muteam.blogspot.com

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:13:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:06:00 +0000

Ronaldo confident Man Utd can win Double

Cristiano Ronaldo is backing Manchester United to win the Premiership and Champions League Double this season.
Ronaldo said: "I believe we'll win the Premier League and Champions League this season.

"We have the team, we have the players and we believe we can do it. There's a good chance we will.

"I'm at one of the best clubs in the world and I must think like that. If I was still playing for Sporting Lisbon I wouldn't say that but I play for Manchester United and we always have the opportunities to win the big trophies every season.

"All the players feel good, feel sharp, feel quick and they are showing on the pitch their great desire to play for Manchester United."

The Red Devils have bagged 16 goals in their last four games, with Saturday's 4-1 thrashing of Middlesbrough their eighth straight victory.

Ronaldo, 22, added: "The last three or four games, we've scored many goals and it's not just me - many players are scoring goals and this is good for our motivation. The team are more confident now. We are playing well - the last three weeks we've been fantastic and we need to keep it going."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:58:00 +0000

Man Utd's Rooney: Ref rows are over

Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney believes he's shaken off his ill-discipline.
He said: "When I look back now and see myself shouting at the referee, I think it is better to show them a bit more respect really.

"You've got to remember when I first starting playing first-team football I was only 16.

"Any 16-year-old playing in big games will have their emotions all over the place. You are going to be a bit short-fused.

"But with age it has got better each year.

"It's a big week with Arsenal coming up so, hopefully, we can beat them."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:53:00 +0000

Carrick hands Man Utd boost

Michael Carrick is back in training at Manchester United.
Carrick has recovered from his elbow injury and returns to training just as Paul Scholes is facing three months out due to a knee injury.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:48:00 +0000

Man Utd's Ferdinand hit by injury scare

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could miss Saturday's crunch match at Arsenal.
The Daily Mail says Ferdinand reported to United's Carrington complex on Monday but went for a scan instead of training.

The England centre half fears a recurrence of a groin problem that forced him to miss four of United's final six games in the run-in to regaining the title last season.

Coming on the day when it was also revealed midfielder Paul Scholes will be ruled out until February, it was hardly the news manager Sir Alex Ferguson needed before the clash with rival Arsene Wenger and his Premier League leaders.

Ferdinand was replaced by Gerard Pique 20 minutes from the end of Saturday's convincing 4-1 win over Middlesbrough, a victory that lifted United to the top until Arsenal took a point from Liverpool on Sunday.

United insiders expect Ferdinand to bite the bullet for Saturday's crucial lunchtime showdown at the Emirates, which is likely to be one of a handful of matches this season that settle the destination of the title.

But there is concern that Ferdinand's injury will have to be addressed in the long term if it keeps returning to bother the defender, who is 29 next month.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:45:00 +0000

Hargreaves: Man Utd STILL better than Arsenal

Owen Hargreaves insists Manchester United are a better team than table-leaders Arsenal ahead of Saturday's big clash.
The England star said: "They've played extremely well and played some good football, but I still think that we're the top team in England. It'll be a fabulous game for the fans to enjoy but we'll be very confident going into the game.

"We've got some time to focus and look at some tape of Arsenal and look at what they do well. We look good, our offensive play is very good. But we have some things we can work on, even going forward. We had some wonderful moments against Boro but at times we were a bit complacent.

"We could have scored more goals so we have some things we can work on - and that's a great thing. We're winning comfortably and we're not even hitting top gear yet."

Hargreaves made his return against Boro after struggling this season with various knee problems.

But the midfielder, who signed from Bayern Munich for £17million this summer, is hoping his injury problems are now behind him.

Hargreaves added: "I felt a bit stiff and sore afterwards but that happens with injuries like this. It has been a frustrating time, very stop and start. I have spoken to a lot of doctors and specialists who have explained it is not really a problem with the knee, it is more a structural problem. I have been trying to play through it but it has been difficult at times.

"Now I am fit, I just want to try to remain that way for the rest of the season."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:41:00 +0000

Man Utd's Ronaldo: Real Madrid couldn't tempt me

Manchester United wing ace Cristiano Ronaldo is convinced they're a better team than last season.
He warned: "With Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson, we are more heavyweight this season.

"Now, when teams come to shut up shop, we have more ways of unlocking them. It's exciting. We're certainly better than last year. And if defenders want to put the boot in, I'll keep taking it. I'm used to it now."

Ronaldo added: "I was delighted that Real Madrid were so interested in signing me, but United have become everything to me. I'm going to be here for many years and I'm going to be very happy."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:11:00 +0000

Man Utd rule out TV rights breakaway

Manchester United joint chairman Joel Glazer ruled out a breakaway from the Premier League over the way clubs negotiate their TV rights.
Glazer said: "I think the collective TV rights model is working very well. It's a major reason why the Premier League is the most popular league in the world. All games are competitive and it, of course, attracts the world's top players."

Some in the game had speculated that the club might try and split from the collective deal. But Glazer said that had never been the case. "We're very supportive of the current model. It's something we've said from the outset."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:08:00 +0000

Middlesbrough boss Southgate doesn't regret Fergie row

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate doesn't regret rowing with Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson last season.
Southgate, who takes his struggling Boro side to Old Trafford today, still showed a hint of defiance about the feud, saying: "I had to show I'm not frightened of taking on any of the other managers, no matter how experienced they are.

"People had it in for us so I fought our corner. I'm not intimidated by them, and if I was then I think my team would feel the same way. I liked the fact that we'd got up a few people's noses. You need a bit of a siege mentality to do well."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:06:00 +0000

Ferguson delighted with Man Utd rookie Anderson

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is delighted with the recent impact made by summer signing Anderson.

Ferguson said: "Anderson has settled in really well. He's only 19 but has shown great football qualities and knowledge, and everybody has been very pleased with his performances. We took a bit of a risk with him but we are seeing the dividends now.

"I am looking forward to seeing him develop as he has great desire to learn. I think this group of players have a great chance if they stay together.

"Their achievements will always be measured in relation to what previous squads have done, but this squad is young enough to develop and get better."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 09:02:00 +0000

Man Utd boss Ferguson fan of Middlesbrough academy

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's a fan of Middlesbrough's academy.
He said: "Middlesbrough are struggling because they lost players like Mark Viduka and Yakubu in the summer. It is very hard to replace players like that, as Gareth Southgate is discovering. I think that is why they are not doing as well this year.

"But they will be OK. They produce a lot of good young players up there and I am sure that will continue."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:57:00 +0000

Man Utd eyeing Atletico Madrid keeper De Gea

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea is being tracked by Manchester United.
The Sun says De Gea, who impressed in this summer's Under-17s World Cup in South Korea, has not yet signed a pro contract and United are trying to convince him to join them.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:41:00 +0000

Rooney tips Man Utd pal Anderson for big things

Wayne Rooney is tipping teammate Anderson to become a Manchester United star.
He said: "Anderson has come in and done really well. A lot of people don't realise how young he is.

"But he has great confidence and belief in his own ability and has produced some good performances recently."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:30:00 +0000

Man Utd try again for Bayern Munich's Sagnol

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reviving his interest in Bayern Munich fullback Willy Sagnol.
The Sun says Ferguson is keeping a close eye on the France right-back and could move in the January transfer window.

Fergie rates the Frenchman highly and United need cover in that position.

Sagnol, 30, is returning to fitness after four months out with a leg injury. Crucially, he could be available for Champions League duty, as he has not played in Europe with Bayern so far this season.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:27:00 +0000

Gab: We're Batty for Tevez
Carlos Tevez can become Argentina’s greatest player since Diego Maradona following his move to Manchester United. That is the belief of former World Cup ace Gabriel Batistuta — the man who scored more goals for Argentina than any other player. He said: "Carlito is definitely at the right club at the right time in his career. Playing alongside Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, he can achieve everything he wants. He is already a fantastic, world-class talent and at his new club he has every tool required to become a true Argentine great."
Mark Irwin, The Sun

The Daily Mail reports that United's 37-year-old goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is ready to open talks on a new contract in December. "I expect to hold talks with the relevent people in December," he says.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:24:00 +0000

Scholes blow for United
Manchester United fear they could be without Paul Scholes for their Premier League clash with Arsenal in 10 days' time. Scholes was forced to pull out of United's Champions League match with Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday after suffering a knee injury in training. Scholes had a hospital scan yesterday, and Sir Alex Ferguson met with his medical staff this morning to decide the best course of action. It is feared Scholes may need a cartilage operation.
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

The Mirror says United are keeping tabs on Athletic Bilbao teenagers Javi Martinez and Markel Susaeta. The 19-year-old midfielder are Spain U21 internationals, with Martinez said to be valued at £15million. According to the paper, the Reds are also interested in Sporting Lisbon playmaker Miguel Veloso.

United can rule the world. That's what Sir Alex has told his young players, apparently. "The last time we had a youthful squad like this, back in 1999, we won the Treble," he told The Sun.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:19:00 +0000

Troubled Saha is out again

The informed talk within Ukraine's football community this week is that Dynamo Kiev centre forward Sergei Rebrov will miss Tuesday night's visit of Manchester United through an injury that exists largely in his head. It is cruel talk about a man who has given his country so much but back in Manchester another troubled centre forward - United's Louis Saha - must be aware that he, too, must soon prove to a sceptical public that he has the mental fortitude to succeed at the highest level. Saha is again missing from Sir Alex Ferguson's squad - a knee injury causing his withdrawal on this occasion - and the pattern of the France international's behaviour is becoming depressingly familiar. Optimistic words from his manager follow each comeback. Each return is then promptly aborted.
Ian Ladyman, Daily Mail

Other United forwards in the newspapers are Carlos Tevez, quoted in The Sun on his habit of sticking out his tongue when shooting, and Fraizer Campbell who scored twice on his debut for loan club Hull City. "Fraizer jolly good fellow" is the headline for The Sun's Hull 3-0 Barnsley match report. The Sun also has news of an unusual birthday gift for Wayne Rooney, a guitar signed and resprayed in Man City blue by Oasis star Noel Gallagher.

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:14:00 +0000

Hargreaves set to start

United's injury list is finally shortening, with Owen Hargreaves and Patrice Evra set to face Middlesbrough, and Michael Carrick and Louis Saha in contention for next weekend's trip to Arsenal.

Hargreaves's return is a major filip. He has been absent since the win over Sunderland in September with tendonitis in his knee. Sir Alex expects the 26-year-old to start against Boro, but conceded that Hargreaves is unlikely to play the full match.

“Owen is ready to play and he should start,” the boss said on Friday. "We did the right thing. We tried our best to get him through without an injection, but he had it and is ready to play. It's been a frustrating time for him, but it's a long season and if he's back, and stays back, then that is terrific news."

Carrick, who fractured his elbow in the win over AS Roma at the start of October, faces a scan on Monday to assess the progress he has made. "If he get’s the all-clear, then he’ll start training with us and will be available for the Arsenal game," said the boss.

Evra, who tweaked a calf muscle in the warm-up before United's 4-2 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, could also be available for the Teessiders' visit, while Saha is on the road to recovery from a knee injury and should be included in the squad that travels to the Emirates Stadium next Saturday.

Reds skipper Neville is ready to make his long-awaited comeback, as soon as he posts some much-needed playing time, possibly in a Reserves match. "All Gary needs is an extra game," added the boss. "We’re trying to fix something in the next seven days. But he is ready to play. Friday was his 16th training session in a row, which is good."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:12:00 +0000

Neville back in the frame

Gary Neville may find himself back in United's first-team squad when the Reds welcome Middlesbrough to Old Trafford.

A series of injuries have forced the Reds' captain to miss more than seven months' action, but Sir Alex told English press on Friday that Neville, 32, has regained full fitness and trained without incident for more than two weeks.

The United boss told Manchester United Radio of his desire to reintroduce Neville to first-team action, although he admitted a Reserves run-out is perhaps more realistic at this stage.

"Gary's doing great," Sir Alex said. "We'll probably just wait for the next Reserves game to play him. But I've got him in the squad so he can be involved again. [On Saturday I imagine] he'll train in the morning and then join up with us in the afternoon."

Neville, also speaking to the club's radio station, said he can't wait to take the field again, although concedes he may have a difficult time forcing his way back into the side. "I've made myself available," he confirmed. "But with the way Wes [Brown] is playing – and Danny Simpson has been great, too – it might be a case of easing me back in over the space of a couple of weeks."

His injury nightmares began when he picked up an ankle knock against Bolton Wanderers in March. At the time, it was hoped he would return in time to skipper United against Chelsea in last season's FA Cup final. That date came and went, before calf and thigh injuries further delayed his return.

"It's been too long," he sighs."Missing the end of last season was bad enough but then for it to go into this season is doubly frustrating. Hopefully it's over now and I can get back into the team.

"The worst part about it has been going into the gym every day. It's okay for a couple of weeks but after that it's just mundane and boring. The physios try to make it as exciting as possible for you, but there's only so much excitement you can get out of a rowing machine or a bike.

"Most of all, I miss going out on the pitch. I'm seeing the lads playing well and they're getting good results and I want to be part of it. Coming in every day and then not being able to train with my mates is hard. An hour and a half on the training pitch flies by, but an hour and a half in the gym can feel like three days."

Neville is unlikely to play on Saturday, but he knows exactly what United are up against. "Middlesbrough have always been well prepared at Old Trafford. Bryan Robson and Steve McClaren both knew the strengths of United inside out, which meant they were always a little better prepared than other teams who came here. Gareth Southgate will have learnt a little from Steve and they'll set their stall out to make it difficult.

"We've had some tricky moments against them, although Saturday is just another game we have to win. If we play as we did against Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, it's going to be very difficult for Middlesbrough. Teams can't contain us when we're playing at full speed."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:07:00 +0000

Scholes sent for second scan

Paul Scholes will visit a specialist on Monday to ascertain the extent of his knee injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful the influential 32-year-old midfielder will not face a long spell on the sidelines.

Scholes picked up the injury as he turned in training at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv the night before United's Group F clash. He had a scan upon his return to Manchester, but the results were inconclusive.

Now a visit to another specialist is required to determine the true nature of the problem.

"The first scan did not clearly show the problem," said Sir Alex. "We’re sending Paul to another specialist on Monday to ascertain what damage, if any, there is. It could be something, it could be nothing.

"Obviously he is out of the Middlesbrough match. It was a strange one, he just felt a click in his knee when he turned in training on Monday.

"Hopefully it’s not going to be a long one, but we’ll know better on Monday."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:05:00 +0000

Park eyes January return

Ji-sung Park has his sights set on a return to action in January, having stepped up his recovery from knee surgery.

The Korean livewire damaged cruciate knee ligaments against Blackburn last March but, after an arduous road to recovery, he can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.

"At the moment I am trying to recover as hard as I can,” Park told Ilgan Sports.

“Recently, I started jogging and step-by step I am moving closer to a return in January. I am not yet training with the other players at the moment, I am training alone," he added.

In Park's absence, competition for midfield and attacking berths has been heightened by a host of new signings, but the 26-year-old is keen to stake his claim when he returns.

"Competition is fiercer than before with the signing of players like Nani," he said. "It is important that I have the confidence to perform to my best when I return."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:30:00 +0000

Man Utd's Scholes won't write-off Chelsea

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes won't write off Chelsea's title prospects this season.
"Having big names like Drogba and Lampard back will make a massive difference to Chelsea," he said. "They both have a big influence, which is why Chelsea struggled to win without them.

"One they are settled in the team again, I am sure they will be up there challenging."

Like Chelsea, he felt it was only a matter of time before United hit winning form once their key players were back.

"Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo are top players for us and they proved that with the number of goals they scored last season," he said. "But we lost Wayne to a broken foot on the opening day and Cristiano was suspended, so we were bound to miss them.

"We were also playing decent teams at the start, so in a way we expected tight games."

Scholes is still not completely happy with United's form, although a club record run of clean sheets has ensured Sir Alex Ferguson's men were able to record narrow wins until they finally put four past Wigan prior to the international break.

"When you look at the overall start to the season, we probably have not played as well as we would want," he said. "But the key thing is that we are still up there. We have put together a decent run in the league and things are looking better."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:26:00 +0000

Tevez: Ronaldo Man Utd's main man

Carlos Tevez is happy to declare Cristiano Ronaldo as Manchester United's main inspiration.
"Today Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the Premier League," Tevez told the Daily Mail. "He has the characteristics to be the No 1 in the world.

"Ronaldo is the key to United. He is sensational, our leader on the field."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:18:00 +0000

Ferguson wants Giggs at Man Utd after retirement

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits Ryan Giggs will have a role with the club once he retires.
"Without doubt, Ryan is still a big influence in the dressing room," said Ferguson. "He sets a tremendous example and I hope he stays here a lot longer.

"He has never shown any inclination to go into coaching but he certainly has a role to play once he has finished because we need to recognise the deeds of our great players."

noreply@blogger.com (George Andrew Goonting) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:16:00 +0000

Tevez: I didn't think Man Utd players would accept me

Carlos Tevez admits he feared the reception he would receive from Manchester United's senior players when he first moved to Old Trafford.
"When I arrived in the summer I must admit that I had doubts after all that had happened," Tevez told the Daily Mail. "In particular I didn't know how the senior players at the club would be with me.

"Yes, I was nervous for the first time in a long time. But from the very first day players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand did all they could to help me. I was amazed.

"These players are the stars and the symbol and image of this great club. In many ways they sum United up.

"United are superb in terms of professionalism. No detail is missed and that is one of the reasons I set the club apart from the others. With players like Giggs and Scholes at its heart the club will not fail."

Tevez added: "I am at Manchester United because of Sir Alex Ferguson. He has total confidence in me and he was key to my arrival here.

"I suffered an awful lot in order to leave West Ham but now I am very satisfied with what I did. It was painful and people talked about my reputation but it has been worth it.

"Ferguson is like a master to me, like a teacher. He is always giving me advice and helping my football get to the right level, the next level.

"That is so valuable because when I first came to England at West Ham there was nobody there to do that. Even the best players need help.

"His assistant, Carlos Queiroz, is the one next to the players in training all the time. But Ferguson is in control, make no mistake. I remember after my first goal for United against Chelsea. Ferguson was very emotional with me. But then he just asked me for some more goals!"