United signs Valencia

Manchester United have made their first signing of the summer after confirming a16m(approx) deal with Luis Antonio Valencia!! The 23 year old have signed a four year contract.

And, while it is not expected Valencia will represent the end of Ferguson's spending, the United boss is already tipping the South American to make a big impact.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," he said.

"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

Valencia's arrival ensures that Rooney will not be given central role.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he said.

"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience.

"I can't wait to get started."

The Ecuadorian will get his first opportunity on a four-match tour of Asia next month, before the Red Devils head for a four-team tournament in Munich.

"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.

"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."

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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 3^rd 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 800^th 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?

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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.

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

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