Sir Bobby Charlton, 71, has added his voice to the growing contingent readily offering commendation to Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic, and has singled out some areas of his game for specific tributes.
The Serbian has begun to accumulate a number of in-house end-of-season awards and remains a front-running candidate to claim further accolades due to his sturdy and consistent season.
"It’s normally the glamour players who get these prizes, but Nemanja deserves this," Charlton explained to the club's official website.
"He has been such an influence. He is the envy of the whole league and he has been a brilliant, brilliant player for us."
Sir Bobby continued by examining the areas of Vidic's game that helps separate the Serbian international from other defenders.
"Nemanja is unbelievable in the air,” Charlton said. “He wins absolutely everything. He is so powerful and brave, and he has a fantastic leap to get above the strikers. And he also comes up for set-pieces and scores goals.
"As a defender he makes the full-backs, the goalkeeper and the midfielders in front of him all feel secure. He is a player you can depend on and put your trust in, and that’s important.
"I like that he doesn’t try to do too much, he sticks to his task of defending, and does that job very well.
"It’s hard for me to imagine that Manchester United would be congratulated and lauded for our defensive capabilities. We’re not supposed to be defensive!
"But alongside Rio Ferdinand or young Jonny Evans, Nemanja has dominated our area this season, and you also have to give credit to Edwin van der Sar and his other colleagues in defence," the World Cup winning striker concluded.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Blog Traffics
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Nemanja Vidic Is The Envy Of The Premier League – Sir Bobby Charlton
Ryan Giggs Omits Cristiano Ronaldo From His Best Manchester United XI
Ryan Giggs, the most decorated player in Premier League history, won an incredible 11th title following Manchester United's goal-less draw with London rivals Arsenal.
While Cristiano Ronaldo's goals have not come as thick and as fast as last year, he has still contributed significantly to the club's challenge on two major fronts during the season run-in but, when Giggs was asked to name his favourite players of the United teams he has featured in, there was no room for the Portuguese international.
His ten outfield were picked with little qualms, but Giggs admits to struggling to select between record-breaking clean-sheet accumulator Edwin van der Sar, and exemplary shot-stopper Peter Schmeichel.
"Peter was one of the best players I played with," Giggs is reported to have told the Daily Mail. "He was a match-winner who would save the game for United because he was such a good goalkeeper.
"Now I play with Edwin. They are both great goalkeepers. It wouldn't matter who played in goal."
The versatile veteran, who has adapted his game from a hard-to-track dribbling left flanker, to a central midfielder, opted to pick the whole of the midfield treble-winning side of 1999, and reserved notable commendation for Paul Scholes.
"He does things I couldn't do. The time he has on the ball, his range of passing and ability to score goals make him probably the best I've ever seen."
Up-front, Giggs decided to nominate French legend Eric Cantona, and powerful English workhorse Wayne Rooney, explaining their place in the history of United thus, "They are players who have come through the system. Players from different countries and background that sums up Manchester United."
Schmeichel/Van der Sar
Neville - Stam - Ferdinand - Irwin
Beckham - Scholes - Keane - Giggs
Cantona - Rooney
Monday, May 18, 2009
Nemanja Vidic Expresses Surprise At Scooping Manchester United Awards
Aside from a blip against Liverpool, Manchester United's Serbian centre-back Nemanja Vidic has been a reliable and consistent component of a defensive line that has been chopped and changed throughout the season due to a host of injuries and suspensions.
The defender, along with Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin van der Sar, and Rio Ferdinand, dominated the PFA Player of the Year nominations, but Vidic missed out to versatile veteran midfielder Giggs.
The 27-year-old, though, did scoop the individual in-house end-of-season accolade, and shared his thoughts with MUTV.
He said, "It's a great night for me. It has been a really good year. I am surprised I got it but I have really enjoyed it."
He continued, "To be honest I don't have so many individual awards. That's why I am a bit confused and my speech is not the best. Next time my speech will be a bit better."
Portuguese international Ronaldo claimed United's goal of the season award in recognition of his long-range goal scored against Porto away from home in the Champions League.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Hails Chelsea Star Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard has long been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League and has even upped his game this season, prompting temporary Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink to claim that he is the "complete box to box midfielder".
His form may have gone un-noticed by his peers - he was controversially snubbed for the PFA Player of the Year awards - yet Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking after leading his side to a record-equalling 18th league title, has declared Lampard to be an "exceptional" footballer.
Ferguson told The Sunday Times, "He is an exceptional player, a huge asset to his team. Every time he plays he goes from box to box and he hardly misses a game.
"You pay attention to players who can get goals from midfield and he’s been averaging 20 goals every season.
"As I say, Frank Lampard is exceptional."
Despite being omitted from certain end-of-season awards, Lampard could find himself as a front-running candidate for goal-of-the-season due to his chipped strike versus Hull City earlier in the season.
Then-manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said at the time that it was one of the greatest goals he had seen.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ferguson: I Want Carlos Tevez To Stay At Manchester United
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated his desire to keep Carlos Tevez at the club, after he fired a crucial goal on the way to the Red Devils’ 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic this evening.
Tevez cancelled out Hugo Rodallega’s first-half opener within four minutes of coming on as a substitute to replace Anderson, before Michael Carrick sealed the comeback with an 87th-minute winner.
And speaking after the match, Ferguson gave the biggest hint yet that the Argentine is wanted at Old Trafford on a permanent basis.
“He [Tevez] is a fantastic little player,” he said to Sky Sports.
“He knows I want him to stay. I’ve had a chat with him today, [chief executive] David Gill has had some meetings with him today and it has progressed.
“We hope we get what we want [an agreement]. I keep saying that the situation has not changed.
“We’re not negotiating with a football club and that is the problem. Carlos himself is OK and the terms he has been offered are good.”
Speaking about the match, which leaves United within a point of a third successive Premier League title, the Scot paid tribute to his team’s second-half display.
Ferguson said, “We were against a very determined Wigan side.
“It was a real tough hurdle today and the team were fantastic in the second half in terms of their determination, not giving in and keeping going until we got a little break and at the end of the day we were the better team in the second half.
“The first thing I said [at half-time] was keep your discipline because the referee was annoying them with a lot of decisions – but you can’t beat the referee.
“Cristiano Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick tonight and we had a lot of chances – I felt he should have also had a penalty.
“We just needed to stay patient.”
Chris Myson, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United came from behind to beat Wigan at the JJB. Goal.com rates the performers…
WIGAN ATHLETIC
Kingson: 6.5 - A first league start for the Latics and could not have imagined he would have such a quiet night. No chance with the two goals but dealt with everything else comfortably enough.
Melchiot: 6.0 - Had few problems against Anderson but found Evra a tougher opponent.
Boyce: 7.5 – A super defensive display, kept a very close eye on Berbatov and foiled numerous United attacks.
Bramble: 7.0 - Lost Berbatov early on but improved as the game wore on although he found Tevez a handful.
Figueroa: 6.5 - Was outpaced by Ronaldo on occasion but generally held him in check and also got forward well, hitting two good efforts just over.
Valencia: 6.5 – Looked a threat whenever he had the ball and his pace caused United problems. Great break early on but supplied a poor finish when he only had Van der Sar to beat.
Cattermole: 7.5 - Gave the United midfield no peace but also got forward. A great ball up to Rodallega for the opener and had a decent shot just on half-time.
Scharner: 7.0 - In central midfield tonight and his pressing forced the United midfielders into mistakes early on. Made several vital tackles in the second half particularly on Rooney and Ronaldo.
Brown: 6.5 - Gave United no space and was a bustling, harrying presence.
N'Zogbia: 6.5 – Offered a useful attacking outlet and had a good free kick saved by Van der Sar in the first-half.
Rodallega: 7.5 – Gave Vidic a really tough evening, beat him for the goal before slotting home with a confident finish.
Substitutes
Mido: n/a
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 7.0 – A decent display, saved well particularly from N’Zogbia and Rodallega in the first half.
O'Shea: 7.5 - Defensively he did OK and a great run and pass handed Carrick the chance to slot home the winner.
Vidic: 6.0 – Seemed unnerved by Rodallega. Was beaten by the Colombian for the opener and struggled to recover his composure. Good ball into Ronaldo in the build-up for the second goal.
Evans: 5.5 - Looked nervy, caught out by Valencia and Rodallega early on and will have been relieved that neither man could profit from his mistakes.
Evra: 7.0 – Valencia’s pace gave him plenty to think about defensively but attacking-wise he looked to get forward at every opportunity and posed a threat.
Carrick: 8.5 – Missed a great chance early on but redeemed himself by setting up the first and grabbing the second with a fine strike.
Scholes: 6.5 – Had a tough evening against a stubborn Wigan midfield but barely put a pass astray.
Anderson: 6.0 - Got forward frequently but couldn’t offer the invention to break Wigan down and was replaced by Tevez on the hour mark.
Ronaldo: 7.0 - A super cross for Carrick early on but gave it away far too frequently. Improved in the second half and should have finished it late on but fired over.
Berbatov: 7.5 - Helped set up two great moves early on and was involved in all of United's best attacking moments.
Rooney: 6.5 - Worked incredibly hard but guilty of missing two great chances, a gilt edged header early on and another shot just before half time.
Substitutes
Tevez: 7.5 - Scored within minutes of his arrival and was a real handful.
Giggs: n/a
Park: n/a
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Manchester United Close In On Title With Wigan Win
A very late Carrick goal handed the champions all three points at the JJB and leaves them just one point away from yet another title.
Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester United look to be closing in on yet another Premier League title after coming from behind to secure a hard-fought victory at a rain-swept JJB Stadium.
A thrilling first-half saw chances aplenty for both sides but with Wigan, crucially, heading into the interval with the lead.
Indeed the home side might have gone ahead in the opening minutes when a mistake by Jonny Evans allowed Antonio Valencia clear through on goal.
Yet whilst the Ecuadorian’s run into the box was impressive, his finish wasn’t, and he chipped a poor effort wide of goal.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men came storming back and had chances of their own as early as the tenth minute.
Dimitar Berbatov handed Wayne Rooney a glorious opportunity to score but the England international conspired to head his cross well wide with only Richard Kingson to beat.
Minutes later and a flowing move from the visitors saw Rooney and Berbatov combine again to tee up Michael Carrick who prodded another effort just wide.
Yet the league leaders were not having it all their own way and were grateful to Edwin van der Sar who did well to punch a Charles N’Zogbia free kick to safety.
The Dutch shot stopper was also called into action shortly afterwards when Hugo Rodallega beat Evans but could only fire straight at the veteran.
However, Wigan were not to be denied and just before the half-hour mark they took the lead.
A long ball by Lee Cattermole up to Rodallega saw the striker challenging with Nemanja Vidic in the air.
As the ball dropped, the bounce seemed to confuse both players but Rodallega was quickest to the rebound and swept it past Van der Sar with a composed finish.
The goal knocked United out of their stride and with the wet conditions playing a part, they struggled to regain their earlier fluency.
However, as the half drew to a close they finally managed to slip into gear once again.
A lovely move involving several players eventually saw Ronaldo slip in Rooney for a shot but again the England striker couldn’t find the target despite being well-placed.
Undeterred Wigan sprinted down the other end of the field with Rodallega shooting straight at Van der Sar as the half ended in much the same exhilarating fashion as it began.
The home side began the second half in determined fashion and with United unable to force Kingson into a save, Ferguson changed things on the hour mark sending on Carlos Tevez for Anderson.
It was to prove to be an inspired substitution as within minutes of his arrival the Argentine had pulled the Red Devils back on level terms.
For the first time all game Carrick found himself in space outside the area. The midfielder hit a low shot which looked to be heading wide before Tevez flicked it past Kingson for the equaliser.
With half an hour still remaining the visitors went in search of the winner but were frustrated by a combination of some superb Wigan play and poor finishing.
Both Rooney and Ronaldo saw decent efforts flash wide of the target and with time running out the champions looked to be heading for a frustrating draw.
Yet with just five minutes remaining Ronaldo and O’Shea combined to tee up Carrick who slotted home a sumptuous left-footed finish to leave United just one point from the title.
Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Scharner, Brown, N'Zogbia (Mido, 82), Rodallega.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Scholes (Giggs, 75), Anderson (Tevez, 58), Ronaldo, Berbatov (Park, 88), Rooney.
GOALS
1-2 Manchester United (Carrick, 86)
1-1 Manchester United (Tevez, 62)
1-0 Wigan Athletic (Rodallega, 29)
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Manchester United Midfielder Darren Fletcher Will Miss Champions League Final
Darren Fletcher, the Manchester United midfielder who was sent off in the dying minutes of his side's Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last week, will not have his red card rescinded, and will be suspended for the final in Rome, UEFA have confirmed today.
Barcelona's Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal will also miss the final, after they picked up suspensions due to cards awarded in the Catalans' semi-final with Chelsea.
UEFA confirmed that there was no dispensation available to them to grant Fletcher under the current rules, and issued a statement which read, "The Control and Disciplinary Body decided not to admit the protest submitted by Manchester United in relation to midfielder Darren Fletcher's red card in the Uefa Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
"Similarly, the Control and Disciplinary Body did not admit Barcelona's protest against the red card of Eric Abidal and the caution of fellow defender Daniel Alves in the semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
"All three players are therefore suspended for one UEFA club competition match and will serve their bans when Barcelona meet Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final in Rome on 27 May."
The statement continued, "In reaching its decision, the Control and Disciplinary Body concluded (i) that the protests had not been submitted within the required 24-hour deadline of a match for filing protests – as specified in the disciplinary regulations – and (ii) that even if they had been admitted they would have been rejected as unfounded as there were no grounds for contesting the referees' original decisions.
"The decisions of the Control and Disciplinary Body can be appealed within three days of the dispatch of the written decision," it concluded.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Patrice Evra Warns Manchester United Against Complacency & Hails Carlos Tevez
Manchester United are on course to emulate the silverware successes they achieved at the turn of the millennium, when they scooped three Premier League titles on the trot, together with a Champions League coup in '99. They require just four points from three league games to secure their third successive crown and, in addition, they are 90 minutes away from retaining the European Cup; only Barcelona now lie in their way.
French left-back Patrice Evra believes the derby win over local rivals Manchester City gave Sir Alex Ferguson's men a further lift as they go into Wednesday evening's tie against Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic outfit.
"We’re nearly there," Evra explained to MUTV. "If we win against Wigan, it will be very important for winning the title. But it’s not finished yet. Now we need a good recovery before we play our next game."
Evra was also insistent that the double-hopefuls need to take things one game at a time. "We have a Champions League final to look forward to, but we have to put that to the back of our minds and concentrate on the league,” he said.
"The win against City was very important for the team. When you play in the league after playing in the European Cup, [it] can be tough. It’s the Manchester derby and we are all very happy, it was an important three points. Liverpool won and went top [on Saturday], so we knew we had to do our job."
Regarding Carlos Tevez, who is the subject of endless speculation as he is fast approaching the conclusion of his two-year loan spell, Evra said, "It was very crucial for the team to get the second goal just before half-time.
"‘Carlitos’ is a world-class player and he showed his quality. You could tell City felt a bit down after that goal. I am very pleased for Carlitos. Whenever he plays, he respects the shirt of Manchester United.
"He is a great professional."
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
Darren Fletcher Accepts Champions League Ban
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has accepted the one match European ban he has received for being sent off in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
Th Scottish midfielder was sent off for a clumsy-looking tackle he made on Cesc Fabregas. Replays showed that he appeared to get a boot on the ball, but the referee decided to award a penalty to the Gunners and hand a red card to Fletcher.
United have appealed against the decision and will hear the results on Monday, but a UEFA ruling means the ban cannot be overturned.
The 25-year-old says he has already accepted the fact that he will not play in the Champions League final in Rome against Barcelona.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fletcher said, "I just have to accept it. It is the final decision on it tomorrow but I have got to get on with it.
"I have got to make sure I am fully focussed on winning the Premier League and let the lads take care of the [Champions League] final."
The Scottish midfielder has become a key part of the United midfield this season, playing mainly in the 4-3-3 formation used by Sir Alex Ferguson.
He has been at Old Trafford since 2000, graduating from the club's academy in 2001, and has since made 130 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, scoring ten goals.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
Sir Bobby Charlton Hails Manchester United
Manchester United legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, has heaped praise on the club's class of 2009 by claiming it is the best squad the Red Devils have ever assembled.
United were tipped to complete a unique quintuple this season, by winning all the competitions they entered.
But this dream vanished when the club crashed out of the FA Cup at the semi-final stage to Everton in a penalty shoot-out.
But Charlton, who led the club to its first European title back in 1968, admitted he was overjoyed watching the club's performance against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Charlton said, "This could be the greatest United team – absolutely – and it probably already is.
"It is a different game now and you can’t really compare eras – but it’s just magic what they are doing and you have to enjoy it while it’s here.
"It was really nice, at the end of Tuesday’s game, that a lot of Arsenal fans stopped to applaud."
The ex-United player also had high praise for club manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who he feels has shown a lot of desire this season.
"The way Sir Alex has turned things around from a few weeks ago is just incredible."
Having already won the Carling Cup and the Club World Cup, United are on course to win the Premier League this season and are also in the Champions League final, where they will play Barcelona in Rome.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
Manchester United's Carlos Tevez Dispatches Manchester City
Carlos Tevez sent a message to his manager Alex Ferguson, putting in a fantastic performance and scoring a sublime goal as the Red Devils sunk the Citizens
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Two first half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and an excellent Carlos Tevez were enough to see Manchester United past Manchester City. Ronaldo struck with a free-kick before Tevez added a second with a high quality effort.
Manchester United had the early chances, with Tevez striking from 25 yards in the 6th minute. The shot was well struck but Shay Given dealt with the attempt comfortably, pushing the ball wide of his post.
The Citizens were willing to venture forward, Robinho showed good skill on the left, beating his man and then playing Elano into space in the box. Elano had time to steady himself but dragged his shot into the side netting at the near post.
Ronaldo attacked Micah Richards on the left flank, the Portuguese turned skillfully onto his right foot and cut inside, striking the ball well from 20 yards but it was straight at Given who caught easily.
United continued to press as Vincent Kompany conceded a cheap foul on the right flank, felling Park Ji-Sung. Ryan Giggs took the free-kick but wasted the opportunity.
Kompany slipped in his own half, losing possession to Ronaldo who then fed Dimitar Berbatov in the centre. The Bulgarian was fouled 30 yards from goal by Stephen Ireland. Ronaldo stepped up and dispatched his trademark free-kick into the bottom right hand corner in the 18th minute, it got a deflection off the corner of the wall and looped around Given into the net. 1-0 to Manchester United.
The home side seized the momentum as Patrice Evra back heeled to Tevez on the edge of the box on the left. The Argentinian attacked Nedum Onuoha and cut onto his right foot, creating half a yard and unleashed a wonderful effort on goal. Given was stranded as the shot hit the crux of the bar in the far corner.
Manchester United extended their lead in the 44th minute, Darren Fletcher played a long ball up to Berbatov on the left. Controlling sublimely, the Bulgarian and played in Tevez who had taken up a central position 20 yards from goal. The Argentinian engineered half a yard and curled his shot round Given's outstretched left hand, the ball struck the inside of the post and rippled the back of the net. 2-0 to the Red Devils.
The second half began with a good chance for the visitors. Elano played an elavated through ball to Robinho who controlled the ball on the run into the box. Attacking from left to right the Brazilian shot under pressure from Rafael and sent it well wide.
Manchester City pressed forward again, Robinho controlling well in crowded penalty area and feeding Wayne Bridge on the left flank. The Englishman hit an excellent cross towards Felipe Caicedo at the far post but Nemanja Vidic did well to hold off the Ecuadorian and prevent an effort on goal.
Paul Scholes, on as a substitute, sent a lovely crossfield ball to Giggs on the left, the Welsh wizard won his side a corner but the home side waste the opportunity.
The Citizens broke with Robinho on the left who then played in Valeri Bojinov in the centre. The Bulgarian substitute shaped to shoot but his effort was deflected and went out for a corner.
Tevez continued to be excellent, picking the ball up 40 yards from goal the Argentinian drove at the Citizens defence, rounding two defenders easily and smashed the ball goal wards from 20 yards. His shot wasn't controlled and soared over the woodwork.
Edwin Van Der Sar was tested for the first real time 86 minutes into the game, Martin Petrov, on as a substitute, picked the ball up 25 yards from goal on the left. The Bulgarian immediately smashed the ball towards the top left hand corner and the Dutch keeper produced a wonderful save to deny the shot.
Wayne Rooney, who had replaced a broody Ronaldo, attempted a long distance lob a minute later at the other end. It was speculative effort and limped well wide of the target.
Scholes made a darting run forward which was spotted by Rooney, the former Evertonian hit a long pass with the outside of his right boot that split the defence and released his team mate. Scholes didn't have the pace to finish the opportunity and was tackled by Richard Dunne in the penalty area.
From the resultant corner Fletcher made a good run to the front post and headed goal wards. His header was creeping wide but Tevez stole in inches from the back post, the Argentinian connected with his header but only helped the ball onto the post, almost colliding with the woodwork in the process.
Manchester United held out for the win and returned to the summit of the Premier League, three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand against Wigan Athletic.
Owen Watson, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
The red half of Manchester is celebrating victory in the derby, a result that sends them back to the top of the league. Goal.com rates the performers …
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 6.5 – Had very little to do but saved well from Petrov in the dying minutes.
Rafael: 6.5 - Came forwards well and had a couple of good shots but looked less than convincing defensively and was beaten by Robinho on several occasions.
Vidic: 8.0 - A super display by the Serbian who blocked everything and seemed to be on the end of every City ball that came into the United box.
Evans: 7.0 - Came in for Rio Ferdinand and a strong display that ensured the England international wasn’t missed.
Evra: 6.5 – Perhaps didn’t get forwards as often as usual but still looked comfortable at the back.
Park: 7.0 - Relentless running as always and combined well with Rafael and his front two before he was taken off on the hour mark.
Fletcher: 7.5 - Put his Champions League disappointment aside with an excellent, hard-working performance, winning countless balls in midfield and never shirking a challenge.
Giggs: 7.0 – Calm and composed in midfield and barely put a foot wrong.
Ronaldo: 7.5 - His free-kick needed a deflection to beat Given but he looked a threat whenever he had the ball before he was given a rest on hour mark.
Tevez: 8.5 – Hit the bar twice, once with a super strike and late on with a header, before scoring the second with a great finish
Berbatov: 7.5 - Did superbly to take the ball down and set up Tevez for the second and combined well with the Argentine all afternoon in a classy showing.
Substitutes
Scholes: 6.5 - Given the last half-hour and provided some sharp passing.
Rooney: 6.0 – Arrived with Scholes but couldn’t add a third.
O’Shea: 6.0 – Replaced Evans late on and did a job.
MANCHESTER CITY
Given: 6.5 - A little unlucky with the first goal as the deflection seemed to wrong-foot him. No chance with the second but distributed well and coped with everything else thrown at him.
Richards: 6.0 - Up against Ronaldo for most of the game and couldn’t live with his pace.
Dunne: 5.5 - Found Tevez a tough customer and was beaten by the Argentine for both power and pace on several occasions. Good challenge to get back and deny Scholes late on.
Onuoha: 6.0 - Some poor clearances but otherwise didn't do too much wrong.
Bridge: 5.5 - Found Park and Tevez a handful and barely got forwards at all.
Elano: 6.5 - Hot and cold from the Brazilian. Saw plenty of the ball and made some great passes, particularly up to Robinho at the second of the second half but was also guilty of giving it away far too often and his set-pieces were poor.
Ireland: 6.5 - Gave away the free-kick from which Ronaldo scored but otherwise battled well in midfield and made some great runs but City failed to pick him out far too often.
Kompany: 7.0 – Helped out his defence well but couldn't drive his team forwards.
De Jong: 6.5 - Solid job in midfield and covered a lot of ground but offered little to the team going forwards.
Robinho: 5.5 - Worked hard but was only an occasional threat and had a quiet game. Ought have scored at the opening of the second but fired well wide.
Caicedo: 5.0– An ineffective showing, held the ball up well enough but had no sights of goal and was replaced in the second half.
Substitutes
Bojinov: 6.0 - Had one shot that was deflected wide.
Petrov: 6.5 - Decent shot late on.
Evans: n/a
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Zoran Tosic Waiting Patiently For Manchester United Debut
Manchester United midfielder Zoran Tosic, a recruit from Partizan Belgrade who arrived during the January transfer window, is showing patience as he waits to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils.
The 22-year-old, who has featured for the full Serbian national team, has not appeared since coming from the bench for United against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup. He has impressed observers with his displays for Ole Gunner Solskjaer's reserve team, but acknowledges that his acclimatisation is perhaps not yet quite complete enough for him to take the field in the Premier League.
"It was the best moment of my life when I came on," he told uefa.com, speaking of his appearance against Spurs.
"75,000 people. I think I did well in that game.
"Now I hope we will win the championship and try to win the Champions League then, after that, when next season starts, I'm going to get the chance to play.
"I'm happy here in Manchester. I haven't played a lot of games for the first team, but I have come to the best club in the world.
"I know I have time. I have to practise, get stronger, get faster, be better in all aspects. I feel the [upcoming European] Under-21 championship will help me and I can prove I'm a United player."
Help in settling-in has been forthcoming from all at the club, but particularly from fellow Serb Nemanja Vidic; United's rock sold centre-back.
"He has helped me a lot, not only on the pitch but off it too," Tosic added.
"English football is a bit different to the other leagues so he told me some things about how I should play and different things that I would have to get used to.
"A player that learns to play in The Premier League can play wherever he wants."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Manchester United Hitting Form For The Big Games - Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson believes his Manchester United side are rising to the challenge of becoming multiple champions in the right way and at just the right time.
Ahead of a crucial derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday - a game that could see them tighten their grip almost unshakably on a third consecutive Premier League title - the Red Devils' boss confidently stated that his players are up to the challenge.
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] and a lot of our players are smelling the big games now. Look at the last few weeks," he stated to The Times. We have had some fantastic performances against Porto, Arsenal twice, in the second half against Tottenham and at Middlesbrough. The team has come to top form at the right time. I’d like to say it is all down to our preparation, but, to be honest, it is not. The players like the big-game situation. They have proved they can handle it and we’re in good form now.”
Having claimed that City will be “desperate” to win at Old Trafford for the second season running, Ferguson believes his ex-player Mark Hughes, now City boss, will struggle to bring in the top players he wants this summer.
“You can have a checklist of players but it’s reduced by 50 per cent because other clubs don’t want to sell,” Ferguson said, adding that his own club “won’t be going for a lot of players” in the summer and had not yet identified any summer targets.
Graham Lister, Goal.com
Manchester United Announce Indian Sponsorship Deal
Manchester United have announced a new five year sponsorship deal with Indian telecom giants Bharti Airtel.
Starting next season, Airtel will be able to offer their mobile customers video clips of Manchester United’s games.
The value of the deal wasn’t disclosed at an Old Trafford press conference that was attended by manager Sir Alex Ferguson and star players Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.
"This partnership demonstrates the enduring strength of the club internationally," said Manchester United CEO David Gill highlighting the club’s power to find partners during global meltdown.
"Football is definitely seeing a growing interest amongst the young population in India. We are making a pioneering effort to bring them rich football content on their mobiles,” said Sanjay Kapoor, the deputy CEO of Airtel.
Airtel users will get opportunities to participate in training sessions with Manchester United Soccer Schools coaches, to attend matches at Old Trafford and travel into Europe with United to UEFA Champions League games.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Fletcher offered hope on red card
Manchester United could appeal against Darren Fletcher's suspension from the Champions League final, according to Uefa general secretary David Taylor.
Fletcher was harshly sent off in the semi-final, but Taylor told United manager Sir Alex Ferguson they could challenge the decision.
"The likelihood is we'd refer it to our disciplinary body.
"They'd see if there were circumstances to justify a departure from procedure," Taylor told BBC World Service.
Fletcher, who was an unused substitute in last season's Champions League final win over Chelsea, was dismissed towards the end of the semi-final second-leg victory over Arsenal for a challenge on Cesc Fabregas that resulted in a penalty.
However, replays made it clear that the United player had in fact made contact with the ball.
Ferguson said the decision was "a tragedy", while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted the call was "very harsh", but initially Uefa said there was no right of appeal unless the referee made an error in identifying the player.
Taylor has offered United a sliver of hope that Fletcher, 25, could turn out against Barcelona on 27 May, although he admitted the likelihood was that the decision would stand.
"I must stress there is normally no way these matters can be overturned," he warned.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8037362.stm
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo Brushes Off Transfer Speculation Once Again
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet again made it clear that he has no desire to leave Premier League giants Manchester United any time soon.
The 24-year-old versatile winger was used as a front-man against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday and, after scoring twice to help the Red Devils progress to the final, he has insisted that he is only concentrating on taking more silverware back to Old Trafford.
The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year has continuously been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid since last summer.
However, the 62-time capped Portugal international has said that there is no substance to the reports, asserting that he is committed to Manchester United.
"I've responded to this question many times. I am very happy at Manchester and I want to stay here," Ronaldo told The Sun.
"I am very focused on winning the Champions League."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Darren Fletcher's Red Card Stands, UEFA Tell Manchester United
UEFA have informed the Red Devils they have the right to appeal the decision, but the only instance in which it will be overturned is if it was a case of mistaken identity...
Manchester United have been notified by UEFA that Darren Fletcher's red card in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal will not be revoked.
Although TV replays showed that the Scotland international touched the ball, the 25-year-old was dismissed for a tackle on Cesc Fabregas, which subsequently earned the Gunners a penalty.
Referee Roberto Rosetti's decision to give the midfielder his marching orders in the 75th minute means that he will not play in the final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on May 27.
UEFA head of communications Rob Faulkner has revealed that the only way in which Fletcher's dismissal would be overturned is if the official had sent off the wrong person.
"Manchester United have the right to file a protest within 24 hours of the match," Faulkner is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"However a protest against a caution or sending off is only admissible if the referee's error was to mistake the identity of the player."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Barcelona-Manchester United Would Be The Dream Final - Laporta
With the Spanish league title almost won and one cup final already to look forward to, Barca's president wants a trip to Rome...
Joan Laporta believes that Barcelona against Manchester United would be a perfect Champions League final in Rome and thinks that beating Chelsea would make the next month very enjoyable.
The Blaugrana took a huge step towards winning la Primera Division at the weekend and are already in the Copa del Rey final; now he wants a showpiece encounter with the current world champions.
Manchester United beat Arsenal on Tuesday night to reach the final for the second consecutive year and Barca will be aiming to stop Chelsea repeating that feat also.
"Barca against Manchester United will be a dream final. We just need to make one last push," the Barca president told RAC1.
"If we qualify then we will start a great run-in to the season with the league now virtually wrapped up."
Barcelona prepared for the match at Stamford Bridge with an historic victory against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, but Laporta stated that the players had already moved on.
"That game has passed and now we are focused on the Champions League semi-final only," he added.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
Cristiano Ronaldo Confident Manchester United Can Retain Champions League
The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year says he knew all along that the Red Devils would reach the final for a second successive year...
Cristiano Ronaldo is full of belief that Manchester United can successfully defend their Champions League title after booking their place in the final.
The Red Devils beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, giving them a 4-1 win on aggregate over the two legs.
The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year, who scored twice in north London, was full of praise for this team-mates following their emphatic victory over the Gunners.
He also said that he was always confident United would go all the way to Rome this season, and that he knows no reason why they cannot become the first team to retain the trophy since the European Cup became the Champions League in 1992.
"I have always believed we were going to win it again," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"That is what we have been trying to do and now we are in the final, so we have a great opportunity.
"It was not an easy match. Arsenal are a good team, so to score three goals at their own ground is just amazing.
"The whole team were superb and we deserve to be in the final."
Darren Fletcher was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Cesc Fabregas inside the Manchester United penalty area in the 75th minute, which means he will miss the final.
The Scotland international midfielder appeared to have won the ball, and team-mate Ronaldo has said that 'Fletch' was extremely unfortunate.
"I am tremendously disappointed for Darren," Ronaldo remarked.
"He has played in most of the games and now he cannot play in the final. He deserves to - but that is football."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Alex Ferguson Backs Manchester United To Retain Champions League
The Scottish tactician says their win against in the semi-final proves there is nothing that can stop them achieving their objective...
After comfortably brushing Arsenal aside in the Champions League semi-final, manager Alex Ferguson is tipping Manchester United to retain the trophy in Rome on May 27.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg at Old Trafford, the Red Devils scored two away goals within the first 11 minutes at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to pile the pressure on the Gunners.
United booked their place in the final by winning 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate, and the Scot believes their performance over the two legs prove they can beat anybody on their day.
"We have the quality, the energy, the drive and the ambition to make history and there’s no doubting our hunger to do it," Ferguson is quoted as saying by The Sun.
"Manchester United should have won this cup more times than we have and now we have another opportunity.
"When the chips are down, these players don’t let me down.
"You also saw that we play under pressure. We weren’t overawed by Arsenal’s aggressive start.
"But we kept playing our football and once we transferred the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo it was a big problem for them.
"This team has only been put together over the last two or three years but tonight you saw a real maturity in our performance.
"Good players will always be judged by the belief they have and tonight there were no individual performances. They were all star men."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Manchester United Capitalise On Arsenal Errors To Cruise Into Champions League Final
A blistering start from Manchester United stunned Arsenal and sent the Red Devils on the way to a comfortable 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium which sends them through to the Champions League final...
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United [1-4 On Aggregate]
A blistering start from Manchester United stunned Arsenal and sent the Red Devils on the way to a comfortable 3-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium which sends them through to the Champions League final.
The visitors got off to a dream start as both Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo scored within 11 minutes after errors from Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs and then goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.
They controlled proceedings for the rest of the first half as Arsenal struggled to make any sort of impact going forward and made it 3-0 after the break when Ronaldo capped a tremendous counter-attack.
Robin van Persie did score a late consolation from the penalty spot after Darren Fletcher was harshly sent off and subsequently ruled out of the final after being adjudged to have fouled Cesc Fabregas.
But it is United’s fans who can now begin planning their trip to Rome, while followers of the Gunners have to deal with a fourth successive season without any silverware after a desperately disappointing performance.
The big Arsenal team news saw Robin van Persie return to the line-up to partner Emmanuel Adebayor in attack. Johan Djourou got the nod over ex-Red Devil Mikael Silvestre in the centre of defence.
United sprung a surprise with Park named in the starting XI ahead of both Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov, who were on the substitutes’ bench.
The first of the visitors’ two early goals came in the seventh minute. Anderson broke from midfield and found Ronaldo on the left, before the Portugal international flashed the ball across the face of goal. Just as Gunners full-back Gibbs was set to clear the danger for the home side, he slipped, allowing Park to gain possession and score by calmly chipping over the onrushing Almunia.
Four minutes later, the Gunners were completely stunned when United made it 2-0. There didn’t seem to be a huge threat when Ronaldo lined up a free-kick from the right around 40 yards from goal. However, the forward’s powerful, dipping effort avoided the grasp of Almunia and found its way inside the near post, prompting wild celebrations from the away side.
On 18 minutes, a curling effort from Rooney was superbly tipped round the post by Almunia as the visitors threatened to run riot. From the resulting corner, Ronaldo found space to head Anderson’s delivery narrowly wide.
It took half an hour for Arsenal to register their first meaningful attempt on target. Samir Nasri weaved his way into space on the left and crossed for Fabregas, who could only direct his looping header straight at United keeper Edwin van der Sar.
Two minutes later, Ronaldo had the chance to test Almunia with another long-range free-kick. This time, though, the Spaniard saved comfortably.
The World Player of the Year was involved again just prior to half-time, testing Almunia with a left-footed shot after good work from Darren Fletcher.
In the 51st minute he was at it again, cutting past Djourou from the right and forcing Almunia into a sharp stop at his near post.
Arsenal began to exert more pressure leading up to the hour mark, forcing a number of free-kicks and corners, but they soon paid the price as United scored with a ruthless counter-attack.
After United cleared a corner, Ronaldo linked with Park at the edge of United’s area. He carried the ball into Arsenal’s half before finding Rooney on the left, allowing the Englishman to find Ronaldo, who had made a tremendous supporting run, with a square pass. After an impressive night, Ronaldo made no mistake - slamming a shot past Almunia into the roof of the net.
On 64 minutes, van Persie forced van der Sar into a strong parry with a decent attempt from 20 yards. Substitute Nicklas Bendtner struck the side netting in the 71st minute after doing well to beat John O’Shea.
As the tie was drifting towards a quiet conclusion, there was a nasty sting in the tail for United. Inside the final 15 minutes, Fabregas bore down on goal from Nasri's clever lofted pass, but was halted by a Fletcher challenge, with the Scot making contact with the ball. However, a penalty was awarded and Fletcher sent off, meaning he will be out of the final.
Van Persie took an impressive resulting penalty - finding the top corner – but it was scant consolation for the second best Gunners or their home supporters.
Chris Myson, Goal.com
Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher Is ‘Terribly Unlucky’ - Sir Alex Ferguson
Fletch's sending off was a harsh decision, according to the United boss.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted midfielder Darren Fletcher was “terribly unlucky” after the Scot picked up a red card that will rule him out of the Champions League final.
The Red Devils cruised into the final with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal yet their evening was marred by a straight red card shown to the midfielder for a foul on Cesc Fabregas
Speaking to ITV Sport after the game the United boss rued the decision and admitted there was nothing the club could do about it.
“You can see the ball has moved a different direction, an angle away from Cesc Fabregas and I think he’s terribly unlucky, but unfortunately we can’t appeal it,” he explained.
“I think the referee is probably the best in Europe, he may look at it and have a view on it but there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Fletcher will now be forced to watch the final from the sidelines and Ferguson revealed he would have expected him to play some part in the game.
“You see his performance tonight, and all the big games over the last few years, Darren’s always been a key player for us,” he said.
“I can’t tell you what my team would be for the final, depends who the opponents were of course, but you would think that Darren would figure largely in it.”
Despite the sending off, United enjoyed a superb win and were helped by a great start which saw Ji Sung Park score after only nine minutes, which Ferguson admitted was a great help.
“I think obviously we got the break, we got the first goal with the defender slipping and Ji Sung Park takes advantage of that,” said the United boss.
“The performance in terms of confidence and wanting to play and play our football was really terrific.”
The reigning champions will now meet either Chelsea or Barcelona in Rome and Sir Alex tipped the Premier League side to make it through.
“Obviously Barcelona are fantastic. I watched them on Saturday night and I was drooling watching them,” he added.
“At Chelsea though, they [Barcelona] have a centre back problem and it may cost them and I think maybe Chelsea will go through.”
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
Manchester United are through to the Champions League Final following tonight's 3-1 semi final second leg win against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Carlo Garganese rates the players on show in North London...
ARSENAL
Almunia -4.0: Was brilliant in the first leg, and kept Arsenal in the tie. Tonight, he ended any chance they had of making the final with a terrible error on Ronaldo's free kick. Later saved well from Rooney and Ronaldo, but the damage was already done.
Sagna -6.0: Arsenal's backline was shaky once again, but Sagna did not do anything terribly wrong. Committed as usual.
Toure -5.0: Solid for spells of the game, but was found wanting at key moments. Needed to be Arsenal's defensive leader, but was not.
Djourou -5.0: When the much-maligned Mikael Silvestre is missed, then you know it has not been one of your better nights. No understanding whatsoever with Toure.
Gibbs -4.5: "He was magnificent in the first leg." Almost everyone bizarrely said that after the first leg, apart from Goal.com colleague Sulmaan Ahmad and myself. Hate to be a told-you-so, but Gibbs cost Arsenal the tie tonight with a monumental slip for Park's opener.
Walcott -4.5: A big disappointment in both legs. Made no impact whatsoever against Evra, and was far too one-dimensional. No space, no Walcott.
Song -5.0: Song is supposed to be a holding midfielder, but again he didn't protect his defence. How Wenger could ever consider him a worthy replacement for Mathieu Flamini is a mystery.
Fabregas -6.0: Tried to put his foot on the ball and play, but it is quite clear that it is not the same Fabregas this season as the one of years gone by. Won the penalty.
Nasri -7.0: Easily Arsenal's best player tonight. Was lively throughout, and looked capable of making things happening. Unfortunately did not have the support of his team-mates.
Van Persie -6.5 Along with Nasri, the only Arsenal player who showed any kind of spark. Unleashed a few shots, and scored his side's consolation from the penalty spot.
Adebayor -4.0: Adebay-who? The most embarrassing 180 minutes of football you will ever see from a supposed centre forward. Beyonce won't be impressed.
Subs
Eboue -6.5: Judging on Eboue's penetrating second half showing, he should have started the game.
Bendtner -6.0: A few lively moments.
Vela -N/V: Did not have a chance to get into the game.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar -6.5: Another very easy evening for the veteran Dutchman. Aside from the penalty, the only save of note Van der Sar had to make was a 20-yard shot from Van Persie at 3-0.
O'Shea -6.5: The hero at Old Trafford, O'Shea was steady if not spectacular at the Emirates. Occasionally troubled by Nasri, the Irishman did almost all that was asked of him.
Vidic -7.5: Won everything in the air, and breezed through the evening without even having to get out of second gear.
Ferdinand -8.0: Once again marked Adebayor out of the game. Ferdinand and Vidic, if it was not already obvious, are the best centre back duo in the world.
Evra -8.0: Won every single duel against Walcott, and did not give the Englishman a kick. Back to his best after a shaky spell around a month ago.
Fletcher -7.5: Plenty of bite in the midfield, which helped Man Utd. overpower Arsenal in the middle-of-the-park. Harshly sent off when he clearly won the ball, and will now miss the final.
Carrick -7.5: Again showed his opposite number Song how you should play the midfield holding role. Did not waste a pass.
Anderson -8.0: One of the most under-rated players in the Premier League. He is world class, and the most important player in the centre of United's midfield.
Ronaldo -9.0: If he has underperformed in big games the last few seasons, the same cannot be said this campaign. Ronaldo has scored in every knockout round, and tonight blasted home two goals, as well as making Park's first. Man-of-the-match.
Park -8.5: Lots of energy, Park never stopped running for his team. A superb finish after just eight minutes that all but ended the tie. Involved in the third goal too, making the pass to Rooney.
Rooney -8.0: Linked up intelligently in attack, and provided the assist for Ronaldo's second goal. Almost scored himself with a beautiful curling shot. The best player in the Premier League this season.
Subs
Giggs 6.5: A few tricks and flicks, but nothing to get too excited about.
Rafael 6.0: Held his position.
Berbatov 5.5: Made little impact.
Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Manchester United Star Rio Ferdinand Returns To Training
The roaming defender appears to be ready to feature in the club's concluding leg of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal.
Manchester United's chances of progression to the Champions League final have been bolstered today as Sky Sports have reported that sturdy defender Rio Ferdinand has been seen resuming training today, in preparation for protecting the club's slender one-goal advantage over Arsenal.
There was initial trepidation over the England international's chances of featuring in United's trip to Ashburton Grove, as the early forecast on the injury was that Ferdinand had cracked a rib after colliding with Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva in the first leg at Old Trafford.
Defenders Patrice Evra and Wes Brown were both absent from training, and Arsene Wenger will therefore be hoping to get the most out of pacy winger Theo Walcott, who could line-up against either Jonny Evans or John O'Shea.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be without Mikael Silvestre (groin), Gael Clichy (back), William Gallas (knee), Robin van Persie (groin), Eduardo da Silva, (groin), and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).
The game kicks-off on Tuesday evening at 19:45 BST.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Ryan Giggs Confident Of Manchester United's Chances Against Arsenal
The Welsh midfielder believes the Red Devils can progress to the Champions League final if they repeat their first leg performance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening...
Ryan Giggs feels that Manchester United can overcome Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final if they play as well as they did in the first-leg.
The Red Devils take a 1-0 lead to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg on Tuesday evening, although it might have been more had they capitalised on the numerous chances they created at Old Trafford last Wednesday.
Nevertheless, the former Wales international is certain that the holders will book their place in the final if they produce a repeat performance.
"If we play to the ability we did in the first half last week we will have no problems," Giggs is quoted as saying by The Sunday Sun.
"We went out to get the crowd going and play at a quick tempo. That is what we do when we are at our best.
"Arsenal are a top team and they are capable of scoring goals so we are under no illusions about how difficult this is going to be.
"But our form in Europe has been excellent and we are in a good position."
The 2009 PFA Player of the Year has warned his team-mates not to lose sight of exactly who their opponents are, insisting that they must keep it tight defensively.
“You have to look after Arsenal's quality players,” he said. “They have so many match-winners; [Cesc] Fabregas, [Emmanuel] Adebayor, [Theo] Walcott, [Robin] van Persie, if he is fit. The threat is obvious, so you have to try and nullify it.”
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Champions League Stat-Attack
Goal.com examines the key numbers of this season's Champions League tournament and provides some highlights and points of information from yesteryear...
"Statistics are like women; mirrors of purest virtue and truth, or like whores to use as one pleases."
Theodor Billroth
Number-crunching. Totting up. The time has come to sift through the statistics and uncover the truths, half-truths, improbabilities and implausibilities of this edition of Europe's premier competition and indeed, some gems of information from the past.
Some managers, like the legendary Valeri Lobanovsky, a semi-finalist with Dynamo Kyiv in 2002, placed huge credence in the unravelling of statistics, while others in the brethren, like Brian Clough, twice a winner with Nottingham Forest, paid little or no attention to the malleable sets of figures.
However, the numbers don't lie and the figures do indeed, add up. And we'll start with the reason all the clubs set out to compete in the first place: money.
UEFA had a pot of €585.6 million to distribute among the 32 clubs that initiated the group stage of the tournament, with each side pocketing a cool €3m before a ball was kicked. Add to that sum an additional match bonus of €400,000 and performance bonuses of up to €600,000 for a win. The 16 teams that overcame the first hurdle earned €2.2m apiece; the eight that won those ties saw their bank balances rise to the tune of €2.5m. Each semi-finalist was given €3m for taking part and the finalists themselves will earn much more than that. The losing side will earn €4m, while the winners will take home €7m as well as the trophy.
The trophy. The sixth design of the same cup. This particular trinket has been in use since 2006 and cost €6,800 to manufacture. The reason a new trophy was commissioned? Liverpool's Lazarus impression in 2005 in Istanbul earned the club their fifth European Cup/Champions League honour and in line with UEFA regulation, the Reds were permitted to keep an 'original' in their cabinet at Anfield. After Steven Gerrard spent the night spooning it, that is. Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munich and AC Milan are the other four clubs possessed of an original in the cupboard.
Liverpool's possession of the Real Thing is thanks in no small part to the interventions of Bob Paisley; the veteran manager oversaw three wins, 1977, 1978 and 1981, making him the only coach in the tournament's rich history to win a hat-trick of prizes.
Seeking to emulate that feat this season is Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United, who seems to be making it his life's work to knock Liverpool off their perch. The Scot was a winner in 1999 and of course, against Chelsea last season.
The Pensioners, along with Arsenal, are looking for their own slice of history this term; for one, they do not want to join Reims (1956, 1959) and Valencia (2000, 2001) in becoming the third side to appear in two finals and lose both. Also, one of the London teams could become only the sixth capital city side to lay their hands on the cup, following the successes of Real MADRID, Red Star BELGRADE, Steaua BUCHAREST, Ajax AMSTERDAM and Benfica of LISBON.
Guus Hiddink can earn a place alongside the legends of the game by becoming the third man to win the European Cup/Champions League with two different teams. Ernst Happel, of Feyenoord in 1970 and Hamburger SV in 1983, and Ottmar Hitzfeld of Borussia Dortmund in 1997 and Bayern Munich in 2001, go ahead of the Dutchman, who achieved success with PSV Eindhoven in 1988. To have a shot at that feat, he must overcome Pep Guardiola's Barcelona. Should Barca pip Chelsea to a final spot and indeed, go all the way to a third European honour, then Guardiola will join Miguel Munoz (Real Madrid) and Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan) as only the third individual to win the cup as a player and coach of the same club.
Chelsea and Barcelona are goalless heading into the second-leg of the semi-final; history suggests that we will not be heading for penalty kicks on Wednesday evening as no semi-final has ever ended scoreless after two legs.
Last season, Barcelona were on the receiving end of a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Manchester United. The Red Devils are still defending an unbeaten streak that incorporated those two encounters; their record-breaking run now stands at 24 games. Also, the Old Trafford team stand to become the first defending champions to reach the final since Juventus in 1997.
With three sides featuring in the semis, England will again provide at least one finalist, as they have done each year since 2005. Like last season, the gatecrashers to the Anglo love-in are Barcelona. The Premier League's dominance is such that out of the last 12 semi-finalists, nine have represented the EPL.
In contrast to that might, this season's competition saw for the first time representatives from Cyprus and Belarus; however, both Anorthosis Famagusta and BATE Borisov were eliminated at the group stage. Also making their debuts this term were CFR Cluj and UEFA Cup winners, Zenit St Petersburg.
Only one player has featured in every minute of every game this season and that honour goes to Petr Cech of Chelsea. The Czech goalkeeper has racked up 990 minutes in 11 matches, which is 90 more than John Terry. For the Blues, Nicolas Anelka has featured 11 times in the competition, though sometimes in a substitute's role.
Barcelona's Iron Men are Gerard Pique, who has played all but one match, as has Victor Valdes. Also with a decade of appearances are Xavi and Leo Messi, who have played 807 and 747 minutes respectively.
With the injuries, suspensions and other tournaments in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that utility-man John O'Shea has played more minutes than any other Manchester United performer, appearing 10 times in the process. Cristiano Ronaldo has featured in 10 matches too though. The only United man to play in all 11 ties is Wayne Rooney. The England forward has been in action for a grand total of 804 minutes.
Denilson of Arsenal has been in action for his side more often than any other. The diminutive midfielder has managed 853 minutes for his side in 10 games.
Leading the goal scoring charts is Lionel Messi with eight strikes, while club-mate Xavi heads the assists list with six - the same number as Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery. Despite his best efforts, Cristiano Ronaldo still does not merit a place at the top of either chart. However, the Portugal winger has fired 26 shots on goal and a further 18 off-target, leading both of those categories.
The most important stat of all is that only two of the four teams remaining can advance to the final in Rome.
Goal.com
Champions League Preview: Arsenal - Manchester United
Events in north London will reveal the Premier League's first, perhaps only, Champions League final representatives...
Kick-Off: Tuesday May 5 2009, 20:45 CET, Emirates Stadium, London (0-1 on aggregate)
Work To Do
Whatever the reasons for the sudden mutual respect between Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson in the lead up to last week's first leg encounter – a quiet confidence in their sides' abilities? A realisation that Rafael Benitez is more unhinged than the pair of them combined? – the fact remains that both gaffers would find elimination painful to swallow.
At Old Trafford, United would have been out of sight were it not for Manuel Almunia's goalkeeping performance, eventually having to settle for John O'Shea's 18th minute strike. Although the Gunners weren't as defence-minded as Chelsea were during their trip to Barcelona's Camp Nou, it was clear that both were content to leave the bulk of the work for the return leg. Not taking an all-out gamble on bagging an away goal, then, was a gamble in itself.
Five Years
Wenger has reason to believe that progress can be made in north London, though, for Arsenal are unbeaten in 24 Champions League matches at home – a five-year run – and have lost just once in United's last ten visits overall. Furthermore, they're yet to even concede a goal at home during this campaign, drawing only with Fenerbahce in Group G.
United have been a bit unpredictable on their continental travels this term. Group E draws at Villarreal and Celtic were followed by a 3-0 win at Aalborg. They went on to huff, puff and fail to score at Inter, before an early Cristiano Ronaldo screamer was enough to overcome Porto. Still, they haven't lost in the 11 away games since Milan dished out a beating in 2007.
Gulf?
Few who saw the first leg would disagree that there's a gulf between these sides, even if it has closed somewhat in recent weeks as the Gunners improve. Although Wenger's men are capable of producing something special, it must be remembered that they're playing the holders – a side 12 points clear of them in the Premier League with a game in hand. Some of the damning assessments of Arsenal's display last week were harsh, then, as it was always a big ask to go through.
Both sides were in domestic action over the weekend, but we didn't learn a great deal. Each put out very impressive looking second-string sides, and carved out comfortable wins: Arsenal 3-0 at Portsmouth, United 2-0 at Middlesbrough. Neither hit top gear, nor took unnecessary risks, and the first-teamers will benefit from the rest.
The Red Devils' approach could be similar to their Porto quarter-final: hit early, then work hard, knowing this time that their opponents would need three goals. Arsenal have more to offer than the Portuguese, though, and 'Fergie' could yet end up abusing copious amounts of chewing gum before a finalist emerges.
FORM GUIDE
Last Five Results
Arsenal
02/05/09 Portsmouth 0-3 Arsenal - Prem
29/04/09 Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal - CL Semi 1st Leg
26/04/09 Arsenal 2-0 Middlesbrough - Prem
21/04/09 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal - Prem
18/04/09 Arsenal 1-2 Chelsea - FA Cup Semi
Manchester United
02/05/09 Middlesbrough 0-2 Man Utd - Prem
29/04/09 Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal - CL Semi 1st Leg
25/04/09 Man Utd 5-2 Tottenham - Prem
22/04/09 Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth - Prem
19/04/09 Man Utd 0-0P Everton - FA Cup Semi
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Boss Wenger rang the changes at the weekend, resting all but Bacary Sagna, Alex Song and Theo Walcott of his potential starters. Denilson and Nicklas Bendtner, who bagged a brace against Pompey, are in their gaffer's thoughts after strong performances. "I know on Tuesday we will not win with 11 players," Wenger said after the game. "You win with 14 players."
Robin van Persie and Mikael Silvestre will face late fitness tests – the latter more in hope than expectation – while Gael Clichy, William Gallas and Eduardo da Silva remain sidelined. Andrey Arshavin is ineligible.
Song could drop into defence if Wenger doesn't want to throw a fringe man like Johan Djourou in at the deep end.
Possible starting XI: (4-4-2) Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Djourou, Gibbs; Walcott, Fabregas, Diaby, Nasri, Van Persie, Adebayor.
Manchester United
Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Rio Ferdinand were all completely omitted from the squad as United beat Middlesbrough at the weekend, and all could return. Jonny Evans on stand-by if Ferdinand, who suffered bruised lungs during the first leg, doesn't make it. He has returned to training, though.
O'Shea, Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney started, yet will likely line up again on Tuesday. Patrice Evra, though, will require a late fitness test after limping out late on.
Wes Brown is unlikely to be risked following his recent return to full training, but reports suggest that Gary Neville could return if Evra remains crocked, with O'Shea moving to the left.
Other players who performed well at the weekend include Park Ji-Sung, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, although Michael Carrick, Fletcher and Anderson could well return to the midfield, leaving Park, Giggs and Carlos Tevez on a strong Bench.
Possible Starting XI: (4-3-2-1) Van der Sar; O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick; Ronaldo, Rooney; Berbatov.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arsenal
Skipper Cesc Fabregas needs to be the man here. It's the biggest test of his first season as captain, and he's been back from injury long enough to be nearing something like top form. He's also the key to unleashing Emmanuel Adebayor, who's been a bit hit-or-miss of late.
Manchester United
It would be a bit silly to single out anyone other than Cristiano Ronaldo for a Champions League semi-final. As always, everyone's asking whether or not the Portuguese powerhouse will light up the big stage, albeit with slightly less venom following his Porto winner.
The hustle and bustle of Rooney has been crucial of late, and the experience of Giggs a great bonus. It's CR7 who will be expected to produce the special moment, though.
PREDICTION
The Gunners are overdue the Champions League title, it must be said. And even though this isn't the best batch of Wenger's reign, they're certainly a self-assured bunch who believe in their home advantage.
If United score in normal time, it's all over. However, I think they're in for a very tough game, and may rue not finishing off the Gunners at Old Trafford.
Extra time could decide it: United have the experience, but Arsenal displayed their 'mental strength' to oust Roma previously – and in every other game of 2009 according to 'The Professor' – and are to be written off at your peril.
Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United
Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com
Manchester United Boss Ferguson Backs Wayne Rooney For Footballer Of The Year
Fergie is convinced that his young charge has been far and wide the best player this term...
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has put forward the argument that nobody is more deserving of the FWA (Football Writers' Association) Footballer of the Year award than Wayne Rooney.
The England international is currently in top form, having scored twice and set up three goals last weekend against Tottenham Hotspur, as well as impressing against Arsenal in midweek and Middlesbrough on the weekend.
"I don't think anyone could argue with him as Footballer of the Year. He's certainly been consistent enough," trumpeted Ferguson in a recent interview in The Observer.
On top of his invaluable offensive contribution, Rooney has continued to show himself to be more than prepared to make sacrifices for the team, doing no small amount of tracking back from the wide-left role that he is looking increasingly suited to.
"Wayne is actually starting to enjoy playing on the left now. He's still scoring goals, but in a different way," added the United boss.
"Where he eventually settles down depends on the make-up of the rest of the team, but he's capable of playing anywhere in a forward position and the great thing is he's happy to make any position work."
Rooney, 23, recently went on record as saying that he would happily spend the rest of his career at Old Trafford.