Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes that he needs to be scoring more goals for his side, particularly owing to the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese player was a veritable goal-machine for the Red Devils - most notably during his last three seasons at the club, when he found the net no less than 91 times in all competitions.
Thus, Rooney - who scored 'only' 61 goals over the same period - believes that he should work harder to fill the void if United are to win the Premier League for the fourth time in succession.
"I've still got a lot to improve on and a lot to learn," he is quoted in The Sun as saying.
"I can score more goals.
"I need to score more goals, particularly now Ronaldo's gone."
The former Everton forward has seven league goals to his name this season.
Adithya Ananth, Goal.com UK
Blog Traffics
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wayne Rooney Targets More Goals For Manchester United
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Nemanja Vidic Is The Envy Of The Premier League – Sir Bobby Charlton
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
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
Nemanja Vidic Expresses Surprise At Scooping Manchester United Awards
The defender, along with Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edwin van der Sar, and Rio Ferdinand, dominated the PFA Player of the Year nominations, but Vidic missed out to versatile veteran midfielder Giggs.
The 27-year-old, though, did scoop the individual in-house end-of-season accolade, and shared his thoughts with MUTV.
He said, "It's a great night for me. It has been a really good year. I am surprised I got it but I have really enjoyed it."
He continued, "To be honest I don't have so many individual awards. That's why I am a bit confused and my speech is not the best. Next time my speech will be a bit better."
Portuguese international Ronaldo claimed United's goal of the season award in recognition of his long-range goal scored against Porto away from home in the Champions League.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Hails Chelsea Star Frank Lampard
His form may have gone un-noticed by his peers - he was controversially snubbed for the PFA Player of the Year awards - yet Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking after leading his side to a record-equalling 18th league title, has declared Lampard to be an "exceptional" footballer.
Ferguson told The Sunday Times, "He is an exceptional player, a huge asset to his team. Every time he plays he goes from box to box and he hardly misses a game.
"You pay attention to players who can get goals from midfield and he’s been averaging 20 goals every season.
"As I say, Frank Lampard is exceptional."
Despite being omitted from certain end-of-season awards, Lampard could find himself as a front-running candidate for goal-of-the-season due to his chipped strike versus Hull City earlier in the season.
Then-manager Luiz Felipe Scolari said at the time that it was one of the greatest goals he had seen.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ferguson: I Want Carlos Tevez To Stay At Manchester United
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated his desire to keep Carlos Tevez at the club, after he fired a crucial goal on the way to the Red Devils’ 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic this evening.
Tevez cancelled out Hugo Rodallega’s first-half opener within four minutes of coming on as a substitute to replace Anderson, before Michael Carrick sealed the comeback with an 87th-minute winner.
And speaking after the match, Ferguson gave the biggest hint yet that the Argentine is wanted at Old Trafford on a permanent basis.
“He [Tevez] is a fantastic little player,” he said to Sky Sports.
“He knows I want him to stay. I’ve had a chat with him today, [chief executive] David Gill has had some meetings with him today and it has progressed.
“We hope we get what we want [an agreement]. I keep saying that the situation has not changed.
“We’re not negotiating with a football club and that is the problem. Carlos himself is OK and the terms he has been offered are good.”
Speaking about the match, which leaves United within a point of a third successive Premier League title, the Scot paid tribute to his team’s second-half display.
Ferguson said, “We were against a very determined Wigan side.
“It was a real tough hurdle today and the team were fantastic in the second half in terms of their determination, not giving in and keeping going until we got a little break and at the end of the day we were the better team in the second half.
“The first thing I said [at half-time] was keep your discipline because the referee was annoying them with a lot of decisions – but you can’t beat the referee.
“Cristiano Ronaldo could have had a hat-trick tonight and we had a lot of chances – I felt he should have also had a penalty.
“We just needed to stay patient.”
Chris Myson, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United
WIGAN ATHLETIC
Kingson: 6.5 - A first league start for the Latics and could not have imagined he would have such a quiet night. No chance with the two goals but dealt with everything else comfortably enough.
Melchiot: 6.0 - Had few problems against Anderson but found Evra a tougher opponent.
Boyce: 7.5 – A super defensive display, kept a very close eye on Berbatov and foiled numerous United attacks.
Bramble: 7.0 - Lost Berbatov early on but improved as the game wore on although he found Tevez a handful.
Figueroa: 6.5 - Was outpaced by Ronaldo on occasion but generally held him in check and also got forward well, hitting two good efforts just over.
Valencia: 6.5 – Looked a threat whenever he had the ball and his pace caused United problems. Great break early on but supplied a poor finish when he only had Van der Sar to beat.
Cattermole: 7.5 - Gave the United midfield no peace but also got forward. A great ball up to Rodallega for the opener and had a decent shot just on half-time.
Scharner: 7.0 - In central midfield tonight and his pressing forced the United midfielders into mistakes early on. Made several vital tackles in the second half particularly on Rooney and Ronaldo.
Brown: 6.5 - Gave United no space and was a bustling, harrying presence.
N'Zogbia: 6.5 – Offered a useful attacking outlet and had a good free kick saved by Van der Sar in the first-half.
Rodallega: 7.5 – Gave Vidic a really tough evening, beat him for the goal before slotting home with a confident finish.
Substitutes
Mido: n/a
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 7.0 – A decent display, saved well particularly from N’Zogbia and Rodallega in the first half.
O'Shea: 7.5 - Defensively he did OK and a great run and pass handed Carrick the chance to slot home the winner.
Vidic: 6.0 – Seemed unnerved by Rodallega. Was beaten by the Colombian for the opener and struggled to recover his composure. Good ball into Ronaldo in the build-up for the second goal.
Evans: 5.5 - Looked nervy, caught out by Valencia and Rodallega early on and will have been relieved that neither man could profit from his mistakes.
Evra: 7.0 – Valencia’s pace gave him plenty to think about defensively but attacking-wise he looked to get forward at every opportunity and posed a threat.
Carrick: 8.5 – Missed a great chance early on but redeemed himself by setting up the first and grabbing the second with a fine strike.
Scholes: 6.5 – Had a tough evening against a stubborn Wigan midfield but barely put a pass astray.
Anderson: 6.0 - Got forward frequently but couldn’t offer the invention to break Wigan down and was replaced by Tevez on the hour mark.
Ronaldo: 7.0 - A super cross for Carrick early on but gave it away far too frequently. Improved in the second half and should have finished it late on but fired over.
Berbatov: 7.5 - Helped set up two great moves early on and was involved in all of United's best attacking moments.
Rooney: 6.5 - Worked incredibly hard but guilty of missing two great chances, a gilt edged header early on and another shot just before half time.
Substitutes
Tevez: 7.5 - Scored within minutes of his arrival and was a real handful.
Giggs: n/a
Park: n/a
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Manchester United Midfielder Darren Fletcher Will Miss Champions League Final
Barcelona's Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal will also miss the final, after they picked up suspensions due to cards awarded in the Catalans' semi-final with Chelsea.
UEFA confirmed that there was no dispensation available to them to grant Fletcher under the current rules, and issued a statement which read, "The Control and Disciplinary Body decided not to admit the protest submitted by Manchester United in relation to midfielder Darren Fletcher's red card in the Uefa Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
"Similarly, the Control and Disciplinary Body did not admit Barcelona's protest against the red card of Eric Abidal and the caution of fellow defender Daniel Alves in the semi-final second leg against Chelsea.
"All three players are therefore suspended for one UEFA club competition match and will serve their bans when Barcelona meet Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final in Rome on 27 May."
The statement continued, "In reaching its decision, the Control and Disciplinary Body concluded (i) that the protests had not been submitted within the required 24-hour deadline of a match for filing protests – as specified in the disciplinary regulations – and (ii) that even if they had been admitted they would have been rejected as unfounded as there were no grounds for contesting the referees' original decisions.
"The decisions of the Control and Disciplinary Body can be appealed within three days of the dispatch of the written decision," it concluded.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
Patrice Evra Warns Manchester United Against Complacency & Hails Carlos Tevez
French left-back Patrice Evra believes the derby win over local rivals Manchester City gave Sir Alex Ferguson's men a further lift as they go into Wednesday evening's tie against Steve Bruce's Wigan Athletic outfit.
"We’re nearly there," Evra explained to MUTV. "If we win against Wigan, it will be very important for winning the title. But it’s not finished yet. Now we need a good recovery before we play our next game."
Evra was also insistent that the double-hopefuls need to take things one game at a time. "We have a Champions League final to look forward to, but we have to put that to the back of our minds and concentrate on the league,” he said.
"The win against City was very important for the team. When you play in the league after playing in the European Cup, [it] can be tough. It’s the Manchester derby and we are all very happy, it was an important three points. Liverpool won and went top [on Saturday], so we knew we had to do our job."
Regarding Carlos Tevez, who is the subject of endless speculation as he is fast approaching the conclusion of his two-year loan spell, Evra said, "It was very crucial for the team to get the second goal just before half-time.
"‘Carlitos’ is a world-class player and he showed his quality. You could tell City felt a bit down after that goal. I am very pleased for Carlitos. Whenever he plays, he respects the shirt of Manchester United.
"He is a great professional."
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
Monday, May 11, 2009
Darren Fletcher Accepts Champions League Ban
Th Scottish midfielder was sent off for a clumsy-looking tackle he made on Cesc Fabregas. Replays showed that he appeared to get a boot on the ball, but the referee decided to award a penalty to the Gunners and hand a red card to Fletcher.
United have appealed against the decision and will hear the results on Monday, but a UEFA ruling means the ban cannot be overturned.
The 25-year-old says he has already accepted the fact that he will not play in the Champions League final in Rome against Barcelona.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fletcher said, "I just have to accept it. It is the final decision on it tomorrow but I have got to get on with it.
"I have got to make sure I am fully focussed on winning the Premier League and let the lads take care of the [Champions League] final."
The Scottish midfielder has become a key part of the United midfield this season, playing mainly in the 4-3-3 formation used by Sir Alex Ferguson.
He has been at Old Trafford since 2000, graduating from the club's academy in 2001, and has since made 130 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, scoring ten goals.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
Manchester United's Carlos Tevez Dispatches Manchester City
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Two first half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and an excellent Carlos Tevez were enough to see Manchester United past Manchester City. Ronaldo struck with a free-kick before Tevez added a second with a high quality effort.
Manchester United had the early chances, with Tevez striking from 25 yards in the 6th minute. The shot was well struck but Shay Given dealt with the attempt comfortably, pushing the ball wide of his post.
The Citizens were willing to venture forward, Robinho showed good skill on the left, beating his man and then playing Elano into space in the box. Elano had time to steady himself but dragged his shot into the side netting at the near post.
Ronaldo attacked Micah Richards on the left flank, the Portuguese turned skillfully onto his right foot and cut inside, striking the ball well from 20 yards but it was straight at Given who caught easily.
United continued to press as Vincent Kompany conceded a cheap foul on the right flank, felling Park Ji-Sung. Ryan Giggs took the free-kick but wasted the opportunity.
Kompany slipped in his own half, losing possession to Ronaldo who then fed Dimitar Berbatov in the centre. The Bulgarian was fouled 30 yards from goal by Stephen Ireland. Ronaldo stepped up and dispatched his trademark free-kick into the bottom right hand corner in the 18th minute, it got a deflection off the corner of the wall and looped around Given into the net. 1-0 to Manchester United.
The home side seized the momentum as Patrice Evra back heeled to Tevez on the edge of the box on the left. The Argentinian attacked Nedum Onuoha and cut onto his right foot, creating half a yard and unleashed a wonderful effort on goal. Given was stranded as the shot hit the crux of the bar in the far corner.
Manchester United extended their lead in the 44th minute, Darren Fletcher played a long ball up to Berbatov on the left. Controlling sublimely, the Bulgarian and played in Tevez who had taken up a central position 20 yards from goal. The Argentinian engineered half a yard and curled his shot round Given's outstretched left hand, the ball struck the inside of the post and rippled the back of the net. 2-0 to the Red Devils.
The second half began with a good chance for the visitors. Elano played an elavated through ball to Robinho who controlled the ball on the run into the box. Attacking from left to right the Brazilian shot under pressure from Rafael and sent it well wide.
Manchester City pressed forward again, Robinho controlling well in crowded penalty area and feeding Wayne Bridge on the left flank. The Englishman hit an excellent cross towards Felipe Caicedo at the far post but Nemanja Vidic did well to hold off the Ecuadorian and prevent an effort on goal.
Paul Scholes, on as a substitute, sent a lovely crossfield ball to Giggs on the left, the Welsh wizard won his side a corner but the home side waste the opportunity.
The Citizens broke with Robinho on the left who then played in Valeri Bojinov in the centre. The Bulgarian substitute shaped to shoot but his effort was deflected and went out for a corner.
Tevez continued to be excellent, picking the ball up 40 yards from goal the Argentinian drove at the Citizens defence, rounding two defenders easily and smashed the ball goal wards from 20 yards. His shot wasn't controlled and soared over the woodwork.
Edwin Van Der Sar was tested for the first real time 86 minutes into the game, Martin Petrov, on as a substitute, picked the ball up 25 yards from goal on the left. The Bulgarian immediately smashed the ball towards the top left hand corner and the Dutch keeper produced a wonderful save to deny the shot.
Wayne Rooney, who had replaced a broody Ronaldo, attempted a long distance lob a minute later at the other end. It was speculative effort and limped well wide of the target.
Scholes made a darting run forward which was spotted by Rooney, the former Evertonian hit a long pass with the outside of his right boot that split the defence and released his team mate. Scholes didn't have the pace to finish the opportunity and was tackled by Richard Dunne in the penalty area.
From the resultant corner Fletcher made a good run to the front post and headed goal wards. His header was creeping wide but Tevez stole in inches from the back post, the Argentinian connected with his header but only helped the ball onto the post, almost colliding with the woodwork in the process.
Manchester United held out for the win and returned to the summit of the Premier League, three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand against Wigan Athletic.
Owen Watson, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar: 6.5 – Had very little to do but saved well from Petrov in the dying minutes.
Rafael: 6.5 - Came forwards well and had a couple of good shots but looked less than convincing defensively and was beaten by Robinho on several occasions.
Vidic: 8.0 - A super display by the Serbian who blocked everything and seemed to be on the end of every City ball that came into the United box.
Evans: 7.0 - Came in for Rio Ferdinand and a strong display that ensured the England international wasn’t missed.
Evra: 6.5 – Perhaps didn’t get forwards as often as usual but still looked comfortable at the back.
Park: 7.0 - Relentless running as always and combined well with Rafael and his front two before he was taken off on the hour mark.
Fletcher: 7.5 - Put his Champions League disappointment aside with an excellent, hard-working performance, winning countless balls in midfield and never shirking a challenge.
Giggs: 7.0 – Calm and composed in midfield and barely put a foot wrong.
Ronaldo: 7.5 - His free-kick needed a deflection to beat Given but he looked a threat whenever he had the ball before he was given a rest on hour mark.
Tevez: 8.5 – Hit the bar twice, once with a super strike and late on with a header, before scoring the second with a great finish
Berbatov: 7.5 - Did superbly to take the ball down and set up Tevez for the second and combined well with the Argentine all afternoon in a classy showing.
Substitutes
Scholes: 6.5 - Given the last half-hour and provided some sharp passing.
Rooney: 6.0 – Arrived with Scholes but couldn’t add a third.
O’Shea: 6.0 – Replaced Evans late on and did a job.
MANCHESTER CITY
Given: 6.5 - A little unlucky with the first goal as the deflection seemed to wrong-foot him. No chance with the second but distributed well and coped with everything else thrown at him.
Richards: 6.0 - Up against Ronaldo for most of the game and couldn’t live with his pace.
Dunne: 5.5 - Found Tevez a tough customer and was beaten by the Argentine for both power and pace on several occasions. Good challenge to get back and deny Scholes late on.
Onuoha: 6.0 - Some poor clearances but otherwise didn't do too much wrong.
Bridge: 5.5 - Found Park and Tevez a handful and barely got forwards at all.
Elano: 6.5 - Hot and cold from the Brazilian. Saw plenty of the ball and made some great passes, particularly up to Robinho at the second of the second half but was also guilty of giving it away far too often and his set-pieces were poor.
Ireland: 6.5 - Gave away the free-kick from which Ronaldo scored but otherwise battled well in midfield and made some great runs but City failed to pick him out far too often.
Kompany: 7.0 – Helped out his defence well but couldn't drive his team forwards.
De Jong: 6.5 - Solid job in midfield and covered a lot of ground but offered little to the team going forwards.
Robinho: 5.5 - Worked hard but was only an occasional threat and had a quiet game. Ought have scored at the opening of the second but fired well wide.
Caicedo: 5.0– An ineffective showing, held the ball up well enough but had no sights of goal and was replaced in the second half.
Substitutes
Bojinov: 6.0 - Had one shot that was deflected wide.
Petrov: 6.5 - Decent shot late on.
Evans: n/a
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Zoran Tosic Waiting Patiently For Manchester United Debut
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
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Fletcher offered hope on red card
Fletcher was harshly sent off in the semi-final, but Taylor told United manager Sir Alex Ferguson they could challenge the decision.
"The likelihood is we'd refer it to our disciplinary body.
"They'd see if there were circumstances to justify a departure from procedure," Taylor told BBC World Service.
Fletcher, who was an unused substitute in last season's Champions League final win over Chelsea, was dismissed towards the end of the semi-final second-leg victory over Arsenal for a challenge on Cesc Fabregas that resulted in a penalty.
However, replays made it clear that the United player had in fact made contact with the ball.
Ferguson said the decision was "a tragedy", while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted the call was "very harsh", but initially Uefa said there was no right of appeal unless the referee made an error in identifying the player.
Taylor has offered United a sliver of hope that Fletcher, 25, could turn out against Barcelona on 27 May, although he admitted the likelihood was that the decision would stand.
"I must stress there is normally no way these matters can be overturned," he warned.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8037362.stm
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo Brushes Off Transfer Speculation Once Again
Cristiano Ronaldo has yet again made it clear that he has no desire to leave Premier League giants Manchester United any time soon.
The 24-year-old versatile winger was used as a front-man against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Tuesday and, after scoring twice to help the Red Devils progress to the final, he has insisted that he is only concentrating on taking more silverware back to Old Trafford.
The 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year has continuously been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid since last summer.
However, the 62-time capped Portugal international has said that there is no substance to the reports, asserting that he is committed to Manchester United.
"I've responded to this question many times. I am very happy at Manchester and I want to stay here," Ronaldo told The Sun.
"I am very focused on winning the Champions League."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
Darren Fletcher's Red Card Stands, UEFA Tell Manchester United
Manchester United have been notified by UEFA that Darren Fletcher's red card in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal will not be revoked.
Although TV replays showed that the Scotland international touched the ball, the 25-year-old was dismissed for a tackle on Cesc Fabregas, which subsequently earned the Gunners a penalty.
Referee Roberto Rosetti's decision to give the midfielder his marching orders in the 75th minute means that he will not play in the final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico on May 27.
UEFA head of communications Rob Faulkner has revealed that the only way in which Fletcher's dismissal would be overturned is if the official had sent off the wrong person.
"Manchester United have the right to file a protest within 24 hours of the match," Faulkner is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
"However a protest against a caution or sending off is only admissible if the referee's error was to mistake the identity of the player."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher Is ‘Terribly Unlucky’ - Sir Alex Ferguson
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insisted midfielder Darren Fletcher was “terribly unlucky” after the Scot picked up a red card that will rule him out of the Champions League final.
The Red Devils cruised into the final with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal yet their evening was marred by a straight red card shown to the midfielder for a foul on Cesc Fabregas
Speaking to ITV Sport after the game the United boss rued the decision and admitted there was nothing the club could do about it.
“You can see the ball has moved a different direction, an angle away from Cesc Fabregas and I think he’s terribly unlucky, but unfortunately we can’t appeal it,” he explained.
“I think the referee is probably the best in Europe, he may look at it and have a view on it but there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Fletcher will now be forced to watch the final from the sidelines and Ferguson revealed he would have expected him to play some part in the game.
“You see his performance tonight, and all the big games over the last few years, Darren’s always been a key player for us,” he said.
“I can’t tell you what my team would be for the final, depends who the opponents were of course, but you would think that Darren would figure largely in it.”
Despite the sending off, United enjoyed a superb win and were helped by a great start which saw Ji Sung Park score after only nine minutes, which Ferguson admitted was a great help.
“I think obviously we got the break, we got the first goal with the defender slipping and Ji Sung Park takes advantage of that,” said the United boss.
“The performance in terms of confidence and wanting to play and play our football was really terrific.”
The reigning champions will now meet either Chelsea or Barcelona in Rome and Sir Alex tipped the Premier League side to make it through.
“Obviously Barcelona are fantastic. I watched them on Saturday night and I was drooling watching them,” he added.
“At Chelsea though, they [Barcelona] have a centre back problem and it may cost them and I think maybe Chelsea will go through.”
Gill Clark, Goal.com
Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
ARSENAL
Almunia -4.0: Was brilliant in the first leg, and kept Arsenal in the tie. Tonight, he ended any chance they had of making the final with a terrible error on Ronaldo's free kick. Later saved well from Rooney and Ronaldo, but the damage was already done.
Sagna -6.0: Arsenal's backline was shaky once again, but Sagna did not do anything terribly wrong. Committed as usual.
Toure -5.0: Solid for spells of the game, but was found wanting at key moments. Needed to be Arsenal's defensive leader, but was not.
Djourou -5.0: When the much-maligned Mikael Silvestre is missed, then you know it has not been one of your better nights. No understanding whatsoever with Toure.
Gibbs -4.5: "He was magnificent in the first leg." Almost everyone bizarrely said that after the first leg, apart from Goal.com colleague Sulmaan Ahmad and myself. Hate to be a told-you-so, but Gibbs cost Arsenal the tie tonight with a monumental slip for Park's opener.
Walcott -4.5: A big disappointment in both legs. Made no impact whatsoever against Evra, and was far too one-dimensional. No space, no Walcott.
Song -5.0: Song is supposed to be a holding midfielder, but again he didn't protect his defence. How Wenger could ever consider him a worthy replacement for Mathieu Flamini is a mystery.
Fabregas -6.0: Tried to put his foot on the ball and play, but it is quite clear that it is not the same Fabregas this season as the one of years gone by. Won the penalty.
Nasri -7.0: Easily Arsenal's best player tonight. Was lively throughout, and looked capable of making things happening. Unfortunately did not have the support of his team-mates.
Van Persie -6.5 Along with Nasri, the only Arsenal player who showed any kind of spark. Unleashed a few shots, and scored his side's consolation from the penalty spot.
Adebayor -4.0: Adebay-who? The most embarrassing 180 minutes of football you will ever see from a supposed centre forward. Beyonce won't be impressed.
Subs
Eboue -6.5: Judging on Eboue's penetrating second half showing, he should have started the game.
Bendtner -6.0: A few lively moments.
Vela -N/V: Did not have a chance to get into the game.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Van der Sar -6.5: Another very easy evening for the veteran Dutchman. Aside from the penalty, the only save of note Van der Sar had to make was a 20-yard shot from Van Persie at 3-0.
O'Shea -6.5: The hero at Old Trafford, O'Shea was steady if not spectacular at the Emirates. Occasionally troubled by Nasri, the Irishman did almost all that was asked of him.
Vidic -7.5: Won everything in the air, and breezed through the evening without even having to get out of second gear.
Ferdinand -8.0: Once again marked Adebayor out of the game. Ferdinand and Vidic, if it was not already obvious, are the best centre back duo in the world.
Evra -8.0: Won every single duel against Walcott, and did not give the Englishman a kick. Back to his best after a shaky spell around a month ago.
Fletcher -7.5: Plenty of bite in the midfield, which helped Man Utd. overpower Arsenal in the middle-of-the-park. Harshly sent off when he clearly won the ball, and will now miss the final.
Carrick -7.5: Again showed his opposite number Song how you should play the midfield holding role. Did not waste a pass.
Anderson -8.0: One of the most under-rated players in the Premier League. He is world class, and the most important player in the centre of United's midfield.
Ronaldo -9.0: If he has underperformed in big games the last few seasons, the same cannot be said this campaign. Ronaldo has scored in every knockout round, and tonight blasted home two goals, as well as making Park's first. Man-of-the-match.
Park -8.5: Lots of energy, Park never stopped running for his team. A superb finish after just eight minutes that all but ended the tie. Involved in the third goal too, making the pass to Rooney.
Rooney -8.0: Linked up intelligently in attack, and provided the assist for Ronaldo's second goal. Almost scored himself with a beautiful curling shot. The best player in the Premier League this season.
Subs
Giggs 6.5: A few tricks and flicks, but nothing to get too excited about.
Rafael 6.0: Held his position.
Berbatov 5.5: Made little impact.
Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Manchester United Star Rio Ferdinand Returns To Training
Manchester United's chances of progression to the Champions League final have been bolstered today as Sky Sports have reported that sturdy defender Rio Ferdinand has been seen resuming training today, in preparation for protecting the club's slender one-goal advantage over Arsenal.
There was initial trepidation over the England international's chances of featuring in United's trip to Ashburton Grove, as the early forecast on the injury was that Ferdinand had cracked a rib after colliding with Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva in the first leg at Old Trafford.
Defenders Patrice Evra and Wes Brown were both absent from training, and Arsene Wenger will therefore be hoping to get the most out of pacy winger Theo Walcott, who could line-up against either Jonny Evans or John O'Shea.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be without Mikael Silvestre (groin), Gael Clichy (back), William Gallas (knee), Robin van Persie (groin), Eduardo da Silva, (groin), and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring).
The game kicks-off on Tuesday evening at 19:45 BST.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com