Manchester United are a step closer to a spot in the UEFA Champions League final, for the second consecutive time, following a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Gunners have no reason to complain, having conceded only one goal.
United dominated from the start and it did not take long for the first opportunities to arise in front of Manuel Almunia's goal. However, the Spanish keeper was in top shape and blocked several powerful efforts.
But the home side did take the lead on 17 minutes. Michael Carrick sent in a low pass from the left and John O'Shea fired it in the roof of the goal. Almunia did get his hands to it but couldn't sufficiently deflect the shot.
Cristiano Ronaldo almost got a second on 69 minutes but the Portuguese forward hit the crossbar from about 25 meters.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men, with freshly crowned Players' Player of the Year Ryan Giggs starting on the bench, were dominant in all ways and if they have any reason to criticize their performance, it would be based on the fact that more goals should have been scored in this game.
The second leg will be played at London's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5th.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
United v Arsenal - UCL SF - Preview
It is a match that millions of people are waiting for not only in England but also in the whole world. I know from my previous experience that tomorrow, millions of people in Asia, Africa, Australia and even in USA will keep their eyes on this match of Manchester United vs Arsenal UEFA Champions League Semifinal. It is the first leg and it will take place in the stadium of Man U. So, they are home team and hot favorite to win the first leg. However, you cannot count out the Gunners at all because we have seen some fighting sprit and resurgence of form in London in the last few weeks. First, I want to talk about Alex Ferguson’s team because they are home team. On Saturday, they played against Tottenham in an EPL clash and in half time, Tottenham took 2-0 lead. Then in second half, Ronaldo and his teammates scored 5 superb goals to win the match by 5-2. Can you believe it?
Competition: Uefa Champions League 2008-09 Semi-final (first leg)
Fixture: Manchester United vs Arsenal
Date: 29 April 2009 (Wednesday)
Kick Off time: 1945 UK 0015IST(Thurs)
Stadium: Old Trafford
Channel: TEN SPORTS
Yes, it is difficult to believe unless you watched the match. This is the thing that has amazed everyone and it happened more than once this season. Alex Ferguson is happy to see that his club is in the top of the football world at this moment. They have already won the carling cup. They are in course to win the title of English Premier League and UEFA Champions League is also just 3 matches away.
Well, after saying so many good words about Man Utd, it is difficult to say similar thing about Arsenal this season. They are already of hope of every title in this season except the Champions League. This is the only thing to play for the Gunners at this moment. The next best thing that they can hope for is perhaps 3rd position in EPL which most probably would not happen. So, tomorrow nigh can be a decisive night for them.
Arsene Wenger is also in happy and confident mood after seeing his team performed in an excellent manner in the last two matches. They drew with Liverpool in Liverpool last week by 4-4 and although Liverpool played well Arsenal never gave up. Then yesterday, they totally dominated against Middlesbrough and it was the match of Cese Fabregas. Fabregas is back on top form and he scored both the two goals of the match.
The good thing for Man Utd is that there is no major injury at this moment. Gary Neville will not be there but I believe that they have enough quality players in the defense. For Ryan Giggs, it will be an special match. If he plays then it will be his 800th appearance for Ryan Giggs for Manchester United. They will go in the match with some impressive records in their mind. They have not lost any match in Champions League in the last 23 matches. Secondly, they are unbeaten at Old Trafford for 20 matches in CL. This is a record to be proud of. It will be Cristiano Ronaldo who have something to cheer about because it will be his 5oth Champions League match. So, naturally, he will want to make it memorable by scoring a goal or two. Rooney is in good form too. Tevez and Berbetov are doing well. So, there is less worry for United in tomorrow’s match. They will entertain Arsenal with full confidence. The fans at Old Trafford from the first minute will start discussing what will be the score line 2-0, 3-0 or 4-0.
Arsenal has some stats to remember too. They have never lost in any match whenever they played in the semifinal level in any competition in Europe. It means that each time they played in the semifinal, they reached to the final in Europe. This is something to cheer about surely. This should give some confidence to all the players.
Injury is a big problem for Arsene Wenger. There is doubt about Mikael Silvestre. Robin van Persie and Left back Gael Clichy are still injured and most probably will not be available tomorrow. Arsene Wenger is delighted to see his main weapon Cese Fabregas in superb form in right time. Samir Nasri is also a good player. However, the fans will surely miss Arshevin. So, the striking position looks weak for the Gunners. Well, Arsene Wenger is surely hoping that Cese Fabregas can provide some kind of magic.
After going through the players, my feeling that Manchester United is the host favorite in the match. It will be either a draw or a win for them. I don’t see any prospect of the Gunners getting 3 points in this match. What about you?
Ryan Giggs - Profile
1973: Born Ryan Joseph Wilson on November 29 in Cardiff.
1990: Signs as a trainee with Manchester United in July and then as a professional at the start of December.
1991: Adopts mother's maiden name and becomes Ryan Giggs.
March - Makes United debut aged 17 as a substitute against Everton. Two months later he scores the winner against Manchester City at Old Trafford on his full debut.
October - Becomes the youngest footballer to represent Wales when he plays against Germany in Nuremberg aged 17 years and 322 days.
November - Wins his first piece of silverware with United as the Reds beat Red Star Belgrade to lift the UEFA Super Cup.
1992: Helps United lift League Cup and that season is voted PFA Young Player of the Year.
1993: Becomes first player to be named PFA Young Player of the Year twice.
Member of United side which ends the club's 26-year wait to win the league title.
1994: Helps United win the Premier League and FA Cup double for the first time in the club's history.
1996: Helps the Reds win the double for a second time.
1997: Wins a third league title in four years and in October scores a memorable goal in their 3-2 Champions League victory over Juventus at Old Trafford.
1998: Injures his hamstring in February and is out for six weeks as United finish the season empty-handed.
1999: Scores stunning winner in United's epic FA Cup semi-final replay victory over Arsenal at Villa Park in April. Helps the Reds complete an historic treble of European Cup, Premier League and FA Cup.
2000: Wins his sixth Premier League winners' medal in eight years.
2001: Collects his seventh league championship and 12th major honour in total.
July - Signs a new five-year contact worth around £50,000 a week. Sent off for the first time in his career for two bookable offences as Wales crash 3-2 in Norway.
2002: April: Describes United's Champions League semi-final defeat by Bayer Leverkusen as the "low point" of his career. United finish third in Premier League.
August 23: Nets 100th goal for United in all competitions with the team's second goal in league game at Chelsea.
2003: May - United are crowned champions again.
September - Giggs, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, charged with improper conduct by the Football Association following his involvement in confrontations with Arsenal players after a goalless draw at Old Trafford.
November - Giggs elbows Russia's Vadim Evseev in Euro 2004 play-off in Moscow, prompting the Russian football association to call for an immediate ban.
December - Giggs fined £7,500 and warned as to his future conduct at an FA disciplinary hearing into Old Trafford fracas. Then suspended for two matches for Evseev incident.
2004: May - United finish third in the table but Giggs lines up in the 3-0 FA Cup final victory over Millwall.
2005: May - Signs two-year contract extension, taking him through to June 2007: February - Scores the only goal as United defeat Lille in the Champions League last-16 first leg, curling home a quickly-taken free-kick as home goalkeeper Tony Sylva lined up his wall. The French side appeared to briefly contemplate a walk-off in protest and later appealed to UEFA claiming the goal should not have stood.
May 6 - Wins ninth Premier League title with Manchester United.
May 30 - Announces retirement from international football.
October 16 - Signs new contract until end of June 2009.
2008: May 11 - Equals Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record for the club when he plays his 758th game against Wigan.
May 21 - Breaks Sir Bobby Charlton's record after coming on as a substitute - and scoring a penalty in the dramatic shoot-out - as Manchester United beat Chelsea in the Champions League final.
2009: February 12 - Signs new deal with United, committing him to the club until June 2010.
April 26 - Voted Professional Footballers' Association player of the year.
Giggsy - PFA Player Of the Year
Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year for the first time in his glittering career.
The 35-year-old had picked up the young player award twice - this year's junior gong went to Aston Villa's Ashley Young - and has now been voted for the top accolade by his fellow professionals following his exemplary season, which looks likely to end with his 11th Premier League title.
''It's right up there, with personal accolades it's the best to have as it's voted by your fellow players,'' Giggs said.
''I've been fortunate to win a lot of trophies, I won the young player award twice, but this is the big one.''
Giggs has only started 12 league games this season but has been a regular in the squad for all competitions, with the award acknowledging the respect he has from opponents.
If he plays against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg this week, it will be his 800th appearance for United, although the landmark is not as important to him as adding to his trophy haul.
''It's an exciting season,'' he said. ''I think it is going to go right to the wire, there's big game after big game now. That is what you want and need at a club like Manchester United.''
Giggs paid tribute to his manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, and also suggested he may play on beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next season.
''The manager has been massive in my career from when I first met him when I was 13,'' Giggs said.
''That's over 20 years and he knows me better than anyone and our relationship has been brilliant and just gets better.
''I've been so fortunate to have such a great career in so many great teams, it's not even worth thinking about what it would have been like without the manager.''
The Welshman has started taking his coaching badges, which may be a hint at the future, but he added: ''As long as I'm getting picked, enjoying it and injury-free, I'll carry on as long as I can. At 35 you can't look too far into the distance, you just can't.''
Aston Villa winger Young picked up the Young Player of the Year award and believes it is a sign of the progress his club have made this season.
''It's a massive achievement for the club and my team-mates around me,'' Young said. ''It's a great honour and I'm delighted.''
John McDermott, the former Grimsby player who spent 20 years at the club, was given the Merit award for his services to the game.
''I thought it was one of the lads winding me up, a real shock,'' he said. ''To still be recognised, I was flattered and honoured.''
Saturday, April 25, 2009
United 5-2 Tottenham !!
Manchester United scored five goals in 22 second-half minutes to surge back from 2-0 down and beat visitors Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 in the Premier League on Saturday.
After Liverpool had earlier won 3-1 at Hull City to move top on goal difference, United's grip on the title was looking shaky as they trailed to goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric with almost an hour gone at Old Trafford.
However, they were given a way back into the match by a harsh penalty decision after Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes dived at the feet of Michael Carrick, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to score from the spot after 57 minutes.
Tottenham then fell apart as Wayne Rooney equalised in the 67th minute, Ronaldo headed United ahead a minute later and Rooney got the fourth while the crowd were still drawing breath.
Former Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov got in on the act with a goal 11 minutes from time to take United back to the top, three points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur-Preview
Gary Neville has been ruled out for a fortnight by Sir Alex Ferguson after injuring his foot against Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Wednesday. It means he will miss both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal and also the Premier League games against Tottenham tomorrow and Middlesbrough on 2 May.
However, John O’Shea is fit after injuring his ankle against Portsmouth and could be part of a United squad to face Spurs that also includes Wes Brown, who has come through two reserve outings this week without a reaction. Ryan Giggs will make his 800th appearance if he gets on the field.
Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, R da Silva, O’Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney.
However, John O’Shea is fit after injuring his ankle against Portsmouth and could be part of a United squad to face Spurs that also includes Wes Brown, who has come through two reserve outings this week without a reaction. Ryan Giggs will make his 800th appearance if he gets on the field.
Squad: Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, R da Silva, O’Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Berbatov, Rooney.
Fixture: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time: 17.30 UK 22.00 IST
Date: 25.4.09
Channel: STAR SPORTS India
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time: 17.30 UK 22.00 IST
Date: 25.4.09
Channel: STAR SPORTS India
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
United 2-0 Portsmouth
Paul Scholes marked his 600th Manchester United appearance in trademark fashion, supplying the killer through ball that could eventually seal an 18th league championship for the Red Devils.
Chelsea's failure to beat Everton at Stamford Bridge leaves Liverpool as United's only realistic title rivals. And goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick mean Alex Ferguson's men are now three points clear of their north-west rivals, with a game in hand.
It would be Scholes' ninth title medal. He deserves it for the sublime defence-splitting pass that set up Carrick seven minutes from time after United had failed to capitalise on Rooney's early opener.
Unusually for Scholes, until his telling late intervention he was fairly subdued as he joined Bill Foulkes, Sir Bobby Charlton and long-time team-mate Giggs in United's exclusive 600 club.
In fact, it was midfield partner Anderson and evergreen Giggs - who has now turned out an incredible 799 times for his only professional club - who caught the eye.
The pair were at the heart of most United attacking moves, combining in brilliant fashion for Rooney's early opener.
As Ferguson is well aware, quick goals are vital at this stage of the season, when nerves can create so many problems at both ends of the table.
So the United boss must have been delighted to see Anderson sent Giggs flying down the left flank with a brilliant reverse pass that found the Welshman just onside.
With 10 championship medals to his name, Giggs is not in the habit of panicking in such situations. And he calmly rolled his cross along the six-yard box, where Rooney gleefully tapped him.
Had Rooney been allowed to dart onto another precise Giggs pass at the end of a one-sided opening period, United would have had the victory they craved wrapped up with half the game remaining.
Instead, a very marginal offside decision went against them, as did a failure to convert a series of excellent chances, the best of which fell to Giggs.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the provider with a low cross from the right. Giggs deft chip sailed over David James but bounced agonisingly wide of the post.
Substitute John O'Shea, who replaced Gary Neville shortly after Rooney's opener, had a header cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj, with Giggs spurning another opportunity after Rooney had sent him through, United's stand-in skipper firing straight at James.
The half-time introduction of Jermaine Pennant brought some pace to Portsmouth's forward line.
The problem for Pompey was they struggled to get into an area where it might be exploited.
On the one occasion they did, Glen Johnson was the provider. But Edwin van der Sar read his idea and pushed the England defender's low cross away from Peter Crouch.
Van der Sar was one of nine changes to Ferguson's controversial FA Cup semi-final line-up.
Yet still the United manager could afford to leave Rio Ferdinand out altogether and have both Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez on the bench.
Despite Tevez's declaration that he will almost certainly have to seek pastures new in the summer, he remains a major crowd favourite at Old Trafford.
Certainly once O'Shea had limped off, leaving Ferguson with a single remaining substitution, it was the Argentina star most United fans wanted to see introduced.
By then, anxiety appeared to have set in. In addition to Johnson's cross, Van der Sar had to keep out a mis-hit volley from Crouch and a far more dangerous header from the same man that seemed destined for the bottom corner.
Rooney would have restored a sense of calm if he had finished instead of firing straight at James after shrugging off the attentions of Johnson to reach Van der Sar's long punt forward.
Yet Portsmouth's urgency left Ferguson to conclude neither Tevez nor Berbatov would be needed, bringing on Michael Carrick instead to help steady the ship.
The tactic worked a dream, although probably not in the way Ferguson imagined as the England man collected Scholes' superb pass and finished smartly.
It left Pompey dangling precariously six points above the drop zone, facing a crucial trip to Newcastle on Monday.
By then, United will be getting ready to face Arsenal in a Champions League semi-final, with Scholes hoping another of those cherished title medals is within touching distance.
Chelsea's failure to beat Everton at Stamford Bridge leaves Liverpool as United's only realistic title rivals. And goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick mean Alex Ferguson's men are now three points clear of their north-west rivals, with a game in hand.
It would be Scholes' ninth title medal. He deserves it for the sublime defence-splitting pass that set up Carrick seven minutes from time after United had failed to capitalise on Rooney's early opener.
Unusually for Scholes, until his telling late intervention he was fairly subdued as he joined Bill Foulkes, Sir Bobby Charlton and long-time team-mate Giggs in United's exclusive 600 club.
In fact, it was midfield partner Anderson and evergreen Giggs - who has now turned out an incredible 799 times for his only professional club - who caught the eye.
The pair were at the heart of most United attacking moves, combining in brilliant fashion for Rooney's early opener.
As Ferguson is well aware, quick goals are vital at this stage of the season, when nerves can create so many problems at both ends of the table.
So the United boss must have been delighted to see Anderson sent Giggs flying down the left flank with a brilliant reverse pass that found the Welshman just onside.
With 10 championship medals to his name, Giggs is not in the habit of panicking in such situations. And he calmly rolled his cross along the six-yard box, where Rooney gleefully tapped him.
Had Rooney been allowed to dart onto another precise Giggs pass at the end of a one-sided opening period, United would have had the victory they craved wrapped up with half the game remaining.
Instead, a very marginal offside decision went against them, as did a failure to convert a series of excellent chances, the best of which fell to Giggs.
Cristiano Ronaldo was the provider with a low cross from the right. Giggs deft chip sailed over David James but bounced agonisingly wide of the post.
Substitute John O'Shea, who replaced Gary Neville shortly after Rooney's opener, had a header cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj, with Giggs spurning another opportunity after Rooney had sent him through, United's stand-in skipper firing straight at James.
The half-time introduction of Jermaine Pennant brought some pace to Portsmouth's forward line.
The problem for Pompey was they struggled to get into an area where it might be exploited.
On the one occasion they did, Glen Johnson was the provider. But Edwin van der Sar read his idea and pushed the England defender's low cross away from Peter Crouch.
Van der Sar was one of nine changes to Ferguson's controversial FA Cup semi-final line-up.
Yet still the United manager could afford to leave Rio Ferdinand out altogether and have both Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez on the bench.
Despite Tevez's declaration that he will almost certainly have to seek pastures new in the summer, he remains a major crowd favourite at Old Trafford.
Certainly once O'Shea had limped off, leaving Ferguson with a single remaining substitution, it was the Argentina star most United fans wanted to see introduced.
By then, anxiety appeared to have set in. In addition to Johnson's cross, Van der Sar had to keep out a mis-hit volley from Crouch and a far more dangerous header from the same man that seemed destined for the bottom corner.
Rooney would have restored a sense of calm if he had finished instead of firing straight at James after shrugging off the attentions of Johnson to reach Van der Sar's long punt forward.
Yet Portsmouth's urgency left Ferguson to conclude neither Tevez nor Berbatov would be needed, bringing on Michael Carrick instead to help steady the ship.
The tactic worked a dream, although probably not in the way Ferguson imagined as the England man collected Scholes' superb pass and finished smartly.
It left Pompey dangling precariously six points above the drop zone, facing a crucial trip to Newcastle on Monday.
By then, United will be getting ready to face Arsenal in a Champions League semi-final, with Scholes hoping another of those cherished title medals is within touching distance.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
United v Portsmouth-Preview
Manchester United's bid for a hat-trick of Premier League titles continues with the visit of struggling Portsmouth to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils may have lost top spot by the time they take to the field, having also suffered an FA Cup semi-final defeat at the weekend, going down 4-2 on penalties to Everton.
Sir Alex Ferguson courted controversy by leaving a number of first-team regulars out of his side for that game, but he will not do so again for the arrival of Pompey.
Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be fit to feature, the England striker having missed Sunday's loss to his former club due to a foot injury.
Midfielder Darren Fletcher also returns to the squad, as should Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Michael Carrick is struggling with a slight knock.
Ferguson admitted ahead of the game: "We did our analysis of the semi-final on the train back. It's done and now we move on to Wednesday, it's a big game for us.
"We've got seven league games left to play and I hope we win them all."
Pompey travel to the north-west boosted by a crucial 1-0 victory at home to Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
That win lifted Paul Hart's side six points clear of the relegation places, despite recent criticism that the team had been too negative.
However, they are almost certain to be without key midfielder Niko Kranjcar, who was stretchered off in the morale-boosting 1-0 win at Fratton Park.
However, scans have revealed no significant damage and Kranjcar may only miss one game.
Hart commented: "He's looking a lot better. We're hopeful he'll be back sooner rather than later.
"He's a quick healer, a boy with a strong and positive mental attitude and that's a big boost for us, because he's an integral part of our plans and has been doing well."
Elsewhere, defender Younes Kaboul is likely to miss out due to a thigh muscle strain, but midfielder Sean Davis has been given the all-clear to face United despite injuring his knee against the Trotters.
The Red Devils may have lost top spot by the time they take to the field, having also suffered an FA Cup semi-final defeat at the weekend, going down 4-2 on penalties to Everton.
Sir Alex Ferguson courted controversy by leaving a number of first-team regulars out of his side for that game, but he will not do so again for the arrival of Pompey.
Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be fit to feature, the England striker having missed Sunday's loss to his former club due to a foot injury.
Midfielder Darren Fletcher also returns to the squad, as should Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Michael Carrick is struggling with a slight knock.
Ferguson admitted ahead of the game: "We did our analysis of the semi-final on the train back. It's done and now we move on to Wednesday, it's a big game for us.
"We've got seven league games left to play and I hope we win them all."
Pompey travel to the north-west boosted by a crucial 1-0 victory at home to Bolton Wanderers at the weekend.
That win lifted Paul Hart's side six points clear of the relegation places, despite recent criticism that the team had been too negative.
However, they are almost certain to be without key midfielder Niko Kranjcar, who was stretchered off in the morale-boosting 1-0 win at Fratton Park.
However, scans have revealed no significant damage and Kranjcar may only miss one game.
Hart commented: "He's looking a lot better. We're hopeful he'll be back sooner rather than later.
"He's a quick healer, a boy with a strong and positive mental attitude and that's a big boost for us, because he's an integral part of our plans and has been doing well."
Elsewhere, defender Younes Kaboul is likely to miss out due to a thigh muscle strain, but midfielder Sean Davis has been given the all-clear to face United despite injuring his knee against the Trotters.
Fixture: Manchester United v Portsmouth
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:20.00 UK 00.25 IST (Thursday)
Date:22.4.09
Channel: ESPN India
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:20.00 UK 00.25 IST (Thursday)
Date:22.4.09
Channel: ESPN India
Sunday, April 19, 2009
No Quintuple this season!
Former United goalkeeper Tim Howard returned to haunt his old club as Everton reached the FA Cup final with a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory.
After a goalless two hours, Howard saved a woeful penalty from United record signing Dimitar Berbatov and another from Rio Ferdinand to send the Toffeemen into ecstasy.
It also ended Sir Alex Ferguson's 100% record in last-four clashes in the competition, although the Scot must have known such a scenario was a realistic possibility given the team he picked in front of a sell-out Wembley crowd.
It had become common knowledge that Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Edwin van der Sar had not even made the trip, while the veteran Ryan Giggs was down on most people's lists of the men to be excluded as well.
But the likes of Federico Macheda, Fabio da Silva, Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck were among a youthful XI.
Ultimately it came down to spot-kicks and after Tim Cahill missed the first for Everton, Howard save United's next two with Phil Jagielka netting the clincher for the Toffees.
Toffees boss David Moyes said: "The goalkeeper made a couple of really good saves. We had a struggle to find five to take them. Jagielka was one of the ones who scored in training. We didn't have too many takers on the day."
The Red Devils had a good shout for a penalty during the 90 minutes when Danny Welbeck went down under close attention from Jagielka and Moyes feared the worst.
"From where I was I thought it was," Moyes continued.
"I've not seen it but I thought that may be close."
Everton captain Phil Neville, who like Howard was up against his former side, told BBC Radio Five Live: "It's one of the proudest moments of my career - to lead the team out at Wembley in the FA Cup final.
"They say your next achievement is the best and that is certainly how it feels.
"We've beaten the best side in the world - it's just a really proud moment."
Saturday, April 18, 2009
History behind Man Utd v Everton @ Wembley
Man United and Everton will meet at Wembley in the FA Cup for the first time since the Merseyside club triumphed in the competition in 1995.
United are overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy but echoes of Paul Rideout’s winning goal for Everton which left Sir Alex Ferguson’s side trophyless in 1995 may play on United supporters’ minds when the teams meet at Wembley.
The fixture needs no added spice with the antipathy that exists between Everton supporters and their former Gwladys Street favourite Wayne Rooney. It is five years since the striker left Goodison Park for Old Trafford but his move still rankles with Evertonians. Indeed, the last time the two sides met in the FA Cup coincided with Rooney’s first appearance at Goodison Park since leaving the club. Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 victory, but the match was almost a sideshow to the pantomime treatment of Rooney.
United are overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy but echoes of Paul Rideout’s winning goal for Everton which left Sir Alex Ferguson’s side trophyless in 1995 may play on United supporters’ minds when the teams meet at Wembley.
The fixture needs no added spice with the antipathy that exists between Everton supporters and their former Gwladys Street favourite Wayne Rooney. It is five years since the striker left Goodison Park for Old Trafford but his move still rankles with Evertonians. Indeed, the last time the two sides met in the FA Cup coincided with Rooney’s first appearance at Goodison Park since leaving the club. Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 victory, but the match was almost a sideshow to the pantomime treatment of Rooney.
Fixture: Manchester United v Everton
Competition: FA Cup
Venue: Wembley, London
Date:19 April,09
Time:15.00 UK 20.25 IST
Channel: SET PIX
Competition: FA Cup
Venue: Wembley, London
Date:19 April,09
Time:15.00 UK 20.25 IST
Channel: SET PIX
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
United v Arsenal in UCL SF
Cristiano Ronaldo's thunderous early goal left Sir Alex Ferguson to go head-to-head with old rival Arsene Wenger for a place in the Champions League Final.
The emergence of Chelsea and Liverpool may have taken the edge off battles between Manchester United and Arsenal over the past few years.
But the renewal of hostilities promises to be almost as spectacular as the Ronaldo strike that created it.
The sixth-minute effort was his 20th goal of the season and only his second in the Champions League since completing that astonishing haul of 42 in last year's final in Moscow.
There was certainly no doubting it was worthy of winning any game, and earning United the accolade of becoming the first English team to beat Porto on their own ground.
As almost a side issue, it also keeps the Red Devils on track to win the quintuple in a season they have brought back to life at just the right time.
In calling for the spirit of Turin '99, Ferguson also knew if that momentous evening was to be repeated, he would have to go through the agony of being two goals down before a famous victory could be achieved.
Ronaldo however, has his own history book to fill.
A repeat of last season's 42-goal tally was never likely to be repeated in a campaign delayed because of ankle surgery.
But the 24-year-old has still make a significant contribution to United's attempt to land an unprecedented quintuple, even if, like so many of his team-mates, he has looked a little off the pace in recent weeks.
There could have been no better stage to signal his renewed intent.
Apart from his beloved Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo is roundly jeered when he returns to one of the major clubs in his homeland, Porto being no exception.
They recognise his talent, though, even if no-one expected what followed when Ronaldo collected Anderson's short pass closer to the halfway line than the opposition goal.
Sensing a little trepidation in home ranks, Ronaldo let rip with a shot as brutally powerful as it was audacious in its intent.
Porto keeper Helton did not have a chance of keeping the ball out as it flashed past him to give United the start Ferguson could not have dreamed.
Had Nemanja Vidic been able to keep his close-range effort under the crossbar after John O'Shea had got the faintest of touches to a Ryan Giggs corner just before the interval, the Red Devils would surely have completed their task in half the time allotted.
Unfortunately, the Serbian missed, allowing Porto to nurse plenty of hope during a half-time team-talk delivered by Jose Gomes as banned coach Jesualdo Ferreira apparently watched on TV at a secret location outside the stadium.
After his major blunder last week, Bruno Alves was determined to make amends and threatened Edwin van der Sar's goal on three separate occasions during that opening period.
But this was United at their belligerent best. Their intent showed in the reaction of a normally phlegmatic Dimitar Berbatov to losing possession and, after a public rebuke from his manager last weekend for not doing enough for the team, an apologetic wave of regret from Ronaldo after a misplaced pass.
Just as Vidic spurred the chance of a second immediately before the break, so Berbatov did the same just afterwards when he wriggled his way into the Porto penalty area.
Porto took it as their cue to mount another offensive.
But with Rio Ferdinand back alongside Vidic after his recent groin strain there was an authority about United's defending that had not been in evidence since before they were dismantled by Liverpool five games ago.
There was experience too, with Ryan Giggs and Van der Sar taking just long enough over their set pieces not to incur the wrath of Swiss referee Massimo Busacca while eating up vital seconds.
The introduction of Nani for Berbatov midway through the second period hinted at a strategy of counter-attacking at pace.
It was certainly Porto carrying any threat that did exist and Rolando was too close for comfort with a far post header.
Yet this United were different to what has been almost the shadow side that has existed before now.
And while they did not exactly coast home, the visiting supporters were celebrating victory long before the final whistle confirmed it.
But the renewal of hostilities promises to be almost as spectacular as the Ronaldo strike that created it.
The sixth-minute effort was his 20th goal of the season and only his second in the Champions League since completing that astonishing haul of 42 in last year's final in Moscow.
There was certainly no doubting it was worthy of winning any game, and earning United the accolade of becoming the first English team to beat Porto on their own ground.
As almost a side issue, it also keeps the Red Devils on track to win the quintuple in a season they have brought back to life at just the right time.
In calling for the spirit of Turin '99, Ferguson also knew if that momentous evening was to be repeated, he would have to go through the agony of being two goals down before a famous victory could be achieved.
Ronaldo however, has his own history book to fill.
A repeat of last season's 42-goal tally was never likely to be repeated in a campaign delayed because of ankle surgery.
But the 24-year-old has still make a significant contribution to United's attempt to land an unprecedented quintuple, even if, like so many of his team-mates, he has looked a little off the pace in recent weeks.
There could have been no better stage to signal his renewed intent.
Apart from his beloved Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo is roundly jeered when he returns to one of the major clubs in his homeland, Porto being no exception.
They recognise his talent, though, even if no-one expected what followed when Ronaldo collected Anderson's short pass closer to the halfway line than the opposition goal.
Sensing a little trepidation in home ranks, Ronaldo let rip with a shot as brutally powerful as it was audacious in its intent.
Porto keeper Helton did not have a chance of keeping the ball out as it flashed past him to give United the start Ferguson could not have dreamed.
Had Nemanja Vidic been able to keep his close-range effort under the crossbar after John O'Shea had got the faintest of touches to a Ryan Giggs corner just before the interval, the Red Devils would surely have completed their task in half the time allotted.
Unfortunately, the Serbian missed, allowing Porto to nurse plenty of hope during a half-time team-talk delivered by Jose Gomes as banned coach Jesualdo Ferreira apparently watched on TV at a secret location outside the stadium.
After his major blunder last week, Bruno Alves was determined to make amends and threatened Edwin van der Sar's goal on three separate occasions during that opening period.
But this was United at their belligerent best. Their intent showed in the reaction of a normally phlegmatic Dimitar Berbatov to losing possession and, after a public rebuke from his manager last weekend for not doing enough for the team, an apologetic wave of regret from Ronaldo after a misplaced pass.
Just as Vidic spurred the chance of a second immediately before the break, so Berbatov did the same just afterwards when he wriggled his way into the Porto penalty area.
Porto took it as their cue to mount another offensive.
But with Rio Ferdinand back alongside Vidic after his recent groin strain there was an authority about United's defending that had not been in evidence since before they were dismantled by Liverpool five games ago.
There was experience too, with Ryan Giggs and Van der Sar taking just long enough over their set pieces not to incur the wrath of Swiss referee Massimo Busacca while eating up vital seconds.
The introduction of Nani for Berbatov midway through the second period hinted at a strategy of counter-attacking at pace.
It was certainly Porto carrying any threat that did exist and Rolando was too close for comfort with a far post header.
Yet this United were different to what has been almost the shadow side that has existed before now.
And while they did not exactly coast home, the visiting supporters were celebrating victory long before the final whistle confirmed it.
SUMMARY:
Porto 0-1 Man Utd (Agg 2-3) Ronaldo 6
United now will face Arsenal in semi-finals on Apr 29 and May 5th.Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sunderland 1-2 Man Utd
Federico Macheda rescued Manchester United's Premier League title defence for the second straight match on Saturday, clinching a 2-1 victory at Sunderland with his first touch after coming off the bench.
Macheda's deflected goal in the 76th minute left United a point ahead of Liverpool, which eased to a 4-0 victory over Blackburn.
Last weekend, the 17-year-old Italian scored a late winner to give United a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
Paul Scholes had put United ahead after 19 minutes, but the 34-year-old midfielder's header was canceled out by Kenwyne Jones in the 55th.
United, which still has a game in hand, tops the league with 71 points. -- AP
Macheda's deflected goal in the 76th minute left United a point ahead of Liverpool, which eased to a 4-0 victory over Blackburn.
Last weekend, the 17-year-old Italian scored a late winner to give United a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
Paul Scholes had put United ahead after 19 minutes, but the 34-year-old midfielder's header was canceled out by Kenwyne Jones in the 55th.
United, which still has a game in hand, tops the league with 71 points. -- AP
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Parent Company Posts Losses!!!
Manchester United have posted the most spectacular profits for any British football club - while at the same time being part of its biggest debt.
Accounts to June 2008 reveal turnover at the club has risen an incredible 22% to £256.2million, underpinning a 7.5% increase in profits to £80.4million.
However, Red Football - the umbrella for United and its various offshoots - confirmed a loss of £44.8million, taking their overall debt to an eye-watering £649.4million.
Critics are bound to pounce on the figure as evidence of an unsustainable financial structure, questioning how it is possible for the Glazer family to make a profit if their losses are so high in a season as successful as the last one.
Yet Manchester United's owners have never given any impression of being too concerned about the debt mountain itself, the payments for which were restructured two years ago and currently takes £45.5million annually out of United's profits.
Instead they prefer to maintain a drive for profits at a club whose overall value is estimated at over £1billion.
Whether, in the current financial climate, they can continue to squeeze even more from the United brand is open to doubt.
Attendance figures, while still extremely healthy, are showing signs of dipping slightly, suggesting further controversial increases in ticket prices might have more of a negative effect than has previously been the case.
Income from media streams, which show up a mammoth 30% rise to £90.7million, might offer more scope for improvement given the domestic Premier League TV deal has gone up five per cent, with the overseas contracts likely to exceed that figure.
However, balanced against that is a rare surplus of £21million on transfers, generated by the sales of Gabriel Heinze, Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique amongst others, plus an uncertain commercial market.
United are already touting for new shirt sponsors after AIG confirmed they will not be extending an overall £18million annual deal when it expires next year.
Indeed, given the company is now effectively in the hands of the US government, some politicians believe the entire contract should be ripped up.
Another financial institution, Prudential, is the latest to confirm they are in talks with Red Devils officials, joining a group that also includes Saudi Telecom and Indian corporate giant Sahara.
However, the deal United are eventually able to strike will offer a good indication of whether Old Trafford can continue to ride out the global recession.
What cannot be argued is that as a club, United remain a worldwide phenomenon.
In the week when dire warnings have been issued about the future of former Premier League rival Southampton and top flight clubs are slashing prices to try and fill embarrassingly large spaces in their stadiums, chief executive David Gill is leading one of the most in-demand sporting organisations on the planet.
Sponsorship deals with Saudi Telecom, Diageo, Budweiser and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have been struck, with interest in the Far East particularly high.
A crowded pre-season programme is already in place that will take in a four-match Asia tour immediately followed by a four-team tournament in Munich.
Accounts to June 2008 reveal turnover at the club has risen an incredible 22% to £256.2million, underpinning a 7.5% increase in profits to £80.4million.
However, Red Football - the umbrella for United and its various offshoots - confirmed a loss of £44.8million, taking their overall debt to an eye-watering £649.4million.
Critics are bound to pounce on the figure as evidence of an unsustainable financial structure, questioning how it is possible for the Glazer family to make a profit if their losses are so high in a season as successful as the last one.
Yet Manchester United's owners have never given any impression of being too concerned about the debt mountain itself, the payments for which were restructured two years ago and currently takes £45.5million annually out of United's profits.
Instead they prefer to maintain a drive for profits at a club whose overall value is estimated at over £1billion.
Whether, in the current financial climate, they can continue to squeeze even more from the United brand is open to doubt.
Attendance figures, while still extremely healthy, are showing signs of dipping slightly, suggesting further controversial increases in ticket prices might have more of a negative effect than has previously been the case.
Income from media streams, which show up a mammoth 30% rise to £90.7million, might offer more scope for improvement given the domestic Premier League TV deal has gone up five per cent, with the overseas contracts likely to exceed that figure.
However, balanced against that is a rare surplus of £21million on transfers, generated by the sales of Gabriel Heinze, Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique amongst others, plus an uncertain commercial market.
United are already touting for new shirt sponsors after AIG confirmed they will not be extending an overall £18million annual deal when it expires next year.
Indeed, given the company is now effectively in the hands of the US government, some politicians believe the entire contract should be ripped up.
Another financial institution, Prudential, is the latest to confirm they are in talks with Red Devils officials, joining a group that also includes Saudi Telecom and Indian corporate giant Sahara.
However, the deal United are eventually able to strike will offer a good indication of whether Old Trafford can continue to ride out the global recession.
What cannot be argued is that as a club, United remain a worldwide phenomenon.
In the week when dire warnings have been issued about the future of former Premier League rival Southampton and top flight clubs are slashing prices to try and fill embarrassingly large spaces in their stadiums, chief executive David Gill is leading one of the most in-demand sporting organisations on the planet.
Sponsorship deals with Saudi Telecom, Diageo, Budweiser and the Seoul Metropolitan Government have been struck, with interest in the Far East particularly high.
A crowded pre-season programme is already in place that will take in a four-match Asia tour immediately followed by a four-team tournament in Munich.
Monday, April 6, 2009
United v Porto - Preview
Manchester United centre-half Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Anderson are set to miss Tuesday’s quarter-final first-leg tie against Porto. Both picked up injuries while on international duty last week and both sat out training on Monday.
But suspended trio Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes all return having missed Sunday’s Premier League victory against Aston Villa. Young striker Federico Macheda is also set to be included in United’s squad.
Macheda scored the last-gasp winner to beat Aston Villa on his debut as United returned back to the top of the Premier League.
“I don’t think any of the injured players will be back against Porto,” said boss Sir Alex Ferguson. But we do have the suspended players back which is good. Vida will play alongside Jonny Evans at the back with John O’Shea at right-back. Rooney and Scholes are also available which will give us a bit more penetration and experience, and Ji-Sung Park will also be ready so I’ve got some good options for Tuesday.”
Ferguson will wait until the last moment to decide on the fitness of veteran pair Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, both of whom played the full 90 minutes on Sunday.
Game Stats
- United are unbeaten in 21 matches in the UEFA Champions League and enter this contest also aiming to extend a run of 19 games without defeat at Old Trafford in the competition.
- Porto have never won in England, where ten of eleven visits have ended in defeat, although the one occasion when they did avoid defeat – a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in the 2003/04 first knockout round second leg – eliminated United from the competition.
- This is United’s 15th quarter-final tie in Europe’s élite club competition and their record is: P14 W10 L4.
- Sir Alex’s men beat AS Roma at this stage in both 2007 and 2008 and are now seeking a third consecutive semi-final appearance – a first for the English champions.
- Porto have won three of their five quarter-finals in Europe’s premier club competition and have triumphed in two of the clubs’ three previous two-legged contests.
Fixture: Manchester United v FC Porto
Competition: UEFA Champions league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Date:7.4.09
Time:19.45 UK 12.15 IST(Wed)
Channel: TEN SPORTS
Competition: UEFA Champions league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Date:7.4.09
Time:19.45 UK 12.15 IST(Wed)
Channel: TEN SPORTS
Sunday, April 5, 2009
United 3-2 Aston Villa
Federico Macheda scored a stunning late winner as Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League.
The 17-year-old substitute turned in the box and curled in a superb strike to make his debut the stuff of dreams.
Cristiano Ronaldo had opened the scoring from an indirect free-kick after a James Milner backpass, before John Carew's header restored parity.
Gabriel Agbonlahor headed Villa in front only for Ronaldo to level with a low shot and Macheda to snatch victory.
It was an incredible finish to a match that twisted and turned - and had looked to be going the way of Villa rather than the champions.
But after digging deep, and finding inspiration from an untried teenager, United have leapfrogged Liverpool at the top of the table.
And they also avoided a third successive league defeat, which would have been more galling given that Villa were thumped 5-0 by Liverpool in their last match.
Neville hails 'brilliant' Macheda
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said his side's last-gasp 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday had placed the pressure on United, and he looked to be right from the way they started against Villa.
They struggled with an unfamiliar back four that was forced upon them because of Rio Ferdinand's injury and Nemanja Vidic's suspension.
Gary Neville, returning from injury, was brought in to partner John O'Shea in the heart of defence, but that proved to be a costly mistake.
Carew quickly served notice that he would enjoy the mismatch against Neville when his header was scrambled clear via Darren Fletcher and the post.
And the visitors were in the mood to expose United's vulnerabilities.
The pace of Agbonlahor, back in the side for the injured Emile Heskey, and the poise and passing of Gareth Barry was causing United all manner of problems.
But United were handed a lifeline when James Milner passed the ball back to Brad Friedel, who picked the ball up, and the resulting free-kick in the area was cracked in by Ronaldo after Ryan Giggs had rolled the ball to him.
The goal settled United's nerves and they began to stroke the ball around with more confidence, but without really penetrating.
And Villa remained dangerous on the break, particularly through Agbonlahor, whose speed was a big problem for Neville.
Ashley Young's free-kick was tipped over by Edwin van der Sar as Villa threatened.
From another quick counter Villa deservedly restored parity, Barry's excellent right-wing cross powerfully headed into the bottom corner by Carew as Neville stood by helplessly.
Shortly after, Neville was switched with right-back Jonny Evans - but it had been a half-hour to forget for the former United skipper.
He would have felt better if Ronaldo's glancing header had gone either side of Friedel rather than straight at the keeper and given United a half-time lead.
Instead, Villa struck again on 58 minutes when Ronaldo was caught in possession and Villa moved the ball quickly to Carew, and his cross was headed in by Agbonlahor.
United's response was to bring on Macheda for Nani.
The young Italian, who hit a hat-trick for the reserves recently, appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after he fell under challenge from Curtis Davies.
Then at the other end Davies was close to converting Ashley Young's free-kick.
United needed something special from somewhere and it came from Ronaldo, who picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low drive into the bottom corner to drag his side level.
The impetus was all with the hosts now and it took a fine save from Friedel to deny Fletcher from 12 yards.
Substitute Danny Welbeck was next to be thwarted by Friedel as he saw his shot saved at point-blank range.
But United were not to be denied and Macheda produced a moment of magic to win the game when he turned and curled a peach of a shot into the far corner.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
United v Aston Villa Preview
Manchester United Manchester United lost 2-0 away to Fulham in their last match, their second consecutive league loss. In their last five matches, Man Utd have won three and lost two, picking up nine points from the fifteen available. Man U are currently first in the league, one point clear of second placed Liverpool with a match still in hand. Manchester United will be without Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic, and the in-form Wayne Rooney after each of the players picked up red cards in recent matches. Man Utd will also be without Wes Brown and Owen Hargreaves, whilst Rafael and Dimitar Berbatov are still in doubt with injuries. Aston Villa Aston Villa suffered a 5-0 defeat away at the hands of Liverpool in their last league outing, their third successive loss and fifth straight match without a win. In their last five matches, Aston Villa have drawn one and lost four, picking up only one point!
Fixture: Manchester United v Aston Villa
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:15.00Uk 20.30IST
Channel: ESPN India
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time:15.00Uk 20.30IST
Channel: ESPN India
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