no reason" to alter in Italy an attacking policy which has served United wonderfully well this season, and could yet prove the difference between Premiership glory and another second-placed finish. With an FA Cup final against Chelsea FC also on the horizon, he is hopeful United can triumph at home and in Europe. "I'd like to win all of them to be honest," he said, laughing. "Personally I'd most like to win the league, being from England and watching the Premiership all my life, so hopefully we can win that and do well in the Champions League as well. It would be a dream come true, a Champions League final. It's what all players want to do."

epsilon

02-05-2007, 01:36 AM

Old loyalties sway Desailly
Friday, 27 April 2007

by Michael Harrold & Kevin Ashbyfrom Manchester

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The week's two UEFA Champions League semi-finals provided contrasting spectacles. In Manchester, a thrilling free-flowing match lived up to its billing; in London Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC picked up from where they left off two years ago as caution proved the defining feature of a tight first leg at Stamford Bridge. The prospect of an all-English semi-final may have raised the stakes in west London and on Merseyside, but for the neutral the main attraction was at Old Trafford.

'Fear'
After smashing seven past AS Roma attention focused on how AC Milan would react to the expected early onslaught on Dida's goal. Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth-minute header provided the answer. "After five minutes there is obviously the fear United can go goal crazy," the Rossoneri's Brazilian playmaker Kaká said. "Our thoughts went back to Roma." It is unusual to hear a Milan player speaking of fear, but it indicates just how revered United's attacking threat has become. Whether prising open a defence as Paul Scholes's deft pass did to create space for Wayne Rooney's equaliser or bursting forward on the break for the winner, former Milan midfielder Marcel Desailly believes there are no better proponents of attacking football in Europe today.

"They can play collectively, each of them can play individually, but most of all they can all make the difference"

'The best'
"Not only counterattacking, for me they're the best team in Europe, especially if they stay in their classic 4-4-2 formation," Desailly, a UEFA Champions League winner with Olympique de Marseille and Milan, told uefa.com. "They manage to keep a good shape. They can make the difference at any time – [Ryan] Giggs on the left, Cristiano Ronaldo, Scholes, Wayne Rooney and [Louis] Saha if he is fit. It is the best team. They can play collectively, each of them can play individually, but most of all they can all make the difference." Belief in their ability kept United in the tie even after two quick Kaká goals had turned the match on its head. "We thought it was going to be Manchester's game from beginning to end, but the Italians managed to establish control before they lost a lot of energy in the second half. Manchester scored the second to come back, and the third one in the last minute. Against an Italian team with so much experience they took advantage of the mistakes of Milan."

Attacking philosophy
It was telling in the build up that manager Sir Alex Ferguson, after having it pointed out to him that virtually his full first-choice defence was unavailable, responded by saying that at least his "big players" were fit. Attack is the key to defence at Old Trafford, in contrast to the philosophies expounded by rivals José Mourinho and Rafael Benítez. Mourinho's decision to settle for a 1-0 victory rather than press home his advantage at Stamford Bridge says everything about his belief in the immense trio of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Petr Čech keeping Liverpool at bay at Anfield. Benítez, meanwhile, will be looking for the sort of inspiration Ancelotti has come to rely on.

'Tricky'
"They are lucky they have Kaká," Desailly said of the Brazilian whose two goals put his side 2-1 up on the night. "The rest of the team is a kind of group behind Kaká. United have plenty of players who at any moment can make the difference. That's why Milan should have been more focused on the advantage they had, knowing it's going to be hard in the return. How do Milan approach that game now? They are going to attack knowing that Manchester have the capacity at any minute to make the difference. It's a real tricky situation for AC Milan now."

'Rhythm'
The same could be said for Liverpool. "It's two teams who know each other well and it will be the side who gets a bit down physically who loses, as that will lead to mistakes and the other team will take advantage," said Desailly, who reached the last four with Chelsea in 2004 a decade after lifting the trophy with Milan. As Chelsea fight for trophies on three fronts the physical demands are rising, but Desailly believes they have hit their stride. "You're either at the top or you're not. They [Chelsea] have the squad to handle that. As a player you want frequent games instead of long periods out, it keeps you in the rhythm of the game. You know it's the end of the season and you're trying to reach your objective so you want to play." With Athens in sight, loyalty ensures Desailly can only see one outcome: "I expect to see Chelsea and Milan, my last two clubs, in the final."

epsilon

02-05-2007, 01:39 AM

Rossoneri undaunted by United

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AC Milan will look to turn the clock back almost 50 years when Manchester United FC visit the Giuseppe Meazza defending a 3-2 lead in the UEFA Champions League semi-final.

• It was in May 1958 in the last four of the European Champion Clubs' Cup that Milan became the first and so far only team to overturn a first-leg deficit against United in Europe's élite competition. Then as now Milan lost a lead at Old Trafford and succumbed to a late goal, going down 2-1 to a Tommy Taylor strike on 80 minutes.

• Milan undid the damage on home soil, however, as Juan Schiaffino (2), Nils Liedholm and Giancarlo Danova earned the Rossoneri a handsome 4-0 victory. Save for that reverse, United have won 22 ties in the European Cup and UEFA Champions League - qualifiers included - in which they have held an advantage from the first leg.

• United hold the upper hand this time thanks to Wayne Rooney's added-time winner in a thrilling first leg. Milan appeared in control at the interval at Old Trafford as they responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's early header with two goals from Kaká. However, Rooney made it 2-2 on 59 minutes before flashing the ball past Dida for a second time moments from the end.

• United are within one victory of a century of wins in the European Cup, including qualifying, a feat that has only been achieved by three other clubs. Real Madrid CF have been successful 173 times in Europe's premier club competition, followed by FC Bayern München (115) and semi-final rivals Milan (106).

• In 50 years of European competition, United have surrendered a winning position only four times, that 1958 loss to Milan included. The most recent instance was in the 1984/85 UEFA Cup quarter-finals against Székesfehérvári Videoton SC. Following a 1-0 home win they were then beaten by the same scoreline in Hungary before bowing out 5-4 on penalties.

• For their part, Milan have faced a first-leg deficit six times before in Europe's élite competition and won through on half of those occasions. Their most recent victory in these circumstances was in the 1968/69 first round where they overcame Malmö FF 4-1 on home soil after a 2-1 loss in Sweden.

• Their most recent defeat, meanwhile, was in last season's semi-final against FC Barcelona where they went down 1-0 at home before a goalless draw at the Camp Nou.

• The last time Milan retrieved a first-leg loss in any European club competition came in their UEFA Cup quarter-final against Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC in March 2002. After a 1-0 away reverse, Milan triumphed 2-0 at San Siro through a Rui Costa strike and Shimon Gershon's own goal.

• Milan have a 100 per cent record against United in two-legged contests. Following that first confrontation in the 1957/58 European Cup semi-final, the sides met again at the semi-final stage in 1968/69. Milan won 2-1 on aggregate, following up a 2-0 home success with a 1-0 defeat in Manchester, where present-day United director Sir Bobby Charlton found the net.

• The Rossoneri recorded 1-0 victories both at home and away in the teams' first knockout round encounter in 2004/05, Hernán Crespo claiming the only goal on both occasions.

• The teams for the second leg of that tie in Milan on 8 March 2005 were:
Milan: Dida, Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini, Gattuso (Costacurta 88), Pirlo, Seedorf, Rui Costa (Dhorasoo 85), Kaká, Crespo (Ambrosini 78).
United: Howard, Brown (Smith 85), Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze, Ronaldo, Keane, Scholes, Rooney, Giggs (Fortune 57), Van Nistelrooy.

• Milan have never lost at home to English opposition, recording six wins and five draws in eleven matches.

• Carlo Ancelotti's side have had mixed fortunes at home in the UEFA Champions League this season. In the group stage they defeated AEK Athens FC 3-0 and RSC Anderlecht 4-1 before losing 2-0 to LOSC Lille Métropole with qualification already assured. In the first knockout round they beat Celtic FC 1-0 through Kaká's extra-time goal, thus securing an aggregate win by the same scoreline. Then in the quarter-finals they were held 2-2 at home by FC Bayern München before a 2-0 away success.

• United have lost three of five away games in their 2006/07 campaign. In the group stage they beat SL Benfica 1-0 in September but went down by the same score at Celtic FC and FC København. Ryan Giggs earned them a 1-0 win at Lille in the first knockout round – setting them on the path to a 2-0 aggregate success – while in the quarter-finals, they succumbed 2-1 at AS Roma but made amends in spectacular fashion with a 7-1 home triumph.

• That defeat at Roma was United's ninth in 12 visits to Italy. They have won only twice away to Serie A opposition but their first success was against a Juventus side under Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti in the 1999 UEFA Champions League semi-final. Famously United trailed 2-0 to two goals from Filippo Inzaghi – now a Milan player - before replying through efforts from Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole to triumph 3-2 on the night and 4-3 overall.

• Milan are aiming to reach their tenth European Cup final and United their third. The Italian team's most recent final appearance was two years ago, where they lost to Liverpool FC on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Istanbul. It was in 1999, meanwhile, that United were last in the final, overcoming FC Bayern München 2-1 in Barcelona.

• Overall Milan have previously been semi-finalists eleven times in this competition and only twice have they failed to go on to the final – losing to Real Madrid CF in 1955/56 and to FC Barcelona last season. Milan reached the 1992/93 final direct from the group stage.

• United's record at this stage of Europe's élite competition is less impressive, their eight previous semi-finals bringing just two victories. The most recent of their six semi-final losses came five years ago when they went down on away goals to Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

• Milan would play another Premiership team if they reached the final. Besides their 2005 defeat by Liverpool, they have won their two other UEFA finals against English clubs. They defeated Leeds United AFC 1-0 in the 1972/73 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final and Arsenal FC 2-0 on aggregate in the 1994 UEFA Super Cup, played in February 1995.

• United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar played in Serie A between 1999 and 2001 with Juventus, while Mikaël Silvestre, out for the season with a shoulder injury, spent the 1998/99 campaign at Inter. His fellow French defender Patrice Evra also played in Italy in the late 1990s for Marsala Calcio and Monza Calcio but never in the top flight.

• The winners will face either Chelsea FC or Liverpool in the final on 23 May in Athens and will be designated as the home team.

epsilon

02-05-2007, 01:52 AM

Sir Alex has faith in Rossoneri

Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that AC Milan will not look to exploit the fact that three United players are walking a suspension tightrope in Wednesday night’s Champions League semi-final showdown.

Should the Reds negotiate a route past Carlo Ancelotti’s side, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze would all miss the final if they are booked in the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

In last Tuesday’s semi-final, first leg and 2005’s second round double-header, however, Sir Alex saw no reason to fear tactical skulduggery from the Italians. He does, however, admit that his trio could be fearing the worst.

“I think it is a pressure on the players, it must be,” admitted Sir Alex at his pre-match press briefing. “But I hope that there’s fairness from the referee. It’s a big game for him, he’s a young referee with a good reputation and I’m hopeful that it’s done the right way.

“My biggest confidence is in AC Milan because I don’t think they’re a team who would do anything to get players booked. There’s no point to it, neither team benefits because we don’t play each other again. It can only help the opponents in the final.

“In the games I’ve seen against AC Milan, there’s no evidence of anything wrong. You only have to go back one week to see the manner and the spirit in which the game was played in Manchester. I think it was a credit to both sets of players and their professionalism. I expect the same on Wednesday.

With Milan skipper Paolo Maldini in a similarly precarious disciplinary situation, Sir Alex is confident that fair play will prevail ahead of the showpiece final in Athens in three weeks’ time.

“Maldini is also on two yellows, and I think that if Milan were to beat us, everyone would want to see Maldini in the final,” he said.

“I’ll be in Athens, no matter whether it’s with United or to see the final, and I think a tournament like the Champions League needs the best players. For me it would be fantastic to see Maldini, at the age of 39, playing in a European final.”

epsilon

02-05-2007, 02:06 AM

AC Milan - Manchester United FC
MATCH PRESS KIT
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Wednesday, 2 May 2007 - 20:45CET
Semi-finals, second leg - Matchday 12

Download here (http://www.uefa.com/printoutfiles/competitions/ucl/2006/e/e_300139_pk.pdf)

Theme1

02-05-2007, 12:24 PM

Football: Nemanja Vidic passed fit to play for Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final in Milan tomorrow

Man Utd centre-back available for tomorrow's Champions League semi-final second leg.

Nemanja Vidic has recovered from a broken collarbone and should return to the Manchester United defence for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final in Milan tomorrow.

Vidic, who last played against Blackburn on March 31, passed a fitness test and is likely to play alongside either Wes Brown or Rio Ferdinand, who has also travelled with the squad despite his recent groin injury, in the San Siro. With Patrice Evra suspended, the return of Vidic would allow Gabriel Heinze to switch into his favoured left-back role.

Louis Saha could be on the bench despite his recent hamstring problems, although the absence of Gary Neville will only fuel speculation that the United skipper's ankle injury will rule him out for the season.

Three men - Heinze, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes, who famously missed the 1999 Champions League final - are one caution away from a ban, although Ferguson will hope the trio remain fully focused on steering United to what would be only their third European Cup final.

Twice before, in 1958 and 1969, United have fallen to Milan at this stage of the competition. Ferguson himself has suffered semi-final defeats against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. But, a better statistic for United followers is that their club have not lost a European tie after winning the first leg since 1985 and have never done so under Ferguson.

Milan could be without their captain and centre-back Paolo Maldini. Kakha Kaladze, available again after suspension, is the obvious replacement if Maldini fails to recover from the knee injury he sustained at Old Trafford and has prevented him from training normally since.

The Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti admits that the 38-year-old skipper, who made his first-team debut for the Rossoneri in 1985 as a 16-year-old, has only a slim chance of playing.

Another of the walking wounded from the first leg, the snarling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, is available after recovering from a foot injury and the Milan coach has all his regulars available barring the cup-tied Ronaldo and possibly Maldini. Ancelotti has indicated Filippo Inzaghi rather than Alberto Gilardino will play up front.

Theme1

02-05-2007, 12:28 PM

Football: United supporters handed Ultras warning
Guardian Unlimited

Evidence uncovered suggesting Roma's Ultras are heading to Milan ahead of Man Utd's trip there.

Manchester United supporters have been warned of a security scare ahead of tomorrow night's Champions League semi-final with Milan, after evidence was uncovered suggesting that Roma's Ultras are planning to head to the game.

Violence has marred United's last two ventures into Europe, with trouble erupting both inside and outside the grounds at their matches with Lille and Roma. Although Uefa indicated United were the secondary party in both instances, the club were still fined £6,300 and £14,500 for their involvement in the respective incidents, the second of which led to a major restructuring of the security policy inside Italian stadiums.

With the first leg of the Milan clash passing off peacefully at Old Trafford last week, it had been hoped the decider at the San Siro would also be trouble free. However, the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association has discovered information that some of the Ultras are heading north in an attempt to cause trouble.

Imusa's report, which has been passed on to United officials, has warned that trains on the Rome-Milan route tomorrow, which would normally be relatively empty, are actually booked up. Fans have also been advised not to wear United colours, or even speak English for fear of igniting more trouble, highlighting the fighting and knife attacks which occured this weekend when Lazio and Roma met at the Stadio Olimpico.

Imusa chairman Mark Longden, whose organisation is currently pursuing a legal case against the Italian police for the brutal manner with which they dealt with United fans in Rome, has urged supporters to be vigilant. "All I can say is anyone travelling to the game should be aware," he said. "Everyone knows what happened in Lille and, in particular Rome. If what we have been told is correct, it should just make everyone take a little bit more care."

The report arrived at Old Trafford too late for any specific information to be passed on to the 5,000 United fans who have tickets for the game. However, given the criticism United attracted for the pointed - and, as it turned out, accurate - warnings for their supporters in Rome, it is debatable whether they would have been willing to provide such forceful security advice again, especially as their relations with Milan are good

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02-05-2007, 01:49 PM

Sport: Soccer:
Carrick must get 'horrible', says Wilkins
By Oliver Brown

ASK Ray Wilkins to call tonight's Champions League semi-final and you receive an ambivalent answer. Milan, Manchester United - both, he acknowledges, would make beguiling finalists, but there is clearly a tangle of loyalties for a man who had the pleasure of playing for both.

Holding court in one of Knightsbridge's more authentic Italian restaurants, Wilkins has little trouble transplanting his thoughts to San Siro, scene of his many Milan battles in the mid-Eighties and now testing ground for Sir Alex Ferguson's ambition of a second treble. "On their own soil, the Italians will be a different animal altogether,'' he warns.

Wilkins, 50 last autumn, would know plenty about Milan's 'split personality', having been forced to embrace the uncompromising side to their nature when he arrived there from United 23 years ago.

It did not herald the club's most successful period but the midfielder could count among his team-mates such defensive aggressors as Franco Baresi - "just a gentleman off the pitch, but on it...''. Say no more.

From his television persona, you might have no problem defining Wilkins: measured, serene, unfailingly polite. But this is to disguise a raw intensity, detectable in his advice for how Michael Carrick, outstanding against Roma but run ragged at Old Trafford by Milan, can make an impact on tonight's tie.

"I would like to see him be horrible on the pitch, but a very nice young man off it,'' Wilkins explains. "I just want to see Michael come up to the plate a bit more, demanding the ball - that's the way you have to be. When you're only seeing the ball spasmodically, it's really difficult to impose yourself. United must look for him to try, with Paul Scholes, to dictate the way the game is played.''

Ah, Scholes - the model midfielder, the mere mention of whose name is enough to inspire a Wilkins rhapsody. "Class - he has absolute class. Whether with short passing or long passing, he will get you a goal. When he retired from the national side, he killed us.''

One must hope that a Scholes booking does not "kill'' United by ruling him out of a potential Athens final. He is, ultimately, a key link in the side's spine, as Wilkins illustrates: "It is the middle of the field where you have to be most solid. This was Bayern Munich's downfall against Milan - they had a weak spine. [Andrea] Pirlo is the equivalent of a holding midfield player, so he can eliminate Scholes.''

England's former holding man also volunteers the idea that if Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are not fit to play, then Milan will prevail. But Wilkins, as one of the game's purists, hopes ardently that the match can be decided not by injuries but by a straight battle between the teams' most luminous talents, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I have never seen feet as quick on a ball as Ronaldo's - it's almost balletic at times,'' says Wilkins.. "Kaka isn't of that mould. He is more of an attacking, 'straight away' player, capable of taking the ball in his stride with one touch.''

Expect, Wilkins says, to see Kaka on the ball far more in tonight's decider, filling in for the deficiencies of strikers Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino.

Ray Wilkins is a match expert for Milan v Manchester United from 7pm on Sky Sports 1.

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02-05-2007, 01:51 PM

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02-05-2007, 01:58 PM

Desailly rates Man Utd best team in Europe
tribalfooball.com - May 01, 2007

Former Chelsea captain Marcel Desailly rates Manchester United as the best team in Europe.
"Not only counterattacking, for me they're the best team in Europe, especially if they stay in their classic 4-4-2 formation," he told uefa.com ahead of United's Champions League semi at AC Milan.

"They can make the difference at any time - Giggs on the left, Cristiano Ronaldo, Scholes, Wayne Rooney and Saha if he is fit. It is the best team. They can play collectively, each of them can play individually, but most of all they can all make the difference."

And while United's squad is littered with quality, Desailly believes the Rossoneri are a bit more of a one-man band - but what a man it is.

"They are lucky they have Kaka," he admitted. "The rest of the team is a kind of group behind Kaka. United have plenty of players who at any moment can make the difference. That's why Milan should have been more focused on the advantage they had, knowing it's going to be hard in the return.

"How do Milan approach that game now? They are going to attack knowing that Manchester have the capacity at any minute to make the difference. It's a real tricky situation for AC Milan now."

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02-05-2007, 03:31 PM

United wedded to attacking tradition
By Tim Rich in Milan

ASIDE from the lyrics to That's Life, which has the singer "riding high in April but shot down in May'', most football managers of a certain age have a soft spot for Frank Sinatra, and Sir Alex Ferguson is no exception.

When asked how Manchester United would take their last step towards the European Cup final, Ferguson remarked they would play against AC Milan as they play against everyone else. If they were to reach Athens, they would do it their way.

"If you are realistic you know that AC Milan will be favourites to score, so you have to back yourself to score,'' said Ferguson as he considered the delicate 3-2 lead he takes into the San Siro. "Sitting on our box would not do me, the players or the fans any good. If we are going to win, we will have to do it our way, and if we lose, we will lose our way.''

This semi-final, that at Old Trafford provided so much drama and beauty, is breathtakingly poised. Although their first-choice centre backs, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, did travel, they have not played together since the muscular Serb dislocated his shoulder at the end of March. In eight subsequent matches, United have kept one clean sheet and conceded 11 times.

Ferguson must believe that Milan, who require the archetypal Italian scoreline, a 1-0 home victory, will score. Having seen Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze collide to provide Kaka with an open route to what should have been a decisive second goal, throwing in Vidic seems like an acceptable risk; one which Ferguson would not want to run in Saturday's Manchester derby. Ferdinand, who has broken down with a groin strain in successive matches, is another matter. However, he has played much more recently than Vidic and although Ferguson said he would sleep on the decision the England centre-half is the likelier to get the nod.

"We won't make the mistakes we did at Old Trafford,'' Ferguson said. "And we won't concede a goal like the second one.''

This is the third time Manchester United have faced Milan in the San Siro and on each occasion they have failed to score. In 1958 and 1969 the price was a European Cup final; two years ago it was the pain of admitting Carlo Ancelotti's side were playing football on a different plane.

"If we do get that goal, it changes the whole context of the match,'' Ferguson said. "It is going to be a big test; I don't think our away form has been great. The two 1-0 victories at Benfica and Lille were a step forward.''

They need a sweeping, confident display such as the Ryan Giggs-inspired demolition of Juventus in the Stadio delle Alpi four years ago, which was the last time United slew a big European beast in its own lair. There are obvious parallels with Ferguson's last semi-final against Ancelotti, in 1999. Then, having drawn at Old Trafford, United fell two goals behind to Juventus - scored by Filippo Inzaghi, who will lead the Milan attack tonight - and recovered to win 3-2.

It came at the cost of the loss, through suspension, of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane for the final. Should either Scholes or Cristiano Ronaldo be booked, they will suffer the same fate and so, incidentally, will Paolo Maldini.

Reflecting on 1999, he said: "We are going to need the same courage we had that night. It was hell or bust. Here, we have to play with a degree of caution but we will definitely be having a go.''

This season there has been a waterfall of words expended on Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo; a trickle on some real heroes, John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher and Wes Brown: squad players who stepped up in a way some did not think them capable. "They have their dreams,'' said Ferguson of his younger contingent.

"They would be growing up in Scotland or in Ireland and they would see these European matches on television and they would want to be part of it. Everyone who comes from Manchester United wants to reach a European final.''

Asked to describe his dreams, Ferguson went shy and said they had all been fulfilled. "I am happy just managing a team playing such entertaining football.''

Nobody quite believed him.

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02-05-2007, 07:22 PM

AC Milan - Manchester United FC
MATCH PREVIEW
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Wednesday, 2 May 2007 - 20:45CET
Semi-finals, second leg - Matchday 12

As AC Milan prepare to turn around a 3-2 UEFA Champions League semi-final deficit against Manchester United FC, coach Carlo Ancelotti has described the prospect of reaching the final in Athens as "a Utopian dream".

Utopian dream
Back in the autumn, Milan were languishing at the wrong end of Serie A. A league points deduction and a shortened pre-season had affected form and confidence; Athens looked a long way off. Now, though, the resurgent Rossoneri stand third in the table and one match away from booking their third final in five years. "At the start of the season I said that getting to Athens was a Utopian dream," said Ancelotti. "But now this dream is becoming a reality. This side showed great unity through the tough times. That has brought them this far and now we're confident because we're playing well and we're close to our objective."

Rooney danger
However, that quest has been made harder by the first-leg loss. Milan let a 2-1 advantage at Old Trafford slip, despite themselves rallying after Cristiano Ronaldo's early goal. The competition's top scorer Kaká scored twice only for
Wayne Rooney to better the Brazilian with two strikes of his own, the latter coming seconds from the end of a thrilling contest. "Their most dangerous attacking player is without doubt Rooney," added Ancelotti. "But if we concede again it's not a disaster. We know we can score more than once because we've done so twice already."

'Huge achievement'
With the likely return of Filippo Inzaghi, Milan's attack should be all the more potent, the Italian international having registered 36 UEFA Champions League goals in 64 appearances, while morale is high after five straight league wins,
culminating in Saturday's 1-0 success at Torino FC. Further good news for the Milanese giants is the return of Gennaro Gattuso (foot) although captain Paolo Maldini (knee) is "99 per cent" unlikely to recover. "Getting this far has been a
huge achievement," continued Ancelotti. "We've made the cake, now we just need to put the cherry on top."

Treble vision
With the treble in sight, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be thinking similar thoughts. Having taken a five-point Premiership lead and advanced to the FA Cup final, Sir Alex knows he is within touching distance of repeating the
triumph of 1998/99. His side showed resilience to turn defeat into victory last Tuesday, and did likewise at Everton FC on Saturday, somehow transforming a 2-0 reverse into a 4-2 win. "We've developed well this season," he said.
"Success and confidence has helped the process and some players have done exceptionally well in their first season."

'Doing it our way'
The 65-year-old singled out Milan's Kaká, Gattuso and Maldini for particular praise but insists his team will not be cowed by the sold-out San Siro. The possible return from injury of defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić - who
both trained on Tuesday - may also compensate for the loss of the suspended Patrice Evra. "This team thrives on the big occasions and tomorrow will be the biggest test yet," continued Sir Alex. "You would expect Milan to score at
home but our safety net is an emphasis on scoring. Sitting on the edge of the penalty box doesn't do us any good and it doesn't do the fans any good. So I think if we're going to do it, we've got to do it our way."

Probable teams
Milan: Dida; Massimo Oddo, Alessandro Nesta, Kakha Kaladze, Marek Jankulovski; Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini; Kaká, Clarence Seedorf; Filippo Inzaghi.
Man. United: Edwin van der Sar; John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidić/Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Gabriel Heinze; Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick; Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs; Wayne Rooney.

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02-05-2007, 07:23 PM

AC Milan - Manchester United FC
MATCH PREVIEW
Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milan
Wednesday, 2 May 2007 - 20:45CET
Semi-finals, second leg - Matchday 12

Gattuso takes heart from Kaká class
Despite seeing his side succumb to a 3-2 defeat by Manchester United FC in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, Gennaro Gattuso is convinced AC Milan will reach the final thanks to the "devastating" form of Kaká.

Kaká class
The Brazil forward inspired Milan's short-lived revival at Old Trafford with two goals in 15 minutes that gave the visitors a 2-1 half-time lead - and Gattuso has every faith that Kaká will continue his UEFA Champions League heroics on
Wednesday night. "If he is as devastating as he was in the first leg, we will win," said the Italian international, whose excellent display last week was curtailed when he limped off after 53 minutes with a foot injury.

'Important player'
Gattuso has recovered in time for the rematch, though, and is raring to go. "I feel fine," the 29-year-old said. "I thought it was going to be a lot worse but instead I have managed to recover so I am delighted." Milan's rival manager at San Siro, Sir Alex Ferguson, is another Kaká fan - though he also has a word of praise for Gattuso himself. "The obvious threat was there for everyone to see last week in the shape of Kaká," Sir Alex told uefa.com. "Kaká is the obvious threat. I thought he gave a terrific performance and we have to pay attention to that. We know where their threat's come from. They also have important players like Gattuso. He brings a lot of energy to them, he's a very important player."

'Incredible hand'
The combative former Rangers FC midfielder is demanding similar commitment from the stands at the Giuseppe Meazza, calling for British-style support for the Rossoneri. "I noticed with Liverpool [FC] and Manchester United that
the English never give up and it's thanks to their fans," he said. "It's not a criticism of ours, of course, they always get behind us and sing. However, this time they need to give us an incredible hand. We know it will be tough but that's normal in the Champions League semi-finals. All Rossoneri fans should be proud because it's a miracle we've reached this stage. No one expected it. Considering the way we started the season and what happened, it has been a great result to get here. But we don't want to stop now." Gattuso, for one, will not be stopping. "I know only one way of preparing for this kind of game: I think about running and running until I cannot run any more."

O'Shea calls for United front
Manchester United FC defender John O'Shea said it was time to "step up to the plate" as his side look to clinch a place in the UEFA Champions League final.

Past masters
United lead AC Milan 3-2 going into Wednesday's second leg, and the 26-year-old Irish international aims to make that count at San Siro. There are four UEFA Champions League winners in Sir Alex Ferguson's ranks - Ryan Giggs,
Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Wes Brown with United in 1999, Edwin van der Sar in AFC Ajax colours four years before - yet O'Shea insists the Red Devils will not be relying on the old guard to take them to Athens.

'A great buzz'
"In the changing room before the match, that's when they'll guide us and help us with their experience," O'Shea said. "But you can't always rely on other people. You have to step up to the plate yourself sometimes. That's how you get your own experience. But we're lucky we have these players in our team because they're going to be vital for us. It's just a great buzz. You can't wait for the game to start. That's why you're at a club like Manchester United - to be playing in games like this, in stadiums like the San Siro."

Outstanding talent
O'Shea's versatility has been a godsend to his manager, who has had to juggle his resources as injuries take their toll. Playing at right-back last week, O'Shea saw at first hand the damage Kaká can do. Despite that two-goal cameo,
the academy product claims the Brazilian will not be given special attention: "He's an outstanding talent. We know we'll have to be on top form to stop him, but if we concentrate too much on Kaká, the other Milan players will take
advantage. You have to get the balance right."

'Confident'
That is something Sir Alex has done throughout the campaign as United chase trophies on three fronts. Late recoveries against Milan then Everton FC on Saturday have put United in strong positions in Europe and the Premiership, and confidence is high as they seek to push home their advantage. "When you're losing 2-1 to a team like Milan, for the game to finish the way it did gives you great belief," said O'Shea. "You saw that as well from the weekend, how we responded to going two goals down. But that's been the case all season and we'll be looking for that to continue. When you're winning, all the little knocks you have seem to disappear and you feel really strong and confident. That's how the team is feeling and we just hope it continues."
Ferguson has faith in fair play Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the spirit in which AC Milan and his side play the game
should ensure there is no repeat of the disciplinary heartache Paul Scholes and Roy Keane suffered in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League eight years ago.

'Tragedy'
Both players missed United's 2-1 victory against FC Bayern München in the 1999 final after collecting yellow cards in the second leg of their last-four triumph against Juventus. With United players Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo and
Gabriel Heinze, as well as Milan veteran Paolo Maldini, all one booking away from a suspension that would rule them out of the Athens showpiece, Sir Alex hopes history will not repeat itself. "I think it's a tragedy to miss a final," he said, as his team aim to build on last week's thrilling 3-2 victory.

'Confidence'
"My biggest confidence is in AC Milan because I don't think they're a team who do anything bad to get players booked because there's no point to it. Neither team benefits because we don't play each other again. It's a semi-final so it
can only help the opponents in the final. From what I've seen in the last two games against AC Milan - the last game, and the two before, two years ago [in the first knockout round] - there was absolutely no evidence of anything wrong.

Maldini praise
"You only have to go back a week and see the manner and spirit in which the game was played in Manchester. I think it was a credit to both sets of players and their professionalism, and I expect the same tomorrow. Paolo Maldini, I
believe, is also on two yellows and I think if Milan were to beat us, I think everybody would want to see Maldini in the final. I would like to, because I'll be in Athens no matter whether it's with United or to see the final, and I think a tournament like that should get the best players. For me, it would be fantastic to see Maldini at 38 years of age playing in a European final."

'Thrilling spectacle'
UEFA President Michel Platini praised both clubs for the manner in which the first leg was played, describing the match as a "thrilling spectacle" and a "positive advertisement for European football". They are comments Carlo
Ancelotti clearly took to heart. "I'm pleased he said that because, at the moment, it is very important to represent Italian football in the best way," said the Milan coach. "We need to follow the example of other countries in order to
improve the situation at home."

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02-05-2007, 07:26 PM

Kuyt wants Man Utd in Euro final
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at Anfield

Kuyt secured Liverpool's place in the final
Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt has set his sights on a "historic" Champions League final meeting with rivals Manchester United in Athens.

Dutch striker Kuyt scored the decisive spot-kick as Liverpool beat Chelsea 4-1 on penalties in their semi-final.

He told BBC Sport: "AC Milan and Manchester United are two great teams and clubs.

"But a meeting between two big clubs from the Premiership in the Champions League final would be historic."

Liverpool won their semi-final second leg clash at Anfield 1-0 thanks to Daniel Agger's first-half strike.

With the tie finishing 1-1 on aggregate after extra-time it went down to penalties.

Kuyt scored the decisive spot-kick to put Liverpool through to a second Champions League final in three years.

Pepe Reina was sensational for us in the penalty shoot-out

The forward added: "It is fantastic for us to reach the Champions League final. There is no bigger game in European club football and to do it in my first season here is an amazing feeling.

"We felt we deserved to win after the 90 minutes and extra time. We were very strong and to see that last penalty go in was a great feeling.

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02-05-2007, 09:07 PM

Football: Liverpool supremo voices fears over all-English final
AM
Agence France Presse
LONDON, May 2, 2007 (AFP) -

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has admitted that a Champions League final between his club and bitter rivals Manchester United would present the Athens authorities with a major security headache.

Liverpool have booked their place in the May 24 showpiece in the Greek capital, and United were aiming to join them when they defend a 3-2 lead against AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday evening.

Matches between Liverpool and United are high-security affairs even when they take place on home soil with the numbers of visiting supporters allowed at either ground hugely curtailed.

In contrast, tens of thousands of supporters from the two clubs would be expected to make their way to Athens for the final, many of them without tickets.

"There will be concerns from a security point of view if it's two English teams, sadly," Parry told BBC Radio on Wednesday, the morning after Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties to clinch their second final spot in the space of three years.

"There will be issues we'll have to address. There will be a lot of supporters from both teams travelling without tickets, which the authorities will have to deal with.

"A lot of careful thought and planning would definitely be required."

Parry could not resist a swipe at Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who infuriated most of Merseyside in the build-up to the game by describing Liveprool as a small, cup-orientated club.

"I don't care what he says, I don't listen," Parry said. "I guess when you've invested 500 million pounds, it's a fantastic season to win the League Cup. He's welcome to his opinions, we care about Liverpool."

Parry went on to pay tribute to the Liverpool supporters who generated an electric atmosphere at Anfield on Tuesday night, inspiring their heroes to cancel out a 1-0 first leg deficit before deservedly booking their ticket for Athens in the shoot-out.

"It was another fabulous Anfield night," he reflected. "I thought we'd never see anything to beat the atmosphere in 2005 (when Liverpool also beat Chelsea in the semi-final), but I think this equalled it.

"It was very, very special and I think you only get these nights in Anfield. The supporters were fantastic and the players and manager have done a fantastic job and done us proud. It was magnificent to be there."

Despite their success in Europe, Liverpool have never been seriously involved in a Premiership title battle since Benitez took over from Gerard Houllier in 2004.

That fact rankles but Parry is confident things will change now that Liverpool's new American owners have put the club on a better financial footing.

"For us, the big prize is the Premier League, we've made no secret of that," said Parry. "Every one of us wants to be a Premier League contender. We're not quite there, but we'll do everything in our power to make sure we get there."

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02-05-2007, 09:10 PM

Heinze: Rooney is ready
EXCLUSIVE by PAUL BROWN

GABRIEL HEINZE reckons Wayne Rooney is coming good at just the right time to lead Manchester United into the Champions League final.

Rooney has rediscovered his shooting boots in recent weeks and scored the last-gasp winner at Old Trafford that gives United the edge against AC Milan tonight.

Heinze reckons Rooney and his partner in crime Cristiano Ronaldo are the best strike pair in Europe - and warned Milan to expect them to go for goals again in the San Siro.

He said: "For me, our best news is in the resurgence of Rooney for the decisive moments of season.

"Wayne is sensational and I believe that him and Ronaldo are the best attacking pair in European football.

"For me, I look at Rooney with so much admiration - and I know he is prepared for a big night.

"The scoreline is dangerous for us but the players go to Italy with one objective - to win and to score goals."

A 1-0 win for Milan would be enough to send them through because of Kaka's two magical strikes in the first leg.

Argentina international Heinze knows all about the South American dangerman from squaring up against him on the world stage over the years.

He said: "Kaka is a superstar. In Manchester, he demonstrated his class.

"I was a spectator in his two goals.

The first was impossible to avoid and he made a great play for the second.

"We need to stop Kaka from the very first minute. If we let him dominate the play, we will suffer badly.

"I believe we have learned our lesson from the game at Old Trafford."

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02-05-2007, 09:12 PM

YOU WON'T EVEN GET A KICK UNITED
EXCLUSIVE by PAUL BROWN

Dida talking big.....see him suffer soon.........

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:We'll keep Roo 'n Ron quiet . . . and that's final, says Milan keeper Dida

COCKY AC Milan keeper Dida has written off Manchester United's hopes of Champions League glory, claiming it will be men against boys tonight.

The Brazil international reckons United are living in cloud cuckoo land if they think they are already in the final after winning the first leg of their semi-final 3-2 at Old Trafford.

Dida insists Milan are better than Sir Alex Ferguson's men in every position on the pitch.

He reckons the roar of a fanatical home crowd will have United's youngsters quaking in their boots.

He said: "United have a one-goal advantage but I won't change my opinion. Milan are the favourites because it's very tough to win in the San Siro.

"It's more important for us to win.

It's impossible for us to fail.

"United have played an excellent game in each match of the competition so far but Milan are superior in technique, class and experience in every position on the pitch.

"The atmosphere in the San Siro will be enormous.

"It will be one of those magical European nights and that will be the key to us soaring through.

"It's almost worth a goal in the first minute.

"If we play with the same unity we did at Old Trafford, I am convinced Milan will be in the final because United will not win in the San Siro.

"I would not believe too much in the goals from the first match.

"The situation will be different in Milan. It will be a very tactical match. The team without nerves will go into the final. Milan need a goal but those can arrive at any moment.

"During 90 minutes, there are many chances to score. If United think that our attack will be desperate, then they are very much mistaken."

Milan fans blamed Dida for United's goals at Old Trafford, including Wayne Rooney's last-gasp winner.

They even put him up for sale on eBay as a result.

But the Brazilian claims it will be a different story tonight because United rely too heavily on their deadly double act of Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney.

He insists they won't get a kick tonight even if tough guys Gennaro Gattuso and Paolo Maldini fail to return from injury.

Dida said: "The match was not so negative for me as some have been saying.

"The goalkeeper always plays with risk. That's normal, but United's third goal against us was a big quality goal.

"Rooney shot from far out and with huge force.

"For me, no doubt exists.

We have Kaka, and he is a better player than Rooney or Ronaldo.

"He demonstrated his class by scoring twice at Old Trafford and they were sensational goals. I do not believe Ronaldo will try to dribble too much at the San Siro.

"Our defenders will not give him any options from the first minute to the last.

"With or without Gattuso and Maldini, our mission is to beat the English - and we are up for that mission."

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02-05-2007, 09:19 PM

GO GET EM ROARS FERGIE
from BILL THORNTON in Milan

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL SECOND LEG:AC MILAN v MAN UTD

SIR ALEX FERGUSON last night called on his players to live the dream on the eve of the Champions League semi-final shoot-out with AC Milan.

United go into the daunting atmosphere of the world-famous San Siro Stadium tonight with a slender 3-2 lead.

It is reminiscent of the situation eight years ago when, inspired by former skipper Roy Keane, United came back from 2-0 down against Juventus to win 3-2 in one of the great European displays.

"It's going to take a performance full of the same sort of courage we showed then, " said the United boss.

"In that game, our hand was forced, of course, when we lost the two early goals.

"It was hell or bust. We went for it - and, tomorrow, we will definitely be having another go."

Then, it was Keane, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole who scored the goals that swept United into the final.

Now Ferguson is looking to the terrific talent of youngsters like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo to complement the experience and know-how of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, the only survivors of that dramatic match in Turin.

"Milan must be favourites to score, so the safety net for us is to score, too, " said a bullish Ferguson.

"I don't think that sitting on the edge of our own box will do me any good, my team any good or the fans any good. The point is: we will do it our way.

"Our attacking play has been good and we always have a good chance of scoring.

"This is a big test in a big stadium but my players have good character and a terrific will to win.

"I know I have a team full of confidence; one that will run to the last minute and have a go."

The United boss fooled no-one when he said: "All of my dreams have been fulfilled but the players have to have their dream.

"Every professional, particularly those who join this club, dreams of going to a European Cup final.

"All of my players, lads like Darren Fletcher, Rooney and Ronaldo, all want to be involved in these games.

"I hope we can do it because, from this club's perspective, we have not won enough trophies in Europe."

In 1999, Ferguson urged his players to win for Keane, the hero of Turin who was suspended for the final, along with midfielder Scholes.

Keane, who left the club 18 months ago, never made it to a Euro final.

Scholes, at 32, may be looking at his last chance - and, agonisingly, he is again a booking away from a ban.

"I think Paul deserves to get to the final, " said Ferguson. "We all pray and hope for that.

"I think he deserves his place in Athens because of his form this season. As long as he doesn't slide in I think he will be okay.

Talisman Ronaldo and Gabriel Heinze, are also on yellow cards and walking a tightrope.

Ferguson claimed Milan are not the type of team to try to exploit the situation, particularly with Ronaldo, 22.

"It is a delicate subject. I think it is a tragedy to miss a final under these circumstances.

"But I don't think Milan will do anything to try to get these players booked.

"What would be the point? We don't meet each other after this.

"There was no evidence of players trying to wind up the referee at Old Trafford."

Ferguson will decide today whether to play his favoured centre-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, who have not played together for eight matches.

Vidic was given the allclear on Monday after a scan on the collarbone he broke on March 31.

Ferdinand has been struggling with a groin strain.

qbdp

03-05-2007, 02:15 AM

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/8719/captmjs11805011819italyob2.jpg
Fergie: What? £6M for Louis? Sell! YES SELL... NOW!!!

LYON EYEING £6M SAHA

LYON will make a £6million bid to prise Louis Saha from Manchester United.

They have targeted the Frenchman as the striker they want to lead their attack next season, having won the French title a week ago.

Saha has played only 13 minutes of football since March because of a hamstring problem, and Old Trafford manager
Sir Alex Ferguson has been frustrated at his slow rate of recovery.

The striker has been linked with swap moves with Spurs for Dimitar Berbatov and Newcastle for Michael Owen, but Lyon could offer full-back Eric Abidal, a long-term United target, as bait.

Saha’s season might have been wrecked by injury but he still has 15 goals, and is expected to be on the bench tonight.

Lyon have had problems, with coach Gerard Houllier’s future uncertain following interest from Newcastle and the French FA openly considering him for an overseeing role with their national side.

Also, Abidal, goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, midfielder Tiago and forward Florent Malouda have all made noises about moving.

Lyon’s president Jean-Michel Aulas has criticised the federation for their handling of the Houllier situation but he has tied midfielder Juninho to a new deal.

Houllier is an admirer, having tried to recruit Saha for Liverpool before United signed him from Fulham in a £12.8m deal in 2004. But Lyon believe they can get the striker for a much smaller fee because of his fitness record.

machoman

03-05-2007, 10:42 AM

Magic Milan blow away United to reach Champions League final

Thursday, May 03, 2007, 05:46:14 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/SGE.UPI21.020507214313.photo00.quicklook.default-245x173.jpg
AC Milan's Kaka celebrates after scoring his team's first goal against Manchester United during their Champions League second leg semi-final clash in Milan. AC Milan won 3-0 and will play Liverpool in the final. - AFP

AC Milan produced a masterclass display to blow away Manchester United 3-0 here on Wednesday and reach the Champions League final for the third time in the last five seasons.

Milan - winners of six of their 10 European Cup/Champions League finals - will meet Liverpool in the Athens showpiece on May 23, a repeat of the 2005 final which the Merseysiders won on penalties after fighting back from 3-0 down at half-time to draw 3-3 in Istanbul.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was jubilant.

"It was an evening of dreams," said Ancelotti, who earlier in the season was under pressure as Milan showed indifferent league form.

"We are ecstatic. To play the way we did in the first half is a dream for a coach.

"It was perfect football.

"As regarding the final, well it will be a fascinating challenge. Liverpool are not as good as Manchester United but they are harder physically."

His United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson was gracious in defeat, though, he did regret the way they had conceded their goals.

"I think that they got their goals very cheaply, and we just can't do that.

"They were better prepared physically and had been able to rest players whereas we hadn't and that can work at this level.

"I don't think we lacked in a physical sense but they were sharper and pressed harder. We were on the back foot the whole time."

Ferguson, who said his players would be able to pick themselves up as they had the incentive of potentially winning the Premiership this weekend depending on results, admitted that he had never felt a goal for them was on the cards.

"We needed that goal, to turn the game around but in fairness we never looked like we were going to score."

http://images2.asianbookie.com/SGE.UPI21.020507214313.photo02.quicklook.default-245x166.jpg
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney fights for the ball with AC Milan's Alessandro Nesta (L) during their Champions League second leg semi-final clash in Milan. AC Milan won 3-0 and will play Liverpool in the final. - AFP

Milan's victory at a rain-drenched San Siro, secured by first-half strikes from Kaka and Clarence Seedorf and a late breakaway goal by substitute Alberto Gilardino, clinched a 5-3 aggregate semi-final win over the Premiership leaders and prevented the first all-English European Cup final.

Milan have featured in a record five Champions League finals since the competition replaced the old European Cup in the 1992-93 season.

Milan were one of several Italian clubs found guilty of match-fixing in last year's 'Calciopoli' scandal and were originally told by the Italian football authorities they would not be allowed to take part in the Champions League.

But the club's appeal was successful and they were allowed to join the competition in the third qualifying round.

Gennaro Gattuso, who hobbled off during the 3-2 first leg defeat after sustaining a foot injury, returned to the Milan midfield and completely closed down his United opponents.

For the World Cup winning hardman it was barely credible.

"For us this has been an unbelievable season," he said.

"At the beginning of it we didn't even believe it was possible, no one would have put 1000 lira on us," added Gattuso, referring to the country's former currency before it joined the euro.

Milan almost went ahead in the third minute but Edwin van der Sar did brilliantly to tip Seedorf's fierce half-volley over the bar.

Urged forward by a boisterous home crowd, the hosts kept up the early pressure and United's defence was breached eight minutes later.

Alessandro Nesta's chipped pass found Seedorf whose backward header fell at the feet of Kaka, and the talented Brazilian steered a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Andrea Pirlo dragged a shot wide before United mustered their first attack, Ryan Giggs' low drive comfortably saved by Nelson Dida.

Milan looked threatening every time they pressed forward, but they were given a helping hand by the United back-four for their second goal on the half hour.

Recalled Croatian defender Nemanja Vidic sliced a clearance out to the right flank and Pirlo took possession before crossing into the box. A weak headed clearance dropped kindly for Seedorf who dodged Vidic's sliding tackle and hammered a right-footed shot beyond van der Sar.

Inzaghi almost made it 3-0 just before the break as Milan maintained their grip on a surprisingly one-sided contest with United's biggest threat, Cristiano Ronaldo, completely shackled.

A last-ditch goalline clearance from Wes Brown denied Kaka in the 53rd minute before United squandered an excellent opening, Darren Fletcher firing wide after being put through splendidly by Wayne Rooney.

Gilardino came on for the tiring Filippo Inzaghi and he made his mark 12 minutes from time, driving through the gaping United defence before side-footing past van der Sar.

- AFP

Theme1

03-05-2007, 12:07 PM

AC Milan did play really well and they break the game of MU.......

Giggs: Man Utd just couldn't hold onto ball
tribalfooball.com - May 02, 2007

Manchester United failed to be composed in possession, admitted Ryan Giggs in the aftermath of last night's 3-0 defeat at AC Milan.
"We didn't keep the ball enough and we've paid the consequence," the winger told MUTV. "It's obviously a big disappointment because we felt we had a big chance. But we didn't get off to a good start and from there we never recovered."

Just as United stunned Milan last week with an early goal, Kaka opened the scoring at the San Siro after just 11 minutes.

"That's what you do on every European night ? you try and silence the crowd and make chances for yourself," added Giggs. "For us, it wasn't to be tonight. It's a difficult place to go and they're a quality side."

Giggs also echoed Sir Alex Ferguson's sentiments by bemoaning the Reds' defensive hiccups.

"In both legs, we've let bad goals in and there's no defending that," he admitted. "We attack as a team and we defend as a team and we didn't defend as well as we have this season against Milan."

But despite going into the break 2-0 down, the Welsh winger said United still believed the game was there for the taking.

"We knew if we did get a chance and we could put it away then we could go on," he said. "We finished the game well, like we did in the first leg, but against a quality team like AC Milan you need to put them under pressure and we just didn't do that enough."

CibLover

03-05-2007, 12:18 PM

Defeated Ferguson admits United shortcomings

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United 'cut their own throats' with their poor first-half performance against AC Milan. United saw their Champions League hopes brutally crushed in the San Siro, the Italians romping to a 3-0 win to scupper hopes of an all-English final and instead set up a rematch of the 2005 showpiece with Liverpool.

Ferguson's team never recovered from the loss of two goals inside the opening half hour of the semi-final second leg, that double blow effectively killing off any hope they had of getting through.

'It is disappointing to come so close,' said Ferguson. 'We had done so well to get here. Milan were fresher and better prepared physically but we had to cope better with that situation. We had to get through the first 25 minutes of the game without cutting our own throats. But we gave away two sloppy goals. We should not be losing goals like that.'

Brazilian Kaka, who scored twice in the first leg at Old Trafford last week, put Milan in front, with the excellent Clarence Seedorf adding another after half an hour.

Unable to keep possession for any length of time, the Red Devils were on the back foot for long periods and in Cristiano Ronaldo - so good so often this season - they had the game's major disappointment.

'Cristiano had a disappointing night,' said Ferguson. 'He knows that but he is a young man and on nights like these he sees the professionalism and experience of AC Milan. It is good to see where he has to go.'

United rallied at the start of the second half without looking likely to get the goal that would breathe fresh life into their challenge. Darren Fletcher should have done better with the clearest opportunity and in the end it was Milan who scored again through Alberto Gilardino.

The only consolation for United is that they still have the domestic double to aim for.

However, as he spied Saturday's Manchester derby at Eastlands, Ferguson felt his team had been done no favours by the Premier League, who rejected their requested to move the game back to Sunday.

'The TV people were happy to have the game played on Sunday morning but the Premier League refused,' said Ferguson. They were worried about the integrity of the competition. You can work out what integrity means. I think it was an unfair decision. In other countries their leagues would help clubs to prepare for European games.

'We had a similar situation with the Premier League at Easter when they forced Tottenham to play one-and-a-half days after a European tie to help Chelsea in the Champions League. The Premier League shouldn't be interested in the Champions League. They should be interested in the Premier League, that is what they have done with their decision about us.'

Ferguson was happy with the performance of Nemanja Vidic, who was back in the United side for the first time since breaking his collarbone on March 31 and also Louis Saha, who was introduced to no avail in the final 20 minutes.

But one small piece of good news is that Rio Ferdinand should be fit to face City at the weekend after overcoming his recent groin problem.

================================================== =========================================

IMHO, we were out-played like kids this morning. You really, really have to hold your hands up and give credit when it's due. Milan played like champions last nite with the correct tactics and gutso.

Besides the clear brilliance of Kaka, Gattuso and Seedorf; the rest were playing with such dogged determination. Pirlo and the rest were closing the opponents quickly and gives us no room to operate.

orhh....by the way... we don't see/hear from SAF laments that "the better team lost"??? :rolleyes:

Talk about class. Kekekekek ... :D

yinyang

03-05-2007, 12:23 PM

LYON EYEING £6M SAHA...LYON will make a £6million bid to prise Louis Saha from Manchester United.
About time to cut ropes, shelf life reached... take the money and run. Mafan, and qbdp (co-chairman saha fan club) too willing to endorse:p

imom

03-05-2007, 01:44 PM

...Mafan, and qbdp (co-chairman saha fan club) too willing to endorse...

I think they'd be willing to broker the deal... and offer the poor git up for a free transfer.... :D

qbdp

03-05-2007, 07:10 PM

http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/6163/3di4g1qs00bv0005tw3.jpg

Milan did well. Credits and congrats to them. The scums will find it hard to contain Milan in Athens. Unless the scums play negative football again and try to nick it with another penalty shoot out. They have proven they can only win trophies under Benitez with penalties.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/4273/3di4nuir00bv0005iq6.jpg

In the 2nd half Rooney was clearly nudged from the back. Had the penalty been given we would have scored and gave Milan a closer fight to the end.

Our passings were disappointing last night. I believe the fight on 3 fronts has taken its toll on the players as there wasnt any fluency in our play.

Now lets concentrate on the EPL, the bread and butter of any real English football club.

Mafan

03-05-2007, 10:15 PM

About time to cut ropes, shelf life reached... take the money and run. Mafan, and qbdp (co-chairman saha fan club) too willing to endorse:p

Oh this is a pic of damm farking good news. Hope they sell richardson as fetcher is playing well last nite

qbdp

04-05-2007, 08:56 AM

Giggs would be happy with the old-fashioned Double

The final insult for Manchester United came at the airport when a baggage problem delayed their flight from Milan by two hours. Sir Alex Ferguson and his players sat in near-silence as they reflected on a night when, to use Ryan Giggs's words, "we just did not perform".

It was 5am before some of the players got to bed and the next concern is how a gruelling evening, played in torrential rain, and the emotional side-effects of being so outplayed, might affect the team before tomorrow's derby at Manchester City. To Ferguson's intense irritation the game has been arranged for a 12.45pm kick-off, but the prize of victory is potentially enormous given United's five-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the league.

"In the nature of football," said Ferguson, "you always have to recover from disappointment and we will have to do it again. We have not had much from the Premier League but we will be ready."

Those thoughts were echoed by Giggs ahead of a weekend in which a United victory, combined with anything but a Chelsea win at Arsenal on Sunday, will see the Premiership trophy return to Old Trafford. "We still have a lot to play for," he said. "That's what we have to tell ourselves. We have to look forward to Saturday because it is a big game and we have to get ourselves up for it. Everyone is down: the staff, the players and the fans. But we still have a lot to go for. If we can get a positive result it will put us closer to the league and we also have the FA Cup final [against Chelsea] to look forward to as well. We are disappointed because we are greedy at this club and we wanted to win everything this year. But we have two other trophies to go for and if we can win them both it would be a great season."

Giggs was critical of the performance in Milan. "I don't think we froze. I just think we had a bad start and never recovered. Now we want to finish off the season on a high by winning the league and the cup."

Ferguson, meanwhile, revealed he was taking a long-term view when he opted for Nemanja Vidic of his returning centre-backs. Vidic had done some running as he recovered from the broken collarbone suffered on March 31 in contrast to the England defender Rio Ferdinand, who has been plagued by a groin problem for almost a month. "There was an element of risk but I couldn't play him and Rio, and the lesser risk, without question, was Vidic," he said. "Hopefully we now have Rio available for the rest of the season."

yinyang

04-05-2007, 09:17 AM

Oh this is a pic of damm farking good news. Hope they sell richardson as fetcher is playing well last nite
Oh oh, lelong 3 for price of 1? Bro, sometimes we gotta understand that fringe players help to make up the team numbers. Not every player can be so boleh 1 like roon or ron. But we understand your idol(s) hehehehe:D

Castrol

04-05-2007, 04:57 PM

In the 2nd half Rooney was clearly nudged from the back. Had the penalty been given we would have scored and gave Milan a closer fight to the end.

it takes an amount of luck for any team to go all the way and win the king-of-europe title. and san siro is san siro. sometimes i think the semi-finals should be played on neutral ground. just a 1 match decider like the final.

qbdp

04-05-2007, 06:28 PM

it takes an amount of luck for any team to go all the way and win the king-of-europe title. and san siro is san siro. sometimes i think the semi-finals should be played on neutral ground. just a 1 match decider like the final.

Yes, agreed that luck plays its part in football - injuries & refs' decisions. Penalty shootouts too. :D

No complaints losing to Milan. Really. Except for that Rooney decision, losing 2-1 is better than 3-0 lor. haha. Getting to the semis was further than I'd expected from my team and I enjoyed the journey while it lasted. Now it's time to fight for the EPL crown and be Champions of England. Throwing in the FA Cup for a 4th Double will be nice.

The current format is alright as both teams get to play at home & away. But I'm not sure about the away-goal and penalty shootouts. I would say bring back replays.

Liverpool knocked Barca out on away goals although both teams each won a game. Which team is better?

Chelsea lost to Liverpool in a penalty shootout and I thought Liverpool were satisfied sitting with 1-0. Liverpool knew that if Chelsea were to score a goal then they had to score another 2 goals (which is a big ask) to advance.

Milan deserve to be at Athens and no one can deny their place. It will be gross injustice if they are not crowned Champions of Europe and a team's place in Athens being questioned wins it with another penalty shootout. :rolleyes:

qbdp

05-05-2007, 12:19 AM

Fergie demands derby win

SIR Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester United not to rely on old rivals Arsenal doing them a title favour this weekend.

If the Gunners beat Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, United would be crowned champions providing they had collected at least a point from the Manchester derby at City 24 hours earlier.

The scenario is wholly plausible given the tiredness Chelsea have been showing in recent weeks and the desire of Arsene Wenger's men to at least end a difficult campaign on a high note.

But equally, Ferguson is aware that if his own side suffer a fourth defeat in five trips to their neighbours this weekend, they will offer Chelsea an opportunity to seize the initiative by beating Arsenal to set up a decisive meeting with United at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

Having abandoned plans to fly to Zaragoza in order to watch young defender Gerard Pique in action for the La Liga outfit, Ferguson probably will now watch the action unfold at Arsenal on television.

However, the Scot is eager to ensure his own side do their jobs properly rather than plunge him into a situation where he is left to cross his fingers for a favour from Wenger.

Attitude

"The name of the game for us is to win our games, that is the only way we can think," said Ferguson.

"We cannot rely on anyone else. That would be the wrong attitude. I don't know what Chelsea are going to do but if we lose tomorrow and they win their last three games, they will win the league. That is why all we should do is concentrate on beating City."

Ferguson is still assessing potential changes to his starting line-up, with Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Louis Saha and Patrice Evra all likely to be involved after missing the crushing Champions League semi-final defeat to AC Milan.

Although it could be argued the hype surrounding a derby clash is exactly what United need to aid their recovery from their dismal showing in the San Siro, Ferguson feels history suggests his team would bounce back strongly no matter what the opposition.

"No-one likes to lose, especially in the semi-final of a European tie," he said.

"But it is something we have experience before. Footballers have defeats, you have to recover from them. Historically, during my time here, we have done that very well.

"The players know City will want to put one over on us and try to prevent us winning the league.

"But these are all things that make it a bigger incentive for us."

United's chances appear to have received a significant lift by the midweek training-ground scrap that has cost City the services of both Joey Barton and Ousmane Dabo.

Speculation

With takeover speculation continuing to rumble on and a chronic lack of home goals which will ensure the Blues enter the record books for the lowest number in a Premiership season if they fail to score, City appear to be there for the taking.

However, as Ferguson has found out to his cost on too many occasions, the Blues can be difficult opponents to overcome.

"A derby game is never easy," he said.

"You cannot legislate for some of the things that happen in them.

"I don't pay a lot of attention to what is happening at City but I don't think it will affect the players that Barton is missing.

"Once the game starts, what has happened during the week will be lost to them and whoever replaces Barton will be delighted to be playing."

With their treble hopes gone, Ferguson's team are refocusing on what would be a fourth domestic double.

And, although the disappointment of their failure to cope with Milan will linger for some time, the United boss is not straying from his pre-season assertion that any season which brings some silverware can be regarded as successful.

"It is difficult to prioritise competitions given the way our league is," he said.

"You just hope at the end of the campaign you come out with some silverware. If you win one trophy you should be delighted."

qbdp

05-05-2007, 12:22 AM

Winning the bottom line for Brown

WES Brown is happy to play the waiting game as long as Manchester United eventually land the Premiership title.

The Reds could clinch the championship this weekend if they beat City in the Manchester derby at Eastlands and Chelsea then slip up at Arsenal on Sunday.

After going three years without the trophy, United would be forgiven for wanting to celebrate their triumph as quickly as possible, especially given the disappointment of Wednesday's Champions League exit to AC Milan.

However, with two matches remaining - including one at Stamford Bridge - after this weekend's action, Brown remains unconcerned at precisely when ultimate glory will be achieved.

"It does not matter to me when we win it as long as we get it done," said the England defender.

"If we win it this weekend it would be brilliant, because then we could go to Chelsea as champions. But we could also win it there as well.

"All we have to do is make sure we get the three points against Manchester City and take it from there."

Manchester born and bred, the 27-year-old knows more than most the intense desire to secure local bragging rights.

There are split loyalties among Brown's family and friends, who straddle the blue and red halves of the Manchester divide.

Aware

And the defender is acutely aware a victory over United is often enough to sustain the City support throughout an entire season.

"It is a big game for City," he observed. "They want to show their fans what they can do.

"The fact is they have not played as well as they can this season and they certainly have not scored as many goals as they would like.

"But those statistics just make them more dangerous opponents. The form will go out of the window and they will probably play unbelievably well."

Brown confirmed the United dressing room has been in sombre mood since the chastening experience at the San Siro.

Yet, with the Premiership and the FA Cup still to play for, it could yet be a phenomenal season of success for the Old Trafford outfit.

"The Double is still on and it would be a fantastic achievement if we could win it," said Brown, who could move into the right-back slot tomorrow if old friend Rio Ferdinand returns as expected.

"We were all a bit down after Milan but that has gone now and we are just looking forward to the next couple of weeks.

"If someone had asked us before the start of the season, we would have settled for the Premiership. We really want to get that trophy back.

"But we are in the FA Cup Final as well. We have done well all season and everyone is delighted to reach this stage still being in with a chance to win two trophies."

qbdp

05-05-2007, 12:41 AM

Ronaldo wins writers award

Cristiano Ronaldo has picked up his third award of the season, two days after Manchester United were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals. Ronaldo was named player of the year by the Football Writers' Association after outstanding domestic performances for United, who are closing in on the Premiership title and will face Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on May 19.

The Portugal winger was part of the United team beaten 3-0 by AC Milan on Wednesday, ending the club's hopes of winning the treble. Two weeks ago, Ronaldo collected the player of the year award and young player of the year award from the Professional Footballers' Association. The awards come 10 months after the youngster became one of the most vilified figures in the English game for his part in the sending off of Wayne Rooney, his United team mate, against Portugal in the World Cup.

Rooney pushed Ronaldo after the Portuguese seemed to appeal to the referee to punish the Englishman for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho. Ronaldo was caught on camera winking to the Portugal bench after the red card was shown and went on to score the final goal of the penalty shoot-out that eliminated England.

On his return to Manchester United, Ronaldo was booed by opposition fans wherever he played. But he has won over many with a season of memorable performances in which he has scored 16 Premiership goals.

CibLover

05-05-2007, 10:17 AM

Give us guard of honour, Blues

================================================== ========
MANCHESTER UNITED still recall the humbling experience of giving Chelsea a champions guard of honour at Old Trafford.

That came two seasons ago as Jose Mourinho’s men went to Manchester with the Premiership already in the bag.

Boss Alex Ferguson ordered his players to show the Blues respect to mark their achievement before a meaningless league clash which United went on to lose 3-1.

Now the Red Devils are determined the Blues will have to return the gesture at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

It is not about revenge but it will be a sign they have the Premiership title even before what was billed as the duel for the crown.

United midfielder Kieran Richardson, 22, said: “I remember when our team lined up for Chelsea two seasons ago after they had won the title.

“It would be nice to go there having won the league and get the same gesture back.”

That would also make up for the feeling of hurt from 12 months ago.

United went to the Bridge that day, were hammered 3-0 and had their own title hopes extinguished as Mourinho’s side claimed a second successive Premiership.

Richardson said: “Last season when we went there we didn’t play our best.

“After the game everyone was really upset about our performance and the way Chelsea were able to win.

“That was one of my worst experiences, being in that changing room after the game. We don’t want that feeling this time — we want it to be a good feeling. We want to go there now and get one up on them.”

To claim the title this weekend United are going to have to win the Manchester derby at Eastlands today and hope Chelsea fail to win at Arsenal tomorrow.

Richardson said: “At the start of the season the manager told us we would need to get 90 points to win the title because the standard has got so high. He looks like being spot-on.

CibLover

05-05-2007, 10:26 AM

Mikel: Utd don't deserve title

================================================== ========

MIKEL JOHN OBI has taunted Manchester United by claiming: You don’t deserve the title.

The £16million Chelsea star, who snubbed a move to Old Trafford after a bitter row, insists the Blues have been the better side.

The Nigerian said: “We deserve to win the title because of our hard work, determination, the injury crisis and everything.

“I think United have been lucky at some points this season while we’ve had a long list of injuries to cope with. Overall, we’ve been the better team.

“On the strength of our performances we would be worthy champions, because we gave it our all.”

Chelsea, who are at Arsenal tomorrow, are five points adrift of United, who face local rivals City today.

But Mikel, 20, insists the title race is not yet over. He said: “We’ve played more games than any club in England and still we are showing our ability to win games under any circumstance.

“It’s only a few days to go but I am confident the title will remain at Stamford Bridge. We deserve it.”

United would need to lose at City for Chelsea to have a chance of staging an upset when the two sides clash at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Mikel added: “There is a possibility they could slip up.

“Football is certainly an unpredictable game and anything could still happen.”

Mikel joined Chelsea after a huge transfer wrangle, with United getting £12m compensation after he initially signed for the Reds.

He added: “This is where I wanted to be and the manager is someone I adore.”

His boss is already plotting for next season with the help of skipper John Terry and vice-captain Frank Lampard.

Mourinho said: “We are having our meetings and I have been speaking with players.

“I have been trying to explain the vision of the future. We have already the pre-season plans on the walls of the dressing room.”

But Mourinho added: “This season is not over. We have four matches to play, four matches where we can win two trophies. We can win one, or we can win none.”

================================================== =======

Read this article and seems like fun to have it here for Man Utd's fans amusement. Damn!! Old saying is, like father, like son. Nowadays, it's "Like manager, like player" Look at this idiot who can't decide anything on his own. But at least we've got some monies by selling this "crap".

yinyang

05-05-2007, 01:27 PM

..Damn!! Old saying is, like father, like son. Nowadays, it's "Like manager, like player" Look at this idiot who can't decide anything on his own. But at least we've got some monies by selling this "crap".This Mikel (who the hell is he, doesn't even merit mention) SOB is taking big COCK. His sugar daddy JM is no class act either.. with cold reality starring at him from tonight (we hope). Lap of honour?... Lap dance suits hims fine:D

mr_missile

05-05-2007, 01:48 PM

This Mikel (who the hell is he, doesn't even merit mention) SOB is taking big COCK. His sugar daddy JM is no class act either.. with cold reality starring at him from tonight (we hope). Lap of honour?... Lap dance suits hims fine:D
Bro yingyang,
Forgive the boy. He obviously doesn't know what is happening. For matter, he doesn't even know what is good for him.
If he knows, he wouldn't have rescinded on the contract he signed with United to join Chelski.
Let's hope United will make him (and Terry, Makelele, Essien and not forgetting Mourinho) eat their words by winning the EPL.
Glory Glory Man United!

CibLover

05-05-2007, 02:05 PM

..Let's hope United will make him (and Terry, Makelele, Essien and not forgetting Mourinho) eat their words by winning the EPL.
Glory Glory Man United!

Hahaha....we'll be winning the EPL crown but some will be whinning about injuries, and what not.. Sheer class that!! :rolleyes: :D

epsilon

05-05-2007, 07:48 PM

Sympathetic Wenger will show Blues no mercy

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger can 'understand the pain' felt by Chelsea following their exit from the Champions League - but has no intentions of showing the Blues much sympathy at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

It has been a difficult week for the Blues, who saw their hopes of retaining the Premiership title dented as Manchester United opened up a five-point gap at the top before they then suffered Champions League semi-final heartache at Liverpool.

While Wenger's men have certainly not been consistent this season, the Arsenal manager takes no sense of satisfaction from the misfortunes of other teams.

He said: 'Of course I feel sorry for Chelsea. The players are players and you understand that no matter how much rich a club is, you understand how painful it is to go out as a player or a coach. You respect that.'

Although the Gunners could effectively end the Blues' title challenge on Sunday, Wenger insists proving their own worth is the only motivation his players need.

'For us, it is a chance to beat them,' he said. 'We just want to win our games and to show we are ready for next season to fight at the top.

'It will be a good opportunity to do that on Sunday, to show how good we can be next season.'

Chelsea beat Arsenal in the Carling Cup final which was marred by a mass brawl and resulted in players from both sides being suspended as well as £100,000 fines for the clubs.

Wenger, though, maintains Sunday will not be about exacting revenge.

He added: 'Our desire is to beat them. If we played Manchester United, then it would be exactly the same.'

Wenger feels Ashley Cole may not feature against his old club on Sunday.

The England left-back moved from Arsenal on the closing day of the August transfer window, with William Gallas heading in the opposite direction.

The circumstances of the switch, however, left a sour taste for many Gunners fans.

Wenger would prefer to remember the part Cole, 26, played in their successes.

'Ashley Cole is a winner and can raise his game in the big games. When you had to perform, he was always there and was a big-game player,' said the Gunners boss.

'I want us to respect Ashley Cole for what he has done for the club. I do not want the fans to boo him, but you cannot expect anything in football.'

Chelsea have reached the FA Cup final, but could well end the campaign with only victory at the Millennium Stadium to show for all their endeavours - not to mention investment in the team.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry belittled Chelsea's achievements this season following their Champions League exit at the hands of the Reds, claiming 'when you have invested £500million it is a fantastic season to win the League Cup.'

Wenger, though, maintained: 'That is disrespectful. They will have money now Liverpool and it does not mean they will win everything. It makes headlines, but it is not really football.'

epsilon

05-05-2007, 07:53 PM

Fergie Lines Up Richards Deal
Posted by Bill on Fri May 04 @ 11:15:05

Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly wants Micah Richards to be a part of Manchester United's next Champions League bid - and the Manchester City defender is said to be "aware and excited" by the Red Devils' interest.

On the eve of the Manchester derby at Eastlands, the United boss has targeted the City right-back as Gary Neville's long-term successor, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 18-year-old was nominated for this year's PFA Young Player of the Year award and Ferguson is ready to move swiftly to deny Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham getting there before him.

The London trio all tried to sign Richards during last summer's transfer window and in January but he's now said to be excited about United's apparent interest.

Richards, also capped at international level, only put pen to paper on a new four-year deal last year and City are therefore likely to demand a fee of around ý20million.

SportingLife.com

epsilon

05-05-2007, 07:55 PM

Fergie refuses to rely on Gunners
Posted by Bill on Fri May 04 @ 13:45:17

Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Manchester United not to rely on old rivals Arsenal doing them a title favour against Chelsea this weekend.If the Gunners beat Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, United would be crowned champions providing they had collected at least a point from the Manchester derby at City 24 hours earlier.

The scenario is wholly plausible given the tiredness Chelsea have been showing in recent weeks and the desire of Arsene Wenger's men to at least end a difficult campaign on a high note.

But equally, Ferguson is aware that if his own side suffer a fourth defeat in five trips to their neighbours this weekend, they will offer Chelsea an opportunity to seize the initiative by beating Arsenal to set up a decisive meeting with United at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday.

Having abandoned plans to fly to Zaragoza in order to watch young defender Gerard Pique in action for the La Liga outfit, Ferguson probably will now watch the action unfold at Arsenal on television.

However, the Scot is eager to ensure his own side do their jobs properly rather than plunge him into a situation where he is left to cross his fingers for a favour from Wenger.

"The name of the game for us is to win our games, that is the only way we can think," said Ferguson.

"We cannot rely on anyone else. That would be the wrong attitude. I don't know what Chelsea are going to do but if we lose tomorrow and they win their last three games, they will win the league. That is why all we should do is concentrate on beating City."

Ferguson is still assessing potential changes to his starting line-up, with Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith, Louis Saha and Patrice Evra all likely to be involved after missing the crushing Champions League semi-final defeat to AC Milan.

Although it could be argued the hype surrounding a derby clash is exactly what United need to aid their recovery from their dismal showing in the San Siro, Ferguson feels history suggests his team would bounce back strongly no matter what the opposition.

"No-one likes to lose, especially in the semi-final of a European tie," he said.

"But it is something we have experience before. Footballers have defeats, you have to recover from them. Historically, during my time here, we have done that very well.

"The players know City will want to put one over on us and try to prevent us winning the league.

"But these are all things that make it a bigger incentive for us."

United's chances appear to have received a significant lift by the midweek training-ground scrap that has cost City the services of both Joey Barton and Ousmane Dabo.

With takeover speculation continuing to rumble on and a chronic lack of home goals which will ensure the Blues enter the record books for the lowest number in a Premiership season if they fail to score, City appear to be there for the taking.

However, as Ferguson has found out to his cost on too many occasions, the Blues can be difficult opponents to overcome.

"A derby game is never easy," he said.

"You cannot legislate for some of the things that happen in them.

"I don't pay a lot of attention to what is happening at City but I don't think it will affect the players that Barton is missing.

"Once the game starts, what has happened during the week will be lost to them and whoever replaces Barton will be delighted to be playing."

With their treble hopes gone, Ferguson's team are refocusing on what would be a fourth domestic double.

And, although the disappointment of their failure to cope with Milan will linger for some time, the United boss is not straying from his pre-season assertion that any

teamtalk.com

epsilon

05-05-2007, 07:57 PM

Fergie planning United changes
Posted by Bill on Fri May 04 @ 11:15:05

Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to make changes as Manchester United bid to move closer to the Premiership title by beating Manchester City.Having highlighted a lack of freshness in his team as a major factor behind Wednesday's defeat by AC Milan, Ferguson finds himself in the welcome position of having options for the derby clash.

Rio Ferdinand seems certain to start, as do forwards Louis Saha and Alan Smith, who were both consigned to the bench in the San Siro in midweek.

In addition, left-back Patrice Evra is available after suspension and could replace Gabriel Heinze, who hardly covered himself in glory against Milan.

The squad did not return from Milan until the early hours of Thursday morning and Ferguson wants them to have as much rest as possible ahead of the City clash, when victory would leave Chelsea in the unenviable position of having to win all their three remaining matches to stand any chance of retaining the championship.

"I am sure everyone will want to play because it is a derby game but I need to assess what is the right thing to do," said Ferguson.

"The key thing is that at least I have some options for the first time in a few weeks."

Ferguson also confirmed captain Gary Neville has a chance of returning for the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 19.

Neville suffered ankle ligament damage against Bolton on March 17 and was expected to miss the remainder of the season.

However, the full-back is likely to return for the first final at the new Wembley and Ferguson would then have no problem with Neville linking up with the England squad ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia on June 6.

"We have seen an improvement in the injury and Gary has a chance for the final," said Ferguson.

"If he is fit, he could join up with England. At least he will be fresh."

United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Fletcher, Eagles, Giggs, Richardson, Rooney, Smith, Saha, Solskjaer.

teamtalk.com

qbdp

05-05-2007, 10:18 PM

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/6650/u2030p6t12d2906097f44dtjl9.jpg

United move closer to title

Man City 0 Man United 1

Manchester United took a giant step towards the Premier League title when they beat Manchester City 1-0 in a one-sided local derby to open up an eight-point lead over Chelsea.

United have 88 points with two matches to play which means Chelsea, on 80 points with three matches to go, must win at Arsenal on Sunday to keep alive their now slim hopes of a third successive championship.

Although United dominated the match at the City of Manchester Stadium, the game came down to a tale of two penalties -- one scored by United and one missed by City.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored for United after 34 minutes while Darius Vassell saw Edwin van der Sar save his 81st minute penalty with his out-stretched legs.

It was the second successive home match in which City had missed a penalty. They ended their last home game of the season without a goal in eight successive home matches since New Year's Day.

Their Tally of 10 home league goals is the all-time worst record in the English top tier since league football began in 1888.

Ronaldo, named as England's Footballer of the Year on Friday to add to his Player's Player of the Year title, made no mistake from the spot sending the ball wide of Andreas Isaksson for his 23rd United goal of the season.

It was the perfect way to avenge a vicious stamp Michael Ball executed on Ronaldo's ribs after just two minutes which was missed by the match officials.

If they had seen it, Ball would almost certainly have been red carded, but instead he stayed on the field and committed the foul on Ronaldo that led to the penalty after 34 minutes.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/9292/u2030p6t12d2906149f44dteu3.jpg

Ironically it was Ball who won City's penalty in the closing stages, falling as he ran past Wes Brown. Referee Rob Styles pointed to the spot, but Vassell shot straight at the goalkeeper who saved it with his legs.

United, recovering from their shattering loss to AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday, dominated from first kick to last and fully deserved to take the lead after going close nine minutes before the penalty when Rio Ferdinand, returning from injury, headed against the City crossbar.

City rarely threatened and United always looked like winning the match and taking all three points which puts them within touching distance of their first title since 2003.

gaia

06-05-2007, 12:59 AM

Finally, we can tightened our grip on e premier league trophy....!!!!!....Hell with tt o b mikel..tt piece of black charcoal...!!!!

epsilon

06-05-2007, 01:44 AM

Man Utd's Richardson: Chelsea owe us guard of honour
tribalfooball.com - May 04, 2007

Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson wants a guard of honour at Chelsea should they already have the title wrapped up by next week's meeting.

Richardson, 22, said: "I remember when our team lined up for Chelsea two seasons ago after they had won the title.

"It would be nice to go there having won the league and get the same gesture back."

That would also make up for the feeling of hurt from 12 months ago.

United went to the Bridge that day, were hammered 3-0 and had their own title hopes extinguished as Mourinho's side claimed a second successive Premiership.

Richardson said: "Last season when we went there we didn't play our best.

"After the game everyone was really upset about our performance and the way Chelsea were able to win.

"That was one of my worst experiences, being in that changing room after the game. We don't want that feeling this time - we want it to be a good feeling. We want to go there now and get one up on them."

To claim the title this weekend United are going to have to win the Manchester derby at Eastlands today and hope Chelsea fail to win at Arsenal tomorrow.

Richardson said: "At the start of the season the manager told us we would need to get 90 points to win the title because the standard has got so high. He looks like being spot-on.

"But the Manchester City game will be tough. It was always going to be a huge game for us anyway. It's always one of the hardest fixtures of the season for us to go there.

"Now there is so much involved in that game in terms of the title. City are obviously going to be more up for it than normal because they know they can put a dent in our ambitions.

"So we're just going to have to stick together and play our own game."

epsilon

06-05-2007, 01:45 AM

Manchester United circles in their summer targets, including Tottenham forwards

Martin Jol is certain he will keep both Berbatov and Defoe, but the Tottenham manager doesn't make the decissions alone at White Hart Lane. Manchester United is today again heavilly linked with a move for Dimitar Berbatov.

Money talks and if the bids are good enough then no one "is not for sale". Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United will battle it out in the summer, other clubs have to pick up what's left when those three "fat cows" have done their business.

Manchester City's Micah Richards is also on Sir Alex Ferguson's list of summer targets. There is no secret that the Old Trafford outfit needs more power to keep up with the best, when injury strikes.

Players such as Darren Fletcher, Kieran Richardson, Gabriel Heinze and Mikael Silvestre could be sold to open the door for other players. Louis Saha could also be on the move and heading back to France and Lyon.

The fact that Man Utd missed the CL final again, frustrates Sir Alex and both Berbatov and Defoe could be targets. Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich is also a player which is linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

epsilon

06-05-2007, 04:38 PM

WHICH TEAM IS THE BEST?
By Editor

Sunday 6th May 2007
Sunday Times muse over which Ferguson team is the greatest. 1994 probably.

To his eternal credit, Ferguson has now built four different teams since he succeeded Ron Atkinson in November 1986, with United 20th in the table, and he has won the league with each of them (assuming there are no farfetched slip-ups this time). The manager has always had a soft spot, and he doesn't have many of those, for the team that did the league and FA Cup Double in 1993-94, with the peerless Peter Schmeichel in goal, Paul Parker and Denis Irwin at full-back either side of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister, the boiler room staffed by Paul Ince and Roy Keane and two flying wingers, Andrei Kanchelskis and Ryan Giggs, servicing Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes.

That is probably still his favourite lineup today, despite the "you win nothing with kids" triumph of 1995-96 and the historic events of 1998-99, when United did the Double again and added the European Cup for good measure. Schmeichel, Irwin, Keane and Giggs were still around then, but Gary Neville, Jaap Stam and Ronnie Johnsen had taken over at the back, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt had emerged in midfield and the preferred strikers were Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole, backed up by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Fast forward. How does the present team compare with the alumni of 1994, 1996 and 1999? Not as favourably as some would like to think. Edwin Van der Sar is no Schmeichel - indeed his unreliability of late could see him displaced next season by England's Ben Foster, who is being recalled from his loan spell at Watford. Neville is as good as ever and today's centre-backs, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, have it in them to equal, if not surpass, the Bruce-Pallister partnership of fond memory.

It is further forward that the current team are found wanting. In midfield, as was all too aparent in the San Siro, there is no Keane to drive, cajole and lift the rest. In 1999, United were trailing 3-1 on aggregate to Juventus in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final in Turin when the inspirational Irishman ran up the skull and crossbones, swashbuckled the Italians to a standstill and emerged victorious through sheer force of personality. Last Wednesday, in similar circumstances, there was nobody to do the same. Keane, we can be sure, would never have allowed Gennaro Gattuso to dictate so decisively.

Scholes and Giggs are still around from 1999, and playing just about as well as ever, but aged 32 and 33 respectively they are increasingly prey to fatigue, which undermined them in midweek. Which brings us to the footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo. The much-hyped "head to head" between Portugal's finest and Milan's Kaka was a one-sided nonevent, and our more impetuous pundits are premature in hailing Ronaldo as the best player in the world.

There is optimistic talk of another "golden generation" emerging from the youth team, runners-up in the Youth Cup this year, but don't hold your breath: nobody from United's last Youth Cup-winning side, in 2003, commands a place in the first team. No matter, the seniors may well suffice for another year in the Premiership. The European Cup, however, remains Ferguson's key to everlasting glory.

Foursome

06-05-2007, 10:11 PM

Premier League to probe Howard absence
Updated: May 6, 2007

The Premier League are set to probe Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard's absence from the match against Manchester United on April 28.

Howard moved to Goodison Park on a season-long loan from Old Trafford last summer but it was announced in February the switch was to become a permanent one.

As such, there was no reason why the 27-year-old could not play against the Red Devils in a vital match which saw the USA international replaced by second-choice keeper Iain Turner who made a crucial error as United overcame a two-goal deficit to win 4-2.

Now the Premier League are reported to be set to investigate whether an agreement over Howard's availability existed between the teams.

Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson told the News of the World: 'We will be contacting both clubs as a matter of urgency to find out what has gone on.

'As Howard's is a permanent transfer there is no reason why he could not have played against Manchester United.

'Had such a clause been included in the transfer we would not have allowed it - it would have been a clear case of third party interference.

'We certainly have no record of an agreement between Everton and United that Howard could not play on April 28.'

Foursome

06-05-2007, 10:13 PM

I'm staying at Man United, insists Silvestre
Updated: May 6, 2007

Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre insists that he enjoys Alex Ferguson's full confidence and will remain at the club next season.

Silvestre has been at Old Trafford since joining from Inter Milan in 1999 but has found it hard to dislodge Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze this season.

But with the Argentina defender linked with a move away from the club in the summer, the France defender could come back into the first-team picture next year.

Silvestre, 29, is currently out of action with a shoulder injury but told the Daily Star Sunday: 'I still have two years on my contract and the manager did everything to keep me here last summer.

'He even told me recently he still has confidence in me so I can confirm that I will be in Manchester next year.'

qbdp

07-05-2007, 12:03 AM

Duo in clear over Howard deal

The Premier League has confirmed neither Manchester United or Everton have broken any rules regarding Tim Howard's transfer.

Howard joined Everton on a season-long loan deal last summer, before the move became permanent in February.

Questions were raised over the transfer when Howard did not feature against United in the recent clash between the two sides at Goodison Park.

The League contacted the two clubs to find out why the American goalkeeper was not involved as it would not have allowed the deal to be made permanent if United had requested a clause preventing Howard from playing against them.

However, after investigating the matter the League has cleared both clubs of any wrongdoing.

A statement from the Premier League said: "At the time of Tim Howard's permanent transfer from Manchester United to Everton, the Premier League ensured there were no agreements in place that contravened our rules.

"As a result of recent comments we had sought further clarification from both clubs and are satisfied that it remains the case that there were no agreements that breached any of our rules.

"Everton were free to play Tim Howard in their fixture against Manchester United had they so wished - and this has been confirmed by both clubs."

qbdp

07-05-2007, 12:07 AM

Silvestre: I will not be sold

Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has insisted he will be at Old Trafford next season.

Newspaper reports today claim the French international will be sold in the summer along with Gabriel Heinze as both players have had nervy seasons at United.

The 29-year-old has started just six league games this season after losing his place to Nemanja Vidic in central defence.

But the defender insists boss Sir Alex Ferguson has told him he has a future at the Premiership leaders.

"I still have two years left on my contract and the manager did everything to keep me here last summer," Silvestre told the Daily Star Sunday.

"He even told me recently he still has confidence in me, so I can confirm that I will be in Manchester next year."

Silvestre has not played for United since March after dislocating his shoulder in the Champions League tie against Lille.

Ferguson is reportedly keen on recalling youngsters Jonny Evans and Gerard Pique from loan spells to build another team.

Pique has impressed at Spanish side Real Zaragoza while Evans has been instrumental in Sunderland's promotion from the Championship.

Silvestre is one of United's longest serving players after signing from Inter Milan for £4 million in 1999.

qbdp

07-05-2007, 12:15 AM

Sir Alex Ferguson: Jose will stay

SIR Alex Ferguson expects title rival Jose Mourinho to still be in charge of Chelsea at the start of next season.

Mourinho's future has been the subject of intense speculation since the New Year following an apparent bust-up with owner Roman Abramovich.

It was claimed Mourinho and Abramovich were no longer on speaking terms, amid a rift over a failure to provide the manager with cash to reinforce his defence in January when John Terry was injured and the owner's frustration at the relative lack of involvement of £30million striker Andriy Shevchenko.

Ferguson did not take much notice of those reports and Peter Kenyon, who quit United to become Blues chief executive, did not cut much ice with the Scot either when he claimed Mourinho would not be sacked.

Yet the Old Trafford chief is confident Mourinho will remain in his job when the new campaign gets underway next August.

"I think Mourinho will be there next year," said Ferguson.

"I haven't really paid any attention to talk about his future because, in all the time Roman Abramovich has been in this country, I have never heard him say anything.

Substance

"He never comments on anything so how anyone has got information on Jose's future is beyond me. I don't think there is a great substance to these reports and I am sure he will be here next year."

In contrast to his fractious relationship with Arsene Wenger, Ferguson has always appeared to get on well with Mourinho.

As recently as last month the pair exchanged text messages in the aftermath of their side's respective Champions League wins over Roma and Valencia, while Ferguson took the unprecedented step of ordering his players to form a guard of honour to applaud Chelsea onto the Old Trafford pitch two years ago to honour the Londoners' first title in 50 years.

But their relationship seemed to have taken a serious downturn in recent days, with Ferguson reacting furiously first to Mourinho's jibe about the lack of penalties awarded against United, then the Chelsea manager's damning rebuke about Cristiano Ronaldo's lack of education.

Ferguson insists he was correct to take a stand against Mourinho.

However, he does not believe the recent spat will affect relations between the pair and is looking forward to sharing a glass of wine with his sparring partner when United head to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

"We all have our own opinions," said Ferguson. "I don't think our relationship has been affected. I will still have a glass of wine with him. If I am invited I will attend."

Indeed, there is a definite sense that Ferguson quite enjoys having Mourinho around, sometimes to engage in banter with, other times to just watch and smile.

Dialogue

"Jose has this continual dialogue and sometimes it is enjoyable to have a go back," said the Red Devils chief.

"Maybe we can get a bit too focused on matches and too intense about the game. Jose brings another agenda which you can join in if you want to or just sit back and enjoy what he has to say if you don't."

Having declared his intention to remain at Old Trafford for another couple of seasons at least, Ferguson expects to be going head-to-head with Mourinho for a while yet.

For, while many pundits expect Liverpool and Arsenal to mount a more sustained title challenge next year than they have done this time around, Ferguson believes Chelsea will remain the team his own side must overcome.

"Given the financial structure Chelsea have, it is hard to imagine they won't be here for a while," said Ferguson.

"Buying big does not necessarily mean you will be successful. You only have to see the trouble Leeds are in now for an example of that. But when you buy players of real quality, as Chelsea have, you expect to get success.

"I don't know what they will do this summer but I am sure they will buy three or four players.

"They have done it every other summer and have not been short at paying out incredible sums of money in the process."

epsilon

07-05-2007, 12:17 AM

Lyon target Premiership striker
Sun, May 06 2007 13:05

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has revealed he is interested in signing Manchester United striker Louis Saha at the end of the season
Lyon have already clinched the French Ligue 1 championship title, but are keen to bring some more attacking force to the squad with several big name signings at the end of the season, and Aulas has hinted that Saha is one of their possible targets.

Following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Paris Saint Germain, Aulas revealed: "He (Saha) is a good player.

"All the players of the French team who play abroad interest us."

Saha played a major role in United's early season success, but injury problems have hampered the majority of the season, and has only made three substitute appearances for the club over the last two months due to a hamstring problem.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has become increasingly frustrated with Saha's fitness over the present campaign and could allow Saha to leave in the summer.

qbdp

07-05-2007, 12:23 AM

Ferguson plotting future conquests for youthful team

Manchester United’s manager is already looking towards the next generation at Old Trafford.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON was on the golf course when he won the Premiership for the first time. He was on the 17th green at Mottram Hall with his son Mark when a stranger rushed over, announcing that Aston Villa had failed to beat Oldham and the 1992-93 title was Manchester United’s.

The last time United became champions, in 2002-3, Ferguson capered at his young granddaughter’s birthday party while Arsenal’s challenge was dying against Leeds. Worrying overly about what his rivals are doing was never his thing. Rather than watch Arsenal against Chelsea on television, Ferguson will, flights permitting, be in Spain today to take in Real Zaragoza versus Racing Santander.

Gerard Pique, the young defender United have loaned to Zaragoza, is up against Nikola Zigic, Santander’s 6ft 7in Serb, and it is a good opportunity for Ferguson to see whether his boy has truly become a man. Pique has impressed during a season in La Liga, playing most of Zaragoza’s games and scoring in a cup victory over Barcelona.

He is 20 and Ferguson wants him back at Old Trafford for 2007-8. With faith in Gabriel Henize and Mikael Silvestre diminished, there is an opportunity for somebody new to challenge Wes Brown as cover for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Pique and another loaned-out United youngster, 19-year-old Jonny Evans of Sunderland, will be invited to apply for the vacancy.

It is typical of Ferguson that with a ninth title beckoning, he has started plotting winning a 10th. Arsenal, with their kids, are talked about as “the future”, but United look set for glory far beyond the here and now. The average age (27.4) of Ferguson’s regular first XI this season is only one year older than Arsène Wenger’s (26.4), despite the venerable nature of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

For next season Ben Foster, 24, will return from loan at Watford and may replace 36-year-old Edwin van der Sar in goal, and when Ferguson completes the long-awaited signing of Owen Hargreaves, 26, he will add further youth to the ranks. Another target, 18-year-old Micah Richards, is sufficiently enticed by Ferguson’s interest to risk the political ramifications of moving to United from Manchester City.

Louis Saha’s susceptibility to injuries has tired Ferguson and should he move for a new striker it will be for a youngish player, such as Fernando Torres, Dimitar Berbatov or Samuel Eto’o. Expressing his desire to “draw a line” under his spat with Jose Mourinho over Cristiano Ronaldo, Ferguson said of United’s visit to Stamford Bridge: “If I’m invited for a glass of wine with him, of course I’ll attend, because I don’t think this has damaged our relationship. We all have our opinions. Football should be a challenge between groups of players, but with Jose’s continual – how should I put it? – ‘dialogue’, sometimes, as a manager, you quite enjoy having a go back.”

Ferguson expects Chelsea to spend big again over the summer. Although none of United’s targets would come cheap, progressing young talents continues to be Ferguson’s preferred way of reaching success and the quality/age equation of his resources gives him every chance of building something lasting.

Paul McGuinness’s under18 side has Ferguson smacking his lips. The youngsters surprised the manager by making the final of the FA Youth Cup, where they took Liverpool, the holders, all the way to penalties, despite featuring several 16-and 17-year-olds.

Then there are Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo, 21 and 22. So grey were some of Rooney’s performances in early season that he was beginning to look washed out, but recent weeks have seen colour return to the most vivid English talent of two generations. His slump appears no more than growing pains, exacerbated by the lingering effects of his metatarsal injury.

epsilon

07-05-2007, 12:55 AM

Blues draw hands United title

Manchester United are confirmed as Premiership champions after ten-man Chelsea could only draw 1-1 with Arsenal, in a game they had to win to keep alive hopes of retaining their crown.

imom

07-05-2007, 01:42 AM

REDS CROWNED CHAMPIONS
06/05/2007 16:29, Report by Gemma Thompson

United have been crowned Premiership champions for a record ninth time after closest rivals Chelsea failed to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

A first half penalty from Gilberto Silva gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Jose Mourinho's men who were reduced to ten men just before the break when Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off for a foul on Julio Baptista which led to the spot-kick.

Michael Essien levelled on 70 minutes but the Blues could find no way through after that in a hugely tense affair.

Twenty-four hours Chelsea had seen United secure a 1-0 win over local neighbours Manchester City on Saturday.

It's the ninth Premiership title the Reds have won under Sir Alex Ferguson and it's arguably their greatest ever triumph.

The Reds will be presented with the Championship trophy after their final game of the season against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday. Before that they face a mid-week trip to Stamford Bridge.

Victory in their next two games would give United a record Premiership points' total of 94 points.

Their best ever to date came at the end of the 1993/94 season when they finished on 92 points. They came within a point of that in 1999/2000 when they ended the campaign on 91.

imom

07-05-2007, 01:50 AM

HOW THE TITLE WAS WON
06/05/2007 17:18, Report by Ian McLeish

ManUtd.com takes a look back at the pivotal moments in the 2006/07 title race as United claim Championship glory...

- Start as we mean to go on
United lay down a marker to the rest of the country by knocking five past Fulham in a thrilling attacking display in their first game of the season at Old Trafford.

- Blues slip up almost immediately
A set of midweek fixtures follows hot on the heels of the opening weekend, and Wednesday 23 August turns out to be a good night for the Reds as United win at Charlton and Chelsea lose at Middlesbrough.

- Gunners upset the applecart
Four straight victories keep United on top of the league until Sunday 17 September, when a defeat at home to old foes Arsenal allows Portsmouth to leapfrog us in the table. At least we're still ahead of Chelsea +only just +on goal difference.

- But not for long
Another wobble in the league as United draw away at newly-promoted Reading. A win over Fulham in the west London derby lifts Chelsea two points clear at the top of the Premiership. Incredibly, it turns out to be the only time Chelsea will end the weekend on top of the league and the last time United don't.

- Normal service is resumed
The champions stumble once again at home to Aston Villa on Saturday 30 September, drawing 1-1. United take full advantage, seeing off Newcastle with two goals from the evergreen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

- A bad week for the Blues
All three points are accrued by Chelsea away at Reading on 14 October, but at some cost. Petr Cech suffers a fractured skull that was to rule out the influential stopper for three months. United still ahead on goal difference.

- United step up a gear
A dramatic 2-0 win over Liverpool is followed by a 4-0 victory away at Bolton, featuring a glorious Wayne Rooney hat-trick, and an easy 3-0 win over Portsmouth. Chelsea slip up again the day after our Pompey win, losing to rivals Tottenham for the first time in 16 years with captain John Terry sent off. Reds go three clear at the top.

- The big two lock horns
The Premiership hype machine goes into overdrive when champions meet challengers on 26 November at Old Trafford. Louis Saha puts the Reds in front, but a Ricardo Carvahlo header draws the visitors level. Final score 1-1.

- Reds move on up
9/10 December is a big weekend in the race for the Premiership as United beat City 3-1 and Arsenal nick a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. United's lead at the top stretches to eight points.

- United stumble in east London
Chelsea claw their way back into the championship race with a late rally at Goodison Park which sees them come from 2-1 down to beat Everton 3-2. United head to Upton Park but come up against a dogged West Ham side who run out 1-0 winners.

- Boxing day blues for Chelsea
Yet again, Chelsea fail to capitalise on United's recent slip-ups, drawing at home to Reading on 26 December. United pile on the pressure by beating Wigan 3-1 later that afternoon.

- Happy new year!
Four days later that four point lead turns into six when the Blues are held to a draw at home to Fulham. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is really hitting his stride and his two goals help see off Reading at Old Trafford.

- Newcastle with point to prove
The heavy festive fixture list takes its toll as the Reds fail to beat Newcastle at St James Park on New Year's Day, young substitute David Edgar snatching a point for the Magpies with a dramatic long-range screamer. But again, Chelsea are unable to cash in on United¹s stumble, drawing 0-0 at Aston Villa.

- Double slip-up
Chelsea go down 2-0 at Liverpool on 20 January and a Thierry Henry injury-time winner means United suffer defeat as well on their first visit to the Emirates Stadium.

- Three points in it
Chelsea cut United's lead to after 3 points after narrowly beating Charlton Athletic. But the Reds reply with an impressive 4-0 win at Spurs.

- Craven Cottage clincher
With Chelsea focusing on the Carling Cup final against Arsenal, United move 9 points clear thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic late winner at Fulham.

- O'Shea Anfield scalp
Reds go 12 points clear thanks to John O'Shea's winner in the dying seconds in front of the Kop. Chelsea cut the lead down to 9 later that evening with a win at Fratton Park

- Keeping up the chase
Chelsea make their game in hand count with a 1-0 win away at City in mid-March and cut the gap back to 6.

- It's as you were
With United again kicking off early and doing their job with a 4-1 win over Blackburn after coming from behind, Chelsea look like slipping up away to lowly Watford, but a last-gasp winner from Solomon Kalou keeps them in the title race.

- South coast horror show
United slip up away at Pompey 2-1. Chelsea had already gained revenge on Spurs with a 1-0 win and so cut the gap to three points.

- The pressure mounts
United's draw with Middlesbrough on 21 April makes the gap 4 points but it could be cut to one if Chelsea beat Newcastle the next day. Thankfully, they don't, drawing 0-0, meaning the gap is still 3.

- Drama, drama, drama
Both United and Chelsea kick-off at the same time - the Reds at Goodison Park and the Blues at home to Bolton. The title chasing pair both go behind in the opening minutes. Chelsea draw level and are 2-1 up at the break. United meanwhile find themselves 2-0 down not long after the restart. Fast forward 40 minutes and incredibly United are winning 4-2, while Chelsea are held 2-2 by the Trotters - United's lead is now 5 points after an unbelievable day in the Premiership.

- Champions!
A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty and a brilliant save by Edwin van der Sar from Darius Vassell's spot-kick late on puts United 8 points ahead on 5 May. Twenty-four hours later Chelsea fail to beat Arsenal and the Reds are crowned Premiership champions for the ninth time.

machoman

07-05-2007, 01:59 AM

Yup, 88 points- 7 points clear of Chelsea with only 2 games left!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

GLORY GLORY MAN UTD!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4T3g4gGqHQ&mode=related&search=

imom

07-05-2007, 08:46 AM

Just found it amusing (but not surprised at all :rolleyes: ) that the 'special one' refused to admit that the Devils were better this season in the post-match interview.

When asked 'so do you think Man Utd were better this season' he replied 'it does not matter. They have more points, so they are champions'. And then he goes on and on about 'this season we have worked against EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING.' What goes around, comes around. The Devils have had their fair share of misfortune the past few seasons - what's there to whine about?

Even presenter Steve McMahon jibed him about whining about injuries, etc.

Anyway, I guess he does provide a bit of entertainment with his amusing, spoilt brat comments. Let's see if he remembers that guard-of-honour reception... :D

qbdp

07-05-2007, 09:02 AM

Chelsea will be ready for United next season, insists Mourinho

JOSE MOURINHO has promised Manchester United a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday – but pledged the new Premiership champions can expect a major battle to retain their crown next season.

Two years ago, Alex Ferguson famously ordered his players to applaud Chelsea onto the Old Trafford pitch following the Blues first title triumph under Mourinho.

And now, after Chelsea’s lingering hopes of a championship hat-trick died with a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Mourinho confirmed the gesture will be reciprocated when Ferguson takes his team to Stamford Bridge this week.

“They did it for us and we shall do the same for them,” said Mourinho.

“This is not a time for excuses. The title race is over and Manchester United are the new champions.

“I wish to congratulate everyone, from the manager, to the players, the board — and everyone else who gave them a help to be champions.

“We still have the FA Cup to play for and I promise we will be ready for next season.”

After his well voiced complaints about the failure of referees to award penalties against United recently, Mourinho rejected any suggestion his comment regarding the ‘help’ United received had a wider meaning.

However, he admitted he was awaiting with interest the outcome of discussions between United, Everton and the Premier League over the failure of Tim Howard to turn out for the Toffeemen in their home defeat to the Red Devils a week ago.

“I am not the authorities,” observed Mourinho. “I can’t do anything about it. I just have to sit down and wait and see whether I agree with the decision.

“Everybody knows what the story is. Now I have to see whether I can find friends in other clubs who will agree with me on a couple of things.”

Even though he left Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho out of his team, who needed a win to retain any hopes of keeping the title, Mourinho claimed he never abandoned hope of winning a third successive championship until Alan Wiley sounded the whistle for full time.

“I felt the title was still possible,” said Mourinho.

“If we had won today, then beaten Manchester United on Wednesday, the gap would have only been two points going into the final game, when anything could have happened.

“In the end, it wasn’t to be but I am very proud of my team.

“I always knew one day I would not be a champion.

“Sometimes, when you win a lot of trophies, you can reach a point when you do not give everything, the commitment and ambition are not the same or you are not hungry enough.

“Today has been exactly the opposite and any player who joins us needs to look at the video of this match to see what it takes to succeed.”

imom

07-05-2007, 09:11 AM

Breaking News

Hold the champagne corks boys....

That stupid incident involving Tim Howard MIGHT lead to points deductions... :rolleyes:

qbdp

07-05-2007, 09:48 AM

Breaking News

Hold the champagne corks boys....

That stupid incident involving Tim Howard MIGHT lead to points deductions... :rolleyes:

Bro, it has been confirmed by the EPL that Utd and Everton have not breached any rules.

Bring out the champagne for our team and Giggsy!

Giggs has now won 9 English Championship medals, a record which will make him stand alone for a long long time.

imom

07-05-2007, 10:07 AM

Bro, it has been confirmed by the EPL that Utd and Everton have not breached any rules....

Good news then....

When we pop our bubbly, gotta make sure we are not caught off guard like SAF was last nite.... :D

mr_missile

07-05-2007, 10:21 AM

Bro, it has been confirmed by the EPL that Utd and Everton have not breached any rules.

Taken from a footy website for your reading pleasure.
Cheers!

DUO IN THE CLEAR OVER HOWARD
Posted 06/05/07 10:57EmailPrintSave

The Premier League are satisfied that neither Manchester United nor Everton broke any rules over the transfer of Tim Howard.

The League contacted the clubs to find out exactly why the American goalkeeper did not play in the Premiership match between them at Goodison Park last week.

Howard joined Everton on a season-long loan deal from United last summer, which became a permanent deal in February.

Premier League rules on loan deals prevent players from playing against their host club but, once the Howard deal became permanent, he was eligible to play against United on April 28.

The Premier League would not have sanctioned the permanent transfer if United had requested a clause preventing Howard from playing against them.

But before the match Everton boss David Moyes appeared to suggest there had been a verbal agreement between the clubs over Howard's omission.

However, a statement from the Premier League on Sunday confirmed: "At the time of Tim Howard's permanent transfer from Manchester United to Everton, the Premier League ensured there were no agreements in place that contravened our rules.

"As a result of recent comments we had sought further clarification from both clubs and are satisfied that it remains the case that there were no agreements that breached any of our rules.

"Everton were free to play Tim Howard in their fixture against Manchester United had they so wished - and this has been confirmed by both clubs."

CibLover

07-05-2007, 10:26 AM

... Let's see if he remembers that guard-of-honour reception...

Been waiting to see this the whole season!!!! I think Mourinho still has that little bit of "class" to accord us that Guard of Honour. If not, ...well... doesn't matter. We're still the CHAMPIONS!!!!

Actually, it was a great touch for SAF to order his players to form that the first round. SAF wants our players to feel gutted and to really feel the dissapointment of being second best. That way, we'll have more determination and the sense of horror for being second best again. It has worked well for the boys this season.

Glory, Glory Man Utd!!!!!!!!!!! Well done, boys!! Now for the FA CUP!! :)

asiancigar

07-05-2007, 10:37 AM

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS .............

mANu FOREVER

Cheerz
AC

mudhoney

07-05-2007, 11:05 AM

Stamford bridge is fallin down, falling down, falling down,Stamford bridge is fallin down, MY POOR MOURINHO NOW salute the new champion, u chelski supporters!!!!:cool:

onagege

07-05-2007, 11:18 AM

Well done Sir Alex!!
Hip Hip Hurray for MANCHESTER UNITED!!!
WE ARE THE CHAMPION, WE ARE THE CHAMPION, WE ARE THE CHAMPION....

CibLover

07-05-2007, 11:19 AM

Mourinho promises United guard of honour
================================================== =======

Jose Mourinho has promised Manchester United a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday - but pledged the new Premiership champions can expect a major battle to retain their crown next season.

Two years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson famously ordered his players to applaud Chelsea onto the Old Trafford pitch following the Blues first title triumph under Mourinho.

And now, after Chelsea's lingering hopes of a championship hat-trick died with a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Mourinho confirmed the gesture will be reciprocated when Ferguson takes his team to Stamford Bridge this week.

'They did it for us and we shall do the same for them,' said Mourinho. This is not a time for excuses. The title race is over and Manchester United are the new champions.

'I wish to congratulate everyone, from the manager, to the players, the board - and everyone else who gave them a help to be champions. We still have the FA Cup to play for and I promise we will be ready for next season.'

After his well voiced complaints about the failure of referees to award penalties against United recently, Mourinho rejected any suggestion his comment regarding the `help' United received had a wider meaning.

Even though he left Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho out of his team, who needed a win to retain any hopes of keeping the title, Mourinho claimed he never abandoned hope of winning a third successive championship until Alan Wiley sounded his whistle for the final time.

Certainly his team did not let him down, as he pointedly marched towards the Chelsea fans at the end emphasised. Despite playing the entire second half with 10 men following the dismissal of Khalid Boulahrouz for the foul on Julio Baptista which earned Arsenal the penalty from which Gilberto put them in front, Chelsea battled until the end.

Michael Essien brought the visitors level before Joe Cole had a goal ruled out for offside. And, with Jens Lehmann denying Salomon Kalou with a fingertip save late on, Mourinho felt he had plenty of reasons to be proud.

'I felt the title was still possible,' said Mourinho. If we had won today, then beaten Manchester United on Wednesday, the gap would have only been two points going into the final game, when anything could have happened.

'In the end, it wasn't to be but I am very proud of my team.

'I always knew one day I would not be a champion. But when it happened I didn't want to be blaming myself, or the players, or the other people I work with. Sometimes, when you win a lot of trophies, you can reach a point when you do not give everything, the commitment and ambition are not the same or you are not hungry enough.

'Today has been exactly the opposite and any player who joins us needs to look at the video of this match to see what it takes to succeed.'

================================================== =======================================

Looks like we'll be getting what's due. Like I've said, Mourinho still had that little bit of class.
However, you can't help but notice that he's still whinning about the "helps" that we get from "everyone". I sensed that he was still going on about referees not awarding them penalties while we never get any penalties agaisnt us. Sigghhhh....
Go on and keep whinning. :rolleyes:

So, bring on the FA Cup. :)

CibLover

07-05-2007, 11:32 AM

Relieved Fergie celebrates 'special' title win
================================================== ===========

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was 'in agony' watching the end of Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Arsenal which confirmed Manchester United as Barclays Premiership champions.

Asked how the triumph rates with the previous eight, Ferguson said: 'All of them were good. Maybe the fact that for two years Chelsea dominated the Premier League and we had a big job to do to catch them (makes this one special). The key was a good start to the season and we did that very well. It gave us momentum and from that moment on we did not lose it.'

Ferguson yesterday vowed to avoid today's game but admitted he ran out of things to do to keep him occupied.

'I went to see my grandson play this afternoon; they won their league and we won ours!' he said. I was twiddling my thumbs. I watched the last 15 minutes at the Emirates and was in agony. My heart was in my mouth.'

'It's a great effort by Chelsea, we've got to give them great credit.'

Ferguson admits the domestic league is now United's priority whereas the Champions League had been more important years ago.

'The Premiership is such a competitive league with the pressure on big clubs to do well, and that means it is a priority for us,' he said. Some years ago I had an obsession with winning in Europe but I think that's been overtaken by winning the Premier League. To win it is a big achievement.

'It's the priority but I do wish we'd got to the (Champions League) final in Athens.'

Regarding the title race, Ferguson added: 'It's not easy to keep a lead for six months or something knowing Chelsea are on your coat-tails. The crucial part was the resilience of the players when we started getting all those injuries. Credit to the players who dug in every week for us. It's been a fantastic effort by them.'

Ferguson added he hopes to continue for some time yet, admitting his aborted retirement several years ago was a mistake.

'It's easy to retire. It was a quick decision. I did it years ago and regretted it within days. I feel invigorated by the young players at the club and players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Neville, Paul Scholes turning out every week for me. It gives me the right vibes.

'I don't know how long I'll last now but I'm enjoying it.'

================================================== ========

We are enjoying it too, Sir Alex. We are too.

As usual, SAF is a class act whether it's losing or winning. Credit is given when it's due. Glory, Glory Man Utd.

CibLover

07-05-2007, 11:51 AM

Another interesting article by The Sun papers:

================================================== ===

SO the title is back at Old Trafford after an absence of three seasons.
It has been a victory not just for Manchester United’s relative prudence over Chelsea’s halfbillion pound budget, but in Alex Ferguson’s belief that the beautiful game can still triumph over raw power and aggression.

It also confirmed Ferguson’s dominance in his personal duel with Jose Mourinho. Over the 10 months, Ferguson had both the man-management skills and self-control that slowly deserted his closest rival.

Like his team, he had class and style when it counted. Crucially, he had a belief in his team Mourinho clearly never did.

Even before a ball had been kicked, the Manchester United boss had to iron out the ill-feeling between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seemed at one stage Ronaldo would be on his way out of Old Trafford after his controversial run-in with his United team-mate at the World Cup.

Ferguson got the pair in, appealed to their better nature, reaffirmed his belief they were the two essential pillars of the new United — and let them get on with it. From the moment the pair set each other up for goals in an opening-day 5-1 thrashing of Fulham, whatever problems there may have been were firmly in the past.

If there was one key to the success that would follow, it was this.

Between them, Rooney and Ronaldo have so far scored 31 Premiership goals between them — and created countless more.

Compare this to Mourinho’s failure to come to grips with the challenge of assimilating Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack into his side.

Yes, these players were foisted on him by owner Roman Abramovich. Had he had his own way, neither would have been taken on by a manager who was against the superstar culture — and had won successive titles without any need to resort to it.

But, having been landed with Shevchenko and Ballack, it was part of Mourinho’s job to get the best out of them. However much sympathy you have for him, he clearly failed on this score. But, as the season went on, this sympathy began to evaporate.

If things went wrong, it was rarely Mourinho’s fault.

While Ferguson had bought well — Nemanja Vidic in defence and Michael Carrick in midfield — Chelsea failed to fill basic holes in the squad.

For one reason or another, they were unable to provide Didier Drogba with a goalscoring partner while, at the back, Mourinho quickly bemoaned a lack of cover for John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. Even when Khalid Boulahrouz arrived, Mourinho let it be known the player wasn’t his choice.

But, surely, the Chelsea manager must have been responsible for something in the transfer market? Paulo Ferreira or Shaun WrightPhillips, perhaps?
Mourinho, though, never referred to their shortcomings.

Arjen Robben didn’t escape, either, with Mourinho questioning his ability to string more than a handful of appearances together. All this squabbling added to behind-the-scenes friction and the already strained relationship between Mourinho and Abramovich.

Ferguson, typically, never once questioned the players under his command.
Even when they struggled for results at times, he provided reassurance rather than pointing the finger.

He showed loyalty to all his players — and got it back in return.

As such, he was able to say after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Manchester City: “What you saw today was human courage. It wasn’t a great performance but we got through it.”

A few days earlier, he had held his hands up and admitted United were very much second-best after their 3-0 whipping by AC Milan. Here was another field in which Ferguson heavily outscored Mourinho. Class in adversity.

Mourinho, on the other hand, came up with the preposterous nonsense that the best side had lost the other Champions League semi-final. He should listen to his own fans sometimes. Yet, by this time, Mourinho was heading off the rails.

He saw conspiracies everywhere and responded with a scatter-gun attack on anyone who caught his eye.

Worst of all was his highly-personalised criticism of fellow countryman Ronaldo. A man who himself was brought up amid wealth and a certain opulence, had the temerity to refer to Ronaldo’s lack of intelligence and poor upbringing. Ferguson, ever the Govan-raised Socialist, nailed Mourinho with the words: “There are people from very poor backgrounds who have principles.

“Whereas there are others who are educated but have no principles at all. That, without question, is the case here.”

Finally, Ferguson was again the winner when it came to the football produced by the two sides. Chelsea won their first title in 2004-2005 with 72 goals and a style with which few could quibble. But over the last two seasons it has grown increasingly grim. Recently, it has been little more than Route One. United, though, have stuck to their traditional values.

Ferguson, always a romantic, has got his team playing the sort of football admired throughout the game. And yet you felt for Chelsea at the Emirates yesterday. With Boulahrouz red-carded after conceding the penalty that gave Arsenal the lead just before the break — more confirmation of Mourinho’s initial judgment on the defender — Chelsea produced one of their most spirited second-half displays of the season. With a bit of luck, they could have taken the title race into Wednesday’s game with United at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson, who watched the last 15 minutes on TV, admitted as much and congratulated Chelsea on making such a good fight of it. Mourinho, though, couldn’t bring himself to admit United had proved themselves the best. He said only the statistics said that — and went into another one of those self-justifying diatribes about how the fates had conspired against him and his team all season.

At times like this you need a bit of style. While his team went out like champions, Mourinho didn’t.

He’s better than this.

================================================== ======

Tsk, tsk, tsk.... :cool:

qbdp

07-05-2007, 12:16 PM

However, you can't help but notice that he's still whinning about the "helps" that we get from "everyone". I sensed that he was still going on about referees not awarding them penalties while we never get any penalties agaisnt us. Sigghhhh....
Go on and keep whinning. :rolleyes:

So, bring on the FA Cup.

Sigh...this Mourinho...he should really stick to his day job as Chelsea's manager. If he had concentrated on it, his team may and could have done better this season.

Why did he go so low to join LiverPOO's scums in spewing crap is sometimes beyond belief? :confused:

Lets go for the 4th Double!!

yinyang

07-05-2007, 12:18 PM

..victory not just for Manchester United’s relative prudence over Chelsea’s halfbillion pound budget, but in Alex Ferguson’s belief that the beautiful game can still triumph over raw power and aggression.
..Over the 10 months, Ferguson had both the man-management skills and self-control that slowly deserted his closest rival.
..But, surely, the Chelsea manager must have been responsible for something in the transfer market? Paulo Ferreira or Shaun WrightPhillips, perhaps?
Mourinho, though, never referred to their shortcomings.
...Ferguson, typically, never once questioned the players under his co
mmand. Even when they struggled for results at times, he provided reassurance rather than pointing the finger. He showed loyalty to all his players — and got it back in return.
...held his hands up and admitted United were very much second-best after their 3-0 whipping by AC Milan. Here was another field in which Ferguson heavily outscored Mourinho. Class in adversity.
...Mourinho, on the other hand, came up with the preposterous nonsense that the best side had lost the other Champions League semi-final. He should listen to his own fans sometimes.
..He saw conspiracies everywhere and responded with a scatter-gun attack on anyone who caught his eye.
..Worst of all was his highly-personalised criticism of fellow countryman Ronaldo. A man who himself was brought up amid wealth and a certain opulence, had the temerity to refer to Ronaldo’s lack of intelligence and poor upbringing. Ferguson, ever the Govan-raised Socialist, nailed Mourinho with the words: “There are people from very poor backgrounds who have principles.
..congratulated Chelsea on making such a good fight of it. Mourinho, though, couldn’t bring himself to admit United had proved themselves the best. went into another one of those self-justifying diatribes about how the good man and mates had conspired against him and his team all season.
Brilliant analysis, says it all: best team (consistent and well deserving of crown), good man management (despite odds), and CLASS act of great manager. Even sympathise with JM, whose whingeing is magnified in constrast with SAF (talk about shooting in the foot!)

Agree, don't really need return favour 9/5. Pride and honour, both OURS -no need to be condescending.

In victory, we also not stoop so low to denigrate stamford bridge. As SAF said, they did damn well to come back after penalty despite 10 men disadvantage. I also luuuuun like hell till final whistle. :D

machoman

07-05-2007, 12:36 PM

http://www.starstore.com/acatalog/Man-Utd-forever-L.jpg

English football league champions
Monday, May 07, 2007, 01:06:02 HRS

Manchester United have dominated English football in recent years, winning nine titles since the launch of the FA Premier League in 1992-93.

But their 16th league title overall leaves them two behind Liverpool in the all-time table of league winners.

English league champions by number of wins

Liverpool: 18 titles

1900-01, 1905-06, 1921-22, 1922-23, 1946-47, 1963-64, 1965-66, 1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1989-90

Manchester United: 16

1907-08, 1910-11, 1951-52, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1964-65, 1966-67, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07

Arsenal: 13

1930-31, 1932-33, 1933-34, 1934-35, 1937-38, 1947-48, 1952-53, 1970-71, 1988-89, 1990-91, 1997-98, 2001-02, 2003-04

Everton: 9

1890-91, 1914-15, 1927-28, 1931-32, 1938-39, 1962-63, 1969-70, 1984-85, 1986-87

Aston Villa: 7

1893-94, 1895-96, 1896-97, 1898-99, 1899-1900, 1909-10, 1980-81

Sunderland: 6

1891-92, 1892-93, 1894-95, 1901-02, 1912-13, 1935-36

Newcastle United: 4

1904-05, 1906-07, 1908-09, 1926-27

Sheffield Wednesday: 4

1901-03, 1903-04, 1928-29, 1929-30

Blackburn Rovers: 3

1911-12, 1913-14, 1994-95

Chelsea: 3

1954-55, 2004-05, 2005-06

Huddersfield Town: 3

1923-24, 1924-25, 1925-26

Leeds United: 3

1968-69, 1973-74, 1991-92

Wolves: 3

1953-54, 1957-58, 1958-59

Burnley: 2

1920-21, 1959-60

Derby County: 2

1971-72, 1974-75

Manchester City: 2

1936-37, 1967-68

Portsmouth: 2

1948-49, 1949-50

Preston North End: 2

1888-89, 1889-90

Tottenham Hotspur: 2

1950-51, 1960-61

Ipswich Town (1961-62), Sheffield United (1897-98), West Bromwich Albion (1919-20) and Nottingham Forest (1977-78) have all won the title once.

afp07

- AFP

imom

07-05-2007, 01:43 PM

Another interesting article by The Sun papers...

...Like his team, he had class and style when it counted. Crucially, he had a belief in his team Mourinho clearly never did.

...If things went wrong, it was rarely Mourinho’s fault.

...A few days earlier, he had held his hands up and admitted United were very much second-best after their 3-0 whipping by AC Milan. Here was another field in which Ferguson heavily outscored Mourinho. Class in adversity.

Mourinho, on the other hand, came up with the preposterous nonsense that the best side had lost the other Champions League semi-final.

...He saw conspiracies everywhere and responded with a scatter-gun attack on anyone who caught his eye.

Worst of all was his highly-personalised criticism of fellow countryman Ronaldo. A man who himself was brought up amid wealth and a certain opulence, had the temerity to refer to Ronaldo’s lack of intelligence and poor upbringing. Ferguson, ever the Govan-raised Socialist, nailed Mourinho with the words: “There are people from very poor backgrounds who have principles.

“Whereas there are others who are educated but have no principles at all. That, without question, is the case here.”

Ferguson, who watched the last 15 minutes on TV, admitted as much and congratulated Chelsea on making such a good fight of it. Mourinho, though, couldn’t bring himself to admit United had proved themselves the best. He said only the statistics said that — and went into another one of those self-justifying diatribes about how the fates had conspired against him and his team all season.

At times like this you need a bit of style. While his team went out like champions, Mourinho didn’t.

*Chuckle*

Very well-illustrated expansion of what was said last nite in the post-match round up. Mourinho has behaved like a spoilt brat all season. At least he remembers the guard-of-honour. But I'm betting he feels he has been cornered into giving the United lads the honour with all the publicity and given a choice, he would rather not do it.

Unlike SAF, who sportingly came up with the idea himself. :cool:

CibLover

07-05-2007, 01:49 PM

Sigh...Why did he go so low to join LiverPOO's scums in spewing crap is sometimes beyond belief? ....

Bro,

You know I'm with you on supporting our beloved Red Devils.
But IMHO, it's rather unneccessary to start calling names for other clubs' fans. Dun need to stoop to their level.

I've seen how some so-called seniors/lao-chiaus in the Pool thread who referred to us as Man-ure. No need to retaliate. Let them join the Mourinho's class-act group. ;)

Cheers, bro. Just my 2 cents.

CibLover

07-05-2007, 01:52 PM

...Unlike SAF, who sportingly came up with the idea himself. .....

And what a shrewd motivating plan that was!! The players lining up that day will definitely feel gutted by being second best. And it has done well for us this season. ;)

yinyang

07-05-2007, 02:12 PM

..unneccessary to start calling names for other clubs' fans. Dun need to stoop to their level. I've seen how some so-called seniors/lao-chiaus in the Pool thread who referred to us as Man-ure. No need to retaliate. Let them join the Mourinho's class-act group.
Saw somewhere else AIG stands for unsavoury meaning (forget liao). For me now on a high.. it Always in Glory la.

Respect begets respect:D No cause for denigrating others

CibLover

07-05-2007, 02:17 PM

Saw somewhere else AIG stands for unsavoury meaning (forget liao). For me now on a high.. it Always in Glory la. ...

Hahaha..... And I've read somewhere:

AIG stands for "Alex Is God!!!" :eek: :p

imom

07-05-2007, 02:20 PM

...it's rather unneccessary to start calling names for other clubs' fans.

...I've seen how some so-called seniors/lao-chiaus in the Pool thread who referred to us as Man-ure. No need to retaliate. Let them join the Mourinho's class-act group....

Second that, Bro.

I just treat the ramblings of those so-called seniors as something stemming from being starved of consistent, sustained success for so long. Call us manure all they want cos whatever they call us, they would be something lesser. The one thing I like about our Devils' threads in SBF is the minimum of name-calling. I used to post in UK fan boards a long time back, but the bitching, name-calling and crazed-no-life-outside-football fans having a go at each other, really put me off and I stopped.

But, I gotta admit I do let slip sometimes... like when I called Ballack a 'nazi' after his dirty strong-arm tactics on the pitch... :p

Castrol

07-05-2007, 02:23 PM

I've seen how some so-called seniors/lao-chiaus in the Pool thread who referred to us as Man-ure. No need to retaliate. Let them join the Mourinho's class-act group. ;)

not referring to anybody, but i for one would like to see lesser use of these unnecessarily derived degrading names. as soccer fans, we should enjoy watching whichever club that play well and fair. as samsters, we should show respect for each other for the clubs we support.

but calling chelski is ok, becos it is harmless fun. :D

yinyang

07-05-2007, 02:32 PM

..see lesser use of these unnecessarily derived names. ...as samsters, we should show respect for each other for the clubs we support. but calling chelski is ok, becos it is harmless fun.
Yo, draw the line with friendly rivalry. Chelski is now in thesaurus liao :p
..ramblings of those so-called seniors as something stemming from being starved of consistent, sustained success for so long
Your sarcasm's biting, hopefully not lost with them.. Oh, the (red) devil in us here.:p

Castrol

07-05-2007, 03:20 PM

Yo, draw the line with friendly rivalry. Chelski is now in thesaurus liao :p

how do we find a sentence with chelski that is unrelated to soccer? :D

machoman

07-05-2007, 05:39 PM

Saw somewhere else AIG stands for unsavoury meaning (forget liao). For me now on a high.. it Always in Glory la.

Respect begets respect:D No cause for denigrating others

I take the name-calling as harmless fun unless it degenerates in bringing into question one's integrity & ancestry as well as insulting his family members, like what was apparently uttered by the Italian defender ( sorry, I forgot his name) to incense Zidane so much that led to his infamous WC headbutt.

BTW, no offence to hardcore MU fans, but I saw 2 witty comments in another forum on the recently concluded CL semi-finals:

1. AIG stands for "Almost In Greece".

2. Do you know that there is a 3rd & 4th play-off for the losing CL semi-finalists?

It's called the FA Cup.

Just my opinion but I found the comments both witty & funny. :p

Mafan

07-05-2007, 07:33 PM

Bro,

I've seen how some so-called seniors/lao-chiaus in the Pool thread who referred to us as Man-ure. No need to retaliate. Let them join the Mourinho's class-act group. ;)

Cheers, bro. Just my 2 cents.

Bro dont take it too much in heart, they cant win the league champion. BUTTTTT we can :p and most of all we are grow up so dont challenge them in any way just let it be.

epsilon

07-05-2007, 08:22 PM

Glazers aided title push - Gill

Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes the Glazer family's Old Trafford takeover helped the club to clinch another Premiership title.

The Glazers took control in the summer of 2005 and Gill told BBC Five Live: "Their ownership has brought stability and we are all benefiting from that.

"They have got involved in areas where they feel they can add value.

"But in other, football, areas they have allowed manager Sir Alex Ferguson and others to get on with it."

Interview: Man Utd chief executive David Gill Report: Man Utd secure Premiership title

After American tycoon Malcolm Glazer completed his takeover he appointed sons Joel, Avram and Bryan as non-executive directors - but some fans voiced fears over the future of United.

However, last October a Glazer spokesman told BBC Sport that the family were committed to making the club a success.

Gill said that he spoke to the Glazers on Sunday after United won the Premiership crown as a result of Chelsea's 1-1 draw at Arsenal.

He added: "They are delighted - and so they should be. They are sports fans and they know what running a sports club is all about.

"All the doomsayers who said we would be in trouble have been proved wrong."

And as well as hailing the Glazer's contribution to United's first title in four years, Gill heaped praise on boss Ferguson, who proved his decision not to retire in 2002 was the right one.

"Alex is a winner," said Gill. "He is very experienced and still has that motivation after many, many years.

"He has a great eye for spotting talent - he is second to none in that area.

"We have brought in 10 or 12 players since 2003, and Alex has done that very well - bringing in young payers who fit into the way Manchester United play.

"The team has changed a lot in the last three years. Winning the title is a fantastic achievement."

And Gill claimed that winning the title has also tempered the disappointment felt after United went out of the Champions League to AC Milan in the semi-finals.

"We were very disappointed after losing to Milan, but we've worked very hard to win the Premiership and for me that is the benchmark," he said.

"Everyone is delighted to have won it again having not won it for four years."

epsilon

07-05-2007, 08:46 PM

How Man Utd ousted Chelsea
By Paul Fletcher

BBC Sport looks at how Manchester United prevented Chelsea from claiming a third successive Premiership title.

Sir Alex Ferguson's ninth league success at Old Trafford came without his side kicking a ball as Chelsea drew 1-1 at Arsenal on Sunday.

Chelsea finished eight points clear of United last season and 18 the season before - but following the Blues' draw, Ferguson's team have an unassailable seven-point lead with two games to go.

But how have United managed to overtake Jose Mourinho's team to land their first title since 2003?

SOLID AT THE BACK

Chelsea are a brilliantly organised team who remain extremely difficult to break down.

Even though they have lost their Premiership title they have kept more clean sheets than the champions, with 21 to United's 15.

However, unlike in the previous two seasons under Mourinho they have found themselves over-stretched defensively - particularly in the centre.

William Gallas and Robert Huth left the club last summer while John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Khalid Bouhlarouz have all missed games through injury.

Influential skipper Terry missed a crucial eight weeks of the season during December and January. And it is no coincidence that Chelsea conceded twice in each of the first four games Terry missed over the Christmas period.

The lack of numbers in the centre of defence was an issue that Mourinho wanted to address in the January transfer window but he was not given the funds to do so.

The knock-on effect was that Michael Essien often found himself drafted into defence and his all-action displays were sorely missed in the heart of the Chelsea midfield.

And Petr Cech, widely regarded as the world's best goalkeeper, missed several months with a fractured skull - further weakening Chelsea's defensive unit. Ashley Cole has also suffered from injury problems.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had struggled to fill the goalkeeping void left by Peter Schmeichel following his departure from the club in 1999.

A succession of keepers have been and gone but in Edwin van der Sar, Ferguson has finally found a suitable replacement.

Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic has also enjoyed a fine season in the centre of defence, with his no-nonsense defensive style complementing Rio Ferdinand's more cultured approach.

Patrice Evra has matured at left-back while Gabriel Heinze has proved versatile and effective when required.

United also suffered from injuries - but Ferguson's team already had a solid lead at the top of the Premiership by the time Gary Neville, Vidic and Ferdinand were sidelined in the latter stages of the season.

United's defence has often been regarded as error prone over recent seasons but it has had a more solid look this time around - and been excellently protected by summer signing Michael Carrick.

And although United have kept fewer clean sheets than the Londoners, they have only conceded one goal or more in a game five times compared to nine by the Blues.

THE ENGINE ROOM

One crucial difference between this season and last has been the return of Paul Scholes.

Scholes missed five months of the last campaign with an eye problem and his presence has restored craft and maturity to the United midfield.

His range and accuracy of passing has allowed United's myriad attacking talents to flourish and he has formed a superb combination alongside Carrick, whose form has gone a long way to silencing those who questioned the value of his £18.6m transfer fee.

One of Chelsea's big summer signings was Michael Ballack who joined on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

The German has had a disappointing season, not gelling with Frank Lampard in the middle of the park and looking a shadow of the player who was so dynamic for Germany at last year's World Cup.

Nigerian Jon Obi Mikel has been impressive since Christmas and has started to justify the hype but injuries elsewhere have meant that all-too-often Essien has been played in defence.

WORKING OUT WIDE

Mourinho's first two seasons at Stamford Bridge saw him favour the use of three in midfield, with two wide players and a solitary striker in front of them.

The Chelsea boss had an impressive pool of wide players in Joe Cole, Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and, for his second season at the helm, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

But Cole, so impressive for Chelsea in recent years, has missed all but a handful of games this season, while Robben has also spent large spells on the sidelines.

With Duff sold to Newcastle last summer and Wright-Phillips often overlooked, Chelsea have not been as effective down the flanks.

United boss Ferguson also understands the importance of width and in the evergreen Ryan Giggs has a veteran winger who is both consistent and potent.

But the revelation has been Cristiano Ronaldo.

His Premiership future seemed in doubt when he was accused of playing a role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal against Portugal at the World Cup last summer.

But the Portuguese youngster has been the Premiership's best player this season.

The 22-year-old has learnt to refine his vast array of skills. Instead of constantly overplaying he has used his gifts to hurt the opposition - as his return of 17 Premiership goals testifies.

epsilon

07-05-2007, 08:51 PM

FINDING THE NET

Didier Drogba's second season in English football has been an unqualified success.

The Ivorian is the Premiership's top scorer with 19 goals and his combination of physical power and finishing ability has proved too much for many defences.

Unfortunately for Chelsea their £30m summer signing last summer Andriy Shevchenko has endured a difficult first season in England.

The Ukraine star's return of four Premiership goals from 22 starts and eight substitute appearances tells its own story.

His inclusion in the side alongside Drogba required a change of formation, while rumours that his signing was instigated by owner Roman Abramovich cannot have helped.

United sold Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid last summer.

The Dutch striker was prolific for United, with 95 Premiership goals in 137 starts - but with his presence came a relatively fixed style of play.

United's forward line this season - with the likes of Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney, Henrik Larsson, Giggs and Ronaldo - has been fluid and inventive and have not relied on van Nistelrooy to apply the finishing touch.

HARMONY AND HEARSAY

The good times have rolled down the Kings Road in the past two seasons as Mourinho, financed by the millions of new owner Abramovich, delivered back-to-back Premierships to wrestle the balance of power from Manchester United and Arsenal.

This season, however, the relationship between Mourinho and Abramovich has been the subject of constant speculation.
Their relationship is reported to have soured, leading to repeated suggestions that the Portuguese will not be in charge of the club next season.

Abramovich is said to have favoured a more attacking style of play and wants to win the Champions League above all else.

Mourinho, on the other, was extremely candid in January, explaining that although he wanted to sign a defender, the board would not provide the necessary funds.

Chief executive Peter Kenyon made it clear in April that Mourinho would remain at the club - but the months of rumours may have unsettled a group of players trying to close the gap on United.

Recent seasons have seen unrest and uncertainty at Old Trafford - a situation that arose prior to, and following, the takeover of the club by Malcolm Glazer.

The American borrowed heavily to finance the purchase and many supporters feared it would necessitate radical and unwanted changes to their club.

Their worst fears have not materialised, while the Glazer family, with Malcolm's five sons and one daughter occupying six of United's seven boardroom seats, have maintained a low-key presence.

Ferguson does not seem to have been hamstrung in the transfer market and without the constant distraction from off-the-field issues the manager has been able to ensure everyone has been focused on what matters most - winning games.

WINNING WAYS

Both Chelsea and Manchester United have enjoyed lengthy periods of excellent form.

Crucially, though, it was United who made the best start, moving to the top of the Premiership and subjecting Mourinho's Chelsea to the role of pursuers for the first time.

United lost just one of their first 17 fixtures, drawing two and winning 14.

During the same period Chelsea lost two and drew three, winning 12 to give United a five-point lead.

Chelsea won nine straight games starting on 31 January - their longest winning streak of the season. United responded with seven consecutive victories of their own before losing to Portsmouth.

It seemed as though United might crack under the pressure of Chelsea's brilliant run but Mourinho's team lost crucial momentum with draws against Newcastle and Bolton.
In the end it seems Chelsea left themselves just too much ground to make up on their rivals.

Chelsea have won 29 games in each of their title seasons.

Last year they drew four and lost five on their way to the title, the season before drew eight and lost just once. This season Chelsea have drawn nine and lost three - with a maximum of 26 wins possible.

Chelsea won the title in 2005 with 95 points and the year after with 91. This year they can still reach 87 points.

It is not that Mourinho's team have suffered a dramatic lowering of standards, more that for the first time they have been seriously challenged.

United finished with 77 points in 2005 and 83 in 2006. This year they have played more consistently than in recent years and with a team that has a superb blend of experience and youth, United can finish the season with 94 points.

The coming together of the two clubs owes more to United's improvement than Chelsea's decline - and it has made for a brilliant title race.

epsilon

07-05-2007, 08:52 PM

The Glazer family v Roman Abramovich
By John May

Manchester United have emerged triumphant from English football's own version of the Cold War.

American-owned Manchester United has fought with Russian-backed Chelsea in a conflict full of intrigue and ideological differences - in which there has been little détente.

But just as the original Cold War was a global battle for hearts and minds, so in the end, the victors were able to claim the moral high ground.

The American ideology of freedom, as practised by the Glazers, proved successful over the tighter control imposed by Roman Abramovich.

THE LAND OF THE FREE

For all the fears expressed by Manchester United fans on the takeover of the club by the Glazers, the Americans have been true to their flag.

They have backed United manager Sir Alex Ferguson with financial clout when he needed it and, more importantly, left him alone to manage.

The Glazers are experienced in owning sporting teams and know that the business will only succeed if there is success on the pitch.

When they bought the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL outfit, it was moribund. But they invested in players and new coaches - firstly Tony Dungy and then Jon Gruden, under whom they won the Superbowl.

In Manchester United, the Glazers were buying into a highly successful outfit, with arguably the best manager in the business. They would have been forewarned that Ferguson would have no truck with interference and to meddle would be to risk losing him.

THE YOKE OF ROMAN RULE

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has had to contend with a degree of interference, even if Abramovich's controlling reins may not have been as tight as Stalin's.

Abramovich owns the club, pumps the money in and reserves the right to stick his oar in if he sees the need.

Former Blues boss Claudio Ranieri had one season to prove himself to Abramovich before he was packed off - and Mourinho has not had a clear deck.

Abramovich insists Mourinho always has the last say in team matters but he also admitted in a recent interview in The Observer newspaper: "I cannot say I am completely not involved in buying players. But my role would be significantly lower than that of the manager's."

Mourinho also admitted there were "tensions" in his relationship with Abramovich.

But as they survey the ruins of their season, Chelsea fans will question the transfer policy that appears to be dictated more by their owner than by the man on the shop floor.

If Andriy Shevchenko's summer arrival disrupted Chelsea, Abramovich's apparent refusal to fund a January swoop for a central defender ultimately proved costly.

Chelsea's defensive resources were stretched to the snapping point at Anfield - where they went into a Champions League semi-final with no replacement for Ricardo Carvalho.

WORKING FOR THE YANKEE DOLLAR

Ferguson appears to enjoy a good relationship with the Glazers, although the old campaigner has played a canny game.

His demands have not been excessive and, consequently, whatever he has wanted he has received.

Since their arrivals, the Glazers have sanctioned the acquisition of Patrice Evra (£5.5m), Ji-Sung Park (£4m), Nemanja Vidic (£7m) and Michael Carrick (£18.6m).

When he has needed resources, Ferguson's paymasters have made them available and the Americans have proved they are not afraid to spend big.

'LIFE HAS IMPROVED, COMRADES. LIFE IS JOYOUS'

Few believed Stalin when he told them that and Chelsea fans, who had expected the Premiership title to become their property, will not be celebrating as it heads north.

Life certainly looked good in the summer when Chelsea signed Michael Ballack from Bayern Munich, and striker Shevchenko from AC Milan. The pieces looked in place to not only impose an iron rule on English football but to dominate Europe as well.

But, like Soviet rule, little cracks began to appear at Stamford Bridge as the season wore on.

And the blue wall that had descended on Chelsea in the past seasons was ultimately torn down.

THE LAND OF THE FREE

You could argue that it took Chelsea's iron grip on English football to make Manchester United popular among the masses, although for some neutrals it was like choosing between two 'evil empires'.

Chelsea's ruthless efficiency in assembling back-to-back Premiership titles was a joyless experience for many.

In contrast, Manchester United have played with an attacking abandon and freedom that has led to them winning the ideological battle for hearts and minds.

So, for now, English football's Cold War is over.

But do not bet against it flaring up again.

epsilon

07-05-2007, 11:36 PM

Ferguson targets three summer signings

Sir Alex Ferguson has identified three summer transfer targets to bolster his title-winning Manchester United squad.

Ferguson maybe still basking in the glory of a ninth Premiership crown but already the Scot's mind has drifted towards next season, when he expects Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal to provide a stiff challenge to the Red Devils newly-reclaimed domestic supremacy.

And he has told chief executive David Gill the trio of new faces he believes will give United their best chance of finishing top of the pile again next term.

'We have outlined three targets and David Gill is aware of them,' said Ferguson.

'As everyone knows, there is competition for the best players and when there is competition, it costs, so we will just have to wait and see.'

Ferguson refused to go public with the names of the players United will go for but Bayern Munich's Owen Hargreaves will certainly be one, with Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov also believed to be near the top of his list.

While Spurs boss Martin Jol may be unwilling to part with Berbatov 12 months after selling Michael Carrick to United, the blow may be softened by the arrival in return of Louis Saha, whose United days appear to be numbered.

If rumours of a Juventus move for Gabriel Heinze prove correct then young Southampton defender Gareth Bale, whom Ferguson targeted during the last transfer window, can also expect to be on the United manager's hit-list.

However, in the knowledge that Chelsea are bound to splash the cash this summer in a bid to overhaul his side, Ferguson is keen to do his business quietly.

'Manchester United has always been an attraction,' he said.

'We have 76,000 people watching us every week and have a celebrity status which means we are known throughout the world.

'It is not a question of attracting players. The real competition comes when Chelsea pay £27million for someone like Michael Essien. They can outbid us all.

'We identify players as quietly as we can so we can do things quickly.

'It is not easy, but that is what we are trying to do.'

epsilon

07-05-2007, 11:41 PM

Papers: Sir Alex's best title

Fergie Is The Special Won
So the title is back at Old Trafford after an absence of three seasons. It has been a victory not just for Manchester United's relative prudence over Chelsea's half-billion pound budget, but in Alex Ferguson's belief that the beautiful game can still triumph over raw power and aggression. It also confirmed Ferguson's dominance in his personal duel with Jose Mourinho. Over the 10 months, Ferguson had both the man-management skills and self-control that slowly deserted his closest rival. Like his team, he had class and style when it counted. Crucially, he had a belief in his team Mourinho clearly never did. Even before a ball had been kicked, the Manchester United boss had to iron out the ill-feeling between Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. It seemed at one stage Ronaldo would be on his way out of Old Trafford after his controversial run-in with his United team-mate at the World Cup. Ferguson got the pair in, appealed to their better nature, reaffirmed his belief they were the two essential pillars of the new United - and let them get on with it. From the moment the pair set each other up for goals in an opening-day 5-1 thrashing of Fulham, whatever problems there may have been were firmly in the past. If there was one key to the success that would follow, it was this.
Steven Howard, The Sun

Fergie's Best Title Of Them All
This title win will go down as Alex Ferguson's greatest ever. Better than the first in 1993 which opened the floodgates or the comeback of all comebacks against Kevin Keegan's Newcastle in 1996. Even the one which kicked off the Treble in 1999 should be eclipsed by this. Why? Because this one was simply not supposed to happen. Not after the Arsenal 'Invincibles' had eclipsed United with a 38-game unbeaten triumph in 2004. Or after Chelsea had begun what looked like a new age of dominance in 2005, then so easily retained their title the following season. The first time Chelsea eclipsed third-placed United by 18 points and then last year by eight. Having taken Liverpool's mantle as English football's undisputed dominant force, it looked like United were following them into a cycle of decline. But while their old enemies are still searching for the route back to the top after last lifting the title in 1990, United have rebuilt and hit back. Perhaps only Ferguson himself really believed they could do it. Right from the very start, he said he had faith in this team. Last summer, the Old Trafford boss said: “I look to the coming season with every confidence. "This season, after three years without the championship, poses a particular challenge. I am sure they will measure up." And measure up they have with stunning free-flowing attacking football reminiscent of their most glorious of glory days.
Neil Custis, The Sun

Beauty Killed The Beast
A ninth title and Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest triumph - in the season that showed footballing beauty can conquer the relentless beast. Fergie's warm relationship with Jose Mourinho has gone into the deep freeze in recent weeks, the tense nature of the contest seeing both men making statements they may come to regret. But while the Laird of Old Trafford was on the golf course yesterday as Chelsea finally gave up the ghost, nothing should diminish the joy of this title victory, the final proof that Ferguson can build team after team. Yes, United's Treble ambitions were swept away amid the torrents which fell on the San Siro last Wednesday, befuddled and bewitched by the genius of Kaka. But no team has given greater pleasure, has captivated the nation, has played with a spirit of adventure and entertainment more than United this term.
Martin Lipton, Daily Mirror

epsilon

07-05-2007, 11:43 PM

Title-winning team will improve

Sir Alex Ferguson used his press conference on Monday to heap more praise on his title-winning team and ponder additions to it in the summer.

"This title is the team's greatest achievement to date simply because it's a relatively new team and really it's their first attempt at winning a title together," said Sir Alex.

"That's why we're all encouraged, I think this team will get better."

As for the prospect of players being added to the champions in the summer, Sir Alex said: "We have outlined three targets (ourselves) and David Gill is aware of them.

"We identify players as quietly as we can so we can do things quickly, because when there is competition, it costs. Chelsea paid £27m for Michael Essien. They can outbid us all."

Transfer targets like Essien, Arjen Robben and one or two others may have ended up in London rather than Manchester but Sir Alex still made some key signings in the four years between his eighth and ninth Premiership titles. And many of these additions were at the forefront on his mind on Monday as he reflected on the fruits of his team-building.

"We had a good foundation (from 2003) in players like Giggs, Scholes, Neville, Solskjaer and Ferdinand. Then we brought some new players in like Heinze, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Rooney and Ronaldo, Park... they gave us a far more balanced and powerful squad.

"Vidic (for example) has been the best centre-half in the country this season. He's been absolutely outstanding. You could see the difference his partnership with Rio Ferdinand made to us on Saturday against Manchester City. It was absolutely peerless, a fantastic performance by both of them.

"That foundation of strength in the central defensive position is something we've been wanting for a long time, going back to Pallister and Bruce. We've had some good combinations but none lasted as long as hopefully these two will do."

Sir Alex was asked about his chances of monopolising the Premiership title, just as he did in 1993-94, 1996-97 and 1999-01.

"For us to dominate the league again will be a difficult task," he replied.

"I expect Arsenal, Liverpool and obviously Chelsea to add to their squads in the summer. I thought the signings of Shevchenko and Ballack were really designed to win Chelsea the European Cup but they were, in fact, involved on all four fronts until almost the very end.

"It tells you a lot about their strength in depth, and how difficult it will be for us next year."

qbdp

08-05-2007, 01:38 AM

Bro,

You know I'm with you on supporting our beloved Red Devils.
But IMHO, it's rather unneccessary to start calling names for other clubs' fans. Dun need to stoop to their level.

I've seen how some so-called seniors/lao-chiaus in the Pool thread who referred to us as Man-ure. No need to retaliate. Let them join the Mourinho's class-act group.

Cheers, bro. Just my 2 cents.

Bro, I am cool with what you said. :cool:

I have always accepted banters like name callings as it's part of football rivalries. Stooping low is spewing shit with unfounded accusations. Something occasionally appearing in the scums posts.

Cheers ;)

Respect begets respect. No cause for denigrating others

I like your statements. It's like name callings beget name callings. But I wont post distorted or misleading facts on rival clubs.

not referring to anybody, but i for one would like to see lesser use of these unnecessarily derived degrading names. as soccer fans, we should enjoy watching whichever club that play well and fair. as samsters, we should show respect for each other for the clubs we support.

I remember years ago the Newpaper used to have articles with the words, ManUre, ABU etc in it. No thanks to them that Man Utd are stucked with that bad name. I dont see any overseas tabloids using degrading names on football clubs.

qbdp

08-05-2007, 02:17 AM

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/2/4/66E872A3-DCBE-0B96-3F9C42F949E10257.jpg
Manchester United's players celebrate in a huddle at the club's Carrington training ground this morning... (Getty Images)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/4/6/66E9CFC0-C425-D858-F82477EE408D8601.jpg
...before getting a soaking from team-mate Rio Ferdinand. (Getty Images)

qbdp

08-05-2007, 02:20 AM

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/9/2/66E6FEF2-DB9C-E7BE-25DFD122CF50148B.jpg
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is joined by his backroom staff in toasting his side's success. (Getty Images)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/3/2/66E934C0-968D-54B5-F0A112DF5480BFDC.jpg
Defender Patrice Evra shows his delight after winning the league in his first full season at the club. (Getty Images)

qbdp

08-05-2007, 02:22 AM

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/8/2/66E5CCD8-04D6-85C7-0119E97B75169A0C.jpg
Player of the Year Christiano Ronaldo shares a joke with Mikael Silvestre. (Getty Images)

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/7/6/66EC8039-BE55-DDF2-478B6081F008C91B.jpg
Wes Brown larks about with Alan Smith. (Getty Images)

qbdp

08-05-2007, 02:31 AM

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/m3/may2007/0/7/66EB01B5-9F82-77E8-7801B006C32CC3D1.jpg

There was extra cause for celebration for Ryan Giggs, who has become the first player to win the title nine times in English football.

Medals won:
FA Premier League Champions - 9
FA Cup Winner - 4
League Cup Winner - 2
UEFA Champions League Winner - 1
Intercontinental Cup - 1
UEFA Super Cup Winner - 1
Community Shield Winner - 5

Theme1

08-05-2007, 03:04 PM

Football: THE SEVEN GAMES THAT SWUNG IT..
Mirror

BARCLAYS PREMIERSHIP UNITED CHAMPIONS! FERGIE WINS HIS 9TH (AND GREATEST) TITLE

AUG 20: MAN UTD 5 FULHAM 1

A stylish statement of intent. Four goals in the first half as Rooney and Ronaldo made up from their World Cup squabble meant United started the season where they finished it - on top.

NOV 26: MAN UTD 1 CHELSEA 1

Three points ahead going into the game, three clear coming out and Chelsea's momentum checked.

FEB 4: SPURS 0 MAN UTD 4

Chelsea were hoping this would prove a big test for United. Instead, they went in the rampage at White Hart Lane.

FEB 24: FULHAM 1 MAN UTD 2

Perhaps the day when Ferguson knew it was meant to be. A goal down and under the cosh, Giggs cancelled out McBride's opener before the break. Even then it looked like two points dropped until Ronaldo exploded down the left and found the bottom corner.

MAR 3: LIVERPOOL 0 MAN UTD 1

Victory stolen for the second time in eight days, this time by substitute O'Shea after Ronaldo's wicked free-kick was fumbled. United did not deserve it but nobody outside SW6 cared about that. A hammer-blow to Chelsea.

APR 28: EVERTON 2 MAN UTD 4

Perhaps even Jose Mourinho accepted it was over after this. United looked to have thrown it all away when Stubbs and Fernandes put Everton 2-0 up, but O'Shea rammed home when home keeper Turner fumbled, Phil Neville put through his own net and Rooney and substitute Eagles completed the transformation as Chelsea slipped up at home to Bolton.

MAY 5: MAN CITY 0 MAN UTD1

The final push, at the home of their closest rivals. Ronaldo tucked in a penalty and when van der Sar stopped Vassell's spot-kick for City, all that remained was for Chelsea to throw in the towel at The Emirates.

Theme1

08-05-2007, 03:25 PM

Ten things that went right for Manchester United.
Irish Times

How the premiership was won by Manchester United

1 Dinner with Ronaldo Early July 2006

Even before the season had started, Alex Ferguson was hard at work. Cristiano Ronaldo had stated he wanted to leave the club and, in the post-World Cup hysteria, the Sun had superimposed his face on a dartboard. Ferguson secretly flew to Portugal to take Ronaldo out for dinner and persuade him to change his mind - man-management at its very best.

2 Manchester Utd 5 Fulham 1 August 20th

The supporters had been chanting Ruud van Nistelrooy's name in pre-season matches, protesting against his sale to Real Madrid. Chelsea had brought in five major signings and the United fans' mood, before the first game of the season, was largely of resignation. All that changed as United scored four goals inside the opening 20 minutes.

3 Bolton 0 Manchester Utd 4 October 28th

"No other team in the country could come to Bolton and get a result like that," Ferguson says of this mauling. The focus before the match had been on Wayne Rooney's erratic form but Ferguson defended his player, telling reporters: "You know deep down and every defender in the country knows deep down that the boy will be right." So it proved as the England striker scored a hat-trick.

4 Henrik Larsson's signing December 1st

Larsson's record of three goals in 10 starts, five in the Premiership, was not earth-shattering but United were short of strikers at the time and the former Swedish international, right, made a handsome contribution, even if he is not eligible for a championship winner's medal.

5 Tottenham 0 Manchester Utd 4 February 4th 2007

Chelsea have had a wretched January and Ferguson's team emphasise their own championship quality with their biggest ever win at White Hart Lane.

6 A last-minute goal at Fulham February 24th

The game is drifting towards a 1-1 draw and United look like they are going to be indebted to Edwin van der Sar's goalkeeping for saving a point when Ronaldo picks up the ball in the final attack of the game, sets off on one of those penetrative surges and lashes in a winner.

7 John O'Shea scores in front of Kop March 3rd

United are down to 10 men against Liverpool because Paul Scholes has been sent off. They are playing out time, happy with a 0-0 draw. Then they win a free-kick and the ball falls to John O'Shea (below), who keeps his head to put United 12 points clear of Chelsea.

"I told him afterwards that by scoring a last-minute winner in front of the Kop he had lived out my dream," Gary Neville, United's captain and celebrated Scouse-baiter, recalls.

8 Manchester Utd 4 Blackburn 1 March 31st

Matt Derbyshire has scored for Blackburn and the crowd are starting to panic. But Scholes instigates a brilliant second-half comeback.

9 Iain Turner offers a helping hand April 28th

United are losing 2-0 with half an hour to play when Everton's rookie goalkeeper drops the ball for O'Shea to equalise and turn the game upside down. Ferguson is cavorting on the pitch after the comeback is completed by the tragicomedy of Phil Neville's own-goal and further strikes from Rooney and Chris Eagles.

10 Darius Vassell's penalty May 5th

Ten minutes to go in the Manchester derby, United are winning 1-0 and Vassell has the chance to equalise from the penalty spot. His shot is straight down the middle and van der Sar saves with his feet. Mission accomplished.

Castrol

08-05-2007, 03:27 PM

I remember years ago the Newpaper used to have articles with the words, ManUre, ABU etc in it. No thanks to them that Man Utd are stucked with that bad name. I dont see any overseas tabloids using degrading names on football clubs.

newpaper = http://mods.soccergaming.tv/~iceblu/Ice/p$$$$$if

Theme1

08-05-2007, 03:32 PM

Jose's sneers made us all fans of Fergie
Paul Hayward

ONE CLUMSY and costly lunge by a Chelsea defender known as The Cannibal was the final act of this Premiership title race.

Quite right, too, for Jose Mourinho's men were eaten alive by Manchester United in every department except courage, and fittingly yesterday conceded their crown to the men from Old Trafford.

To Mourinho last night, an Oscar for his masterclass in hiding his team's deficiencies behind a wall of emotive language about persistence and dedication. He's right, of course, to praise the stoicism of his shattered troops.

But let's please acknowledge the truth that United entertained and entranced us more than Mourinho's Bulldozer XI, who regressed the day they sacrificed the verve of Mourinho's early years in favour of rule by suffocation.

So power has been his downfall. Stick that in the pipe of irony and smoke it. With the battle over, this is the day to shine a light on one of the fundamental differences between the fallen champions and United, whose manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried an F1 champagne celebration in a TV studio but succeeded only in soaking his own trousers.

From Manchester to Melbourne, United's worldwide army of fans are acclaiming their glorious leader's ninth Premiership title in 20 years.

More than that, they stormed Roman Abramovich's winter palace playing the kind of football most of us see in our dreams. This is where Ferguson is beyond reproach. For almost 21 years he has dedicated every working hour to building teams that act for the heart and the imagination.

When did you see a Ferguson side play peek-a-boo football or build a cave and hide? Attacking football is his religion, and the more pleasing on the eye the better.

Sorry to all Chelsea's followers, who have shown commendable patience and loyalty in a civil war zone this year, but Mourinho is not conversant with the language of beautiful football. His mission is not to chase marks for artistic merit but to conquer and subdue.

No doubt he will tell his friends that internal politics (mainly the signings of Ballack and Shevchenko) wrecked his efforts to secure a hat-trick of titles. Fine, but why did he allow himself to become so dependent on Didier Drogba up front and John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho at the back?

A side fanning out on four fronts would be expected to have four top-class options at striker and centre-half. So his monologue about Chelsea having to battle against "everything, absolutely everything" sends a comforting blast of smoke across his own miscalculations.

"I'm prouder today than when I was a champion because my players are heroes," Mourinho said after this 1-1 draw. This wins him an Oscar for extracting hope from desolation but it also leaves Abramovich's $1.45billion project with a maximum haul of the Carling and FA Cups.

After seeing his grandson wina league decider (do these Fergusons ever give up?), Mourinho's nemesis watched the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, twiddled his thumbs and then watched the final 15 minutes of the Londonderby "in agony".

With his wet lap, Ferguson said: "I feel invigorated by theyoung players at our club. Ifeelinvigorated by seeing Giggs and Scholes and GaryNeville churning it outforme every week."

chickenzip

08-05-2007, 05:02 PM

Terry to lead guard of honour for United
From ESPN, Soccernet

Chelsea captain John Terry is ready to give Manchester United a guard of honour as champions even though he knows it will be hard to stomach.

The Blues were shown similar respect when they won the title and Terry knows it was a difficult thing to do for some of United's players.

After Chelsea's failure to beat Arsenal on Sunday, United will arrive at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as champions and Terry is ready to return the compliment.

He declared: 'The manager has said already they will get the guard of honour which they did to us at Old Trafford.

'Looking at some faces, it could not have been nice. We have to go through that and we fully respect them as players and individuals. We will do that holding our heads up high.'

chickenzip

08-05-2007, 05:10 PM

Paul Scholes

http://serv2.imagehigh.com/imgss/5782008_scholes.JPG

Career History...

Paul Scholes began as a United trainee on 8th July 1991 and turned professional 18 months later on 23rd July 1993. He won an FA Youth Cup winners' medal in 1992 and a runners-up medal in the same competition a year later. Scholes was also a member of the England Under-18 team which won the European Championships in 1993.

Scholesy trivia

He supported Oldham Athletic as a boy and still looks out for their results.

Scholes has said that when the time comes for him to leave Manchester United, he like to end his career at Oldham Athletic.

In his youth Scholes scored 70 goals for Boundry Park Juniors in one season

Although he still suffers from it, Scholes has overcome Asthma to become a footballer,

EA Sports used him as one of their motion-capture models in the FIFA 2001 Playstation game.

Despite being one of the most famous players in the world, Scholes hates the media attention and tries to avoid it as much as possible.

Scholes was the first England player to be sent off at Wembley.

In 1999 he became the first player since Norman Whiteside in 1984 to score a competitive goal for United on Italian soil in the 1-1 draw with Inter.

United fan's sing: "Paul Scholes, he scores goals, Paul Scholes, he scores goals!!!" in his honour.

Sayangku

08-05-2007, 08:31 PM

Not sure Hargreaves is a good signing, he's the same as Carrick, Barbatov is a good target for Man U, very classy and can score goals.

Will need a playmaker or a defensive midfielder (Gattuso pls) to hold the ball and distribute it to the front or to the wings.

I think we are ok with defences and forwards, go Man U :D

epsilon

08-05-2007, 10:00 PM

Papers: Reds to splash out

Fergie's £50m War Chest
Sir Alex Ferguson will be handed £50million to strengthen his Manchester United squad this summer after steering the club to their first Premiership crown in four years. Fergie will use the huge transfer kitty to land Owen Hargreaves, Spanish striker Fernando Torres, Gareth Bale from Southampton and Portuguese prodigy Nani - while Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Reading's Steve Sidwell are also on the United manager's wanted list. Despite beating Chelsea to the title, Fergie admitted the limitations of his United squad were exposed by a clutch of injuries towards the end of the season, and he has vowed to bolster his personnel to ensure there is no repeat of that potential crisis.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

The Sun claims United have pulled out of a deal for Owen Hargreaves, after Bayern Munich allegedly upped the midfielder's price tag to over £20million.

In the same paper, David Beckham tips Ryan Giggs to equal Phil Neal's record of 17 winner's medals, having clinched his 16th in United's weekend title triumph.

Sir Alex Ferguson claims his newly-crowned Premiership champions will only get better, but he expects renewed challenges from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool next season.

The Mirror says Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko will miss the FA Cup Final against United after undergoing a hernia operation.

Meanwhile, Sir Alex hit out at Manchester City defender Michael Ball for his stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo during Saturday's derby win, saying: “I don’t know what got into him."

epsilon

08-05-2007, 10:02 PM

Rumour: United boss to be handed £50m warchest

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson looks set to celebrate the clubs first title victory in 4 years by splashing up to £50 million during the summer transfer market.

Ferguson looks set to be handed the bumper transfer kitty by American owner Malcolm Glazer as the club aim to establish themselves as the main power in the Premier League.

Now the Scottish boss looks set to up the chase for the likes of Gareth Bale, Owen Hargreaves and Micah Richards.

gaia

08-05-2007, 10:33 PM

epsilon

08-05-2007, 10:36 PM

Ferguson looks to Hammers game

8/ 5/2007

SIR Alex Ferguson is prepared to risk title winners Manchester United getting beaten by Chelsea in order to preserve a sense of fair play in the relegation battle.

Scrapping it out at the bottom is a concept alien to Ferguson apart from one very brief flirtation with danger during his early days as Reds boss.

Yet he is acutely aware all eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend when United entertain a West Ham side looking for the point that will guarantee their safety.

Ferguson's long-time friendship with Alan Curbishley extends to the Scot presenting the Hammers boss with a return air ticket to New Zealand at the end of last season so his Premiership rival could see his sister after announcing he was stepping down as Charlton manager.

But Ferguson is eager to make it clear Curbishley can expect no favours this weekend, with Sheffield United and Wigan also scrapping for their lives.

And the United chief's determination to ensure he has a full strength side available to face the Hammers means he will rest a number of key man at Stamford Bridge as his team head south to meet the side they have just deposed as champions.

"The West Ham game is a very important issue," said Ferguson.

"We have to respect our reputation.

"Alan Curbishley is a good friend of mine but he understands we have to respect the wishes of other managers.

"I get on very well with Paul Jewell and Alan Pardew as well. They deserve our best attention to the game and I will be picking a team to win on Sunday.

Changes

"I don't know what my team will be at Chelsea but there will be a lot of changes, simply because the players are so tired."

In fact, Ferguson revealed even if Chelsea had beaten Arsenal on Sunday to prolong the title battle, he was considering fielding a less than full-strength side at Stamford Bridge in the belief that a fully fired-up United could have collected the point required to lift the trophy against West Ham four days later.

"I know it would have been controversial but when you consider Chelsea's home record in the last few seasons, I could have played my best team and still lost," he admitted.

"I could have played all my youth team and kept my first-choice one for Sunday.

"In the event, I am glad we are going there as champions. It would have been some game if we weren't."

Among those likely to miss out are Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. Edwin van der Sar may also get a rest, while Ferguson will assess the fitness of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic very carefully, reluctant to take any risks with two of the men he believes have been key to United's success this season.

Although Ferguson has had some excellent central defenders in his ranks, until now none have threatened to forge a partnership as effective as the one Steve Bruce enjoyed with Gary Pallister at the start of United's title-winning sequence in 1993.

However, in the teak-tough Vidic and stylish Ferdinand, Ferguson now has exactly the right blend again.

"Everyone saw the difference it made to us defensively when Vidic and Ferdinand were back together at Manchester City on Saturday," said Ferguson.

"They were absolutely peerless. We have been looking for that foundation of strength in central defence for a long time.

"We have had some combinations but they have not lasted as long as Pallister and Bruce but we hope these two do."

epsilon

09-05-2007, 12:27 AM

PSG STARLET CLAIMS UTD INTEREST
By Laurent Picard - Created on 8 May 2007

Paris Saint Germain starlet Youssouf Mulumbu is content with life at Parc des Princes, despite claiming that Manchester United have been in contact with him.

The 20-year-old - who is playing in his first season as a professional - has emerged as a promising prospect for Paul Le Guen having played 15 times this term.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is an admirer of the versatile performer, according to Mulumbu himself, along with European giants Juventus and Valencia.

However, PSG's DR Congo-born midfielder admits he is happy with the chance handed to him by the French club ahead of proposed talks over his future.

"It is always nice to play regularly for every club, but it is more encouraging when it is for PSG," Mulumbu told But.

"It is not easy to trust youngsters here, so I can't show bad performances like I did at Toulouse.

"Manchester United, Juventus and Valencia are still following my performances, they keep on contacting me.

"But they know that since I signed a professional contract, it is more difficult for them.

"Regarding my future I don't know what I will do. We will sit down and discuss it with my agent and the coach. It is really encouraging to be followed by such clubs.

"The most important thing for me is to play, and I can't complain because I have played nearly 20 times and it is only my first pro season. I am proud."

Meanwhile, PSG will be without Pierre-Alain Frau for the remainder of the season after the striker suffered a muscle injury in his foot.

The capital club are currently seven points clear of the danger zone with three games to go, but Frau will be unable to assist their bid for salvation after an MRI scan confirmed he will be sidelined for a month.

qbdp

09-05-2007, 12:31 AM

Giggs integral to Fergie's plans

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised Ryan Giggs he will remain an integral part of Manchester United's squad next season.

Giggs will collect his ninth Premiership winners' medal after Sunday's seasonal finale against West Ham at Old Trafford, eclipsing the previous best of eight jointly held by Liverpool duo Alan Hansen and Phil Neal.

At 33, the Wales skipper may not have the blinding pace of old but he has still been a major influence behind United's success this term.

And, ahead of Wednesday's encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge the veteran winger is now just 45 appearances behind Sir Bobby Charlton's club record 759.

And while Ferguson accepts the influence of his longest-serving player is bound to wane at some point in the future, the Red Devil boss is convinced Giggs will be around for a while yet.

"Ryan will be part of my team next season, there is no question about that," said Ferguson.

"You look at the way he has played this year and there is no sign of him going over the top.

"Nine titles is a fantastic achievement. No-one else in English football has won so many and all the players have been giving him special attention because of it.

"I don't know if anyone else will do it. I hope another Manchester United player can but it won't be in my time.

"He may be 33 now but he looks after himself and doesn't carry any weight, which is bound to help. But you do start to look at players and wonder how long they can go.

"You have to keep an eye on them because you have to be aware that at some point they will no longer be able to do it because of age. It is very difficult."

Giggs has become by far the most decorated player in his club's history and should he go on to play some part in an eventual FA Cup Final victory over Chelsea on May 19, he would become the first player since the 19th century - and only the fourth ever - to record five wins in the world's oldest domestic cup competition.

Fergie added: "Players with intelligence can change their games. Ryan has always utilised his change of pace.

"He is obviously not as quick as he was 10 years ago but he is still quick."

qbdp

09-05-2007, 12:36 AM

United keep powder dry for FA Cup final against Chelsea

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester United's clash with Chelsea on Wednesday will be no dress rehearsal for the FA Cup final, with United manager Alex Ferguson set to rest several key players after their title success.

The fact that United wrested the Premier League crown from Chelsea last weekend means there is nothing riding on the game at Stamford Bridge, which comes 10 days before the two sides meet again in the cup at Wembley Stadium.

As he prepared for Wednesday's fixture, Ferguson told reporters: "I'm glad we are going there as champions. It would have been some game if we weren't.

"The fact that we have won it means there is no need to be demanding of our players. We can now prepare for the final.

"I will just spread my squad the best I can. Obviously the ones who need a rest will get a rest... There will be a lot of changes simply because the players are tired."

"The ones who played on Saturday were running on empty. They gave their last drop."

Ferguson will take the chance to give some players, possibly the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, a breather against Chelsea as he is committed to selecting a strong side for United's final league game.

United face West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday in a match that will have a bearing on who is relegated, with West Ham hoping to survive and send down either Sheffield United or Wigan - who play each other - with Watford and Charlton Athletic.

"The West Ham game is a very important issue. Obviously we have to respect our reputation," Ferguson said.

"Alan Curbishley (West Ham's manager) is a good friend of mine but he understands we have to respect the wishes of other managers.

"They deserve our best attention to the game and I will be picking a team to win on Sunday."

UNITED HONOURED
Before that, United can enjoy their first match as champions at the home of the team they deposed, with Chelsea set to give United a guard of honour in a reversal of the roles the two teams played out at Old Trafford in May, 2005.

"I'm pleased at that," said Ferguson, whose relationship with Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho appears to have survived one or two verbal jousts during the season.

"He was very complimentary in his post-match interviews (on Sunday) and I expected that.

"I am sure he understands that winning and losing are twins, in a way, and you have to deal with it the right way and the same way."

"If you win you don't need to gloat and if you lose you don't have to go bananas about it. You have to accept defeat is defeat. We all get it and I think he has done that this time."

qbdp

09-05-2007, 12:51 AM

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/1090/ronaldorkmssi0.jpg

Ball admits Ronaldo stamp in Manchester derby

Michael Ball, a former Liverpool trainee, has admitted a charge of violent conduct by the Football Association.

Ball told his club's website, www.mcfc.co.uk: "I deeply regret what I did and have accepted the FA's charge without hesitation. I have also sent a personal apology to Cristiano.

"My action should not be seen on a football pitch and I know we have a responsibility at Premier League level to set a good example to the whole football community.

"I am proud of my disciplinary record and have never been sent off in my professional career."

epsilon

09-05-2007, 12:57 AM

Manchester United’s 3 summer targets are …
Written by Ahmed Bilal. Tagged: Transfer Rumours & News - Manchester United

I’ve yet to see an intelligent analysis of who United’s ‘reported’ 3 summer targets will be. Everyone’s speculating blindly on rumours, latching on to the Berbatov story in a sickeningly predictable way.

Here’s the real story - who Ferguson has (probably) asked for, and why.

United’s Transfer Targets

1. Owen Hargreaves

A no-brainer, considering that Manchester United have been after him since last summer. Reported price is 18-20m, could come for less. United will pay what it takes to get him, but expected a tiered deal like Carrick’s (so the basic deal could be 15m but rising to 22m depending on circumstances).

2. Nani

Surprised that no one has mentioned him. Manchester United need a second winger, Nani is a comparatively cheaper option, has the Portuguese connection and Sporting and United have club ties as well. If this was Arsenal chasing a kid with these circumstances, fans would have locked this in as a done deal. But we’re hung up on Torres and Berbatov, which is a bit sad.

3. Ribery

There’s a nagging thought at the back of my head which says that Manchester United will go after Ribery first, just to test the waters and see where he stands. Ferguson has talked about competition, and because of that I think Manchester United could be talking to Marseille over the summer.

4. Bale

The left-back was being chased by United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Tottenham. Looking at relative league positions, only Tottenham and United seem likely options (Arsenal will have other priorities, IMO).

It could all come down to how Southampton do in the playoffs. If they come through to the Premiership, Bale will probably stay.

5. Berbatov

After just one season, you can be sure that Berbatov is not thinking of leaving. He’ll be offered a wage hike and Tottenham will bring in reinforcements to push for 4th spot next season. There is the thought that because Tottenham only have an outside chance of breaking into the top 4, Berbatov may never play Champions League football with the Spurs and that could push him to Chelsea or Manchester United.

Baseless, pointless speculation by the tabloid hacks. This is what happens whenever a striker does well. They were after Torres for almost two years but came off it after he repeatedly told the press that he was going to stay at Atletico Madrid forever. They were after Villa as well, and will probably go after him again, but I doubt that Valencia will let him go cheaply.

A minimum of 25m for Berbatov, considering that Tottenham don’t want to sell. I think Berba will stay at Tottenham for one more season because neither Chelsea nor Manchester United will be willing to throw crazy money their way.
My Picks

1. Hargreaves
2. Ribery (if we can get him) otherwise Nani
3. Nani (United will go for two wingers / attackers)
4. Bale (if Southampton don’t qualify for the Premiership) - outside chance

United need to replace Giggs and Scholes. They already have Danny Simpson and Wes Brown to replace Gary Neville. They’ve shown that they probably don’t need to replace Ruud if Rooney / Saha / Smith / Rossi work out, with Ole / Dong as backups.

I think we’ll go for two wingers / attacking midfielders. The ideal grab would be Joe Cole but Ribery isn’t bad either, probably better on a technical level. Him and Nani can play on both wings if needed and United will need backup for Ronaldo as well.

Bale if we can get him, but he’s not a priority. Neither is a striker or defender or keeper (EVDS is here for another year, Foster will be tested more often next season and so will Kuszczak).

Now it’s your turn. Speculate.

Theme1

09-05-2007, 12:03 PM

Man Utd confident Asian Tour will go ahead

LONDON, May 8: Manchester United officials are confident the club's planned summer tour of Asia will go ahead, despite being told they will not be welcome in Malaysia during July because of fears their visit will distract attention from the finals of the Asian Cup.

The newly-crowned English champions, who have a massive fan-base across Asia, are due to play matches in the Chinese territory of Macau, Japan and South Korea, and had been scheduled to end their tour by facing a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur on July 27.

The final leg now looks as if it will have rescheduled or cancelled after local football chiefs caved in to pressure from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and said they would not sanction the match taking place in July.

“We are currently attempting to clarify with our tour organisers what the situation is in regards to Malaysia but we are confident that the rest of the tour will go ahead,” United spokesman Phil Townsend told AFP.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter revealed earlier on Tuesday that he was liasing with England's Football Association to try and get United to change their tour plans out of respect to the Asian Cup finals, which are being held in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam from July 7-29.

“You are welcome but please come at a time that is acceptable to the whole football family,” Blatter said at the AFC Congress in the Malaysian capital.

“As FIFA president I appeal for your solidarity.

“If a big club is touring we appeal for a minimum of respect when they plan to travel to the region when the Asian Cup is being played.”The vice-president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Tengku Abdullah Ibni Sultan Ahmad Shah joined AFC president Mohammed bin Hammam in calling for United's entire pre-season tour to be called off.

“If they want to come (to Malaysia) during that time they can't,” Tengku Abdullah told reporters. “The sanction has not been given by the AFC and we have to follow it. Manchester United cannot come to Malaysia during the Asian Cup. They will have to rearrange their schedule.”

Bin Hammam had described United as “disrespectful” for scheduling a tour during Asian football's showpiece event and warned that, if the Kuala Lumpur match went ahead, the FAM would be in breach of a contractual commitment not to organise other games during the tournament.

Sayangku

09-05-2007, 12:48 PM

Pirlo (a playmaker) and Gattuso (defence midfield) were Sir Furgeson's target before, just bring 2 of them is enough for a championship next season. Bring back Rossi, Dong and Pique, that should cover the defence and the forwards, Man U dun need a winger, Evra (wingback), Ronaldo, Giggs, and Park should be enough.

Will need a protege for Scholes, really really need to find someone to replace him soon .... :(

qbdp

09-05-2007, 01:01 PM

Fergie 'certain' Milan will triumph in Champions League final

LONDON, May 9, 2007 (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson, whose Manchester United side lost to Champions League finalists AC Milan in the semi-finals, said in comments published Wednesday he is "absolutely certain" the Italian side will defeat Liverpool in the Athens final in two weeks.

"I'd bet for sure that Milan will win the Champions League," Ferguson said in The Sun tabloid.

"I'm absolutely certain of it."

Milan and Liverpool will clash in a repeat of the 2005 Champions League final which the English side won on penalties, after overcoming a 3-0 deficit at half-time.

Ferguson said that he plans to acknowledge Milan's victory with a bottle of wine presented to him by Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti after Ferguson's side was defeated in the semi-finals.

"I said to Carlo at the end of our semi-final that there is no way he can now not win this competition ... Carlo gave me a magnificent bottle of wine," Ferguson said.

"But I immediately told him I would only drink his wine once I see him lifting the Champions Cup." :D

Manchester United won its ninth Premiership title with Ferguson as its manager, and its first since 2003 on Sunday.

Damn...Sir Alex forgot to add Milan may not win it if the scums play the kiasu and kiasi football for another lottery penalty shootout again.

qbdp

09-05-2007, 01:25 PM

United make Owen number one transfer target

NEWCASTLE United striker Michael Owen will be the first target for Manchester United this summer with the new Premiership champions eager to take advantage of a clause in the player's contract that will make him one of the summer's best bargains.

Owen should be available to leave St James' Park for around £9million. Should a deal be struck, there is understood to be no major objections from the man himself about joining the oldest rivals of his first club Liverpool who passed up the chance to re-sign him in 2005 when he left Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old found his old club outbid then by Newcastle but he will be able to leave for much less than the £17m paid for him two years ago.

United have explored the possibility of signing Dimitar Berbatov but, having agreed a deal of up to £18.6m for Michael Carrick last year, have been told that on this occasion Tottenham Hotspur will attempt to price the Bulgarian international out of the market.

Owen fits the bill for Old Trafford in more than one way, he brings the guarantee of goals and he comes cheaper than usual for a former European footballer of the year.

As usual, any reports of Owen leaving Newcastle, where injury has prevented him playing more than 13 games in two years, are likely to be met with a firm riposte from St James Park but there is no question that United are interested.

The Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is yet to appoint a new manager since Glenn Roeder's departure and Owen's future is likely to play a significant role in that deal.

However, regardless of the bad luck Newcastle may have had with Owen's metatarsal injury last year, and this season's cruciate, the original release clause was there for just this kind of move. It would not play well with the Newcastle public, but they might wish to question why such an agreement was brokered in the first place.

chickenzip

09-05-2007, 01:54 PM

Rio: We had injuries too

Rio Ferdinand has slammed claims that Manchester United's title triumph was a result of Chelsea's injury problems this season. The England defender claims his champion team has suffered equally. 'I think we're more than worthy winners,' he said. 'Our last seven games we've had some horrendous injuries.'

Park JS, Louis Saha, Vidic, Gary Neville, Evra, Mikael Silvestre

Castrol

09-05-2007, 01:56 PM

However, regardless of the bad luck Newcastle may have had with Owen's metatarsal injury last year, and this season's cruciate, the original release clause was there for just this kind of move. It would not play well with the Newcastle public, but they might wish to question why such an agreement was brokered in the first place.

i dont think owen will leave newcastle, he has some paying back to do.

chickenzip

09-05-2007, 02:08 PM

i dont think owen will leave newcastle, he has some paying back to do.

he is one of my most fav england player...though he is a former kop...i realli hope he could join Manu and like u said, do some payback...:)

Theme1

09-05-2007, 03:10 PM

Where the big four will look to spend;Football;Window watch
Oliver Kay, Matt Hughes

* MANCHESTER UNITED

What they want

Owen Hargreaves and perhaps two or three others (Oliver Kay writes). Hargreaves has been the priority since last summer and the spineless nature of their defeat by AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final has only increased Sir Alex Ferguson's desire to sign the tough-tackling midfield player, with talks resuming with Bayern Munich this week. Ideally, Ferguson also wants a top-class centre forward, a young full back or two and a left winger who can eventually replace Ryan Giggs.

What they need

To strengthen the weak (or weakening) links in their squad. Most obviously a destructive midfield player in the Hargreaves mould and a centre forward to ease the goalscoring burden on Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Ferguson, though, is equally aware that time may soon start catching up on Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Giggs. Neville's contribution over the past two seasons has been hampered by injury, which may be one reason why rumours persist of a bid for Micah Richards, of Manchester City.

Targets

Whether realistic or not, Dimitar Berbatov is attracting covetous glances after an impressive season with Tottenham Hotspur, putting him ahead of Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Ajax) and Michael Owen on Ferguson's wanted list. Nani, Ronaldo's successor at Sporting Lisbon, is a contender for the left-wing berth. Gareth Bale, Southampton's young left back, is a target, but not a priority.

Budget

Only the Glazers can answer that. The Americans allow for a net annual transfer budget of Pounds 25 million, but Ferguson has not got close to that over the past two summers, never mind seeing the extra Pounds 25 million reserved for a "superstar" signing. After a season that may prove to be the most successful in the club's history in financial terms, will they give Ferguson Pounds 50 million-plus or will they look only to reduce their interest payments?

Departures

Only months after signing a new long-term contract, Louis Saha's relationship with Ferguson is suffering, with the France forward's mental (as much as physical) fragility infuriating the manager in recent weeks. Gabriel Heinze or Mikael Silvestre may also be allowed to leave. Youngsters such as Phil Bardsley and Chris Eagles may be sold with a view to creating opportunities for even younger players, such as Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart and Darron Gibson.

qbdp

09-05-2007, 03:12 PM

i dont think owen will leave newcastle, he has some paying back to do.

In modern football, it's very difficult to find loyal footballers and possibly players with gratitude. It's the medals, glamour and especially fat pay-checks that they prefer. Any teams that can offer these have a chance of signing them.

I think if Owen can prove his injuries are behind him then he is definitely a player worth having at Old Trafford, if the price is right.

qbdp

09-05-2007, 03:15 PM

Eto'o is top Fergie target
Last updated at 07:34am on 9th May 2007

Sir Alex Ferguson has identified Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o as Manchester United’s No 1 summer transfer target.

The United boss has said he hopes to make three major signings to strengthen the new Premier League champions and Sportsmail understands the first steps have already been taken to sign Cameroon striker Eto’o, 26, for around £27million.

Pini Zahavi, the Israeli super agent whose son Alex is a youth team striker at Barcelona, is being enlisted to try to complete the deal, while Eto’o’s friendship with Rio Ferdinand — who interestingly is a client of Zahavi’s — is also thought to be a factor in United’s favour.

Only this week Ferguson talked of adding pace to his attack — and few are quicker than Eto’o.

"When you’re building a team you need to think about balance," said Ferguson as he talked of his plans for a season he hopes will end with that elusive second European Cup.

"Speed is important to us. At the moment that’s what we’re looking at. Whether we can get more speed."

Eto’o has been unsettled at the Nou Camp since a fall-out with manager Frank Rijkaard and team-mate Ronaldinho in February.

The three-times African Player of the Year had just returned after missing four months with a knee injury when Rijkaard accused him publicly of refusing to play as a substitute against Santander.

Furious Eto’o said: "Telling a news conference I didn’t want to play is the behaviour of a bad person."

Adding that he had not had time to warm up, he said: "I have always thought about the group first. That is what hurt me most."

When Ronaldinho suggested Eto’o was inconsiderate to team-mates, the Cameroon striker said: "If a team-mate says that you must think of the team, it’s up to him to think of the team."

Competition for a striker who has scored 10 goals in his last 14 appearances for Barcelona is sure to be strong. Chelsea have also expressed an interest — as have AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal.

According to sources, Eto’o has already indicated that a move to Old Trafford would appeal to him.

If Ferguson is successful, he will have spent most of his £50m summer transfer budget on two players, with Bayern Munich likely to want £20m for their England midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

The Germans desperately need funds for a major overhaul of their faltering squad and supremo Franz Beckenbauer said: "We have to build a new team. It will come at a high price and we have to find ways of paying it."

CibLover

09-05-2007, 03:46 PM

Mourinho apologises to his countryman.
================================================== ======

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has contacted Ronaldo to say sorry for claiming he was ill-educated and lacking maturity.

Ronaldo revealed: “Mourinho has apologised to me and now I have no problem with him.

“I am pleased that this has happened. As far as I am concerned the whole thing is now in the past.”

chickenzip

09-05-2007, 04:12 PM

Terry to lead guard of honour for United

Chelsea captain John Terry is ready to give Manchester United a guard of honour as champions even though he knows it will be hard to stomach.

The Blues were shown similar respect when they won the title and Terry knows it was a difficult thing to do for some of United's players.

After Chelsea's failure to beat Arsenal on Sunday, United will arrive at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as champions and Terry is ready to return the compliment.

He declared: 'The manager has said already they will get the guard of honour which they did to us at Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson - the master of the master

When Chelsea won the EPL title in 2004, SAF famously ordered his players to give Chelsea the guard of honours, and I believe this was not done without reason.

I strongly believe it was yet another master stroke from the master to remind his players the "losing & humilating" feelings they were going to get.

I'm sure that had instilled a great sense of determination into the players to try to wrestle the title back to Old Trafford.

By Chelsea returning the "favour" this year, you can assure yet another furiously fight for title between the blues and the devils next season.

Castrol

09-05-2007, 05:14 PM

In modern football, it's very difficult to find loyal footballers and possibly players with gratitude. It's the medals, glamour and especially fat pay-checks that they prefer. Any teams that can offer these have a chance of signing them.

quite true, like ronaldo who left inter milan for real madrid right after inter nursed his broken knee to recovery after a long lay off. :D

epsilon

10-05-2007, 12:10 AM

£9m Owen tempts Reds
Wed, May 09 2007 11:49

Newcastle could be ready to offload Michael Owen to Manchester United, settling for half the fee that was paid for him.
Owen is believed to be a target for Sir Alex Ferguson this summer, who could take advantage of a clause in the player's contract that will make him one of the summer's best bargains at £9m.

Newcastle are still in dispute over who pays Owen's wages following his World Cup injury, which has brought to light that the 27-year-old is on £110,000-a-week.

Former Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, set to take over at St James's Park this summer, is not keen on wage disparity among his squad and appears ready to sanction Owen's departure.

Ferguson admitted he spoke to Big Sam last week and the name of Owen could have cropped up in their conversation as the Premiership champions target a frontman capable of delivering 20 goals.

Ferguson has already explored the possibility of signing the player widely regarded to be his first choice - Dimitar Berbatov but, having agreed a deal of up to £18.6m for Michael Carrick last year, has been told that Tottenham Hotspur will price the Bulgarian international out the market.

Owen would be a more than capable stop-gap and has already proved to be a better strike partner to Wayne Rooney than either Ruud van Nistelrooy or Louis Saha because he is always looking to make the run in behind.

The clause in his Newcastle contract means that he will be able to leave the north-east for much less than the £17m paid for him two years ago.

epsilon

10-05-2007, 12:12 AM

United in for 'new Kaka'
Wed, May 09 2007 15:37

Man Utd have contacted Flamengo over teenage midfield star Renato Augusto - dubbed 'the new Kaka' - according to reports in Brazil.
Flamengo chairman Kleber Leite has confirmed to Globo that United have made a 'proposal' for the 19-year-old - currently the hottest property in Rio.

Renato Augusto plays with an old head on young shoulders, linking the midfield with attack and showing classic Brazilian technique.

"He will become the new Kaka in Europe, for whoever signs him," said Renato's Flamengo coach, Nery Franco, who blooded him in the first-team as a 17-year-old.

But the Copacabana kid is in no rush to leave Rio for Europe and says he has a lot to learn before he can justify comparisons to AC Milan's star player.

"For now I want to stay here. I have still a lot of work to do to be compared with Kaka," he said.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also closely monitoring him and are set to enter the bidding once Flamengo indicate that they are ready to sell.

But Renato is still uncapped by the national team, which would hinder a work permit application to play in the Premiership - leaving United to get creative with their proposal - which could involve Portuguese partner club Sporting.

Theme1

10-05-2007, 12:21 PM

Sporting Lisbon starlet Nani wants to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps and join Manchester United.

Nani, who has been likened to United star Ronaldo, will snub interest from clubs across Europe in order to achieve his dream move to Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson is an admirer of the 20-year-old and is thought to be ready to trigger a £17.5million clause in Nani's contract.

Nani came through the same youth system as Ronaldo at Sporting and wants to join his friend in the Premiership.

The Portuguese youngster is determined to make the move to United and has snubbed the opportunity to sign for Atletico Madrid.

"I'll only leave Portugal to play for a club like United," Nani told the Daily Mirror.

"The Premiership is spectacular and to be the next Cristiano would be a dream."

mr_missile

10-05-2007, 01:02 PM

£9m Owen tempts Reds
Newcastle could be ready to offload Michael Owen to Manchester United, settling for half the fee that was paid for him.
Owen is believed to be a target for Sir Alex Ferguson this summer, who could take advantage of a clause in the player's contract that will make him one of the summer's best bargains at £9m.

Will Owen have the balls to wear United's Red after serving the Kop?
This is interesting. ;)

chickenzip

10-05-2007, 03:14 PM

Will Owen have the balls to wear United's Red after serving the Kop?
This is interesting.

well...the kops sold him to Real first...and rejected him again before Newcastle bought him over...he should not feel any pressure to play for ManU.

epsilon

10-05-2007, 06:37 PM

Chelsea v United: Player ratings
Stuart Mathieson
10/ 5/2007

Kuszczak: Was in the wars a few times but stood up strongly apart from almost blowing it with late blunder 6

Lee: The Tameside youngster made a steady Premiership start and Chelsea could never expose him as a potential weak link 6

O'Shea: Been all over the place during the run-in and was again unflustered at centre back 6

Brown: Got his head on everything in the penalty area to deny the Londoners 8

Heinze: Threw himself into the fray as usual paying little attention to possible Cup Final injury threat 6

Eagles: Didn't really get change out of Bridge but showed his tenacity 6

Fletcher: Workrate couldn't be faulted as ever but he was unable to provide the defence-splitting flair 6

Solskjaer: The Norwegian didn't really make much of an impact 5

Richardson: Didn't make much of a midfield impact but improved at left back 5

Dong: Tough ask against Terry and Essien and it was a struggle but he never gave in 6

Smith: Once again it was his never-say-die endeavour that stood out more than anything else 6

Subs:

Carrick (sub Heinze 65) Quiet cameo 5

Rooney (sub Dong 73) Nothing to get teeth into

Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Scholes not used

Chelsea: Cudicini, Makelele, Essien, Mikel (J Cole 45), Bridge, Diarra (Morais 88), Ferreira, Kalou, Wright-Phillips, Terry, Sinclair (Sahar 54)

Bookings:

Chelsea: Mikel (21), Diarra (51), Essien (56)

United: Heinze (21), Lee (45), Brown (46)

Referee: Graham Poll - Made a meal of some things 6

Attendance: 41,794

epsilon

10-05-2007, 06:50 PM

Eagles flying high

Chris Eagles admits he never wanted Wednesday night to end, after the 21-year-old made his first league start for United in the Reds' 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge.

His selection in Sir Alex's starting XI ended a six-year wait in which the midfielder has been knocking on the first-team door for some time.

"I've been waiting for this since I became a professional at 17," Eagles said. "To make my full 90-minute debut at Stamford Bridge and play well was unbelievable.

"The lads have been brilliant. Sometimes it can be hard for a young player coming into a senior team, particularly in these circumstances when they've got an FA Cup final coming up. But they've been brilliant – the whole day's been brilliant – and I never wanted it to end.

"You learn stuff off people like Scholesy, Giggsy, Ronaldo and Rooney every day in training. And you learn from playing against the likes of Joe Cole and John Terry. The whole day's been special."

Eagles admits the experience was enhanced by the appearance of Joe Cole on the pitch at half-time. London-born Eagles joined Manchester United as a 13-year-old but has fond memories of watching Cole as a teenager.

"I've always looked up to Cole, ever since I was a youngster," Eagles revealed. "We both used to play for London Schools. I was nine when he was 15 or 16 and I used to watch him. He was a good player then.

"I've always admired him so when he came on it was another proud moment for me because he's always been one of my idols."

The pair exchanged shirts after the game and Eagles said he hopes Cole "will save mine, like I'll save his".

Eagles drew praise from the United manager for his part in Wednesday's draw. Sir Alex said the 21-year-old was one of the team's best performers and emphasised his impressive work-rate.

"I think Chris has shown he's got the temperament to play. He does work very hard at his game and he's one of the lads who goes out and practises in the afternoons. You get the rewards of that and there are great dividends. The dividend for Chris Eagles tonight is that I wouldn't be afraid to play him any time."

epsilon

10-05-2007, 06:51 PM

Big guns back for Sunday

Sir Alex Ferguson may have rested a raft of players for the midweek dead rubber against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but he will name a full strength team to face West Ham on Sunday.

The Reds are looking to celebrate before lifting the Premiership trophy with victory over the Hammers, but more than that Sir Alex does not want to give an unfair advantage to any team in the relegation fight by fielding a weakened team.

"We have to respect the position of the other teams at the bottom," he says. "Paul Jewell has done a fantastic job at Wigan, as has Neil Warnock at Sheffield United. So I cannot be putting a team on the pitch that disrespects those teams.

"We also have our own reputation to think about, so although I am a great friend of Alan Curbishley, he understands the position I am in and knows I will be playing my strongest team on Sunday."

Against Chelsea the United manager made eight changes to the side that beat Manchester City 1-0, handing a first league starts to Kieran Lee and Chris Eagles, and a club debut to Dong Fangzhuo.

Sir Alex looks set to recall a host of regular first-team players for the match against the Hammers, who are in a three-way battle with Sheffield United and Wigan Athletic to avoid relegation.

Curbishley’s men need either a point on Sunday, or the Blades to win or draw against Wigan at Bramall Lane to guarantee their survival. But it may come down to goal difference if Wigan win and the Hammers are defeated, which would put all three clubs level on 38 points.

gaia

10-05-2007, 07:26 PM

Hope SAF dun waste money buying owen....he's a has been kid.....buying him and selling saha is only to keep the treatment room occupied n the medics busy.....

chickenzip

11-05-2007, 08:47 AM

10/05/2007 09:51, Report by Nick Coppack

Lee loves life at the top

Kieran Lee says he only learned he would start against Chelsea an hour before Wednesday night's kick-off. But despite Sir Alex's late selection – or perhaps because of it – the reserve team captain looked supremely comfortable on the right side of defence.

"I didn't really have time for the nerves to settle in," 18-year-old Lee said of his league debut. "If I'd been told earlier, I think I would have been more nervous and it could have affected me."

As it was, Lee impressed in his role and showed particular composure on the ball.

"Being picked for a match like this spurs you on and makes you play even better than you'd expect. The experienced defenders helped me on the pitch, telling me what to do and what positions to take up. It was good to play with them.

"It was hard work, though. I was tired in the last half-hour but the lads dug in and got a good result. To play against Chelsea in the Premiership is a dream debut. It's different to what I'm used to, it can help you become a better player."

Lee's performance didn't escape the United manager, who described the teenager's debut as "fantastic".

qbdp

12-05-2007, 01:54 AM

United: We did nothing wrong over Howard

Manchester United have defended their involvement in Tim Howard’s absence from Everton's key Premiership clash at Goodison Park last month.

David Moyes, the Everton manager, opted not to pick Howard for the game, even though under Premier League rules the American international goalkeeper was eligible after turning his loan move from United into a permanent transfer.

Howard’s absence proved crucial, as his replacement, Iain Turner, made a vital error which allowed John O’Shea to score the goal which eventually sparked a 4-2 win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.

It had been suggested Ferguson struck a deal with Everton counterpart David Moyes at the time of the transfer for Howard not to play, leading to claims of third-party involvement over team selection similar to those West Ham were fined £5.5million for following the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.

United have admitted attempting to insert a clause into Howard’s contract - which the Premier League rejected - to prevent him from playing against them, as the 28-year-old would not have been allowed to feature anyway had the original loan deal remained in place. Even so, the Old Trafford outfit do not believe they have done anything wrong.

“It remains the club’s position that such a deal could not be a ‘material influence’ on the integrity of the 2006-7 Premier League season if it reflects no change to the situation that existed at the time,” said a club statement.

“In drafting the transfer agreement, with Everton’s approval, the club inserted a clause acknowledging that Tim Howard would not be available for selection against United.

“Before the deal, Tim Howard was not able to play against Manchester United. After the deal, the same would have been true. It therefore would have had no effect on the integrity of the competition whatsoever.”

United believed they were doing Everton a favour by allowing them to sign Howard, and acceding to the player’s wishes for his long-term future to be determined. They do not understand why they should have allowed themselves to be disadvantaged by letting the keeper play.

“We could have kept the loan deal going until the end of the season if we had wanted,” said Ferguson. “But the boy wanted his future sorting out and Everton knew there were other clubs interested in the lad.”

Having already secured the title and avoided defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday, Ferguson is clearly not too worried about the situation and jokingly added: “Let them take the three points off us.”

Meanwhile, David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, is attempting to resolve the row over the club's summer tour to the Far East.

United are due to visit Japan, South Korea, Macau and Malaysia. However, their visit to Asia has caused a storm of controversy as it clashes with the prestigious Asian Cup tournament.

Malaysia are one of four tournament co-hosts and organisers believe the Red Devils’ presence in the region will detract from the competition. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for United to abandon their trip and Ferguson said both sides are looking for compromise.

“David Gill is discussing the matter with the Premier League and people abroad, so hopefully something will happen,” he said.

“We want to go to Malaysia. We have made our pre-season arrangements around that but if there is a dramatic change we will have to re-arrange our schedule.”

Even if the Kuala Lumpur leg is abandoned, United are expected to proceed with the first three-quarters of their trip as planned.

qbdp

12-05-2007, 02:26 AM

Saha: "I want to stay"

Louis Saha has insisted he wants to stay at Manchester United, despite the club's reported interest in other strikers. The newly crowned champions are looking to strengthen their squad with a view to next season's title defence, and that could mean an enforced departure for the Frenchman.

But after having tasted success this season with the Old Trafford club Saha, who is under contract until 2010, is determined to stay and win more trophies.

"I want to stay," Saha told L'Equipe. "I've just won my first championship title with Manchester United and it's really great. I really want to win more in their colours."

Despite having scored eight goals in the Premiership and four in the Champions League, Saha's season has been blighted by injury, and manager Alex Ferguson is thought to want a more reliable option to partner Wayne Rooney up front come the start of the next campaign.

The champions have recently been linked with swoops for Samuel Eto'o, Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov, but Saha is unconcerned by such talk, even saying he would welcome a new recruit if it would help United to more silverware.

"I'm not up-to-speed [on the transfer rumours]," Saha said. "I love this club and I don't want to leave. I find it great that other star strikers are being linked with United, if that allows us to retain our title next season and win others."

qbdp

12-05-2007, 03:16 AM

Michael Owen, Sam Allardyce and Man Utd spotted at same racecourse

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4235/0200721139800yl3.jpg http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/4063/u1657p6t12d2914454f44dtgu4.jpg
Rooney: Surprised to see you here. What's in your hand?
Owen: Oh...copy of my Newcastle contract and other legal papers.
Rooney: Of coz. Haha.

Newcastle striker Michael Owen was spotted mixing with Manchester United players at Chester racecourse.

Owen relaxed by chatting on the phone to United star Wayne Rooney. They smiled and waved to each other despite being just yards apart.

Watching were United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who wants to sign Owen, and Sam Allardyce, who will soon be fighting to keep him at Toon.

Allardyce takes over as Newcastle boss next week and his first task will be to sit down with Owen and thrash out the future.

Big Sam does not want Owen to leave but knows his hands will be tied if the player uses the £9m get-out clause in his contract.

epsilon

12-05-2007, 10:15 PM

Fergie rejected Tevez, Mascherano

11/ 5/2007

SIR Alex Ferguson has revealed he snubbed the opportunity to sign Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano because of uncertainty over the deal that was being offered.

West Ham were fined a record £5.5million for breaking Premier League rules when they signed the Argentina duo who, at the time, were part-owned by Media Sports Investment, the company formerly run by Iranian-born businessman Kia Joorabchian.

Mascherano has since joined Liverpool but Tevez has emerged as a key figure in the Hammers' battle for survival and will be part of Alan Curbishley's side at Old Trafford on Sunday as they look for the point which will preserve their top-flight status.

Ferguson confirmed that, like most leading clubs, United were given the opportunity to buy the pair last summer. But the wily Scot was not happy at what was being offered.

"Tevez was offered to everyone," said Ferguson.

"We were offered both him and Mascherano but, if I remember it correctly, we weren't sure of the deal."

It has taken the arrival of Ferguson's old friend Alan Curbishley to really get the best out of Tevez.

And, after inspiring the Hammers to a run of six wins in eight games, the United manager knows his team will have to be on their toes if their title-winning celebrations are not to fall a bit flat.

"Tevez is the one who has lifted their game a bit," said Ferguson.

Enthusiasm

"He has scored a couple of really good free-kicks and seems to have a lot of enthusiasm for it."

Ironically, United have become embroiled in a signing storm of their own this week as the search for reasons why Tim Howard did not play against them for Everton last month has continued.

Ferguson has accused those within the Premier League who claimed they had no knowledge of United's wish for Howard to be omitted at Goodison Park of "telling porkies".

The Red Devils made their feelings on the matter known at the time, arguing that as Howard could not play against them anyway under Premier League loan rules, the American should remain sidelined even though he was moving to Merseyside on a permanent deal.

"There are a few porkies being told because we addressed it with the Premier League at the time," claimed Ferguson.

"We could have just let the loan deal run if we had wanted but the boy wanted his future sorting and Everton knew other clubs were interested in him."

Given United now boast a seven-point lead with one game to play, Ferguson jokingly suggested the Premier League might take three points off them, although he knows such a scenario will not unfold.

Instead, Ferguson remains fully focused on West Ham's arrival.

Given the Hammers have twice - in 1992 and 1995 - deprived United of league titles, there is a thirst for revenge in the stands if not the dressing room.

Ferguson is pledging to play a strong side, rather than a full-strength one, and either Cristiano Ronaldo or Wayne Rooney could find themselves on the bench.

At least two places in the FA Cup final starting line-up are up for grabs though, with Wes Brown and Alan Smith keen to enhance their chances of featuring against Chelsea at Wembley on May 19.

Smith has been in fine form since his return from the horrific injuries he suffered at Anfield last year.

Contribution

A return of one goal in 12 games belies the Yorkshireman's overall contribution, which has been recognised with a call-up to the England B squad to face Albania at Turf Moor later this month.

Smith's willingness to push his body through the pain barrier is in marked contrast to that of Louis Saha, whose season, and possibly his entire United career, is over.

And Ferguson can even see similarities between the former Leeds player and United legend Mark Hughes.

"Alan is the same type of player as Mark," he said.

"He gives defenders a hard time. He is brave, two-footed and has good balance.

"He is a natural English-type centre-forward and England lack options in that area.

"They used to say Mark couldn't score either but Alan has injected a bit of life into us at a very important time."

epsilon

12-05-2007, 10:16 PM

Duo to miss final

11/ 5/2007

SIR Alex Ferguson has virtually abandoned hope of Gary Neville and Louis Saha featuring for Manchester United in next weekend's FA Cup final.

Neville has not featured for United since injuring his ankle against Bolton on March 14.

Although he has done some training this week, the England defender has no hope of playing against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday and Ferguson accepts Neville will need to step up his fitness programme significantly if he is to have a chance of turning out against Chelsea at the 'new' Wembley on May 19.

"Gary has done some light running this week and a bit more aggressive work this morning," revealed Ferguson.

Obviously

"But obviously, he is up against it as far as the FA Cup final is concerned.

"We will give him every chance because he deserved it. But he will have to do some serious work next week and unfortunately I have my doubts whether he will make it."

After missing three FA Cup finals already for various reasons, and the World Cup final through suspension, Saha's bad-luck curse has struck again.

The Frenchman, whose United future is open to major doubt, was due to feature against Manchester City last weekend, only to report pain in his knee.

"Louis was pencilled in to play against City but unfortunately, he picked up a problem in his knee and he was still feeling it on Saturday morning," said Ferguson.

Asked if Saha had any chance of returning against Chelsea, the Scot replied: "I would say not, no."

epsilon

12-05-2007, 10:18 PM

Smith's treble chance

12/ 5/2007

ALAN Smith will be sent into action against West Ham tomorrow with a triple boost - the chance of picking up a Premiership winner's medal, an England B call-up, and a comparison with the great Mark Hughes.

The Yorkshireman's career has been in turmoil over the last 15 months, since he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in a cup tie at Liverpool - with some fearing he may never fully recover.

And even last season, with Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Louis Saha ahead of him in the pecking order, his future at the club looked unsure, and the experiment of using him as a stop-gap replacement for Roy Keane in midfield did not truly work out.

But Smith has battled back from all of those setbacks and is now in line for a medal tomorrow as well as a possible place in the FA Cup final against Chelsea next Saturday.

United are back in the market for a striker, with Saha's future looking uncertain after he picked up another injury last week, forcing him to miss the derby.

But Reds' boss Sir Alex Ferguson gave Smith a huge boost by saying he sees his future at United up front.

"He is a natural centre forward. We used him as a midfielder against Chelsea in midweek because of a lack of numbers and availability of players, and we played him there last season but he is a natural English-type centre foward.

"He is the same type of player as Mark Hughes.

"He gives defenders a hard time, is not easy to play against, he is brave, has good balance and is two-footed.

"He has a lot of good things going on, the same as Mark had, so there are similarities."

And Ferguson welcomed Thursday's news that he is back in the England fold, being called up for a B international against Albania at Burnley on May 25.

"England lack options for centre-forwards," said Ferguson. "With Michael Owen injured, they have had Andrew Johnson, but he has now had an operation, so it's down to Peter Crouch and Wayne Rooney.

Enthusiasm

"Alan has shown plenty of enthusiasm and when he came back into the side, as I said at the time, he injected a bit of life back into the team at an important time. He has done a good job for us."

United go out against West Ham intending to win the game to ensure they do not spoil the ensuing trophy presentation, but without thoughts of 1995, when the Hammers fought like tigers to earn a last-day 1-1 draw with United at Upton Park and deny the Reds a third consecutive league title

"It's a different set of players, but even so West Ham that year did exactly what Blackburn expected them to do on that day," said Ferguson. "We expected Liverpool to do their job, which they did by beating Blackburn.

"It only shows you that the English game is 100 per cent honest, and that teams will do their best. That is what we will do tomorrow."

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will get the chance to top the Old Trafford goalscoring charts, with both players tied on 23 goals, and both certain of at least a place on the substitutes' bench.

Gary Neville will miss the game, and appears to be losing his fight to be fit for the final, although he will walk out to lift the Premiership trophy as captain.

"Gary has been doing some light running this week and did some more aggressive work yesterday," said the manager. "He is up against it for the final but I still give him a chance, because he deserves to have that chance.

"He will have to do some serious work during the week football-wise, and he will be back in football training next week. Whether it is soon enough, I have my doubts unfortunately.

Ferguson promised West Ham's relegation rivals Wigan and Sheffield United that there will be no holding back from his team, with the Hammers needing a point to be sure of avoiding relegation.

"Tomorrow will be one of those difficult games which any club faces when it comes up against a team down at the bottom of the league and fighting for survival," he said. "It is not easy to come to terms with these games.

"But we understand the emotions involved for Sheffield United, Wigan and of course, West Ham.

"I will play a strong side. One or two players won't play, but it will be a strong team and by doing that we will represent ourselves in a proper way and be fair to everyone.

"We don't have any more injuries - all those players who went down to Chelsea are fit for this one."

epsilon

12-05-2007, 10:19 PM

Stars set for bench duty
Sat, May 12 2007 12:17

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo could start on the bench for champions Manchester United against West Ham.
Sir Alex Ferguson has promised a packed Old Trafford he will send his strongest team out on Sunday but has suggested his 23-goal joint-top scorers will not play the full 90 minutes.

Ferguson said: "Wayne and Cristiano will be involved - if not playing then on the bench.

"I will play a strong side. One or two will not play but, in the main, it will be a strong team."

Ferguson has one eye on next weekend's FA Cup final against Chelsea and will want to protect his star assets ahead of the new Wembley showpiece.

Alan Smith and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could start against the relegation-threatened Hammers as United look to end the season in style.

"We want to do well on Sunday," added Ferguson. "It's the last league game of the season in front of 76,000 fans.

"Sometimes these days can turn out flat and be a damp squib, for instance Celtic had the exact same situation last week (at home to Hearts) and they lost 3-1.

"We had a game a few years back (1994) when we drew 0-0 at home with Coventry before we were presented with the trophy, so we want to try and make it a good day for ourselves and hopefully get a good result."

epsilon

12-05-2007, 10:21 PM

Ferguson backs Smith recall
Sat, May 12 2007 11:36

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has endorsed Alan Smith's England recall, insisting he is a "natural centre-forward".
Smith's fine form for the newly-crowned Premiership champions has seen him brought back from the international wilderness with a call-up to Steve McClaren's England B squad to face Albania on May 25.

"I think England do lack options for centre forward, they haven't got many," said Ferguson.

"Michael Owen's been injured for a long time, the lad (Andy) Johnson has broken through but he's had an operation and he's out, and they've got Crouch and Wayne Rooney.

"They've not got many options. I think Alan has shown an enthusiasm, and I said at the time that he injected a bit of life into the team at a very important time and he's done a good job for us."

Smith has also been deployed in midfield by Ferguson but the Old Trafford boss has no doubt that his best position is up front and compared his style to that of United fans' favourite Mark Hughes.

"Alan's a natural centre-forward," he said. "We used him in midfield the other night simply because of numbers and the availability of players, and he played last season as a midfielder.

"But I think he's a natural English type centre forward. He gives defenders a hard time, he's not easy to play against, he's brave, has good balance and is two footed. He's got a lot of good things Alan, just the same as Mark Hughes had."

qbdp

13-05-2007, 08:23 AM

Giggs: 'This can be the best United ever'
United's favourite old son is revelling in a new central role - and is convinced Ferguson's latest creation could surpass previous generations

Published: 13 May 2007

Spring is in the air and in everyone's step around Old Trafford, most notably in that of the oldest of the old boys. Once Chelsea's new money took over from Arsenal's aristocrats, Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs must privately have wondered whether their handsome medal collection was complete; but after today's home game with West Ham the Premiership trophy will be handed back to Manchester United, and on Saturday the chance exists to complete a fourth Double. Giggs, like Ferguson, appears to have been given a new lease of life by the emergence of this young United side and there is something touching about his obvious excitement at the prospect of walking out at Wembley again.

Winning the Cup would be Giggs's 17th major honour, eclipsing Liverpool's Phil Neal as the English game's most decorated player, and at 33 he is entitled to adopt an air of having seen it all before. Instead, a boyish enthusiasm shines through, undiminished by life as an elder statesman and father of two in his £5 million Victorian pile: "For me personally it was great to play in Cardiff, but as far as I'm concerned the FA Cup final should be played at Wembley. It looks very good on the television and we're just excited to be back. It gave us an extra incentive, because you want to be at the first Cup final at Wembley, you don't want to miss out and be sat at home watching on TV thinking, 'We could be there'. That's where it belongs, and you want to be part of it."

In Giggs's case it will be a seventh Cup final, the previous half-dozen having produced four wins and two defeats. And in the beginning, at Wembley 1994, there was Chelsea, albeit a very different outfit under Glenn Hoddle to the force United will face this week: "Winning the first one [4-0] was obviously a good memory, it was a Double-winning season, one of the few occasions it rained, which I was quite happy with because I didn't particularly like playing at Wembley.

"It was sticky and dry and for someone who likes to dribble it was always tough, the grass was so lush. Actually I think Chelsea beat us twice in the League that season. They hit the crossbar and they were the better team in the first half, but then we got the first goal and deserved to win in the end. I hope it's 4-0 again but I don't think it will be! In '95 we got beat by Everton, which was disappointing, but one of the most memorable FA Cups was probably Liverpool the next year, beating our biggest rivals, great memories of that game."

If neutrals were less enamoured by that desperately dour encounter, Giggs provided them with a genuinely iconic Cup moment en route to his next final in 1999. In a thrilling semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park, he scored one of the great individual goals with that slalom through the defence, rounded off by a slashing shot and hairy-chested, shirt-waving celebration. Victory over Newcastle at Wembley completed another Double but Cardiff, while home from home, provided mixed memories, with a routine win over Millwall and an undeserved defeat on penalties after dominating Arsenal the following year.

For a while he could not be sure of a starting place, and on one occasion was even jeered by United supporters when substituted against Blackburn. Yet the kids who threatened his place have now helped his rejuvenation and reinvention as a central midfielder. "Certain players give you a new lease of life," he says. "You get a buzz from watching them play, and in the last couple of days I've got a real buzz out of seeing the faces of the lads who've won their first championship.

"I remember when I won my first championship, it's the best feeling in the world, and to get that buzz and see their faces, how they're so happy to have done it, that's definitely been a factor in enjoying my football a little bit more this season. Seeing the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo and the performances of Fletcher and Sheasy [O'Shea] gives you a lift, because there's real quality in the team and it's great to see."

With Ronaldo and often Rooney out wide, Giggs and Paul Scholes have brought their experience to bear in a more central role that he feels could help prolong his career further; perhaps even beyond the contract that expires at the end of next season. He needs 46 more appearances to overhaul Sir Bobby Charlton's club record of 759 and Ferguson believes he can play for at least two more years.

"I've enjoyed playing in a central role, you're involved a lot more than on the wing, where you're reliant on people giving you the ball. Even when I play on the wing I'm not playing like I did 10 years ago anyway. You use your experience and positional sense and just try to be clever. You aren't going to be as quick at 33 as you were at 17 but you are maybe a bit quicker in the brain and have that experience as well."

As to Saturday's task, and in particular the contrast in the two teams' styles: "I've got to be careful what I say! We're a bit more cavalier whereas Chelsea are a bit more patient, European in a way, how they pack the midfield, try to get possession of the ball. They've got that defensive base and platform but also players who can go out and win games. We probably play a little bit differently, with wide men and players who can score from anywhere, that's the way United have always played."

He is clearly proud to have been a part of that tradition ever since his 14th birthday, the day on which Ferguson arrived in person on his doorstep to secure a coveted signature. Now he goes as far as to say that the manager's latest creation could become his best: "Potentially this team can be the best definitely, because of the quality and age of the team. So many players are at the start of their career or are starting to hit their peak and we genuinely have world-class players. There's real quality in the squad, and depth. Obviously, you need things to go right for you injury-wise, but potentially this side can be consistently good over the next five or six years."

He does acknowledge, however, that to be universally acclaimed as the best United side of modern times would necessitate securing another European crown at least: "It's always something you want to achieve. You always want to win the Premiership, then after that it's the Champions' League. You can't really prioritise, but this season the target was to win the Premiership, then the next step is the Champions' League. We deserved the Premiership this year, we played great football but have been consistent and had that bit of steel as well. Now can we go on and win it again? I'm sure we can, because we've got the ability and the hunger."

Although Giggs is not big on personal milestones, a 10th championship would assuredly have a certain ring - as well as almost certainly never being beaten. In the meantime, he has regained a place in both the team and supporters' hearts that was briefly - and inexplicably - lost.

The Record-Breaker: The public life of Private Ryan

Long-Service Awards
In addition to his record haul of nine League titles, eclipsing the eight won by Alan Hansen and Phil Neal, Giggs holds the record for trophies won by a player; he has earned four FA Cup and two League Cup medals and a Champions' League medal to sit alongside those League souvenirs, plus has finished runner-up in the Premiership four times, the FA Cup twice and League Cup twice.

Brothers United In Triumph
Ryan isn't the only Giggs to play on the wing for United and win a title this season; his younger brother Rhodri turns out on the right (and sometimes as a striker) for FC United of Man-chester, the club set up by fans opposed to the Glazers' takeover at Old Trafford. This season they are First Division champions of the North West Counties League, having won the Second Division last year.

Major Disappointment
Giggs won his 62nd cap for Wales in the 3-0 win against San Marino in March, but has yet to play in a major championship. The enduring myth that he could have elected to play for England stems from his appearances for England Schoolboys, but that was open to anyone being educated in the country. Giggs was born in Wales to Welsh parents (though his father, the rugby league player Danny Wilson, was originally from Sierra Leone) and would not have qualified to play for England.

Fistful Of Firsts
Giggs was the first to win the PFA Young Player of the Year Award twice (1992-93), a feat since emulated by Robbie Fowler and Wayne Rooney. He is the scorer of United's fastest goal, after 15 seconds against Southampton in November 1995, is the first player in Champions' League history to score in 12 successive seasons, and is one of only two players (the other is Gary Speed) to score in every Premiership season.

Classic Remark From Homer
Giggs is the only Premiership player to be mentioned in The Simpsons, in November 2003 when Homer, visiting England, says to Marge: "Can you believe they gave Giggs a yellow card?"

qbdp

13-05-2007, 06:14 PM

£850m bid for Man Utd

MANCHESTER UNITED have sensationally resisted an £850 million takeover bid from a Chinese consortium.

We can reveal a Midlands-based finance expert made the shock move three months ago on behalf of Far Eastern investors.

They hoped that United's American owners, the Glazer family, would want to rid themselves of the £660m debt they currently have after buying the club two years ago.

But United's joint chairman, Joel Glazer and chief executive David Gill refused to even respond to the Chinese interest. Gill would only say last night: "As it's an ownership matter, it's a matter for the family and their representatives — not for me."

The Chinese used Rugby-based Lisa Hale, asset manager of Rosevalley Commercial Ventures, in collaboration with lawyer Richard Devaux, who has experience in commercial sport activities and has worked for the FA.

The pair were convinced the Chinese had the financial might to buy United outright. But the Glazers, who gained control of United after a controversial and protracted £790m takeover, have always insisted they are at the club for the long haul.

And last night they even catagorically denied any bid had been received, let alone considered,

A spokesman said: "Manchester United are the world's biggest club and, of course, it is coveted but anyone who thinks that it is up for sale is mad.

"The Glazers are in it for the long haul and are determined to ensure success both on and off the pitch."

The Chinese attempt is a further sign the leading Premiership clubs are now seen as prime targets for overseas groups wanting to cash in on the growing global benefits to be gained from English football.

With their economy expanding rapidly, Chinese businesses do now have the financial clout to muscle in on top clubs.

A leading football consultant said: "The power of the Chinese should not be underestimated. Their influence is growing fast and I would not rule out an eventual move by them into one of the top Premiership clubs.

qbdp

13-05-2007, 07:55 PM

Mourinho: I'm a good loser

Jose Mourinho has declared that he is not a bad loser and that surrendering the Premiership title to Manchester United did not hurt as much as he had expected.

After guiding Chelsea to Premiership glory in his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho had to congratulate Sir Alex Ferguson last week as United clinched the title.

Mourinho will again pit his wits against Ferguson in the FA Cup final next Saturday, and he maintains that he has already put his Premiership disappointment behind him.

"After all that has happened this season - and that is a lot - I've reached the conclusion that I am a good loser," Mourinho said in the News of the World

"Losing the title to Ferguson and Manchester didn't hurt me as much as I thought it would.

"After four years in a row of winning the league title at Porto and then with Chelsea, I thought when I didn't win it would be unbearable.

"But it is not. I have dealt with it and I am fine."

Far from viewing this season as a failure, Mourinho insists his players have done superbly to run United close in the face of adversity.

"Our season has been extraordinary," he explained.

"The first season here was incredible because the club won its first title in 50 years, but this year I can almost say I am prouder.

"My group fought like warriors, they have given everything even when others were saying hope had gone."

Mourinho also warned that Chelsea would mount a stronger challenge next term.

"We will come again. Chelsea will come again and fight for the title again."

qbdp

13-05-2007, 09:17 PM

Rossi reveals United dream

On-loan Parma striker Giuseppe Rossi has revealed the depth of his desire to return to club Manchester United.

Rossi, 20, has excelled at Serie A outfit Parma since he joined in January, leading to speculation that a number of clubs may come in for him in the summer - including European and Spanish champions Barcelona.

"I want to come back to United, not as a kid in the reserves who makes the step up, but as a player fully involved in the senior squad," he said.

"United are my main priority: it is where I want to be and where I want to play."

Rossi was born in the United States to Italian parents, but moved to Italy to join Parma and represent Italy at all youth levels - up to the Under-21s.

"I needed to go out on loan to get more experience, but I want to be part of the United squad and become a first-team regular," he added.

"You have to be confident in your own ability. I am and really hope I can make my mark next season because I want to stay at Old Trafford for as long as I can."

Parma are a point ahead of Siena as they sit precariously outside the relegation zone, while another six teams can also be relegated from the top division: three points separate the lot of them.

qbdp

14-05-2007, 09:22 AM

Manchester United get the title and the plaudits

LONDON, May 14 (Reuters) - Manchester United faces were wreathed in smiles as they finished the Premier League season at Old Trafford just as they had hoped -- as champions.

Crowned the previous weekend and treated to a guard of honour by deposed champions Chelsea in midweek, United could afford to lose 1-0 to West Ham United on Sunday and still have manager Alex Ferguson describe it "a fantastic occasion."

The result, which secured West Ham's survival, was only United's fifth defeat in a season which they ended with 89 points, six more than second-placed Chelsea. As an added bonus, United were widely credited with having played the best football -- an accolade never given in the same measure to Chelsea last term.

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who started as a hate figure for many after his World Cup spat with United team mate Wayne Rooney, was the architect of both the results and the swashbuckling style.

From the trademark step-overs that terrorised defenders to the finishing which has brought him 23 goals in all competitions, Ronaldo's improvement since 2006 has been a revelation.

Many doubted he would even stay at United after his protests in England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal were seen as contributing to Rooney's red card for stamping.

Instead, he has had his best season yet, earning three Footballer of the Year awards, a championship medal and the chance of FA Cup glory in Saturday's final with Chelsea at Wembley.

His rapport with Rooney, the subject of pre-season prophecies of daggers drawn at United's Carrington training ground, was an unqualified success.

Rooney's matching 23 goals were another very big part of United's season, along with the less glamorous but no less important contribution from the defenders.

DEFENSIVE KEY
The defence marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic helped win the title -- and it was the same depleted department that lost it for Chelsea.

That the Blues even had a chance was down to Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, who finished as the Premier League's top scorer with 20 goals and has scored 32 in total.

His efforts did much to offset the loss of long-term injury victim Joe Cole, the often-sidelined Arjen Robben and the minimal impact of 30-million-pound newcomer Andriy Shevchenko.

The problems surfaced mid-season as a long-term injury to goalkeeper Petr Cech, who suffered a fractured skull, and back surgery for skipper John Terry. "Everybody knows at the moment Chelsea cannot defend. I am the first person to know that," coach Jose Mourinho said after a 2-2 home derby draw with Fulham on Dec 30.

"I need the best goalkeeper in the world back. I need the best central defender in the world back."

The absences exposed a pre-season gamble of letting William Gallas go to Arsenal in a cash-swap for Ashley Cole and selling fellow centre half Robert Huth to Middlesbrough.

DIFFERING OPINIONS
They also led to a difference of opinion between Mourinho and Chelsea's billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, who was not ready to recruit in the January transfer window.

That has led to prolonged speculation over Mourinho's future at the club, despite a League Cup final win over Arsenal and Saturday's date with United.
Outside the two-horse title race, Liverpool and Arsenal both paid the price for slow starts.

Liverpool, with a Champions League final against AC Milan on May 23 in Athens, won only four of their opening 10 games and their attack was never on a par with United or Chelsea.

Just one of their players, Dutchman Dirk Kuyt, was in the leading 21 league scorers for the season -- with 12 goals.

Arsenal's ambitions suffered a double whammy.

The move to the Emirates Stadium proved a handicap on the pitch while the loss of talismanic striker Thierry Henry and Dutch forward Robin van Persie to long-term injuries were even worse.

Further back, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Bolton Wanderers booked UEFA Cup places for next season, when Watford, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United will be in the second division.

qbdp

14-05-2007, 04:30 PM

Warnock slams Sir Alex after Blades are relegated

Bitter Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock took a swipe at Sir Alex Ferguson after his team were relegated on the final day of the season following a 2-1 home defeat by Wigan.

West Ham survived, beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, where Ferguson left Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes on the bench and consigned former Hammer Rio Ferdinand to the stands.

An angry Warnock said: 'I thought Sir Alex would play a stronger team today and to see him celebrating on the pitch [after being presented with the Premiership trophy] leaves a bitter taste.

'You can blame everyone really can't you? What goes around comes around. I'm looking forward to the [FA] Cup final and the Champions League final.' :D

That seemed to be a reference to the full-strength teams Warnock expects United and Liverpool to turn out in those matches, Liverpool having turned out a weakened side at Fulham who won 1-0 to clinch safety.

Warnock then turned on referee Rob Styles, who denied the Blades a penalty at Old Trafford in April - Warnock's team lost 2-0 - and also gave Liverpool a controversial penalty against United at Bramall Lane, denying them an opening-day victory.

'There were two penalties from Rob Styles this season but he won't be bothered tonight. He won't be hurt. There were some other decisions, the commission [ruling that West Ham would be fined and not docked points over the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano].

'It's easier for Sheffield United to be relegated than West Ham... it will be fish and chip paper by Tuesday.'

Warnock added: 'A lot [of people] will be quite happy at the club being relegated. We couldn't climb the final hurdle. It's a horrible time, you feel sick in the stomach.

'You feel very bitter. It seems to be one thing after. It's very difficult at this moment.'

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
If his team had beaten Wigan last night and still got relegated then everyone can understand his anger. But they cant even beat Wigan and yet he dare to kpkb. Another newly recruited VIP member of Club Mourinho. :rolleyes:

imom

14-05-2007, 06:00 PM

Warnock slams Sir Alex after Blades are relegated

Bitter Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock took a swipe at Sir Alex Ferguson after his team were relegated on the final day of the season following a 2-1 home defeat by Wigan.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
...Another newly recruited VIP member of Club Mourinho....

Sheff Utd only had to DRAW, not even win, to avoid relegation. Playing on HOME GROUND. It was all in their own hands and they did not need other results to go their way. They had the easiest job of the three who were in danger of being relegated.

Sour puss. I'm glad he failed. Kick his arse down to the Championship. Perhaps League 1 by next year.

Kudos to West Ham for doing the league double over MU this season. Curbs is good.

yinyang

14-05-2007, 07:57 PM

Sheff Utd only had to DRAW, not even win, to avoid relegation. Playing on HOME GROUND. It was all in their own hands and they did not need other results to go their way. They had the easiest job of the three who were in danger of being relegated. Sour puss. ..Kick his arse down to the Championship. Perhaps League 1 by next year. Kudos to West Ham for doing the league double over MU this season.
Lame excuse.. knn, what about his injustice to hammers who ran their guts out? No eyes see our triple substitution with Ron, Giggsy and overwhelming missed goal shots after meh?:p

qbdp

15-05-2007, 09:55 AM

Stat's all folks! 2007 reviewed

http://images.thesun.co.uk/picture/0,,2007220399,00.jpg

DID you know?

THERE were only 931 goals in 2006-07, fewer than in any other Premiership season.

ARSENAL were awarded 12 penalties, more than any other side. They scored 10 of them.

WEST HAM got just two penalties, a Premiership low.

BLACKBURN conceded 11 spot-kicks, more than any other side.

LIVERPOOL gave away only one penalty, the division’s lowest, and were the only side not to have a player sent off. (Yet their fans dared to poke their noses into Utd not conceding penalties)

JOSEPH YOBO, Richard Dunne, Ivar Ingimarsson and Phil Jagielka were the only outfielders to play every minute of this season.

MARCUS HAHNEMANN made 164 saves for Reading, more than any other keeper.

ARSENAL’S Jens Lehmann was booked eight times and dropped more balls than any other keeper, 11.

PEPE REINA kept a Premiership high of 19 clean sheets for Liverpool.

ARSENAL scored the most goals in the last 15 minutes, 21.

CHELSEA let in only one goal in the opening 15 minutes of games.

JERMAIN DEFOE of Spurs conceded nine handballs, more than any other player.

ASTON VILLA started and ended the season with a nine- game unbeaten run.

READING got the biggest win, 6-0 against West Ham.

WEST HAM’S 109 substitutions was a high.

MANCHESTER CITY scored only 10 goals at home, a new record low in the top division.

TOTTENHAM conceded goals to players from 24 different nations, more than any other.

BOLTON hit fewer shots than any other side, 296.

MANCHESTER UNITED were denied by the woodwork more than any other team – 19 times. (wow...enough chances to win another 10 games)

NO ONE hit the woodwork more than Sheffield United’s Rob Hulse — seven times. (Wonder if Warnock blamed him as well?)

CESC FABREGAS and Wayne Rooney were the top creators, both ending with 11 assists. (Both youngsters have done well.)

THERE were only three hat-tricks and just one (Peter Crouch v Arsenal) came in 2007.

BOLTON scored eight goals from indirect free-kicks.

WEST HAM conceded 11 goals from corners.

CHELSEA highs were six goals direct from free-kicks, 16 headed goals and midfielder Frank Lampard’s seven long-range goals.

MICHAEL BROWN (Fulham) and Kevin Davies (Bolton) both conceded 91 fouls, a league high.

EVERTON’S Mikel Arteta was fouled the most, 102 times.

SPURS were caught offside 149 times but Blackburn’s Benni McCarthy was the player caught offside most (64).

READING received the least yellow cards (38).

WIGAN scored 15 second-half goals, no team bagged fewer.

SPURS conceded the most long-range goals (14).

DIDIER DROGBA’S 20 goals prevented 2006-07 being the first year since 1999 when no player reached that mark.

CRISTIANO RONALDO hit the most shots — 145. (Bobo shooter! :D )

BLACKBURN’S Morten Gamst Pedersen scored the most direct free-kick goals — three.

FULHAM and Manchester United scored 10 goals from corners.

WEST HAM skipper Nigel Reo-Coker was booked 13 times.

RICARDO VAZ TE of Bolton was the most used sub, 23 times.

KANU (Portsmouth) was taken off the most times, 22.

Theme1

16-05-2007, 12:15 PM

Soccer-Manchester United penpix for FA Cup final

LONDON, May 16 (Reuters) - Penpix of Manchester United players ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final with Chelsea:

GOALKEEPERS

1-EDWIN VAN DER SAR, Age 36. Former Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus and Fulham goalkeeper who is also the Netherlands' most capped player with 119 appearances. Joined United from Fulham in May 2005 for 2 million pounds ($3.96 million) and has had a fine season, although his form wavered slightly in the later stages of the campaign.

29-TOMASZ KUSZCZAK, 25. Polish international and competent reserve for Van der Sar. His performances this season have mainly been restricted to League Cup and FA Cup matches.

DEFENDERS

5-RIO FERDINAND, 28. Has re-established himself as a top-class defender since his eight-month ban in 2004 imposed for missing a drugs test. That cost him a place in the team that won the FA Cup in 2004 so he will be even more delighted to get his hands on a winners' medal on Saturday. Signed from Leeds for an English record fee of 30.0 million pounds in 2002.

6-WES BROWN, 27. His career has been curtailed by a series of injuries, but he is a dependable centre-back or right-back who has played in the majority of United's matches this season. Has also won 10 England caps. Joined United, his only club, in 1996 and was in the 2004 Cup winning team against Millwall.

15-NEMANJA VIDIC, 25. Has progressed hugely during this, his second season at United after joining the club from Spartak Moscow in January 2006. The Serbian centre-back is a physically tough defender who imposes himself on opponents. Injury kept him out of last year's World Cup in Germany.

3-PATRICE EVRA, 26. The Senegal-born French international was vying with Gabriel Heinze for the left-back position for much of the season until the Argentine took possession of it after recovering from injury.

4-GABRIEL HEINZE, 29. One of the finest left-backs in the world game, has a German father and an Italian mother but is an Argentine international with an Olympic soccer gold medal in his possession. A knee injury cost him a place in the Cup final against Arsenal two years ago and a later injury meant he was out for an entire year from September 2005. Now back to his best but might find himself starting on the bench on Saturday with Evra in the starting line-up.

MIDFIELDERS

22-JOHN O'SHEA, 26. Can play in either defence or midfield and is particularly dangerous when he moves forward on set-pieces. Scored the only goal to secure a crucial last-minute 1-0 win at Liverpool in March to keep the title in United's sights and is a reliable member of the squad.

16-MICHAEL CARRICK, 25. Cost United 18.6 million pounds when they signed him from Tottenham Hotspur last year and after taking time to settle down at Old Trafford, he has been in outstanding form recently, scoring two particularly fine goals in United's 7-1 Champions League rout of AS Roma last month.

18-PAUL SCHOLES, 32. Has been at United for his entire career after graduating from the youth academy and has previously won the FA Cup with United in 1999 and 2004. An eye problem caused him to miss the second half of last season, but he has been outstanding this season and is still one of the best creative midfielders in the game.

7-CRISTIANO RONALDO, 22. The Portuguese winger has had a memorable season after being widely vilified in England for the role he played in Wayne Rooney's sending-off in the World Cup against Portugal last year. His electrifying displays and 23 goals earnt him the rare joint accolade of being named the Players' Player of the Year and the Footballer of the Year in the same season.

11-RYAN GIGGS, 33. Will become the joint-most decorated player in the history of English football if United win on Saturday. The Welsh winger has won 16 major honours with United, and can equal the 17-major medal haul of Liverpool's Phil Neal with another FA Cup winners' medal, of which he already has four. The only survivor of the 1994 final between United and Chelsea, he could well break Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record for United in the next 18 months.

24-DARREN FLETCHER, 23. The Scot has impressed with a series of industrious midfield displays this season and despite not being among the star names at Old Trafford has already played in the Cup finals of 2004 and 2005. Has had his best season at the club with 39 appearances in all competitions.

FORWARDS

8-WAYNE ROONEY, 21. After a miserable 2006 which saw him injured against Chelsea and then sent off in the World Cup, Rooney has had a good season with 23 goals in all competitions. Usually does well on the big occasion and likely to give the Chelsea defence plenty to worry about.

14-ALAN SMITH, 26. Now fit again after missing virtually a year of his playing career with serious leg and ankle injuries. His natural position is as a striker but he is also an outstanding midfielder with a tenacity reminiscent of former United skipper Roy Keane. Likely to start up front with Rooney.

20-OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER, 34. Another United player whose career was blighted by injury. After playing for United in the 2004 final against Millwall he did not play regularly again until the start of this season. The "baby-faced assassin" is sure of his place in United's folklore for ever after scoring the winning goal in the dying seconds of the 1999 Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Theme1

16-05-2007, 03:52 PM

SOC: Chelsea seek to salvage Cup from wreck of quadruple dream
SOCCER By Chris Lines

LONDON, AAP - A month ago, the FA Cup final was set to be part two of an epic conclusion to the English football season, fought out between the established power of Manchester United and the nouveau riche Chelsea.

The pair were neck and neck in the race for the Premier League title, were only one tie away from facing each other in the Champions League final, and their FA Cup final clash was already scheduled.

At Chelsea the FA Cup was third priority, but an integral part of a shot at history.

No English club has ever won the quadruple of Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup in one season.

In fact, only United has won the treble (Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup), in its epic 1998-99 season.

With the League Cup already in the trophy cabinet, history beckoned for Chelsea, but reality bit.

The west London club stumbled to draws against Newcastle and Bolton to hand the Premier League title to United and then nemesis Liverpool beat them in the Champions League semi-final.

So now the FA Cup is the most Chelsea can hope for.

Time was, not so long ago, that an FA Cup and League Cup double would constitute a good season for Chelsea, but now in the era of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, it barely gets a pass mark.

The raised expectations of the Abramovich era explain why such a pall has hung over Stamford Bridge this season.

The campaign began with the usual promise of big-money signings, this time Andrii Shevchenko - one of the all-time great strikers - and German captain Michael Ballack.

Signings like that, added to a team coming off successive Premier League crowns, meant a third straight was in the offing and the continental polish looked sure to boost chances of winning that elusive Champions League crown.

But beneath the surface, all was not well.

Talk emerged that the two banner signings, particularly Shevchenko, were made at the behest of Abramovich rather than charismatic manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho's success, firstly at Porto then at Chelsea, had been largely due to tight squads, fanatical dedication to one another, producing cohesion on the pitch.

Being forced to accommodate players he did not intend having corrupted that esprit de corps, and on top of that the team has had to cope all season with defensive injuries.

Rumours raged that a peeved Mourinho would quit Chelsea at season's end, with Real Madrid - always the scapegoat for anyone trying to push up his price - mooted as his destination.

Somehow against this backdrop, with Shevchenko misfiring, Ballack less than astounding, talisman Frank Lampard inconsistent, and their most forceful midfielder Michael Essien constantly deputising in defence, Chelsea remained a contender to the death.

Now perhaps, without the injured Shevchenko and Ballack, Chelsea can belatedly rediscover its all-for-one mojo and win the FA Cup.

But to do so, they must beat a United side that is a rightful Premier League champion after a season that is a study in contrast to Chelsea's difficulties.

The biggest change at Old Trafford in the pre-season was not an arrival, but a departure as goal machine Ruud van Nistelrooy was sold to Real Madrid.

The Dutchman has a formidable strike rate, but became an unsettled dressing room presence and the latest player to discover that falling out with manager Alex Ferguson can lead to the exit door.

With that problem solved, a new headache arrived out of nowhere during the World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England when United's Cristiano Ronaldo beseeched the referee to send off his United teammate and England striker Wayne Rooney.

His pleas were met, a furious Rooney dispatched, and Ronaldo memorably acknowledged his role in the red card with a cheeky wink to his bench.

English tabloids all but called for Ronaldo's scalp on a pole, and were convinced that he and Rooney would never be reconciled and a crisis was visited upon Old Trafford.

It is in situations like this that a manager earns his corn, and the 65-year-old Ferguson called upon his oceans of experience to heal the rift before it opened.

His management nous has been rewarded in spades, with Ronaldo a unanimous choice as player of the season in England, and Rooney overcoming a slow start to return to his inspiring best.

How those two perform, and the plans Chelsea has to negate their influence, will be a key to a final where star names and appetising battles will be spread across the pitch.

United's attacking threat is also posed by Ryan Giggs - who has now won as many championships as any player in English history - and the canny Paul Scholes.

For Chelsea, much will hinge on burly striker Didier Drogba, who was only just behind Ronaldo in player of the year stakes, while the fit again Joe Cole demands close marking.

And the appeal of the match will not just be on the pitch but off, as the final belatedly returns to its spiritual home of Wembley Stadium, whose painfully long redevelopment is finally over.

Some nay-sayers claim the FA Cup has lost its sheen of late as European competition grows exponentially in status and public interest, while others say it has become too predictable, dominated by the giant clubs.

This year's final will only add to the evidence for that latter argument, but when the anthem sounds, when the first whistle goes, the atmosphere and appeal of this year's final will be as grand as any.

chickenzip

16-05-2007, 04:30 PM

do u guys think we really need him? as in...carrick is already doing a good job,

hi bro...IMO, SAF wanted to sign Owen Hargreaves as a long term replacement for Scholes...like Giggs, with age catching up, Scholes is going to have fewer and fewer matches soon. Next season would be a good time for the arrival of hargreaves, sharing some match time and work loads with Scholes...and learning from him too. :)

imom

16-05-2007, 04:59 PM

...Hargraves will complete his move to MU this summer...

do u guys think we really need him? as in...carrick is already doing a good job....

hi bro...IMO, SAF wanted to sign Owen Hargreaves as a long term replacement for Scholes...

IMO, Hargreaves and Carrick can and will play together in future.

Although Carrick can do the same defensive midfield job as Hargreaves, he is a lot more creative going forward and he's more likely to succeed Scholes in that respect. We have already seen his assists and quite stunning goals when he is allowed to go forward in attack.

Hargreaves on the other hand, is at his best playing that defensive midfield role. But, I must admit I haven't seen Hargreaves play as often as I've seen Carrick, so the jury's still not quite completely in on Hargreave's creativity in attack.

Anyhow, I just feel that they would compliment each other more than compete with each other for the same midefield spot. That Carrick can do the same job is a bonus - when injuries strike!

epsilon

16-05-2007, 08:47 PM

Fergie's veterans verdict
Tue, May 15 2007 09:42

Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs can stay at the top with Manchester United for another two years, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The veteran duo have been integral to the club's 16th Premiership title, Giggs' ninth and Scholes' seventh, and have been backed to carry on - to potentially set more club records.

Giggs is now just 44 matches behind Sir Bobby Charlton's Manchester United appearance total of 759 - a record that many thought would never be beaten.

"I think Ryan without question will play for the next two years, because of the way he's looked after himself, the type of physique he's got, he's retained most of his pace," said Ferguson.

"Scholes is another, I've got no worries about getting another two years out of them."

Meanwhile, Gary Neville has been told he can stay at United for another four seasons.

The United boss said: "Nev - his age, he's a defender, should be able to play through until he's 36."

epsilon

16-05-2007, 08:48 PM

Ronaldo's respect for peers reciprocated
Tue, May 15 2007 09:26

Cristiano Ronaldo was voted Manchester United's Player of the Year by the fans and then again by his team-mates on Monday night.

The Portuguese star picked up the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award at the end-of-season awards dinner at Old Trafford after a fan poll of over 100,000 Reds.

Ronaldo, looking at the Sir Matt Busby award, joked: "That's bigger than Patrice [Evra]". He added that this season had been "a pleasure playing at this club and with these great players".

His team-mates echoed that sentiment by awarding him their accolade for Players' Player of the Season.

Paul Scholes took the Goal of the Season award for his stunning 30-yard volley against Aston Villa.

Defender Kieran Lee was named Reserves Player of the Year, while youth team captain Craig Cathcart received the Academy Player of the Year award.

epsilon

16-05-2007, 08:49 PM

Ferguson blasts back
Mon, May 14 2007 10:14

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his choice of team for United's 1-0 defeat at home to West Ham that helped relegate Sheffield United.

Blades boss Neil Warnock has blasted Ferguson for, in his view, fielding a weaker side in the 1-0 defeat against the Hammers at Old Trafford.

But Ferguson hit back and insists his side's first-half display should have saw them go in front at the break.

"I feel for Sheffield United but we did our best and I don't think anyone can criticise us," Ferguson said afterwards.

"We had 25 strikes at goal, four shots off the line and a penalty turned down. When Neil Warnock sees the stats he will understand we were unlucky."

"West Ham have been in championship form," he added. "They were the team in the best form coming into these fixtures.

"Whether West Ham should be in the league is not for me to say but their keeper made a couple of fantastic saves at the end and we did all we could.

Ferguson was pleased with his side's first-half showing and said: "The first half was a one-horse race, then they scored right at the end of it, which was disappointing for us but they got encouragement from it.

"We had our best team on the field at the end but we won the title last week and it is understandable that it took the edge off our game a little bit, so in that sense it was a good time for West Ham to play us."

epsilon

16-05-2007, 08:55 PM

Giggs the great to skipper Reds

Twenty years ago Sir Alex Ferguson eyed a 13-year-old spindly young winger rampaging down the left flank and knew one thing for certain: this boy was going to make it.

Two decades on and Ryan Giggs, the player Sir Alex was so adamant would live up to his expectations, will lead United out at Wembley, eyeing a fifth FA Cup winners’ medal, which would equal the record set by Arthur Kinnaird, a principal of the Football Association and a leading footballer in the late 1800s.

"With Gary unavailable, Ryan will be captain," confirmed the boss. "And it completes a marvellous season for the lad.”

It certainly does. An English league record ninth title success came in a season where Giggs ticked over the 700 appearances mark. After Saturday, he will be just 45 matches off beating Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time club appearances record.

Sir Alex often describes signing a young Giggs as his first major coup as manager at Old Trafford, ensuring he did not go to local rivals Manchester City.

“We pay particular attention to local talent,” said the Scot. “And you hope that when you run a youth programme you are going to produce players that play for a long time in the first-team and be successful.

“When Ryan came to us as a 13-year-old lad, he’s the only player we’ve ever had that I knew was a certainty to make it, even at 13. I said to Bobby Charlton, ‘you need to come and see this kid play’.

"All our opinions were absolutely correct. It’s very difficult to see a 13-year-old boy and say he is a certainty to make, very difficult. I’ve never said it since, but he is the one player I did say it about.

"The contribution he has made to us since... it's an amazing thing that he carries on looking after himself and his fitness,” said Sir Alex. “Hopefully he has a very successful day on Saturday. But it doesn’t matter if you’re equalling someone else’s record, if you get five winners’ medals then that is brilliant.”

“He stands high [in the list of United legend], regardless of what happens on Saturday. The number of games he has played alone says that. For the last 15 or 16 years he has been going up and down that wing, and there is no player who has done that in the Premiership. It’s unbelievable.”

And the boss believes Giggs will be a vital figure in helping guide the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano to even more success at the club in years to come.

“Players like Wayne and Cristiano are influenced by what he has achieved,” he said. “There is no doubt that, in a quiet way as he often does, he will give advice to all the players - the right advice as well.”

qbdp

17-05-2007, 01:25 AM

Fergie fed-up as Saha injured for Man Utd's awards night!
tribalfooball.com - May 15, 2007

Saha was at Old Trafford on Sunday to collect his Premiership winner's medal but he later submitted a doctor's note explaining that he was unable to drive and would therefore not attend the club dinner. Although he was given permission to stay at home, it is felt by some inside the club that he could have made it.

Yes, club doctor confirmed Saha aggravated his knee injury while hoisting the EPL trophy on Sunday. :D

qbdp

17-05-2007, 01:50 AM

United Awards 2006/07

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u136/Red-Tide-Pics/U2029P6T12D2922077F44DT200705150714.jpg
Players' Player of the Season Award

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u136/Red-Tide-Pics/U2029P6T12D2922049F44DT200705150640.jpg
Sir Matt Busby Fans Player of the Season Award

Theme1

17-05-2007, 12:50 PM

10 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE FA CUP FINAL
PAUL MALARSKI

1 Manchester United will be appearing in a record 18th final having won a record 11 times and lost six. Arsenal has played in 17 finals for 10 wins and seven losses. Manchester United and Chelsea have met just once in the FA Cup final - in 1993 when the Reds triumphed 4-0.

This will be Chelsea's eighth FA Cup final appearance. They have won three and lost four.

2 The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world, beginning in 1871-72.

3 Only four Australians have played in an FA Cup final. Joe Marston was on the Preston North End team that went down 2-3 to West Bromwich Albion in 1954, Craig Johnston scored in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Everton in 1986, Tim Cahill played in Millwall's 0-3 loss to Manchester United in 2004 and Harry Kewell picked up a winner's medal in Liverpool's penalty shootout win over West Ham last year.

4 Former Manchester United great and now Sunderland manager Roy Keane appeared in a record seven finals between 1991 and 2005 - six with the Red Devils and one with Nottingham

5 Liverpool striker Ian Rush scored a record five goals in his four Cup fi nal appearances, with four of the goals coming against Mersey rivals Everton in the 1986 and 1989.

Chelsea midfi elder Roberto Di Matteo holds the record for the fastest goal scored in a Cup fi nal - after just 42 seconds in the 1997 fi nal against Middlesbrough.

6Six clubs have completed the FA Cup and League double - Preston North End in 1889, Aston Villa in 1897, Tottenham Hotspur in 1961, Liverpool in 1986, Arsenal in 1971, 1998 and 2002 and Manchester United in 1994, 1996 and 1999.

Forest. He won four and lost three.

7 Manchester United teenager Norman Whiteside is the youngest player to score in a Cup final.

He was just 18 when he scored in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Brighton in the 1983 final replay.

Millwall's Curtis Weston is the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final. He was 17 years and 119 days when he lined up for the Lions against Manchester United in 2004.

8 In the history of the competition, only eight teams playing outside the old first divison or Premier League, have won the Cup - the most recent being second division West Ham, who beat Arsenal 1-0 in 1980.

9 Saturday's match will return to the new Wembley Stadium for the first time since 2000, with the last six finals played at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

Before that Wembley hosted every final from 1923.

10 Manchester United defender Kevin Moran was the first player to be sent off in a final when he was dismissed in Manchester's 1-0 win over Everton in 1985.

Arsenal midfielder Jose Reyes was also sent off in the 2005 final against Manchester United, in what was the first Cup final to be decided by penalties.

yinyang

17-05-2007, 09:23 PM

Just to hype up sat's date...

Battle of the bosses
Ferguson and Mourinho have had some colourful exchanges
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho have fiercely contested every major trophy this season and go head-to-head again in Saturday's FA Cup final.
As the pair prepare their teams for one more battle, BBC Sport looks back over the season at the off-the-pitch verbal skirmishes that have often accompanied the on-the-pitch battles.

ONE RULE FOR ONE, ONE FOR ANOTHER?
JOSE MOURINHO
"The circumstances are difficult with the new football rules we have to face. It is forbidden to give a penalty against United and forbidden to give any penalties in favour of Chelsea."
SIR ALEX FERGUSON
"Mourinho seems to be on some sort of personal crusade. It's calculated. If we get a penalty against us, he wins that war. It is wrong. It is a rant all the time. I don't think it's fair to the game."

"There is no pressure on United. If they play well, they win. If they don't play well, they will get a penalty and still win." I would like to know who is changing the regulations? Is it us? The FA? Uefa? I feel Mourinho has been let off lightly with those comments."

"I was not surprised Ferguson complained about our fixture against Spurs because he is intelligent and maybe he thinks other people are stupid. The truth is United are very, very lucky with the fixtures because, until now, they have always played before us. Ferguson is an intelligent man, successful, with a great career. But when you think other people are stupid it is not a good quality." "It seems the Premier League are quite happy to give Chelsea the extra time after European matches but not Tottenham. Given the power Chelsea seem to have over issues like this, I am not surprised. If the game had been played on Sunday lunchtime, Chelsea would still have had well over two full days to prepare for the Valencia game. As it is, Tottenham get 36 hours."

THE REFEREE'S A CONSPIRATOR
"It was a penalty to Sheffield United at Old Trafford. It is not a conspiracy, it is fact. I speak facts. If not, I need big glasses. If you tell me it was not a penalty - or a penalty for Middlesbrough, or for us against Newcastle, I must go to my optician." "He's been talking about referees and he's the last person who should talk about referees. The biggest fear for us is that by citing the fact we are not allowed to get penalties at Old Trafford, Mourinho is putting incredible pressure on referees."

"I promise you if one day I have a ball that is two metres inside my goal and the referee doesn't allow it [as happened when Pedro Mendes' goal for Spurs against Man Utd was disallowed], I will not speak about referees for two years." "There is plenty of talk about Chelsea and referees and Mourinho and referees. I have a big catalogue on it. Chelsea is an incredible club, so I think Jose should button his lip now for good, for the rest of the season."

TEACHER, LEAVE THAT RONALDO KID ALONE
"If Ronaldo says it's a lie Manchester United have conceded some penalties this season which have not been awarded against them, then he's lying.
"He needs to be mature enough to accept you cannot argue against facts. Maybe it's about a difficult childhood, no education."
"It is really below the belt to bring class into it. Just because you come from a poor, working-class background does not mean you are not educated.
"What Ronaldo has are principles - that is why he has not responded. Some people are educated but have no principles."

PREMIERSHIP RUN-INS
"If Ferguson thinks it's over he's in trouble because it's not. We are here for the fight and I enjoy the fight. It is better to be in front but let's chase them - we can do it." "We will only be in trouble if we listen to Jose too much. It's Jose, he's panicking already." [Ferguson quips after his mobile phone rings during a media conference]

"Considering the problems Chelsea have had, United should be 10, 12, 14 points clear of us. I am happy to be six points behind." "It has been a good day. We didn't expect to be six points clear tonight but I think the best thing for us to do is look at the next game."

"It doesn't matter who I think is the best team, what matters is the team with more points is the champion. Jose understands winning and losing are twins in a way. When you win you don't gloat and when you lose you don't go bananas."

"I have to congratulate the champions Manchester United, their players, manager, fans, the board; all the people who helped them become champions." "Maybe the fact Chelsea have dominated the Premiership for two years and we had a big job to do to catch them makes this title special."

MAKING FA CUP FINAL HISTORY
"If we win the trophy, we can say we have won every competition in domestic football. "I am so pleased Manchester United are one of the first teams to play at the new Wembley.

"If both teams can have an attacking and positive spirit, we can make the game a real final. I will be very sad if the final is not a good event, with a good winner and a proud loser." "When we got beat by Liverpool last season, I was hoping the stadium would not be finished because I really wanted to be one of the teams taking part in the first final there."

yinyang

17-05-2007, 09:38 PM

Thurs trivia from rumour mill.. (edited for MU bias)

Thursday's gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United and Newcastle want to lure striker Mark Viduka from Middlesbrough on a free transfer. (The Sun)

The summer circus of moves could see Andriy Shevchenko shipped off to Villarreal to fund a move for David Villa from Valencia.

But that's only going to go through if Valencia get their mits on ex-Manchester United striker Diego Forlan. (The Daily Star)

Southampton's play-off defeat to Derby means Gareth Bale will leave the club this summer with Manchester United and Tottenham leading the chase. (The Daily Star)

Blackburn are ready to make a bid for Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy to bring him back to Ewood Park. (The Daily Mirror)

Middlesbrough winger Nathan Porritt - dubbed the next Ryan Giggs - is being coveted by Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. (The Times)

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea defender John Terry is in a strop. He is ready to hand in a transfer request because he is not being offered the same money as Andriy Shevchenko or Michael Ballack. (Daily Express)

AND FINALLY
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hopes the FA Cup final does not go to the drama of spot-kicks as he says he has a "diabolical" record when it comes to penalties.

Sayangku

18-05-2007, 10:46 AM

It will be interesting if Terry request for transfer and ended up at Man U, i dun mind man, he got a strong character, so much better than Ferdinand, haha.. :D

chickenzip

18-05-2007, 10:52 AM

It will be interesting if Terry request for transfer and ended up at Man U, i dun mind man, he got a strong character, so much better than Ferdinand, haha..

maybe should also consider buying lampard...according to the papers, he could cost as little as $8mil as he is into his last 2nd year of the contract and also at age 28. but got to pay him huge wage.

he n carrick should form a decent midfield too. :D

Castrol

18-05-2007, 11:02 AM

OTHER GOSSIP
Chelsea defender John Terry is in a strop. He is ready to hand in a transfer request because he is not being offered the same money as Andriy Shevchenko or Michael Ballack. (Daily Express)

the accountants in chelsea are getting drunk. :D

qbdp

18-05-2007, 11:55 AM

Ronaldo puts success down to Ferguson's family values

It was, without doubt, the most important dinner date of the season: the evening Sir Alex Ferguson flew to Portugal to talk Cristiano Ronaldo out of leaving Manchester United.

Ronaldo had made up his mind to move to Spain but he was persuaded not to, and last night he publicly thanked his manager.

Ronaldo, who was awarded the Football Writers' Player of the Year trophy in London, said Ferguson and United's assistant manager, Carlos Queiroz, had become the biggest influences in his professional life. "The manager came to see me in Portugal after the World Cup and told me not to worry because United are like a family and they would look after me," he said. "I have a lot to thank him for. He gives me a lot of support and he speaks to me a lot. I have learned a great deal since the World Cup and when I came back to England I said to myself, 'I am ready'. Since then it has been an amazing season."

Ronaldo, the scapegoat for Wayne Rooney's red card and England's defeat to Portugal in the World Cup quarter-finals, is the first player to win the Football Writers' award as well as the Professional Footballers' Association's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year trophies. To cap a season of individual brilliance he collected a further three awards at the club's end-of-season dinner.

"You run out of things to say about Cristiano," said the United defender Rio Ferdinand. "He has won every award there is to win as an individual this season and it is easy to see why. His performances have been fantastic. He did very well last season but he stepped up his game even more this year and you are seeing the finished product now."

Things might have been very different if Ferguson and Queiroz, together with the club's chief executive, David Gill, had not flown to Portugal to convince the player, in Ferguson's words, that the post-World Cup hostility towards him would be a "seven-day wonder".

"I think the manager, Carlos Queiroz and David Gill have to take massive credit for going out to Portugal to speak to Cristiano," Ferdinand said. "They made him feel he was really wanted here and told him to forget about what happened in the summer."

Ronaldo has gone on to sign a new five-year contract and there was a similar show of loyalty yesterday from the centre-half Wes Brown, who declared that he wanted to stay at Old Trafford for the remainder of his career.

Brown, who hopes to fill in for the injured Gary Neville in tomorrow's FA Cup final, said: "I have been at Manchester United since I was a kid and I always want to be here."

qbdp

18-05-2007, 12:22 PM

It will be interesting if Terry request for transfer and ended up at Man U, i dun mind man, he got a strong character, so much better than Ferdinand, haha..

Terry's bravery is commendable. Vidic is a similar player to Terry and I believe given another full season in EPL Vidic will show his true worth to everyone.

maybe should also consider buying lampard...according to the papers, he could cost as little as $8mil as he is into his last 2nd year of the contract and also at age 28. but got to pay him huge wage.

he n carrick should form a decent midfield too.

Pay £8m and sky high wages for someone to take free kicks, corners and penalties? Very costly. Carrick, one of the unsung heroes for Utd this season, deserves someone better to play alongside him.

And I dont think Lampard and Terry will leave Chelsea for another club in EPL. Unless Abromovich ditch Chelsea and they become the second Leeds Utd.

the accountants in chelsea are getting drunk. :D

Too much Russian vodka and they thought the contracts are in Russian rubles. :D

bonkers69

18-05-2007, 12:53 PM

maybe should also consider buying lampard...according to the papers, he could cost as little as $8mil as he is into his last 2nd year of the contract and also at age 28. but got to pay him huge wage.

he n carrick should form a decent midfield too. :D

is there any EPL team form with only English midfield players?.....humm..that Y England Team result suck......:p

qbdp

18-05-2007, 01:04 PM

IF YOU CAN READ THIS YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I WANT TO WIN THE FA CUP

The FA Cup e-on ONE DAY TO GO: PAUL SCHOLES ON HIS EYE INJURY NIGHTMARE

PAUL SCHOLES is desperate to make up for lost time in tomorrow's FA Cup Final and help inspire Manchester United to victory over arch-rivals Chelsea.

After missing the final five months of last season with an eye injury, Scholes has been a rejuvenated figure this term and played a key role in United's Premiership title success.

But he is determined to claim the FA Cup as well and admitted his time on the sidelines made him even more focused on winning trophies in the autumn of his career. At 32, Scholes knows the end is in view, but the former England midfielder wants to finish with a flourish, and add a fourth FA Cup to his seven Premiership titles and the Champions League success he has already.

"No one knows how long they have left and the eye trouble really brought that home to me," said Scholes. "So I look to enjoy each day and game for as long as I can play. I hope I have many years to come at this level.

"I've two years left on my contract and as long as I'm enjoying my football I want to continue. The young players at the club like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney keep you young.

"I've really enjoyed playing with them this season and we've some great young players who are going to be at the club for years to come, which is great for the future."

It says everything about Scholes that England boss Steve McClaren has twice tried without success to persuade the midfielder to come out of international retirement. "I spend the time with my family and that's very important to me," said Scholes.

"Hopefully it will also extend my playing career and time with United. The extra rest in a busy season like this one has been very helpful. It's kept me fresh for the hectic schedule this club inevitably faces."

And while Ronaldo has taken all the plaudits and awards for his scintillating form, seasoned United observers noted the vital role Scholes played in the title triumph and path to the FA Cup Final.

Indeed, in January when a barrister at a High Court case in which Sir Alex Ferguson was giving evidence began to list current United players in their 30s, she was interrupted by the Scot. "You've missed out Scholes," said Fergie. "And he's my best player." :D

That last sentiment is one shared not just by the manager, but by the United midfielder's fellow professionals at rival clubs.

Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry said: "For years Scholes has been one of the best players in the Premiership. He's incredible and has always been underrated. I don't understand why he has never been Player of the Year. He should have won it long ago." As such, while Ronaldo and Rooney are considered by many to be United's major attacking threats in tomorrow's final, you can be sure Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea players will also be paying particular attention to Scholes.

Wembley has been a place of mixed emotions for Scholes. He scored a hat-trick there against Poland in 1999, but remains the only England player to be sent off at the stadium for a typically reckless tackle that same year on Sweden's Hakan Mild.

But Scholes cannot wait to play at the new Wembley, and believes there could not be a better encounter to mark the return of the FA Cup to the famous venue than one between United and Chelsea. "It's made for a massive final," said Scholes. "You have the two best teams in the country playing and you just hope we do the new Wembley justice.

"I can't wait to play there. Wembley was a massive place for me as a kid, growing up and watching so many FA Cup Finals there on the television.

"Don't get me wrong, Cardiff did a great job hosting it for the past few years, but to be back at Wembley means a lot.

"We're certainly capable of doing the Double. We know it won't be easy because Chelsea are a top class team. So if we're going to win it, we're going to have to earn it."

epsilon

18-05-2007, 04:50 PM

Cech hails Van Der Sar as keeper of season

Petr Cech insists Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar deserves his award as the top goalkeeper in the Premiership this season.

Cech would have almost certainly pushed his United rival close had he not spent three months out of action with a career-threatening skull injury sustained in a collision with Reading's Stephen Hunt back in October.

The Czech goalkeeper, who still has to wear protective headgear even though he has made a full recovery from surgery, is full of praise for the Dutchman's achievements as they prepare to face each other in tomorrow's FA Cup final at Wembley.

'He has been voted the best goalkeeper this year and I voted for him. I think he had a great season and you always need a good goalkeeper to be successful,' said Cech.

'They won the league and he was solid for the whole campaign. I don't know him personally and have only met him a few times when we played Holland or Manchester United.

'I saw him when he was still playing for Ajax in the Champions League final. At that time he was a great example when the new role came that the goalkeeper cannot pick up back passes.

'Everybody could see that he was playing well with both feet and they were using him a lot.

'He showed that in the future everyone should develop their kicking. When he played in that final I was 13, it was 1995, and for me he was a good example for one of the ways I should work.'

As an example of the goalkeeper's union at its best, Cech's injury saw him receive messages of goodwill and support from all his counterparts - even one from the entire United team.

Cech recalled: 'I got messages from different Premiership clubs and from other goalkeepers all around the world when I got my injury. It just shows goalkeepers stick together. I got a fax from the whole Manchester United team and everybody was there.'

The Blues keeper said the FA Cup final will not be as emotional for him as the Carling Cup victory over Arsenal in February.

Cech had only just returned to action when he was selected to play in the 2-1 victory and the Czech international says: 'I took more from the Carling Cup final because it was the third or fourth game after my injury. This cup means a lot to everyone because the FA Cup means more than the Carling Cup.

'I hope it is going to be a great game. It will my first FA Cup final at Chelsea and the first at the new Wembley so I hope it is going to be successful for us.

'I never had the chance to watch the FA Cup growing up because in the former Czechoslovakia at that time it wasn't on. You couldn't see any Premiership games and there were just the highlights in a sports bulletin for like 40 seconds, you could see only goals and that was all there was.

'That is why I didn't know much about the FA Cup, the final, the history and the atmosphere but since I arrived it has been incredible and I understand now how much it means to play in the final.'

epsilon

18-05-2007, 04:51 PM

Ronaldo will be world's best, says Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to establish himself as the best player in the world after the Portuguese completed a clean sweep of personal awards for the season.

The 22-year-old Manchester United winger last night received his Football Writers' Association award for his efforts this season.

Earlier this week he was named the United fans' and players' player of the year soon after scooping both the awards - player and young player - from the Professional Footballers' Association.

United boss Ferguson, who bought Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon in 20003, believes the player can build on his success this season, when he scored 23 goals.

Ferguson said: 'He's got great quality. I hope he goes on to develop himself to be established as the best footballer in the world.

'To do it for a long time is another challenge for the boy and I think he will do that.'

Ronaldo's future in English football looked in doubt at last summer's World Cup when he played a sinister part in Wayne Rooney's dismissal in the quarter-final when England bowed out.

But he rammed the taunts of rival supporters down their throats this season, playing his part as United grabbed the Barclays Premiership title from Chelsea.

Ronaldo could complete a double with United if they win the FA Cup final against Jose Mourinho's team on Saturday at the new Wembley, and he said at the FWA dinner: 'It's a big honour, I'm very happy for this.'

epsilon

18-05-2007, 04:56 PM

Boss to deliver bad news to three Reds stars
Thu, May 17 2007 10:16

Sir Alex Ferguson faces three key FA Cup final selection decisions after revealing he has 14 players in mind for his starting line-up.

The United boss has already pencilled in eight names to his team-sheet but will make a tough decision on the remaining three places in the next 24 hours and deliver the news to his squad on Friday.

The players thought to have earned their right to walk out from the tunnel at Wembley are Edwin van der Sar, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

There is a straight fight for the right back berth between Wes Brown and John O'Shea, which looks too close to call. Brown has been outstanding in central defence during the run-in, but O'Shea is better going forward and has popped up with some crucial goals this season.

At left back, Ferguson has been torn between the swashbuckling style of Patrice Evra and the gritty tackling of Gabiel Heinze all season, but the Argentinian has tended to get the nod for the big games when both players are fit.

The manager's last decision will dictate the tactical approach to the game as he ponders over whether to start with Alan Smith in a 4-4-2 formation or include Darren Fletcher in a three-man midfield.

Fletcher would have been the certain choice if Chelsea were at full strength in that area, but injuries to Michael Ballack and John Mikel Obi might tempt him to start with Smith.

"It is difficult because so many players have performed well for us this season," said Ferguson.

"We were left with 14 or 15 players to carry us through from the middle of March to the beginning of May."

epsilon

18-05-2007, 04:58 PM

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Giggs my greatest
tribalfooball.com - May 16, 2007

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Ryan Giggs as his best ever player.

Ferguson yesterday revealed that Giggs occupies a special place in his thoughts, being the only player he knew would become world class when he saw the future Wales winger as a teenager.

Ferguson said: "Ryan, at 13 years old, was the only player I've ever felt was a certainty to make it at the very highest level.

"I told Sir Bobby Charlton that he had to come down to see him play, and all our feelings and our predictions from then have been shown to be correct. It's always very difficult to say with confidence that young boys will make it from the first time that you see them.

"I've only said it once and that was about Ryan. I don't think I'll ever say it again. He was the one."

With the emerging talents of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo forming the core of United's attacking future, it appeared that one of the club's most esteemed players was about to see out his remaining days on the fringes. But the manner in which the Wales international has risen to the challenge has been such that he has played 43 games for United over the last nine months and has proved a vital attacking foil for Rooney and Ronaldo.

Ferguson said: "Cristiano and Wayne are influenced by what he says and does, I think.

"There's no doubt that in his own quiet way Ryan has had an effect. He'll give advice - and the right advice - to these young players.

"Ryan will be captain on Saturday in Gary's absence and that will complete a remarkable season for the lad. To win nine championships and make the contribution that he has is amazing.

"He just seems to carry on looking after himself in his own way. When players come through you can only hope that they end up playing for your club for a long period of time.

"Even if he stopped playing tomorrow Ryan would be up there with the great players who have ever played for our club. He really is incredible."

Sayangku

18-05-2007, 10:30 PM

Pay £8m and sky high wages for someone to take free kicks, corners and penalties? Very costly. Carrick, one of the unsung heroes for Utd this season, deserves someone better to play alongside him.

Frankly speaking, i dun like Carrick too much, he's not a fighter, definitely not like scholes and keane or vieria, he just dun have that hunger, his style of playing more like Veron, 'soft' side.

We really need a combat engine fighter in the midfield, Hargreaves is not the solution also, haiz........ How i miss Keane....

yinyang

19-05-2007, 02:03 PM

More trivia from rumour mill... more of competition

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
West Ham want £8m-rated Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy to replace Carlos Tevez. (The Sun)

Chelsea skipper John Terry will decide on his future this summer - but will not hand in a transfer request. (Daily Star)

Chelsea's Claude Makelele will join Villarreal this summer. (Daily Mirror)

The Blues are lining up a swoop for Brazil defender Alex - for the princely sum of $1. (Daily Mail)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp wants to make Freddie Ljungberg his next signing. (Daily Star)

Spurs have overtaken Man Utd in the race to sign highly-rated Southampton youngster Gareth Bale. (The Guardian)

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp will ask owner Alexander Gaydamak for funds to sign Jermain Defoe, if the striker is put up for sale by Spurs. (The Times)

OTHER GOSSIP
Angry Arsene Wenger could leave Arsenal over the boardroom row which saw David Dein leave the club - and will take Thierry Henry with him. (Various)

Frank Lampard, John Terry and Arjen Robben have been offered 'take it or leave it' deals by Chelsea - which will mean all three are earning less than misfiring Andriy Shevchenko. (The Sun)

Bryan Robson is poised to replace Neil Warnock as Sheffield United manager. (Various)

Meanwhile, Sheffield United number two Stuart McCall is poised to quit the Blades to become the new Bradford manager. (Daily Star)

A Dubai-based consortium is leading the way to take over Leeds with a £40m bid. (Daily Star)

Claudio Ranieri remains top of Man City's wish list for their new manager - despite the Italian telling BBC Sport on Thursday that they were yet to make contact with him. (Various)

AND FINALLY
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has a good cry when his side loses a big match. (The Sun) So tonight how?

yinyang

19-05-2007, 02:08 PM

deleted, double post

machoman

20-05-2007, 08:27 AM

Drogba applies the killer blow to United double hopes
Sunday, May 20, 2007, 01:26:29 HRS

http://images2.asianbookie.com/SGE.EXE10.190507172606.photo00.quicklook.default-245x148.jpg
Chelsea's Didier Drogba (L) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, during the FA Cup Final football match. Chelsea won 1-0.

Didier Drogba's 33rd goal of the season, four minutes from the end of extra-time, was enough to secure the FA Cup for Chelsea in the first final at the new Wembley on Saturday.

Just as it seemed a third successive final would be resolved by penalties, the Ivory Coast striker picked up a pass from Mikel John Obi, found Frank Lampard on the edge of the area and and burst into the box to meet the return pass with the most delicate of finishes over the sprawling Edwin van der Sar.

Drogba's goal count this season also includes the winner in the League Cup final against Arsenal in February and this one ensured that Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho has now completed a full set of English trophies after only three seasons in charge -- although whether he will be around for a fourth remains to be seen.

Mourinho said afterwards: "That's one I don't throw away, it means a lot," Mourinho said of his winners' medal. "It's the first FA Cup for me. It's something the players deserve so much. It's a moment for everyone to enjoy.

"The team played very, very well and understood the gameplan."

Skipper John Terry said Chelsea had made up for losing out on the Premiership and Champions League. "It's absolutely unbelievable, the way we held on to the death, the way Didier took his chance."

"If we hadn't have won this Cup we would have been very frustrated," added Drogba, saying he was "very happy to score the first goal in this new stadium."

Drogba grabbed the glory at the end but he will have to share the plaudits with goalkeeper Petr Cech, who had repeatedly denied United any reward for their attacking efforts in a match they did not deserve to lose.

http://images2.asianbookie.com/SGE.EXE10.190507172606.photo02.quicklook.default-245x189.jpg

Chelsea's John Terry (R) vies for the ball against Manchester United's Wayne Rooney at Wembley Stadium in London, during the FA Cup Final football match. Chelsea won 1-0.

Having pulled off a superb double save to deny Wayne Rooney and Giggs at the start of the second-half, the Czech international came to his side's rescue twice more in extra-time.

In the 104th minute, as Giggs slid in to meet Rooney's low cross, Cech threw himself to his right to smother the ball. The United captain's momentum carried him into the goalkeeper's body, forcing both Cech and the ball over the line but referee Steve Bennett waved away the appeals for a goal to be given.

Then, minutes before Drogba's killer blow, the Chelsea keeper threw himself at Rooney's feet to prevent the England forward finishing off Paul Scholes's perfectly-judged ball over the top of the back four.

With the Premiership champions close to full strength and Chelsea obliged to do without the injured trio of Ricardo Carvalho, Michael Ballack and Andriy Shevchenko, United's line-up appeared, on paper at least, to carry the greater attacking threat.

In practice, it was Chelsea, with Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips swirling either side of Drogba, who displayed the greater attacking initiative in an opening half that never really sparked into life.

United's first sniff of an opening came after quarter of an hour when Darren Fletcher's header left Rooney with only Cech to beat. The offside flag went up -- wrongly television replays suggested -- but Rooney, in any case, placed his shot wide of the target.

The England forward's touch was equally awry a minute later when he failed to get a clean contact on a volley after Michael Essien, standing in for Carvalho, miscued a clearance into his path.

At the other end, Drogba sent a long-range effort looping wide before Paulo Ferreira's surge into the box generated Chelsea's best chance of the opening period.

Having cut inside Heinze, the Portuguese right-back slipped the ball to Lampard on the corner of the six-yard box and the midfielder was able to squeeze a shot on the turn through Rio Ferdinand's legs, forcing van der Sar to get down smartly to his right to save.

An unusually subdued Cristiano Ronaldo finally got involved in the contest ten minutes before the interval, shooting narrowly wide after collecting an astute long ball from Scholes, a minute before Lampard sent a 30-yard drive whistling narrowly over van der Sar's crossbar.

Half-time brought the introduction of Arjen Robben at the expense of Cole for Chelsea, but it was the increase in United's tempo that had a more profound impact on the pattern of the match and it took a superb double save by Cech to prevent them taking the lead within three minutes of the restart.

An uncharacteristic lapse by Claude Makelele allowed Rooney the opportunity to go round Essien on the edge of the area. The goalkeeper could not hold the drive that followed but he recovered quickly enough to keep out Ryan Giggs's follow-up effort.

With the game opening up, there were threatening bursts into the boxes from both Robben and Rooney, who was increasingly getting the upper hand in his personal battle with Essien.

But clear chances were extremely thin on the ground with a Ronaldo shot that found the netting the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock before the dramatic finale in extra-time.

- AFP

dom01

20-05-2007, 12:01 PM

Brudder gaia & slyer,

are you ard?

slyer

20-05-2007, 01:48 PM

Brudder gaia & slyer,

are you ard?

bro slyer reporting... u lookin for me?

epsilon

20-05-2007, 04:22 PM

What is your formation?

This season, Manchester United has tried to play quite a few formations. No prizes for guessing the man masterminding these formations - Carlos Queiroz. Sometimes the change in formation was awful (negative 4-5-1 in Europe), but sometimes they left us with some sweet memories (4-2-3-1 in Europe).

Lets have a look at these formations, and which would suit the team more depending on the signings Manchester United make this summer.

1) 4-4-2: The traditional formation, which was behind the success of United for years. Manchester United had Giggsy and Beckham in those days using the width to the maximum extent. Now with Giggsy becoming old and Ronaldo who is more a dribbler than a Beckham-isque passer, we have found these wide men cutting in more often than sending in those crosses. This formation has done wonders for Manchester United and will continue to do so.

If Manchester United signs a winger like Nani/Quaresma/Anderson to replace Giggs, this formation would still be a big hit. But Scholes, Carrick and Owen Hargreaves(if he comes) can’t be on the pitch at the same time.

2) 4-5-1: This is a very negative approach and was used by Manchester United at the start of the season in the European games. It was very frustrating to see Rooney who was out of form(due to suspension or whatever) stuck wide left and unable to neither score nor setup someone. This would never suit Manchester United, as Rooney is neither very good stuck wide left or playing alone up front (England).

Who ever players United signs, this formation will not suit United because they are and will be pathetic at playing negative game.

3) 4-3-3: This approach is good but it is not so good on the eye to watch as the 4-4-2 as the width will not be used to that extent.

If Manchester United does not sign a winger, signs Hargreaves and a forward in the mould of Etoo/Berbatov/Tevez or Rossi comes back, United might be tempted to play this formation with Scholes, Carrick and Hargreaves in the center of the park and Rooney, Ronaldo and the striker playing upfront.

4) 4-2-3-1: I have become a big fan of this formation. United used this formation to devastating effect against Roma. The most attractive thing about this formation is the 3 interchanging all the time giving a lot of fluidity to the attack. They also went wide exploiting the width. Carrick and Fletcher have done well in this system, and if you replace Fletcher with Scholes, this is not so balanced, as Scholes tends to get forward a little.

If Manchester United does not sign a winger, signs Hargreaves and gets back Rossi, we might see United playing this formation with Rooney, Ronaldo, Scholes/Giggs (lets play these old guns in a mutually exclusive manner) forming the interchanging 3 and Carrick and Hargreaves comfortably sitting before the defence.

5) 4-1-2-2-1: Manchester United havent yet tried this formation, but if Hargreaves and a winger comes in they might be, with Hargreaves the one protecting the defense, Carrick and Scholes in the midfield, the winger and Ronaldo as the two wide men and Rooney as the lone striker (Note that in this formation, Scholes and Carrick would be sharing the burden along with Rooney and it wont be a long ball game like 4-5-1)

So whats your formation?

epsilon

20-05-2007, 04:23 PM

Can Rooney replace Scholes?

So we’ve won the premiership. No time to gloat, we have figure out how to get better and how to improve the squad. We want to win the title again next year, and our squad is fragile. Lets face it, the most cover we had was in defense and it’s lucky thats where we got most of our injuries. Our midfield is talented but there’s no depth. If one of scholes, ronaldo or giggs gets a long term injury, how do we cope with that. We saw how badly we fared in 2005 when scholes was not there.

So, thinking along these lines, what’s a good lineup for manchester united? Who should we buy and where should everyone play?

Let’s start in goal. Van der Sar is ok for another season despite some errors creeping in. We should have Ben foster back as third goalie to avoid what befell Chelsea this season.

In defense, we need a left back who’s solid and aggresive. Heinze’s been slow ever since his injury. If Evra develops at any pace, we might be ok. The search for Gary neville’s successor will be more urgent this season. Defense is still not a priority though. I think we actually have pretty good cover in the back line. What happened at milan was just terrible luck.

In the midfield, we need a tough tackling, defensive mid in the keano mould. Apologies to Carrick but he doesn’t fill that role. We need another winger to cover for giggs and ronaldo and eventually take over from giggs. Nani seems the best one out there.

We desperately need a good attacking midfielder to replace scholes. I don’t think a lot has been said about this position since scholes has been in such spectacular form this season, but we’re woefully short of cover in this critical position. Looking at options world wide, kaka would ofcourse be the ideal fit. He expressed admiration for the old trafford atmosphere, and even though he recently got married and got his italian passport, it might be well worth the risk of breaking the bank to get him. He’s one addition that’ll make this squad complete. and devastatingly menacing.

If that doesn’t materialise, I believe we have a ready made option just as good. His name’s Wayne Rooney. Let’s think about it from another perspective. We’re looking for the following qualities in an attacking midfielder to replace scholes:

1. Tough tackling

2. Intelligent footballing mind

3. Great passer

4. Good long range shooting ability.

5. Able to get back and help the defense.

All these capabilities are present in Rooney. He tackles better than Scholes, his vision on the field is incomparable, he possesses a lethal long range strike. He routinely tracks back and defends.

All these skills are essential to a top attacking midfielder but not necessarily needed buy a top striker. Rooney is young, he’s always hungry for the ball and always wants to be involved in the game. Why not develop him into a midfield general and let out n out strikers in the ruud mould take over the striking responsibilities.

By all accounts, Manchester united are already in the market to get a top striker. Why don’t we get 2 and let rooney play behind them. I’m pretty sure he’ll be as devastating as kaka in that position.

This brings us to the strikers. We need 2 top quality strikers badly. There’s no question about it. It’s time to sell saha. I must admit i’m a big fan of dimitar Berbatov and would like nothing better than to see him in Old trafford. He’s got everything and would be a fine addition. I wouldnt mind paying 20 million for him. Anything over that though, is a bit much.

The other ideal addition would be someone like Miroslav Klose. The kind of guy who just scores an imporesive number of goals. A point man. He needs to be good with his head.

So there are my suggestions.

Get two strikers, play rooney behind them. Ronaldo and nani on the wings with a good defensive mid (still unknown bet certainly not owen hargreaves at 20+ million) covering the back 4.

This vision is probably of a team post giggs and scholes but it should provide us with a lot of flexibility. In such a set up, you can always sacrifice a striker, let rooney play upfront with the other, and ssubstitute another central midfielder for games like the milan one where wingers were ineffective.

The bottom line is, Rooney could be the answer to the attacking midfield hole that scholes’s retirement is certain to create.

qbdp

21-05-2007, 11:32 AM

United get their man with £17m Hargreaves deal

Sir Alex Ferguson was denied the fourth Double of his 20-year reign when Manchester United lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea but there was better news for the Premiership champions last night when Bayern Munich announced that a deal had finally been done to take Owen Hargreaves to Old Trafford.

Hargreaves will sign a four-year contract after the two clubs brought an end to 12 months of tortuous negotiations by agreeing a fee the Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer described as "a little bit over" €25m. That equates to about £17.5m and will be viewed as a good piece of business within Old Trafford, given that Bayern had initially set the price above £20m.

The finer points of the deal are still to be thrashed out but Hargreaves has already started looking for a house in the Manchester area ahead of joining his new team-mates when Ferguson's squad return for pre-season training on July 2.

"Owen Hargreaves will go," Beckenbauer told the DFB-Doppelpass programme on German television. "It is the wish of the player. Everything is right for him and it is also financially right for us." Asked if reports about the size of the fee were true, Beckenbauer replied: "It will be around that size."

The agreement ends a year-long pursuit for Ferguson, who first tried to sign Hargreaves at the end of the World Cup, a tournament in which the 26-year-old was one of the few England players to distinguish himself. The midfielder made it clear he wanted to move to the Premiership and, to the irritation of his employers, travelled to Manchester to meet Ferguson for talks. However, Bayern had already lost Michael Ballack to Chelsea and refused to let Hargreaves leave in the same season.

An agreement was struck at the time that Hargreaves would be allowed to get his way at the end of the season and Beckenbauer has been true to his word, despite the complications agreeing a fee. Bayern, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga, out of the Champions League places, intend to use the money to sign Miroslav Klose from Werder Bremen in what promises to be a period of extensive transfer activity at the Allianz Arena.

The arrival of Hargreaves signals Ferguson's intentions not to allow Chelsea to re-establish themselves as England's best team next season. It may also add variation to the way United play. Ferguson likes the idea of Hargreaves taking a defensive-midfield role alongside Michael Carrick, with Scholes pushed further forward in an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 formation, ideally with Louis Saha as the most advanced striker. Alternatively, Hargreaves can also fit into a more conventional four-man midfield, giving Ferguson a combative presence in an area of the pitch where United were noticeably sub-standard compared with Chelsea at Wembley.

United will not comment until the deal is officially concluded but the players have been informed and Carrick welcomed the extra competition. "We are the biggest club in the world, we want the best players and Owen is a top player," he said. "He will strengthen the team. We need a big squad and that's been proved this season when we have been fighting on all fronts."

yinyang

21-05-2007, 11:49 AM

Rumours aplenty now on..

Sunday's gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United are trailing Heerenveen's Brazilian striker Alfonso Alves who has scored 34 goals in 31 games this season. (Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea have targeted Everton defender Joleon Lescott but will have to find £10m to get their man. (Sunday Mirror)

Milan are planning a £28m swoop for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. (News of the World)

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants to splash £20m on Carlos Tevez. (Sunday Express)

Spurs are preparing a bid for Manchester United striker Louis Saha. (The People)

Spurs boss Martin Jol hopes to bring in Morten Gamst Pedersen, Leighton Baines, Darren Bent and Nigel Reo-Coker. (Sunday Mirror)

And that means Jermain Defoe, Mido and Hossam Ghaly will be shipped out of White Hart Lane. (Sunday Mirror)

Djibril Cisse has told Liverpool to slash their transfer demands so he can finally leave the club. (Sunday Mirror)

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is hoping to sign Arsenal centre back Johan Djourou. (Sunday Mirror)

Bruce also wants Middlesbrough striker Mark Viduka. (Daily Star Sunday)

Alan Curbishley will axe 12 of his West Ham squad in a £40m summer shake-up, including Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora. (Various)

Manchester United have switched their attentions to Porto winger Anderson after Sporting Lisbon demanded £20m for Nani. (Daily Star Sunday)

Roy Keane wants to make Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen his first signing after leading Sunderland back to the Premiership. (Daily Star Sunday)

Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are in a three-way fight for £15m-rated Manchester City defender Micah Richards. (Daily Star Sunday)
Bolton defender Tal Ben Haim will see his salary rise from £8,000 to £50,000 a week when he signs for Chelsea. (Daily Star Sunday)

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell will join Chelsea this week - despite a last-ditch bid from West Ham. (News of the World)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger fears Thierry Henry has played his last game for the club. (News of the World)

Real Betis are leading the chase for Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez. (News of the World)

Manchester United are planning a £12m swoop for Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. (News of the World)

OTHER GOSSIP
Manchester City are on the point of appointing Dutchman Co Adriaanse as their new coach. (Sunday Mirror)

Tottenham are the target of a £250m bid from US consortium. (News of the World)

Multi-millionaire businessman Sheikh Samir Mirdad is heading up a Dubai-based consortium interested in taking over Leeds. (Daily Star Sunday)

AND FINALLY
Spanish football's disciplinary committee had to annul 100 yellow cards given in Spain's top two divisions as referees hit back in a row involving David Beckham. Becks recently saw yellow for time-wasting, officially noted as 'unsporting behaviour', but had it rescinded on appeal. But referees demonstrated their anger at that decision by marking down the next 100 bookings as 'unsporting behaviour', meaning the committee had to follow the example they set with Beckham.

asiancigar

21-05-2007, 07:38 PM

Any news about ManU buying Samuel Eto....

Now that we have Owen Hargraeves,.... personally, i think that we should conclude the summer buying by signing Sam Eto, Torres, Nani and Micah Richards...

The only way we can ever come close to a Treble is to have at least 2 players for each position and more big names rather than those coming thru the academy....

I am convinced that we would have had the Treble if Henrik Larsson was around.... there is no doubt that he has the vision and football skills to menace the likes of AC Milan and Chelsea....

Lets keep our fingers cross that we land a few top class players....

Cheerz
AC

Mafan

21-05-2007, 10:31 PM

Spurs are preparing a bid for Manchester United striker Louis Saha.

Wah saha also wo lang ai.

The only way we can ever come close to a Treble is to have at least 2 players for each position and more big names rather than those coming thru the academy....

I am convinced that we would have had the Treble if Henrik Larsson was around.... there is no doubt that he has the vision and football skills to menace the likes of AC Milan and Chelsea....

Lets keep our fingers cross that we land a few top class players....

What so bad about academy ?? beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes i think all of them from school too. What we need now is a finisher (ppl who can goal) and a play-maker, might need another defence. and we will be good, dont have to be big names just player who can play well not like richardson and saha (MC king)

dom01

22-05-2007, 06:33 AM

Saha is a big disappointment this season, so many injuries... sigh.. Another sick note. :o

yinyang

22-05-2007, 09:15 AM

Monday's gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United will turn their attentions to Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Tores, Sporting Lisbon winger Nani and Southampton defender Gareth Bale after capturing Owen Hargreaves. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea have entered the bidding to land West Ham striker Carlos Tevez, although the Blues will face competition from Real Madrid. (The Independent)

OTHER GOSSIP
Manager Jose Mourinho has been told by the board that Chelsea's season - in which the club won the FA Cup and Carling Cup - was not good enough. (Various)

Edwin Van der Sar will lose his status as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper to Ben Foster next season after being blamed for Didier Drogba's winner for Chelsea in the FA Cup final. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are expected to name former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri, who took charge of Parma in February, as their new manager within the next fortnight. (Daily Mirror)

dominion

22-05-2007, 10:42 AM

Wah saha also wo lang ai.

doesnt that make you vv happy?
if u r manager, think u will sell him at 1 pound. :p

qbdp

22-05-2007, 12:45 PM

Heinze misses the bus as Hargreaves jumps on

SIR ALEX FERGUSON ONCE DESCRIBED Manchester United as “a bus that waits for no man” and, as he consoled himself with a little retail therapy yesterday with long-awaited confirmation of a deal to sign Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich, it became clear that Gabriel Heinze would be foremost among those passengers left behind.

Heinze was chosen ahead of Patrice Evra at left back on Saturday, at the end of a season-long battle between the two of them, but the FA Cup Final seems certain to mark the Argentina defender’s swansong as a United player. He has told teammates that he does not expect to be at Old Trafford next season, with a move to an unidentified Spanish club believed to be on the cards.

Having served three years of a five-year contract, Heinze could be bought out of his existing deal for approximately £6 million under new Fifa transfer regulations, but United are likely to settle for a slightly smaller sum for a player who has struggled to regain his top form since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in September 2005 after a highly impressive first season at the club.

There will be other departures this summer, with Ferguson eager to find reinforcements in certain areas and to accommodate a number of young players who have impressed on loan this season. Mikaël Silvestre and Louis Saha are also vulnerable, despite having signed new contracts in the past 12 months, although Saha hopes that recent uncertainty over his future, arising from a series of injuries, will be eased when Ranko Stojic, his agent, speaks to the club this week.

As for Hargreaves, a fee in the region of £18 million was agreed with Bayern last week, with the German club waiting until the end of the Bundesliga campaign yesterday to announce that the deal was done. The midfield player has agreed a four-year contract and could undergo a medical examination at Old Trafford this week, possibly to coincide with his planned appearance in an England B international against Albania at Turf Moor, Burnley, on Friday. No problems are expected, even though he has not recovered full fitness since suffering a broken leg last September.

The signing would be welcomed by Michael Carrick, who would expect to play alongside Hargreaves in midfield next season. “World-class players are going to strengthen you,” Carrick said. “We’re at the biggest club in the world, we want the best players and Owen is a top player.”

slyer

22-05-2007, 01:18 PM

its great that owen hargreaves joined man utd. i tink he can be the next roy keane while carrick can perform the role of paul scholes. hope man utd can buy a gd strikers to replace saha. samuel eto, berbatov are gd choices.

also hope man utd can buy gareth bale, micah richards as they look promising defenders

tenggiri

22-05-2007, 01:37 PM

Bro slyer - i think it is wishful thinking re: Manu's intention to buy these two samuel eto & berbatov. Price tooo high and eto is not realyy in the mould of a Manu type team player. My bet is on Dutchman Huntelaar. He is reasonably priced with age on his side.

Read somewhere that Ben Foster will be taking over no.1 jersey from Van de Sar next season. That can only be good news! What do you all think??

its great that owen hargreaves joined man utd. hope man utd can buy a gd strikers to replace saha. samuel eto, berbatov are gd choices.

dom01

22-05-2007, 05:48 PM

knn... this bloody saha shld really go.. I think he has yet to reach his 100 game. kaoz.. :D

dominion

23-05-2007, 09:36 AM

knn... this bloody saha shld really go.. I think he has yet to reach his 100 game.

you should apply to mafan, chairman of the (anti) saha fan club... he also opening fletcher n oshea fan clubs..

:eek: another Dirty Old Man (d.o.m)? :eek:

qbdp

23-05-2007, 01:42 PM

knn... this bloody saha shld really go.. I think he has yet to reach his 100 game. kaoz.. :D

Saha may never reach the 100 game mark.

Thank you, Saha, for whatever small and insignificant contributions you've given to the team. :D

Now the medical team can concentrate on getting Neville fit and ready for next season.

Castrol

23-05-2007, 02:00 PM

Edwin Van der Sar will lose his status as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper to Ben Foster next season after being blamed for Didier Drogba's winner for Chelsea in the FA Cup final. (Daily Mirror)

ben foster over van der sar, who has been 1st class thru out the whole season? :confused:

imom

23-05-2007, 02:30 PM

ben foster over van der sar, who has been 1st class thru out the whole season? :confused:

Yeah, somehow I dun feel Ben Foster can unseat Van der Saar. At least Van der Saar doesn't concede goals from opponents' goalies.... kekekekeke....

Mafan

23-05-2007, 04:23 PM

you should apply to mafan, chairman of the (anti) saha fan club... he also opening fletcher n oshea fan clubs..

another Dirty Old Man (d.o.m)?

when did i became anti oshea fan club chairman ?? i have drop fletcher club last 2 match ago. like that u also know think u must be the legend lao jiao cum lan jiao laio. IM only follwer of anti saha and richardson fan club not chairman. U talk some more next time drop u off at PIE :p

dominion

23-05-2007, 04:27 PM

only follwer of anti saha and richardson fan club not chairman. U talk some more next time drop u off at PIE :p

oh yea hor is richardson not oshit....
i old already... memory not that good, how can u blame me :p

Castrol

23-05-2007, 04:46 PM

Yeah, somehow I dun feel Ben Foster can unseat Van der Saar. At least Van der Saar doesn't concede goals from opponents' goalies.... kekekekeke....

oh yeah, now you just reminded me who exactly ben forster is. :D

imom

23-05-2007, 04:51 PM

oh yeah, now you just reminded me who exactly ben forster is...

That should be goal of the season man. Hehe.

It was really funny cos of the talk before the game about how Foster would unseat Robinson from the England throne.... and Robinson gave the best 'up yours' he could have given to Foster! :D

Castrol

23-05-2007, 05:03 PM

That should be goal of the season man. Hehe.

It was really funny cos of the talk before the game about how Foster would unseat Robinson from the England throne.... and Robinson gave the best 'up yours' he could have given to Foster! :D

hahaha... now all forster needs to do is to score back against him. :D

dom01

23-05-2007, 06:55 PM

yea.. another Dirty Old Man here.. haha... :D

Ben Foster No1? Who is he kidding? He dun instill confidence in his defenders.

tenggiri

23-05-2007, 10:19 PM

Wa many ppl no agree ah.! Ok, Van the Man already in late thirties and showed his age few times this season when he let in goals at his near post when play away and also that misunderstanding with Rio which result was a funny own goal.

Sooner or later Fergie will loose patience and it wont be a surprise if he starts to blood the youngster Foster before its too late. Better him than Kuszak! His ex mgr Bothroyd already angkat him so high.

qbdp

24-05-2007, 12:31 PM

http://www.prosport.ca/images/06-08%20man%20utd%20home.gif

Fucking painful reminder each time they play us and see AIG emblazoned on our jerseys!!! :D

Another Inzaghi Goal

dom01

24-05-2007, 08:26 PM

Well, Milan played very well.. Kudos to them...:D

epsilon

24-05-2007, 09:03 PM

Keeper plays down transfer talk

Scottish international goalkeeper Craig Gordon insists he will not demand to leave Hearts, despite interest from a host of top clubs.

United are one of the surprise names being linked with a big money move for the Jam Tarts' skipper, who is valued at around £8million.

"The ball is very much in their (Hearts') court," Gordon told Hearts World. "I still have two years left on my contract and I'm not banging down the door asking to get away," said Gordon.

"It's entirely up to them. If they decide to cash in on me and take some money for me, then that's their prerogative and I'll listen to whatever offer comes in, but if it's a good offer for me I'll be happy for that.

"If it's not, I'll look forward to the start of the new season here. There's no rush for anybody, me or any of the clubs."

BBC Sport suggested on Sunday that Sir Alex Ferguson was considering a big-money summer bid for Gordon, who has also attracted interest from Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

epsilon

24-05-2007, 09:09 PM

United on back foot in Bale race
Stuart Mathieson
24/ 5/2007

UNITED'S left-back merry-go-round could grind to a halt if Southampton's Gareth Bale is snapped up by Tottenham instead of the Reds.

All United's senior No 3s - Gabriel Heinze, Patrice Evra and Mikael Silvestre - are interesting foreign suitors.

Clubs in Italy, France and Spain had been alerted to a potential mini-clearout to make way for 17-year-old Welsh international Bale's arrival.

But the Premiership champions are going to have to be quick if they still want to add Bale to the squad as Tottenham have leapt to the head of the queue with a bid reportedly accepted. Spurs have had a bid for Bale on the table since the January transfer window.

They have reportedly offered £6m in cash and then add-ons that would take the fee eventually up to around £10m.

Saints want money in quickly to keep their head above water and though manager George Burley is still talking up the possibility of keeping Bale it is believed the club have resigned themselves to losing him.

The player has just one-year left on his contract and Southampton do not want to lose out on a windfall next summer when he'd be a free agent.

Bale had been for talks at White Hart Lane in January but decided to stay on until the end of the season at St Mary's Stadium.

But Tottenham's bid still stands and they are said to now be in pole position.

Interest

If United are still keen they cannot afford to dally but if their interest has cooled, then it could put the brakes on sales.

Heinze, Evra and Silvestre, who have all contested the left-back berth this campaign, are all on various shopping lists for the summer.

United’s 2005 Player of the Year Heinze is the most likely departure as he can buy out the remainder of his two-year contract by law having served three years of the five-year deal he signed in 2004 when moving from he signed for £7.9m from Paris St Germain for £7.9m.

Now Juventus, long-term suitors of the Argentinian, are back in Serie A a move to Italy could tempt Heinze.

Valencia and Villarreal are also understood to be monitoring his situation at Old Trafford, which is no longer as rock-solid as it once was.

Evra’s injuries forced him to concede the left-back battle late on after his early-season form won him Fergie’s vote. But now he is in Barcelona’s sights.

The Spaniards are looking to replace Giovanni Van Bronckhorst and are impressed by Evra’s speed and attacking ability from defence.

Silvestre wants to remain at Old Trafford but Lyon are keen again, having been rejected by the defender in January 2006.

If United trump Tottenham’s bid for Bale then one of the current left backs is almost certain to depart.

Even if they don’t Heinze might voluntarily trim the numbers in the department anyway.

epsilon

24-05-2007, 09:11 PM

Blades may swoop for Richardson
Stuart Mathieson
23/ 5/2007

BRYAN Robson's first job as the new Sheffield United boss could be to persuade Kieran Richardson to leave Old Trafford.

The former United captain has started his new role as Blades manager with Brian Kidd as his Bramall Lane assistant.

Having taken over the vacancy left by Neil Warnock, who quit days after relegation from the Premiership, Robson will begin implementing his ideas and personnel.

The capture of 22-year-old Richardson could feature in his rebuilding plans for the Blades. Robson took United's youngster to West Bromwich Albion on loan between January and May 2005.

Richardson's form and impact helped him inspire the Baggies to a sensational last-day escape from the Premiership drop.

Elevated

It also elevated Richardson from a Red reserve to a full England player under Sven-Goran Eriksson and he made his senior international debut in America soon after his West Brom experience.

Robson wanted the Greenwich-born winger to make his move to the Hawthorns permanent. Richardson, however, wanted to try to break through at United.

Sir Alex Ferguson then turned down a £3m West Brom bid for the player.

But Richardson has not made enough progress at Old Trafford and has remained only a squad man.

His stock has dropped both for club and country, and he has even had to suffer booing from some United fans when his name has been read out before matches.

He did score a vital home Premiership goal in the draw against Middlesbrough and made an important contribution as a makeshift left-back in the run-in.

But he shows little sign of becoming a United regular. And though he would be reluctant to step down to the Championship, his previous success with Robson might convince him he can take one step back to go two forward.

epsilon

24-05-2007, 09:20 PM

Keane could move for Kuszczak
Thu, May 24 2007 09:31

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is weighing up a raid on his former club to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.
Keane is anxious to add some Premiership experience to his goalkeeping ranks as he prepares for his first crack at the Premiership as a manager and has also targeted Bolton's highly-rated stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Stadium of Light goalkeepers Gavin Ward and Marton Fulop have no top-flight experience and Keane is desperate to shore up such a specialist position despite chairman Niall Quinn's declaration on Wednesday that the Premiership newcomers are in no rush to enter the transfer market.

Poland goalkeeper Kuszczak moved to Old Trafford last summer from West Brom on an initial 12-month loan period but that was extended into a three-year deal.

He made just six Premiership appearances during United's championship-winning campaign and has seen his hopes of ousting number one goalkeeper, Edwin van der Sar, come under threat following the recent return of Ben Foster from Watford.

epsilon

24-05-2007, 10:16 PM

United starlet in Moyes' sights
Tue, May 22 2007 11:14

Everton are reportedly interested in taking Manchester United's highly-rated defender Phil Bardsley to Goodison Park this summer.
Toffees boss David Moyes is aiming to bolster his back line during the close-season and it appears the 21-year-old full-back, Bardsley, could be a target for either a season-long loan or a permanent switch.

However much will depend on whether United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sees Bardsley as having a long-term future at Old Trafford before any sort of deal can be struck. Another stumbling block for Everton's plans would be if Aston Villa attempted to take the youngster back to Villa Park after he enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Birmingham outfit in the past season.

Bardsley has already insisted that if he had no future at United he would be more than happy to join Villa, so Moyes would have to try and persuade him that Goodison Park would be a better option, and the fact they have UEFA Cup football to offer will be a huge advantage.

qbdp

25-05-2007, 12:13 AM

Hargreaves at Carrington

OWEN Hargreaves is at United's Carrington training ground today as his move to United edges closer.

Bayern Munich confirmed at the weekend that Hargreaves was to leave the Bundesliga club for around £17m.

Hargreaves is hoping for a deal to be concluded by the end of the week and is planning talks with Reds officials, report Sky Sports.

asiancigar

25-05-2007, 09:24 AM

United plan £39m Berba bid
May 25, 2007

MANCHESTER UNITED are planning to table a massive offer of £27.5million plus Louis Saha for Tottenham’s Dimitar Berbatov.

On the day Owen Hargreaves completed his Old Trafford medical, the Reds were set to launch an incredible move worth £39m.

United hope they can persuade Spurs to release their star man by offering £11.5m-rated Saha plus the huge cash sum.

Spurs paid Bayer Leverkusen £10.9m for the Bulgarian international last summer.

Yesterday, Berbatov’s agent Emil Dantchev refused to confirm the player would be at White Hart Lane next season.

Dantchev said: “In football you do not know what will happen tomorrow.”

Spurs are trying to get Berbatov to sign a new six-year contract, doubling his £22,000-a-week deal. United could more than treble it to £70,000 a week.

Berbatov, 26, was a sensation in his first Premiership season, hitting 23 goals and winning rave reviews.

He also has 26 goals in 44 games for Bulgaria.

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo hit 46 between them for United but boss Alex Ferguson believes Berbatov would be the ideal frontman for the pair to play off.

Hargreaves has played for Bayern Munich against Berbatov in the Bundesliga.

He said: “This season Berbatov has been a breath of fresh air in English football, he just makes the game look so easy at times.”

asiancigar

25-05-2007, 09:26 AM

Mart's £8million Bale coup
May 25, 2007

SPURS boss Martin Jol has won the race to snap up Southampton superkid Gareth Bale.

Wales left-back Bale, 17, will sign at White Hart Lane within 48 hours.

Jol beat off competition from Manchester United and Arsenal to capture the Saints starlet in a deal worth £8million plus add-ons.

Bale’s Welsh team-mate Ryan Giggs was trying to persuade the youngster to move to Old Trafford.

But Jol has sweet-talked the defender into joining Spurs, where he will become an immediate first-team squad member instead of waiting in the wings at United.

Bale will bolster a Tottenham defence that conceded 54 Premiership goals this season.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Young-Pyo Lee and Ricardo Rocha had spells at left-back but none of them impressed.

Jol knows he has to address the problem and Bale’s attacking instincts also suit the manager.

Saints chief George Burley wanted to keep Bale for another year to ensure he gets regular first-team football.

Bale’s former Saints room-mate, Theo Walcott, has seen his chances limited since joining Arsenal.

But the Welsh teenager would not suffer the same fate at White Hart Lane.

Bale’s Wales team-mate James Collins is convinced the kid will make it.

West Ham defender Collins, 23, said: “It’s a tough jump from the Championship to the Premiership but I’m sure Gareth will relish it because he is just world-class.”

asiancigar

25-05-2007, 09:34 AM

Fergie: Two more years for duo
May 25, 2007

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists veteran duo Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will be "vital" for the club for two more seasons.

The midfield pair enjoyed outstanding seasons as United snatched the Premiership title back from Chelsea, but it was rumoured their Old Trafford careers might be coming to the end as Ferguson bloods a new generation of stars.

But despite the arrival of new faces in midfield - Owen Hargreaves is expected to join the club in the coming days - Ferguson insists 33-year-old Giggs and 32-year-old Scholes will enjoy at least two more years in the first-team.

Speaking about the United squad in Inside United magazine, he said: "It's young enough to improve. The experience of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will be vital over the next two seasons, but there's every reason to be confident."

Ferguson also hailed the foreign contingent in his side and reserved special praise for Nemanja Vidic and Gabriel Heinze, describing them as "warriors".

He added: "We've got an Argentinian, a Dutchman, three Frenchmen, a Portuguese, a Serbian - it's a real mix of nationalities. Football has changed that way and the Premiership has gone down that route.

"So, when building a new team, you've got more work to do in terms of getting the team to gel, getting that understanding and spirit of Manchester United.

"But take Vidic and Heinze - they show that great example of determination, they're warriors.

"I think once the foreign players get inside the club and they understand the history, it seeps through to them and they become Manchester United players.

"The make-up of the side makes this one different to the previous two, but all three had that same desire and winning mentality."

yinyang

25-05-2007, 04:26 PM

Trivia for tgif...

Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Manchester United will offer £27.5m plus £11m-rated Louis Saha for Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov. (Sun)

Liverpool's summer transfer hitlist includes Samuel Eto'o, Carlos Tevez, Daniel Alves and Gabriel Milito. (Sun)

Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia's move to Fulham has fallen through over his wage demands. (Daily Mirror)

Sunderland have made a £2m bid for Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has a year left on his current contract. (Various)

The Black Cats also want Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen - but face competition from West Ham, Portsmouth and Newcastle. (Daily Star)

Real Madrid are planning a £15m bid for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle will bid £5m for Leighton Baines - who believes he must leave Wigan to further his England ambitions. (Daily Star)

Chelsea have engineered an option to sign 20-year-old PSV defender Manuel da Costa before next May. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool will listen to offers for Craig Bellamy - who is wanted by Aston Villa and Blackburn. (Daily Express)

Chelsea have lodged a £10m bid for Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda. (Daily Mail)

Tottenham are in talks with Sporting Lisbon about signing £13.5m-rated winger Nani. (Times)

Arsenal have held talks with Atletico Madrid as they try to offload Jose Reyes. (Daily Mail)

West Ham are preparing a £5m bid for Reading defender Nicky Shorey. (Sun)

Watford are poised to sign Arsenal keeper Mart Poom. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP
The Glazer family are ready to listen to offers for Manchester United less than three years after completing their takeover. (Daily Mirror)

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is in the frame for the Man City job. (Sun)

Freddy Shepherd will be ousted as Newcastle chairman in the near future by prospective owner Mike Ashley. (Independent)

Ashley intends to complete his takeover by the start of next season. (Guardian)

Gretna are in talks with Motherwell about offering a joint season ticket next season. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY
Shrewsbury have had to have a new kit made for Saturday's League Two play-off final after their players threw their shirts and shorts into the crowd following their semi-final win over MK Dons. (Daily Star)

gaia

25-05-2007, 05:31 PM

Tottenham are in talks with Sporting Lisbon about signing £13.5m-rated winger Nani. (Times)

Seems like spurs is trying to get every target that man u wants....bale....now nani....fuck....

qbdp

26-05-2007, 12:26 AM

Tottenham are in talks with Sporting Lisbon about signing £13.5m-rated winger Nani. (Times)

Seems like spurs is trying to get every target that man u wants....bale....now nani....fuck....

Maybe becoz we are linked with their star striker, Berbatov? ;)

qbdp

26-05-2007, 12:27 AM

Glazers committed to United

MALCOLM Glazer has no intention of selling Manchester United.

For the second time in a fortnight, stories have surfaced suggesting the American billionaire is ready to offload the Old Trafford club after realising the profits to be made fall short of his lofty expectations.

After completing a controversial £800million buy-out two years ago, Glazer has already re-financed United's massive debts once and chief of staff Ed Woodward is believed to be working on another re-structuring, which would reduce annual interest payments from a startling £65million a year.

Yet the Glazer family refute in the strongest terms possible any suggestion they want to sell the new champions.

A spokesman for the Glazer family told M.E.N. Sport today: There is not a grain of truth in this story at all.

"The Glazer family have provided stability for Manchester United and are fully committed to the long term ownership.

"People need to realise that the family are not speculators. They are here for the long term. Manchester United is not for sale."

After rejecting a similar story on the eve of the last Premiership home game against West Ham earlier this month, the Glazers have been 'flabbergasted' to discover yet more speculation surfacing.

Benefit

At a time when United are about to benefit from a massively increased TV deal and knowing revenue from sponsorship and season-ticket sales - albeit through major price increases which have attracted huge criticism from fans' groups - is about to rise significantly, there would appear to be no sense behind any move by the Glazers to bail out now.

The Glazers' commitment to backing Sir Alex Ferguson in the transfer market is likely to be tested this summer as the United boss has identified three big-name targets who he believes will give the Red Devils the best chance of defending their Premiership crown and pushing on from their appearance in the Champions League semi-finals.

Owen Hargreaves' capture is set to be confirmed swiftly, possibly as early as today now chief executive David Gill has returned from his trouble-shooting mission in Malaysia.

qbdp

26-05-2007, 01:08 PM

Fergie's bridge builders

PAUL Scholes and Ryan Giggs are Manchester United's key men as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to build a new era of success at Old Trafford.

The Reds boss has singled out the two veteran midfielders - Scholes is 32 and Giggs 34-years-old - as the players who can bridge the gap between the "old" United of the turn of the century and a new, more cosmopolitan team based around the youth and vigour of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson feels that the newly-crowned Premiership champions could be on the brink of something great, but that the next two seasons will be a crucial phase in the transition, with Owen Hargreaves looking certain to head a small knot of signings this summer, and more youngsters like Giuseppe Rossi, Chris Eagles and Jonny Evans ready to start pressing for first-team places.

Ferguson said of the team: "It's young enough to improve. The experience of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will be vital over the next two seasons, but there's every reason to be confident."

The manager, drawing comparisons with his two previous eams, said that the increase in the number of foreign players to a club which relied on a core of British players throughout their success in the 1990s, had made little difference.

Different

"I don't think this set of players is like the previous two teams at all," he said. "It's different altogether. There are a lot of foreign players in the side now and in that sense the make-up is so different.

"We've got an Argentinian, a Dutchman, three Frenchmen, a Portuguese, a Serbian - it's a real mix of nationalities. Football has changed that way and the Premiership has gone down that route. So, when building a new team, you've got more work to do in terms of getting the team to gel, getting that understanding and spirit of Manchester United. But take Nemanja Vidic and Gabriel Heinze - they show that great example of determination, they're warriors.

"I think once the foreign players get inside the club and they understand the history, it seeps through to them and they become Manchester United players.

The make-up of the side makes this one different to the previous two, but all three had that same desire and winning mentality."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been called up for Norway's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Malta and Hungary next month.

The 34-year-old striker, who bagged 11 goals for the Reds this season and averages one goal every three games for his country, will hope to buoy Norway's qualification chances after defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina and a draw with Turkey in their last two qualifying games.

yinyang

26-05-2007, 09:18 PM

Excuse for posting this here bros (no active England thread).. maybe 'cos he's ex MU star la.. any love lost for our brylcreem boy?

Beckham recalled to England squad

Beckham has worked hard for Real Madrid in recent weeks . Former captain David Beckham has been named in the England squad for the first time since the 2006 World Cup. Coach Steve McClaren's U-turn means Beckham, 32, is set to start Friday's friendly against Brazil followed by the Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.

Fit-again Newcastle striker Michael Owen returns in place of Wayne Rooney, who is suspended for the Estonia game.

Reading's Nicky Shorey, David Bentley of Blackburn and Chelsea's Joe Cole are also included in the 26-man squad.

And Manchester United forward Alan Smith also figures after scoring the opening goal in the England B win over Albania.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is selected despite picking up a knock in that 3-1 victory at Burnley's Turf Moor.

But the Spurs midfielder could find his opportunities limited with Beckham back in the fold.

Head coach Steve McClaren told BBC Sport: "Everyone knows David's attributes and he's a big-game player who can help us win in Estonia.

"We've a very important game in Estonia, we need to win it and it is a squad that can win it."

Real Madrid midfielder Beckham last played for England in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Portugal last June, after which he resigned the captaincy, and has not been selected in any of McClaren's nine previous squads.

McClaren also played down reports that senior members of his squad did not want Beckham recalled.

But he refused to be drawn on whether the former captain's move to Major League Soccer in the summer would hinder his international prospects in the long term.

"Everybody's professional and we've a squad that will blend together that will get us a result and I'm sure everyone will welcome David back," he added.

"But all I'm thinking about is the next two games and we're not looking beyond that. The priority is the next 10 days.

"Obviously his form has been excellent at Real Madrid and he can help us win in Estonia. Beyond that we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Beckham is set to move to LA Galaxy at the end of the Spanish season and is confident he can become a fixture in England's plans again.

"I'll be a lot fitter (playing in LA), still as fit as I am now, maybe more fit," the midfielder told BBC Radio Five Live ahead of the squad announcement.

"The training will be difficult in America with the humidity so I still feel I'd be able to play for England."

Hear the full David Beckham interview on Five Live's 606 show on Saturday 26 May at 1800 BST.

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Full England squad to face Brazil and Estonia:

Squad selector: Who would you pick in starting XI?
Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), Carson (Liverpool), Green (West Ham).

Defenders: P Neville (Everton), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), Dawson (Tottenham), King (Tottenham), Shorey (Reading).

Midfielders: Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), J Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Bentley (Blackburn), Carrick (Man Utd), Lampard (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (Newcastle).

Forwards: Crouch (Liverpool), Owen (Newcastle), Smith (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham).

qbdp

27-05-2007, 09:56 PM

SPURS TO BID FOR GIGGS

IT WOULD rank as the summer's cheekiest move - but Tottenham are set to make an audacious bid to land Ryan Giggs.

The 33-year-old Manchester United star is viewed as the ideal addition to take Martin Jol's young side forward.

Spurs are believed to have made an inquiry for the Welsh international during the January transfer window but the approach was rejected as United pursued honours on three fronts.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted Giggs stayed. And both he and the player said at the end of the season that Giggs would remain for 2007-08.

Giggs has his eyes set on the club record for appearances set by Sir Bobby Charlton and Fergie realises that even though he may lack the searing pace that was once his hallmark, Giggs still has much to offer to United.

Spurs hope Giggs will see a move south as a challenging finale to a glittering career.

qbdp

27-05-2007, 10:04 PM

Hargreaves relishing challenge

Owen Hargreaves is looking forward to playing in the 'strongest league in the world' when he completes a move to Manchester United.

The Bayern Munich midfielder travelled to Manchester earlier this week and a deal is expected to be finalised after the Bank Holiday weekend.

He has enjoyed success with Bayern but is hungry to achieve even more at Old Trafford.

"I have been lucky to play in big games and win some wonderful titles," Hargreaves said in the News of the World.

"I have won everything a player can in Germany - titles, the Champions League and even the World Club Championship.

"It is now about experiencing that somewhere else and I can't wait to start over again.

"The prospect of adding a Premiership winner's medal to my collection is incredibly exciting."

Hargreaves regards the Premiership as the ultimate stage on which to showcase his skills, as he believes there are no easy games.

He explained: "The league is so competitive and there are so many great teams.

"I have watched some of their games on satellite and, for me, the whole focus of Europe nowadays is on the Premiership.

"It is the strongest league in the world."

qbdp

29-05-2007, 11:16 AM

Full England squad to face Brazil and Estonia:

Squad selector: Who would you pick in starting XI?
Goalkeepers: Robinson (Tottenham), Carson (Liverpool), Green (West Ham).

Defenders: P Neville (Everton), R Ferdinand (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), Dawson (Tottenham), King (Tottenham), Shorey (Reading).

Midfielders: Beckham (Real Madrid), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), J Cole (Chelsea), Lennon (Tottenham), Bentley (Blackburn), Carrick (Man Utd), Lampard (Chelsea), Downing (Middlesbrough), Dyer (Newcastle).

Forwards: Crouch (Liverpool), Owen (Newcastle), Smith (Man Utd), Defoe (Tottenham).

Robinson, Carragher, King, Terry, Bridge, Bentley, Gerrard, Lampard, J.Cole, Defoe, Crouch. :D

qbdp

30-05-2007, 10:22 AM

Reds hunt for Klaas

UNITED are going Dutch in their pursuit of a hitman to boost their Euro tilt next term.

With anchorman midfielder Owen Hargreaves officially coming on board at Old Trafford today for more than £17m, the Reds will step up the chase for Ajax striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Chief executive David Gill's transfer strategy consists of taking on a number of manager Sir Alex Ferguson's targets and then working to see which door opens.

Dimitar Berbatov is on that wanted list, but Tottenham are determined to keep the Bulgarian, who made such an impressive debut campaign in England, scoring 16 goals in domestic competitions and seven in the UEFA Cup.

But Ferguson could have more joy in Holland, where he has been linked all season with Huntelaar.

The 23-year-old has scored 36 goals in all competitions this term from 49 appearances, taking his two-year career in Amsterdam to an impressive 60 strikes in 74 appearances.

Huntelaar's haul this term includes nine goals in nine appearances in Europe, as he has scored in both the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

But Ferguson's Dutch spies will also have taken note of the man who replaced Huntelaar at his previous club Heerenveen.

Astonishing

Brazilian Alfonso Alves has been in astonishing form for Heerenveen since arriving at the club from a five-year stint in Sweden.

Alves was the Golden Boot winner in the Dutch Eredivisie this season, scoring 34 goals in 31 games, including five hat-tricks.

Four goals on the final day of the season against Feyenoord was a reminder to all suitors of the 26-year-old South Americans scoring prowess.

Heerenveen have an impressive pedigree for unearthing goalscorers, with Alves and Huntelaar following Ruud van Nistelrooy through their ranks.

Fernando Torres at Atletico Madrid is still interesting Fergie, who reportedly met his representatives in Paris last summer.

Torres has been at Atletico since he was a kid – and as skipper and a prodigy, he has a very close bond with the club.

But the 23-year-old admitted recently: “It is important that Spanish players go to another league. All those in England have grown as players; they are more complete.”

Suspect

While strikers are the priority now that Hargreaves has been signed United may still have to spend some cash in defence.

Gabriel Heinze, who has looked suspect all season, seems set to leave Old Trafford, with Real Madrid in pole position. Having lost out to Tottenham for Gareth Bale, a one-time strong position could now look weak with Patrice Evra and Mikael Silvestre left to fight for the berth.

United could now turn their attentions to Wigan’s England Under-21 international Leighton Baines.

Meanwhile, United are battling with Tottenham to land Nani from Sporting Lisbon.The 20-year-old Portuguese winger, dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo, is aiming to follow his countryman’s footsteps and is considering joining the Premiership.Going to England is one of my options because the Premiership is one of the best leagues in the world and it will be a big challenge. But I have not made up my mind about a club,” he said.