Gabriel Obertan

Manchester United 0-1 Aston Villa

2009-12-13T04:55:00.000-08:00

single strike from Gabriel Agbonlahor was enough for Aston Villa to earn a win over Manchester United.

Villa survived a late United onslaught to claim their first Old Trafford win since 1983.

Needing victory to move level at the top with Chelsea, Agbonlahor's first-half effort instead left United three points adrift.

Villa are now third in the Barclays Premier League as they added United to the scalps of Chelsea and Liverpool this season.

West Ham United 0-4 Manchester United

2009-12-06T05:48:00.000-08:00

Manchester United cruised to a comfortable victory at West Ham United.

Paul Scholes gave the champions the half-time lead with a 20-yard left-foot shot in stoppage-time at the end of the first half, his 99th Premier League goal.

Darron Gibson added a second on 61 minutes with a superb effort and United wrapped up the victory with two goals inside a minute.

Antonio Valencia made it 3-0 on 71 minutes and Wayne Rooney immediately added a fourth beating Rob Green who was substituted shortly afterwards through feeling unwell. United lost Gary Neville and Wes Brown to injury.

Macheda inks new deal

2009-12-02T21:23:00.001-08:00

Federico Macheda has penned a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

The 18-year-old has been an instant success since breaking into the United line-up last season, scoring winning goals against Aston Villa and Sunderland.

Those strikes went some way to helping the Red Devils claim the Barclays Premier League title - their 18th league championship.

Although Macheda has only made four appearances this season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the young Italian has a bright future.

We are delighted by the new four year deal," said Ferguson.

"Everyone at the club recognises the fantastic talent he has and we hope to see that develop in the next years, so he becomes a well rounded player."

Macheda came off the bench in United's 2-0 Carling Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur this week and has a further opportunity to shine in next week's Champions League tie with Wolfsburg in Germany.

The Italian U21 international, who joined from Lazio at 16, was delighted to extend his stay with the Old Trafford club.

"I am very happy to commit my future to Manchester United," said Macheda. "I really enjoyed myself last season when I came on and I hope to get more chances like that and contribute to the team's success."

Manchester U. 2 - 0 Tottenham H.

2009-12-02T19:59:00.001-08:00

Darron Gibson was the unlikely hero as holders Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

The 22-year-old midfielder scored both goals in a re-run of last season's final as Tottenham again finished second best.

Gibson, making a rare start, showed marvellous composure with both efforts in the 17th and 38th minutes to put United firmly in control.

Man Utd board warming to Inter Milan boss Mourinho

2009-11-30T23:34:00.000-08:00

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho's character is growing on the decision-makers at Manchester United.

The Daily Mail says those closest to the former Chelsea manager insist he is far from content in Italy.

That, given half a chance, he would be back here in a flash. While nothing is ever straight-forward with the self-anointed Special One, his most likely suitors at Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool might just want to consider how they would respond should he suddenly become available.

At United they see changes in Mourinho. They see a more mature manager with more humility after his experiences at Chelsea and Inter, and they see someone who was utterly charming when he came to Old Trafford last season for the first knock-out stage of the Champions League.

They also see him as someone chief executive David Gill could work with.

Portsmouth 1-4 Manchester United

2009-11-30T04:45:00.000-08:00

Manchester United kept up the hunt for the title with a comfortable win at Portsmouth.

Avram Grant's reign at Chelsea ended with defeat on penalties to Manchester United and his first match in charge of Portsmouth saw Wayne Rooney score two crucial spot-kicks within his hat-trick at Fratton Park.

Grant, who has taken over from Paul Hart and will be rubber-stamped as manager next week when paperwork is completed, could not have asked for a tougher opening match than against the Barclays Premier League champions but there was hope of a result when Kevin-Prince Boateng levelled, also with a penalty.

Sir Alex Ferguson will have no complaints with the way Rooney wrapped up the points after the break. Ryan Giggs added the fourth late on.

Fletcher delighted Valencia amongst the goals for Man Utd

2009-11-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

Darren Fletcher was delighted to see Antonio Valencia get on the scoresheet for Manchester United in their 3-0 victory over Everton.

As the direct replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, Valencia has been cajoled into increasing what was a minimal goals output at Wigan.

He only scored seven for the Latics last season and, including the deflected effort against CSKA Moscow that UEFA have credited him with, the Ecuador international now has four for United.

He is also starting to impose himself on games, with his forceful running unhinging a disappointing Everton outfit who seemed intent on containment.

"Antonio is a top-class player," said Fletcher. "He is getting used to the way we play and he was in the groove again.

"He is a really strong physical lad who can get goals. We have seen that in training and I believe he is going to get a lot for Manchester United."

Manchester United 3-0 Everton

2009-11-22T04:41:00.000-08:00

Manchester United beat Everton to move into second place in the Barclays Premier League.

Darren Fletcher put the champions in front with a spectacular volley after 35 minutes.

Michael Carrick added a second on 67 minutes and Antonio Valencia made sure of the points with a deflected shot 14 minutes from time to cut Chelsea's lead at the top to five points.

Foster upset being dropped at Man Utd

2009-11-15T22:23:00.000-08:00

Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster admits he's disappointed with being dropped earlier this season.

A blunder against Chelsea in the Community Shield was quickly forgotten. Less easy to dismiss were the mistakes he made in the Manchester derby, first in losing the ball to Carlos Tevez near his own box to gift the Blues their first leveller, then going down far too easily and effectively providing Craig Bellamy with a tap-in for City's third.

Michael Owen's stoppage time winner ensured United still won and it took another late goal, this time a deflected effort by Patrice Evra, to salvage a point for the Red Devils after Foster had been brushed aside in an aerial duel with Kenwyne Jones for Sunderland's second goal.

"I thought I started off well but then there was a period of two or three games where I made a few mistakes," he said.

"But they were the only ones I made really and I was disappointed to find myself out of the team."

It would take a brave man to confront United manager Sir Alex Ferguson about the situation and Foster has no intention of doing that just yet.

Man Utd legend Cole: Man City making all the right noises

2009-11-14T06:57:00.000-08:00

Manchester United legend Andy Cole says Manchester City are heading in the right direction under Sheikh Mansour.

Cole, in his column for the National in Abu Dhabi, is convinced City are getting the important decisions right.

He wrote: “The step up from where City have been placed in recent years is massive.

“The top four is such a hard group of teams to break into yet they have already beaten Arsenal, the team playing the best football in England at the moment. And while City have dropped points by drawing, they have only lost one of their 11 league games this season

“City are sixth in the table, with a game in hand on most of the teams above them. They were 13th this time last season. The club have undergone a big change and there have been a lot of player movements, but City are moving forward in the right direction.

“I see that every week when I watch my son play for City’s Under 15s. The club’s new resources are not just being lavished on first-team players, but on the infrastructure. There were bound to be some growing pains, because City have gone from a club who went for the second tier of players and now they go for the first.

“When I played there, the big signing was the Greek striker Georgios Samaras for £6million (Dh30m). With respect to him, now City sign world-class players."

Chelsea boss Ancelotti slams Man Utd players for crowding ref

2009-11-08T21:32:00.000-08:00

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti blasted Manchester United's players for crowding the ref throughout last night's 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

Ancelotti was particularly unhappy with the way United players appeared to try to get one of his players sent off.

In a stormy second half, United midfielder Darren Fletcher waved an imaginary card in an apparent attempt to get Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho dismissed.

Ancelotti said: "The Manchester players protested a lot. I don't know why. I don't like this. At the end of a very difficult match, all the players worked very hard - and sometimes it can happen."

Ancelotti admitted Drogba might have been offside for Chelsea's goal but said: "It was very difficult for the linesman to see. There was a lot of concentration of players in the box.

"We are in good position in the Premiership and in the Champions League. The players have done very well. We have to continue, because there will be other strong matches like today."

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United

2009-11-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

Chelsea moved five points clear of Manchester United at the top of the table with this victory.

Captain John Terry netted a second-half winner at Stamford Bridge.

Terry glanced home a 76th-minute free-kick from Frank Lampard - although United claimed Didier Drogba was in an offside position.

United had their chances, Wayne Rooney twice going close, but the Blues made it a club record of 11 straight home wins.

Man Utd's Berbatov: Individual moment will decide Chelsea clash

2009-11-07T22:13:00.001-08:00

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes today's clash at Chelsea could be decided by a piece of individual brilliance.

It is one of the few occasions in the domestic campaign when United will meet an equal number of star names in opposition ranks.

"In this match it doesn't really matter whether you play at home or away," said Berbatov, addressing that woeful United record at the Bridge. "It is always 50-50.

"There are players who have the quality to decide a game like this in a second.

"But when I look at our dressing room, I see guys I know I can depend upon, just like they can depend on me.

"Everyone supports each other on the pitch, which is something we must have.

"We know it is going to be difficult. Chelsea have some really great players. But we have a really strong team too. They need to be wary of Manchester United because I believe we have

Man Utd legend Law tells Chelsea's Drogba to end antics

2009-11-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Manchester United legend Denis Law says Chelsea striker Didier Drogba will never get the recognition he deserves unless he stops his play-acting.

He warned Drogba that he will never gain the reputation that his talent deserves unless he cuts out the theatrics that have seen him labelled a footballing con-man.

Law, a former European Footballer of the Year who scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for United, told the Sunday Mirror: “Drogba has made a reputation for throwing himself on the floor at the slightest physical contact. But he really doesn’t need to do that because he is such a terrific player.

“Have you seen the sheer size and strength of the man? He is terrifying. He can rattle even the toughest centre-half.

“But he’s got to realise that he won’t get the recognition that his talent deserves until he stops the other antics. He’s got to stop and think about how he wants to be remembered.”

Law added: “To be fair to Drogba he has changed a wee bit over the last 12 months or so and I think he’s a better player for it. But there are still times when I can’t understand why referees and the people who run the game let him get away with it.

“It’s a shame because when he’s concentrating on the best parts of his game he is up there with the best in the world.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson to make personal check on £12M Di Maria

2009-11-05T03:20:00.001-08:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a raid for Benfica star Angel di Maria.

The Mirror says Ferguson is set to watch 21-year-old Di Maria in action against Everton tonight to make one final check on him ahead of a potential £12million transfer-window deal.

Ferguson's spies have been tracking the speedy and skillful South American for months, but they went onto red alert when he tortured David Moyes's men in the Europa League a fortnight ago.

Di Maria also comes highly recommended by Argentina coach Diego Maradona, who has promoted him to his full team after he scored the goal that secured gold for his country at last year's Beijing Olympics.

Man Utd's Fletcher: Beating Chelsea important psychologically

2009-11-05T03:17:00.000-08:00

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admits they would gain a mental edge on Chelsea if they can win in London this weekend.

United are trailing behind Premiership leaders Chelsea in the current standings.

"There's a long way to go yet in the title race, but Sunday's game could be important psychologically," he told MUTV. "We'll just concentrate on ourselves - we know we're capable of going there and winning. It won't be easy, but we'll go there with a game plan and the manager will have a lot of options for the side he wants to pick and we'll try and get a result."

After years of duking it out for top honours at home and abroad, United and Chelsea have few secrets. Nevertheless, Fletcher insists the reigning champions are capable of inflicting a rare home defeat on the Blues.

"They're a top side," he said. "We've both been challenging for the title over the last five or six years and there's great respect between the two sides. We know what to expect, it'll be a great challenge for us at Stamford Bridge. They've got a great record there, but it's up to us to go there and try and get the win."

Manchester United 3 CSKA Moscow 3

2009-11-04T00:30:00.000-08:00

As expected, United dramatically reached the knockout stages of the Champions League - but not without the mother of all frights.

Goals in the final six minutes from Paul Scholes and Antonio Valencia - albeit via a huge deflection - saved United from a first Champions League home defeat since February 2005, after CSKA Moscow had stunned Old Trafford by roaring into a 3-1 lead.

The Russians, who looked a team transformed from the sides' meeting in Moscow a fortnight ago, repeatedly took advantage of defensive generosity from the Reds, striking before the break through Alan Dzagoev and Milos Krasic. Michael Owen had briefly levelled in-between, but Vasili Berezutski struck early in the second half to seemingly put the game beyond United.

Inevitably, the Reds rallied late on, especially after the introduction of substitute Wayne Rooney and, after Scholes had headed home on 84 minutes, Valencia's 20-yard strike took a huge deflection off Georgi Schennikov and flew past the impressive Igor Akinfeev.

From the first whistle, the signs suggested United were in for a tough evening. An unfortunate ricochet threatened to deal the Reds' hopes a blow inside 20 seconds, as Dzagoev led a break of three visitors against two home defenders, but he could only fire over the bar from 20 yards. Two minutes later, Deividas Semberas chanced his arm from similar range, and his low drive skidded just past Edwin van der Sar's post.

In response, Valencia latched onto a fine through-ball from Wes Brown, but the Ecuadorian's attempted shot was blocked by a sliding challenge from Schennikov deep inside the CSKA area. Owen was then the beneficiary of some intricate build-up play from Nani and Valencia, but the Reds' number 7 could only scuff his shot, allowing the visitors to clear.

After a rocky opening, United gradually took control, with the midfield axis of Scholes and Darren Fletcher increasingly influential. The pair almost combined to put United ahead on 14 minutes as the former passed infield for the latter, but Fletcher's powerful shot arced agonisingly past Akinfeev's right-hand post.

However, CSKA served a quickfire reminder of their own need to take points back to Russia, as Tomas Necid escaped the attentions of Jonny Evans and fired straight at van der Sar. In the same passage of play, Owen took advantage of a ricochet to burst into the area, but could only toe-poke his effort straight at Akinfeev.

Macheda then drilled a left-footed effort just past the post after a sumptuous turn, but the visitors moved into a shock lead on 25 minutes. Dzagoev latched onto a chested pass from Necid, but his opening appeared to have gone after being herded wide by Jonny Evans. Despite the tight angle, the Russian struck a powerful effort across van der Sar's chest and high into the net.

The goal galvanised United's support and players, and the hitherto pin-drop atmosphere was suddenly cranked up. On the field, United responded by drawing level within four minutes. A fine decoy run from Gary Neville fashioned space for Valencia to cross, Nani gently caressed the ball in behind the CSKA defence, and Owen swept his shot unerringly
Normal service was resumed, but only for a matter of seconds. The visitors notched an immediate reply as Dzagoev dummied a ball infield, Necid sprung the offside trap with another neat chested pass, and Krasic rounded the exposed van der Sar and tucked away his finish.

CSKA were suddenly oozing confidence; hurtling into challenges and constantly foraging for further gaps to exploit. While United were understandably shell-shocked initially, a strong finish to the half saw Akinfeev smartly deny Macheda and Scholes. Nevertheless, the Reds went into the interval staring at a shock defeat.

That prospect seemed a grim reality after three pivotal minutes of the second half. Firstly, Vasili Berezutski stole at the back post to head in Dzagoev's free-kick, then Darren Fletcher was booked for a perceived dive deep inside the CSKA area - a decision which baffled and enraged the vehement Stretford End.

Just a day after the birth of his first child, Rooney's introduction at the expense of Nani further fanned the flames of support, and inevitably prompted sustained United pressure. Akinfeev was stretched by Scholes' thunderous free-kick, but time and again the final ball proved just too heavy for the hosts.

Akinfeev produced another haunting validation of pre-match praise from Sir Alex Ferguson with 11 minutes remaining as he made a superb double save to thwart Owen and Rooney. Moments later, Macheda headed against the post, but the Russian international was also equal to Rooney's powerful follow-up.
When Akinfeev then turned Scholes' blockbuster over the bar, all hope had seemingly been extinguished. United continued to press, however, and Gary Neville's inch-perfect free-kick was powerfully headed home by Scholes on 84 minutes to set up a grandstand finish, which was duly capped by Valencia.

The first of four added minutes had barely started when the Ecuadorian took aim from 25 yards. His drive appeared to be heading off target but struck Schennikov in the chest and spun into the space previously occupied by the committed Akinfeev.

With time still remaining, United continued to pour forward for the most unlikely of victories, but the Russians, who were reduced to 10 men after the injury-time dismissal of Semberas for a second booking, deservedly held on. Even in taking the easy route and qualifying with two games to spare, United had reached it the hard way.

Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

2009-10-31T22:32:00.001-07:00

Manchester United stayed within two points of Chelsea at the Barclays Premier League summit.

Goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney saw Manchester United overcome Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

Berbatov made the breakthrough in the 55th minute and Rooney sewed the match up two minutes from time.

United should have extended the scoreline but substitute Gabriel Obertan missed two great chances on his league debut.

Man Utd target Adler at Anfield for Liverpool defeat

2009-10-30T05:05:00.001-07:00

Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler was in the stands at Anfield on Sunday to see Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The young Germany international has been linked with United as an eventual successor for Edwin van der Sar, who was between the posts for the Liverpool loss.

Leverkusen general manager Rudi Voller insisted that Adler's trip to the North West was purely coincidently and refused to reveal if his goalkeeper was heading to England.

"I am delighted to see players being so much involved with their job they travel long distances to witness other matches," he told the Rheinische Post.

"I am happy to see Rene being linked to big clubs right now, this is the best signal we have that we have a very good player on our hands and not so much wrong when setting up our squad."

News in Brief Manchester United

2009-10-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Striker Michael Owen scored his third goal of the season in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley but remains bewildered by what some people expect of him. Owen found the target in the 59th minute of the 2-0 win with a clinical finish at Oakwell following a ball from Fabio. Danny Welbeck had earlier put United in the driving seat after five minutes when he headed home a corner from Anderson. "A start and a goal, you can't ask for more than that. It is how people judge me unfortunately," said Owen. "I started a game against Bolton and was pretty pleased and thought I played pretty well. Then I looked at the papers and was given a three or four. But in this game I played pretty average and scored a goal and I'll probably get seven out of 10. I think I deserved a five in this game and seven or eight from the Bolton game."

Man Utd No2 Phelan: We can't dwell on Liverpool defeat

2009-10-26T01:43:00.000-07:00

Manchester United No2 Mike Phelan says they won't dwell on yesterday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.

United were undone by a Fernando Torres-inspired Liverpool, but Phelan insists there's no point in focusing too much on what happened.

He told BBC Sport: “We didn’t really get into out stride today. It was a disappointing result. We’re disappointed for the supporters and the team’s disappointed in that we didn’t really put up the best performance we could have done.

“We will probably look at it again and again and again and talk to the players about it but we have to move on. Another game comes around pretty quickly so we’ll put this one to bed, we’ll analyse it and move on to the next game.”

On the tightness of the league this year, he added: “We’re just part of many teams that can achieve something this year. We know that we have to win as many games as we possibly can and it just makes the league a little bit more interesting.

"There’s a lot more teams now (who) will have a case to push on. I think we’ve done that with Liverpool. We’ve given them a little bit more belief than possibly we should have done but that’s the nature of the game.”

Man Utd boss Ferguson risks more controversy after questioning ref in Liverpool defeat

2009-10-25T21:12:00.000-07:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson questioned the experience of ref Andre Marriner after defeat at Liverpool.

Ferguson is already facing disciplinary action for his 'unfit' attack on Alan Wiley after his side's draw against Sunderland three weeks ago, but it did not stop him turning his anger on Marriner after a 2-0 win for Liverpool at Anfield.

Seething at key decisions that went against United, when Michael Carrick was denied a penalty and Jamie Carragher escaped with a yellow card for hauling down Michael Owen on the edge of the area, Ferguson said: "It is a very difficult atmosphere here. There was a wounded animal aspect to the game, and it was something we didn't overcome. I think it affected our players, and it affected the referee.

"This sort of atmosphere is hard to handle for a referee. Whether he had enough experience or not, I don't know, but he will certainly learn from it.

"We lost out to one or two major decisions. It was a clear penalty kick, when Carragher went right over the top of the ball on Carrick. The referee was only six yards from it, and it was a bad decision.

"But the one everyone will be talking about was when Carragher brought Owen down on the edge of the box. The laws of the game were altered to prevent professional fouls of that nature. Carragher is their best player and captain, and if he goes, it is a different game.

"The referee was only four or five yards from that one, so he can't use a covering defender as an excuse. Michael was clean through and, with his pace, he is going to get away from him.

"Their fans were fanatical, and they put the referee under pressure all the time. With every decision, it was the same."

He added: "Liverpool were the better team and deserved to win, but there were so many controversial things that happened, we have to feel aggrieved at some of them."

Man Utd's Neville: Rooney influence as great as Keane

2009-10-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

Manchester United captain Gary Neville says Wayne Rooney is as big influence on the club as legend Roy Keane.

Rooney is battling to be fit for Sunday's clash at Liverpool and Neville said: "Sir Alex said Wayne could easily be one of the best players in the world.

"Personally, I wouldn't swap him for anybody - he has such a big influence on our team. Sometimes the world's best player accolades go to people who are the most eye-catching and skilful.

"Rooney obviously has great skill but he also has incredible team qualities - his workrate, his defending and his goalscoring abilities all stand out.

"He's simply a fantastic all-round player."

Neville compares Rooney's influence on United to that of former captain Roy Keane.

He added: "Wayne's very important, he's infectious and sets the tone.

"Obviously we have a few people who do that but he has a fantastic desire that transmits itself to the rest of the team. In some ways, you see a little bit of Roy Keane's character in Rooney and the way he plays.

"There are always areas in which players can improve - even players who are over 35 will say they can improve. So certainly Rooney in his early 20s is someone who will get better with experience - and that is great for United fans."

Man Utd skipper Neville: I do respect Liverpool

2009-10-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

Manchester United captain Gary Neville expects a white-hot atmosphere at Liverpool on Sunday.

Neville can once more expect plenty of stick when he runs out at Anfield. It has been like that for some time.

He said: "I don't get a great reception at Anfield I must say - I'm not their favourite son. No United players get a good reception at Anfield but it's the same for their players at our ground and it is to be expected.

"I've never said I don't respect Liverpool. You have to respect a team that has been as successful as they have and has the history and tradition they have.

"But I'm a United fan and the rivalry is well documented. United fans want United to win and Liverpool to lose - and it's the same the other way."

Despite the stick, Neville still relishes these encounters. He added: "The atmosphere in Liverpool-United games is great - if you're winning!

"Obviously, the atmosphere at Anfield is great and it's the same when they come to Old Trafford. There are a variety of reasons why this fixture is so important - the cities are very close yet have different cultures.

"Both clubs have enjoyed great periods at different times in the past 40 years and now we're level on the number of championships won.

"It's always been a really great game to play in. We never want to lose but it's the same for both teams.

"Liverpool has been the biggest game of the season for a long time, going back 30 years or more, and our rivalry with Liverpool is bigger than it is with Manchester City."

Man Utd's Vidic: Valencia froze under Ronaldo pressure

2009-10-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

Nemanja Vidic has revealed how new Manchester United teammate Antonio Valencia struggled to cope at the start of the season with the pressure of succeeding Cristiano Ronaldo.

But the Serbia defender believes Valencia is now showing his true worth after hitting two goals in two games for the Barclays Premier League champions.

Vidic said: "At the beginning of the season, Antonio had some difficulties because he was bought to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The media paid special attention and were watching his every move, and the pressure paralysed him a little.

"He is a real artist, gradually gaining confidence and playing better and better with each match. Scoring will help him even more."