Manchester United Football Club - The Red Devils

O'Shea signs, Roo return set

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 01:33:00 +0000

John O'Shea has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him at Manchester United until 2012.

United are the Republic of Ireland international's only professional club, aside form brief loan spells at Bournemouth and Royal Antwerp, and the utility man moved a step closer to ending his career at Old Trafford.

United manager Alex Ferguson said: "John has developed in his years here and is now regarded as one of the more experienced players.

"He has proved through his personality and professionalism he is an outstanding credit to the club and I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

O'Shea has made over 200 appearances for the Premier League champions in central midfield as well as all across the defence, and has scored 13 times for the club.

Wayne Rooney is expected to make his return from injury when United play Fulham on December 3rd.

The striker - who missed England's 3-2 defeat to Croatia - has been out for three weeks with an ankle injury sustained in training.

Source from Eurosport

Bolton Vs Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:51:00 +0000

Reebok Stadium
Saturday, 24 November
Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka is fit again after a hamstring injury and should return to the starting line-up.

El-Hadji Diouf is also set to return after completing a one-match ban.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney is still out with an ankle injury, while Gary Neville continues his recovery after a succession of injury problems.

Defender Nemanja Vidic is United's only worry. The Serbian picked up a knock against Poland, so Wes Brown may partner Rio Ferdinand at the back.

Bolton (from): Jaaskelainen, McCann, Michalik, A O'Brien, Meite, Gardner, Cid, Campo, Guthrie, Nolan, Speed, Alonso, Diouf, Davies, Anelka, Al Habsi, Samuel, Teymourian, Braaten, Giannakopoulos.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Simpson, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Saha, Tevez.

Bolton manager Gary Megson:"In my view, we are improving. We made a case for winning every game played whilst I've been here.

"But we haven't won so we've got to find a way of turning draws into wins, regardless of the opposition.

"We've also been doing a lot of work during the international break in terms of watching players."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:"He [Wayne Rooney] is doing some running. Somebody said that they saw him training on Tuesday. That's some eye sight!

"He started some light running on Thursday and did some good running on Friday.

"He won't play at Bolton or against Sporting Lisbon, but I would think he'll be available for Fulham."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
The 109th league meeting of these two Greater Manchester rivals could see United at the top of the table and Bolton still below the safety line at the final whistle.

No club has won more Premier League matches this season than Manchester United (nine), and no club has won fewer than Bolton (one).

Bolton have drawn four and lost one of five games since the appointment of Gary Megson, and are chasing a first win under the new manager against the tightest defence in the Premier League.

Manchester United are unbeaten in 10 league outings; Wanderers are pursuing a first win in 10.

The Trotters have conceded more Premier League goals to Manchester United than to any other club (40).

Bolton are making a ninth attempt to clinch a first ever home Premier League victory over Manchester United. They've not taken maximum points off the Red Devils in front of the home faithful since a 3-0 top flight triumph on 22 December 1978. A brace from Frank Worthington and an Alan Gowling goal decided the issue 29 years ago.

BOLTON WANDERERS
Highest realistically achievable after Saturday's matches: 15thLowest could fall: 20th

One of only two clubs with just one Premier League victory; the other is Derby. Also, one of three clubs with just one home Premier League victory so far this season. The others are Middlesbrough and Derby. Reading are the only club to have left the Reebok without any points.
Not won in eight; drawn three and lost five league and cup games since beating Rabotnicki Kometa 1-0 in the Uefa Cup first round second leg at the Reebok on 4 October.
Drawn five of the last seven Premier League fixtures, including the last three against Aston Villa (h), West Ham (a) and Middlesbrough (h); it is the longest current sequence of draws in the highest league.
Won one of 19 Premier League outings; winless in nine, having picked up five points out of 27.
Eight points from the first 13 games equals their worst ever start to a Premier League season in 1995-96. That was their first taste of football in this league, which saw them finish bottom and suffer immediate relegation.
Averaging 0.62 points per game, having dropped 31 of the 39 available. Only Derby exceed that; 33 points dropped. Eight points were dropped from winning positions; losing to Fulham and Portsmouth - both away, and drawing, home to Aston Villa.
Yet to beat a top half club. Drawn two and lost four of their six fixtures against clubs currently in the top 10.
Won one of the last seven Premier League fixtures against north-west clubs; 1-3, away to Wigan on 7 April.
Need to score one goal to total 200 in home Premier League games all-time.
This match precedes Thursday's Uefa Cup Group F tie, home to Aris Salonica, and a Premier League trip to Liverpool on Sunday, 2 December.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1stLowest could fall: 2nd

Undefeated in nine; won eight and drawn one in all competitions, since the 0-2 home defeat by Coventry in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September; their only loss in 15 outings.
Dropped only two points from a last possible 30, since their only league defeat this term; 1-0, away to Manchester City on 19 August.
Kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League so far this season - more than any other club; seven of those have been in the last 10 matches.
Opened the scoring in an unrivalled 10 Premier League matches this season.
Heading the Premier League's "Last Six Current Form" table with 16 points out of 18.
Completed 53 league games since a loss by more than a single goal; 3-0, away to Chelsea on 29 April 2006.
Meanest defence in the Premier League with six goals conceded from 13 outings, at one every 195 minutes (three hours 15 minutes) on average. Liverpool have also let in just six, but from 12 matches, at one every 180 minutes (three hours).
Yet to lose to a lower half club; won five and drawn one of their six fixtures against clubs in the bottom 10.
Unbeaten in four league games on the road (three wins, one draw), and already returned from Everton, Birmingham and Aston Villa with maximum points.
This match precedes Tuesday's Champions League Group F tie, home to Sporting.

KEY PLAYER NOTES
BOLTON WANDERERS
Nicolas ANELKA is Bolton's leading scorer with seven goals, including six of the clubs 11 in the Premier League.

Kevin DAVIES is a hat-trick shy of 100 club career goals (Chesterfield, Southampton, Blackburn, Millwall and Bolton).

Jussi JAASKALAINEN is the only player to have been on the field for every minute of every one of Bolton's Premier League matches this season.

Gary SPEED, the only player to have netted in every Premier League season, is a double shy of 100 career league goals (Leeds, Everton, Newcastle and Bolton).

If selected:-
SPEED will be extending his record breaking number of Premier League appearances to 533.

DAVIES will be making his 150th league appearance for Bolton.

Kevin NOLAN will be making his 300th club career appearance - all for Bolton.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Wayne ROONEY, who's currently injured, has scored five Premier League goals against Bolton - all five were netted last season.

Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer this season with 10 goals, and leading Premier League marksman with six.

Ryan GIGGS is one short of 100 career league goals.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

When he returns from injury and next plays from the outset, Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.

HEAD TO HEAD
Wayne Rooney celebrated his 21st birthday earlier in the week, by completing a hat-trick in last season's 0-4 triumph over Bolton in this identical fixture last season.

United scored eight goals against the Trotters last term.

Although they are yet to defeat the Red Devils on home territory, Bolton have recorded two Premier League victories at Old Trafford: 1-2, on 20 October 2001 and 0-1, on 11 September 2002.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Bolton 40 wins, Man United 44, Draws 24
Prem: Bolton 2 wins, Man United 10, Draws 4

at Bolton only
League (inc PL): Bolton 24 wins, Man United 16, Draws 14
Prem: Bolton 0 wins, Man United 5, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Manchester United
28 October 2006 - Ref: Rob Styles
Man United scorers: Rooney 10, 16, Ronaldo 82, Rooney 89

REFEREE
Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

After reading the news, what is your prediction of the match result?

Source from BBC Sport

Rooney yet to return to training

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:23:00 +0000

Manchester United have scotched reports that Wayne Rooney has returned to training.

Rooney suffered an ankle injury in a training-ground accident a fortnight ago and was immediately ruled out for four weeks by manager Sir Alex Ferguson. However, reports emerged overnight that the 22-year-old had been given the green light to start training again and could even be involved in Saturday's trip to Bolton.

The news has come as a surprise to United officials, who felt Rooney was still some way off a comeback, and sources inside Old Trafford have confirmed Rooney is still undergoing treatment and has not resumed training.

It leaves Ferguson with the same striking conundrum for the Reebok Stadium visit - because Carlos Tevez is not due back from World Cup duty with Argentina until Friday morning, while Louis Saha's fitness has not exactly been something United have been able to rely upon this season.

Without Rooney, Tevez and Saha(maybe) in the squad, don't you think that is like England without top striker? Will the result same?

It make me worry about this coming Saturday match between Bolton and Man Utd. Miracle will always happen for Man Utd. Go Man Utd, kick out Bolton and climb to top of the league.

England Out!!!

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:05:00 +0000

Oops, can't imagine England does not qualified in Euro 2008. A very sad result that heart break many people heart, me too.

Half Time England 0-2 Croatia
Full Time England 2-3 Croatia

8' Niko Kranjcar
14' Ivica Olic
56' Frank Lampard (Pen)
65' Peter Crouch
77' Mladen Petric

Below is the artical from soccernet.com

England's Euro 2008 dreams - and quite possibly Steve McClaren's job - were washed away in the Wembley rain despite a thrilling David Beckham-inspired comeback.

Two goals down to Croatia at the break, needing a point to reach next summer's finals and his big goalkeeping gamble having backfired in catastrophic fashion, McClaren turned to Beckham for salvation.

On his 99th England appearance, the veteran midfielder almost provided it too, setting up Peter Crouch for a superb equaliser after Frank Lampard had converted a 56th-minute penalty.

But remaining on level terms against a team with nothing to play for proved a task too far for sorry England, who didn't deserve to be level in the first place.

And when substitute Mladen Petric beat hapless Scott Carson from 20 yards 13 minutes from time, there was no way back and surely no way McClaren can hold onto his job either, having failed to deliver qualification despite the unexpected reprieve given to his stuttering, faltering side by Israel at the weekend.

It will hurt McClaren all the more that the first seeds of England's downfall were sown by Carson's monumental early blunder.

The youngster, plunged into the biggest game of his life in place of Paul Robinson, just five days after his international debut in Austria, could not have endured a more miserable evening, letting Niko Kranjcar's hopeful 25-yard effort slip through his fingers and into his own goal with just eight minutes on the clock.

It was the kind of error that would have had a park keeper wishing the ground would open up and swallow him. On this stage, at this level, there is simply no excuse. Not the rain. Not a swerving ball. Nothing.

And, stood on the sidelines, red and blue brolly protecting him from the elements, McClaren must have felt just like Chancellor Alistair Darling in the wake of the Child Benefit data crisis, blameless for the blunder but culpable all the same.

England might well have gained instant redemption had Shaun Wright-Phillips, the man who got the nod over Beckham, been able to finish when Joe Cole, one of the few home players exempt from criticism, and Peter Crouch combined to set him up.

The angle was tight but Wright-Phillips could have finished. Instead, he blasted straight at Stipe Pletikosa and not long afterwards, England found themselves two adrift.

This time the architect was Eduardo Da Silva, a bit-part player for Arsenal so far but clearly blessed with impeccable dribbling skills as he drove at the heart of England's desperately back-pedalling defence.

For some inexplicable reason, Wright-Phillips, finding himself in an unaccustomed right-back slot, tried to play Ivica Olic offside. The ill-advised move merely allowed the striker to stroll through, round Carson and tap into an empty net.

A capacity Wembley crowd was shell-shocked, barely able to grasp the nightmare unfolding in front of them.

At no point did Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard get hold of the game, at no point did Crouch look a threat and at no point did England's defence look capable of resisting Croatia for the remainder of the game.

As he delivered potentially his last half-time team-talk, the boos of his own fans once again ringing in his ears, McClaren's belief could have been reinforced only by the knowledge that twice in his Middlesbrough days, his teams somehow engineered comebacks from three goals behind against Steaua Bucharest and AS Roma.

It must have been in his mind as he sent on Beckham and Jermain Defoe. And it must have been coursing through his veins when Beckham lined up a 50th-minute free-kick from roughly the same position he netted that famous injury-time goal against Greece that saw England reach the 2002 World Cup.

This time, Beckham could only strike the wall. But his introduction had invigorated England and, for the first time, unsettled Croatia.

Josip Simunic, the man booked three times by Graham Poll at the last World Cup, was panicked into a penalty box tug on Defoe. The foul was spotted by an eagle-eyed assistant and up stepped Lampard to send Pletikosa the wrong way.

Now, the crowd were right behind England, forgetting just how badly they had been let down before.

And who should respond most positively of all but Beckham. His fitness may be lacking but his right boot remains lethal.

With one deft chip, he picked out Crouch, who controlled on his chest before rattling home his 14th international goal.

None have been better received and none have been as important.

As Crouch raced away, pursued by ecstatic team-mates, McClaren darted off the bench, punching the air in utter jubilation.

It seemed McClaren's version of the Great Escape would reach a memorable and totally satisfactory conclusion.

Instead, just as Steve McQueen was recaptured and jailed, so England were snared again as substitute Petric belted home from 20 yards to knock them out.

The Naked Truth

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:21:00 +0000

Is Mark Hughes really the bookies’ favourite to succeed Sir Alex when he steps down as United boss?

That’s what the Manchester Evening News is saying. A hack at the Lancashire Telegraph went further and added credibility to his tip by quoting a William Hill source.

“Even Sir Alex cannot go on forever, but he will be a tough act to follow and there will be no shortage of world-class candidates” said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

“Roy Keane and Carlos Queiroz are joint second favourites, followed by Martin O’Neill; Jose Mourinho; Marcelo Lippi and Sven Goran Eriksson.”

Both newspaper hacks were clearly impressed. After all, bookmakers don’t amass Bentleys and mansions by acting on wrong intelligence. As such, the MEN scribbler claimed that not only was the succession done and dusted but that Hughes would take over from Ferguson to universal acclaim.

“When that day eventually arrives there wouldn’t be a dissenting voice among the Reds’ faithful if the 44-year-old Welsh warrior was handed the job,” the newspaper thundered. “Take a look back in the archives of the kid from Ruabon, in North Wales, and it’s a career path forged by the football gods. His progress will be monitored closely in the red half of Manchester and it might just be worth a flutter - the bookies are seldom wrong.”

Hughes’ candidature would have looked so much stronger had United not sauntered past his Blackburn side just one week ago, as Sir Alex was quick to remind her Majesty’s press corps.

“Whenever I play a team managed by one of my former players it crops up. It’s unfair and I’m almost being shoved out of the door quicker than I want to! But I’m fit and healthy and as long as I am I’ll want to carry on.”

Yet as the manager starts his 22nd year in charge at United and edges ever closer to 70 years of age, the list of those worthy enough of inheriting the Red Kingdom is being refined. Hughes, smart, resourceful and a rising manager with impeccable Red credentials, has never had so many media champions.

Writing in the Telegraph, telly pundit Alan Hansen stated: “If you are a chairman of a leading club, you do not necessarily want a manager for whom flamboyant football comes as standard. You want someone whose first priority is to make the side hard to beat and who then builds on that. You want someone whose record in the transfer market is solid - because you would be trusting a manager with £20 million cheques. Hughes’ record in all these respects is very similar to that of Ferguson himself.”

Hansen had more to say in a long homage to Hughes but the Welshman hardly requires another to talk up his right to be considered a serious contender for the United throne.

“I like to think that the job I’m doing, people think that I have the capability to take a top job,” he volunteered. “As a player I always wanted to be the best that I could be, and as a manager I’ll try to do the same. How far that takes me we’ll have to wait and see.

“I’ve shown I can affect football teams and make them better than they were before I was involved. I think I’ve shown I can do that on two occasions now.”

Nevertheless, the casting for the new United king is unlikely to be a Red beauty contest. Despite Hughes’ qualities, the gaps in his CV surely defy the bookies’ favourable odds. His record as Wales boss is mixed but deserving of more respect than current Wales boss John Toshack has mustered. European failure also counts against the Red legend too.

However, his work at Blackburn is impressive, even though the team has yet to contest a major cup final or threaten seriously the Champions League grip of the Big Four. Last week’s Old Trafford mauling gave little hint that Blackburn are better prepared for the task this term.

When the Glazers, or their successors, sit down to choose the new United helmsman, Hughes is likely to feature on the shortlist. Surely, only Ferguson’s insistence that he should be followed into the hot seat by his former leading striker would put Hughes at the very top. Having tipped Carlos Queiroz as a “strong candidate” last September, Ferguson has already given a powerful indication of his preference.

Louis Saha is another United striker with much to look forward to and a lot more to prove, as he revealed to United radio listeners.

“I get fed up always talking about my return, so I’m very happy to be back on the pitch,” he said. “The team are playing good football, scoring goals and are up for the challenge of maintaining this form for the rest of the season.
“The confidence in the dressing room is high. We have three world class players in Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, and it’s tremendous to have them in the side.

“They’re all younger than me but I can learn so much from them. I’m pretty happy right now and I couldn’t ask for more. I like to see the team playing well and scoring goals, so if I can be part of that I’m happy.”
Saha’s joy is matched only by Sir Alex’s contentment as he surveys the strongest squad he has directed in 21 years at United.

“The point I make is that in terms of the size of the squad and the quality I think it’s the best we’ve had,” he said. “This is what I have been working towards. I don’t like the short-term fix — I prefer to see a pool of players emerge and develop into something special which, believe me, is what is happening this season.

“The signs are good, although we have to keep winning to show how good we are.”
What possessed the manager to make public such private confidence? The Guardian offered an essay in deciphering Ferguson’s motivation.

“A manager’s comments are seldom dictated by a craving to tell the truth and Ferguson could be determined to wrench away a spotlight trained on Arsenal,” the newspaper advised. “Such a message might also be designed to maintain excitement at Old Trafford.

“Ferguson’s current delight is probably specific and one of his purposes was to stress the sheer number of accomplished players in his squad. That wealth of alternatives has already served him well and it is harder than ever to be certain of what the strongest Old Trafford line-up now is.”

What is certain is that Ferguson has added fresh urgency to the inevitable discussion of how success will be measured this season? Not so long ago, former boss Tommy Docherty was roundly scolded when he claimed that United needed to win the Quadruple in order to justify Ferguson’s summer spending. That is a pipe dream now but if this is Ferguson’s strongest ever squad, is it not right to imagine that another Treble is within United’s compass?

Surely, massive disappointment followed by recrimination will be the order of the day if United cannot match the silverware delivered last term, as a minimum requirement. Perhaps, that was Sir Alex’s point – a mind game on his own players?
However, the Mirror’s Oliver Holt and other Fergie-baiters will know a hostage to fortune when they see it. Their vitriol in the event of a United stumble will be terrible and dreadful.

The Guardian advertised why some observers still believe United have questions to answer and cannot take for granted an open-topped bus tour around the streets of Manchester next May.

“In some respects the awe over United depends on a mass outbreak of amnesia,” the newspaper ventured. “Have the memory banks truly been robbed of the recollection that the Premier League schedule opened with a goalless draw at home to Reading? Half a dozen fixtures ensued in each of which United scored just once.

“It is too soon to visualise United as winners of the Champions League. Has enough altered since Milan’s contemptuous 3-0 victory at San Siro in the semi-finals?

“For the time being the present line can nurse its dreams while being proud just to have stirred memories of great days at Old Trafford.”

Source from absolutelyunited.com

Van Der Sar Frustrated Despite Going Through

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:19:00 +0000

Ed Van Der Sar saved the day for the Dutch keeping Sebastien Remy at bay twice right at the death and the 1-0 win over Luxembourg wasn’t good enough for him.

“We’re all disappointed that we weren’t able to provide the fans with what we had promised: a handsome victory. It’s been a good week for us. We worked hard before the game and did everything right during, coming up with too many chances,” said the all-time Oranje appearances record holder after playing his 122nd international match.

“Scoring the second goal should be a simple matter to us. But instead they could have made it 1-1. That’s incredible. It should never have happened, but it really signals out the inexperience of this side. Luxembourg’s two counterattacks could have cost us our place in the European Championship finals.” said the Manchester United goalkeeper, getting the thumbs up for his performance from Danny Koevermans.

Van Der Sar told reporters that he will announce on Sunday whether he will be traveling to Minsk for Wednesday’s game or not.

Source from goal.com

Rooney's England hope

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 01:25:00 +0000

WAYNE Rooney will see England's Euro 2008 fate unfold on TV desperately hoping for a similar outcome to the last time he watched a major match on the box.

As a regular football viewer, a seat in front of the telly would be a natural place for United star Rooney to find himself on the penultimate night of qualifiers.

But given the precarious nature of England's position, it is fairly safe to assume the 21-year-old, currently sidelined after suffering an ankle injury in training, will, like his international manager Steve McClaren, be sat cheering Israel on to some kind of a result against Russia in Tel Aviv.

Rooney knows that if Israel fail to stop Russia winning, he will almost certainly be consigned to spending a summer on holiday rather than representing his country at the European Championships as he would wish.

And while he accepts it will not be an easy night, the Reds forward recalls the experience he endured on the day he became a Premier League champion to convince himself it can turn out all right in the end.

"I love watching pretty much any football, especially if the game means something," he told the latest edition of Sport magazine.

"I am not so much nervous, it is more frustrating because it is a very important game and it is out of our hands.

Nervous

"But I like watching games where you need a team to drop points. It's like the Arsenal-Chelsea game at the end of last season.

"Chelsea had to win otherwise we won the league. Arsenal were winning but then Chelsea got an equaliser and probably should have snatched a winner in the end, so I was quite nervous watching that one."

Rooney's United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his hope that England will make it, if only to have another chance to inflict more damage on English dreams after his part in last year's World Cup quarter-final exit.

Like his international colleagues, Rooney desperately wants to be in Austria and Switzerland next summer as well as he tries to ensure his unquestioned talent receives its due reward in terms of trophies and honours.

To that end, he must be delighted with United's current form, even if he is restricted to a watching brief just now.

With nine wins from their last 10 games, Sir Alex Ferguson's men trail league leaders Arsenal only on goals scored while a place in the Champions League knock-out phase has already been booked with two games to spare.

In a season when United will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash, it would be quite fitting for the Old Trafford outfit to secure at least one major prize.

And Rooney acknowledges his intention to be remembered in the same manner as the first great team nurtured by Sir Matt Busby that contained the likes of Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor and Sir Bobby Charlton.

"You play football to win things, to make people happy and to make history," he said.

"If I can have half the success the Busby Babes had at United, I would be delighted.

"You definitely want to be remembered and not forgotten, so I suppose everybody wants to be part of history."

Source from manchestereveningnews

Carrick Impressed By New Crop

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:03:00 +0000

Michael Carrick has welcomed the added competition provided by Manchester United's emerging young stars.

Although a Carling Cup defeat to Coventry led to a crisis of confidence in the youngsters Sir Alex Ferguson had placed great faith in to maintain the Red Devils tradition of nurturing their own, some have emerged from the debacle to re-establish themselves as genuine first-team prospects.

At 7million pounds sterling, Brazilian midfielder Anderson was always likely to get a second chance to impress but in addition to the teenage arrival from Porto, defensive duo Gerard Pique and Danny Simpson have been singled out for special praise recently.

And Carrick does not believe it is possible to underestimate what a learning experience the hungry, young stars of the future are going through just now.

"It wasn't that long ago I was in the same position, trying to establish myself," he said.

"I have seen these boys in training for the last year or so and I know how much quality they have got.

"It is just a matter of being patient and making sure you show your potential when you do get the chance.

"There is no better place to learn your trade than here. I am sure they will improve bundles just by having the opportunity to train with some of the lads we have here."

Overlooked by Steve McClaren for England duty this week, Carrick is spending a relatively lonely week at United's Carrington training complex along with veteran winger Ryan Giggs, now retired from international duty, and Rio Ferdinand, who is suspended for next Wednesday's Croatia clash.

Paul Scholes would have been there as well had it not been for the knee injury which has sidelined him for four weeks.

However, considering the players who have left for international commitments, it is little wonder Carrick endorses Ferguson's claim this is the best squad of his entire time as United boss.

Considering the first great side Ferguson created landed the domestic double in 1994 and 1996 and the second completed a unique treble in 1999, it was some statement.

As he casts his eye across Europe's finest, and the clubs United will have to overcome if they are to land a cherished third Champions League trophy, Carrick cannot see a group of players better than the ones he plays with.

"It is one of the strongest squads in Europe," said the Wallsend-born player.

"The cover we have in every position is amazing. We are certainly as good as anyone in that sense, if not better."

Source from Football365

Man Utd taking advice before Roma match

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:57:00 +0000

Manchester United are to seek advice from the authorities before their scheduled Champions League match against AS Roma in Italy on December 12.

Italian football was rocked by fan violence sparked by the shooting of a Lazio supporter by a policeman at the weekend.

Fans of the English champions were also involved in violent clashes in Rome in April when they met Roma in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

United have received 1,800 applications for the Group F clash in Rome even though they have already qualified for the knockout round.

A United spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation in Italy and will take advice from the Foreign Office, UEFA and the Italian authorities. Obviously the safety of our supporters is the most important issue here."

Many supporters have applied for tickets for the Roma match in the belief it will give them a better chance of getting tickets for the later rounds, but United said fans would not suffer if they did not go to Rome.

European football's governing body UEFA said United fans needed to be aware that the situation was dangerous.

"I am sure United are dealing with the situation as best they can and we have no formal opinion on whether fans should travel or not," William Gaillard, special advisor to UEFA president Michel Platini, told Reuters.

"But the club need to explain to fans about the current situation. It's a dangerous situation at the moment, it's not like walking to a match in Manchester or travelling to London and the fans need to be told this."

In Italy, police have said the fatal shooting of Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri on Sunday was accidental. The unnamed officer is under investigation for manslaughter and has been re-assigned to internal duties.

Source from Eurosport

Champions League - United's fan safety fears

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:44:00 +0000

Manchester United are to seek advice from the authorities before their scheduled Champions League match against AS Roma in Italy on December 12th.

Italian football was rocked by fan violence sparked by the shooting of a Lazio supporter by a policeman at the weekend.

Fans of the English champions were also involved in violent clashes in Rome in April when they met Roma in the first leg of their quarter-final tie (pictured).

United have received 1,800 applications for the Group F clash in Rome even though they have already qualified for the knockout round.

A United spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation in Italy and will take advice from the Foreign Office, UEFA and the Italian authorities. Obviously the safety of our supporters is the most important issue here."

Many supporters have applied for tickets for the Roma match in the belief it will give them a better chance of getting tickets for the later rounds, but United said fans would not suffer if they did not go to Rome.

In Italy, police have said the fatal shooting of Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri on Sunday was accidental. The unnamed officer is under investigation for manslaughter and has been re-assigned to internal duties.

Source from Eurosport

Man Utd 2-0 Blackburn

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:15:00 +0000

Half Time Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn
Full Time Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn

34' C. Ronaldo
35' C. Ronaldo

Hargreaves stays with Reds

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:16:00 +0000

UNITED'S Owen Hargreaves has been ruled out for England's friendly with Austria in Vienna on Friday.

Hargreaves has only just returned to action after a long-standing tendinitis problem which he sustained while at Bayern Munich and eventually required an injection after his summer move to Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old was part of the Reds' starting line-up that defeated Blackburn at on Sunday but is still suffering some discomfort.

England coach Steve McClaren has discussed the matter with his old boss, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and it has been decided Hargreaves should remain in Manchester for treatment.

It is hoped Hargreaves will be available for the potentially crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21.

Pique looking to his future at Old Trafford

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:25:00 +0000

Defender Gerard Pique is confident his patience will eventually be rewarded at Manchester United.

The 20-year-old was loaned out to Real Zaragoza last season and could easily have joined them on a permanent basis had Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson not rebuffed a substantial bid.

Pique, also linked with Atletico Madrid just this week, enhanced his reputation with a first start - and only his second appearance - in the Champions League on Wednesday, and scored his maiden United goal in the 4-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev.

Despite growing interest in the Barcelona academy product, Ferguson has stressed he wants to hang on to the centre-back.

Pique himself is only too happy to stay at Old Trafford, looking on the loan spell in his homeland last season as just part of his learning curve.

'When I went on loan last year what I wanted was experience. It was good for me, and now I am am getting experience here - and I am happy,' said the Spain Under-21s international.

'You have to think `it is Manchester United. and they are one of the best teams in the world'.

'The players that are here have a lot of quality, and it is very difficult to break through. You have to be patient.

'I want to play more games, but the boss decides.'

Ferguson has invested a lot of time in Pique since he arrived at Old Trafford as a teenager - and he is not prepared to let all that good work go to waste.

'I am not surprised people are saying they are interested in him,' said the United manager.

'Zaragoza tried to buy him in the summer. They offered a lot of money for him. But no. The boy's future is here.

'I have no fears for him. The course we have set is a good one, and there is absolutely no intention of letting him go.'

Pique was relatively untroubled alongside Nemanja Vidic in a back four which also contained fellow 20-year-old Danny Simpson, also making his first Champions League start, and the established Patrice Evra.

Playing with those experienced internationals undoubtedly helped the rookies settle in.

'They are great players, and when you play with them they give you the confidence to play your game,' said Pique.

'You know if you make a mistake you have them around you.

'It was a great feeling to score a goal in the first (Champions League) game you start and you help the team to win the game.

'We are now already qualified, and that is great for us. The last two games we can enjoy it - and try to be the first in the group.'

Source From Soccernet

Man Utd capture 14-year-old Cofie

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:18:00 +0000

Manchester United have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for 14-year-old Burnley striker John Cofie and agreed an undisclosed fee with the Clarets.

Burnley rejected a reported £250,000 bid from Liverpool for Cofie this week.

But the German-born Ghanaian refused to return to training with the Clarets and they agreed he could leave Turf Moor.

Burnley have inserted a 25% sell-on clause in the deal, which also gives them first refusal on any loan deal and a future friendly match with United.

It will be three years before Cofie can sign professional terms at Old Trafford and the friendly game will take place within 12 months of that.

Cofie was signed by the Clarets last summer after he was spotted at a youth tournament in Germany.

"The player was unwilling to come back to Burnley so we didn't have a choice in keeping him here," Burnley operational director Brendan Flood told his club's website.

"He was going to go to one of the clubs chasing his signature and in the end, we all felt that Manchester United was the right option.

"He has a good future ahead of him and hopefully we can try and keep youngsters of John's quality at the club in future."

Source From BBC Sport

Manchester United Vs Blackburn

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:58:00 +0000

Old Trafford
Sunday, 11 November
Kick-off: 1500 GMT

Manchester United will be without striker Wayne Rooney for four weeks after he injured an ankle in training.

The England international left the club's Carrington base on crutches, meaning he will not feature against Blackburn at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Rovers manager Mark Hughes will not consider midfielder Steven Reid, who is not fully fit following 14 months of knee and back problems.

Hughes has no new injury worries and is set to choose from an unchanged squad.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"The form of Blackburn means it will be a really tough game for us.
"I think they can break into the top four. Nobody turns them over and they don't get beat by stupid scores.

"That's a combination of having decent players and the continuity that comes from having stayed together for a while."

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:
"Defensively they are solid and it will take a good side to overcome them - but we feel we are a good side.

"We have gone up against three out of the big four and are unbeaten so there is no reason we cannot go to Old Trafford and get a positive result.

"We couldn't be going there in better circumstances given the run we're on."

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evans, Evra, Simpson, Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Saha, Tevez.

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Brown, Emerton, Nelsen, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Berner, Bentley, Dunn, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Tugay, Mokoena, Rigters, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United play the first Premier League match of Sir Alex Ferguson's 22nd year in charge.

United, buoyed by qualification to the knock-out stages of the Champions League, are seeking a sixth successive Premier League home victory, which would take them three points clear of Arsenal at the top, as the Gunners don't play away to Reading until Monday evening.

Blackburn, like United, have lost just one league match this season, and are searching for a 50th victory in this league under Mark Hughes.

Hughes, scored 162 goals in 472 games for the Red Devils, and won two league titles, three FA Cups, the Cup Winners' Cup and the League Cup with them.

Blackburn were doubled by Manchester United last season. The reverse was the case in the previous season, when Rovers picked up their only Premier League victory at Old Trafford to date; prevailing 1-2 on 24 September 2005 with a double from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

MANCHESTER UNITED
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

Won seven and drawn one of the last eight in all competitions, since losing 0-2, home to Coventry in the third round of the Carling Cup on 26 September.
Unbeaten in nine Premier League matches. Won eight and drawn one since the 1-0 away defeat to Manchester City on 19 August.
One of three clubs with eight Premier League wins. The others are Arsenal and Manchester City.
Boasting the joint meanest defence in the Premier League, with six goals conceded in 12 outings, at one goal shipped every 180 minutes (three hours) on average. Liverpool have also conceded just six goals, but from 11 outings.
Opened the scoring in an unrivalled nine Premier League matches this season.
Managed seven clean sheets in the highest league. No club can beat that, although Chelsea can match it.
Only dropped points to Manchester City in the last 17 league clashes with fellow north-west clubs, since the odd goal in seven reverse to Blackburn on 1 February last year.
One of six clubs still holding an unbeaten home record in the Premier Division.
Hoping to add the scalp of Blackburn to those of Spurs, Sunderland, Chelsea, Wigan and Middlesbrough gained in the last five league outings at Old Trafford.
Middlesbrough's Jeremie Aliadiere is the only visiting player to have scored a Premier League goal at the Theatre of Dreams this season.

BLACKBURN ROVERS
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League fixtures)

Undefeated in eight in all competitions (seven wins, one draw).
Unbeaten in five Premier League games; won four and drawn one since their only league defeat, 0-1, home to Portsmouth on 23 September.
The current tally of 22 points after 11 games is their best return since 1997-98, when they went on to finish sixth.
Used fewer players in Premier League competition this season than any other club; fielded just 18.
One of three clubs still holding an unbeaten away record in the Premier League. The others are Arsenal and Liverpool.
On the longest current run of eight Premier League games without defeat on the road.
Won four and drawn four league games away from Ewood Park, since losing 1-4, to Manchester United on 31 March.
Failed to score in one of the last 10 matches on their Premier League travels; 0-0 at Chelsea on 15 September.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

MANCHESTER UNITED
Cristiano RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with eight goals.

RONALDO, Wayne ROONEY and Carlos TEVEZ are the clubs top Premier League marksmen, with four each.

Louis SAHA has scored four goals in his last four league and cup appearances against Blackburn.

Ryan GIGGS is one short of 100 career league goals.

Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have started all of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-
Michael CARRICK will be making his 250th career league appearance (West Ham, Swindon, Birmingham, Tottenham and Manchester United).

BLACKBURN ROVERS
Benni McCARTHY is Blackburn's top scorer with eight goals, and the club's leading Premier League marksman with five.

Brad FRIEDEL has made 125 consecutive Premier League appearances for Blackburn, in a sequence that started at the beginning of the 2004-05 season.

David DUNN needs a hat-trick to total 50 career club goals (Blackburn and Birmingham).

Only FRIEDEL and David BENTLEY have played every minute of every one of Blackburn's league and cup matches this season.

If selected:-
McCARTNEY will be playing on the eve of his 30th birthday.

If on the field from the outset:-

BENTLEY will be making his 100th start in Blackburn colours.

Brett EMERTON will be making his 150th start in a Blackburn shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United staged a thrilling fightback with four second-half goals to beat Blackburn in this corresponding fixture last March and move a step closer to the completion of a ninth Premier League title.

The aggregate score for Manchester United's two victories over Blackburn last season was 5-1; it was 6-4 in Rovers' favour from the two league clashes in 2005-06.

Blackburn have won only once in 19 league and cup visits to the Theatre of Dreams since 1963.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 39 wins, Blackburn 27, Draws 22
Prem: Man United 14 wins, Blackburn 5, Draws 7

at Man United only
League (inc PL): Man United 24 wins, Blackburn 9, Draws 11
Prem: Man United 9 wins, Blackburn 1, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers
31 March 2007 - Ref: Chris Foy
Man United scorers: Scholes 61, Carrick 73, Park 83, Solskjaer 90
Blackburn scorer: Derbyshire 29

REFEREE
Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)

After reading these information, what is your score prediction of this match?

Source From BBC Sport

Injured ankle in training rules out Rooney

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:45:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury in training on Friday.

The Manchester United striker left Carrington on crutches and will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Blackburn and most likely their remaining two group matches in the Champions League.

However, far more importantly, Rooney will also be unavailable for England's friendly with Austria next week and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia at Wembley on November 21.

England coach Steve McClaren had only just named Rooney in his squad and greeted the news with understandable disappointment.

'It is hugely disappointing for us and him,' he said.

'Given the form he has been in and the contribution he has made to England over the last two games means it is a blow.

'But we have to deal with it, like we have dealt with situations like these before.

'It is an opportunity for someone else to come and do a job.'

Source From Socernet

Man Utd 4-1 Middlesbrough

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 07:50:00 +0000

Half Time Man Utd 2-1 Middlesbrough
Full Time Man Utd 4-1 Middlesbrough

3' Nani
6' J. Aliadiere
33' W. Rooney
55' C.A. Tevez
85' C.A. Tevez

Dynamo Kiev 2-4 Man Utd

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:26:00 +0000

Half Time Dynamo Kiev 1-3 Man Utd
Full Time Dynamo Kiev 2-4 Man Utd

10' R Ferdinand
18' W Rooney
33' D Rincon
41' C Ronaldo
68' C Ronaldo (pen)
78' I Bangoura

Aston Villa 1-4 Man Utd

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:16:00 +0000

Match Result:
Half Time Aston Villa 1-2 MU
Full Time Aston Villa 1-4 MU

13' G Agbonlahor
36' W Rooney
44' W Rooney
45' R Ferdinand
75' R Giggs

Aston Vila Vs Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:40:00 +0000

Villa Park
Saturday, 20 October
Kick-off: 1715 BST

Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner has shaken off a groin problem, but striker John Carew (knee) is still out.

Carew has started rehabilitation work after being absent for one month with knee ligament damage.

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves (tendinitis) is still two weeks away from a comeback.

Gary Neville (calf) and Louis Saha (knee) are also out, but John O'Shea (thigh) and Nemanja Vidic (concussion), should be available.

Aston Villa (from): Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Gardner, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Moore, Agbonlahor, Taylor, Sorensen, Harewood, Davies, Petrov, Berger, Osbourne, Maloney.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, Simpson, Ferdinand, Vidic, Pique, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, O'Shea, Giggs, Fletcher, Tevez, Rooney, Nani, Anderson.

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill on trying to beat United at Villa Park for the first time in 11 yeras:
"There is unquestionably a confidence about the side and the win against Fulham was so important.

"That gave us the confidence to go and take Chelsea on.

"They are showing a bit of vibrancy and panache. I always look forward to games but I feel as if we have a chance."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on his players' motivation:
"There have been a few disappointments, with Scotland, Ireland and England but the situation's not unusual.

"The beauty of football is that you always have the next game in which to rectify what happened in the last one.

"Sometimes it's seven days, sometimes four. But you can always get over these things quickly."

Aston Villa and Manchester United are both in the top three of the Premier League's "Form" table.

Villa are chasing a fifth successive home win; United are out to extend their winning league run to seven games.

The Midlanders have conceded a goal a game on average; the defending champions have kept an unequalled seven Premier League clean sheets, including six in a row and have not let in a goal in 10 hours.

United are bidding for a 10th consecutive Premier League victory over Villa. They've kept clean sheets in each of the last five winning league trips to Villa Park.

Villa have lost more times to Manchester United in the Premier League than they have to any other club (21).

ASTON VILLA
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th Lowest could fall: 10th

Won 50% and lost 25% of their Premier League matches; four and two of eight, respectively.
The current tally of 14 points after eight games is on a par with last season, when they went on to finish 14th.
Lost one of the last seven league outings.
Completed 19 Premier League matches since losing by more than a single goal; 2-0, away to Reading on 10 February.
One of six clubs with a 100% record from Premier League matches in which they opened the scoring (won three of three).
Used fewer players in Premier League competition than any other, with the exception of Blackburn. Both have fielded just 17.
Claimed 12 points out of 12 at home, and lost just once in 10 league games at Villa Park; 1-2 against Liverpool on the opening day, 11 August.
Kept clean sheets in the last three home league matches, and not conceded in 354 minutes (five hours 54 minutes) of Premier League soccer at Villa Park since Clint Dempsey's early opener for Fulham on 25 August, in a match Villa won 2-1.
One goal short of shipping 400 in home Premier League matches all time.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 1st Lowest could fall: 3rd

Won the last three in all competitions, and eight of nine.
Won two thirds of their league fixtures (six of nine).
On the joint longest winning run in the Premier League with Arsenal of six matches.
Not dropped a single point since the 1-0 defeat, away to Manchester City on 19 August; their only loss in nine league outings this term.
Boasting the tightest defence in the top division with just two goals conceded all season, while their nine matches have yielded a lower aggregate than any other of the 20 clubs; 13 (11 for, two against).
Scored 11 goals in 11 Premier League matches (including the last two fixtures of last season).
Opened the scoring in more Premier League games this term than any other club; seven.
Not conceded in six Premier League matches or 599 minutes (nine hours 59 minutes) of Premier League football since Geovanni scored the winner for Manchester City on 19 August.
Built a three-match winning sequence in league and cup games away from home.
This match precedes the Champions League Group F clash in Ukraine, against Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday.

ASTON VILLA
Gabriel AGBONLAHOR, Gareth BARRY, Olof MELLBERG and Ashley YOUNG have all been on the field for every minute of every one of Villa's Premier League games this season.

AGBONLAHOR and Shaun MALONEY are Villa's joint leading scorers, with three goals each.

All three of AGBONLAHOR'S have been league goals - making the 20 year old the club's leading marksman in the Premier League.

Marlon HAREWOOD, needs one goal to total 100 in his league career (Nottingham Forest, Ipswich and West Ham).

MANCHESTER UNITED
RONALDO is Manchester United's top scorer with four goals, and the clubs leading marksman in the Premier League, with three.

RONALDO has scored five Premier League goals for United against Villa, including three last season.

Ryan GIGGS who signed a one year extension to his contract this week to keep him at Old Trafford until 2009, is a double short of 100 career League goals.

Patrice EVRA, Rio FERDINAND and Paul SCHOLES have been on the field for every minute of every one of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-
RONALDO will be making his 200th appearance for Manchester United.

Rio FERDINAND will be making his 350th career league appearance (West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds and Manchester United).

Nemanja VIDIC will be playing on the eve of his 26th birthday.

If on the field from the outset:-
Wes BROWN will be making his 150th Premier League start in a Manchester United shirt.

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th English league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start - all for the Red Devils.

HEAD TO HEAD
Villa have failed to beat Manchester United in 19 league and cup matches, since a 3-0 triumph in the third round of the Worthington League Cup on 13 October 1999.

The Midlanders' last home Premier League victory over the Red Devils came on 19 August 1995. Ian Taylor, Mark Draper and a Dwight Yorke penalty were the scorers in a 3-1 success.

United have gained nine successive victories on the Villa Park turf (five Premier League trips, FA Cup third round ties in 2002 and 2004 and FA Cup semi-finals against Arsenal in 2004, and Watford last season).

Home and away
League (inc PL): 42 wins, Man United 72, Draws 34
Prem: Villa 2 wins, Man United 21, Draws 7

at Villa only
League (inc PL): 32 wins, Man United 24, Draws 18
Prem: Villa 2 wins, Man United 10, Draws 3

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester United
23 December 2006 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Man United scorers: Ronaldo 58, Scholes 64, Ronaldo 85

REFEREE
Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

After reading these information, what is your score prediction of this match?

Source - BBC Sport

Giggs signs new deal at Man Utd

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:08:00 +0000

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year extension to his deal, keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2009 season.

The 33-year-old has spent his entire professional career at the club since making his first-team debut in 1991.

"Ryan epitomises the word loyalty - he signed as a 14-year old schoolboy and is still with the club 20 years on," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Giggs's previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season.

The Wales international, who has committed to what will be his 18th season at Old Trafford, has won nine Premier league titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League in his time at the club.

"Apart from his playing ability, he has a fantastic demeanour and is a great role model to the younger players," added Ferguson.

"I am sure he will be at the club for a long time to come."

The new contract will give Giggs, who has lined up for the Reds on 727 occasions, the chance to overtake Sir Bobby Charlton's club record of 759 appearances.

"I am delighted to have signed for a further season," Giggs told the club's website.

"I am enjoying football more than ever and I hope to carry on playing football for Manchester United for as long as I can.

"I would like to thank Sir Alex Ferguson, the fans and everyone at the club for the great support I have received over the years."

And Giggs hopes he will be able to continue playing beyond this latest contract.

"We said a couple of years ago that would look at it season by season - which is what we have done," he said.

"I am delighted to get it sorted out. I feel as fit as ever so I hope there will be a couple more.

"A lot has changed over the years but I am enjoying my football more than ever. The nearer you get to the end of your career you want to enjoy it as much as you can

Source From BBC Sport

Man Utd 4-0 Wigan

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:07:00 +0000

Tevez sparks goal deluge

Manchester United finally hit the goal trail at Old Trafford and marched to the Premier League summit with a 4-0 blitz of Wigan.

After drawing yet another first-half blank, United turned on the power in the second period as Carlos Tevez opened their account before Cristiano Ronaldo's double and Wayne Rooney's late header finished off the Latics.

It was just the kind of result Sir Alex Ferguson demanded after a barren run by United's prolific scoring standards and extended their winning league run to six matches, during which time they have not conceded a single goal.

Throughout a succession of narrow victories Ferguson has continued to insist it would not be long before his side swamped an unlucky opponent.

And the Latics, beaten on all five previous meetings with their illustrious north-west neighbours by a combined score of 16-3, were the perfect whipping boys.

Indeed, had Chris Kirkland not been able to stretch out a hand and paw away an early Salomon Olembe header which seemed destined for an own goal, Wigan might well have been totally crushed.

Referee Mike Riley's inexplicable decision not to award Ronaldo a penalty when he collected the rebound and was instantly bundled over by Michael Brown was also significant in that sense as United's momentum stalled amid a hat-trick of unwanted injuries.

Ferguson had already suffered one blow as the latest in an almost laughable catalogue of fitness problems to hit Louis Saha forced the Frenchman to pull out in the warm-up.

Although Saha was only on the bench, his absence cost United a useful attacking option as Rooney's partnership with Tevez continued to falter.

It was at the back, though, where the major damage was inflicted as Nemanja Vidic failed to recover from an early clash of heads with Marcus Bent.

The tough-tackling Serb had already complained about problems with his vision once when he booted the ball out of play and sought more treatment.

It appeared Vidic merely wanted more time to recover, but after a lengthy discussion with club doctor Steve McNally, Ferguson eventually told the brave defender his appearance was at an end.

Within seven minutes Ferguson had lost John O'Shea as well after the Irishman pulled up with what appeared to be a muscle problem.

The second substitution provided Danny Simpson with his Premier League debut and Rio Ferdinand with his third central defensive partner as Gerard Pique, given only his second league start, took over from O'Shea, who had taken over from Vidic.

Given the huge injury list he already has to contend with, Ferguson could certainly have done without the disruptions and it hardly helped United's flow either.

An increasingly wound-up Rooney was booked for leading with his studs as he slid into Titus Bramble and, in the week when FA chief executive Brian Barwick unveiled his new strategy for gaining more respect for referees, the first half ended with Ronaldo, Ferguson and Ryan Giggs all offering Riley a piece of their mind.

Having done little to suggest they might be about to breach Wigan's defences, Ferguson might have been anxious at the break. If the Scot was worried, those fears were quickly dispelled.

Giggs had already rattled the bar when Rooney spun on halfway and fed Anderson, who in turn released Tevez.

The former West Ham star is not noted for his speed, but he had enough pace to hold off Kevin Kilbane, enough skill to step inside Bramble and Kirkland, and enough patience to wait for the right moment to belt his shot into the bottom corner.

It was if a pressure valve had been released around Old Trafford and within five minutes United netted a second as Ronaldo rose to nod home from point-blank range, after Kirkland had only been able to parry a Giggs cross that flicked off Kilbane.

From that moment on there was only one outcome and more good work from Anderson and Pique, who had adapted to his changing circumstances admirably, offered Rooney the chance to tee up Ronaldo for number three.

The effort was Ronaldo's fourth goal in five games and while he may still be 19 adrift of last season's phenomenal total, much like United, the brilliant Portugal winger is starting to find his form after a slow start to the campaign.

Re-acquainted with the taste for goals, Ferguson's men wanted more and Rooney duly obliged when he nodded home Simpson's excellent cross eight minutes from the end.

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the impact of Carlos Tevez after Manchester United finally shrugged off their goalscoring problems to surge to the Premier League summit at the expense of Wigan.

For 53 long minutes, it looked like being another blank day for United as Ferguson's injury-hit side struggled to make their dominance tell.

But Tevez came to the rescue with a fine solo run and finish, after being released by Anderson - and with Cristiano Ronaldo adding two goals and Wayne Rooney completing a 4-0 scoreline, Ferguson's team recorded their sixth successive win and leapfrogged Arsenal at the top.

'We needed a spark - and Carlos provided it,' said Ferguson.

'There were challenges coming in from all angles. But he kept his nerve - which was the right thing to do.

'The second-half performance was absolutely superb. We speeded the game up, and the flow was much better.

'There was excellent interplay between the strikers, and it seems to be coming together.

'While there is still a long way to go, I have a lot of confidence in this squad.'

A sixth successive league clean sheet represents the best run in United's history.

The effort is even more remarkable, given the number of injuries Ferguson has had to contend with recently.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and captain Gary Neville were already out - along with midfield quartet Owen Hargreaves, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-sung.

The situation got even worse in the warm-up when Louis Saha limped out with a knee injury. Then Ferguson lost Nemanja Vidic to concussion and John O'Shea to a dead leg before the game was half-an-hour old.

'It was difficult,' reflected Ferguson.

'The injuries disrupted our rhythm, which always gives you a problem.

'They have put a lot of strain on us, so the ones who came in deserve great credit.'

Although Tevez took the man-of-the-match honours and Ronaldo and Rooney the other scoring plaudits, Gerard Pique - on his second Premier League start - and Danny Simpson - on his first - excelled, as did Anderson who played a major role in two of United's four goals.

'We knew they would come good sooner or later - you just hope it is not against you,' said Wigan boss Chris Hutchings.

'They have a great attacking threat from all areas and are a formidable outfit. That is why they are in the Champions League.'

Ferguson now has a fortnight to patch up his side for the trip to Aston Villa on October 20, while Wigan must rebuild after six matches without a win.

'The second half was a bit disappointing, because we lost our shape,' said Hutchings.

'But look at the players Manchester United have.

'When you try to stop one they always have someone else.

'They opened us up too easily in the end. But they scored seven against Roma last season, which shows you what they are capable of.'

Source - Soccernet

Manchester United Vs Wigan

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 10:22:00 +0000

Old Trafford
Saturday, 6 October
Kick-off: 1245 BST

Manchester United may use Ryan Giggs or Anderson in central midfield with Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick both ruled out through injury.

Wes Brown is a doubt with a knee injury and keeper Edwin van der Sar is also still out so Tomasz Kuczszak continues.

Wigan could be without striker Antoine Sibierski with a hamstring strain.

Denny Landzaat is available again after recovering from a fractured eye socket, while winger Antonio Valencia is ready to return from a knee injury.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Man Utd (from): Provisional squad: Kuczszak, Heaton, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Simpson, Pique, Ronaldo, Scholes, O'Shea, Anderson, Nani, Giggs, Rooney, Saha, Tevez.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Granqvist, Bramble, Kilbane, Brown, Scharner, Skoko, Koumas, Sibierski, Bent, Aghahowa, Boyce, Cotterill, Hall, Olembe, Taylor, Valencia, Landzaat, Pollitt.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson:"What's happening at the moment is unusual for us, every team is waiting for a deluge.

"It will happen, we will score goals, unfortunately it has not come as quick as I would like but we are playing well enough, creating the chances and it will happen.

"It's great, we get criticised for winning 1-0. If we win 5-1 people will say our defence is going to pieces. The team are coming together after a shaky start in terms of winning games."

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings on Ferguson:"I've nothing but admiration for him.

"Every manager would like to follow what he has done, and it's a very tough target, but everyone has to have targets to aim at.

"I'm looking forward to seeing him. Hopefully he might have a bottle of red wine for me after the game - and I don't care what it is, as long as we get a result."

BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United will be out to stretch the joint longest current winning sequence in the Premier League to six matches. All three points against Wigan will see them leapfrog Arsenal and go top of the table for the first time since they won their ninth Premier League title in May.

Wigan have lost all 17 of their Premier League matches against the so-called "big four", conceding 42 goals in the process.

United are defending an unbeaten home league record this season; Wigan are chasing a first away win of the campaign.

The Red Devils have scored only seven Premier League goals so far; only rock bottom Derby have a weaker attack (five goals).

Wigan have lost all five meetings with Manchester United in the league and Carling Cup final with an aggregate of 16-3. The Latics have conceded more Premier League goals to United than to any other club (12).

MANCHESTER UNITED

Collected 15 points out of 15, since their only defeat this season; 1-0, away to Manchester City on 19 August.

Kept five clean sheets in a row, and not conceded in 509 minutes (eight hours 29 minutes) of Premier League football since Geovanni scored the winner for Manchester City on 19 August.

Four of their five league wins have been by 1-0 margins.

Need a draw to top 1,250 Premier League points.

The meanest defence in the Premier League; conceded just two goals in eight games. (Liverpool have also only shipped two goals, but have only played seven matches.)

On the longest current run in the Premier League of 48 matches since losing by more than a single goal; the 3-0 reverse by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 29 April 2006.

Not conceded a Premier League goal this season earlier than the 31st minute and not later than the 53rd. Only Portsmouth and Manchester City have breached their defences.

Scored first in an unrivalled six Premier League matches.

Scored at least three goals in each of their last five home league games against north-west opposition and four in each of the last two (v Bolton and Blackburn).

The only club yet to concede at home in the Premier League.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Not won in six. Drawn two and lost four league and cup games since beating Sunderland 3-0 at home on 18 August.

Won two of eight Premier League fixtures under Chris Hutchings.

Lost the last two Premier League games, and completed nine since last losing three on the spin (5 May).

Need a win from their 85th Premier League fixture to total 100 points all-time.

Averaging one point, one goal scored and one goal conceded per Premier League match played this season.

Eight points after eight is on a par with last season.

Lost eight of their last nine league fixtures against fellow north-west opposition, including the last four.

The second highest placed of eight clubs still searching for a first away win in the Premier League.

Won none, drawn one and lost three away from home in the Premier League; it is the reverse of Manchester United's home record (won three, drawn one and lost none).

KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED
RONALDO has scored four goals in his last three league and League Cup appearances against Wigan.

Louis SAHA and RONALDO are the only Manchester United players to have scored more than a single goal (two each).

SAHA is United's top Premier League marksman, with two goals.

Ryan GIGGS is a double short of 100 career League goals.

Patrice EVRA, Rio FERDINAND, Paul SCHOLES and Nemanja VIDIC have been on the field for every minute of every one of Manchester United's Premier League matches this season.

Edwin VAN DER SAR leads the race for the Barclays Golden Glove, with Liverpool's Jose REINA. Both have kept five clean sheets.

If on the field from the outset:-
Wes BROWN will be making his 150th Premier League start in a Manchester United shirt.

Chris EAGLES will be making his 50th English league start (Manchester United, Watford and Sheffield Wednesday).

Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start - all for the Red Devils.

WIGAN ATHLETIC
Antoine SIBIERSKI is Wigan's leading scorer with three Premier League goals.

Only Titus BRAMBLE, Chris KIRKLAND and Mario MELCHOIT have been on the field for every minute of every one of Wigan's Premier League matches this season.

If he plays:-
Paul SCHARNER will be making his 50th career Premier League appearance - all for Wigan.

HEAD TO HEAD
Cristiano Ronaldo emerged from the bench to spark a second-half triumph in this corresponding fixture on Boxing Day last year. The 3-1 victory sent Manchester United four points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 4 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0
Prem: Man United 4 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

at Man United only
League (inc PL): Man United 2 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0
Prem: Man United 2 wins, Wigan 0, Draws 0

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 3-1 Wigan Athletic
26 December 2006 - Ref: Mike Riley
Man United scorers: Ronaldo 47, 51, Solskjaer 59
Wigan scorer: Baines 90 pen

REFEREE
Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

After reading these information, what is your score prediction of this match?

Source - BBC Sport

Man Utd 1-0 AS Roma

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:04:00 +0000

Match Result:
Half Time MU 0-0 Roma
Full Time MU 1-0 Roma

W. Rooney 70mins

Manchester United Vs AS Roma

noreply@blogger.com (seven) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:09:00 +0000

Champions League, Group F
Date: Tuesday, 2 October
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Venue: Old Trafford
Listen: BBC Radio 5live
Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile

Tomasz Kuszczak will make his Champions League debut for Manchester United after fellow goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar was ruled out with a toe injury.

Defenders Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic are also doubts for the home side after picking up knocks against Birmingham.

But former Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves is in line to make his European debut for the Red Devils.

Roma are missing winger Rodrigo Taddei and defenders Christian Panucci and Marco Cassetti because of injury.

However, midfielder Simone Perrotta could play despite injuring his thigh in the 4-1 league loss to Inter Milan.

Van der Sar has not conceded a goal in seven hours and 44 minutes since he was beaten by Geovanni's deflected effort off Vidic in the derby against Manchester City.

But Pole Kuszczak, 25, made a fine save from Gary McSheffrey's deflected shot after coming on at half-time in the 1-0 victory over Birmingham.

Tom Heaton, 21, will cover Kuszczak on the bench but has yet to play for United.

Cicinho looks set to return to the starting line-up in place of Panucci, who has a back injury.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
"It was a one-off (United's 7-1 defeat of Roma in last season's quarter-finals). It won't happen again. European football is just not that way these days.

"It was an exceptional performance. I think it will be difficult because Roma are playing well.

"It's a big occasion for them after the defeat they suffered last year. They will want to turn that scoreline around."

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti:
"We must forget our defeat to Inter and bounce back straight away. We are jumping into a completely different reality on Tuesday and we must be strong mentally.

"I have a great deal of faith in my players and I know they are capable of turning things around.

"It's a difficult match, you are preparing for a huge game against one of the greatest teams in the world.

"My team will work extremely hard to make up for what happened last time around (the 7-1 defeat). We want to draw a line under what happened then.

"If we talk about revenge or vendetta then we risk playing in the wrong state of mind."

Head-to-heads
Manchester United inflicted on AS Roma the heaviest defeat ever in the knock-out stages of the Champions League when they won 7-1 in the quarter-finals at Old Trafford on 10 April 2007.

Roma won their only previous meeting with the Red Devils 2-1, in the home leg.

European history
Manchester United are participating in the Champions League for the 13th time, which makes them joint record holders with FC Porto. They are also competing in their 12th successive CL campaign, which is the longest streak ever.

This is AS Roma's fifth season in the Champions League. Their appearance in the last eight last season was their longest run in the competition to date.

Current European form
United have won their last six CL home matches, and are undefeated in nine at Old Trafford.

AC Milan inflicted the last defeat in the Champions League on Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the Theatre of Dreams; 1-0 on 23 February 2005.

Player and disciplinary info
Gary Neville (98), Ryan Giggs (96) and Paul Scholes (96) are three Manchester United players that are ranked among the top 10 with most CL appearances.

Christian Panucci is Roma's most experienced player in this competition with 63 matches. If he plays, AS Roma's Mirko Vucinic will have appearing on his 24th birthday.

Other miscellaneous facts
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal in Manchester United's 1-0 victory at Birmingham City on Saturday, to leave them second in the Premier League table, with 17 points from eight matches.

Meanwhile, AS Roma suffered a devastating 1-4 defeat at the hands of Serie A leaders Internazionale. It was Roma's first defeat of the season, and leaves them with 11 points from six matches, three fewer than leaders Inter.

After reading these information, what is your score prediction of this match?

Source - BBC Sport