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Wednesday March 17, 2010

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Fletcher wary of Liverpool threat Italian Holiday; a personal Fulham report PaulJ Welbeck returns to United Giggs in fitness race for Liverpool clash BUSBY BABES – ROGER BYRNE Johnston to guard against Gers debt build-up Fergie suggests Ronaldo return Resurgent Nani grows up to realise potential Rooney rejects Ronaldo comparison Hodgson sees value in Rooney United 3 - 0 Fulham Media Report Rooney rules Old Trafford on landmark afternoon Defence is best base for attack - Rooney Un Giorno Perfetto; a personal report PaulJ Bullish Man United face Fulham test of discipline

Fletcher wary of Liverpool threat	Posted by Bill on Wed Mar 17 @ 17:30 GMT
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher expects Liverpool to raise their game when they visit Old Trafford on Sunday. After finishing second last season Liverpool are now chasing fourth place in the table rather than the title. The Reds lie 15 points adrift of league leaders United but will be comforted by the 4-1 victory at Old Trafford a year ago. "It would be very dangerous to think this is a poor Liverpool side coming to Old Trafford because they are anything but," Fletcher told the Manchester Evening News. "It would be a huge mistake to think that Liverpool are not a threat. They maybe haven't had the season we expected after last year but they are still a dangerous side. "They are still in the main the same team. We know what they are capable of and pushed us all the way and dished out that defeat here and the one at Anfield this season. They are still fresh in our memories. "Liverpool still have a lot to play for because they are battling for fourth spot. They are capable of beating anyone. "We have to learn the lessons from last year's game. The warnings are there. If you are not 100% focused and you make mistakes they will punish you. "It is a real surprise to me they haven't been up with us. But they will still be fired up to win at Old Trafford again."
Italian Holiday; a personal Fulham report PaulJ	Posted by Barry on Wed Mar 17 @ 13:01 GMT
Italian Holiday The league season is now in its final quarter. Chelsea recovered from their recent mauling at the hands of City to secure a handsome win over West Ham on Saturday lunchtime and move a point ahead of us in the table. Arsenal secured a last gasp win at Hull on Saturday evening to draw level with Chelsea with a game less to play. The pressure was upon us to keep in the race; we have difficult games ahead. Fulham have developed under Roy Hodgson and deservedly secured a second successive win against us with a stuffing at Craven Cottage before Christmas. Despite their unimpressive away form Ferguson was taking no chances and selected a team based upon that which had been so impressive against Milan. The back five were unchanged, still in need of match practice together (it was only the sixth occasion that Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have started together this season). It was no surprise that Michael Carrick, suspended on Wednesday, returned to replace Paul Scholes, nor that we resorted to a 4-4-2 formation, enabling the return of Dimitar Berbatov; the fact that it was Ji-Sung Park who gave way merely reflected recognition of the energy he had expended against Milan. History is littered with league points dropped after big games in Europe. The unusual feature for United in this game was that our opponents had to overcome the greater handicap. We might have welcomed a weekend off after Wednesday night’s excitement but Fulham offered a kind of Italian holiday; tired from their defeat in Turin on Thursday night they had their eyes upon the second leg and upon their forthcoming FA Cup quarter final. The first half hour was played at testimonial pace interspersed with spasmodic bursts of action, mostly from United. After ten minutes Darren Fletcher exchanged with Berbatov and broke quickly into the box setting up a chance which Wayne Rooney in his current form would have expected to convert; the ball got tangled in his feet. Later, as United, less tired and in more urgent need of the points, began to increase the tempo Berbatov created a wonderful move, begun when he hurdled a wild challenge by Simon Davies and ended when he missed at the near post a delivery from Nani, perfectly placed upon his head. In between there had been some robust defending, Brede Hangeland on Berbatov, Stephen Kelly with his arms all over Rooney, and a nifty save when Rooney’s volley hit Kelly’s hand. None of these was deserving of a penalty but it was referee Mike Jones’ first game involving United and he seemed not to have grasped the idea that he was supposed to award us at least one. When Rooney and Berbatov outmanoeuvred Hangeland, Rooney’s snap shot from the edge of the area was brilliantly beaten down by goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer but half an hour had gone and it was the first time either goalkeeper had been tested. Fulham, meanwhile, for all their good passing, created little. At the start Gary Neville was robbed as he showed signs of senility and Clint Dempsey tried a twenty five yarder. Just before half time Danny Murphy, the Scouse scourge, produced a long ball over the top from which Bobby Zamora attempted the goal of the season, a volleyed chip. He had broken worryingly free of Rio and might have scored through more conventional, less spectacular method. We were spared an afternoon of increasing tension, thankfully, when we took the lead within forty seconds of the resumption. Nicky Shorey’s long clearance was returned, Berbatov back headed it on, Rooney gave it to Nani on the left and moved into the area and Nani, splashing through the surface water from the half time spraying, squared it into the danger area. There were eight Fulham shirts in the box but Rooney found space to steer it inside the far post; 46 minutes 1-0. United could not finish the task; Schwarzer fumbled a Nani snap shot which should not have caused him a problem, Nani somehow mishit a wonderful far post chance from Neville’s deep ball, and Rooney and Berbatov nearly played Nani in after a smooth move from one box to the other. Hodgson decided to try to change things with United old boys, bringing on first Jonathan Greening and then Eric Nevland. Rio volleyed a Valencia corner narrowly over the bar. As tiredness got worse Fulham began to mix it a little; Murphy got particularly belligerent. With just over a quarter of an hour to go we brought on Park for Valencia but before he had touched the ball Nevland waved a foot at a long, hopeful Fulham clearance, the ball went through the gap between Vidic and Ferdinand and Zamora was clean through. Vidic recovered to make a superb saving tackle but Zamora’s failure to shoot had as much to do with his tired legs and his poor second touch; Fernando Torres will not be as accommodating next week. The scare inspired United to step up the pressure and Park was at the centre of much of what was good. He produced a wondrous cross from the left with the outside of his right boot; Berbatov headed wide. Next he fed Evra, whose dribble ended with a tame shot. Then he nearly found Rooney; Fletcher snapped up the loose ball, drifted through the line of defence and was denied only by a superb save from Schwarzer. Within minutes, however, we got what we deserved. Carrick’s ball went forty yards diagonally across the field to Berbatov, running towards the right touchline. He controlled it off his lower leg as Shorey foolishly awaited a loose touch. Apparently pinned to the touchline by Chris Baird and Shorey, he flicked it infield and then, astonishingly, outpaced Baird as he ran at an angle into the area and cut the ball back for Rooney who from around the penalty spot steered it into the net; 84 minutes 2-0. Fábio Da Silva had come on for Neville when Rooney produced a crossfield ball as long and as effective as Carrick’s earlier one. This one was to Park who delivered a sharp, fast cross. Berbatov came between Aaron Hughes and Baird and dived forward to head it home for a goal which most commentators felt he thoroughly deserved; 89 minutes 3-0. There was time for Kelly twice to deny Rooney his hattrick but Fulham had resigned themselves to an unproductive afternoon long beforehand. Though gracious in defeat, Hodgson felt three nil a little harsh. The statistics told otherwise. Thirty three shots to eight (nineteen to five on target is particularly impressive after such a barren start), eleven corners to one, 68% possession. Yet but for one bad touch Fulham might have got a draw! Thus United moved top again but there will be no more easy ones. The race is now building to its climax, the three favourites thundering around the last bend neck and neck with the long, uphill run home ahead. Copyright Paul James
Welbeck returns to United	Posted by Bill on Wed Mar 17 @ 13:01 GMT
Preston manager Darren Ferguson has confirmed that on loan striker Danny Welbeck has returned to Manchester United for an operation after sustaining a knee injury. Welbeck, who scored two goals in eight starts at Deepdale, picked up the injury in training ahead of the home match against Cardiff. Hopes that the injury could be managed cautiously were crushed after it was decided an operation was required. The striker had suffered with similar problems earlier this month but Ferguson stated he wouldn't actively be looking to replace him. Speaking to the official club website he said: "I'm not looking at the moment to replace him. He's having the op, so he's got to go back. "I'm happy with the three we've got. Neil (Mellor) is scoring goals at the moment; I thought Browny (Chris Brown) gave a good performance against Sheffield Wednesday and Parky (Jon Parkin) has been in good form recently."
Giggs in fitness race for Liverpool clash	Posted by Barry on Tue Mar 16 @ 16:34 GMT
Ryan Giggs is fighting to be fit for Sunday's big Premier League showdown with Liverpool. United's 11-times title winner has been out of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad since fracturing his arm five weeks ago. The 36-year-old hurt himself in an accidental collision against Aston Villa at Villa Park last month. He has missed seven matches, including both AC Milan ties and the Carling Cup final. But the winger started full- contact training with the Reds first team on Tuesday and the sessions this week will determine whether Fergie will have the bonus of his experience in Sunday's vital lunchtime clash against United's bitter rivals. Giggs is set to have the plate that was inserted into his arm following the incident removed in the summer. Since the setback Giggs has been cycling and swimming at United's Carrington training HQ and is now just match sharpness away from a comeback. If all goes well in training this week Fergie and the Reds medical staff are set to assess him before the Liverpool match at Old Trafford to determine whether he can be included. But it is looking good for the club's record appearance- maker. His form this term, though only starting in 16 matches, has already earned him a new 12-month contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2011. Giggs' return would be a major bonus for Fergie who has started the Welshman in the majority of United's heavyweight games this season. He was in the XI for the matches against Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea and also began both Carling Cup semi-final ties against City. MEN
BUSBY BABES – ROGER BYRNE	Posted by Barry on Tue Mar 16 @ 16:31 GMT
The Busby Babes will always be remembered by Manchester United fans and possibly by all of English football. With all the great players that were in that team what must it have felt like to be the captain? Well that honour went to Roger Byrne. Byrne was the ultimate professional in that era where footballers really cherished every moment of their career- no matter how long or short it was. Byrne had abundance of strength and skill and together with the help of his talented team-mates, Manchester United were a force not only in England but in Europe as well. In his three seasons as captain of United the club won two league titles and led them to an FA Cup final as well as becoming the first person to lead out an English team in Europe. He also played for England 33 times and was expected to go on and captain the national side at the 1958 World Cup. In what was, and still is, one of English football’s saddest and tragedy-filled stories Byrne lost his life in the Munich air disaster. Due to the way Byrne was as a footballer and a person he must still be held in high regard by older followers of United. It is said that he was the olden day Roy Keane or Bryan Robson- so younger readers can imagine what type of a player he was. This was the case even though central midfield was not his position; Byrne was a traditional full-back. Maybe the comparisons came with him and Keane because Byrne was not the most gifted of footballers, but possessed a great work ethic and intelligence of the game. A match report from a game in 1956 explains what kind of a player he was. It said: “Here was the captain courageous – a strong man who listened to the crowd’s boos and heard a call to action who listened to two stern lectures from the referee and charged back into the game as if they had been pep talks. This was the moment when Byrne stepped in, the longer they booed, the harder he played. He loved it!” Just like many of his colleagues, Byrne had his life taken away from him at a very young age. He was 28 when he died and had he survived he would have seen the birth of his first child, who was born eight months after he passed away, and was named Roger junior. There is no doubting Byrne’s status as a legend at United- this was the only club he played for. He was said to have the ability to truly inspire players with his leadership skills, and along with being one of United’s all time greats, he can be considered one of the club’s greatest captains. www.footballtransfertavern.com
Johnston to guard against Gers debt build-up	Posted by Bill on Tue Mar 16 @ 11:01 GMT
Rangers chairman Alastair Johnston is determined to prevent Andrew Ellis - and any other potential purchaser of the club - saddling the club with the kind of debt the Glazers have brought to Manchester United. Johnston has vowed to ask the tough questions of London-based property tycoon Ellis, who is reportedly in the process of examining the cash-strapped Ibrox club's finances as he weighs up whether to make a bid for Sir David Murray's 90% stake. Johnston and a sub-committee of the club's board will forensically examine any offer from Ellis and, though they have no power to veto any takeover, their advice could sway Murray's decision to sell. Johnston told The Times: "The club's board are charged with upholding the reputation of Rangers, and so, if any deal is in the process of being done, we will be in a position to examine it thoroughly and determine in our own minds whether it was for the good of Rangers. "What is not of interest to us are the benefits of any deal for the Murray Group - it is the viability of Rangers under any new owner that is of supreme importance to us. We have a responsibility - morally, ethically - to be the guardians of this club. "When any such deal like that is reaching agreement, then it is game on as far as we are concerned. We will ask any potential new owner: how committed are you? How much money do you intend to put into Rangers? And how verifiable is that money?"
Fergie suggests Ronaldo return	Posted by Bill on Tue Mar 16 @ 06:31 GMT
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reignited the controversy surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo. The former United number 7 achieved a life long dream when he moved to Real Madrid, but his old boss believe there’s still unfinished business at Old Trafford. “I don’t think Real Madrid is an easy club to play for – there is a circus attached to it,” said Ferguson. “He knows the value of Manchester United, and Ruud van Nistelrooy has said the same because what they have here is protection. “They come to training every day at Carrington and there is no one here but the players and the coaching staff. “At Real Madrid and some of the big Italian clubs there are 2,000 people watching training. “The media film the training sessions every day. It is completely private here at United and we don’t allow that exposure of our players. “You’d like to think Ronaldo would want to come back here but you never know. “I don’t think he will stay at Real Madrid all his life – there are other challenges for him.” It’s no secret that many players and coaches involved with United still keep in touch with the former Premier League Player of the Year, and Ferguson reiterated this stance. “I still have a great bond with Cristiano – he’s a good guy.” www.premiershiptalk.com
Resurgent Nani grows up to realise potential	Posted by Bill on Mon Mar 15 @ 18:45 GMT
Nani has promised Manchester United supporters there is much more to come from him after admitting he has done a lot of "growing up" this season. The mercurial Portuguese winger has struggled for consistency since his 17 million-pound ($25.78 million) move from Sporting Lisbon in 2007 and looked to have lost the faith of the Old Trafford fans earlier in the campaign. Nani appeared to be on his way out of the club after criticising manager Alex Ferguson during a barren run of just one appearance between early November and late January. But since grabbing two assists in a 4-0 win over Hull City in January, Nani has excelled, playing eight times and starting both legs as United breezed past AC Milan 7-2 on aggregate to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. The 23-year-old has tormented defenders with his combination of pace and trickery which he demonstrated perfectly with a stunning piece of skill to create a vital goal against Arsenal. "At the moment I'm feeling in good form and I want to contribute to the team winning trophies," Nani told Reuters on Monday at the launch of United's three-and-a-half-year sponsorship deal with Turkish Airlines. "Getting to the Champions League final and winning it is one of the aims. "I work hard every day and I try and be a better player than I was a couple of months ago. I know I am important for the team and I want to try to deliver things for the team." SOLITARY ONE Nani said he had done a lot of "growing up" while he was out of the side but would like to score more goals than the solitary one he has contributed to United's Premier League campaign. "This club is good at making players grow up and learn to be a man, to be a player," he added. "That happened to me a couple of months ago and now I'm feeling very happy and strong. "I'm still learning all the time. I'm only 23 years old and I've still got time to learn things and to try and be an even better player. "Of course, I want to score more goals because it's important for me and the club. "But at the moment I'm happy with my contribution to the team. I have been involved in setting up a lot of goals. I know I make an important contribution." Nani hopes to show off his trademark somersault celebration at the World Cup this year where Portugal face Brazil, Ivory Coast and North Korea in the group stage in South Africa. "It's my first World Cup and I want to be there and help my team mates achieve something special for our country," Nani said. "I like to celebrate a goal with a somersault and if I score, why not?." (Editing by Ed Osmond)
Rooney rejects Ronaldo comparison	Posted by Bill on Mon Mar 15 @ 11:01 GMT
Wayne Rooney modestly played down comparisons between himself and Cristiano Ronaldo after continuing his sensational scoring streak in Manchester United's 3-0 win over Fulham. Rooney scored United's first two goals, with Dimitar Berbatov adding a late third, to take his tally to 32 for the season, 10 shy of Ronaldo's staggering total from two years ago. But the England striker said: "If I am being honest, getting to 42 goals wouldn't mean a lot to me. It is not something I have looked at. "Obviously it is nice to score goals. I want to score goals in every game and what Cristiano Ronaldo achieved was unbelievable. "But I am a different player and a different person. I am not comparing myself to Cristiano."
Hodgson sees value in Rooney	Posted by Bill on Mon Mar 15 @ 09:15 GMT
Roy Hodgson watched his Fulham side become the latest to be dismantled by Wayne Rooney and admitted it is little surprise Real Madrid think he is worth £100million. Real president Florentino Perez is "obsessed" with Rooney according to the club's former president Ramon Calderon, despite the fact neither Manchester United nor their star man have given any indication a transfer is possible. And after taking his tally for the season to 32 with the first two goals in a 3-0 win over the Cottagers at Old Trafford that took United back to the Premier League summit, Hodgson could only join the chorus of praise. "Wayne Rooney is proving he is among the best in the world every week," said Hodgson. "He is scoring lots of goals in a tough league like ours. He is starring for England and is starring in the Champions League. "Anyone doing that is a player who will be talked about and someone everyone else is going to be coveting. It is no surprise people are coveting Wayne Rooney. "It is pointless for me to say Wayne Rooney is an excellent player because you could get that from the man in the pub. I just know we don't have that kind of money."