Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[sammyboy101]

Originally Posted by virginlovers

who might be a better reserve keeper?
kuzscak seems competent enough.

what they really need is a right back n a left back who can switch to central defence where possible.
phillip lahm is good.


IMHO

kuzscak's clearance SUCK man..lol..plus he can't clear the ball properly with his left leg i think..

dey need a striker!! if 1 day ronaldo is out injured man utd = only haf rooney = draw or lose..tevez oso on n off..how i wish berba can just leave tottenham already n join man utd..been hopin for that since the end of season transfer window last year..lol..

[alex18122003]

Ronaldo: No need to rest me


Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said he does not need a rest as he looks to continue his red-hot form for the Red Devils.The Portuguese winger scored his first hat-trick for the club in Saturday's 6-0 win over Newcastle to take his tally for the campaign to 22 goals.

This time last season, though, Ronaldo was enjoying the Dubai sunshine after being given a mid-term break by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the reigning Footballer of the Year has no intention of putting his feet up this month as he aims to maintain his scoring streak.

Ronaldo said in the Daily Mirror: "This time last season the boss gave me a break for four or five days.

"But people who know me will know that all I want to do is play. I just want to play, score goals, make assists and do good things for the team.

"I'm enjoying staying here in Manchester. There isn't much sun at the moment, but it's not a problem. The weather is not the most important thing.

"I had a great season in 2007 and played really well. I scored a lot of goals, made a few goals and it was a wonderful season for me.

"But this season I'm at the same level. I've scored quite a few goals, played at a good level and the important thing is to keep going like that. I want to learn more and play more.

"I want to score as many goals as I can. I have many opportunities to score because my team-mates make good passes and because there are so many games, not just the Premier League but Champions League and FA Cup."

[alex18122003]

Manchester United came from behind to beat Tottenham 3-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup as Michael Dawson saw red for the visitors.

Dawson's dismissal was the key moment in the match, as the same incident led to the penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo that put United in front 21 minutes from time.

Robbie Keane had put Spurs in front mid-way through the first-half but Carlos Tevez restored parity before the break.

Ronaldo then sealed the win two minutes before the end as Radek Cerny let the winger's low drive slip under his body for a soft third.

At 1-1, Spurs had chances to get back in front, but then Dawson let Wayne Rooney slip in behind him after a booming clearance from Edwin Van der Sar.

Rooney took the ball down superbly but just before he could shoot, Dawson's hand came out to bat the ball away. Referee Peter Walton spotted the infringement, sent the centre-half off, and then Ronaldo calmly put the spot kick away.

Tottenham took the lead with a finely crafted goal in the 24th minute. Aaron Lennon did superbly to trick his way past Patrice Evra and then he side footed home a low cross across the six-yard area. Keane was then there to tap in after superbly peeling off Rio Ferdinand, although Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious with his team's marking for the goal.

United were level seven minutes from time when Dawson could only head Rooney's long ball up into the air. Ryan Giggs then shielded the ball from Lee Young-pyo and Tevez was able to rush in and sweep home.

United had most of the play in the opening period but struggled to created anything and it was actually Spurs who had the better chances, with Rooney having to head off the line after a Dimitar Berbatov header early on and then, just before the break, Jenas broke away from midfield and Edwin Van der Sar had to get down quickly to make an excellent save.

After the break Jenas again broke free but this time scuffed his attempt and at the other end Ronaldo fired into the side-netting after he finally got in behind the previously outstanding Jamie O'Hara.

However, the Portuguese man would have his moments before the end as he slotted home the penalty and then helped himself to a fortuitous second before the end.

Spurs were unlucky not to get anything from the game though, and indeed nearly levelled at 2-2 five minutes from time when Wayne Brown deflected a Berbatov cross onto his own post while under pressure from Berbatov

[me|zuo]

Originally Posted by alex18122003

Spurs were unlucky not to get anything from the game though, and indeed nearly levelled at 2-2 five minutes from time when Wayne Brown deflected a Berbatov cross onto his own post while under pressure from Berbatov

who is that??

Originally Posted by yinyang

"We are sure that City fans will unite with us and share in the occasion with us."

Sadly, there are a hard core of ManC fans who will not respect the occasion. I think that instead of a minute's silence, a minute's hand clap would have been a much better tribute to the memory of those players (and staff, media reps) that perished in Munich 50 years ago. It would also remove the opportunity for the bad element to spoil the occasion.

[dc7176]

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth: Ronaldo dazzles againPA

Cristiano Ronaldo steered Manchester United back to the top of the table with his second brace in the space of three days as they beat Portsmouth 2-0.




Cristiano Ronaldo booms in a free-kick to score his second goal at Old Trafford.

After dismantling Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, he showed similar panache against Pompey.

Ronaldo's two goals took his tally to 27 - and the campaign still has a way to run.

The Portugal winger looks intent on winning a second successive championship single-handedly.

However United are much more than a one-man team and with Paul Scholes back to full fitness they have plenty of impressive options.

• Fergie: Best free kick I've seen

With England manager Fabio Capello looking on they took the game by the scruff of the neck inside the first quarter.

United made the breakthrough in the 10th minute after an incisive break which dismantled Portsmouth - and the visitors never recovered.

Nani showed superb vision to pick out Ronaldo and he took full advantage with a cool finish.

That put United firmly in the driving seat early in the match.

It did not take Ronaldo long to add to his tally, either, with James stranded as a magnificent 25-yard free-kick whistled past his left shoulder in the 13th minute.

Such was the sweetness of the strike even the visiting fans must have felt like applauding.

Ronaldo then turned provider in the 20th minute when he set up Rooney but his chip was cleanly taken by James.

Ronaldo almost scored from an identical free-kick four minutes later, only for James to deflect his effort to safety before Brown thumped a close range shot over the bar.

United kept up the pace and Patrice Evra strode forward in the 27th minute but James made a good parry.

Portsmouth again found themselves on the back foot four minutes later when Scholes picked out Ronaldo with a good through-ball.

However Glen Johnson read the situation well and made a timely interception.

Rooney should then have made it 3-0 to United but contrived to miskick in front of goal.

Such was United's dominance at this stage he could afford a wry smile at fluffing the chance.

Scholes looked as though he had never been away by spraying some precise passes around the pitch.

Nani then went close in the 42nd minute after cutting inside, only to see his effort go wide of the target.

United started the second half where they had left off and James did well to push away a header from Rio Ferdinand in the 51st minute following a corner from Nani.

Rooney was wasteful in the 55th minute when he intercepted a sloppy back pass from Sol Campbell - the United striker lofted the ball up in the air but did not put enough weight on it and James was able to make the save.

Nani was looking lively and tried to release Rooney three minutes later but he had strayed offside.

Portsmouth were having a little more more possession at this stage but were finding United difficult to break down.

Ronaldo should have completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute but scuffed his effort wide after Rooney had won the ball off Campbell.

Rooney was putting in a hard shift and cut inside three minutes later, only send a shot into James' arms.

Nani almost got his reward for a promising display in the 72nd minute but James stood up and made the block.

The Portuguese winger was intent on seeing his name on the scoresheet but rattled a shot over the bar in the 82nd minute.

Then substitutes Carlos Tevez and Anderson both went close as United regained their place at the top of the table ahead of Arsenal.

Fergie: Best free kick I've seen

Sir Alex Ferguson described Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick as 'the best I've seen in the Premier League' after the Portuguese's double.

Ferguson told Sky Sports 2: 'David Beckham's strike rate was pretty good, Eric Cantona used to take them too but Ronaldo's strike rate is phenomenal.

'That without doubt must be the best (I've seen in the Premier League).

'From that distance he is going to hit them. No keeper in the world would save that.

'The boy practices. It's a delight to see, terrific.' Ferguson also hailed his side's performance but was flabbergasted they had not managed to score more than two goals.

'I think it was a fantastic performance - one of the best this season,' he said.

'I can't believe it was only two. We missed a few chances, but at the end of the day you've got to think about the performance.

'We wanted to get back (to the top) - because it's a tricky part of the season now, with cup ties and European ties.'

Ronaldo admitted the free-kick was up there with his favourite goals. managed to score more than two goals.

'I've seen the replay and it is difficult. Maybe it's the best, maybe, I don't know.

Asked about his technique, he added: 'This is my style. I feel great, so when I shoot like that, sometimes it is a goal, sometimes not. managed to score more than two goals.

'I'm very happy and proud to help my team.'




Goals

First Goal for Manchester United by Ronaldo 9

Second Goal for Manchester United by Ronaldo from a wonderful Free kick 12

[machoman]

Originally Posted by dc7176

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth: Ronaldo dazzles againPA



Goals

First Goal for Manchester United by Ronaldo 9

Second Goal for Manchester United by Ronaldo from a wonderful Free kick 12

Thanks for posting the above article & video clips, bro dc7176.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by dc7176

Man Utd 2-0 Portsmouth: Ronaldo dazzles againPA

Second Goal for Manchester United by Ronaldo from a wonderful Free kick 12

with no 'live' telecast this morning, it's so good to be able to see the superbly taken free kick by ronaldo here.
thanks bro dc7176!
onwards united!

[yinyang]

Top clubs consider overseas games

The English Premier League is considering the idea of staging some matches around the rest of the world. At a meeting in London on Thursday, all 20 clubs agreed to explore a proposal to extend the season to 39 games.

Those 10 extra games would be played at five different venues, with cities bidding for the right to stage them.

It is understood the additional fixtures could be determined by a draw but that the top-five teams could be seeded to avoid playing each other.

Premier League's overseas plan explained

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore told BBC Sport: "I think it's an idea whose time has come. It's an exciting prospect.

We believe that an 'international round' of matches will enhance the strength of the Barclays Premier League as a competition

"It's an extra game, it's is not taking anybody's game away, and it includes all 20 clubs which is very important. All 20 clubs will benefit and there is a huge element of solidarity about it.

"When the league does well, other people in the football family do well in terms of redistribution. We feel it is a very positive thing.

"You can't stand still and if we don't do this then somebody else is going to do it, whether it be football or another sport. Therefore it's trying to ride the crest of that wave at the same as protecting what is good and great about what we do.

"Every time there is an evolutionary step, the reaction of the fans is not always great but I would ask them to take a step back and look at the positives."

The Football Association has given its provisional support to the plans.

"We understand the reasons for this proposals and the benefits it can bring to English football as a whole," said an FA source.

A final decision on the proposals will not be made until January 2009.

The main aspects of the plans are:

An additional round of Premier League fixtures, extending the season to 39 games, from January 2011

Four clubs to travel to one of five host cities, with two games taking place in each venue over a weekend

Cities would bid for the right to become a host, not for individual matches

Points earned from the games would count towards the final Premier League table

Scudamore added that "there is much more detail to follow which we will work on over the next 12 months".

Cities in Asia, Middle East and North America are likely to show a strong interest in hosting the extra games.

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose says the Premier League's decision to explore such a move is a "logical" one.

"The growth of the Premier League has been impressive in the last 15 years thanks to the sale of television rights in this country," he said.

"But now the market in the United Kingdom is becoming saturated and it is the overseas market which is now the big target area."

This is a chance for the Premier League to showcase its product around the world

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose

The Premier League's income from the sale of overseas TV rights has already increased from £178m in 2001 to £625m for the current deal that runs until 2010.

Broadcaster NowTV paid around £100m for the rights to Hong Kong alone.

Premier League games are broadcast to over 600m homes in 202 countries worldwide, while an estimated 1bn people watched the Premier League game between Arsenal and Manchester United in November 2007.

A number of top-flight clubs already play matches around the world as they seek to capitalise on the huge global interest in the English game.

Manchester United are regular visitors to Asia, Middle East and America while other clubs are beginning to follow their lead.

"This is a chance for the Premier League to showcase its product around the world," added Bose.

"Some fans may feel aggrieved, but their concerns will be outweighed in the eyes of the clubs by the financial advantages.

"The clubs will see this as a chance to make more money so they can invest in new facilities and better players."

There is also likely to be a big scramble for the right to host the extra games.


Man Utd make regular visits to Asia and are proving a big hit in China

"It will be like cities bidding for the Olympic Games or the World Cup," explained Bose.

The Premier League's proposal mirrors moves in other sports, notably American Football.

Miami Dolphins and New York Giants met at Wembley in October, the first competitive NFL game outside the Americas.

"Globalisation is a challenge for all sports because the whole world seems to be interested in the very best of sport wherever it comes from," added Scudamore.

"Through modern media exposure there is a globalisation and we need to do something to make sure we are at the forefront of that and making sure we turn that into positive benefits for the game at all levels in this country."

Scudamore also defended the claim that taking away the principle of teams playing each other twice, home and away, removes the league's fairness.

"There is a perfect symmetry to our league but that is not the same thing as saying it is fair," he said.

"The clubs will know in advance what the rules are, there will be a draw and these matches will not be anyone's home or away games.

"There are a lot of things that will be done to make it as fair as you can make it. This is not a challenge to the integrity of the competition."

[machoman]

Ferguson: Title race still on

Sir Alex Ferguson says there is plenty of life left in the Barclays Premier League title race.
Ferguson says Manchester United are not out of the title race
"It's going to be a really good, tight finish"
- Sir Alex Ferguson

Reigning champions United's defeat to local rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday and Arsenal's subsequent victory over Blackburn Rovers have left Arsene Wenger's team in pole position with a dozen games remaining.

United have slipped five points off leaders Arsenal and the Red Devils face the Gunners and third placed Chelsea within a fortnight in April.

"It was an important weekend for Arsenal in that ourselves and Chelsea dropped points," United manager Ferguson said.

"But points will be dropped by the top teams. There is a long way to go and it makes it interesting now. It's going to be a really good, tight finish.

"It's something the neutrals will all be enthralled by. We know the job we've got to do. Arsenal still have to come to Old Trafford and they have got to go to Chelsea. It's like I said at the start of the season - I think it will go to the wire."

[dom01]

Man Utd 4-0 Arsenal: Abject Gunners thumped

Manchester United may be lying in Arsenal's slipstream at the top of the table but they gained the high ground in the FA Cup following a 4-0 win at Old Trafford.
Two goals from Darren Fletcher and one each from Wayne Rooney secured their place in the quarter-final.

Arsenal's cause was not helped, however, by Emmanuel Eboue's sending off in the 49th minute.

Both United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger made five changes with vital Champions League matches ahead next week.

It was Ferguson, however, who was left smiling after this rout of their title rivals.

United made a blistering start and it was no surprise they made the breakthrough in the 16th minute following a corner from Nani.

Anderson flicked the ball on and Rooney headed it beyond Jens Lehmann for his 11th goal of the season.

Three minutes later United made it 2-0 after good work by Nani on the left.

The Portuguese player chipped the ball into the area and Fletcher marked his first start in two months by heading home, although his effort seemed to take took a deflection off William Gallas.

It was all United at this stage with Arsenal looking lethargic and out of sorts.

Nani and Anderson were showing good skill while Rooney was bright after missing the derby defeat by Manchester City at the weekend after suspension.

He latched on to a pass from Patrice Evra in the 32nd minute, only to clip his effort wide of the post.

Fletcher then picked out Rooney two minutes later but he failed to test Lehmann from inside the penalty area.

However Wenger must have been alarmed at the amount of room the England striker was being given by the Gunners' defence.

United made it 3-0 in the 38th minute following a pinpoint pass from Michael Carrick from deep.

Nani was alert and skipped goal-side of Justin Hoyte to score with a low drive into the corner.

United started the second half where they had left off with Rooney testing Lehmann in the 47th minute.

A minute later the Arsenal goalkeeper had to look alert as a free-kick from Rooney spun off Fletcher.

Arsenal's problems increased in the 49th minute when they were reduced to 10 men.

Eboue was dismissed by referee Alan Wiley after a clumsy challenge left Evra on the floor.

Eboue refused to believe it and questioned the decision before being led away down the touchline.

United were spraying the ball around, particularly Carrick, and Arsenal were being constantly stretched.

Evra then picked out Nani inside the six-yard box after 58 minutes but his effort was safely taken by Lehmann.

While Lehmann was being kept busy, his opposite number Edwin van der Sar was having little to do.

Rooney could have extended United's lead in the space of a couple of minutes but each time his finish was wasteful.

Arsenal launched a rare counter-attack in the 64th minute but substitute Eduardo da Silva headed over the top following a cross from Cesc Fabregas.

Anderson then found himself in acres of space, only to toe-poke his effort wide of the target.

Rooney came off after 68 minutes and was applauded by England boss Fabio Capello.

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor was introduced in the 71st minute but three minutes later United made it 4-0.

Fletcher scored his second goal of the game with a header at the far post following a cross from the irrepressible Nani.

Adebayor joined Eduardo and Gilberto in the book soon after with United well on top and Nani beginning to showboat - much to the delight of the home fans.

However he took exception to the way he was being marked and squared up to Gallas.

United could have added to their tally but this was a super show nonetheless which secured their place in the last eight.



Fergie: We're back on song


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson felt the FA Cup drubbing of Arsenal was the perfect response to last week's Manchester derby defeat.
Ferguson told MUTV: 'It was a really fantastic performance. The players looked great. They showed tenacity and the passing was terrific.

'They were so disappointed with themselves (after losing 2-1 to Manchester City) on a really important day. I think all the emotions of the week probably caught up with them.

'But today they've made amends for that with a marvellous performance.'

United ran the midfield, and Ferguson reserved particular praise for Fletcher, who has had little opportunity to shine this season.

'Darren Fletcher is one of these players who always plays well against Arsenal,' he added on his club's TV station.

'I think he's had two man of the matches in semi-finals. Sometimes it's horses for courses and I think it was Darren's day.

'We decided to play three in the middle of the park to control things, which we did very well.

'Some of the passing was very good and the running off the ball was very good. It was a great performance by us.'

Arsenal's cause was not helped by the sending-off of Emmanuel Eboue early in the second half for a high challenge on Nani.

But Ferguson felt Gunners defender William Gallas should also have seen red.

'I thought Gallas should have been sent off,' the United boss said.

'The referee must have a look at that again. He kicked Nani from behind and the referee called both over because they sized up to each other. He should have been red-carded.'

Arsenal seemed unhappy with Nani's apparent show-boating, and Ferguson admitted the Portuguese winger's tricks were somewhat unnecessary.

The Scot explained: 'I agree, I think he shouldn't be doing that, he doesn't need to do that.

'In some ways it shows a great deal of courage to do what he did, that's one side of it, but you don't need to do that.'

Arsenal have a five-point lead in the Barclays Premier League title race, but Ferguson hopes today's result could prove the turning point.

'I hope so, I really do,' he added. 'Who knows? You never know what position both clubs are going to be in but it's certainly whetted our appetite for future games.'

The result was achieved without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Ferguson revealed Ronaldo had a stomach upset while Giggs and Scholes were rested ahead of the Champions League meeting with Lyon on Wednesday.

[dom01]

United offer trial to Mpoklu
Manchester United are the latest club linked with 15-year-old defender Paul Jose Mpoklu, who has also attracted the interest of Tottenham

The Congolese, from Belgian club Standard Liege, has already had a trial with Spurs, who are keen to sign him when he turns 16.

But now United have offered a trial to the highly-regarded youngster, who has a Belgian passport, and want to snap him up before he signs any formal deal with Liege.

Speaking of the situation, Mpoklu told the Daily Mirror: "I will have to wait a few months before I make a decision.

"Now I have Manchester United to think about too but I did enjoy London and went to the Tottenham-Wigan game and it was fantastic."

Mpoklu is the cousin of Porto defender Jose Bosingwa and gets advice from him.

"I have spoken a lot with my cousin and he gives me good advice," he said, adding: "I love English football, they have great players and the atmosphere in stadiums is amazing."

[dom01]

Wes craving Euro tie with Lyon

Manchester United cannot wait for the Champions League to resume next week, according to defender Wes Brown

Sir Alex Ferguson's side face Lyon in the first leg of the last 16 in France on Wednesday night.

With this being the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash, United would love nothing better than to lift the trophy as a tribute to the 23 people who died, including eight of their players.

Certainly, their form in the group stages could hardly have been better as they look to emulate the class of 1999.

They managed to get their hands on the trophy with a nailbiting victory against Bayern Munich.

United won their group this season at a canter, recording five straight victories against Sporting Lisbon, Dynamo Kiev and Roma.

Then they had to settle for a point against Roma in December when qualification was already assured.

Two months on and England right-back Brown is anxious for the side to progress to the next phase.

He said: "We have all been looking forward to the Champions League starting again as we enjoy being in all competitions.

"We have played Lyon in the past and every time it has been difficult there.

"Perhaps they are not as strong as in previous years but they can punish you just the same.

"We are happy to be in the competition and want to progress to the next stage."

Lyon recovered from losing their first two group games to pick up 10 points from four matches, including a decisive 3-0 victory against Rangers at Ibrox.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased the second leg is Old Trafford on March 4.

He said: "It's maybe the hardest of the five (possible draws) we could have got.

"Lyon have won their league for the last six seasons in a row - that's an incredible record.

"They've lost some players over the last few years but they're always capable of producing new ones.

"It's important to come back from France with a good result. Then our fans, with Old Trafford at its loudest, can help us go through."

United have registered an additional three youngsters for the competition - striker Daniel Welbeck (17), defender Craig Cathcart (19) and midfielder Rodrigo Possebon (19).

Possebon, who was recruited from Brazil's Sport Club Internacional, made his debut for the reserves in midweek.

Former United star Paddy Crerand was impressed by the rookie's performance.

"I'm looking forward to seeing an awful lot more of this boy," Crerand told MUTV. "He was fantastic.

"He can use both feet, he's very calm on the ball and his passing is very, good. He's a big lad too, so he's strong and can hold off players.

"Players like Paul Scholes are always looking around and know exactly where they want to play the ball before it even comes to them.

"This kid looks as if he could be that kind of player."

[dom01]

Nike : Who is the Fastest?

Please check this out...

[stevie.tan]

Well done MU!