Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has insisted that the vital difference between his side and Manchester United is manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils currently lead the Premier League by two points from Chelsea, having also played a game less than their West London rivals.
Yet Anelka believes that the advantage United have over their rivals is not the fact that they have better players, but because of their manager.
“United don’t have a notably better or more complete squad than Chelsea or Liverpool,” he told The Sun. “But Ferguson is so smart and so impressive.”
The Frenchman was also quick to explain exactly why the Scot was so successful at Old Trafford. He explained, “He keeps spotting and signing precisely the right players to complement what he already has and to balance the squad.
“Then, what is massively important and difficult. Ferguson teaches them to understand and demonstrate the special spirit of the club.
“He has been there doing it for a long time. But he keeps on succeeding.”
United have the chance to extend their lead over Chelsea when they take on Everton tonight before Chelsea travel to Liverpool tomorrow.
The game has been dubbed a ‘must win’ for both sides and Anelka admitted that defeat would prove disastrous to Chelsea’s title hopes.
He concluded: “Failing to take all three points would be a catastrophe in terms of what lies ahead for us during the remainder of the season.”
Resource: Goal.com
Blog Traffics
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Nicolas Anelka: Sir Alex Ferguson Is The Difference Between Chelsea and United
Ferguson Tips Cristiano Ronaldo To Pass 20 Goals Again For Manchester United
The United boss is backing his Portuguese winger to bag at least 20 goals for the third season on the trot...
Matching his exploits of last season was always going to be a tall order for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, reckons the young superstar is having another impressive campaign, and has backed him to break through the 20-goal barrier for the third successive season.
Ronaldo enjoyed a sensational season in 2007-08, when he weighed in with a remarkable 42 goals as United won the Premier League and the Champions League. His exploits earned him a raft of individual honours, and meant he would have a tough act to follow in 2008-09.
Yet Ronaldo is making a good fist of it, according to Ferguson.
"People are saying Cristiano has not had a good season, but he has got 13 goals and 11 assists [already]," said the Scot, quoted by AFP.
"If you dismiss last season altogether they would be saying it is incredible for a winger to score 13 at this stage. I am absolutely certain he will end up with over 20 again."
Nevertheless, Ferguson believes it will be impossible for the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year to emulate last season's feats - not least because he has become one of the most heavily marked players in the Premier League.
"It's hard to replicate a season like that but I am not sure that Cristiano understood it was a miracle season," said the United manager.
"He had the belief it was normal for him and I think he just expected to carry on. But one of the situations he had to face was that this year couldn't be as good as last season.
"Now he has started to come to terms with the whole thing, we will see more goals from him."
Resource: Goal.com
Jakarta's Famous Stadium Gets Approval For Manchester United Match
The Gelora Bung Karno Stadium has been given the thumbs up from representatives of Manchester United and promoters of the event who made an official visit to Jakarta recently.
The English football club will be heading to Asia later this year and where they will play one game in the capital city of Jakarta, with the 80,000-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium already identified as the venue.
The delegates to Jakarta consisted of four representatives from Manchester United and three from promoters ProEvents.
“The facility at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is certainly impressive and I don’t think that we will need any improvements. We will just need to finalise the schedule,” said Julian Kam, the chief executive officer of ProEvents after the inspection.
“They are very happy with the condition at the Gelora Bung Karno, which means that we are now just waiting for the kick-off time of the match against Manchester United,” said Nugraha Besoes, the general secretary of the Indonesia FA (PSSI).
Resource: Goal.com
Premier League Preview: Manchester United - Everton
What: Barclays Premier League, Matchday 24
Who: Manchester United (1st, 50 pts/66 pts) vs. Everton (6th, 37 pts/69 pts)
When: Saturday, 31st January, Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
Record Breakers
Whether it's 1,032 minutes since Edwin Van der Sar picked the ball out of his net, 11 consecutive clean sheets or 1st place in the table, the numbers are all adding up to another Manchester United title victory.
Tuesday’s 5-0 win over bottom-placed West Bromwich Albion maintained the Red Devils' place in the Premier League driving seat as the champions unloaded against their hosts.
A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo, plus goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Nemanja Vidic gave a healthy glow to a game played out in the freezing Hawthorns stadium.
Not only did Sir Alex Ferguson relish his attack firing on all cylinders, but at the other end of the pitch United entered the record books as the meanest defence in Premier League history.
Since Samir Nasri’s double in the defeat at Arsenal nearly three months ago, they have been unbreakable. This achievement has been made all the more remarkable by the disturbances caused by injuries and suspensions to Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael Da Silva.
One constant has remained in Nemanja Vidic. The Serb’s dominating presence has been the foundation the Mancunians have built upon, putting him in the picture for the Player of the Year honours.
With Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra likely to line up alongside him against Everton, another three points should be headed their way to pile the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea before they clash on Sunday afternoon.
From Merseyside To Manchester
The disappointment of conceding a scarcely deserved injury-time leveller can knock even the best of teams out of their stride. Thankfully for all Everton fans, manager David Moyes’ players are made of sterner stuff.
Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal saw the Toffees outplay their opponents for long spells of the game. A win would have put their blue noses firmly into the fight for 4th place and the pot of gold awarded to Champions League qualifiers.
Across the pitch they bettered their counterparts in Red, and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Tim Cahill nodded home a typical rising header.
As the clock moved beyond the 90 minute mark, this had seemed enough to put them on the path to the upper echelons of the table, before Robin Van Persie intervened majestically with a stinging left-footed shot over Tim Howard’s head.
This result will bring back memories of the trip to Old Trafford last year. On that day, Steven Pienaar’s moment of madness in the 88th minute set up Cristiano Ronaldo to cruelly fire United to a 2-1 victory from the penalty spot.
Moyes will also recall October’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. This fixture saw the Red Devils hanging onto the ropes as a second half onslaught from Everton threatened to blow them away.
A repeat performance from the Blues would draw a line under their midweek frustrations. But, with an FA Cup replay to come against Liverpool, the attraction of local bragging rights may just be too much of a distraction for them to replicate this ferocious performance.
FORM GUIDE
Manchester United:
27th January vs. West Bromwich Albion (A) won 5-0 (PREM)
24th January vs. Tottenham Hotspur (H) won 2-1 (FA CUP)
20th January vs. Derby County (H) won 4-2 (CARLING CUP)
17th January vs. Bolton Wanderers (A) won 1-0 (PREM)
14th January vs. Wigan Athletic (H) won 1-0 (PREM)
Everton:
28th January vs. Arsenal (H) drew 1-1- (PREM)
25th January vs. Liverpool (A) drew 1-1- (FA CUP)
19th January vs. Liverpool (A) drew 1-1 (PREM)
10th January vs. Hull City (H) won 2-0 (PREM)
3rd January vs. Macclesfield Town (A) won 1-0 (FA CUP)
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United:
The overworked Manchester United medical team can finally begin to relax as the club’s injury crisis starts to recede, with Fabio and Danny Welbeck joining Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand in the matchday squad.
Everton old boy Wayne Rooney (hamstring), Patrice Evra (foot) and Nani (groin) are still a week away from full fitness, whilst Jonny Evans (ankle), Rafael (hamstring) and Anderson (ankle) remain sidelined along with Owen Hargreaves (knee).
Last starting XI (vs. West Bromwich Albion): Van der Sar, Neville (Eckersley 71), Ferdinand (Brown 70), Vidic, O'Shea, Park, Carrick, Giggs, Ronaldo, Berbatov (Tošić 77), Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson.
Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea, Fabio, Chester, Eckersley, Ronaldo, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Gibson, Possebon, Tevez, Berbatov, Welbeck.
Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, O’Shea, Ronaldo, Park, Giggs, Carrick, Tevez, Berbatov.
Everton:
With one eye on the FA Cup clash with Liverpool, David Moyes is expected to rest Tim Cahill (foot) and Marouane Fellaini (shin).
The Scottish manager will also be without long-term absentees Louis Saha (hamstring), Nuno Valente (knee), Yakubu (knee) and James Vaughan (knee).
Last starting XI (vs. Arsenal): Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Arteta, Neville, Pienaar, Fellaini, Cahill (Anichebe 86).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Yobo, Castillo, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Gosling.
Squad: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Anichebe, Gosling, Castillo, Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Nash, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Jutkiewicz.
Possible starting XI: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Pienaar, Anichebe.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester United: Away from the euphoria surrounding the Red Devils’ record-breaking defence, Ryan Giggs has been just as impressive in a new central midfield berth. His rebirth reached another peak against West Brom in midweek as he laid on three assists for his team-mates. The Welsh legend won a last-minute penalty in this fixture last season. If Giggs plays a big part again, then United stand every chance of notching another victory in the race to the Premier League crown.
Everton: There aren’t many centre-backs in finer form than Phil Jagielka. In tandem with Joleon Lescott, the ex-Sheffield United man has been a rock at the heart of the Toffees' defence. The last few weeks have seen him shackle Fernando Torres & Emmanuel Adebayor during his side’s seven-game run without defeat. If he affords the same iron-fisted treatment to the United front-line, then this spell could be extended beyond the weekend.
PREDICTION
Even though Wednesday’s match against Liverpool is firmly on the Toffees' radar, this is still going to be a big test of the Mancunians' title winning credentials.
United seem prepared to tackle anything that comes their way at the moment though, and should persevere against their feisty opponents.
Manchester United 1-0 Everton
Resource: Goal.com
Friday, January 30, 2009
Report: Carlos Tevez Weighing Up Manchester United Alternatives
Carlos Tevez is starting to seriously contemplate a future outside of Manchester United, according to a report in the British broadsheet The Guardian.
While the 24-year-old, who moved to Old Trafford in 2007, would prefer to extend his stay with the Red Devils, it is thought he is not happy that his future is yet to be decided.
Apparently, chief executive David Gill had insisted that United would pay the €24.3 million (£22m) needed to secure his services permanently before Christmas, so Tevez is concerned it is still yet to be done.
Although the 5ft 6in Argentina forward has started 22 games this season - as many as Dimitar Berbatov - a handful of those have been in the League Cup, and it has become apparent that once everybody is fit there is no place in the starting line-up for the former West Ham player.
Spanish giants Real Madrid and Italian heavyweights Inter are believed to be possible destinations for the former Boca Juniors and Corinthians star, as, it is alleged, are Manchester City.
Citizens manager Mark Hughes may have acquired Robinho and Craig Bellamy this season and could still swoop for Roque Santa Cruz, but an 'inside source' at Eastlands is quoted as saying, "Mark [Hughes] certainly likes him [Carlos Tevez], he's very much a Mark Hughes type of player."
Resource: Goal.com
Rio Ferdinand: Veterans Will Give Manchester United The Edge
When it comes to winning Premier League titles, nobody is better than Manchester United.
The Red Devils have racked up some ten triumphs since the competition's inception in 1992. The next best are Arsenal, with three.
The likes of Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have been vital contributors to the club's success in the past 15 years, while Ryan Giggs has been around for every one of Sir Alex Ferguson's titles.
And Rio Ferdinand, 30, believes the most experienced members of the United squad will take charge and get the job done at the business end of the campaign.
He said in The Sun, “It is easier when you have experienced players in your camp - the likes of Giggsy [Ryan Giggs], Nev [Gary Neville], Scholesey [Paul Scholes] - players who have won the league before.
“Maybe that is the edge we have on other teams.”
United currently sit two points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the table.
Resource: Goal.com
Premier League Ready To Scrap Transfer Window - Report
The Daily Mail claims that Premier League clubs will hold a landmark meeting to discuss a potential reformatting of the current, and ever-controversial, transfer system.
In particular, the delegates from England's top-tier teams will address the possibility of closing the January window permanently to put a stop to the inter-club bickering that breaks out every New Year's.
This winter has been especially full of discontent, as bosses across the country have accused one another of improper conduct and illegal approaches for certain players.
Wigan gaffer Steve Bruce recently claimed that Manchester City inquired after Wilson Palacios (pictured) with the sole aim of unsettling the Honduran and pushing him toward Tottenham Hotspur, who in turn would step aside to allow City a free run at Craig Bellamy.
"It just benefits big clubs because they can pray more on clubs like us [Wigan]," Bruce recently said of the current transfer layout.
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is another who has openly criticised the player-trading setup as it stands, as he believes it takes the focus away from football.
"It's a nonsense the way it is and purely a distraction for players at this time," Southgate told the press recently.
But it isn't just the less fashionable clubs complaining. Liverpool are planning to report Tottenham to the Premier League for tapping-up Robbie Keane, after Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted he liked the player.
And so, in an attempt to put an end to all this feuding, the clubs will meet next Thursday to mull over alternative options, such as a return to the year-round system.
This is sure to attract the attention of FIFA and UEFA, as an abandonment of the current scheme would put England out of phase with the rest of Europe.
Resource: Goal.com
England Watch: Keeping Tabs On Italy's Champions League Opposition
Every matchday from now until the resumption of the Champions League, Goal.com will take a look at how the English teams are progressing ahead of their big last 16 ties against the Italians...
The countdown has started! There is just over a month to go before English and Italian sides will square off in the Champions League.
Arsenal will take on Roma, reigning European and world champions Manchester United will face Inter and Chelsea will clash with Juventus. Which sides will prevail and go through? Will one nation overpower the other? We will lead you to the event by monitoring the health status of the contenders after every official game.
Here we go…
WHAT HAPPENED?
West Bromwich Albion 0-5 Manchester United: An attacking masterclass against ten-man West Brom kept United's title challenge on the right path. Ryan Giggs was the creative engine of the side, but the goals came from Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic, and Cristiano Ronaldo (two). The Red Devils kept it tight at the back and effective up front: just what the doctor ordered.
Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough: This wasn't the most convincing of wins, but Chelsea at least managed to keep a clean sheet and not worry themselves while defending set pieces. A brace from Salomon Kalou gave the Blues three vital points, and Luiz Felipe Scolari will be happy with a job effectively, if not brilliantly, done.
Everton 1-1 Arsenal: Arsenal dropped yet more points away from home, leading some to wonder whether or not they're even going to finish in the Top Four this season. Nevertheless Everton are tough opponents, and Tim Cahill's second-half goal seemed to have given the Toffees the victory. However, Robin Van Persie popped up right at the end to equalise. This keeps Arsenal five points ahead of Everton but does their title challenge no good whatsoever; nonetheless coach Arsene Wenger is pleased with his side's "character."
TOP & FLOP
Manchester United: Ryan Giggs helped to set up no fewer than four of his side's five goals, suggesting that there's life in this old Welshman yet. Such was the performance that nobody could be called a flop. Edwin Van der Sar was lowest rated by our team but that was because he barely had to touch the ball - that's eleven Prem clean sheets in a row for the veteran.
Chelsea: Salomon Kalou did more than simply score twice - he was really the attacking engine for his side. But Florent Malouda was most disappointing; not only did he last just 45 minutes, but he did very little during that time. Are transfer rumours preying on his mind?
Arsenal: Robin Van Persie's late goal did a world of good for the Gunners and thus he must be called their man of the match, but Johan Djourou also had a fairly good game at the back. Emmanuel Adebayor was, as befits his recent form, less than effective.
TREATMENT TABLE
Manchester United: The injury situation remains worrying at Old Trafford. Rafael and Welbeck remain out, and Wes Brown (ankle), Patrice Evra (foot), Wayne Rooney (hamstring), Park Ji Sung (hamstring), Anderson (knee), Jonny Evans (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) aren't yet ready to play. One positive for the Red Devils, though, was that Rio Ferdinand returned against the Baggies and appeared to be fighting fit.
Chelsea: Ricardo Carvalho missed out again, while Jon Obi Mikel made his comeback. Deco managed to make it onto the bench, while John Terry also returned from injury. In short, the only concerns beyond Carvalho are long-term absentees Michael Essien and Joe Cole, the latter of whom will not kick a ball again this season.
Arsenal: Eduardo da Silva's return to training came a bit too soon for him to take part here, but William Gallas is back from his injury and he managed to play against Everton. Long-term injuries blight the side: Tomas Rosicky, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott are all still some way from a return. Mikael Silvestre, though, is likely to make a comeback shortly.
PRESS ROOM SOUND BITES
Manchester United, Alex Ferguson: "The scoreline was important. We showed a ruthless streak about us, possibly for the first time this season. It has been a long time coming and we needed it because I think goal difference could play a part. It is a satisfying result in that respect."
Chelsea, Wilkins [assistant manager]: "We haven't scored too many from set plays this season so it's nice to see a couple. They were very well taken as well from Salomon, a great volley, great technique and a good header at the back post."
Arsenal, Wenger: "When you are 1-0 down with a minute to go and you get a point you are relieved. It was a game where two teams gave everything and we showed quality and character. We showed fighting spirit, passion and intensity and Robin van Persie scored an exceptional goal. We can pass the ball better but you have to give a lot of credit to Everton. They play in an intelligent way and play a kind of game that made a passing game very difficult. It is a game we wanted to win but it was one we couldn't afford to lose so maybe it is not too bad."
Resource: Goal.com
Wigan Athletic Tell Real Madrid To Increase Valencia Offer – Report
The Latics have turned down a €12.9 million bid for the Ecuador international...
According to a report in British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mirror, Spanish giants Real Madrid have had an offer of €12.9 million (£12m) for Antonio Valencia rejected by Premier League club Wigan Athletic.
The report states that Los Merengues sent a delegation to the JJB Stadium yesterday to submit the offer and begin negotiations but the Latics have told them to up their bid to €19.5m (£18m).
It is thought that Wigan manager Steve Bruce is extremely keen to keep hold of the 23-year-old versatile midfielder.
However, Los Blancos' head coach Juande Ramos is believed to have identified the Ecuador international as the missing piece in their jigsaw while the player himself is also eager to move to a 'bigger' club.
It is alleged that the news may alert Manchester United as manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also an admirer of the winger.
Wigan are unlikely to budge from their high asking price as it is believed they owe a percentage of any profit made on the player to his former club Villarreal as part of a clause which took him to the Latics in 2007.
Resource: Goal.com
Chelsea & Liverpool Missed Their Chance - Ryan Giggs
After thrashing West Bromwich Albion 5-0 on Tuesday night, Manchester United hold a two-point lead - plus a game in hand - as we approach the business end of the Premier League campaign.
At the turn of the year it looked as though Chelsea and Liverpool were set to make it a two-horse race, with the Reds seeming to stamp their authority on the competition by demoralising Newcastle United in their last game of 2008.
At that point United trailed by eight points, due to a combination of their slow start to the season and a fixture pile-up caused by their Club World Cup jaunt in Japan.
But while Rafael Benitez's men have failed to pick up a win this year and Luiz Felipe Scolari's Blues have endured some alarming inconsistency, the Red Devils have shot to the top with a string of fine displays.
And Ryan Giggs, one of United's most impressive performers this term, thinks that Chelsea and Liverpool may live to rue their wastefulness during the holiday period.
"We had to go to Tokyo but no one really capitalised on us being away," the veteran midfielder said in The Times. "It has turned around quicker than we expected."
United are now the clear favourites to claim what would be a third consecutive English title, especially as they now face a string of favourable fixtures in the run home.
But with only three points separating them from fourth-placed Aston Villa, Giggs knows full well that there are plenty of hurdles to overcome yet.
The Welshman added, "The testing time will maybe come with the last stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup, along with important league games."
Resource: Goal.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Rio Ferdinand Hails 'Businesslike' Manchester United
The Red Devils' England defender is looking for his team-mates to continue going about their work in the brisk and efficient manner that they have done over recent weeks...
Manchester United skipper Rio Ferdinand is delighted with his team's current form, and wants them to continue with their brisk momentum right up until the end of the season.
The Red Devils are chasing an unprecedented 'quadruple' of Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup, a feat never matched in England, although Celtic, of Scotland, managed such a feat in 1967, the year before United won their first European Cup.
Ferdinand has highighted the efficiency and professionalism in the current United squad, as they have overcome the adversity of a crowded fixture schedule and a long injury list to overhaul Liverpool at the top of the table in the last week.
"It is just about continuing what we have been doing. I think we have been very tight of late. We have got players who are very businesslike at the moment," Ferdiand explained to The Manchester Evening News today.
"The players want to get the job done, score goals, want to defend - and defend for our lives - and keep clean sheets.
"With that form, you are onto a good thing, but medals haven't been handed out yet so we are not going to get ahead of ourselves. We set ourselves a target, we have got to where we wanted to be at this stage, and we need to continue that now."
The commanding centre-back has missed 11 games this season due to a niggling back injury, allowing youngsters such as Jonny Evans to step into the breach and excel, but Rio remains confident that the injury can be managed effectively as he looks to help drive the side on to yet another successful season.
"I could have played a little bit longer at West Brom but the manager brought me off. I am fine. There are no problems," he added.
"I've just got to keep on top of it, keep working hard and keep doing my training, and continue to be injury free hopefully."
Resource: Goal.com
Manchester United's Giggs & Ferdinand Hail Edwin Van Der Sar
Edwin van der Sar can officially call himself a record breaker now. Following last night's 5-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, the Dutchman has kept his goal intact for the eleventh game in succession, and for over 1,025 minutes, a record previously held by Chelsea's goalkeeper, Petr Cech.
United icons Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs have joined together today to praise the Dutchman, still going strong at a relatively advanced 38 years of age.
"Edwin is the best keeper I've played with. It's as simple as that," asserted Ferdinand earlier.
"The record, the stuff we've won together, the assuredness that he transmits from himself to the back four, is great.
"I also don't think I've seen a better keeper with his feet to be honest either. He's got an extra year in terms of his contract and I am sure he's got the capabilities to go and do it again."
The Red Devils' midfield veteran Giggs felt that it was van der Sar's composure that had been his biggest asset to the side this season, with the experienced keeper providing a steadiness and calmness to balance the enthusiasm of a United team whose average age seems to drop each week.
"Edwin just gives that calming influence right throughout the team, with his calmness on the ball when we play back passes to him, and his general goalkeeping is sound really," Giggs explained in today's Manchester Evening News.
"That calming influence goes right through the team. He is getting better with age. Obviously he has got great players in front of him but, when he is called upon, he never makes a mistake.
"With the clean sheets, Edwin has done brilliant over the last two or three months."
Despite the Dutchman's greatness, Giggs still feels that it would be unfair to compare him with one of United's all-time greats between the sticks, the ‘Great Dane’, Peter Schmeichel.
"Is he as good as Schmeichel? They are both great keepers. You can't really compare them. They are both brilliant, both international keepers, both who have had great careers," Giggs added, before highlighting, once again, the collective mentality at Old Trafford, stating: "You've got to credit the defenders, the keeper and the whole team for the way they have defended."
Resource: Goal.com
Christoph Metzelder: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not Worth €100m
Real Madrid defender, Christoph Metzelder, has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for saying players are worth €100 million in this time of crisis, reposting by explaining he thinks that Messi and Robben are the best right now...
Christoph Metzelder has looked at football from an economic point of view by disagreeing with comments made by Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday.
The Portuguese superstar claimed that he and Kaká were worth the price tag of €100 million, but Real Madrid defender, Metzelder, does not agree.
"They are special players, who make the difference in a team, but in a time of financial crisis, I do not believe that one player is worth €100 million. That is not normal," he told Marca.
Indeed, no-one is yet to break the €100 million mark for a transfer fee, but it seemed like Kaká was close to doing so when details of his potential switch to Manchester City were discovered.
However, Metzelder claimed today that two other players have caught his eye, and they are both in Spain at the moment.
"I believe that right now [Lionel] Messi is the best player in the world, although he is young and he needs people to help him on the pitch. A strong team is more important than individuals but at this time, for me, he and [Arjen] Robben are the best," he asserted.
For Real Madrid and Metzelder, things seemed to have improved lately with the arrival of Juande Ramos; a change that has seen them starting to win games regularly.
The German admitted that having the new coach has helped him and his chances of playing.
"The coach is always an important figure for a player because he is the one that chooses the players. For me, a lot has changed with the arrival of Juande Ramos, as I have a greater chance to play. He is happy with my work and with my effort, although a lot of competition exists in my position. I believe that things have improved for me," he acknowledged.
Despite the arrival of Juande though, the league still looks a distant dream for Real Madrid, and Metzelder said that the Champions League is their goal now.
"We have worked very well in the last few weeks and we are ready for the league - it is always the first objective - but we are also looking at the Champions League game against Liverpool. It is worth everything for us this year," he opined.
"We have to win all our games and hope that Barcelona slip-up. It is difficult, but it is our duty as players of Real Madrid. We know that the Champions League is a tough competition. They are two large challenges for this team. We have improved and we are ready to confront the two objectives with our all."
Resource: Goal.com
Manchester United Check Out Rangers Starlet
Manchester United have been running the rule over Scottish giants Rangers' promising youngster John Fleck, according to a report in British tabloid The Sun.
17-year-old Fleck, who is the nephew of former Rangers, Norwich and Chelsea forward Robert, is a tricky midfielder and has drawn comparisons with Wayne Rooney due to both his ability and physical appearance.
Despite his young age, he has already made a handful of appearances for Rangers including an appearance in the 2008 Scottish Cup Final. He drew particular applause for his performance against Aberdeen last Saturday and has featured in all of the Gers’ last four fixtures.
Reports suggest that Alex Ferguson sent his brother, Martin, to watch the youngster play 70 minutes of that Aberdeen fixture last weekend.
However, Manchester United may have a fight on their hand to land Fleck, as Chelsea are also thought to be interested in the teenager’s services.
Resource: Goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson Hails Record Breaking Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar
Manchester United slaughtered midland opposition West Bromwich Albion this evening by an emphatic five goal scoreline.
Instead of praising his player's attacking prowess though, Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to hail record-breaking shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar.
The retired Dutch international secured a tenth successive clean sheet in the Premier League and, insodoing, broke Petr Cech and Chelsea's previous record of going 1,025 minutes unbeaten.
"I am proud of them," Ferguson is quoted by BBC as saying.
"They have been fantastic in this run. Edwin van der Sar has had a fantastic career, but he was really pleased to get this record. You look at him and what happened has really thrilled him."
Van der Sar added: "The most important thing is the win, but of course it is great for the team to get the record. I just needed to keep the concentration levels high and fire up the defenders and midfielders.
"We are delighted with the record because we haven't even had a settled defence, with players injured and others coming in and out."
Sir Alex, noting the 5-0 score, added: "The scoreline was important. We showed a ruthless streak about us, possibly for the first time this season.
"It has been a long time coming and we needed it because I think goal difference could play a part. It is a satisfying result in that respect."
Manchester United now move three points clear of second-placed Liverpool, and third-placed Aston Villa (who have played a game extra). Liverpool though are to play tomorrow evening.
Resource: Goal.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Vidic braced for FIFA ruling: United defender could receive three-match ban
Manchester United's defender Nemanja Vidic gets his marching orders from referee Ravshan IrmatovThe Serbia international could receive a three-match ban after he was sent off in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Liga de Quito.
Vidic was sent-off for raising his elbow into the face of LDU Quito’s Claudio Bieler four minutes into the second half of his side’s 1-0 win.
He will serve a minimum of a one-game ban which means he will miss the first leg of the first knockout round against Inter at the San Siro.
A FIFA disciplinary committee will study the incident and decide if the offence was worthy of a longer suspension.
United have pointed out that AC MIlan defender Kakha Kaladze was sent-off in the 2007 final and served no European ban but the disciplinary rules were different then.
Resource: Mail Online
Player Ratings: West Brom 0-5 Manchester United
Manchester United thrashed West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns. Goal.com rates the performers.WEST BROM
Carson: 5.0 - Will not have enjoyed his evening. Made some decent stops but will be remembered for the howler that saw him drop the ball for United’s second.
Hoefkens: 6.0 – Had a decent first half, keeping Ronaldo quiet, however it was a different story after the break.
Pele: 5.0 – The United defence gave himself all sorts of problems, particularly Tevez, and he struggled against their pace and passing.
Donk: 5.5 – Had a difficult evening at the back, sloppy and static but was a little unlucky to hit the post early in the second half.
Robinson: 4.0 – His red card may have been a little harsh but an early departure all but handed the game to the visitors.
Zuiverloon: 5.5 – Found it hard going against the energetic Park and was replaced just after the hour.
Valero: 6.0 – Worked hard and didn’t give up but another player who had a difficult evening.
Koren: 6.0 – Struggled to get involved and was simply outclassed at times.
Brunt: 6.0 – Wasted a number of free kicks in decent positions and his crossing was wayward.
Simpson: 6.5 – He looked lively and was not afraid to take on Vidic and Ferdinand in the early exchanges.
Fortune: 6.5 - Looked a threat and combined well with Simpson, however forced off at half-time after manager Mowbray attempted to organise following the red card.
Substitutes
Cech (Fortune, 46), Morrison (Zuiverloon, 64), Bednar (Simpson, 64)
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 6.5 – Had little to do in truth but will be delighted to have kept a Premier League record 11th consecutive clean sheet.
Neville: 7.0 – A comfortable evening for the skipper.
Ferdinand: 7.0 – Back in the side and a looked like he’d never been away.
Vidic: 7.5 - Great header for the goal and defensively untroubled.
O'Shea: 7.0 – Another solid shift by O’Shea who ensured Patrice Evra was not missed.
Park: 8.0 - An unsung hero for United, worked unbelievably hard and his movement caused West Brom all sorts of problems.
Carrick: 8.5 – A little unlucky not to score himself, but set up Berbatov for the first with some great interplay and cleared one off the line at the other end.
Giggs: 9.0 – He continues to impress, had a hand in four of the goals and is in a rich vein of form.
Ronaldo: 8.0 – He looked out of sorts initially but still managed two goals and West Brom must be glad he wasn’t quite at the top of his game.
Berbatov: 8.5 - An increasing presence in the United side, Berbatov looks as though he is nearing top form. Great goal to open the scoring, great set up for Ronaldo and looked class throughout.
Tevez: 8.5 - Might have had more than the one goal his performance deserved after a Carson mistake but also helped set up two others.
Substitutes
Brown (Ferdinand, 71) Tosic (Berbatov, 77), Eckersley (Neville, 71)
Resource: Goal.com
Manchester United Go Three Clear With West Brom Win
West Brom went a man down in the first half, and the flood gates opened. The Baggies were humbled, the Red Devils were rampant...
Bottom of the league West Bromwich Albion and top of the table Manchester United were poles apart in the Premier League prior to kick-off, and their contrasting fortunes in England's top division were reflecting on the field, as West Bromwich Albion were hit for five after ninety minutes.
Due to congestion problems on the motorways leading into the Midlands, the game - scheduled to kick off at 19:45 GMT - was postponed for 30 minutes. For visiting fans who had got to their seats early, it would have been well worth the wait.
Chances fell to both sides within the first ten minutes, as some good link up play between hard-working Ji 'three-lunged' Park, and Dimitar Berbatov led to an early effort, but the Bulgarian squirted a tame shot into the clutches of Scott Carson.
Marc-Antoine Fortune and Jay Simpson both then spurned two separate strikes that could have granted the Baggies an early lead. Fortune's shot though was deflected off-target, and Simpson - on loan from Arsenal - failed to get the ball past an adamant and rigid Gary Neville who was all too eager to block with his body.
United began their rout on the 22nd minute when a throw in led to a swift one-two between Michael Carrick and Berbatov, on the edge of the box, and the former Tottenham striker was not as limp with his strike this time round and beat Carson with a low drive.
It was clearly not going to be West Brom's day when key defender, Paul Robinson, was sent off the pitch for an early bath for a slide on Park. Then, one minute from the break, a clanger from Carson led to United's second.
The erratic England international failed to collect a cross, and stocky Argentine forward rushed in to give the Red Devils a two goal, and one man, cushion going into the dressing room for their half-time team talk.
It took just a quarter of an hour for United to extend their lead after the re-start. Veteran winger Ryan Giggs sent in a well-weighted box-bound cross that Nemanja Vidic sent into the net with the help of a nod. He was unmarked, and Tony Mowbray will be fuming with not only Rob Styles' decision to send off his captain and the flapping of Carson in the first half, but the sloppy defending on display in the second.
For the fourth, Giggs and Ronaldo skipped through a static Brom defence and the recently crowned World Player of the Year was in a central position to easily side-foot the ball home for his ninth league goal of the season.
The Portuguese international secured his tenth eight minutes later when Berbatov played the role of provider in a move that bore suspicions of offside, but the goal stood and Carson ended up on the wrong end of a booking for his heavy protests.
United were rampant, and moved three points clear of Liverpool, who travel to Wigan on Wednesday evening.
The clean sheet also meant that Edwin van der Sar had not conceded a Premier League goal for ten games, and has thus broken Petr Cech's (Chelsea) previous record of going 1,025 minutes unbeaten.
LINE UPS
West Bromwich Albion: Carson - Hoefkens; Pele; Donk; Robinson - Zuiverloon; Borja Valero; Koren; Brunt - Simpson; Fortune.
Manchester United: Van der Sar - Neville; Ferdinand; Vidic; O'Shea - Park; Carrick; Giggs; Ronaldo - Berbatov; Tevez.
Resource: Goal.com
Ryan Giggs Wants Manchester United To Stay Top
After the Reds have clawed back the disadvantage they conceded in the title race whilst becoming World Champions over in Japan with such efficiency, their evergreen Welshman wants them to lead from the front for the rest of the season.
Ryan Giggs is looking for his Manchester United team-mates to maintain the high standards of professionalism they have shown in overhauling Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League, and stay at the top until the end of the season.
Giggs, a veteran of no fewer than ten successful Premier League championship campaigns, is positive that the Red Devils can head the league until May, but he knows that such a feat will require much hard work.
"Once you hit the front, you want to stay there," he told The Manchester Evening News.
"We always try to be somewhere near at Christmas. If there are one or two points between the top two or three it is whoever goes into the last few weeks in form.
"But we know what the run-in is like, and there is no doubt we want the others chasing us rather than the other way round."
Asked to fill a slightly unfamiliar role as a central midfielder recently against Chelsea, Giggs also revealed that such fixtures help to keep his natural motivation levels high as he nears his 36th birthday.
"I was really up for it," he added about the Chelsea game. "I had not started the previous games against the big four, so I was delighted to be told I was playing.
"You become a footballer to play in these big games. That is why it is great playing for United - because Chelsea was just one of many."
Should United capture the Premier League crown again this season, then it will be Giggs's 11th title, the number that matches the one displayed on the back of his red shirt throughout his time at Old Trafford. Although the player himself is unconcerned about such symbolism, he is keen to win another title.
He said: "I don’t really think of it in these terms. But yes, it would definitely be nice to get 11."
Resource: Goal.com
Cristiano Ronaldo Aiming For Perfect 10 In 2009
Looking at the statistics sheet, it seems Cristiano Ronaldo's 2007-08 campaign was virtually flawless. Very rarely does a player score 42 goals in a season, let alone win on the way to winning both the Premier League and Champions League.
Naturally, the individual accolades soon followed, as the Manchester United star claimed the Ballon d'Or and the FIFPro award before being named the FIFA World Player of the Year earlier this month.
However, the 23-year-old believes he has a lot more to give, and he refused to give himself a perfect score when asked to give his efforts last term a mark out of 10.
“I can’t say 10, so nine,” Ronaldo said in The Daily Star. “I think I can improve all the time.
“10 is the maximum and I haven’t reached that yet so, I’d give myself nine. I hope 10 out of 10 is to come. I believe it will.
“My challenge is always to be better and better. You have to try for that. If you don’t try, you won’t win anything.”
The current campaign has been a frustrating one for Ronaldo, as he is yet to reach top form after spending the first few months on the sidelines.
And while the former Sporting Lisbon sensation is starting to back into the groove of things, he puts the Red Devils' fortunes above his own.
He said, “Some things went against me at the start of the season when I was injured, but my form is coming back and the team are winning. That’s the most important thing.
“Me scoring goals is not important, as long as the team wins. If that happens, I win too. I know if I keep working hard and doing the right things, my form is going to get better and better, so I don’t worry.
“I do try to make people happy with the way I play. When people come to the stadium to watch you, they want to enjoy themselves, and I try to make that happen.
“When you win, then everything is good. Winning, scoring, and beating defenders, that’s the order I like it.”
Resource: Goal.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Debutants earn praise
United’s three debutants against Tottenham Hotspur – Fabio, Richard Eckersley and Zoran Tosic – have drawn praise for their impressive Old Trafford bows.
Injuries may be testing the full depth of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad, but the situation is also offering chances to young players, with United fans introduced to more new faces in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
“They did really well,” Paul Scholes told MUTV. “Fabio did really well and it’s unfortunate that he picked up an injury. But then Eckersley came on and did really well. He’s been out for three months with a knee injury, so to come straight into a first-team game is really good, and Zoran came on towards the end, dug in and defended for us really well.”
Fabio, whose twin brother Rafael has already made 18 appearances in the first-team, really caught the eye with a confident performance at left-back before eventually being forced off with a calf strain. "The da Silva brothers have got great temperament to play,” said Sir Alex. “They’ve got a winning mentality. Like Rafael, Fabio loves playing and loves training, the enthusiasm is always there."
Reds goalkeeper Ben Foster was in the perfect position to judge Fabio’s first outing for the Reds. “Confidence is something that those twins definitely aren’t lacking!” he said. “Since they arrived they have been absolutely fantastic. Fabio has been a bit unlucky with injuries, but he’s definitely one for the future.”
Resource: manutd.com
Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves on road to recovery after second knee operation
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has taken the first hesitant steps on the road to full fitness after having a second knee operation.
The £17million midfielder was on crutches after surgery in Colorado to fix the long-standing tendinitis problem that is threatening to wreck his career.
The 28-year-old is due back in England this week to start rehabilitation and hopes to take part in pre-season training.
But time could be running out on his plans to revive an England career that has earned him 42 caps.
A source close to the player said: 'Owen hopes the operation was successful but we have to wait and see.'
Resource: Mail Online
Ben Foster Hails Dimitar Berbatov After FA Cup Win
Ben Foster was in no doubt as to who Manchester United owed their victory over Tottenham Hotspur to.
Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster praised the performance of striker Dimitar Berbatov after the Bulgarian hit the winner against his former side Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.
Spurs took the lead early in the match through Roman Pavyluchenko. However, United hit back through Paul Scholes and Berbatov to seal the win.
The champions’ equaliser did, however, take a heavy deflection off Tom Huddlestone, and Foster admitted that the intervention had proved crucial.
Speaking to the BBC he explained: “I think Carlos has lifted his leg up and let it run under him and I think it just caught Huddlestone or someone like that by total surprise, just clipped him on his leg and gone in the bottom corner.”
Berbatov then added a second minutes after Scholes’ equaliser and Foster said it had been a great finish by the striker. The United shot-stopper said: “[It was a] fantastic pass from Carrick, and Berba in those sorts of areas is pretty lethal. I mean I get to see him do that in training day in and day out. He was fantastic today.”
After three goals in the opening half, the performance by both sides after the break failed to reach the heights of the first half, which Foster blamed on the pitch: “I think the pitch was quite heavy and a bit bobby, it didn’t lead to much good football.”
However, the champions held on for a win that takes them into the fifth round of the FA Cup and their goalkeeper felt that an unprecedented quadruple was within his side’s sights. He said: “We are Man United, I think that’s got to be our aim at the start of every season. We’ve already won the Club World Cup as well, we’ve got to believe we can go on and win everything we play in.”
After featuring in the Carling Cup in midweek, today’s game was Foster’s second consecutive match for the champions and he admitted it was pleasing to get a run in the side.
“It’s probably been a couple of years now since I’ve had two games on the run,” he said before concluding, “It’s been a long time since I’ve played consecutive games and long may it continue - but I doubt it will!”
Resource: Goal.com
Player Ratings: Manchester Utd 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United came from behind to dump Tottenham Hotspur out of the FA Cup. Goal.com rates the performers …
MANCHESTER UNITED
Foster: 6.5 - Could only stand and watch as Pavyluchenko’s header flew past him but other than that, had very little to do.
O’Shea: 6.5 – Aside from letting in Bale at the start of the second half, did very little wrong and looked composed throughout.
Neville: 7.0 – A couple of poor clearances invited Spurs to shoot but otherwise the skipper did well in an unfamiliar position.
Vidic: 6.5 - Got to Pavlyuchenko but couldn’t prevent the Russian scoring, however he stood firm aside from that and Spurs got little change out of the Serbian.
Fabio Da Silva: 7.0 – A decent first start, made some thrilling runs forward and not afraid of attacking Bentley.
Welbeck: 7.0 -Very lively out on the right, looked particularly good with the ball at his feet and made several dangerous runs forward.
Ronaldo: 6.0 – A quiet game in truth. He was well-marshalled by the Spurs defence and aside from a couple of shots which Alnwick saved comfortably, offered little.
Carrick: 7.0 – Looked good, his corner set up the first and a superb ball found Berbatov for the second.
Scholes: 7.0 - Sloppy in the early stages but improved and hit the equaliser with a low shot, although it needed a deflection to beat Alnwick.
Berbatov: 7.5 - Took up some great positions and his movement off the ball troubled Spurs. Great touch and shot for the second goal.
Tevez: 8.5 - Hustled from the front and his work rate was something else. Combined well with Berbatov and Welbeck and unlucky to hit the woodwork with a curling shot.
Substitutes
Eckersley: 6.0 - An injury to Fabio handed him a debut and he did OK.
Tosic: 6.5 – Given a brief cameo and showed a few encouraging signs.
Fletcher: n/a
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Alnwick: 7.0 – Much better from the young stopper. No chance with either goal, but a great stop from Tevez in the first half and Ronaldo in the second.
Gunter: 6.5 - Defensively decent, particularly a great block on Welbeck to deny a goalscoring chance but not interested in bringing the ball forward.
Corluka: 7.0 - Read the game very well and made some good interceptions.
Dawson: 7.0 – Alongside Corluka, he ensured Spurs were difficult to break down; another solid performance.
Assou-Ekotto: 7.5 – Defensively he did well against Welbeck and also looked Spurs’ best outlet with some good runs and balls in from the left wing.
Bentley: 6.5 - Better from Bentley, who worked hard and looked to have taken recent criticism on board. Offered some good delivery and wasn’t afraid to shoot at goal.
Huddlestone: 6.5 - Great ball in for the opener and helped out his defence well but far too ponderous in possession and unwilling to support his forwards.
Zokora: 6.0 – A solid shift in midfield, but Spurs needed more from their midfield which simply wasn’t forthcoming.
Bale: 6.0 - Played high up on the left against O’Shea. Early effort in the second half but fired wide and continues to look low on confidence.
Modric: 5.0 – An ineffective first half from the Croatian and it was little surprise to see him replaced at half-time.
Pavlyuchenko: 7.0 – A simply superb header handed the visitors the lead but seriously lacked service.
Substitutes
Giovani: 6.0 – A slight improvement on Modric but missed a decent opportunity with five minutes to go.
Taarabt: 6.0 - Came on to add attacking impetus but failed to get into the match.
Defoe: 6.0 - Given 20 minutes but barely saw the ball.
Resource: Goal.com
Scholes And Berbatov Put Manchester United Through At Expense Of Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United progress to the fifth round of the competition and end Harry Redknapp’s hopes of a historic FA Cup double. Tottenham took the lead through a quality Roman Pavlyuchenko header before Paul Scholes and Dimitar Berbatov scored two quick fire goals to put the tie beyond the Lilywhites. Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
The game at Old Trafford saw the two most successful sides in the history of the competition come head to head. Alex Ferguson’s injury hit side came from behind to triumph over Harry Redknapp’s patchwork Tottenham team. The result see’s Manchester United progress into the fifth round draw and ends Redknapp’s hopes of becoming the first manager to ever eliminate United with four different clubs, at least for this season.
Despite a tentative start from both sides it was Tottenham that opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a well worked goal. A slack clearance saw the ball fall to Tom Huddlestone on the right flank, he drove to the edge of the box and floated a teasing ball into the middle. Lone striker Roman Pavlyuchenko ran intelligently across an unusually flat-footed Nemanja Vidic and his glancing header into the far corner left goalkeeper Ben Foster routed to the spot. It was a classy finish from the Russian who has scored five times in his last six appearances for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham then understandably retreated into their own half, hoping to defend their lead. Though Manchester United dominated possession Spurs were resolute in their defending, working hard to close down their opponents. The Red Devils’ did create chances but were largely restricted to snapshots, Carlos Tevez coming closest with a 20 yard shot stinging the crossbar. In truth deputy keeper Ben Alnwick had it covered.
United grew into the game with youngster Danny Welbeck impressing from his position wide on the right. The starlet cut in from the flank and exchanged passes with Berbatov before being denied by a superb block from Chris Gunter. It was backs to the wall for Spurs and Argentinean forward Tevez had a superb strike well saved from 12 yards by the former Sunderland goalkeeper in the 21st minute.
It was looking increasingly like it was a matter of when rather than if United would score and the Red Devils’ subjected their guests to a two minute nightmare at the Theatre of Dreams.
Paul Scholes got the equaliser following a marauding break from Tevez. The ball went out for a corner and the ginger-haired genius was teed up for a classic drive from 25 yards. His grass cutter caught the heel of Tom Huddlestone on the way to the back of the net, it was a piece of fortune that United probably deserved for their attacking endeavour.
Less than 90 seconds later the game was effectively over as a contest. If the opening goal was fortuitous then the second was sublime. Former Tottenham favourites Michael Carrick and Bulgarian Berbatov combined brilliantly with the England international spotting a cute run from Berbatov early and stroking the ball into his path from the half way line. The £30million man killed the ball in an instance and rifled the ball into the far left corner from 20 yards before the nearest defender could even get close.
Tottenham did have opportunities to get back into the game, before the half was up David Bentley skipped past Scholes and saw his long-range effort fly agonisingly close, not quite dipping enough to beat the crossbar.
The second half was a controlled performance from the Premier League and European Champions and they restricted Harry Redknapp’s side to very few opportunities. Early in the half a teasing Bentley cross saw Gareth Bale beat his marker and his shot flashed wide from close range. On the 56th minute Benoit Assou-Ekotto found himself in space beyond the fullback, he was picked out by an increasingly influential Huddlestone and the left back’s cross found Bentley on the right-hand side of the 18 yard box. The wide man’s first time shot flashed just past Ben Foster’s left-hand post with the young English goalkeeper struggling to scramble across to cover.
Just after the hour mark Spurs broke again and had a man over but failed to make the opportunity. Substitute Giovani Dos Santos picked out Bentley who could only fire straight at the keeper. United stepped up their control from this point and largely controlled proceedings, with a few half-opportunities at either end.
Tottenham, however, piled on the pressure towards the end of the game. Assou-Ekotto leaving substitute right back Richard Eckersley for dead, driving to the by-line and cutting back for former Barcelona starlet Dos Santos. The prodigy could only send his first time effort high over the bar and will be disappointed not to have done better.
In the final minutes the Lilywhites pressed hard, but were unable to break down a resolute United defence. Manchester United progress to the next round and Tottenham are left to focus on their Premier League survival and a showpiece Carling Cup final which pitches them against tonight’s opponents.
Resource: Goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson Fails In Bid To Exploit FA Cup Loophole
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly failed in an attempt to take advantage of a little known FA Cup rule to avoid a possible replay, ahead of his side’s fourth round clash with Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.
The Scot had reportedly tried to exploit Football Association’s Rule 11a, which states that a game can go into extra-time rather than be replayed, as long as the two clubs involved agree ahead of the game.
According to The Guardian, Manchester United were planning to discuss the rule with Tottenham with a view to invoking it ahead of their game.
However these discussions were aborted after David Gill, the club’s chief executive, discovered that any agreement must be made within a week of the draw.
Speaking about the rule, Ferguson revealed that he had not heard of it previously and revealed how it would work.
“Someone has informed me I could apply to the FA to have extra-time,” he said, “It’s an interesting one. I’ve never heard of his in my life. But it’s always been there. It’s in the articles of the association that both teams can apply to have the game decided and notify the referee before the game.”
Should the two clubs have invoked the rule they would undoubtedly have come in for criticism, which Ferguson admitted he would expect but clearly feels would not be justified.
“The criticism would be that we’re not adhering to the principles of the FA Cup or the spirit of it – but why have the FA got it [the rule] in there? It’s their problem. It’s their fault, really.”
With both United and Tottenham struggling with injuries, their clash is likely to see both sides fielding weakened teams.
The Red Devils are missing eight first team regulars through injury, whilst Harry Redknapp admitted earlier this week he would play a weak team as he concentrates on Premier League survival.
Resource: Goal.com
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Ryan Giggs Eyes Wembley And A Fifth FA Cup
Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs has admitted that is keen to return to Wembley in the FA Cup as he seeks his fifth Cup winners’ medal.
The reigning champions take on Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the competition today, with a lengthy injury list meaning Giggs should feature.
Yet the Welshman is clearly relishing the tie and admitted that as he gets older, his motivation to win trophies simply increases.
“As you come to the end of your career, the motivation gets stronger - because this could be the last one,” he said according to sportinglife.com. “You are more focused and more determined than ever, and I really want to get back to Wembley.”
The Red Devils are likely to welcome a weakened Spurs side, who are also struggling with injuries, yet Giggs confessed he was not worried about Harry Redknapp’s team. He said: “There is no point thinking about what Tottenham are doing.
“You have to approach every game with the right attitude and concentration; otherwise you will get beaten.
“Tottenham are a great club with good traditions in the FA Cup. We cannot take them lightly.”
Today’s clash between the two sides is a warm up for next month’s Carling Cup final, which both clubs qualified for in midweek.
With United currently sitting top of the Premier League, and still involved in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carling Cup, talk has inevitably led to the club achieving an unprecedented quadruple.
However, Giggs revealed that such talk failed to distract the players, who simply wanted to get out on the pitch and play.
“People talk about winning four trophies, but players just get on with it,” he said before adding: “We have put the Carling Cup to bed, next is the FA Cup.
“We just have to perform, whatever competition we are playing in.”
Resource: Goal.com
Man Utd v Tottenham
FA Cup fourth round
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 24 January Kick-off: 1715 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, coverage on BBC local radio, score updates and text commentary on BBC Sport website
Manchester United will be without a host of first-team players, with Anderson, Nani and Jonny Evans injured as well as Park Ji-sung (hamstring).
Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are slight doubts and Darren Fletcher will probably start at right-back.
Tottenham have Heurelho Gomes, Vedran Corluka, Ledley King, Jermaine Jenas, Jamie O'Hara, Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent all injured for the game.
Michael Dawson, Jonathan Woodgate and Luka Modric are also all doubtful.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United against Tottenham is a dress rehearsal for the Carling Cup final.
These clubs have won the FA Cup 19 times between them, and meet at Old Trafford in one of three all Premier League ties in the fourth round.
Both clubs are chasing unique quadruples. United are vying for honours in the Champions League, Premier League, FA and Carling Cups.
Harry Redknapp previously knocked out United when manager of Bournemouth (third round, 1984), West Ham (fourth round, 2001) and Portsmouth (quarter-finals, last season) and is chasing a unique four-timer as boss of Tottenham.
The League ladder
Spurs are 15 places lower than Manchester United in the Premier League table.
Referee
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Replay date
Wednesday, 4 February 2009 - Kick Off: 2000
MANCHESTER UNITED
Current form
Won all but one of the last 10; lost one of 19, winning 14 of them.
Recent FA Cup performance
Not been knocked out in the fourth round since 2002, since when the Red Devils have lost in the fifth round twice, the quarter-finals once, been losing-finalists twice and winners once.
The Manager
United have won the cup a record five times under Sir Alex Ferguson, who has led out the side for the final on eight occasions.
FA Cup fact
This is the 12th time in 13 FA Cup rounds that United have been drawn against fellow Premier League opposition.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Current form
Lost the last four away.
Won only two of 10; both of those victories were in domestic cup competitions.
Recent FA Cup performance
Quarter-finalists in two of the last four years; 2005 and 2007.
The Manager
Harry Redknapp won the Cup with Portsmouth last season. He never reached Wembley as a player, and it was the first time he had guided a club to the final as a manager. Now he will be taking a team there for the second season running, this time for the League Cup final.
During Sir Alex's 22-year tenure at Old Trafford, Spurs have undertaken 19 managerial changes (either permanent or caretaker).
FA Cup fact
Tottenham are the only non-league club to win the FA Cup. They lifted the trophy as a Southern League side 108 years ago, and in so doing also became the first non-leaguers to knock out the holders, defeating Bury 2-1 in the second round on 23 February 1901.
HEAD to HEAD
All competitions
Manchester United are unbeaten in 16 matches against Tottenham in all competitions; won 12 and drawn four since Tottenham's 3-1 home win in the Premier League on 19 May 2001.
FA Cup
This is the 10th time these clubs have been paired together in the FA Cup; Spurs lead by five wins to four, but United won the most recent in this same round last season.
Resource: BBC SPORT
Ferguson Calls For Winter Break in England
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has responded to a pile up of injured players at Old Trafford by calling again for a winter break in England, insisting that the success of the German national side demonstrates the advantages of a two-week lay-off in January.
Ferguson has been consistent in this stance over the years, but fans and broadcasters have always been thought to oppose the idea of a shut-down, so a German-style break has never come close to being introduced in England.
However, Ferguson believes the decision taken by the football authorities to extend the current season's domestic programme through until the end of May means there is an opportunity in future years to take a mid-winter break.
He was quoted by ITV Sport as saying: "International matches are played during the first two weeks of June anyway so why don't we use that period until the end of May when the weather is better?"
Ferguson has suggested that it is the TV companies who mainly oppose the idea because it would mean they would be without live football in their schedules just when viewing figures tend to rise after Christmas.
He is also convinced that not having a winter break contributes to a spate of injuries in the second half of the season.
Evidence from UEFA's medical department tends to support the idea that playing throughout the winter causes injuries in English football, which in turn tend to flare up in March - when players who have continued to shrug off minor strains suddenly discover they are suffering from more serious complaints.
"Managers have always voiced their opinions in favour of a winter break," said Ferguson.
"The trouble is players carry their strains right through January, then when you get to March it turns into an injury of significance.
"A couple of years back we had four or five injuries in March which could be the result of something like that."
Ferguson points to Germany's international success and sees a direct correlation between that and the fact that the Bundesliga shuts down for three weeks in winter.
"Germany always do well in the World Cup," he observed. "I don't want to be critical of them because I admire what they have achieved in international football."
Resource: Goal.com