Football Focus

Luiz: Critics don't get me down

2012-02-28T14:08:00.001+05:30

Chelsea defender David Luiz insists he will not let criticism affect him - as he has endured much worse in his life than fans' abuse.

Luiz has been made one of the scapegoats for the Blues' stuttering season, with the errors he has made forever being highlighted.

But the the man who arrived from Benfica for a reported £26.5million just over a year ago enjoyed one of his best days in a Chelsea shirt in Saturday's 3-0 win over Bolton.

The 24-year-old opened the scoring with what is fast becoming a trademark goal and, more importantly, helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet.

Luiz was raised in the unforgiving Sao Paulo satellite town of Diadema and left home at 14 after being told by his local club he was not big enough to be a footballer.

His 1,200-mile move to Esporte Club Vitoria on Brazil's north-east coast forced his parents into debt, so the flak he has taken this season pales into comparison to his previous problems.

Luiz said: "The guys who have never touched a ball can't kill me. This is impossible.

"Because I know my life when I didn't have anything, I know my life when my family needed me a lot.

"I know my life when I left home at 14 years of age and I told them 'I will come back one day and give you a good life'."

Luiz admitted criticism was "normal" when a team produced a winless run like the one Chelsea ended on Saturday.

He added: "I play in a big team and when a big doesn't win for five games or six games, the pressure's so, so big.

"I believe in my job, I believe in my work every day, I believe in me.

"I know my football, I know my personality."

Luiz refused to take credit for what was only Chelsea's third clean sheet at home in the league under Andre Villas-Boas.

He told Chelsea TV: "All the players defended well, not just David, not just (Gary) Cahill, not just Ashley (Cole) or Ivo (Branislav Ivanovic) - all the team defended well.

"This is needed for the rest of the games.

"I want now a clean sheet for the next game."

Some of Luiz's critics have suggested he should be moved from defence to midfield, where he learnt his trade before converting to a centre-back seven years ago.

But manager Villas-Boas said: "I think he has excellent central-defender characteristics and we will continue to promote him in that position."

Giggs: I look forward to next season

2012-02-28T14:05:00.000+05:30

After hitting the 900-game mark for Manchester United, Ryan Giggs has expressed his desire to continue playing for at least another season.

The Welsh player told manutd.com that he is enjoying his time on the field for now, and he can still see himself playing for the Red Devils next season.

"I'm enjoying my football more than ever. The club want me to carry on so I want to carry on. I'm hungry and still want to play. I look forward to next season - hopefully after winning something this season." Giggs said.

Having been a Manchester United fan since boyhood, the winger shared his pride in achieving the 900-game landmark at the club, a record he never expected to attain when he first donned the Red Devils kit.

"To play 900 games for Manchester United is obviously something to be proud of. When you start off, you just set yourself little goals - to get into the team and obviously to stay in the team."

"Then you get a little bit greedy and want to win things, and then win more things. I don't think you ever envisage you're going to play that many games."

Taking pointers from team mate Paul Scholes' recent reversal on football retirement, Giggs has revealed that he still requires more time before deciding when he would call an end to his playing career.

"Seeing how much Scholesy missed it and seeing him now enjoying training and games, and playing so well, that is something I've got to think of as well," he concluded.

Giggs will be hoping to take the field this Sunday at White Hart Lane when Manchester United clash with Tottenham in their Premier League fixture.

Rooney inspired by Fergie

2012-02-28T08:33:00.000+05:30

Striker hails manager's influence ahead of title run-in

Wayne Rooney: Striker insists Sir Alex Ferguson will guide Manchester United to their 20th title

Sir Alex Ferguson is the key to Manchester United retaining their Premier League title, according to talismanic striker Wayne Rooney.

The footballing knight has steered the famous club to an impressive haul of major honours including 12 championships since joining in 1986.

And with this year's race set to go down to the wire, with his side sitting two points adrift of bitter rivals City, Rooney insists Ferguson will give United the edge.

"He is a great manager," Rooney told Fifa's official website. "He knows which players he can speak to and which players he can shout at, if he needs to.

Mentality

"He knows how the players react and how to get the best out of them. That's important especially in this day and age.

"His mentality for the game, his commitment and desire are obviously things that the players try and take on themselves.

"For me personally, he's been brilliant. He is a great leader for our team.

"We are only a couple of points behind and we have a lot of games to go. We are confident that we can push on now, and start being a bit more consistent towards the end of the season."

Enrique cools Barca talk

2012-02-28T08:10:00.001+05:30

Spaniard wants to see out Roma contract

Luis Enrique: Has cooled talk tipping him as Guardiola's successor

Roma coach Luis Enrique has played down speculation he could succeed Pep Guardiola as Barcelona boss should he leave Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Guardiola has been linked with a potential exit from Barca in the summer when his current deal expires, with the Spaniard yet to pen new terms with Primera Liga giants.

Former Barcelona player Enrique has been tipped as a possible successor but the 41-year-old insists he wants to see out his Roma contract, which runs until 2013.

"I'll stay Roma until the end of my deal," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I live in the present.
"After Roma I don't know whether I'll leave football or go elsewhere.

"The only thing I know for sure is, should Roma want me, I'll stay here until the end of my contract."
Ex-Spain international Enrique formerly coached Barcelona's B side before taking over at Roma last year.

He notched up over 200 appearances for the Catalan club during his playing days, and also spent five years at fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Primera Liga round-up

2012-02-28T08:06:00.001+05:30

Ronaldo keeps up Real Madrid's title charge

Cristiano Ronaldo: Notched a stunning backheel as Real Madrid won again

Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant backheel saw Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid win again, while Barcelona, Osasuna, Real Sociedad and Sevilla also claimed victories.

Rayo Vallecano were left to rue a glut of missed opportunities as Ronaldo's backheel earned Real Madrid a 1-0 victory at Vallecas to notch a seventh consecutive league victory.

Piti struck the post and Michu was denied by a last-ditch tackle by Sergio Ramos in the first half.
The hosts were then made to pay as Ronaldo skilfully backheeled in from 10 yards on 54 minutes after Rayo had failed to clear Mesut Ozil's corner.

Michu missed another great chance when he blazed over after being played in by Diego Costa, and his day was summed up a minute from time when he was sent off for a tackle from behind on Sami Khedira.

Second-placed Barcelona won 2-1 at Atletico Madrid to remain 10 points adrift.
Lionel Messi had a goal disallowed before Dani Alves put the visitors ahead on 36 minutes.
Falcao equalised for the hosts four minutes after the re-start but Messi won it with nine minutes remaining.

Goals by Gary Medel and Jesus Navas saw Sevilla come from behind to claim a surprise 2-1 victory at Valencia.

Tino Costa put the hosts ahead in the 25th minute before Medel equalised nine minutes before the break.

Navas then secured victory for Michel's team with a goal on 70 minutes as they claimed their second successive win.

Narrow victory

Javad Nekounam and Dejan Lekic scored twice in three first-half minutes as Osasuna earned a narrow 2-1 victory over Granada.

Nekounam and Lekic pounced in the 26th and 29th minutes, although Mikel Rico pulled one back just a minute later.

Francisco Punal was then sent off for the hosts for a second bookable offence with 16 minutes remaining but Osasuna held out for the win.

Defeat brought to a halt Granada's recent improvement under Abel Resino while Osasuna kept up the pressure for the European places.

Substitute Nilmar scored a vital equaliser 23 minutes from time as Villarreal came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against Athletic Bilbao.

In a thrilling encounter that swung one way and then the other, it was the hosts who started the brighter and went ahead on 10 minutes thanks to Marcos Senna's wonderful free-kick.

Marcelo Bielsa introduced Fernando Llorente at half-time and the Spain international brought Athletic level with a calm header at the back post before the visitors took the lead on the counter-attack as Markel Susaeta broke clear to slot past Diego Lopez.

Villarreal levelled immediately, though, as Gorka Iraizoz spilled Alejandro Martinuccio's shot and Nilmar nipped in to side-foot home just his third goal of the season.

Real Sociedad climbed above Real Mallorca in the standings as Imanol Agirretxe's late winner earned a 1-0 victory for the hosts at the Anoeta.

Agirretxe lashed into the top-left corner in the 79th minute to settle the match in Sociedad's favour, lifting the hosts to 13th in the table - two points ahead of their visitors.

Villas-Boas fears sack

2012-02-28T07:57:00.000+05:30

Under-fire Chelsea boss sees comparisons to Ancelotti dismissal

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed for the first time his fear that the 'cultural pattern' at Chelsea could continue and he could be sacked.

Villas-Boas has repeatedly insisted he retains the full backing of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, but has now confessed to the first seeds of doubt about whether he would keep his job.

Speculation has been rife over the future of Villas-Boas during what is currently Chelsea's worst season since Abramovich joined the club in 2003.

Saturday's 3-0 Premier League win over Bolton ended a miserable run of five games without a win and four victories from 14, easing the pressure on Villas-Boas.

Behaviour

In an interview with Portuguese radio station TSF which took place two days earlier but which was only broadcast on Monday, the 34-year-old reiterated he felt he retained the "confidence" of Abramovich.

But he compared his situation to that of Carlo Ancelotti, who the Russian sacked at the end of a trophyless season in May.

"We are now in the exact same moment as last year," Villas-Boas said. "It is an exact copy. "The pattern of behaviour of the owner has led to a (manager's) downfall in similar situations or even 'better' situations.

"What will be the reaction? It will be one of the two, a continuation of the project and full support or just the cultural pattern that has happened before. We don't know."

Parker named player of the year

2012-02-28T07:51:00.001+05:30

Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has expressed his pride at being voted England's Player of the Year.

The award, voted for by England fans, follows a year when Parker cemented his place in the national side, featuring in seven of their nine games, during which time he has suddenly become one of the most important components.

Indeed, behind Steven Gerrard, the 31-year-old - who was sent off in Sunday's North London derby defeat at Arsenal - is currently second favourite to succeed John Terry as Three Lions skipper. Parker succeeds Ashley Cole in winning the award and confirmed how proud he felt at the accolade.

"It's a great honour," he said. "Just looking at the names that are on the trophy, it's quite an achievement. It's a proud moment for me, I'm delighted.

"When you feel the fans are appreciating what you've done, it's extra special. It's been a good year for me at international level so I'm delighted the fans have picked me."

Impact Parker took 17 per cent of the 15,000 votes cast, with Joe Hart second and Ashley Young third, the FA confirmed on its website. Ignored for so long, Parker suffered the ignominy of being axed from Fabio Capello's provisional World Cup squad without playing in either of the two warm-up games against Mexico and Japan.

So, when he was introduced as a half-time substitute in the friendly against Denmark just over 12 months ago, he realised it was probably his last chance. His impact was so great he started the vital Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Wales a month later, since when he has never looked back.

"I don't think I ever lost hope that I could make it at international level," he said. "I crammed in a lot in one year. I realised time was ticking. "The Denmark game was pivotal. I came on for 45 minutes and then I got a start against Wales in a big game [and that] was massive for me.

I played in [midfield] with Jack [Wilshere] and Frank [Lampard] and we got a great result. It ended up being a great game. Exciting "From there I played a lot more games. It was a very exciting year for me internationally and I'm looking forward to more action.

"It's a proud moment every time I pull on the England shirt. It's something I've always wanted to do, whenever I was playing outside, whenever I was playing at the park with my mates it was always England you try to emulate and try to be."

Parker singles out Wilshere as someone who had a good 2011, although the midfielder's injury problems derailed him in the summer.

However, Parker believes goalkeeper Hart has the greatest reason to be aggrieved that he won the award. "Joe Hart stood out," he said.
"He's a fantastic 'keeper and he has done exceptionally well. "I'm sure he [Wilshere] will be a future winner but Joe Hart stands out as a player who has done really well."

Villas-Boas targets incredible Hulk

2012-02-28T07:42:00.003+05:30

CHELSEA boss Andre Villas-Boas has made Brazilian striker Hulk his top summer transfer target.

The burly hitman was part of Villas-Boas' Porto side that won the quadruple in Portugal last season.

And with Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of this campaign, Hulk could be set for a reunion with his old manager.

Villas-Boas said: "We have Kalou and Malouda, both of whom are nearing the end of their contracts, while Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge are the future.

"As such, there will surely be a place to fill and I see room for an explosive player on the wing, someone who is strong in one-on-one situations and Hulk fits that profile."

However, Porto are desperate to hang on to their prized asset, with president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa slapping a whopping £85million fee on Hulk's head.

Fergie: Giggs and Scholes are simply the best

2012-02-28T07:40:00.000+05:30

ALEX FERGUSON insists Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes are the best players in Manchester United's history. The veteran midfielders defied the ageing process by scoring at Norwich.

Scholes, 37, headed the first and Giggs, 38, grabbed a last-gasp winner on his 900th appearance for the club.

Boss Fergie said: "Scholes and Giggs are the best players this club has ever had. Given the career Ryan has had, to score the winning goal with the last kick of the game... I think he deserved that.

"We could have played him against Ajax on Thursday but this game was more important and I knew we would need all our experienced players and Ryan and Scholesy in particular. "That experience is really going to help us in the next couple of months.

"We won't get nervous, that's for sure. We're used to being in this situation. "You saw that when we conceded an equaliser. How did we react? We started playing again and got the winner." Giggs will celebrate the 21st anniversary of his United debut this Friday.

The Welshman said: "It's a great day for me personally — 900 games for United is a real honour and to score the winner as well... it doesn't get any better than that. "I first scored at Norwich in the first season of the Premier League but this one feels even better.

"It's always great to score the winning goal and I have to make sure I savour days like this." Ferguson was far from happy with the way his team almost allowed Manchester City to hold a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Grant Holt's 83rd-minute goal looked to have earned the Canaries a draw and it needed Giggs' late strike to give United victory.

Ferguson added: "Everyone knows we never give in. No matter who plays us, they know they will have to battle right to the death. "But we were lucky because Norwich were the better team. "They had a lot of thrust about them, they were determined and kept crossing the ball into our box."

David de Gea starred in goal and Fergie insisted: "We always knew he had the potential. But this game was confirmation of how good he's going to be."

Norwich boss Paul Lambert was gutted to lose at the death and said: "A kick in the teeth? More like a kick in another region.

"United have been doing this for 25 years and this week it's our turn to take our medicine. "We were running on empty at the end and it shows you how far this club has come in two years that we're disappointed at losing in the final minute to Manchester United."

Scholes’ title target

2012-02-28T07:38:00.003+05:30

PAUL SCHOLES believes Manchester United must win every remaining match to retain the title.

United are two points behind Manchester City, who they meet three games before the end of the season. So maximum points will do the title trick.

Ryan Giggs hit a dramatic last-minute clincher at Norwich on Sunday.

And Scholes, 37, said: "There is no doubt we had to win and we realise we may have to win every game to win the league."

LOUIS SAHA has revealed how Alex Ferguson left him deaf and dumbstruck with his 'hairdryer' — after he scored TWICE.

2012-02-28T07:37:00.002+05:30

The Tottenham striker faces former club Manchester United and ex-manager Ferguson on Sunday in a crucial match at the top of the Premier League.

And Saha will never forget how the man he still calls 'boss' laid into him at half-time of only his second appearance for United at Everton.

He said: "When I headed towards the changing-room, I was feeling proud. As soon as I sat down, I was woken up in a violent way — Sir Alex Ferguson rendered me deaf.

"I was surprised but yes, it was me he was yelling and screaming at. "He was going mad and I quickly understood why — he was unhappy because we came in with only a three-goal lead when we should have wrapped the game up.

"He was furious about my missed chances and reminded me that this is the very top level. Wow. I woke up even more sharply when 45 minutes later Everton had come back to 3-3. Goodison Park was on fire.

"Only Ruud van Nistelrooy helped me escape the nightmare — with a stoppage-time goal." Saha's form has seen him recalled to the France squad for tomorrow's friendly against Germany.

After that, Saha will be desperate to get Tottenham back on track after Sunday's derby defeat to Arsenal. The former Fulham striker tells the tale of life under Fergie in his new book 'Du quartier aux etoiles' or, 'From the inner city to the stars'.

Despite the early Ferguson treatment, Frenchman Saha went on to develop a close relationship with the United boss during 4½ injury-hit seasons at Old Trafford.

He tells of how he was so low after one injury that he went to Ferguson's office and said he should be treated like a youngster and have to prove himself a first-team player.

But Ferguson simply cut short his self-pitying speech and told him he would come back strongly. When Saha asked Ferguson if he could interview him for his book, the United manager spoke just five hours after arriving home from a Champions League match.

In the interview, Ferguson reveals how he has adapted as a leader from a culture of boozy bonding sessions to today's world of agents and scientific training methods.

Saha will now try to put a dent in Ferguson and United's title bid. And he clearly believes the return of Carlos Tevez to Manchester City could also spell trouble for United.

Saha recalls how ex-United ace Tevez virtually forced Fergie to put him on in a European match in Lyon in 2008 by constantly warming up and glaring at his boss.

That may have been the opposite attitude to his behaviour in the row with City boss Roberto Mancini — but Tevez scored a leveller and Saha even compares him to the likes of Lionel Messi.

Saha's book is published by Anne Carrière. For more go to louissaha08.com/du-quartier-aux-etoiles/

So alone.....

2010-08-03T18:38:00.000+05:30

So alone in my bed
Alone listening to nightly whispers
Alone in my thoughts
Alone standing in court
Alone I stand and fight
Alone I pray for rainbow lights

Alone in the morning I awake
Alone I celebrate my joys
Alone I cry out my sadness
Alone I voice out my fears
Alone in strength

Alone in wealth
Alone in good health
Alone I try to understand
Alone I seek knowledge
Alone I share what is mine
Alone I try not to be alone
Alone when my time has come, I pass away

Van der Sar: Giggs is one and only

2009-04-28T09:04:00.000+05:30

Edwin van der Sar is certain the legendary achievements of Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs will never be broken.

Van der Sar was among the five nominees to miss out last night as his Manchester United team-mate was named Professional Footballers' Association player of the year.

It was the first time Giggs collected the prestigious accolade, adding it to his 10 Premier League titles, two European Cups, four FA Cups, three League Cups and various other trophies collected during a stellar one-club career.

On Wednesday against Arsenal, Giggs is expected to make his 800th Red Devils appearance, edging further clear of Sir Bobby Charlton, whose record he took when he came on as substitute during the Champions League Final victory over Chelsea in Moscow last May.

The 35-year-old has already pledged to see out the remaining year of his contract. And if he can maintain his present form, Giggs could carry on towards his 40th birthday.

But Van der Sar, who has made more than 650 club appearances during a career which took him from Ajax to Juventus and then Fulham before heading north to Old Trafford in 2005, feels even if he stopped now, Giggs' record will stand forever.

"It would be hard to beat that record," said the veteran Dutchman.

"There are so many changes now with transfers and everything else and Ryan started out early.

"You will not see anything like that in future.

"And the thing is he is still going strong. It is as though he was only 31."

Although he is not used in every game, Giggs' influence over United is still immense. And with the pressure starting to increase in a week which began in such thrilling fashion at Old Trafford on Saturday ahead of Wednesday's first leg with the Gunners, the Welshman's presence could be a major factor.

"It is a joy to see how he trains as well as plays," said Van der Sar.

"How he controls the ball, how he sees a pass and the runs he makes. He can read a game and adjust the way we play.

"He shows such dedication every day and sets the example for everyone."

If the last seven days are anything to go by, Old Trafford can brace itself for a thriller.

Last week Arsenal were involved in an astonishing eight-goal draw with Liverpool, Andrey Arshavin scoring all four goals for Arsene Wenger's men.

On Saturday United secured a dramatic win over Tottenham, roaring back from two goals down at the break to record a victory that has taken them to the brink of an 18th league championship.

"Last Tuesday was a strange game," reflected Van der Sar.

"Sometimes you make one mistake in a game, other times it is nine or 10. That is football.

"We are all human beings and these kind of things happen. Hopefully we can be a bit tighter against them and get the same opportunities Liverpool had."

Sir Alex Ferguson's major dilemma is who to start up front given Carlos Tevez's outstanding contribution to the Red Devils' most recent triumph.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney seem certain to be involved after taking their personal goal tally to 23 and 20 at the weekend, while Ferguson is a huge fan of Berbatov's economic style even though many fans prefer Tevez's industry.

John O'Shea also seems set to fill the right-back berth as United look for added defensive resolve in their attempt to become the first team to defend the European Cup since the Champions League era began in 1992.

"This game is going to be something new because we have never played English opposition in a two-legged European game before," said Van der Sar.

"We are all excited about it but at the same time, the preparation and way we go about our job will be no different.

"For us it is just two games on the way to something big that we experienced last year.

"That night in Moscow was fantastic and we will do everything in our power to achieve that goal again

Giggs sets Gunners goal

2009-04-28T08:55:00.000+05:30

RYAN GIGGS is ready to re-enact one of the most famous goal celebrations in history.

It is 10 years since Giggs, the newly-crowned PFA player of the year, skipped past four players on a 60-yard run before smashing in a sensational late goal to beat Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park.

The Welsh wizard was so overcome by the emotion of the occasion that he whipped his shirt off, whirling it round his head and kept running all the way back to the half-way line.

Giggs admits he might just expose that rippling torso all over again if he gets the winner against the Gunners which clinches United’s place in the Champions League final in Rome.

Go on to the internet and signed photos of that iconic image are still trading for a healthy sum.These days, of course, you get booked for flashing the flesh but that will not bother Giggs provided it does not cost him a ban.

Recalling that amazing night in 1999, Giggs said: “It was a great moment for me personally and for the team. It was a massive turning point in the season that ended in the Treble.

“Arsenal are a top, top team. They always have been. Over the years they’ve been our biggest challengers so when you play against them you’ve got to raise your game.

“I will always be remembered for that celebration. I don’t know if I like the picture though because people remember the celebration more than the goal!

“When you score a goal, especially an important one like that, the feelings rise up and you’ve got no control over yourself.

“That’s what football is all about. You never know what’s going to happen next. I used to say I would never do it again but you never know. If you score an important winning goal again in the last minute you might just do it.”

At the venerable age of 35, Giggs remains a key figure in United’s assault on the Quadruple.

He has spent more than 20 years at Old Trafford and his PFA award from his fellow pros is a fitting tribute to a magnificent career.

The Welshman — who could make his 800th appearance for United tomorrow night — is feared by defenders as much as when he carved his way past those hapless Gunners so long ago it was in the last century!

Giggs has cut out the booze, improved his diet and taken to yoga to keep himself in such good shape. There is no sign of him hanging up his boots and why should he when his manager is still picking him?

To think six years ago the United fans were on his back telling him he was past it.

Giggs added: “I remember back in 2003 I was getting a bit of stick and that wasn’t enjoyable.

“It was the first time I’d experienced it, so to win the league and end the season so strong was pleasing for me. It meant I’d got through it.

“Since I turned 30 I’ve been more consistent. During my 20s the odd game I played probably better than I do now but consistently, over the season, I’ve got better the older I’ve got.

“I’ve had to make some sacrifices — diet, alcohol, yoga. I was missing a lot of games through hamstring injuries then.

“It helps that I’m not as quick as I used to be so I’m not getting those hamstring injuries any more and I don’t play as many games.

“Yoga has definitely helped with my hamstrings and also how I feel. I feel good after games and fresh during games.”

The new players continually arriving at Old Trafford also spur Giggs on.

He said: “You get inspired by seeing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and all the younger players coming through. This season it’s been Rafael.

“When I’m playing against Rafael in training and he’s bombing past me, you’ve got to do something about it. It’s not nice but you’ve got to raise your game.

“You know your career is coming to an end and that you’ve got to make the most of it.

“Then there’s the manager’s desire, the constant difficulties of playing for Manchester United and the different challenges that it brings each season.

“When I first came into the team Eric Cantona and Roy Keane had a big influence on me.

“You would see Roy and the manager and you would see the hunger. And you would look at Eric and how he looked after himself during the season. You admire different players for different reasons.”

While Cantona and Keane are long departed, Giggs goes on, trying to make United the first team ever to retain the Champions League trophy. He said: “It is a massive challenge for us. There’s a reason why no team has ever retained it — and that’s because it’s really difficult.

“We had to go to Porto in the quarter-finals when it was a case of backs against the wall against a very good team.

“But we came through and we need two similar performances against Arsenal because they’re playing well at the moment.

“Arsenal can pass any team off the park if you’re not on your game. They are a dangerous side, so we’ve got to be mentally and physically prepared and we’ve got to play well.

“I’ve got to be honest, if you’d asked me when I was 19 or 20 if I thought I’d be playing in a Champions League semi-final at 35, I’d have said no.

“But I look after myself and it helps when you’ve got such good players around you.”

Vid’s the top Man

2009-04-28T08:53:00.000+05:30

MANU ADEBAYOR claims Nemanja Vidic is the toughest defender he has met.

The Arsenal striker and Manchester United hardman clash at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Adebayor said of the Serb: “Vidic is the toughest I have played against.

“He is very good and knows how to handle strikers.

“He is ready to give his life for Manchester United and is very, very strong.

“He is absolutely top-class because he saves a lot of goals but also scores a lot.”

I can win my Spurs

2009-04-28T08:51:00.000+05:30

MICHAEL CARRICK hopes he can cheer up his old Spurs mates tomorrow by ending the Champions League dreams of old rivals Arsenal.

The Manchester United star was at the centre of the penalty controversy as his team stormed back to beat Spurs 5-2 on Saturday.

But Carrick said: “Being a former Spurs player I suppose I’m coming up against the old enemy in Arsenal.

“I know my pals at Spurs want us to win. They’ll be watching on TV and hoping United win.”

Ferdinand is up to speed

2009-04-28T08:49:00.000+05:30

RIO FERDINAND admits Manchester United must be on their ‘A-game’ to deal with Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Old Trafford centre-back, 30, speaking at the launch of his new mag #5, said: “Theo could be a sprinter. He’s one of the quickest I’ve ever faced.

“Playing against Adebayor is a challenge, too.

“He’s quick, he’s got good movement and is strong so we’ll have to be on our A-game to make sure we combat him.

“But we’re ready for them and everyone else in an Arsenal strip.

“They’ll be two great games. Two English teams vying to get into the Champions League final, you can’t ask for much more.”

Rafael plays his way to new deal

2009-04-28T08:48:00.000+05:30

RAFAEL has agreed a two-year contract extension at Manchester United.

The Brazilian right-back is now tied to the Premier League champions until 2013.

Rafael, 18, has made 24 appearances for United this season and boss Alex Ferguson claims the new deal is a reward for his rapid progress.

United boss Fergie said: "Everyone at the club has been very impressed and excited by his first year as a professional.

"His enthusiasm and the adventurous way he plays is typical of a Manchester United player.

"We are delighted he has signed a new contract."

Rafael added: "It has been a fantastic first year and I have learned from all the players at the club.

"It has been an exciting time for me and I want to be part of this for a long time so to get an extension is unbelievable."

Giggs wins PFA player of the year

2009-04-28T08:45:00.000+05:30

RYAN GIGGS was last night named PFA Player of the Year - while Wayne Rooney failed to even make the Premier League select XI.

Wales midfielder Giggs, 35, pipped four Manchester United team-mates and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard - despite starting only 12 league games this season.

Giggs - chasing Quadruple glory for United - said: “I won two Young Player awards but this one is the big one.

"It’s arguably the best individual award you can get because it is voted for by your fellow players."

The winger-turned-playmaker added: “It is an exciting season. It’s going down to the wire and it is big game after big game and that’s what you want at a club like United.

“A lot of credit must go to Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been a massive influence in my career. I first met him when I was 13 and our relationship is brilliant.”

Aston Villa's England winger Ashley Young landed the Young Player of the Year award.

But United had six players in the best XI - four defenders, plus Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Rooney, though, lost out up front to Nicolas Anelka and Fernando Torres.

Premier League team of the year: Edwin Van der Sar, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ashley Young, Steven Gerrard, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nicolas Anelka, Fernando Torres.

Wayne: We're in Roo-d health

2009-04-28T08:44:00.001+05:30

WAYNE ROONEY says Manchester United’s destruction of Spurs has set them up to do the same to Arsenal.

The Reds take on the Gunners on Wednesday at Old Trafford in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

And after coming back from two goals down to win 5-2 on Saturday, Rooney believes they will be bouncing into that game full of confidence.

He said: “It was very important to win and stay top of the league by a margin. It gives us belief and confidence ahead of the midweek game.”

Carlos Tevez might just have played himself into the starting line-up for Wednesday’s game after his injection at half-time gave the team new energy. Boss Alex Ferguson said: “Tevez was responsible for that energy we had in the second half. He got the fans and the team going.”

Rooney: Title is ours to lose

2009-04-26T09:24:00.001+05:30

WAYNE ROONEY claims the Premier League trophy is Manchester United’s to lose following their stunning 5-2 win over Tottenham.

United trailed at the break, before a second half blitz of five goals in 22 minutes sealed the win.

Liverpool had briefly gone top with a 3-1 win over Hull earlier, but with a three-point cushion and a game in hand, Rooney admitted the club was confident of the title.

He said: "We know we’re in a great position. We have to take advantage of that game in hand. We’ve got five games left and it’s ours to throw away.

“It was very important to win today and stay top of the league by a margin. It gives us belief and confidence ahead of the midweek game.

“It was a brilliant comeback. The first half was too slow and we had to quicken up. We knew once we got that first goal we’d have a chance and in the end it was quite comfortable.”

Boss Alex Ferguson hailed the impact of second half substitute Carlos Tevez, a player he fears he will lose in the summer.

He said: "We were too slow, too casual in the first half. We needed to speed up in the second half and Tevez was responsible for that. He got the rest of the team playing.

“We had to get the first goal quite early. It wasn’t a foregone conclusion after that by any means but it gave us impetus.”

Ferguson also admitted United had been lucky to be awarded a penalty for their first goal, which Ronaldo scored, as Heurelho Gomes appeared to get a hand on the ball before colliding with Michael Carrick.

He added: “It was a bit fortunate. Football is funny like that. Last week we were knocked out of the FA Cup by not getting a penalty kick.

"It doesn’t deflect from our second-half performance.”

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was furious however, blasting referee Howard Webb for a “terrible decision”.<

He raged: “The turning point was definitely the penalty. It turned the game in their favour without a doubt.

“At that stage I couldn’t see us getting beat. It was a gift which wasn’t deserved. It was a terrible decision. It’s a great bit of goalkeeping, he’s got to the ball.

“Howard is supposed to be our best ref, but if he’s the best I’d hate to see the worst.”

“We conceded bad goals after that. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. You’ve got to be strong and get on with it and you can’t concede goals like that just because you feel hard done by.”

Red Devils 5-2 Spurs

2009-04-26T09:17:00.000+05:30

MANCHESTER UNITED staged a sensational second-half fightback against Tottenham to move a step closer to reclaiming the Premier League title.

Darren Bent and Luka Modric had fired Spurs into a 2-0 lead at the break, giving Rafa Benitez’s title chasing Liverpool renewed hope.

But the game swung on 57 minutes, when Heurelho Gomes was adjudged to have brought down Michael Carrick by referee Howard Webb.

The decision was a shocker, but Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t care, slotting home from the spot to start the comeback.

Wayne Rooney then kicked into overdrive, firing home twice either side of a second for Ronaldo in a four-minute blitz.

Dimitar Berbatov then prodded home No5 for the home side, to complete an amazing turnaround against his former club.

And with his side now three points clear with a game in hand, Alex Ferguson must surely know his 23rd season will end with his hands on the league championship trophy for the 11th time.

Aaron Lennon started out well, with some probing runs down the right causing problems for the United defence.

The first genuine chance came from the nippy winger, with Bent heading a cross straight at Edwin Van der Sar at the near post.

Spurs were getting physical, with some crunching tackles from Palacios and Jenas in the midfield.

As a result Ronaldo had a sighter at goal from a free kick, the Portuguese star claiming a handball in the wall.

But his appeals were turned down, and soon after Tottenham opened the scoring on 29 minutes courtesy of Bent.

TURNING POINT ... Michael Carrick goes down

Lennon powered down the right, before his ball back saw Vedran Corluka curl the ball in from a deeper position.

England striker Bent fluffed his headed first attempt, but the ball dropped kindly for him to thrash home from inside six yards.

Worse was to follow for United four minutes later when Lennon swung over another cross from the same flank, this time beyond all the United defenders.

Modric was free to chest the ball down, before stabbing home at the near post.

The visiting fans were almost as stunned as their hosts given Tottenham have not won a league game at Old Trafford since 1989.

Gomes was then called into action three times before the break, as Ferguson’s men looked to get back into the game.

The Brazilian got behind Rafael’s long-range effort, before producing a fine stop from Ronaldo.

Jonathan Woodgate was booked for a foul on the winger, whose free-kick cannoned back off the Spurs wall.

Ronaldo then unleashed a lob towards the top corner, only for Gomes to claw the ball out.

The stopper was also equal to a powerful shot from Rooney before Jermaine Jenas was booked for a foul on Darren Fletcher.

Ferguson introduced Carlos Tevez for Nani at the interval, but it was an intervention from referee Webb that got his side back into the game.

Amid the pandemonium that followed his penalty decison, Ronaldo kept his head to score from the spot.

Tevez then made his first contribution 10 minutes later, setting up Rooney for the equaliser with a flicked pass.

The England striker cut inside before shooting low and beating Gomes at his near post.

Within a minute, United were in front, Rooney this time providing the cross which a diving Ronaldo headed in.

United were not finished as Ronaldo picked out Rooney with a far-post cross.

The England striker beat Gomes but it seemed Woodgate would clear only for the defender to drag the ball over the line as he slid in to block.

United's fifth arrived 11 minutes from time, Rooney providing the cross this time for former Spurs hitman Berbatov to finish.

The Bulgarian belted home after Gomes had stopped his initial header and then got in a tangle with Jenas.

United Hold On Talks With KaKa....

2009-04-25T14:55:00.000+05:30

Manchester United have held talks with Brazil and AC Milan star Kaka over a sensational summer move to Old Trafford.

According to reports in The Sun newspaper, the Premier League giants have already met with Kaka's representatives in a bid to thrash out personal terms which would net the talented playmaker some 35million pounds in wages alone.

"It was a very positive meeting, although nothing was agreed," a source close to Kaka told the paper.

"The player wants a five-year contract and wages of £135,000 a week.

"He is very keen to join United and these are figures that are within United's pay structure. It's up to them what happens now."

With AC Milan expected to demand a transfer fee in the region of 70million pounds for Kaka, there is, however, some confusion as to where United would get the necessary money from.

One solution would be the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, something that, according to former Real president Ramon Calderon, is as good as a done deal.

Kaka, who was the subject of an audacious mega-money approach by Manchester City during January's transfer window, has made no secret of his admiration for United and said recently: "They have some great players in Giggs and Scholes and especially Wayne Rooney.

"One of my best friends, Anderson, is also there - how can anyone say no?

"They are the English and European champions and a great club to play for."

The Brasilia-born former Sao Paulo ace has also revealed his desire to one day play in the Barclays Premier League - a league he views as being one of the world's most competitive.

"I like the Premier League a lot, so maybe that would be my choice if I leave Milan," the 27-year-old told the Daily Star newspaper.

"Whenever I can, I try to swap experiences with my friends playing in other countries and leagues.

"All the players that I've talked to that play in the Premier League, or used to play there, say it's a tough league - tough, very fast and competitive."

I Need A Path.....

2009-04-25T14:28:00.003+05:30

I need a path that will lead me to success....
A path that I can take that will result in no stress!
I need a path that will lead me to many blessings
A path that will allow me to learn different lessons
I need a path that will teach me right from wrong
A path where I can listenin to music an play my favorite song
I need a path that will lead me to happiness
A path that's painless
I need a path that will lead me to answers to all my wonders
A path where I will see lots of sunshine an little thunder
I need a path that will allow me to help others
A path where I can be a rolemodel for all my sisiters and brothers
I need a path that will allow me to be independent
A path where I'll make my own money so how I want is how I'll spend it
I need a path that will allow me to feel protected and secure
A path that I'll take an I'll kno its the right one for sure
I need a path that will lead me to success
I need a path.......

Wont Change...... :)

2009-04-25T14:28:00.001+05:30

I will be me tomorrow and today
This is who I am everyday, all day
I wont change for anyone
I will be me this month and this year
This is who I am for life
I wont change for anyone even if I thought twice
I will be me sooner and later
This is who I am, if not greater
I won't change for anyone
I will be me every minute every hour
This is who I am, watch me grow like a flower
I won't change for anyone
I will be me in the past and present
This is who I am, unwrapped like a presant
And I won't change for anyone!