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
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
Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Hails Chelsea Star Frank Lampard
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
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sir Bobby Charlton Hails Manchester United
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
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Zoran Tosic Waiting Patiently For Manchester United Debut
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
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
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
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
Cristiano Ronaldo Confident Manchester United Can Retain Champions League
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
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
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
Monday, May 4, 2009
Champions League Stat-Attack
"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
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
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
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
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.
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