Manchester United Unofficial Blog - ManUtd-Blog.Com

David Beckham 'excited' by return to Manchester United

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:52:00 +0000

AC Milan's David Beckham says he is excited to face Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time but maintains he wants them to lose.

The midfielder will line up against his former club in the Champions League last 16 second-leg tie, with Milan needing to overturn a 3-2 deficit.

But the 34-year-old, still revered by United fans, said: "I'm not nervous.

"Coming back to Manchester as a Milan player is exciting. It will be a tough game for us but nothing is impossible."

Doubt remains as to whether Beckham will start the match but if he does play at Old Trafford it will be the first time since he left United for Real Madrid in 2003.

He faces a United side boosted by the return to fitness of Wayne Rooney - who scored twice in the first leg - but that will be without Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick through injury and suspension.

Beckham received a hero's welcome on his arrival at Manchester airport on Tuesday, but United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said he was unsure whether his former player would feature and was struggling to predict Milan's team as a result.

United will go for victory - Ferguson

"I am finding it difficult to pick their team, I don't know whether Beckham will start," said the Scot.

"I have not got that down in my conclusions about their team. He has not started a game since the first leg, so it is difficult to say what impact he will have on the game.

"But he will be there and the one thing you have to be aware of is his delivery of the ball, which is fantastic. That is the threat. There are a lot of threats in their team of course, but we are well aware of David's."

Asked whether Beckham had a chance of starting, Milan coach Leonardo skirted round the issue.

"For Beckham, it is obviously something special to have the opportunity to play against Manchester United given his history at the club," he said.

"When we saw the draw we knew it would be an unbelievable situation for him. But knowing David, and his attitude, I am sure he can cope."

Whether he starts or not, Beckham admits this is the first time he has ever wanted the club he supported as a boy to lose.

Beckham mobbed on Manchester return

"I will always be a Manchester fan and this is perhaps the first time in my life that I want them to lose," he told the AC Milan website. "I'll meet up with many friends and all the people who supported me for many years on the night.

"I played in that stadium for many years and I know what it means to be a Manchester United player.

"But I also know what it means for opponents to play there. It is always difficult to win, especially 2-0. We know we'll have to go for it, play good passes and create many moves, we have many players who can score. We are aware of the fact that it will be a very difficult match, but nothing's impossible.

"Milan have a lot of experience in Europe, they're one of the best clubs in the world."

If selected, Beckham could once again line up against former team-mate and long-term friend Paul Scholes, who believes the return to Old Trafford of the ex-England skipper will ensure a cracking atmosphere.

"United fans still love him for what he did for this club and he will get a fantastic ovation," said Scholes, who made the United first-team alongside Beckham in the 1990s.

"He will need to be watched though. If you give him time and room on the ball there is no doubt he will pick players out. From free kicks as well, his delivery is as great as ever."

Milan will have to create history if they are to reach the quarter-finals - Manchester United have never been eliminated in Europe after winning an away first leg.

"We are very focused - the first leg has given us a good opportunity to come here and achieve something," said Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini.

"But we know it will be a huge battle and a huge achievement if we pull it off."

Ferguson, meanwhile, has urged supporters to keep their protests against the Glazer family's ownership of the club away from the match.

There has been some suggestion that fans will delay their entrance into the match by 10 minutes, but Ferguson said: "They won't do that, it is too important a game.

"Old Trafford will be rocking and I am sure whether they are wearing the traditional red and white or the protest green and gold scarves, the fans will be united and singing with one voice to get us through."

From BBC

Man Utd vs. AC Milan (agg 3 - 2)

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:51:00 +0000

Champions League last 16 second leg
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Wednesday 10 March Kick-off: 1945 GMT Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Sport website; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobile phones. Also live on Sky Sports 2

Manchester United will be boosted by the return of Wayne Rooney from injury for Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg tie against AC Milan.

The in-form England frontman sat out Saturday's 1-0 defeat of Wolves with a knee problem but trained on Tuesday.

Wes Brown, however, misses out due to an injury sustained against Wolves, while Ryan Giggs (arm) and Michael Carrick (ban) are also unavailable.

David Beckham could start on the bench for Milan on his Old Trafford return.

The 34-year-old has not started a match since lining up in the first XI in the first leg in Milan and may have to content himself with a role as substitute again.

However, If selected, it will be the first time the former Manchester United midfielder, who was mobbed by supporters on his arrival at Manchester airport on Tuesday, has played at Old Trafford as a member of the opposition since he left for Real Madrid in 2003.

And he will almost certainly come up against Rooney, who has made a swift recovery from a recent knee problem.

"It was a worry with Rooney," said Ferguson of his 28-goal front-man. "Looking at him last Friday I didn't think he had any chance.

"But he has progressed and he plays and we are pleased at that because given his form at the moment I am sure that whatever match he went into he would be an absolute threat to anyone."

Rooney's return could mean Dimitar Berbatov drops to the bench with Ferguson favouring one man up front in recent European games.

United have never been eliminated in Europe after winning an away first leg and have reached the last two Champions League finals, beating Chelsea in 2008 and losing last year to Barcelona.

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Rafael, Evra, Neville, De Laet, Park, Scholes, Obertan, Gibson, Valencia, Nani, Fletcher, Rooney, Berbatov, Diouf.

From BBC

Manchester United's Wes Brown faces six-week lay-off

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:49:00 +0000

Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown faces a lay-off of four to six weeks with a broken bone in his foot suffered at Wolves on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was hurt after a challenge with Matt Jarvis and left Molineux with his foot in a protective boot before having a scan on Sunday.

"It's just unfortunate," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said. "He has had a career blighted by injury."

There had been fears the injury would rule him out of the summer's World Cup.

But the news will be concerning for England boss Fabio Capello as Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson is only just making his way back from a knee ligament problem which has kept him out since the end of December.

England's campaign in South Africa kicks off on 12 June against the United States.

Brown will miss Wednesday's Champions League last-16 return leg against AC Milan and a majority of United's end-of-season fixture programme.

However, with nine games remaining in the Premier League, as well as the ongoing Champions League campaign, Ferguson added: "We hope to get him back for some of the season."

It is another bad injury for the right-back, who has also slotted in at centre-back, and comes just over a year after breaking a metatarsal.

Brown won his 23rd cap for England against Egypt last Wednesday and is expected to be in Capello's squad for the World Cup.

United head to Old Trafford on the back of an impressive 3-2 win in Italy but with a growing injury list which already includes Anderson (knee), Ryan Giggs (arm) and John O'Shea (leg).

However, striker Wayne Rooney has overcome a knee problem.

From BBC

Manchester United await Wes Brown foot injury verdict

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:47:00 +0000

Manchester United are waiting to discover if defender Wes Brown has broken a bone in his left foot.

If the England international has broken the fifth metatarsal he is likely to miss the Premier League's final stages and possibly this summer's World Cup.

The 30-year-old suffered the injury in a challenge with Matt Jarvis in United's 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday.

Brown left Molineux with his foot in a protective boot and had a scan on the injury on Sunday.

He broke a metatarsal just over a year ago.

He won his 23rd cap for England against Egypt last Wednesday and is expected to be in Fabio Capello's squad for the World Cup in June.

However, if test results show he has broken another metatarsal, he faces a race against time to be fit for the finals in South Africa.

A United spokeswoman told BBC Sport the club was waiting for the results of the scan before making any comment.

From BBC

Sir Alex Ferguson dismisses Red Knights link

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:42:00 +0000

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rejected claims he is supporting a potential takeover of the club by a group of wealthy fans.

It had been suggested Ferguson would invest his own money in the club if the bid by the "Red Knights" succeeded.

But Ferguson insisted the reports are "absolute rubbish - there is not an ounce of truth in it".

On Sunday one of the "Red Knights" told BBC Sport that they had had no contact with Ferguson.

A United spokesman added: "[The owners] the Glazer family and the manager enjoy 100% trust in each other."

The debt level of more than £700m incurred under the Glazers on a once-debt free company has caused unease among some supporters.

Thousands of fans have joined the green and gold protest against the Americans, who bought the club in 2005, by wearing the colours of Newton Heath - the club was renamed Manchester United in 1902.

And the Manchester United Supporters Trust, which is running a vocal campaign to bring about a change of ownership, says membership has doubled to about 100,000 in the past month, with much of that growth coming following the "Red Knights revelation".

Ferguson has some friends among the Red Knights and has said he has "no problem" with the protestors.

"There were plenty of green and gold scarves on Sunday [in the Carling Cup final win over Aston Villa] and I was delighted to see them supporting the club," he said.

"We are quite happy. As long as they are supporting Manchester United they can wear whatever they like.

"I have no issue with the Red Knights. I know some of them. I don't deny them the right to protest.

"If they want to try and buy the club that is entirely up to them."

According to The Observer, senior City financers allied to the consortium had claimed Ferguson was supporting the controversial bid.

The so-called Red Knights include Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, acting in a personal capacity, lawyer Mark Rawlinson and financier Keith Harris.

It has been reported that 60 investors have pledged up to £1.5bn ($2.26bn) to buy the club, but a statement from the Red Knights last week said the figure was purely speculative.

US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer, who bought United for £800m, has said the club is not for sale, while the club's chief executive David Gill said the owners were "running the club the right way".

According to the latest accounts that were released in January, debts at United's parent company Red Football Joint Venture have increased to £716.5m.

Red Football Joint Venture is owned by the Glazer family and secures its debts against the football club, but the accounts also confirmed that six of Malcolm Glazer's children were each given loans worth £1.67m from the parent company.

All are directors of Red Football, and such a practice is legal, but Harris, who is the head of merchant bank Seymour Pierce, has said it did "not create a good impression of the directors' governance of the company".

From BBC

Wolverhampton 0 - 1 Man Utd

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:02:00 +0000

Paul Scholes grabbed the winner to earn Manchester United a laboured win over strugglers Wolves and send his side back to the top of the Premier League.

Paul Scholes celebrates the strike that takes United back to the top of the table

The 35-year-old ran onto Nani's pass in the box, turned past Christophe Berra, and slid home the winner on 73 minutes.

Scholes's 100th Premier League goal spared the blushes of a United side clearly missing the cutting edge of the injured Wayne Rooney.

Wolves battled well but wasted several chances to put the pressure on United.

Sam Vokes wasted their best chance late on, firing over from close range, and Mick McCarthy must wonder where his side would be in the table if they could match their valiant approach play with a touch of composure in front of goal.

Phelan shrugs off Rooney absence

It meant another brave display from the hosts went unrewarded and they remain outside of the drop zone only on goal difference, while United will be hugely relieved to escape from Molineux with all three points.

They now leapfrog Chelsea at the top of the table and sit at the Premier League summit with a two-point cushion, albeit having played a game more the Blues.

This, though, was the most unconvincing of victories. But if the old adage about title-winning sides picking up victories when not at their best is true, it may well underline their title credentials.

Wolves were fined £25,000 the last time these two sides met because of McCarthy's controversial decision to field a weakened side.

But there will be no repeat this time around following a performance full of valour, intent and no little talent from a line-up that has been unchanged in four matches.

Kevin Doyle was the star turn as he performed well against Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand - the first time United's first-choice centre-back pairing had played together since October last year.

The Irishman had the first chance of note, dragging wide from inside the area, and was then heavily involved in a fine counter-attacking move on the half hour that ended with David Jones's shot being charged down bravely by Michael Carrick.

Neither of those were as gilt-edged as the chance that fell to Stephen Ward, though, the midfielder rising unmarked six yards out only to head Matt Jarvis's cross straight at United keeper Edwin van der Sar.

United, denied any room across the park by Wolves' hassle and harry, were desperately missing Rooney, unavailable after aggravating a knee injury on England duty in midweek.

Ferdinand hails 'inspirational' Scholes

Dimitar Berbatov, up front on his own, was at times sublime but at others ineffective, while Nani, Scholes and Darron Gibson were unthreatening.

The best the visitors managed before the break was when Gibson got an out-stretched foot onto Nani's deflected free-kick, but his effort dribbled wide.

Ferguson's side did at least up the tempo in the second half, and Patrice Evra almost forced the opener when he burst onto Gibson's pass, only to see his original effort blocked and the follow-up cleared by Kevin Foley.

Still, though, a lack of spark in the United ranks only added to Wolves' confidence levels and McCarthy's side continued to look the more likely to score.

Our luck will change - McCarthy

That was until Scholes' intervention, with the veteran midfielder's neat finish rounding off 100 Premier League goals 16 years after his first.

After that, in truth, United could have had plenty more. Ji-Sung Park forced a good block running on to an excellent Berbatov pass, while Mame Diouf wasted two fine openings, heading a Gary Neville cross over at the back post and then dragging a shot wide on the counter-attack.

However, there was still time for a twist in the tale and Vokes almost provided it in injury time.

The substitute looked odds-on to score and snatch what would have been a vital point for the hosts when Ronald Zubar's prodded pass fell to him unmarked eight yards out with the goal gaping, but he somehow contrived to sweep the ball over the bar and leave McCarthy with his head in his hands.

It means Wolves, with only four home games to come from their remaining 10 matches, have it all to do to retain their Premier League status this season.

But United continue their charge for a fourth straight title, even if, on this evidence, they must be eagerly awaiting Rooney's return from injury.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy
"We played well but I'm sick of saying that. If we maintain those standards, I firmly believe our luck will change.

"Sam (Vokes) would expect to score that chance at the end, but it's the story of our season. There was a mistake at one end and a miss at the other.

"But we'll never give up, as long as there is breath in our bodies."

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson:
"We deserved the win, no question. They had an outstanding chance at the end but the lad didn't take it.

"Our form is good and we're managing without some players, which is important at this time of year.

"And we have players coming back - that was the first time that back four has played together for a year and a half."

From BBC

Sir Alex Ferguson says Wayne Rooney doubt for Milan tie

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:55:00 +0000

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson fears that Wayne Rooney could miss the Champions League second-leg match with AC Milan on Wednesday.

The striker was unavailable for United's 1-0 win over Wolves at Molineux after aggravating a knee injury playing for England in midweek.

"He's a doubt for Wednesday, which is a bigger problem for us," said Ferguson.

"It wasn't looking good when he got back on Thursday - his knee was swollen," added the United boss.

United coped without Rooney in the win at Molineux, with Paul Scholes scoring the solitary goal in a hard-fought win that took the Red Devils to the top of the Premier League table.

United are already without striker Michael Owen, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old Rooney had been struggling with the knee problem before last weekend's Carling Cup final but still played in England's win over Egypt on Wednesday at Wembley, much to Ferguson's chagrin.

"I don't think he should have played on Wednesday," said Ferguson.

"It is his own enthusiasm that has caused it. His problem is that he can't say no."

"He told us on Sunday he was feeling his knee. Then all of a sudden people put an arm around his shoulder with England and he wants to play.

"[England boss] Fabio Capello has to pick his best team. A win was important so I don't blame him at all.

"I was more disappointed with Wayne. Why didn't he come off? I can't believe it."

Rooney was a substitute in United's 2-1 Carling Cup win over Aston Villa, but came on after Owen pulled up with the hamstring injury and scored the winning goal.

Rooney admitted to a knee problem after the match but still played 86 minutes in England's 3-1 victory over Egypt on a Wembley pitch which has drawn widespread criticism over the last week.

The turf was seen to cut up last Sunday leading to Ferguson partly blaming it for Owen's hamstring injury.

Rooney has been a key figure for United this season, scoring 27 goals this season, including two in United's 3-2 first-leg win in Italy, while he leads the Premier League scoring charts with 23 goals.

"It is hard to quell the enthusiasm of people like Wayne," Ferguson added.

"He is restless. He can't sit down. He is always on the move. Even in hotels he is moving from one table to another. If we are away in Europe he is walking about all the time.

"You don't want to take away from him but age does some good things for you.

"Eventually you see you can't be doing this running about all the time. You have to take a rest sometimes."

From BBC

Wolverhampton vs. Man Utd

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:08:00 +0000

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Molineux Date: Saturday, 6 March 2010 Kick-off: 1730 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, full match commentary on 5 live sports extra, local radio, Final Score, live on ESPN & highlights on Match of the Day

TEAM NEWS

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is poised to name the same line-up that has started the last three games for Saturday's visit of Manchester United.

Forward Andy Keogh, who made his comeback from an ankle injury last weekend, will again be a substitute.

Manchester United striker Michael Owen is out for the season with a hamstring injury, while Wayne Rooney's minor knee problem will be assessed.

Nani is available after suspension, and Rio Ferdinand is fit to start.

Wolves

Injured: Edwards (ankle), Kightly (ankle/knee)

Manchester United

Doubtful: Rafael (calf), Rooney (knee)

Injured: Anderson, J Evans & Hargreaves (all knee), Giggs (broken arm), O'Shea (thigh), Owen (hamstring)

MATCH PREVIEW

Though confronted by Old Gold at Molineux, Manchester United's focus is on new silverware.

United's successful defence of the League Cup trophy at Wembley last weekend was an unprecedented achievement, as would be a fourth successive league title. A win or draw on Saturday will put United top of the table.

The Premier League decided that Wolves tarnished their famous shirts in the reverse fixture in December, when manager Mick McCarthy made 10 changes from the team that beat Tottenham three days earlier. United won 3-0 and Wolves were given a £25,000 fine for breaching the rules by fielding a weakened team.

McCarthy had argued that his first XI would have fared little better, and they certainly haven't done anything to disprove that theory with a return of five points from a possible 27. Nonetheless, with relegation a very real threat, Wolves need to be at full strength and full tilt on Saturday.

United welcome back the new England captain, Rio Ferdinand, but the season is over for one of his predecessors, Michael Owen, who pulled a hamstring during the League Cup final. However, United's strength is that even when weakened they rarely show signs of weakness.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Wolves have only beaten Manchester United once in their last 10 league and cup meetings, a 1-0 Premier League victory at Molineux in January 2004. Wolves have only scored two goals in those 10 games.

• The last meeting between these clubs at Molineux ended in a 3-0 FA Cup win for United four years ago.

Wolves

• They have lost their last two matches without scoring. Their only league victory in the last nine attempts was 1-0 at home against Tottenham Hotspur on 10 February.

• Their only victory in 14 Premier League matches against Big Four opposition was at home to Manchester United in January 2004. Kenny Miller scored the only goal of the game.

• Wolves are the division's lowest scorers with 21 goals, and have failed to score in 12 of their 27 league matches this season.

Manchester United

• United have only won two of their last six away matches in the league. Their two defeats in that time were at Fulham and Everton.

• They have failed to win in both previous Premier League visits to promoted clubs this season, losing 1-0 at Burnley in August and drawing 1-1 at Birmingham City in January.

• They are the joint leading scorers in the Premier League, alongside Arsenal, with 66 goals in 28 matches.

• Wayne Rooney has scored 12 goals in his last nine Manchester United appearances in all competitions. Seven of his last eight goals have been headers, including the last six.

• Paul Scholes still needs one goal to take his tally to 100 in the Premier League.

• Antonio Valencia is poised to make his 100th Premier League start.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Wolves

Doyle: 6 goals (6 league); Craddock: 4 goals (4 league)

Manchester United

Rooney: 28 goals (23 league); Berbatov: 9 goals (9 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Chris Foy

Assistant referees: Ron Ganfield & Bob Pollock

Fourth official: Anthony Taylor

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS

Wolves (L0-1 v Bolton, a): Hahnemann; Zubar, Craddock, Berra, Ward, Henry, Guedioura (Ebanks-Blake 68), Foley (Keogh 73),
D Jones, Jarvis, Doyle. Subs not used: Hennessey, Elokobi, Vokes, Milijas, Mancienne.

Manchester United (W3-0 v West Ham, h): Foster; Neville, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Gibson, Scholes, Anderson (Park 19), Rooney (Owen 78), Berbatov (Diouf 78) Subs not used: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Evans, Rafael.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Man Utd 3-0 Wolves (15 December 2009)

Manchester United scorers: Rooney (pen) 30, Vidic 43, Valencia 66

From BBC

Michael Owen ruled out for rest of season

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:57:00 +0000

Manchester United striker Michael Owen will not play again this season after pulling his hamstring in the 2-1 Carling Cup win over Aston Villa.

Owen is consoled by boss Ferguson after limping out of the Carling Cup final

The 30-year-old, who scored United's equaliser at Wembley, pulled up while chasing a pass in the first half.

The injury all but ends Owen's hopes of playing for England at the World Cup.

"It is more serious than we thought. I think the heavy pitch at Wembley played some part, but it's also bad luck," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Owen, who will have one year remaining on his two-year contract at Old Trafford at the end of this season, was initially expected to be out for only a few weeks, but will now undergo surgery on Monday.

He said: "I have loved every minute of my first campaign with Manchester United and have already enjoyed some memorable moments.

"I am determined to come back at the start of next season in peak condition."

Owen, who has scored 40 goals in 89 games for England, admitted in February that he was not expecting to be included in coach Fabio Capello's 23-man World Cup squad for South Africa.

He last played for the national side in March 2008 in a 1-0 friendly defeat by France, but has not featured in a squad since.

"It's been a long time since I was in the England squad. You never give up but it's probably a long shot in racing terms," Owen told BBC Sport last month.

And that call seems even less likely now, considering Capello said he would only recall Owen if he was playing regularly for United.

Owen, who has struggled with groin, ankle, thigh, hernia, metatarsal and knee ligament injuries in the past, had not missed a training session this season following his surprise move to Old Trafford on a reported pay-as-you-play deal in the summer.

But the 2001 European footballer of the year found starting chances limited, with 20 of his 31 appearances this season coming as substitute.

However, he has scored nine goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick in the Champions League win against Wolfsburg and an injury-time winner in September's Manchester derby before Sunday's equaliser in the Carling Cup final.

From BBC

Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves set to make return

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:56:00 +0000

Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is set to make his return from injury with a run out for the reserves on Thursday.

The 29-year-old has been out of action since September 2008, when he underwent revolutionary knee surgery.

But Hargreaves has resumed training with the first team and boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he could return against Manchester City's second string.

"He's shown for the first time he is almost ready to play," said Ferguson.

The England midfielder, who joined Manchester United in 2007 from Bayern Munich, has suffered long-term problems with tendinitis and played only three games for his club in 2008.

In a bid to solve the problem, he had knee surgery under the guidance of specialist Dr Richard Steadman in America and returned to United's Carrington training base 12 months later.

But his expected return to training within a couple of months did not materialise and his comeback has been continually delayed.

Recent rumours suggested that Hargreaves was out for the remainder of the season but he could be on target to assist with United's title run-in, should he come through the reserves derby match at Altrincham's Moss Lane ground.

Ferguson added: "He has been training with the first team, which has been good to see and is pencilled in for a game with the reserves on Thursday."

United also look set to welcome back Italian Under-21 international Federico Macheda from injury.

It is a timely return, given that forward Michael Owen has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and Danny Welbeck has joined Championship side Preston North End on loan.

"Macheda starts training with the first team again next week which is also good news, particularly considering the loss of Michael," stated Ferguson.

"He is a good player to have back, so we have had some disappointments with some, and light at the end of the tunnel with other players."

From BBC

Manchester United owners Glazers get backing from Gill

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:52:00 +0000

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has dismissed concerns surrounding the Glazer family, claiming the owners were "running the club the right way".

Man Utd not for sale - Gill

The club's debt level of £716.5m has prompted much unease among supporters, with one group of wealthy fans - "The Red Knights" - targeting a takeover.

But Mr Gill said: "The Glazers do not want to sell and from our perspective are running the club in the right way.

"The owners are very long-term owners... they are not sellers."

The so-called Red Knights include Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, acting in a personal capacity, lawyer Mark Rawlinson and financier Keith Harris.

Mr Gill said that the group were "credible people" who had "every right to do what they think is right".

But he added there were questions about how a group of up to 40 wealthy individuals would be able to run the club.

Financial stability

There has been criticism of the Glazer regime because a once-debt free company is now carrying large debts.

The amount of debt secured on the club and the Glazers' shareholding in it is more than £700m according to recent accounts.

However Mr Gill said that a recent bond issue which replaced £509m bank debt with a £512m bond provided financial stability going forward.

He added: "Our financial results show that we can live with [our financial] structure, and enjoy the benefits."

Before the emergence of the Red Knights, United's owners were already under fire over their control of the club from the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (Must) - which is running a vocal campaign to bring about a change of ownership.

Chief executive of Must, Duncan Drasdo, said its membership had doubled to about 78,000 people in the past month - with much of that growth coming following the "Red Knights revelation".

Mr Gill said that those Manchester United fan groups opposed to the Glazers ownership of the club were intelligent people with ideas about how the Old Trafford outfit should be run.

But he said the issue had perhaps received the wide coverage that it did because United was such a big club.

And he pointed to the cases of clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, and AC Milan, where it is the owners who make key decisions, not fans.

Mr Gill told Soccerex delegates: "Unless the owners wish to sell, and they have not given any indication to me, then they can't buy the asset - it is not for sale."

'Passionate'

He said that although the Glazer family did not attend every match at Old Trafford they watched them all on television.

"They are passionate about the club, they do understand sport," he added.

He also pointed to the fact that the Glazer family had owned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American Football team since 1995, demonstrating their long-term interest in sport.

"People will see that Manchester United will continue to be a well-run club," he said.

"The structure we have in place is entirely appropriate."

From BBC

Financiers 'hold Manchester United takeover talks'

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:19:00 +0000

A group of financiers - dubbed the "Red Knights" - has met to discuss a billion-pound takeover of Manchester United, BBC Sport understands.

Some Manchester United fans are protesting against the Glazers' ownership

United are owned by the Glazer family, but the club's high level of debt - now at £716.5m - has prompted much unease.

Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill, who was acting in a personal capacity, lawyer Mark Rawlinson and financier Keith Harris were at the meeting.

A spokesman for the Glazers told BBC Sport: "United is not for sale."

However, United's owners are now facing a two-pronged attack over their control of the club with the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (Must) running a vocal campaign to bring about a change of ownership.

Keith Harris reveals interest in Man Utd takeover

Must's chief executive Duncan Drasdo confirmed the group had been in attendance at Monday's Red Knight meeting and had been involved in discussions with the group "for some time".

"This development is hugely welcome as there is a genuine desire to see a change of ownership at Manchester United," he said.

"Initially the Red Knight Group has effectively set a challenge to Manchester United supporters to demonstrate they wish to see an alternative ownership proposal developed.

"In the first instance supporters are being asked to do this simply by joining the free online membership of the Supporters Trust and swelling its ranks to an initial target of at least 100,000.

"It is also essential for a majority of two key groups, the Old Trafford Season Ticket holders and those with Executive facilities, to show their appetite for participation by joining the Must online campaign."

Must has recruited 53,520 members and recently started working with Blue State Digital, a communications agency that worked on Barack Obama's successful US Presidential election campaign.

Their "Green and Gold" campaign has seen supporters don the colours of Newton Heath - the club was renamed Manchester United in 1902 - with plenty of green and gold scarves in evidence at Sunday's Carling Cup final.

BBC sports news correspondent Gordon Farquhar says the idea of an attempt to oust the Glazers has been a long time in coming.

"The takeover of Manchester United by the Glazers was controversial, and many fans were opposed to the way the deal was put together, involving high levels of borrowing," he said.

"The latest accounts show debts at United's parent company increased to more than £700m, and a recent bond issue, while successful, raised concerns further

"The vocal campaign has been stiffened by the emergence of the Red Knights group which includes bankers and business experts.

"Keith Harris has advocated fans starving the club of cash by not renewing season ticket or buying merchandise to force the club to consider a sale

"Should that happen this consortium wants to be ready to make an offer but for now, according to the Glazers' spokesman, the door is firmly closed."

The City financiers insist that their initiative is about changing the owners and that they have complete confidence in chief executive David Gill and manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The "Red Knights" group also accepts that any takeover would have to be agreed by the Glazers, but that the club's American owners cannot prevent them from putting forward a proposal.

The financiers are also understood to want supporters to play a key role in their campaign.

According to the latest accounts that were released in January, debts at United's parent company Red Football Joint Venture have increased to £716.5m.

On Sunday, United beat Aston Villa 2-1 in the Carling Cup final to give Ferguson his 34th trophy with the club.

The "Red Knights" group is due to release a statement on Tuesday.

From BBC

Gary Neville focuses on current form at Manchester Utd

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:17:00 +0000

Manchester United's Gary Neville will not worry about his future but intends instead to focus on his current form.

The 35-year-old defender, who has played for United for 18 years, comes to the end of his contract in June and has yet to be offered a new deal.

"I don't know. I'm not thinking about it," he said when asked about extending his career beyond this season.

"I'm at the age now where I just want to stay fit and concentrate on the last few days of the season."

Neville is part of a famed generation at Old Trafford under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, that rose through the ranks with the likes of David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and his brother Phil to form part of the group known as "Fergie's fledglings".

But the former United skipper has struggled to make the team recently, falling behind Wes Brown and Rafael da Silva in Ferguson's selection for right-back.

The veteran defender added: "The difference now is that when I play games I get fitter, but when I get injured it takes me a month to get back."

Neville has been plagued by repeated injuries since breaking his ankle in a match against Bolton in 2007.

In the last three season he has suffered repeated muscular injuries resulting in only a sporadic presence on the field.

He has been increasingly sidelined as he has aged, missing out on both the 2008 and 2009 Champions League finals.

Despite such worries, Neville came on as a substitute in the Carling Cup final on Sunday for around 25 minutes as United battled to retain the league cup, beating Aston Villa 2-1.

From BBC

Wayne Rooney asks England fans not to boo John Terry

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:12:00 +0000

International friendly - England v Egypt

Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Wednesday, 3 March Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Live on ITV1, full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live and online, live text updates on BBC Sport website.

Wayne Rooney is urging England supporters not to boo John Terry in the friendly against Egypt on Wednesday.

No change to squad harmony - Rooney

The Manchester United striker wants fans to show support for Terry, sacked as England captain last month after allegations of an extra-marital affair.

"He [Terry] hasn't got the armband but he's still a great player and a great leader," said Rooney.

Rooney also said he was fit for the Wembley fixture despite suffering discomfort in his knee on Sunday.

Wednesday's match is England's first since allegations were made that Chelsea captain Terry had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of Wayne Bridge - a former team-mate at Stamford Bridge and with England - who now plays for Manchester City.

Terry, 29, was taunted by City fans during his team's 4-2 home defeat on Saturday, when Bridge refused to shake his hand before the kick-off.

Bridge said last week he no longer wished to play for England because his position in the squad had become "untenable and potentially divisive"

However, Rooney said he expected Terry to get "the same as normal" reception at Wembley on Wednesday.

"The squad has been no different since we met up," said the striker, who came off the bench to score Manchester United's winner in their 2-1 Carling Cup final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday.

"I've been in the team when a few players have been booed at Wembley and it's not nice - it doesn't send the right message.

"I hope he gets a good reception. When you are leading up to a World Cup, you want the fans behind us and giving us their full support because that will be really important."

Fears of a hostile reception for Terry follow England fans' boos aimed at his Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard during England's Euro 2008 qualifying win against Estonia in 2007.

Lampard's then team-mate Joe Cole slammed the fans at the time, saying: "Frank has been one of England's most consistent players over the years and he has never let England down.

"It is not nice to hear that, it is not nice to hear one of your mates getting that. He doesn't deserve it."

Rooney, who has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Manchester United this season, added: "Wayne Bridge is a fantastic player and especially now with Ashley Cole being injured I'm sure he'd have been the one to take his place. It's unfortunate but it's his decision and you have to respect it."

The striker suffered a knee problem during Sunday's final but said: "It's OK. I went for a scan and it's just a bit of bruising. I'll be fit to play."

He added that there had been no disruptions in the run-up to England's final game before manager Fabio Capello's provisional World Cup squad is announced, despite the unusual circumstances surrounding preparations.

Meanwhile, Villa's James Milner said he is prepared to play at left-back, should Capello want him to fill the problem position.

"To have Wayne Bridge available would be great but we'll move on," said Milner.

"I've had 15 minutes experience at left-back but that was for England. If I'm asked to play there I'll do the best job I can - but my best position is further forward, in central midfield or out wide."

And both Rooney and Milner said Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, who is in an England squad for the first time and whose challenge on Aaron Ramsey at the weekend resulted in a double compound fracture for the Arsenal midfielder, had been made welcome.

"I was with him at United for a couple of years and he's not that type of player," said Rooney. "I'm sure he'll be OK, he'll be welcomed into the squad and will be hoping to get a game on Wednesday.

"It's unfortunate but he's got to move on now. He's in the squad at a young age, it's important for him to get a game and if he does I'm sure he'll do well."

Milner said: "He'll come to terms with it. Hopefully this will give him some confidence, help get his mind back on football."

Rooney had earlier revealed he knew last Wednesday that he would not start the Carling Cup final but said it was not because of the knee problem.

"I had a little bit of a stomach bug and the manager was looking for an excuse to leave me out," the forward said.

"When he found out about that it made his mind up. I was still disappointed but it was the correct decision by the manager."

Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand did not join the England camp in Watford.

Instead, he will have further treatment on his back injury in the hope of being fit for Manchester United's Premier League trip to Wolves on Saturday.

From BBC

Burnley to pay Manchester Utd £500,000 for Eckerlsey

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:11:00 +0000

A Football Association tribunal has agreed a sum of £500,000 to be paid by Burnley to Manchester United for defender Richard Eckersley.

Eckersley joined the Clarets last year on a four-year contract after he turned down an opportunity to stay with the Premier League champions.

The 20-year-old, who has yet to appear in the Burnley first team, was claimed to be worth more than £1m by United.

But the tribunal ordered the club to pay half that amount plus add-ons.

Burnley chief executive Paul Fletcher told the club website: "We thank the tribunal for taking a common sense approach to this.

"When the smallest club in the league tries to take on the biggest club in the league you always wonder how it's going to end up.

"We have always valued the player around the £300,000 mark until he starts establishing himself in the first-team.

"When Manchester United were asking a million-plus we thought we had to stand up and be counted and that's what we did."

From BBC

Aston Villa 1 - 2 Man Utd

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:40:00 +0000

Substitute Wayne Rooney made the decisive contribution in the Carling Cup final with a late winner as Manchester United beat Aston Villa at Wembley.

Rooney started on the bench but finished as the game's match-winner

Rooney entered the action just before half-time to replace the injured Michael Owen and enabled Sir Alex Ferguson's side to come from behind and retain the trophy.

Aston Villa's Wembley showpiece started perfectly when James Milner put them ahead from the spot after five minutes following Nemanja Vidic's foul on Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Villa clearly felt referee Phil Dowd should have sent Vidic off after he hauled down Agbonlahor as he closed in on goal - and their burning sense of injustice was fuelled even further when United quickly restored equality.

Rooney delighted with winner

Richard Dunne lost possession to Dimitar Berbatov, and when he attempted to repair his error he could only find Owen, who slipped a perfect finish past Villa keeper Brad Friedel.

Owen looked sharp in front of watching England coach Fabio Capello, but his lingering hopes of persuading the Italian to include him in his World Cup plans for South Africa may have ended when he pulled up as he ran into the area and was forced to leave the action.

It was hardly good news for Villa as it allowed Rooney to come on, with the striker clearly desperate to make an impact after starting on the bench.

Ji-Sung Park hit the post for United before Rooney rose to head the outstanding Antonio Valencia's cross past Friedel with 16 minutes left.

Rooney almost extended United's victory margin when he hit the woodwork with another header, but his amazing season continued as his 28th goal of the campaign gave Ferguson another piece of silverware.

Vidic was fortunate to see Emile Heskey's header deflect off him on to the bar late on, but by that stage United were firmly in control and well on the way to victory.

It was a bitter disappointment for Villa, who started so promisingly, but they tired as the game wore on at Wembley and United ultimately deserved their triumph.

Ferguson decided to rest Rooney, who has been in devastating form, from his starting line-up and give Owen his opportunity in a Wembley final that was to drag the England striker from one end of the emotional scale to the other.

Villa's ploy was always going to be to test United with pace and power up front - and it was rewarded with the early goal boss Martin O'Neill must have craved.

Vidic should have gone - O'Neill

Agbonlahor was too quick for Vidic and the United defender had already tugged at his shirt before hauling him down. Referee Dowd did not punish Vidic further, despite the fact that he was the last United defender and flirted with a red card, and Milner steered the penalty coolly past Tomasz Kuszczak.

Villa's lead only lasted seven minutes, and it was an error from the normally reliable Dunne that led to United's swift equaliser.

Dunne lost possession to Berbatov, and even though he recovered he could only divert the ball into the path of Owen, who steered an expert precision finish low past Friedel.

The game was remarkably open, with Milner a prominent figure, and he brought a fine diving save from Kusczcak with a 20-yard effort.

Owen had looked sharp, but his injury curse struck again as half-time approached when he pulled up as he raced for possession with Dunne in the area. It was clear immediately that his game was over and he walked away disconsolately to be replaced by Rooney.

United almost ended an enthralling first 45 minutes in the lead when Park struck a post after James Collins could only partially clear Valencia's cross.

And United posed the first danger after the break when Friedel saved well from Michael Carrick, whose shooting had been very erratic up to that point.

The second half was much more of a cat-and-mouse affair, but predictably it was Rooney who gave United the advantage when he struck with 16 minutes left.

Berbatov cleverly played in Valencia, whose cross left Rooney with work to do, but not only did he win the aerial battle with the taller Collins, he sent a towering header high beyond Friedel into the top corner.

And the England striker almost repeated the feat three minutes later when Valencia was once more the provider, but he sent a more powerful header against the post.

Villa responded by introducing the giant figure of John Carew for Carlos Cuellar - and his presence almost forced Vidic into an error that resulted in an equaliser.

Stewart Downing's cross caused confusion, and Vidic was lucky to see Heskey's header bounce off his shoulder on to the bar.

United had one last anxious moment when another Downing cross was just out of Dunne's reach at the back post, but Ferguson's side held out for a deserved victory.

From BBC

Cup win unbelievable, says Rooney

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:35:00 +0000

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was delighted with his match-winning heroics in the Carling Cup final.

Rooney delighted with winner

Rooney started the game on the bench but got an early call when Michael Owen was forced off with a hamstring injury.

"It's a great feeling to play a final at Wembley and to score the winning goal is unbelievable," he said.

"Obviously I wanted to play but I had a bit of a sore knee. Fortunately for me I came on and I'm delighted with the winning goal."

After United's 2-1 win over Aston Villa, manager Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he knew weeks ago that Rooney would not be starting the Wembley showpiece, having decided to pair Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen in attack.

Rooney came on in the 42nd minute and scored 32 minutes later - looping a header past Brad Friedel to help United retain the trophy.

"I was chomping at the bit to get on," Rooney added. "You want to play in finals. Thankfully I have managed to do so and left my mark on the game.

"I knew on Wednesday or Thursday I wouldn't be playing. I had a little bit of a stomach bug and the manager was looking for an excuse to leave me out.

"When he found out about that it made his mind up. I was still disappointed but it was the correct decision by the manager."

Nevertheless, Rooney looks increasingly unlikely to start for England in their friendly against Egypt on Wednesday.

Despite the threat of injury or burn-out, Rooney is keen to play as much as he can as he edges closer to the goalscoring mark of ex-United star Cristiano Ronaldo two seasons ago.

"I am enjoying playing at the minute and enjoying scoring goals," said Rooney, whose Wembley winner was his 28th for the club this season. "Hopefully that will continue.

"Cristiano got 42 but I am just looking to contribute to us winning medals. If that happens it would be great but as long as we win medals it would be even better."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill saluted Rooney, who also hit the post with another header, saying: "He's a world-class player and arguably in the top three players in the world. It only made it more exciting when he came on."

In contrast, Owen is set for a spell on the sidelines after pulling up with hamstring trouble trying to run through on the Villa goal.

Ferguson took responsibility for the striker being forced off before the interval.

Owen happy to score but surprised to start

He said: "He (Owen) did really well for us and it was a good performance from him. It's maybe our fault too. He's not had a lot of minutes recently and that soft pitch didn't help him. It's a bad blow for us."

Owen admitted his day had been soured by his failure to see out the 90 minutes, but he was delighted to score.

"It's unfortunate, it's a great to win and score and play a part. Hopefully it will not take too long to recover.

"It's the first injury [since joining United] but it's been a great day. This team has done fantastically well and it's my third League Cup."

Owen shrugged off continued talk about an England recall after scoring in front of national coach Fabio Capello.

"I don't think about it to be honest," he added. "A lot of people have been getting their knickers in twist - I just want to play well for Manchester United and if that gets me recognition then great."

From BBC

Wayne Rooney a doubt for Egypt friendly

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:29:00 +0000

Carling Cup hero Wayne Rooney is a doubt for England's friendly against Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United boss said Rooney was suffering from discomfort in his knee after the win over Aston Villa.

"He got a whack right away," Ferguson said. "He has been complaining about that for a few weeks and I thought we might have to take him off.

"The doctors are assessing it. I don't know what England are going to do."

Rooney, 24, came off the substitute's bench to score his 28th goal of the season in United's 2-1 victory at Wembley and was allowed to join up with the rest of the England squad on Sunday evening where he will be assessed by a medical team.

A decision on whether England manager Fabio Capello will have his talisman striker available for Wednesday's game against the African Nations Cup winners is expected on Monday or Tuesday.

Rooney revealed he knew on Wednesday that he would not start the final but said it was not because of the knee problem.

"I had a little bit of a stomach bug and the manager was looking for an excuse to leave me out," the forward said.

"When he found out about that it made his mind up. I was still disappointed but it was the correct decision by the manager."

Rooney's Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand confirmed he would not be heading to the England camp in Watford.

Instead, he will have further treatment on his back injury in the hope of being fit for Manchester United's Premier League trip to Wolves on Saturday.

From BBC

Wayne Rooney may be rested for Carling Cup final

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:20:00 +0000

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is considering resting in-form striker Wayne Rooney for Sunday's Carling Cup final against Aston Villa.

Ferguson and O'Neill go head-to-head for the season's first major trophy

Rooney has scored 11 goals in his last eight games but Ferguson is weighing up whether the 24-year-old needs a rest.

Ferguson said: "It has to be a consideration. The problem is he is desperate to play. He always is."

United face AC Milan in the Champions League in two weeks and are vying for the Premier League crown with Chelsea.

Ferguson faces a selection headache as his side contest the season's first major trophy against Aston Villa, who are looking to end 14 years without any silverware.

Having opted for fringe players in earlier rounds, the Scot brought in the big guns to help dispose of neighbours Manchester City in the semi-final.

Rooney desperate to play in Carling Cup final

And he now has to decide on whether to continue with his top striker as United look to win the competition for a fourth time.

After a double in recent matches with AC Milan and West Ham, Rooney's overall goal tally for the season stands at 27, just 15 short of Cristiano Ronaldo's haul in the 2008 Champions League-winning campaign.

United's season run-in involves a maximum of 17 games and Ferguson joked: "Maybe it is Wayne's chance to play right-back because he keeps telling everyone he is a great defender, centre-half or sweeper."

The England striker, however, may disagree with Ferguson's sentiment, and told BBC's Football Focus: "It's a game everybody wants to play in. You can win that first trophy and it gives you something to build on.

"I hope to start. It's what you play football for. I don't want to be left out."

Ferguson may include rising stars midfielder Darron Gibson, centre-half Jonny Evans and young Brazilian defender Rafael in the starting XI.

He said: "I'm thinking about the younger ones to give them a smell of it.

"But we want to win the cup having got there and got through the semis which were very emotional. We have got this opportunity of winning something.

"They only way you can enjoy Wembley is winning. It's not a nice day when you lose."

The goalkeeper spot is another hotly-contested position with Ben Foster, United's hero in last year's penalty shootout victory against Tottenham, and Pole Tomasz Kuszczak hoping to replace regular Edwin van der Sar.

It will be Villa's first trip in 10 years to the London stadium since their 1-0 defeat by Chelsea in the FA Cup final and they are now eyeing their first major prize since lifting the League Cup trophy in 1996 when they beat Leeds 3-0.

Confident O'Neill expects open Cup final

Villa boss Martin O'Neill, touted by some as the ideal candidate to replace Ferguson when he finally retires, is in buoyant mood.

England's Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young and James Milner have all impressed in recent weeks.

And O'Neill said: "We have some players in brilliant form who can cause them problems.

"Our confidence comes from being the only team to win at Old Trafford in the league this season. We played exceptionally well that day. But Sunday's game will be open."

O'Neill should have skipper Stiliyan Petrov back after overcoming a virus, while keeper Brad Friedel, defender James Collins and striker Emile Heskey are all pushing for a start after being rested in the FA Cup fifth-round replay win over Crystal Palace.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder, who previously managed Wycombe, Leicester and Celtic, joined Villa four years ago and believes silverware could help kick-start a golden era for the club.

"Winning a trophy is the ultimate. There is no getting away from that and it would be fantastic," O'Neill said.

"We have a lot of pictures of the old teams around the training ground. It is something to aspire to.

Ferguson praises League Cup rival O'Neill

"I have often said to keep the pictures up on the walls of the 1981 league-winning side and 1982 European Cup-winning side. The early 1980s was a fantastic spell for Villa.

"The history of the club is there to see, a great tradition, so we'd like to try and do something about it."

Villa's captain Petrov is hoping a Wembley victory can help eradicate the bad memories of losing the 2003 Uefa Cup final to Porto in Seville when he played under O'Neill at Celtic.

"This is the biggest day of my club career," the Bulgarian midfielder said.

"We are heading for a massive game for this club, for the players, for the fans and I hope at the end of it we can all be happy.

"But we don't just want to be passengers there, just to go and enjoy it, without winning it.

"We will put up a massive fight and we will do our best to win it."

From BBC

Manchester United's Edwin Van der Sar extends contract

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar has signed a one-year contract extension at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman, 39, is tied to the club until the end of the 2010/11 season.

"I still feel good and am enjoying my football. I am looking forward to winning more trophies with this great team," said Van der Sar.

Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Edwin's professionalism and dedication to his job and the way he looks after himself has given him longevity in the game."

Ferguson, who has been linked with a number of potential new keepers, including CSKA Moscow's Igor Akinfeev, added: "That longevity includes such great experience not just at United, but at Juventus, Ajax and on an international level.

"We are absolutely delighted he is continuing for another year."

Van der Sar is expected to feature in the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday having missed two months of the campaign following a knee injury and his wife becoming ill.

"This is a great club and I was shown a great deal of compassion and support during a difficult time in December and January for which I am extremely grateful," said Van der Sar, whose wife, Annemarie, suffered a brain haemorrhage before Christmas.

Since joining United from Fulham, Van der Sar has won three Premier League titles and the Uefa Champions League, but did not feature in Manchester United's Carling Cup final victory over Tottenham last season when understudy Ben Foster emerged as a penalty shoot-out hero by saving a Jamie O'Hara spot-kick.

From BBC

Aston Villa vs. Man Utd

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:34:00 +0000

Carling Cup final
Venue: Wembley Stadium Date: Sunday, 28 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio, Sky Sports 1 & live on BBC One & BBC HD from 1400 GMT

TEAM NEWS

Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov is fit after a virus and should start, while James Collins and Emile Heskey could return after being rested in midweek.

Reserve keeper Brad Guzan has played in all of Villa's previous Carling Cup ties this season but may lose his place to the more experienced Brad Friedel.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is out with a back injury.

The Red Devils are also without Ryan Giggs (arm) and Anderson (knee), while Nani completes a three-game ban.

Aston Villa:

Injured: Harewood (foot), Reo-Coker (ankle)

Manchester United:

Suspended: Nani (one match)

Injured: Anderson & Hargreaves (knee), Ferdinand (back), Giggs (arm), O'Shea (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

The season's first major piece of silverware will be settled on Sunday, with Aston Villa looking to end a 14-year trophy drought against Carling Cup holders Manchester United.

The Red Devils may have lost only one of their last 26 games against Villa, but with that defeat coming at Old Trafford in December, the Villans should not lack self belief. However, they will have to stop in-form United striker Wayne Rooney, who is enjoying the most prolific season of his career.

This will be Villa's first trip down Wembley Way for a decade, since a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the last FA Cup final at the old stadium. Villa have become synonymous with the League Cup since winning the inaugural competition in 1961, and it is therefore fitting they return for the 50th final.

They have lifted the trophy five times, a tally second only to Liverpool, but the last of those wins came against Leeds in 1996. Since then there have been no significant additions to the trophy cabinet (it is unlikely the 2001 Intertoto Cup or last year's pre-season Peace Cup take pride of place at Villa Park).

This will be United's seventh game at Wembley since the stadium reopened, and so far it has not proved an altogether happy hunting ground - they have not won a game without the aid of penalty kicks.

Sir Alex Ferguson relied on fringe players up to the semi-finals before recalling senior stars such as Wayne Rooney to dispose of "noisy neighbours" Man City. The England star, who took his tally to 27 goals in midweek, has scored six of his last seven goals with his head. Before this season, he had managed just four headed goals in 316 club appearances.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Aston Villa's 1-0 win at Old Trafford in December was their first victory against United in 25 matches (in all competitions). As the sides drew 1-1 at Villa Park earlier this month, Villa have won only once in 26 games against the Red Devils.

• But the Villans have won their last three League Cup ties against the Red Devils (third-round wins in 1999 & 1992 plus the 1994 final).

Aston Villa

• This will be their eighth League Cup final. They have previously lifted the trophy five times, second only to Liverpool (seven times winners).

• Villa are unbeaten in 12 games (all competitions) since losing 1-0 to Liverpool on 29 December.

• They won the inaugural League Cup in 1961 (when they beat Rotherham 3-2 over two legs).

Manchester United

• The Red Devils will be taking part in their eighth final - they have won three (1992, 2006 and 2009) and lost four (1983, 1991, 1994 & 2003) of the previous seven.

• They have played at the new Wembley six times and have yet to win a game without the aid of a penalty shoot-out.

• In fact, since losing 1-0 to Chelsea in the 2007 FA Cup final, United's subsequent five games at Wembley have all been settled from 12 yards. United held their nerve to win the Community Shield in 2008 & 2009 plus last year's League Cup final but lost out to Everton in an FA Cup semi-final and to Chelsea in this season's Community Shield.

• Sir Alex Ferguson is pursuing the 32nd major trophy of his career (including those won in Scotland but not Community Shields or similar international honours). He is already the most decorated manger in English and Scottish history (surpassing Bill Struth, the Rangers manager from 1920-54, who won 30 major trophies in all).

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Phil Dowd

Assistant referees: Shaun Procter-Green & David Richardson

Fourth official: Lee Mason

LAST MEETING

Aston Villa 1-1 Man Utd (10 February 2010)

Aston Villa goalscorer: Cuellar 19

Man Utd goalscorer: Collins 23 (og)

From BBC

Injured Rio Ferdinand to miss England friendly

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:31:00 +0000

England captain Rio Ferdinand will miss next Wednesday's friendly against Egypt because of a back problem.

The Manchester United defender had already been ruled out of Sunday's Carling Cup final at Wembley against Aston Villa because of the same injury.

"He won't be fit for the England game but we don't think it is too serious," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is now favourite to wear the skipper's armband at Wembley.

Ferdinand, 31, had been expected to captain England following coach Fabio Capello's decision to remove John Terry from the role earlier this month amid allegations over the Chelsea defender's private life.

However, Ferdinand has a long-standing back complaint that kept him out for more than three months earlier this season.

Ferguson insisted that there was no reason to think the former West Ham star could not cope with the demands of a busy club and international schedule.

"I don't think we are at the stage where he should be concentrating on one part of his life in terms of international and domestic football," added Ferguson.

"That has never been any issue. I have never discussed it with him and I don't think he has ever thought about that himself."

Ferdinand had been set to play in Tuesday's Premier League game against West Ham after serving a four-match suspension, which followed his sending off against Hull City on 23 January - his first game after his three-month lay-off.

But he felt a "twinge in his back" during training, according to Ferguson, and was left out of the side, with United going on to win the game 3-0.

Ferguson praises League Cup rival

England's game against Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt is the final friendly before Capello names his provisional squad for this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Ferguson had said of Ferdinand before the match against the Hammers: "It is a blow for us because I was looking forward to having Ferdinand and Vidic back on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.

"You never know with back injuries and we have been through this before but we don't think it is too serious. I don't think he will be fit for the AC Milan game but I don't think it will be long afterwards. We think he could be back in two weeks."

From BBC

Manchester United's Anderson to miss season with injury

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:14:00 +0000

Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing a cruciate ligament against West Ham.

Ferguson explains Anderson's injury woe

The Brazilian was injured after 19 minutes of Tuesday's 3-0 win, his first game for over a month.

With the 21-year-old also set to miss the World Cup, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It is a bad blow."

Winger Ryan Giggs, however, could face AC Milan in next month's Champions League tie following an arm fracture.

The 36-year-old Welshman suffered the injury to his right arm on 10 February after colliding with Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell in the 1-1 draw at Villa Park.

The veteran Sports Personality of the Year winner was sidelined for four weeks and could now feature against former team-mate David Beckham in the second leg against the Italian giants at Old Trafford.

"Ryan still has the injury to the arm," said Ferguson. "But we are taking the plate out at the end of the week and he will be in full training after that, which is good news."

Ferguson revealed he had also been considering Anderson, an £18m signing from Porto in 2007, as a starter in the return leg with AC Milan at Old Trafford on 10 March, when Michael Carrick will be suspended.

But in only his 14th league appearance of this season, he was forced off the pitch in the first half of Tuesday's comfortable win over the Hammers and was replaced by Ji-Sung Park.

"It's bad news for him," Ferguson added. "He was looking forward to coming back and had been showing great energy and enthusiasm."

Following a scan on Wednesday, Anderson will head to Portugal in a fortnight for an operation to repair the ruptured cruciate ligament.

His latest injury setback comes a month after being stretchered off during United's Carling Cup win over Derby on 20 January.

"It is strange, when you see cruciate injuries it is usually something simple. He stretched out for the ball and his knee just popped," said Ferguson.

"We have assessed the situation and know he needs the operation. Sometimes we have sent them to Dr Steadman in Colorado. In this instance he is comfortable with the surgeon he has dealt with in Portugal in the past.

"He will be out for six months and hopefully that should have him about right for the new season."

It was also revealed on Friday that centre-half Rio Ferdinand will miss next week's England friendly against Egypt because of a back injury.

The new England captain had already been ruled out of Sunday's Carling Cup final at Wembley against Aston Villa because of the same injury.

From BBC

Man Utd 3 - 0 West Ham

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Wayne Rooney took his goal tally to 27 for the season as Manchester United saw off West Ham to move to within a point of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Rooney took his run of goals to 19 in his last 19 matches in a fine display

The in-form frontman opened the scoring with a firm header from Antonio Valencia's excellent volleyed cross.

And another Valencia cross was headed home by Rooney for the hosts' second, before substitute Michael Owen clipped a late third from Paul Scholes's pass.

West Ham battled bravely, but fell away in the face of Rooney's brilliance.

It was another sensational performance from the England forward, and one that rendered a Hammers display full of spirit, if lacking in final-third quality, pointless.

Still, the visitors need feel no shame in failing to find a way to stop Rooney at Old Trafford - they are by no means the first this season - and how national coach Fabio Capello will be hoping his key striker maintains this form up to and through the World Cup this summer.

The thought of where Manchester United would be this term without Rooney must at times send shivers down the spines of their fans, and once again the striker was the hosts' inspiration, his touch and movement first class, and his form in front of goal simply unstoppable.

It was he who almost single-handedly dragged the hosts out of a lacklustre opening to near domination as the game dragged to a close.

On the back of Saturday's defeat by Everton, and perhaps with half an eye on Sunday's Carling Cup final against Aston Villa, Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes, with the likes of Ben Foster, Anderson and Darron Gibson brought in from the cold.

However, the changes served only to produce a disjointed first-half display and, but for Rooney, West Ham may have taken advantage.

Playing on the counter, the visitors went close when Valon Behrami lashed wide after being played in by Alessandro Diamanti, while the Italian almost embarrassed Foster in the home goal when his deflected shot was parried down onto the goal line by the keeper.

At the other end, Valencia should have done better when his air-shot inside the box allowed a good chance to go awry in the opening 10 minutes, before Robert Green produced a smart double stop from the winger's shot and Dimitar Berbatov's flicked follow-up.

But as the game neared the break, the Hammers appeared more than comfortable - that is until Rooney's goal-scoring intervention.

It was a marvellous move. Berbatov collected Ji-Sung Park's pass and crossed for Valencia, who volleyed expertly into the six-yard area where the unmarked Rooney slammed home a header.

That lead was almost doubled seconds into the second half when Park rattled the crossbar from Valencia's low cross, and yet there was still a feeling that West Ham were in it if they could get the dangerous Carlton Cole and Diamanti on to the ball.

But the hosts effectively settled the game on 55 minutes, Valencia - a close rival for the man-of-the-match award - again the provider from the right for Rooney to head past the sprawling Green.

West Ham, on the back of two Premier League wins for the first time in nearly a year, refused to compromise their footballing approach and continued to probe at the Manchester United backline.

But with the returning Nemanja Vidic marshalling the defence brilliantly, clear-cut chances were very much at a premium for the Hammers.

And as it turned out it was another England striker who put the match firmly to bed in the 80th minute, Owen dashing on to Scholes's pin-point pass and chipping over Green's dive and into the net.

West Ham were aggrieved that play was not stopped in the build up to the goal with Mark Noble lying injured, but referee Alan Wiley was unmoved as Owen raced clear to fire into the corner.

There was still time for Scholes to fashion a chance for a fourth, only for the midfielder to blast high and wide from 16 yards out.

A fourth would have been harsh on the visitors, though, and West Ham will now look ahead to their potentially crucial six-pointer against relegation rivals Bolton at the weekend.

Ferguson, meanwhile, will comfort himself with the knowledge that while his side are looking to win the league cup for a fourth time in their history, they cannot fall any further than four points off the Premier League summit with 10 matches left in the campaign.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"We had to win and we did that. In the second half, especially, we played some really good football and it could have been more.

"But we're happy with the three points. Wayne Rooney was magnificent again. They were two excellent headers, although there was also some good play from Antonio Valencia.

"Now there will be changes on Sunday (for the cup final). I have done that all along in the competition and I will have to look at the situation to make sure we have a fresh team."

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:
"We played some good football and looked like we were in the game for most of the first half, but after that we did not play as well.

"Manchester United are a fantastic team and we could not live with them. We probably played them at the wrong time after their defeat on Saturday and, in Rooney, they have a player who turns everything to gold. He is one of the most complete strikers in the world.

"Now we look ahead to the game against Bolton, which is absolutely massive for us."

From BBC

Man Utd vs. West Ham

anhtuan9622@gmail.com (H.A.T.) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 04:04:00 +0000

Barclays Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Tuesday, 23 February 2010 Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live & local radio

TEAM NEWS

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is available for Tuesday's re-arranged league game against West Ham after completing a four-match ban.

Central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic is fit after a nerve problem, so the pair could start together for the first time since October.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has said he might make some changes to his side, despite back-to-back wins.

Benni McCarthy remains a doubt with the knee injury he suffered on his debut.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Brown, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Park, Anderson, Valencia, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Obertan, Gibson, Rooney, Owen, Berbatov, Diouf.

Suspended: Nani (two matches)

Injured: Giggs (arm), Hargreaves (knee), O'Shea (thigh)

West Ham (from): Green, Stech, Spector, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Da Costa, Daprela, Parker, Behrami, Kovac, Collison, Noble, Diamanti, Stanislas, Cole, Mido, Ilan, Franco, McCarthy.

Doubtful: McCarthy (knee)

Injured: Boa Morte, Hines & Ilunga (all knee), Davenport (leg), Dyer & Gabbidon (both hamstring)

MATCH PREVIEW

Following the weekend wake-up call at Everton, Manchester United can ill afford another lethargic performance on their return to the Theatre of Dreams.

It is a collector's item when Sir Alex Ferguson admits to being well beaten, as he did on Saturday.

Ferguson might be thankful that this game has been brought forward, due to United's Wembley date in the Carling Cup final on Sunday. Tuesday's re-arranged fixture gives Ferguson's side the chance to put pressure on leaders Chelsea by narrowing the gap at the top to a point.

Visitors West Ham have not won away since the opening day of the season but they enjoyed their biggest win under Gianfranco Zola at home to Hull on Saturday, clinching back-to-back league victories for the first time since March 2009.

It is also that long ago since Manchester United lost successive league games. Suffering a similar fate on Tuesday is the nightmare scenario for the defending champions.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Manchester United have won their last four matches against West Ham, who had triumphed in the previous three.

Manchester United

• United suffered their first league defeat in nine games at Everton on Saturday. It was the first time they have lost after taking the lead.

• They have not suffered back-to-back league defeats since March last year, when they lost to Liverpool and Fulham.

• United are the league's joint leading scorers with 63 goals.

• Wayne Rooney has scored in each of the last five league games at Old Trafford, totalling eight goals.

West Ham

• The Hammers have gone 12 games without an away win since their 2-0 victory at Wolves on the opening day of the season.

• They are vying to keep three successive clean sheets for the first time since March.

• They have only earned one point after conceding the first goal this season, losing 10 times and drawing once. They last came from behind to win a league match in December 2008, beating Stoke 2-1.

LEADING GOALSCORERS

Manchester United

Rooney: 25 goals (21 league); Berbatov: 9 goals (9 league)

West Ham

Cole: 9 goals (9 league); Diamanti: 7 goals (6 league)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Alan Wiley

Assistant referees: Andy Garratt & Dave Bryan

Fourth official: Kevin Friend

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS

Man Utd (L1-3 v Everton, a): Van der Sar; Neville, Brown, Evans, Evra, Valencia (Owen 81), Fletcher, Carrick, Park (Obertan 66), Rooney, Berbatov (Scholes 66). Subs not used: Foster, Vidic, Rafael, Gibson.

West Ham (W3-0 v Hull, h): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Behrami, Parker, Kovac, Diamanti (Collison 85), Franco (Ilan 63), Cole (Mido 79). Subs not used: Stech, Noble, Da Costa, Stanislas.

MOST RECENT MEETING

West Ham 0-4 Man Utd (5 December 2009)

Manchester United scorers: Scholes 45, Gibson 61, Valencia 71, Rooney 72

From BBC