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
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Barcelona-Manchester United Would Be The Dream Final - Laporta
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
Monday, May 4, 2009
Manchester United Boss Ferguson Backs Wayne Rooney For Footballer Of The Year
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.
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.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Manchester United Defender Rio Ferdinand Salutes Britain's Armed Forces
The England defender has hailed the sacrifices made by his country's servicemen and women...
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was on duty with the England squad yesterday, meeting some of Britian's disabled ex-servicemen, wounded in recent conflicts, to sign autographs and chat.
He took the time to thank all members of the United Kingdom's Armed Forces for the sacrifices that they made, believing that it put the task ahead of him and his team-mates into perspective.
"They are the heroes," he told The Manchester Evening News.
"You are speaking about people who are going out and risking their lives for the country.
"We have seen so much on TV about how these guys go about their work and the sacrifices they make for our well-being, for us to be able to share the same room is a privilege.
"We know how to play football and lose matches but what they do is a bit different to losing a game of football.
"They are more worthy of the word hero than we are."
Meanwhile, Chelsea defender John Terry, attending the event along with David Beckham and Ferdinand, also spoke of his pride in the veterans' sacrifice, and how he would have liked to have served his Queen and country, though he wasn't sure he was up to it.
"They love their football, they like to look up to us but I would like to be in their shoes and do what they do," the Blues skipper told The Daily Telegraph.
"It's great they want to do that and they are brilliant at their job. I would love to [serve], of course. Put your life on the line for the country – I would love to, but I don't think many of us could."
Friday, February 6, 2009
Messi Better Than Ronaldo And Robben - Capello
Lionel Messi is the best player in the world at the moment and is set to be the first player since Diego Maradona to achieve legendary status in his home country, Fabio Capello said.
Fabio Capello believes that Lionel Messi is Diego Maradona's rightful successor and thinks that the Barcelona star is a better player than either Cristiano Ronaldo or Arjen Robben.
The England head coach expressed his admiration for the Argentinian forward and thinks that the Albiceleste have at last found a player that can be called Maradona's heir.
Messi has earned universal praise as his form has continued to improve even more this season for Barcelona and Capello was full of praise for the player.
"He can do incredible things and is an exceptional player," Sport quote him as saying. "He is Maradona's successor."
Ronaldo swept the board of individual prizes for 2008 while Robben is standing out at Madrid, but Capello thinks that neither of them is as naturally gifted as Messi.
"The two of them are great players, but nobody in the world has the talent that Messi has," he added.
Capello is a fan of Barcelona's short passing game and is confident that they will beat Olympique Lyonnais in the next round of the Champions League, but will then be tested after that.
"They are playing well, with their traditional style. They pass the ball around well because they have the players for that," he continued. "They are a very good team, but if they are the best or not I do not know.
"I think that Barca will progress to the next round [of the Champions League], but after that each tie will be very even."
Resource: Goal.com
Manchester City Star Robinho: I Am As Good As Cristiano Ronaldo
Robinho insists that he's the equal of Cristiano Ronaldo, at the very least...
Robinho recently claimed that he couldn't have fulfilled his potential if he had remained with Real Madrid beyond last summer, when he became tired of his fringe status and made a mega-money move to newly-rich Manchester City.
He's impressed in England thus far, despite some fitness worries, but it is widely considered that he has a long way to go before he can be placed alongside world football's elite players, just as City are still struggling despite their huge investments.
Regardless, the Brazilian has got his sights on Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who also happens to be a United star and Mancunian counterpart.
"With respect to Cristiano, it is unacceptable that they wanted to use me in negotiations," he seethed previously, referring to Madrid's botched pursuit of the Portuguese powerhouse.
Now that they share the Premier League, though, Robinho is keen to knock the winger off his pedestal.
"Cristiano is an excellent player and he deserves to have won the Ballon D'Or and FIFA World Player awards," the Brazilian admitted to the Daily Mirror. "But I am neither better nor worse than him.
"Cristiano has his style and I have mine. I don't like making comparisons, because I focus on playing football. It is up to others to judge who is better."
"Still, in Manchester I can fulfil my dream of being the best."
Resource: Goal.com
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov Vows Never To Change His Style
Dimtar Berbatov is not going to change his languid approach to football to please anyone, and insists that he will go on doing his best to improve and win over the doubters with the quality of his play.
A player who can often appear lazy to the uneducated eye, Berbatov maintains that his style can often attract criticism, but he is not going to alter it, especially not when statistics indicate that he is doing very well indeed.
The Bulgarian has scored 11 goals this season, and tops the club's 'assist' charts, as he has helped them climb to the very top of the table and make themselves favourites to retain the Premier League title for the third consecutive season.
"Half the people might like me - the other half might not," Berbatov told The Manchester Evening News earlier.
"But throughout my life, I have had high expectations for myself - so I just try to make the non-believers into believers. But even when things are going great I keep telling myself I need to do more.
"I am a perfectionist and I set high standards. Everything I do, I want it to be perfect. I know it can't be like that every time - but that is my aim.
"If it is near perfection, I suppose I am happy."
The striker also points out his calm approach is actually because of his talent on the ball, as he refuses to panic when in possession like others he has observed.
"I am a relaxed guy," he continued. "I play that way and I can't change my style. I watch games and see guys who panic on the ball - they look so nervous.
"I can be calm, because I sometimes know what I want to do before the ball comes to me. The boss tells me not to change anything - he gives me freedom to express my qualities."
And Berbatov ends by stating that United are fortunate to have players with so many styles that complement each other, and bring a variety of talents to the squad.
"We are all different players here," he asserts. "I am not just talking about the strikers. There are so many different qualities - but mixed together, we make a very strong team. That is the success of Manchester United.
"You can have great players and not have a team. Here, we have everything."
Resource: Goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson Named As Manchester United's 'Greatest Icon'
A special poll in Manchester United club magazine Inside United, has named Sir Alex Ferguson as the greatest of the club's icons in the period since the inception of the Premier League in 1992.
Ferguson topped a list, voted for by United fans, that included the likes of French striking great Eric Cantona and midfield dynamo Roy Keane.
Ferguson has a winning record at Old Trafford that is difficult to match in the British game, with the the Scotsman having collected ten Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, amongst numerous other cups, during his 22 year tenure in England.
Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford in 1987, after making his name in Scottish football with unfancied Aberdeen, who broke the duopoly that Glasgow giants Rangers and Celtic maintained on Scottish honours in the early 1980s.
He arrived at a club in a some state of dishevelment, with United having survived on a fairly meagre diet of a one or two FA Cups since their glory days ended in the early 1970s.
Ferguson changed that round, despite some teething problems that actually saw fans demonstrating for him to be sacked in the late 1980s, and helped turn the club into the global powerhouse it is today.
Celebrity Manchester United fan, television presenter Eamonn Holmes, spoke for all United fans when talking to The Manchester Evening News about Ferguson topping the poll earlier.
"Sir Alex is the master when it come to responding to adversity," said Holmes.
"He has always talked about the importance of bouncing back positively to either a shock defeat or elimination from a competition.
"And not only is he a great tactician and motivator, he is one of the game's great characters.
"You can say what you want about him but he is certainly not dull."
Resource: Goal.com
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Man Utd 1-0 Everton
Manchester United turned up the pressure on the Premier League's chasing pack and re-wrote the record books with victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo's 44th-minute penalty - awarded after Mikel Arteta fouled Michael Carrick - put them five points ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea before they meet at Anfield on Sunday.
And in recording a 12th successive top-flight clean sheet, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar eclipsed the previous league record of 1,104 minutes without conceding a goal, set by Reading's Steve Death in 1979.
United deserved their victory and could have won by more, but they were made to work for the win by an Everton side displaying all their trademark defensive resilience.
Former United keeper Tim Howard saved well from Ji-Sung Park and Carlos Tevez, while Ronaldo also hit the post from 20 yards in the first half.
Everton - admittedly stripped of almost all of their recognised attacking strength - created few openings and Van der Sar rarely looked in danger of missing out on his place in history.
Boss Sir Alex Ferguson can now relax after another efficient rather than spectacular display, and watch his two closest rivals go into combat on Sunday knowing victory is essential if they are to keep United firmly in their sights.
Carrick orchestrated United's performance in midfield and Tevez was busy in attack, but in the end they had to be grateful for a narrow victory.
United were presented with the opportunity to move away from the pursuing pack in the title race - but they faced an Everton side lifted by influential pair Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini passing fitness tests.
The first 45 minutes took the predictable shape of United working all their attacking options, but running into Everton's blue wall of defiance.
Record is a bonus - Van der Sar
Former United goalkeeper Howard was in early action, making a last-ditch save to turn away Park's cross and then blocking Tevez's effort from only eight yards with his legs.
Ronaldo came close to piercing the Everton rearguard after 25 minutes when his low shot took a deflection, only to strike a post and roll agonisingly across the goal-line to safety.
Everton's best form of response was the left-sided partnership of Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines. They worked a succession of promising openings, but the quality of delivery was poor and Van der Sar was rarely troubled.
The breakthrough came only a minute before half-time, and in the most frustrating manner possible for Everton as Arteta conceded a needless penalty.
Everton's Spanish midfield man flicked out a leg at Carrick as he raced into the area, and even though referee Mark Halsey let play progress, he then awarded a penalty when United gained no immediate advantage.
Ronaldo scored comfortably from the spot - and in the process put an entirely different complexion on the second half.
United were denied what looked an even more clear-cut penalty than the one they were awarded when Carrick was once again brought down, this time by Joleon Lescott, two minutes after the break but Halsey waved away their justified appeals.
Tevez had been an industrious figure for United, and he twice threatened to grab the crucial second goal, firing narrowly over then forcing a low save out of Howard from 20 yards.
Van der Sar had been largely unemployed, but he was in the action on the hour when he held on to Arteta's low free-kick from fully 30 yards.
Everton needed to find a cutting edge from somewhere, and with 23 minutes left Moyes decided it should come in the shape of substitute Victor Anichebe, who replaced Fellaini.
But it was still United posing all the serious questions and Howard needed to be alert to turn Tevez's deflected free-kick over the top.
Everton tried to press as time ran out, but they were lightweight in attack and United ended in the ascendancy, with Howard again saving well from Howard.
It was not United at their free-flowing best, but they will be satisfield to succeed against tough opponents who have taken points off Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal in recent times.
Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan:
"It's still January, so there lot more games to play.
"It's about having a good defence and a good team, about Edwin (van der Sar) with his experience and composure, it's an all-round achievement - you can compliment forwards for scoring or defenders for defending.
"We try to perform to the best of abilities in every game, we try to entertain and score lots of goals - it just so happens we're not conceding."
Everton manager David Moyes:
"They stuck at it. In the first half we needed our goalkeeper (Tim Howard) to be inspirational to keep us in it.
"We were playing against a good team and you need a bit of luck and it might have gone against us in the penalty.
"I didn't think any of the penalty appeals merited any decisions but I thought the referee had a good game and have no qualms with him."
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville (Brown 56), Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher (Giggs 75), Park, Berbatov, Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Welbeck, Fabio Da Silva, Gibson, Eckersley.
Goals: Ronaldo 44 pen.
Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Arteta, Neville, Pienaar, Fellaini (Anichebe 68), Cahill.
Subs Not Used: Nash, Yobo, Castillo, Jacobsen, Rodwell, Gosling.
Att: 75,399
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Manchester United's Michael Carrick 7.92 (on 90 minutes).
Resource: BBC SPORT
Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-0 Everton
A Cristiano Ronaldo penalty handed Manchester United three points against Everton at Old Trafford. Goal.com rates the performers …
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 6.5 – A confident first half with only routine saves to make and barely tested after the break as he claimed his 12th consecutive clean sheet.
Neville: 5.0 - Struggled against Pienaar and Baines and frequently found in poor positions as Everton found a lot of joy down the United right. In fairness looked to be carrying a knock and replaced after 55 minutes.
Ferdinand: 7.0 – Kept Fellaini in check and looked comfortable throughout.
Vidic: 7.5 – Another assured performance, picked up Cahill at set pieces and a commanding presence at the back.
O'Shea: 6.5 – Rarely tested at left back and was happy to overlap at times in an effort to get forwards
Ronaldo: 8.0 – Another game and another goal for Ronaldo who hit the winner with a penalty. Also hit the post and forced Howard to tip one over as well as setting up Carrick with a lovely dink.
Carrick: 8.5 - Flawless in possession, two good shots and a run which won the penalty. Great block from Arteta late on and superb all round performance.
Fletcher: 6.5 – A decent shift from Fletcher who partnered Carrick well and allowed his team mate to get forwards.
Park: 7.0 - Another lively showing, swapped sides, not afraid to run at the Everton defence and almost scored late on with a decent effort.
Berbatov: 6.5 – Couldn’t continue his recent scoring run but he always wanted the ball, kept possession well and linked with Tevez and Ronaldo.
Tevez: 7.0 - Incredible work rate as always and had his chances. Yet a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing meant he couldn’t claim the goal he wanted.
Substitutes
Brown: 6.5 - Replaced Neville after 55 minutes and helped firm things up at the back.
Giggs: n/a - Only handed the last 15 minutes.
EVERTON
Howard: 7.0 – A decent display from the American. No chance with the penalty but made good stops from Park, Tevez, Ronaldo and Carrick.
Hibbert: 6.5 - Had his hands full with Ronaldo and made several vital challenges to stop the Portuguese having clear sight of goal. However, didn’t even attempt to get forwards.
Jagielka: 7.5 – Another impressive display. A couple of brilliant challenges on Tevez and he stood up well to the threat offered by the United attack.
Lescott: 7.0 – Made some vital blocks on Tevez and Berbatov and protected his goal well.
Baines: 6.5 - Saw plenty of the ball in the first half and got forwards well, particularly in tandem with Pienaar. However, his crossing was poor and he failed to make the most of several good opportunities.
Osman: 6.0 – A quiet first half and although more involved after the break he failed to produce anything of note.
Arteta: 5.5 – A disappointing performance from the Spaniard. His free kicks were uncharacteristically poor and was also guilty of conceding the penalty.
Neville: 6.5 – Still yet to win against his former employers however it is not for want of trying.
Pienaar: 7.0 – Clever interplay with the forwards and, in particular, combined well with Baines to pose a real threat down the left. Tried his luck with some shots but couldn't beat Van der Sar.
Fellaini: 6.0 – A few nice moments and provides Everton with more presence up front but simply didn’t cause the United defence too many problems and was replaced in the second half.
Cahill: 6.0 – Was well-marshalled by Vidic and struggled to make any impact against a stubborn United defence.
Substitutes
Anichebe: n/a
Resource: Goal.com
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Nicolas Anelka: Sir Alex Ferguson Is The Difference Between Chelsea and United
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has insisted that the vital difference between his side and Manchester United is manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Red Devils currently lead the Premier League by two points from Chelsea, having also played a game less than their West London rivals.
Yet Anelka believes that the advantage United have over their rivals is not the fact that they have better players, but because of their manager.
“United don’t have a notably better or more complete squad than Chelsea or Liverpool,” he told The Sun. “But Ferguson is so smart and so impressive.”
The Frenchman was also quick to explain exactly why the Scot was so successful at Old Trafford. He explained, “He keeps spotting and signing precisely the right players to complement what he already has and to balance the squad.
“Then, what is massively important and difficult. Ferguson teaches them to understand and demonstrate the special spirit of the club.
“He has been there doing it for a long time. But he keeps on succeeding.”
United have the chance to extend their lead over Chelsea when they take on Everton tonight before Chelsea travel to Liverpool tomorrow.
The game has been dubbed a ‘must win’ for both sides and Anelka admitted that defeat would prove disastrous to Chelsea’s title hopes.
He concluded: “Failing to take all three points would be a catastrophe in terms of what lies ahead for us during the remainder of the season.”
Resource: Goal.com
Ferguson Tips Cristiano Ronaldo To Pass 20 Goals Again For Manchester United
The United boss is backing his Portuguese winger to bag at least 20 goals for the third season on the trot...
Matching his exploits of last season was always going to be a tall order for Cristiano Ronaldo. However, his Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, reckons the young superstar is having another impressive campaign, and has backed him to break through the 20-goal barrier for the third successive season.
Ronaldo enjoyed a sensational season in 2007-08, when he weighed in with a remarkable 42 goals as United won the Premier League and the Champions League. His exploits earned him a raft of individual honours, and meant he would have a tough act to follow in 2008-09.
Yet Ronaldo is making a good fist of it, according to Ferguson.
"People are saying Cristiano has not had a good season, but he has got 13 goals and 11 assists [already]," said the Scot, quoted by AFP.
"If you dismiss last season altogether they would be saying it is incredible for a winger to score 13 at this stage. I am absolutely certain he will end up with over 20 again."
Nevertheless, Ferguson believes it will be impossible for the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year to emulate last season's feats - not least because he has become one of the most heavily marked players in the Premier League.
"It's hard to replicate a season like that but I am not sure that Cristiano understood it was a miracle season," said the United manager.
"He had the belief it was normal for him and I think he just expected to carry on. But one of the situations he had to face was that this year couldn't be as good as last season.
"Now he has started to come to terms with the whole thing, we will see more goals from him."
Resource: Goal.com
Jakarta's Famous Stadium Gets Approval For Manchester United Match
The Gelora Bung Karno Stadium has been given the thumbs up from representatives of Manchester United and promoters of the event who made an official visit to Jakarta recently.
The English football club will be heading to Asia later this year and where they will play one game in the capital city of Jakarta, with the 80,000-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium already identified as the venue.
The delegates to Jakarta consisted of four representatives from Manchester United and three from promoters ProEvents.
“The facility at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is certainly impressive and I don’t think that we will need any improvements. We will just need to finalise the schedule,” said Julian Kam, the chief executive officer of ProEvents after the inspection.
“They are very happy with the condition at the Gelora Bung Karno, which means that we are now just waiting for the kick-off time of the match against Manchester United,” said Nugraha Besoes, the general secretary of the Indonesia FA (PSSI).
Resource: Goal.com
Premier League Preview: Manchester United - Everton
What: Barclays Premier League, Matchday 24
Who: Manchester United (1st, 50 pts/66 pts) vs. Everton (6th, 37 pts/69 pts)
When: Saturday, 31st January, Kick-off: 17:30 GMT
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
Record Breakers
Whether it's 1,032 minutes since Edwin Van der Sar picked the ball out of his net, 11 consecutive clean sheets or 1st place in the table, the numbers are all adding up to another Manchester United title victory.
Tuesday’s 5-0 win over bottom-placed West Bromwich Albion maintained the Red Devils' place in the Premier League driving seat as the champions unloaded against their hosts.
A brace from Cristiano Ronaldo, plus goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Nemanja Vidic gave a healthy glow to a game played out in the freezing Hawthorns stadium.
Not only did Sir Alex Ferguson relish his attack firing on all cylinders, but at the other end of the pitch United entered the record books as the meanest defence in Premier League history.
Since Samir Nasri’s double in the defeat at Arsenal nearly three months ago, they have been unbreakable. This achievement has been made all the more remarkable by the disturbances caused by injuries and suspensions to Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans and Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael Da Silva.
One constant has remained in Nemanja Vidic. The Serb’s dominating presence has been the foundation the Mancunians have built upon, putting him in the picture for the Player of the Year honours.
With Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra likely to line up alongside him against Everton, another three points should be headed their way to pile the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea before they clash on Sunday afternoon.
From Merseyside To Manchester
The disappointment of conceding a scarcely deserved injury-time leveller can knock even the best of teams out of their stride. Thankfully for all Everton fans, manager David Moyes’ players are made of sterner stuff.
Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal saw the Toffees outplay their opponents for long spells of the game. A win would have put their blue noses firmly into the fight for 4th place and the pot of gold awarded to Champions League qualifiers.
Across the pitch they bettered their counterparts in Red, and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Tim Cahill nodded home a typical rising header.
As the clock moved beyond the 90 minute mark, this had seemed enough to put them on the path to the upper echelons of the table, before Robin Van Persie intervened majestically with a stinging left-footed shot over Tim Howard’s head.
This result will bring back memories of the trip to Old Trafford last year. On that day, Steven Pienaar’s moment of madness in the 88th minute set up Cristiano Ronaldo to cruelly fire United to a 2-1 victory from the penalty spot.
Moyes will also recall October’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. This fixture saw the Red Devils hanging onto the ropes as a second half onslaught from Everton threatened to blow them away.
A repeat performance from the Blues would draw a line under their midweek frustrations. But, with an FA Cup replay to come against Liverpool, the attraction of local bragging rights may just be too much of a distraction for them to replicate this ferocious performance.
FORM GUIDE
Manchester United:
27th January vs. West Bromwich Albion (A) won 5-0 (PREM)
24th January vs. Tottenham Hotspur (H) won 2-1 (FA CUP)
20th January vs. Derby County (H) won 4-2 (CARLING CUP)
17th January vs. Bolton Wanderers (A) won 1-0 (PREM)
14th January vs. Wigan Athletic (H) won 1-0 (PREM)
Everton:
28th January vs. Arsenal (H) drew 1-1- (PREM)
25th January vs. Liverpool (A) drew 1-1- (FA CUP)
19th January vs. Liverpool (A) drew 1-1 (PREM)
10th January vs. Hull City (H) won 2-0 (PREM)
3rd January vs. Macclesfield Town (A) won 1-0 (FA CUP)
TEAM NEWS
Manchester United:
The overworked Manchester United medical team can finally begin to relax as the club’s injury crisis starts to recede, with Fabio and Danny Welbeck joining Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand in the matchday squad.
Everton old boy Wayne Rooney (hamstring), Patrice Evra (foot) and Nani (groin) are still a week away from full fitness, whilst Jonny Evans (ankle), Rafael (hamstring) and Anderson (ankle) remain sidelined along with Owen Hargreaves (knee).
Last starting XI (vs. West Bromwich Albion): Van der Sar, Neville (Eckersley 71), Ferdinand (Brown 70), Vidic, O'Shea, Park, Carrick, Giggs, Ronaldo, Berbatov (Tošić 77), Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson.
Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea, Fabio, Chester, Eckersley, Ronaldo, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Gibson, Possebon, Tevez, Berbatov, Welbeck.
Possible starting XI: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, O’Shea, Ronaldo, Park, Giggs, Carrick, Tevez, Berbatov.
Everton:
With one eye on the FA Cup clash with Liverpool, David Moyes is expected to rest Tim Cahill (foot) and Marouane Fellaini (shin).
The Scottish manager will also be without long-term absentees Louis Saha (hamstring), Nuno Valente (knee), Yakubu (knee) and James Vaughan (knee).
Last starting XI (vs. Arsenal): Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Osman, Arteta, Neville, Pienaar, Fellaini, Cahill (Anichebe 86).
Subs Not Used: Nash, Yobo, Castillo, Rodwell, Jutkiewicz, Gosling.
Squad: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Anichebe, Gosling, Castillo, Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Nash, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Jutkiewicz.
Possible starting XI: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Pienaar, Anichebe.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester United: Away from the euphoria surrounding the Red Devils’ record-breaking defence, Ryan Giggs has been just as impressive in a new central midfield berth. His rebirth reached another peak against West Brom in midweek as he laid on three assists for his team-mates. The Welsh legend won a last-minute penalty in this fixture last season. If Giggs plays a big part again, then United stand every chance of notching another victory in the race to the Premier League crown.
Everton: There aren’t many centre-backs in finer form than Phil Jagielka. In tandem with Joleon Lescott, the ex-Sheffield United man has been a rock at the heart of the Toffees' defence. The last few weeks have seen him shackle Fernando Torres & Emmanuel Adebayor during his side’s seven-game run without defeat. If he affords the same iron-fisted treatment to the United front-line, then this spell could be extended beyond the weekend.
PREDICTION
Even though Wednesday’s match against Liverpool is firmly on the Toffees' radar, this is still going to be a big test of the Mancunians' title winning credentials.
United seem prepared to tackle anything that comes their way at the moment though, and should persevere against their feisty opponents.
Manchester United 1-0 Everton
Resource: Goal.com
Friday, January 30, 2009
Rio Ferdinand: Veterans Will Give Manchester United The Edge
When it comes to winning Premier League titles, nobody is better than Manchester United.
The Red Devils have racked up some ten triumphs since the competition's inception in 1992. The next best are Arsenal, with three.
The likes of Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have been vital contributors to the club's success in the past 15 years, while Ryan Giggs has been around for every one of Sir Alex Ferguson's titles.
And Rio Ferdinand, 30, believes the most experienced members of the United squad will take charge and get the job done at the business end of the campaign.
He said in The Sun, “It is easier when you have experienced players in your camp - the likes of Giggsy [Ryan Giggs], Nev [Gary Neville], Scholesey [Paul Scholes] - players who have won the league before.
“Maybe that is the edge we have on other teams.”
United currently sit two points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea at the top of the table.
Resource: Goal.com
England Watch: Keeping Tabs On Italy's Champions League Opposition
Every matchday from now until the resumption of the Champions League, Goal.com will take a look at how the English teams are progressing ahead of their big last 16 ties against the Italians...
The countdown has started! There is just over a month to go before English and Italian sides will square off in the Champions League.
Arsenal will take on Roma, reigning European and world champions Manchester United will face Inter and Chelsea will clash with Juventus. Which sides will prevail and go through? Will one nation overpower the other? We will lead you to the event by monitoring the health status of the contenders after every official game.
Here we go…
WHAT HAPPENED?
West Bromwich Albion 0-5 Manchester United: An attacking masterclass against ten-man West Brom kept United's title challenge on the right path. Ryan Giggs was the creative engine of the side, but the goals came from Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Nemanja Vidic, and Cristiano Ronaldo (two). The Red Devils kept it tight at the back and effective up front: just what the doctor ordered.
Chelsea 2-0 Middlesbrough: This wasn't the most convincing of wins, but Chelsea at least managed to keep a clean sheet and not worry themselves while defending set pieces. A brace from Salomon Kalou gave the Blues three vital points, and Luiz Felipe Scolari will be happy with a job effectively, if not brilliantly, done.
Everton 1-1 Arsenal: Arsenal dropped yet more points away from home, leading some to wonder whether or not they're even going to finish in the Top Four this season. Nevertheless Everton are tough opponents, and Tim Cahill's second-half goal seemed to have given the Toffees the victory. However, Robin Van Persie popped up right at the end to equalise. This keeps Arsenal five points ahead of Everton but does their title challenge no good whatsoever; nonetheless coach Arsene Wenger is pleased with his side's "character."
TOP & FLOP
Manchester United: Ryan Giggs helped to set up no fewer than four of his side's five goals, suggesting that there's life in this old Welshman yet. Such was the performance that nobody could be called a flop. Edwin Van der Sar was lowest rated by our team but that was because he barely had to touch the ball - that's eleven Prem clean sheets in a row for the veteran.
Chelsea: Salomon Kalou did more than simply score twice - he was really the attacking engine for his side. But Florent Malouda was most disappointing; not only did he last just 45 minutes, but he did very little during that time. Are transfer rumours preying on his mind?
Arsenal: Robin Van Persie's late goal did a world of good for the Gunners and thus he must be called their man of the match, but Johan Djourou also had a fairly good game at the back. Emmanuel Adebayor was, as befits his recent form, less than effective.
TREATMENT TABLE
Manchester United: The injury situation remains worrying at Old Trafford. Rafael and Welbeck remain out, and Wes Brown (ankle), Patrice Evra (foot), Wayne Rooney (hamstring), Park Ji Sung (hamstring), Anderson (knee), Jonny Evans (ankle) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) aren't yet ready to play. One positive for the Red Devils, though, was that Rio Ferdinand returned against the Baggies and appeared to be fighting fit.
Chelsea: Ricardo Carvalho missed out again, while Jon Obi Mikel made his comeback. Deco managed to make it onto the bench, while John Terry also returned from injury. In short, the only concerns beyond Carvalho are long-term absentees Michael Essien and Joe Cole, the latter of whom will not kick a ball again this season.
Arsenal: Eduardo da Silva's return to training came a bit too soon for him to take part here, but William Gallas is back from his injury and he managed to play against Everton. Long-term injuries blight the side: Tomas Rosicky, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott are all still some way from a return. Mikael Silvestre, though, is likely to make a comeback shortly.
PRESS ROOM SOUND BITES
Manchester United, Alex Ferguson: "The scoreline was important. We showed a ruthless streak about us, possibly for the first time this season. It has been a long time coming and we needed it because I think goal difference could play a part. It is a satisfying result in that respect."
Chelsea, Wilkins [assistant manager]: "We haven't scored too many from set plays this season so it's nice to see a couple. They were very well taken as well from Salomon, a great volley, great technique and a good header at the back post."
Arsenal, Wenger: "When you are 1-0 down with a minute to go and you get a point you are relieved. It was a game where two teams gave everything and we showed quality and character. We showed fighting spirit, passion and intensity and Robin van Persie scored an exceptional goal. We can pass the ball better but you have to give a lot of credit to Everton. They play in an intelligent way and play a kind of game that made a passing game very difficult. It is a game we wanted to win but it was one we couldn't afford to lose so maybe it is not too bad."
Resource: Goal.com
Chelsea & Liverpool Missed Their Chance - Ryan Giggs
After thrashing West Bromwich Albion 5-0 on Tuesday night, Manchester United hold a two-point lead - plus a game in hand - as we approach the business end of the Premier League campaign.
At the turn of the year it looked as though Chelsea and Liverpool were set to make it a two-horse race, with the Reds seeming to stamp their authority on the competition by demoralising Newcastle United in their last game of 2008.
At that point United trailed by eight points, due to a combination of their slow start to the season and a fixture pile-up caused by their Club World Cup jaunt in Japan.
But while Rafael Benitez's men have failed to pick up a win this year and Luiz Felipe Scolari's Blues have endured some alarming inconsistency, the Red Devils have shot to the top with a string of fine displays.
And Ryan Giggs, one of United's most impressive performers this term, thinks that Chelsea and Liverpool may live to rue their wastefulness during the holiday period.
"We had to go to Tokyo but no one really capitalised on us being away," the veteran midfielder said in The Times. "It has turned around quicker than we expected."
United are now the clear favourites to claim what would be a third consecutive English title, especially as they now face a string of favourable fixtures in the run home.
But with only three points separating them from fourth-placed Aston Villa, Giggs knows full well that there are plenty of hurdles to overcome yet.
The Welshman added, "The testing time will maybe come with the last stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup, along with important league games."
Resource: Goal.com
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Manchester United's Giggs & Ferdinand Hail Edwin Van Der Sar
Edwin van der Sar can officially call himself a record breaker now. Following last night's 5-0 demolition of West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, the Dutchman has kept his goal intact for the eleventh game in succession, and for over 1,025 minutes, a record previously held by Chelsea's goalkeeper, Petr Cech.
United icons Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs have joined together today to praise the Dutchman, still going strong at a relatively advanced 38 years of age.
"Edwin is the best keeper I've played with. It's as simple as that," asserted Ferdinand earlier.
"The record, the stuff we've won together, the assuredness that he transmits from himself to the back four, is great.
"I also don't think I've seen a better keeper with his feet to be honest either. He's got an extra year in terms of his contract and I am sure he's got the capabilities to go and do it again."
The Red Devils' midfield veteran Giggs felt that it was van der Sar's composure that had been his biggest asset to the side this season, with the experienced keeper providing a steadiness and calmness to balance the enthusiasm of a United team whose average age seems to drop each week.
"Edwin just gives that calming influence right throughout the team, with his calmness on the ball when we play back passes to him, and his general goalkeeping is sound really," Giggs explained in today's Manchester Evening News.
"That calming influence goes right through the team. He is getting better with age. Obviously he has got great players in front of him but, when he is called upon, he never makes a mistake.
"With the clean sheets, Edwin has done brilliant over the last two or three months."
Despite the Dutchman's greatness, Giggs still feels that it would be unfair to compare him with one of United's all-time greats between the sticks, the ‘Great Dane’, Peter Schmeichel.
"Is he as good as Schmeichel? They are both great keepers. You can't really compare them. They are both brilliant, both international keepers, both who have had great careers," Giggs added, before highlighting, once again, the collective mentality at Old Trafford, stating: "You've got to credit the defenders, the keeper and the whole team for the way they have defended."
Resource: Goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson Hails Record Breaking Goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar
Manchester United slaughtered midland opposition West Bromwich Albion this evening by an emphatic five goal scoreline.
Instead of praising his player's attacking prowess though, Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to hail record-breaking shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar.
The retired Dutch international secured a tenth successive clean sheet in the Premier League and, insodoing, broke Petr Cech and Chelsea's previous record of going 1,025 minutes unbeaten.
"I am proud of them," Ferguson is quoted by BBC as saying.
"They have been fantastic in this run. Edwin van der Sar has had a fantastic career, but he was really pleased to get this record. You look at him and what happened has really thrilled him."
Van der Sar added: "The most important thing is the win, but of course it is great for the team to get the record. I just needed to keep the concentration levels high and fire up the defenders and midfielders.
"We are delighted with the record because we haven't even had a settled defence, with players injured and others coming in and out."
Sir Alex, noting the 5-0 score, added: "The scoreline was important. We showed a ruthless streak about us, possibly for the first time this season.
"It has been a long time coming and we needed it because I think goal difference could play a part. It is a satisfying result in that respect."
Manchester United now move three points clear of second-placed Liverpool, and third-placed Aston Villa (who have played a game extra). Liverpool though are to play tomorrow evening.
Resource: Goal.com