The holders dominated an exciting game but have only a John O’Shea goal to show for their efforts.
Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Manchester United and Arsenal met for the first time in European competition in a entertaining game at Old Trafford which ended with the home side gaining a narrow advantage to take into the second leg.
The holders began the game in impressive style and had Arsenal on the back front from the off as they poured forward with real pace and verve.
Wayne Rooney was the man who went closest in the opening minutes, sending a looping header back across goal, albeit with the help of a deflection, which Manuel Almunia did superbly to scramble away.
Less than a minute later and a slip in the penalty area by Kieran Gibbs could have proved costly for the Gunners.
Cristiano Ronaldo picked up the loose ball and drilled in a low cross but, unfortunately for United, there was no-one on hand to poke the ball home.
Carlos Tevez, preferred to Dimitar Berbatov in attack, was the next to get in on the act, teeing up Ronaldo for a shot which the Portuguese international fired straight at Almunia.
Yet United were in full flow and continued to create chances, seemingly at will, against an Arsenal side powerless to prevent the red tide.
With just over 15 minutes gone Ronaldo and Tevez combined well to send John O’Shea out wide.
The utility man curled in a superb cross for Tevez to head home but the striker’s effort was too close to Almunia who saved brilliantly.
Yet it was to prove only a temporary reprieve, as from the resulting corner Sir Alex Ferguson’s men grabbed the goal their opening salvo had threatened.
A long corner was picked up at the far post by Michael Carrick who returned the ball across goal and found O’Shea who thrashed the opener into the roof of the net.
The goal roused the Gunners somewhat, but it took until almost the half-hour mark before Arsene Wenger’s men carved out a decent opportunity.
Theo Walcott was the man to initiate matters, cutting inside from the right and playing in Emmanuel Adebayor who set it back to Cesc Fabregas who fired low but straight at Van der Sar.
It was to be the Arsenal’s best chance of the half and the visitors also had Almunia to thank after he pulled off another superb save on the half-hour mark.
Some good work from Tevez down the right saw the Argentinean cross for Ronaldo who looked destined to score but could only watch in agony as Almunia saved his point-blank header.
As the half progressed the visitors manage to gain a foot-hold in the match but despite enjoying some decent possession at times, they struggled to create any clear-cut openings and will have been relieved to have gone in at the break just one goal down.
The second-half began more evenly with both sides threatening yet failed to trouble either goalkeeper.
In fact it took until just over the hour mark before either side had a clear sight of goal.
The chance fell to the Gunners with Adebayor taking a long ball and beating Rio Ferdinand before lashing a shot well over the bar.
With a second goal not forthcoming for his side, Ferguson opted to changes things sending on Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov for Anderson and Tevez.
And within minutes of the substitutions, the Red Devils very nearly did double their lead after Ronaldo struck the crossbar with a thunderous shot from long range.
United continued to press with Carrick going close with a low shot before Giggs did find the back of the net, only to be denied a goal on his 800th appearance by an offside flag.
With time ticking away Arsenal could have grabbed an equaliser, substitute Nicklas Bendtner heading a free kick high and wide but ultimately neither team could add to O’Shea’s strike leaving the tie intriguingly poised.
Manchester United: Van der Sar; O'Shea, Ferdinand (Evans, 87), Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Giggs, 67); Ronaldo, Tevez (Berbatov, 67), Rooney.
Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs; Diaby, Song; Walcott (Bendtner, 71), Fabregas, Nasri; Adebayor (Eduardo, 83).
GOAL
1-0 Manchester United (O’Shea, 17)
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Blog Traffics
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Manchester United Edge Arsenal In Champions League
Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Manchester United defeated Arsenal 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford. Goal.com rates the participants.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar -6.0: An easy evening for the Dutch veteran, who did not have a single save of note to make. Did all the simple things with minimal fuss.
O'Shea -8.0: The Irishman rarely grabs the headlines, but he will tonight. Apart from scoring the winner, O'Shea's all-round play was exemplary. He created Tevez's gilt-edged chance on 15 minutes.
Vidic -7.0: You barely noticed Vidic this evening, but that was mainly because Arsenal made so few in-roads into his territory. Very comfortable.
Ferdinand -8.5: Marked Adebayor, and barely gave the Togolese hitman a kick. Anticipated Arsenal's forward passes, and made the game look very simple.
Evra -7.0: Has been in really poor form recently, but was back to something approaching his normal self tonight. Not troubled at all defensively, he also supported the attack well.
Fletcher -6.5: Did the dirty work in midfield without really making too much of an impact.
Carrick -7.5: Showed his opposite number Song how you should play the midfield holding role. Also proved useful in advanced areas, providing the assist for O'Shea, and shooting just wide.
Anderson -8.5: Dictated the tempo in midfield, particularly in the opening period, and bossed the likes of Song and Diaby. Somewhat surprisingly subbed on 66 minutes.
Ronaldo -8.0: Has occasionally been accused of not performing in the big games, but he was a livewire throughout today. Hit the crossbar with a thunderbolt, but may be disappointed with his first half headed miss.
Tevez -8.0: The best player on the park in the opening 45 minutes. Arsenal could not cope with his movement. Created a great chance for Ronaldo, but should have scored himself on 15 minutes.
Rooney -7.0: Almost scored within 60 seconds, and put in a shift for the team. Not a trademark outing, and not as effective as Tevez and Ronaldo, but still a good showing.
Subs
Giggs 6.5: A few tricks and flicks, but nothing to get excited about.
Berbatov 6.0: Did not make the same impact that Tevez did.
Evans N/V: Only played the last few minutes.
ARSENAL
Almunia -9.0: At least two world class saves, among countless other stops in the first half, to keep Arsenal in the game. Almunia's denial of Tevez was miraculous. Man-of-the-match
Sagna -6.5: Perhaps the best of a shaky Arsenal backline, and did not disgrace himself against Rooney. Made very little headway as an attacking force though.
Toure -6.5: Positionally all over the shop in the first half, and lost Ronaldo for his headed chance. Improved considerably after the break.
Silvestre -5.0: Horrible in the first 45 minutes, he was at fault for the goal, and was sleeping on two other opportunities. After nine years at the club, Silvestre gave Manchester United yet more good service tonight.
Gibbs -4.5: A horror-show by the Arsenal left back. He may be young, but he was exposed time and time again down his left-hand side. What was Sky Sports' Andy Gray watching when he said the youngster had been "fantastic"?
Diaby -5.0 Very disappointing. Offered Gibbs no defensive support, and carelessly lost possession on numerous occasions.
Song -4.5: Was supposed to protect the Arsenal defence, but failed miserably. Song was a tactical disaster, pushing up when he should have held, and vice-versa. Constantly in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Walcott -6.0: A few bursts of pace, but did not get enough of the ball to run at Evra. A shame because Evra has been shaky of late.
Fabregas -6.0: The only Arsenal player to put his foot on the ball in the first half, Fabregas created little, and still failed to supply Adebayor.
Nasri -5.0: Never really got in the game did the Frenchman. In fact, you would have been forgiven for thinking that he was not even on the pitch.
Adebayor -4.0: One of those nights for Adebayor, who lost almost every ball that was played up to him. How he lasted until the 83rd minute is a mystery.
Subs
Bendtner -6.0: Missed Arsenal's best chance of the match, as he headed wide.
Eduardo -N/V: Did not have a chance to get into the game.
Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Arsenal confident class of 2009 will come of age
MANCHESTER (AFP) - Kolo Toure believes the youthful current crop of Arsenal stars can emulate the battle-hardened class of 2006 and book their ticket to this season's Champions League final.
The Gunners face Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday with Toure the only survivor from the 'Invincibles' squad that went through the 2003-04 Premier League campaign unbeaten.
That squad, constructed around the French trio of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires, broke up after the 2006 Champions League final defeat by Barcelona but Toure believes the north London club is once again on the verge of something special.
"True we lost Thierry Henry, but Emmanuel Adebayor is playing really well; we lost Robert Pires, but we have Samir Nasri," the Ivory Coast defender said.
"All those players have been replaced. The good thing about this team is we have a lot of young players who want to show they have the quality.
"I remember that a team like Ajax - nobody was expecting them to win, but they won (in 1995) and had a really young team as well."
Arsenal will miss the creative edge provided by top-scorer Robin van Persie, who is ruled out by a groin injury, and cup-tied Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin.
But they will take heart from the fact that they have already beaten United this season (2-1 at the Emirates in November) and by the current form of captain Cesc Fabregas, who has been revelling in the role of a deep-lying forward akin to that in which Steven Gerrard has thrived at Liverpool this season.
The brace Fabregas claimed against Middlesbrough on Sunday were his first goals since October and Toure is confident the Spaniard's guile, combined with the presence of Adebayor and the pace of Theo Walcott, will pose the holders problems. The key, he believes, will be matching their offensive contribution with equal vigour in defence.
"We know when we play football against Manchester United, they struggle a lot," Toure argued. "They're are a really good team going forward, but, like us, at the back they have conceded a few goals.
"We have the same type of team - we both like to play, but sometimes you can be caught out at the back. The team that will win will be the one which defends the best."
United's performance against Tottenham at the weekend would not have reassured their fans on that score, although their forwards more than compensation as they turned a 2-0 defict into a 5-2 victory.
The half-time introduction of Carlos Tevez proved critical and the Argentinian forward will hope to have earned a starting slot in a United side that looks certain to see Ryan Giggs make his 800th appearance for the club.
The veteran was rested for the Spurs match and is relishing the prospect of another high-stakes showdown with Arsenal, against whom he scored the goal of his career in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final.
"They don't come bigger than that - a Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford," said the newly-crowned players' Player of the Year. "I can't wait.
"But I'm more interested in beating Arsenal rather than the 800th appearance. They are things I'll look back upon when I finish and I'll be proud. But first and foremost, hopefully I'll be celebrating with a good result."
Toure could have former United defender Mikael Silvestre as his centreback partner at Old Trafford but the French defender has only a 50-50 chance of playing against his old club because of a back spasm while the daunting task of containing Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to fall to teenager Kieran Gibbs, as regular left-back Gael Clichy has his own back problem.
"Kieran is intelligent and I think he is going to perform very well on Wednesday," Toure said. "But it is not only about him, it is about all the players. If we are focused and defend together, then nobody can beat us."
The performance of United's left-back, Patrice Evra, could be just as critical. The Frenchman was given a torrid time by Aaron Lennon on Saturday and Arsenal supporters will expect to see Walcott test him in similar fashion.
John O'Shea's experience should ensure he gets the nod at right-back ahead of Brazilian teenager Rafael.
VAN DER SAR MAKES CASE FOR DEFENCE
Edwin van der Sar is convinced Manchester United are better prepared than Ajax were to successfully defend their Champions League crown.
United are bidding to become the first club to achieve such a feat since the competition adopted its new format in 1992 and tackle Arsenal in an all-English semi-final at Old Trafford as favourites to reach Rome on May 27.
Four years after the relaunch, van der Sar was part of an Ajax side that became one of three on the trot to fall at the final hurdle, beaten on penalties by Juventus 12 months after AC Milan had been overcome.
But the veteran keeper does not feel the comparison between his young Dutch team-mates and Sir Alex Ferguson's present-day Red Devils is valid.
"This side is much better equipped to retain the trophy than Ajax were," he said.
"Then we had loads of injuries and a lot of young guys had to fill gaps left by older and more experienced players.
"It is hard to say whether we have a bigger chance to win the trophy but we are certainly better equipped to."
The strength in depth available to Ferguson means John O'Shea should start at right-back with Wes Brown not considered fit enough to replace Gary Neville and Rafael probably not experienced enough.
And it would be no massive surprise, either, should Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez find themselves on the bench despite Saturday's heroics against Tottenham, especially if Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs are required to defend the flanks, as they were in Porto in the last round.
In times gone by, a meeting between Ferguson and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger would have provided ample opportunity for a petty squabble.
Not any more, it seems, with Ferguson happy to declare his admiration for the Frenchman and his team and criticise those who lambasted Wenger earlier this season.
"You had me out of the door three years ago," said Ferguson, as he assessed the criticism Wenger has had to endure.
"You had me in a bath chair down on Torquay beach. That is the cynical world we are in.
"But Arsene has always kept his principles the same.
"I like the way Arsenal play and also his use of young players.
"His consistency hasn't changed and Arsenal have reaped the rewards."
There are many common threads; a commitment to passing football, a willingness to embrace youth and a refusal to abandon tradition. Above everything else, they share a hunger and fierce determination to win.
"The history and tradition of both clubs has been the highest for years now," said Ferguson.
"We always looked over our shoulders at Arsenal and they looked over their shoulders at us.
"Our league is very tough. The top four are probably the best teams in Europe. That is shown in the fact we have three teams in the semi-final again.
"But ourselves and Arsenal have certainly been the dominant forces.
"Those epic times are back with us and I am looking forward to a great match."
RED DEVILS IN KL OPENER
Manchester United will open their summer tour of Asia against a Malaysian Select XI in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, July 18.
United's whistle-stop visit - they will arrive on July 17 and leave immediately after the game - should at least be some compensation for having to cancel a trip to the country two years ago due to arguments over their presence during the AFC Asian Cup.
The Red Devils have specifically asked for an earlier 5.30pm kick-off to allow more supporters to get to the 90,000-capacity Bukit Jalil, where the Commonwealth Games were held seven years ago. It will be United's fourth visit to Malaysia.
Earlier this week, the Red Devils confirmed they will close their four-match trip in Hangzhou in China. They are also set to play matches in Jakarta and Seoul, where they received such a rapturous welcome two years ago.
Alex Ferguson Believes Manchester United Can Retain Champions League Title
'Fergie' thinks that Manchester United can hold onto their Champion's League trophy.
Sir Alex Ferguson has attested that his Mancheter United side have what it takes to be the first team to retain the Champions League title.
"You say to yourself it would be great if we could be the first do that [retain the Champions League trophy]," said the United boss, as quoted in the Daily Express.
"We are good at winning things for the first time and maybe that is a good omen for us."
If Manchester United are able to win the Champions League for the second year running, it would be the first time that particular feat will have been achieved by a club since the competition's format changed from the European Cup.
Milan, Ajax and Juventus all made it to the finals the year after winning, but none of the teams were able to raise the trophy after the last game. Ferguson, however, feels that his team are capable of being the exception.
"Some might say I am tempting fate but at Old Trafford we have always set our sights high," continued Ferguson.
"No one is saying it will be easy, and we will certainly need to enjoy that little rub of luck and freedom from injury that can make you or break you."
Stephen Crawford, Goal.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Nani's shortcomings highlight question of Ryan Giggs's successor
Evergreen has featured in many descriptions of Ryan Giggs since he landed the Professional Footballers' Association's player of the year award on Sunday night but the inaccuracy of the tribute must torment Sir Alex Ferguson. Not only is time marching against the great Welshman, he is also a glaring illustration that a problematic succession at Manchester United is not confined to the manager's chair.
While 35-year-old Giggs accepted the votes and applause from fellow professionals to take the top award for the first time in 18 seasons, this weekend brought a new low in the Old Trafford career of his heir apparent, the Portugal international Nani. Hauled off at half-time by Ferguson with United trailing 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, the 22-year-old responded in a way that confirmed to his many doubters inside Old Trafford that he is not fit to succeed Giggs on or off the pitch; he left the stadium before United had completed their latest stirring recovery and kept their noses in front in the race for the Premier League title.
United say that Nani did not break any club rules by making a hasty exit and no disciplinary action is therefore planned. The player's representatives claimed he was "very upset" at being replaced and received permission from the club to go home. To those United supporters who witnessed the winger outside the stadium on Saturday, however, and the many who posted on internet message boards yesterday, it was a lack of professionalism that should hasten his exit permanently in the summer.
Bought for £18m from Sporting Lisbon in 2007, Nani, according to Ferguson, would be groomed to replace Giggs on United's left wing while Anderson, the £17m signing from Porto on the same day, would follow suit for Paul Scholes. Almost two years later the search for Giggs' successor continues – United have since also acquired Zoran Tosic from Partizan Belgrade – while Nani's development appears to have gone into reverse.
Saturday was only the sixth time this season that he has started a league game for the champions. Not once has he lasted longer than 70 minutes in those six. In fairness to the winger he has scored six goals during this campaign, although even that roll-call illuminates where he resides in the order of selection at Old Trafford, the opponents being Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion, Blackburn Rovers, Southampton and Derby County. The Portugal international remains capable of moments of individual brilliance, but it is his lack of game intelligence that has left a greater impression on an Old Trafford crowd now exasperated with his anonymous talent. In stark contrast to compatriot and fellow Sporting Lisbon product, Cristiano Ronaldo, there has been scant improvement in Nani during his two seasons with United.
Nani claimed that his grievance at Old Trafford on Saturday stemmed from his own performance level. "I was not satisfied with my work against Tottenham but I accept the orders of the coach with the half-time substitution," he said last night. "In the second half the team changed in every respect but I alone am not responsible for the bad performance in the first 45 minutes. I finished the game unhappy with my work but I still believe I can demonstrate my level at United."
Whether he will get that opportunity, or can take it, is in serious doubt. Ferguson has been tolerant with Nani to some extent, giving up on his attempts to curb the winger's somersault goal celebrations, for example, and dismissing the head-butt on Lucas Neill last season that brought him a three-match ban as a sign of "immaturity". But the manager must be acutely aware that patience with the Portuguese is fading at Old Trafford.
Nani is, unsurprisingly, close to Ronaldo and shares the same agent, Jorge Mendes. It is suspected the 22-year-old may follow Ronaldo out of Old Trafford at the end of this season should the world player of the year get his wish to join Real Madrid, with Italy and Internazionale, coached by another Mendes client, Jose Mourinho, a possible destination.
"My head is in Manchester United and the rumours about other clubs are not true," added Nani. "I am at the best club in the world and it is my desire to stay here. My dream is to secure a place in the first team. I have not shown my best this season because of injuries but I am a professional and I will fight for this club. I do not have any problems with the coach. I will always be grateful to the manager for this opportunity and I am still learning. I will never reject the challenge to be a star for this team." A genuine star, Giggs, meanwhile, looks ahead to Arsenal and his 800th appearance for United.
Ryan Giggs: Manchester United Must Be At Their Best To Beat Arsenal
The Welsh wizard has warned that the Gunners could easily destroy the Red Devils' dream of retaining the Champions League trophy if they are not on top form...
Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs believes that Arsenal will duly punish them in the Champions League semi-finals if they are not at the top of their game.
The former Wales international suggested that the Red Devils' objective is to successfully defend the trophy, which they won for the third time in the club's history last season.
He feels it would be a shame not to have the chance to do so, having overcome a potential banana skin in the form of Porto during the quarter-finals, because they failed to hit peak form against a Gunners side they know are capable of beating anybody on their day.
"It is a massive challenge for us. There’s a reason why no team has ever retained it — and that’s because it’s really difficult," Giggs is quoted as saying by The Sun.
"We had to go to Porto in the quarter-finals when it was a case of backs against the wall against a very good team.
"But we came through and we need two similar performances against Arsenal because they’re playing well at the moment.
"Arsenal are a top, top team. They always have been. Over the years they’ve been our biggest challengers so when you play against them you’ve got to raise your game.
"Arsenal can pass any team off the park if you’re not on your game. They are a dangerous side, so we’ve got to be mentally and physically prepared and we’ve got to play well."
The newly crowned PFA Player of the Year looks set to be named in the starting XI for the first leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday, a feat he says he could never have imagined.
"I’ve got to be honest, if you’d asked me when I was 19 or 20 if I thought I’d be playing in a Champions League semi-final at 35, I’d have said no.
"But I look after myself and it helps when you’ve got such good players around you."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Monday, April 20, 2009
Vidic Compliments Everton On Their FA Cup Victory Over Manchester United
The Serb was in gracious mood after his team were defeated at Wembley today...
Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic scored a spot-kick in the Red Devils' loss on penalties to Everton this afternoon, but the Mancunians dreams of a 'quintuple' still came crashing down in the FA Cup semi-final.
The game ended goalless after extra-time, with the Toffees claiming victory in the shoot-out. Although it was painful for the Serb to admit, Vidic acknowledged that his side had lost to a worthy opponent.
"We're disappointed because this is a trophy we wanted to win,” he told MUTV.
"We played some good football and created chances, but in the end it came to penalties – and that’s just a lottery. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. In the Champions League final we won.
"But today we didn’t score our penalties. You have to congratulate Everton."
As for netting his own penalty, Vidic minimised its importance, before stressing it was vital for the team to regroup ahead of other testing challenges, adding, "I practice in training and I also took penalties for Red Star Belgrade and Spartak Moscow.
"It’s nothing new, but there's always the possibility you'll miss, especially in games where there is pressure. I scored, but it’s not about me scoring. The team didn’t win. We need to forget this game now.
"We must take it and recover for the next game. It’s going to be hard, but we have Wednesday’s match against Portsmouth and we need to be focused. It helps that some players were rested. They are going to be fresh and I hope we have a good game at Old Trafford."
Alex Ferguson picked a youthful side for the game today, and the centre-back was proud of the performance of his young team-mates, even in defeat.
"We played well, so we don’t need to be disappointed about that. We played offensively and tried to score.
"We had young players in our team, they showed some quality. We know they are capable of doing that. We just didn’t take our chances."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Manchester United 0-0 Everton
It required penalties but Everton ousted Manchester United to book themselves a date with Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Goal.com rates the performers…
MANCHESTER UNITED
Foster 6.0 - Looked nervy from the outset and almost got himself in trouble trying to dribble around Saha in the first half. Another shaky moment late on saw him hit Vaughan with a clearance.
Rafael Da Silva 7 - A moment of inexperience saw him bring down Baines and he was booked on the half-hour mark but he did well to deny Pienaar just before the break and looked good on his return to the side.
Ferdinand 7.5 - United look so much more confident at the back with him in the side and he was imperious in defence. Awful penalty though.
Vidic 8 - After a slump in form, he looked back to his best and alongside Ferdinand formed a fearsome partnership.
Fabio Da Silva 6 - Allowed Neville in early on but put in a solid shift before injury saw his afternoon end early.
Welbeck 7 - Wasteful at times but looked lively and was always willing to run forwards. Curled a great shot over the bar late on.
Gibson 6.5 - Struggled to get into the game initially but improved and justified his inclusion in the team.
Anderson 7 - Covered an awful lot of ground, getting back to help his defence as well as prompting things going forwards. Still looks hopeless in front of goal, mind you, and wasted some good set pieces.
Park 6.5 - Full of running, as ever, and had a decent effort just wide on the hour mark but replaced shortly afterwards after producing little.
Tevez 6 - Typical Tevez, effervescent as ever and didn’t give up but it simply wasn’t his day.
Macheda 6.5 - Didn’t look out of place and had a strong early shot that flew just wide. Combined well with Tevez and Welbeck but couldn’t continue his fairytale start to his United career with another goal.
Substitutes
Evra: 6.5 – Replaced an injured Fabio but still looks far from his best.
Scholes: 6.0 – Brought some experience to the midfield.
Berbatov: 5.0 - Came on but had little impact and an awful penalty summed up his afternoon.
EVERTON
Howard 8 - Flapped at a corner late on but that was his only error and made himself a hero with some good penalty saves.
Hibbert 7 - A few shaky moments against Welbeck but provided good width and combined well with Osman
Jagielka 7.5 - Might have conceded a penalty for a challenge on Welbeck but escaped, looked impressive otherwise and kept his nerve to net the decisive spot kick..
Lescott 8 - Brilliant challenge to deny Welbeck mid-way through the first half and a dominant display by the centre-half.
Baines 7.5 - A super display down the left, always looked to get forward, provided some good crosses and banged home a smashing penalty.
Osman 6.0 - Willing to get forwards and try his luck on goal but was too often second to the ball and looked tired.
Neville 7.0 - Grew into the game and was a commanding presence who led his team by example.
Fellaini 6.5 - Found it hard going against Vidic and Ferdinand but still always looked a threat in the air.
Pienaar 6.0 - Some tricky moments but little end-product.
Cahill 6.0 - Manchester United kept him very quiet in truth and aside from a great shot just after the break he offered little.
Saha 6.0 - Almost profited from Foster's hesitancy early on and a good header set up Pienaar shortly afterwards but had few sights of goal.
Substitutes
Rodwell: 6.0 – Some nice moments on the ball and valuable experience gained.
Vaughan: 6.5 - Came on late and could have won it but a scuffed shot was deflected wide. Crucially scored his penalty.
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Everton's Pienaar Unfazed By Manchester United Clash
The Toffees' South African is relishing the biggest game of his career...
Bafana Bafana midfielder Steven Pienaar says Everton’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on Sunday will be the biggest game of his career.
“It will definitely be on top. I’ve played in a lot of important games and I think this one will also go down in the history books and I’m looking forward to it,” Pienaar told EvertonTV.
Having played in some of Germany’s grandest fixtures, Pienaar insists he will not be daunted by Wembley’s 90,000 capacity crowd.
Indeed, in his Dortmund days it was normal for him to perform in front of numbers not dissimilar to those which will await him on Sunday.
“When I was at Borussia Dortmund we used to play every weekend in front of 83,000, so it’s quite close. At Ajax (Amsterdam) when we played AC Milan in the Champions League I played at the San Siro which was also a big stadium.
“For me, this is like a normal game, it’s just that it’s a semi-final. Like when you play at home with all the supporters behind you, you have to enjoy the moment.”
Manchester United Midfielder Carrick Hopes There's More To Come From Cristiano Ronaldo
The deep-lying ball-pinger wants to see more of the same from difference-maker Ronaldo...
Cristiano Ronaldo's 40-yard 65mph wonder-strike was the sole separator between Manchester United and FC Porto in the concluding leg of their Champions League quarter-final, and midfielder Michael Carrick is hoping to see similar strikes throughout the remainder of the season's run-in.
Speaking to Setanta Sports News, Carrick said, "We started quite brightly and held our game together well and to score like that was just what we needed.
"It was an unbelievable strike. We've seen him do it many times and hopefully [we'll see him do it] many times more. It put us in the driving seat as we could control the game but the longer the game goes on, you know they're going to throw things at you.
"But I thought we defended well as a team and deserved to win."
Sir Alex Ferguson's men kept their sheet clean, and so the resultant 1-0 win ensured United became the first British team to claim a victory in Porto's Estadio do Dragao.
"We believed that, right from the minute we got the result at home, we really believed we could come here and win," Carrick added. "We knew we were not at our best that night. We knew we were a lot better than that.
"I think we showed that tonight," he concluded.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson: Defensive Stability 'Key' To Manchester United's Win Over Porto
The United boss lauded the centre-back partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic following the 1-0 Champions League quarter-final second leg victory...
After watching his side progress to the Champions League semi-finals following a 1-0 win over Porto in the quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised centre-backs Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
The Red Devils, who were without Ferdinand for the first leg at Old Trafford, looked much more comfortable defensively at the Estadio do Dragao and were rarely put under severe pressure.
The Scot suggested that, with his first-choice partnership at the heart of defence available, the holders stand a fantastic chance of retaining the European trophy.
"They did well, they had good concentration at the back - they defended very, very well," Ferguson told Sky Sports.
"That was key for us. If we can get back to that foundation of not conceding away goals then we can do well.
"The stability at the back, the recognition of Ferdinand and Vidic together, it's always going to be a great start for your team."
It was Cristiano Ronaldo's 40-yard screamer that ensured United's progression to the last four, a goal which Ferguson described as amazing.
"Unbelievable - a magnificent hit,” the veteran boss said. “He took them all by surprise from 40-yards out - the goalkeeper had no chance."
The Red Devils will rekindle their rivalry with Arsenal in the semi-finals, and the 67-year-old is expecting a magnificent spectacle.
“It’s going to be a great semi-final,” he enthused. “There'll be some great football in that one."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Paul Scholes Remains Confident Of Manchester United Victory Over Porto
Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes is retaining a positive outlook ahead of the second leg of his side's Champions League quarter-final against Porto in Portugal tomorrow night. The tie is currently poised at 2-2 after last week's Old Trafford first leg, so United must win tomorrow's game if they are to progress as they trail on away goals.
"It is a big game for us and there is no doubt it is going to be difficult," Scholes told The Manchester Evening News.
"But all we have to do is win a game and with the players we have got I am sure we are capable of doing that.
"Winning last Saturday does boost your confidence and going into a big game like Porto we needed that win. It was a big victory for us at Sunderland.
"We didn't play too great but the win is what matters."
United won 2-1 on Wearside, with Italian teenager Federico Macheda netting a slightly fortuitous winner. Scholes thinks that the youngster might have a crucial role to play in United's future.
He concluded, "It is great for Kiko [Macheda]. To be able to bring a young player on like that and he scores with his second touch is fantastic.
"He looks like a great goalscorer and, hopefully, there will be more to come. I am sure the lads will make sure he keeps his feet on the ground."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sir Alex Ferguson Unhappy With Manchester United's Lack Of Focus
Another game without a clean sheet for Manchester United; it's now four in a row since they last stopped the opposition scoring. The Red Devils must travel to Porto in need of a win...
The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, rued his side's lack of concentration as Porto snatched a late draw in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils had led 2-1 with just three minutes left on the clock, but were outdone by a late strike from Mariano Gonzalez.
Cristiano Rodriguez gave Porto an early lead, but United turned the tide through goals from Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
Ferguson acknowledged that Porto deserved a result from the encounter but could not hide his disappointment at his team's capitulation.
He told ITV1, "First half they were the better side but second half we improved and got more possession. But getting the goal [through Mariano] the way they did, we should really have defended that. It was a bad goal to lose.
"It's been a hard two days for them, but they were lacking in concentration.
"You get a 2-1 lead with four or five minutes left, you really should see it out.
United now face the prospect of facing Porto in the Estadio do Dragao looking for a win, something which has never been done by a visiting Champions League side.
Before that, there is Premier League duty with which to contend, and Ferguson is under no illusion about the enormity of the task facing his side.
"We've got a game on Saturday [against Sunderland], there's still a lot going for us, but it's a difficult game now in Porto, no question of that."
Peter Staunton, Goal.com
Porto Snatch Late Draw At Manchester United In True Footballing Feast
Manchester United 2-2 Porto
There was a throwback to 2004 as Porto came from behind to register a crucial late leveller at Old Trafford. The visitors led through Rodriguez before goals from Rooney and Tevez turned the game into Manchester United's favour. However, Mariano Gonzalez had the last say...
First Half:
It took some time for the real Manchester United to stand up as the defending champions started as a pale shadow of their usual selves. United did not register a strike on target until after the ten minute mark, by which time Porto had made Edwin van der Sar work twice and pick the ball out of the net once.
After only two minutes, Lisandro Lopez turned Jonny Evans and tried van der Sar from distance, earning a corner. Porto's second effort, two minutes later, yielded a deserved goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo misplaced a pass while clearing a corner; the resulting cross saw Evans surrender his clearance to Cristian Rodriguez, who made no mistake. The Uruguayan buried a left-footer into the United bottom corner - the first goal conceded in this competition by van der Sar since last season's final.
Lisandro had another shot sting the palms of van der Sar following more sloppy defending, before United gradually got going, shaking the shackles of a uncharacteristically sloppy start.
Twelve minutes in and John O'Shea crossed sumptuously for Ronaldo to force Helton to work, and show Porto they were actually in a game. United were level moments later after a fatal error from Bruno Alves.
Under no pressure, the Portugal defender laid a back pass towards Helton but failed to spot Wayne Rooney behind him, who cleverly anticipated the ball through. He bid his time and chipped over the goalkeeper for parity.
Nonetheless, Porto stuck to their task; Lucho Gonzalez took a hold of proceedings temporarily too; he provided two good crosses in the space of a minute for Rodriguez, who headed at van der Sar, and Lisandro, who narrowly failed to make contact at the back post.
Rui Meireles was next to examine the credentials of van der Sar with a fine long range drive, and O'Shea's mistake allowed Hulk to bend the ball narrowly past the post on the half hour.
From there, it was United on top; Rooney used the length and breadth of Old Trafford to try and get things going. Paul Scholes too, was beginning to exercise a semblance of authority with his passing. United's best chance of the remainder fell to the veteran also; his header from Park's cross was just over the top.
Second Half:
United started the better side after the break, enjoying a good deal more possession than they did in the previous 45 minutes. It took only five minutes for the hosts to trouble Helton, when Park Ji Sung's half-volley from the edge of the box forced the Brazilian to save.
Rooney was next to try his luck as Porto struggled to find a way out of their own half; the mercurial England forward executed a clever chip from an improbable angle outside the box, but Helton backtracked and tipped over.
From Ryan Giggs' corner, Nemanja Vidic made Helton work to give Giggs another chance to cross. From his second bite of the cherry, the Serb nodded off target.
Porto maintained their positivity and broke with relish whenever possible. Fernando exercised a discreet dominance in the centre of midfield while Cristian Rodriguez was becoming a linchpin, easing his side into enemy territory. He provided a chance for Hulk, who squeezed a shot wide after turning Evans.
Rodriguez then found Lisandro on the edge of the box, whose on-target effort forced United to concede a corner. Aly Cissokho picked up the rebound and struck powerfully on van der Sar's goal.
The Portuguese league leaders then had a legitimate call for a penalty; Hulk tricked Evra and escaped to the byline, as he tried to turn back into play, he was swept into the air by Carlos Tevez but no decision was forthcoming.
As the game ebbed towards the last 15 minutes, the Red Devils had a great chance to sneak a lead on the night; Gary Neville provided an accurate cross, with which Rooney was inches away from making contact.
The hosts ramped it up a notch and another inspired substitution gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side the advantage on the night. Gary Neville's throw caught Porto napping in their own area, and Wayne Rooney's back-flick found Carlos Tevez in front of Rolando to smash home from close range.
There was to be a twist in the tale though and more than a passing echo of 2004. Two minutes were on the clock when Lisandro jinked his way down Patrice Evra's flank, after the Portuguese side played themselves again into an attacking position. His back post cross found substitute Mariano Gonzalez, who bundled past van der Sar from close range.
Ryan Giggs' late free-kick whistled over the bar as United now contemplate a task achieved by no English side - winning in the Estadio Dragao.
Line-Ups:
Manchester United (4-3-3): van der Sar - Vidic, Evans (Neville 71'), O'Shea, Evra - Fletcher, Scholes (Giggs 71'), Carrick - Ronaldo, Park (Giggs 58'), Rooney
Porto (4-3-3): Helton - Bruno Alves, Rolando, Sapunaru, Cissokho - Fernando, Lucho, Meireles (Costa 78' (Madrid 90')) - Lisandro, Rodriguez (Mariano 78'), Hulk
Goals:
Manchester United: Rooney 15', Tevez 85'
Porto: Rodriguez 4', Mariano 88'
Cards:
Manchester United: -
Porto: Bruno Alves 75', Helton 90'
Referee: Konrad Plautz (AUT)
Peter Staunton, Goal.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Champions League Preview: Manchester United - Porto
The reigning Champions League title holders will welcome Porto to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening in what should be an intense encounter...
Kick off: Tuesday, April 7, 20:45 CET, Old Trafford, Manchester
No Mour Exits
Federico Macheda’s glorious debut goal heralds a bright future, but Manchester United take to the pitch on Tuesday night determined to settle a score from the past.
The memories of the last minute equaliser that sent the Red Devils tumbling out of the Champions League in 2004 still burns brightly in the minds of everyone associated with the side.
As Jose Mourinho sped down the Old Trafford touchline in tumultuous celebration, so went with him the dreams of European success for the Reds.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stressed in the build up to the meeting with Porto that such an event cannot happen again.
Firebrand Scouser Wayne Rooney wasn’t at the club to witness these scenes, but his re-introduction from suspension alongside Paul Scholes boosts a United camp that has shown signs of flagging as it reaches the business end of the season.
After Sunday’s error strewn blockbuster 3-2 win against Aston Villa, the Scot will also be happy to welcome back Nemanja Vidic for the visit of the Portuguese.
The presence of the granite Serb was sorely missed as Jonny Evans, Gary Neville and John O’Shea all failed to deal with the size and pace of the Midlanders attack.
A repeat of such calamitous defending could have dire consequences for United’s hopes of progressing in the competition due to the importance of away goals.
Concede two again, and the last minute interjection of an Italian starlet could have little impact on the destination of the Champions League trophy this year.
No Hopers? Not A Chance
When the Champions League draw was announced, it was widely described as a bye for Manchester United. Porto are determined to prove this wrong.
The Dragoes pedigree certainly shouldn’t be dismissed. They are the only side in Europe yet to taste defeat in domestic action, finished ahead of Arsenal in the group stages of the continent’s premier club competition and sit comfortably at the summit of the Portuguese top flight.
This position was fortified at the weekend after a 3-1 victory in the derby match with Guimares.
Os Tripeiros’ strength of character was on show as they fired back for the win after they fell behind to an early goal from Vitoria.
This came without suspended centre forward Lisandro Lopez. The Argentine international has been in explosive form this term, lying in second place in the race for the top scorers’ award in the Champions League.
Lopez isn’t the only player capable of applying pressure to the creaking backline of their glamorous hosts.
New boy Hulk has been a real handful for any defenders standing in his way, whilst the goal threat from midfield in the form of Lucho Gonzalez should worry the Mancunians faithful.
Head coach Jesualdo Ferreira will also be able to call on his charges impressive dispatching of Atletico Madrid in the last round. The foundations of this were secured in a dominant, goal grabbing performance in Spain.
If the Dragoes front line strikes again, then the continent will be forced to acknowledge the very real threat posed by the men from Oporto.
FORM GUIDE
Manchester United:
5th April vs. Aston Villa (H) WON 3-2 (PREM)
21st March vs. Fulham (A) LOST 2-0 (PREM)
14th March vs. Liverpool (H) LOST 4-1 (PREM)
11th March vs. Internazionale (H) WON 2-0 (CHAMP LG)
7th March vs. Fulham (A) WON 4-0 (FA CUP)
Porto:
4th April vs. Guimares (A) WON 3-1 (LIGA)
15th March vs. Naval (H) WON 2-0 (LIGA)
11th March vs. Atletico Madrid (H) DREW 0-0 (CHAMP LG)
7th March vs. Leixoes (A) WON 4-1 (LIGA)
28th February vs. Sporting Lisbon (A) DREW 0-0 (LIGA)
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United:
Sir Alex Ferguson will be grateful to call on the returning trio of Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes after their domestic suspensions kept them out of the weekend action.
Rio Ferdinand (groin), Anderson (thigh) and Dimitar Berbatov (foot) are still out, whilst long term absentees Wes Brown (foot), Rafael (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Last starting XI (vs. Aston Villa): Van der Sar, Neville, O'Shea, Evans, Evra, Nani (Macheda 61), Carrick, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Giggs, Tevez (Welbeck 87).
Subs Not Used: Foster, Park, Gibson, Martin, Eckersley.
Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, O'Shea, Neville, Vidic, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Eckersley, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Tevez, Welbeck, Macheda.
Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Evra, O’Shea, Vidic, Evans, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Park, Tevez, Rooney.
Porto:
Argentine hot shot Lisandro Lopez returns for Porto after sitting out the game with Guimares through suspension. He is joined by fellow South American Freddy Guarin, who has shaken off an ankle injury to make the trip to Manchester.
Romanian international Christian Sapunaru’s (ankle) faces a fight to be fit for the match as he requires a scan on an injury.
Club captain Pedro Emanuel (knee), Nelson Benitez (groin) and Jorge Fucile (ankle) remain on the treatment table, whilst teenage striker Rabiola has been left out of the squad.
Last starting XI (vs. Guimares): Helton, Rolando, Bruno Alves, Sapunaru, Cissokho, Meireles, Costa, Fernando, Gonzalez, Farias, Hulk
Squad: Helton, Nuno, Bruno Alves, Cissokho, Rolando, Sapunaru, Stepanov, Madrid, Fernando, Gonzalez, Mariano, Meireles, Guarin, Costa, Farias, Lopez, Hulk, Rodriguez, Sektioui.
Possible starting XI: Helton, Bruno Alves, Rolando, Sapunaru, Cissokho, Meireles, Costa, Fernando, Gonzalez, Hulk, Lisandro Lopez.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester United: Cristiano Ronaldo will be fired up to face Porto. The United No. 7 left the field on a stretcher the last time the sides met. He’ll be hoping for a repeat of his match winning exploits against fellow Portuguese Sporting Lisbon last season rather than another ignominious exit.
Porto: Another solid performance from centre back Bruno Alves should justify his position at the top of many club’s summer shopping lists. Strong in the tackle and dominant in the air, it’s easy to see why the Portuguese international is attracting admiring glances from Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
PREDICTION
Anyone tuning in for a repeat of the weekend’s rollercoaster ride at Old Trafford is going to be disappointed.
Porto and Manchester United will be a cagey affair, in which I expect the extra class of the Champions League holders to tell.
A narrow victory for the Red Devils will leave everything still to play for when the sides meet at the Estadio do Dragao in two weeks time.
Manchester United 1-0 Porto
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
Monday, April 6, 2009
Player Ratings: Manchester United 3-2 Aston Villa
Manchester United won a thriller at Old Trafford to go back to the top of the table. Goal.com rates the performers…
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 7.0 – Looked confident despite the shambles of a back four in front of him. Made a succession of good saves and was quick to claim crosses.
O’Shea: 5.0 - Started at right back, moved to centre back but looked suspect in both positions and United will be desperate for Ferdinand and Vidic to return.
Neville: 5.0 - Had a torrid afternoon, couldn’t cope with the pace of Agbonlahor and ought to have given Carew more to think about for the second goal.
Evans: 6.0 – A sloppy, nervy showing and missed the calming influence of Ferdinand and Vidic beside him.
Evra: 6.0 – Didn’t do enough against Agbonlahor for the second goal but helped out his attack and it was his ball which forced Milner to back-pass for the opener.
Nani: 5.0 – A completely ineffective display. Seemed reluctant to provide width, kept coming inside and provided very little threat.
Carrick: 6.0 – A fairly anonymous display, aside from a rising shot just before half-time. Passing was off but improved towards the end and some good work set up Ronaldo for his second goal.
Fletcher: 6.5 – Did not lack for effort and did well to clear off the line from Carew early on. A great strike late on also forced Friedel into a fine save.
Ronaldo: 7.5 – Two brilliant strikes but loses marks for another petulant display. Took the slightest contact to knock him off the ball and allowed Petrov to rob him whilst he simply stood and watched as Villa roared up the other end and scored.
Giggs: 7.0 – Like his team-mates toiled for most of the game but involved in two of the goals and therefore an important contribution.
Tevez: 6.5 - Hard working but again little end-product. Got back brilliantly to stop Shorey late on whilst O’Shea just stood and watched.
Substitutes
Macheda: 8.0 - Came on and won it with a sensational late strike.
Welbeck: 6.5 - A late sub but almost scored, forcing Friedel into a great save.
ASTON VILLA
Friedel: 7.5 – Had no option but to pick up Milner’s backpass but had no chance with any of the goals. Good saves from Fletcher and Welbeck late on.
Luke Young: 6.5 - Back in his preferred right back position and looked so much happier. Might have got tighter to Macheda for the winner.
Davies: 7.0 – A much improved display from last week but will be distraught to concede a late-winner.
Cuellar: 7.5 – Made some great blocks and for so long kept United out.
Shorey: 6.5 - Seemingly out of favour, O’Neill handed Shorey his first start since November and he did okay.
Milner: 6.5 – A silly back pass gave the free-kick away from which Ronaldo scored. However, he worked incredibly hard to make amends and posed United problems.
Barry: 8.0 – A very, good display. Controllled large sections of the game and a superb cross to set up Carew for the equaliser
Petrov: 7.0 – Strong, battling display, stole the ball off Ronaldo to set up Villa’s second.
Ashley Young: 7.0 – Looked a constant threat, particularly on the break, and his delivery was good.
Carew: 8.0 – His aerial ability was a major threat. Forced Fletcher to scrape off the line early on, before equalising with a strong header. Set up Agbonlahor for the second goal.
Agbonlahor: 7.0 - Had the beating of Neville and O’Shea and his pace caused United all sorts of problems. A great header for the second goal ended his recent goal drought.
Substitutes
Reo-Coker: N/a
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Manchester United, Porto, And Sir Alex Ferguson's Bad Memories
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to the press ahead of Champions League week, sharing his thoughts on all things Porto.
Manchester United are hosts to Porto this coming Tuesday, in a Champions League tie that stirs up memories in the knighted gaffer's mind. It was five years ago that Sir Alex Ferguson first faced-off with the Special One, Jose Mourinho's Portuguese side emerging the eventual victors of the Champions League that season.
"We were robbed," claimed Sir Alex, referring to both legs of United's last 16 clash with Porto all those years ago.
"Absolute robbery."
Still haunted by the memories of Paul Scholes' disallowed goal amongst a catalogue of other incidents that the gaffer feels harshly done by, Fergie has made sure that his homework is well and truly done this time, in order to prevent another shock defeat at the hands of the Portuguese champions.
"We’ve done the work on Porto," said Ferguson.
"I watched them on holiday and took all the DVDs away and watched the last six games they played."
Wary of the threat that Porto's attack poses, especially on the counter, Ferguson paid homage to Lisandro Lopez and his Brazilian strike partner Givanildo Vieira de Souza, famously nicknamed 'Hulk'.
"Big, powerful lad," the Red Devils' gaffer said of Hulk.
"He’s quick, with a good left foot. I’m surprised he’s not in the Brazil squad."
"The boy Lisandro is a finisher, a real striker," added Ferguson.
"And Porto have a lot of Argentinians. [Tevez] will obviously give me information."
In spite of the years gone by, and having studied up well on United's Portuguese equivalents, the bad taste still remains in Fergie's mouth, and he is determined not to have history repeat itself.
"I’m very mindful of the last time we met them. It just shows you football can be that way.
"That night sticks in the mind because Scholes’ goal was clearly a goal and the most ridiculous decision was when Cristiano Ronaldo was brought down going through, the linesman flagged for a foul and the referee went against it.
"They got a free-kick for it and scored a goal. It will be a difficult tie."
Having vented his frustrations of the past, Sir Alex looked beyond the current leg, attesting that Barcelona are, in his opinion, likely to pose the biggest threat, but that the strength inherent in Premier League teams may well lead to another all-English final.
"The threat as I see it is Barcelona," he said.
"They’re playing well enough to cause anybody problems. We’ve avoided them in the draw and have to be pleased about that.
"Because of the competitive nature of our Premier League I think an English team will win the Champions League again this year and it could be another all-English final. There could be three English teams in the semis again, that’s how strong we are."
Stephen Crawford, Goal.com
Skipper in waiting
Rio Ferdinand will be handed the captain's armband on a permanent basis once United's most experienced campaigners have called time on their Old Trafford careers.
Since joining the club in the summer of 2002, the England international has not only developed into one of the Reds' most important and consistent performers, he has become a natural leader as well.
He has already skippered the Reds on a number of occasions over the last few seasons, including last season's Champions League final, in the absence of club captain Gary Neville and United's record appearance holder Ryan Giggs. And Sir Alex confirmed the 30-year-old will become the full-time bearer of the armband in the coming years.
"When players first come to the club you don't know enough about them [to see whether they're captain material], it's only in the last few years that I've seen that with Rio," explained the United boss.
"He had a casualness about him when he first joined as a young lad which sometimes frustrated you, but he's matured and has a great strength of character.
"He's a good leader now and I think he will be our captain when Neville and Giggs hang their boots up."
Despite seeing Ferdinand substituted late on in England's victory over Ukraine with a groin problem in midweek, Sir Alex remains hopeful he will be fit to face Aston Villa on Sunday.
"He didn't train on Friday, but we hope he will on Saturday," revealed the boss. "He's got a good chance for Sunday, although if he does play he may be struggling by Tuesday. However, the important thing is to get him ready for Sunday."
Friday, April 3, 2009
Manchester United Is The Only Team For Me - Carlos Tevez
Carlos Tevez has insisted that he cannot imagine playing for any team other than Manchester United.
Manchester United have a contractual agreement with Media Sport Investments, the agency that own the rights to Carlos Tevez, that see to it that the pint-sized striker stays at Old Trafford until the end of this season.
It is believed that a bid in the region of €30 million would have to be placed in order to make Tevez's stay at United a permanent one. And in spite of many links to other top European clubs, Tevez has claimed that he can only see himself playing for the Red Devils.
"My loan deal ends in June but I cannot think of any team except United," he told Sport magazine.
"The United fans love me and my family is very happy, both in Manchester and in England.
"My thoughts are only about winning titles with United, and if this happens then I hope I will still be here next season.
"I do not want to play with any other team. I always follow my heart, and my heart is telling me it will be impossible for me to leave English football."
The Argentine was also full of praise for his current gaffer, claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson's approach to managing has had a massive effect on his career.
"He is always the boss," he said.
"There is never any doubt who is in charge, but he is also a gentleman.
"From the moment I arrived, he has treated me with respect as a person.
"His greatest quality is that, for him, there are no star players – everyone is equal, whether they cost many millions or are a young player who hasn't played many times for the team.
"When I see him work he reminds me of Carlos Bianchi, who was my coach at Boca Juniors in Argentina.
"Both have had a big influence on my career, and both know how to treat people."
Tevez also expressed his thoughts on whom he believes to be amongst the world's greatest footballers, saying that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two most talented players he has ever seen, and confessing that he would love to have Messi play alongside him at Old Trafford.
"Sometimes [Ronaldo's] performances are almost from a different planet," he said.
"He is a truly special talent and the only other player who I think is on the same level as him today is my Argentinian team-mate Lionel Messi.
"He is at Barcelona now, but I think they could play very well together – they are the only men in football who can win a game on their own.
"They are complete because they are both superb dribblers who also have a very good eye for goal. I would love to have them both with me in the same team."
Stephen Crawford, Goal.com
Rio Ferdinand Doubtful Ahead Of Manchester United Clash With Aston Villa
Rio Ferdinand has returned to Manchester United a serious doubt for this weekend's clash with Aston Villa.
Fabio Capello has revealed to the press that Rio Ferdinand has been sent back to Old Trafford with an injury after limping off the pitch during England's World Cup qualifying win over Ukraine on Wednesday.
Capello failed to confirm the nature or severity of the injury, leaving that up to his club side, but it suspected that the defender has aggravated a groin strain that he has been troubled with in the past. In light of this, Ferdinand looks a serious doubt for Manchester United's all important Premier League tie with Aston Villa this weekend.
"He was in a bit of pain and I will have to speak to the doctor," Capello told the press.
The 30-year-old will now be assessed by the club doctors at Old Trafford ahead of the clash with Villa, a game that United will surely be looking to make a statement in as their recent Premier League results have not been indicative of what the current Club World Cup champions are capable of producing.
And with Nemanja Vidic ruled out of the fixture due to suspension, Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to his fringe players to step up and take the reigns at the heart of United's defence whilst hoping that Ferdinand makes a quick recovery.
Stephen Crawford, Goal.com
Teddy Sheringham: England Ace Wayne Rooney Could Follow The Fate Of Gascoigne
Teddy Sheringham is worried that Wayne Rooney could one day seriously injure himself because of his all-action style...
Legendary Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham, who famously downed Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final with a last minute goal and then an even later assist, has explained that English powerhouse forward Wayne Rooney risks an injury similar to the one that Paul Gascoigne sustained nearly two decades ago due to his unapologetic battling bulldog spirit.
In the 65th minute of England's 2-1 victory over visiting Ukraine on Wednesday evening, Rooney challenged Oleksandr Aliyev, but followed through on the player once he won the ball.
In the aftermath of the game, Sheringham believes Rooney needs to start exercising caution.
The former England international told This Is London, "Wayne won the ball but the actual follow-through is terrible and on three fronts he was lucky.
"First of all he didn't injure the player badly, secondly he didn't get sent off, and thirdly he could have injured himself.
"It was similar to how ‘Gazza’ did his knee and he was never the same," Sheringham warned. “He could end his career with a challenge like that.”
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Manchester United Midfielder Owen Hargreaves Is 'Feeling Good' - Sir Alex Ferguson
The United boss has spoken out over the current state of Hargreaves' rehabilitation. The Scot has given his assurances that the midfielder’s recovery is going to plan...
Owen Hargreaves has been a long-term absentee from Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United first team plans due to a recurring knee injury.
During the 2007-08 campaign he only featured intermittently, but he has received two operations this season in order to remedy his problematic patella tendonitis, a condition when jumping and landing exercises cause too much strain on the tissue and the tendon in the knee.
Both of his knees have been subject to the tendonitis and have consequently both been operated on.
According to various reports, the Canadian-born England international has now made a return to Manchester United's Carrington training ground in a bid to continue with his rehabilitation.
Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to quash the fears that the latest operation, which took place in January, had not been a success.
The moxie Scot believes his defensive midfielder will have made a full recovery, and will be ready for extended first team action, over the summer.
He told the Daily Mail, "His operations have gone perfectly well, he's feeling good."
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wayne Rooney Wants To Be Manchester United Lifer
'Wazza' has pledged to stay at Old Trafford for the rest of his playing days...
Manchester United golden boy Wayne Rooney says he wants to finish his career at the club.
Rooney has been a mainstay at Old Trafford since his unforgettable hat-trick against Fenerbahce on his debut and there is every indication that the the best is yet to come from the super-talented 23-year-old.
The ex-Everton prodigy has three-and-a-half years to run on his contract. But when that's up, he is hoping to sign another one, to keep him a Red Devil for the rest of his playing days.
"I've always said that as long as United want me I'm happy to stay at the club," Rooney said in a recent interview for Inside United magazine.
"I don't want to leave. I love United and I have no reason to think about moving. I'm sure I'll be here for a long time.
"I hope I'm still at United when I'm the same age as guys like Ryan [Giggs], Paul [Scholes] and Gary [Neville]."
Rooney's first concern though is from what seat in the stands to watch United's next game, at home to Aston Villa, after his sending-off at Fulham a couple of weekends ago.
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Manchester United History
Discover the amazing history of Manchester United, from their humble beginnings as Newton Heath in 1878 which was the works team for the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway workers in the local area. The club became one of the best in the Edwardian era but in 1902 following a brush with insolvency the club changed hands and became Manchester United Football Club.
The aftermath of World War II led to struggle until the great Matt Busby arrived. He defined the aura and style of the club we know today, under Matt Busby’s guidance during the 1950s Manchester United began to become a forice as Scotsman built a side based on players he had groomed through United’s youth structure and assembled a great side which became known as the “Busby Babes” who met their tragic end at Munich in 1958.
The club slowly recovered under Busby’s return from injury suffered in the Munich Disaster and in the early 1960s began to piece together a side including legends such as Best, Law and Charlton who helped win the European Cup in 1968.
Following Busby’s resignation in 1969 and several failed replacements the club struggled and found themselves relegated to the second division in 1974. Baron years followed with only the occasional FA Cup triumph able to lift the united fans spirits.
It was not until Sir Alex Ferguson replaced Ron Atkinson that the new era slowly started to begin and today United are once again the most admired and feared team in the land thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson.
It all could of been so different as an impatient Manchester United board are reported to have been close to sacking Ferguson in his first few years. See how he blended the best home-grown talent such as Beckham, Giggs, the Nevilles and star signings like Cantona, Ronaldo and Rooney.