www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Thu Dec 10 13:42:38 GMT+00:00 1998
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. Manchester United 1 Bayern Munich 1 - result
2. Bayern, United enjoy 1-1 draw in Manchester
3. Roy Keane opens the scoring
4. WITH THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SET TO BE EXTENDED NEXT SEASON, THIS IS THE REDS'
5. KEANE'S GOAL GOOD ENOUGH FOR UNITED
6. Short report of Bayern game and pre-match
7. Manchester United 1 Bayern Munich 1
8. BRUCE SET FOR OLD TRAFFORD RETURN
9. BSKYB/MANCHESTER UNITED MERGER INQUIRY
10. ITALIAN TRIP AWAITING UNITED
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Thu 10th December 1998:
10/12/1898: Frank Pepper made his debut against Blackpool. Pepper came from Sheffield
United and the defensive Half-back made 8 appearances between 1898-99. He
moved to Barnsley in June 1899.
1994: United win 3-2 at Queens Park Rangers in a Premiership game watched by
18,948. Paul Scholes 2 and Roy Keane score for the Reds. Team was: Walsh,
G.Neville (Gillespie), Irwin, Bruce, Keane, Pallister, Kanchelskis, Ince, McClair,
Scholes, Davies (Butt)
************
Barry Daily Comment:
The European Champions League draw will take place on December 16
Another feature of the UEFA Champions League introduced last season is
that the quarter-final pairings aredecided by a draw, unlike in previous
years when the pairings were designated at the beginning of the competition.
The pairings for the last eight are drawn in a manner that will ensure
that the group winners and runners-up from the same group are not drawn
against each other, that the two runners-up are not drawn against each
other and that the two runners-up play the first leg at home.
It means that we avoid Bayern and Real (the teams we will prefer to meet
later). So we have Olympiakos, Dynamo and Kaserslautern as good draw against
Inter and Juve. Not so bad.
But actually, everything depends on team's form at March.
thanks to I.V.
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
Remaining 1998 games:
ALL Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
Today! Bayern Munich (H) CL 19.45
Sat 12/12 Tottenham (A) PL 15.00
Wed 16/12 Chelsea (H) PL sky sports time 20.00
Sat 19/12 Middlesbrough (H) PL 15.00
Sat 26/12 Nottm Forest (H) PL 15.00
Tue 29/12 Chelsea (A) PL sky sports time 19.45 UK
UNITED Stats v Tottenham:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/vstottenham.htm
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
31/10/98 Everton Away W 4-1 2 40,079
08/11/98 Newcastle United Home D 0-0 3 55,174
14/11/98 Blackburn Rovers Home W 3-2 2 55,198
21/11/98 Sheffield Wednesday Away L 1-3 2 39,475
29/11/98 Leeds Home W 3-2 2 55,172
05/12/98 Aston Villa Away D 1-1 2 39,241
******
Champions League:3
Group D P W D L F A Pts
Bayern Munich 6 3 2 1 9 6 11
Man United 6 2 4 0 20 11 10
Barcelona 6 2 2 2 11 9 8
Brondby 6 1 0 5 4 18 3
Sep 16 Brøndby 2-1 Bayern München
Sep 16 Man Utd 3-3 Barcelona
Sep 30 Barcelona 2-0 Brøndby
Sep 30 Bayern Munich 2-2 Man Utd
Oct 21 Brøndby 2-6 Man Utd
Oct 21 Bayern Munich 1-0 Barcelona
Nov 4 Barcelona 1-2 Bayern Munich
Nov 4 Man Utd 5-0 Brøndby
Nov 25 Barcelona 3-3 Man Utd
Nov 25 Bayern Munich 2-0 Brøndby
Dec 9 Brøndby 0-2 Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd 1-1 Bayern Munich
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: Manchester United 1 Bayern Munich 1 - result
MANCHESTER, England, Dec 9
- Manchester United (England) and Bayern Munich (Germany) drew 1-1 in their
European Champions' League group D match on Wednesday.
Scorers:
Manchester United - Roy Keane 43
Bayern Munich - Hasan Salihamidzic 56
Halftime: 1-0; Attendance: 54,334
Teams:
Manchester United: 1-Peter Schmeichel; 30-Wesley Brown, 2-Gary Neville, 6-Jaap Stam,
3-Denis Irwin (5-Ronny Johnsen 46); 7-David Beckham, 18-Paul Scholes, 16-Roy Keane,
11-Ryan Giggs; 19-Dwight Yorke (8-Nicky Butt 64), 9-Andy Cole
Bayern Munich: 1-Oliver Khan; 8-Thomas Strunz, 2-Markus Babbel, 10-Lothar Matthaeus
(25-Thomas Linke 61), 4-Samuel Osei Kuffour, 3-Bixente Lizarazu; 21-Alexander Zickler
(14-Mario Basler 82), 11-Stefan Effenberg, 16-Jens Jeremies; 9-Giovane Elber
(19-Carsten Jancker 82), 20-Hasan Salihamidzic
Referee: Dick Jol, Netherlands
Bayern, Manchester United go through
MANCHESTER, England, Dec 9 - Bayern Munich and Manchester United both secured places
in the quarter-finals of the European Cup when they played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford
on Wednesday.
A 56th minute equalizer from Bayern's Bosnian international Hasan Salihamidzic cancelled
out a spectacular 43rd minute United goal from Roy Keane in a tense encounter.
Bayern go through as winners of the group D while United qualify as one of the best
runners-up.
Salihamidzic was first to react when Thomas Strunz's header from Stefan Effenburg's
corner was allowed to bounce in the United box and he slid the ball past United
goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
The goal cancelled out a superb 43rd minute opener from
Keane who found the corner of the net from 20 metres with a low drilled shot.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: Bayern, United enjoy 1-1 draw in Manchester
By Jeremy Butler
MANCHESTER, England, Dec 9 - Bayern Munich and Manchester
United both secured places in the quarter-finals of the
European Cup when they played out a 1-1 draw at Old
Trafford on Wednesday.
A 56th minute equalizer from Bayern's Bosnian international
Hasan Salihamidzic cancelled out a spectacular 43rd minute
United goal from Roy Keane in a tense encounter.
Bayern go through as winners of the group D while United
qualify as one of the best runners-up.
Salihamidzic was first to react when Thomas Strunz's header
from Stefan Effenburg's corner was allowed to bounce in the
United box and he slid the ball past United goalkeeper
Peter Schmeichel.
The goal cancelled out a superb 43rd minute opener from
Keane who found the corner of the net from 20 metres with a
low drilled shot.
Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld believes his team could face
United again in the final stages of the competition.
"The result is okay, both teams deserved to be in the
quarter-finals," said Hitzfeld who won the European Cup in
1997 with his former club Borussia Dortmund, beating United
on the way in the semifinals.
"Both teams have many strengths and perhaps we will meet
again in the tournament.
"It was easier for us to come here because we knew we had
10 points and a draw was enough to go through. That meant
United had to play in a more attacking way."
United's Scottish manager Alex Ferguson admitted there were
some tense moments on the bench but he knew his side were
through with 10 minutes to go if the sides remained level.
"I was sure of my facts because the chairman told me and he
doesn't get these things wrong," Ferguson said. "It was a
bit nerve wracking for a while but if we want the success
we have to go through the agonies.
"We had to wait a while to go in front but that was good
for the team. Being patient and showing discipline are
important things for us to learn. They did come back into
the game but we are satisfied with our night's work."
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Sport: Football Red Devils march on
Subject: Roy Keane opens the scoring
Manchester United have qualified for the quarter-finals of
the Champions' League after drawing 1-1 with Bayern Munich
at Old Trafford. United go through as one of two best
runners-up in the qualifying campaign after other European
results went their way, while Bayern progressed as Group D
winners. Bayern, looking a far more proficient side than in
the first leg, seemed to outnumber United in the first
quarter with Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, particularly,
having trouble finding space in midfield.
Alexander Zickler challenges Dennis Irwin But Andy Cole and
David Beckham clearly looked on form and when Beckham
picked up the ball, running into space and fired a 30-yard
shot, Oliver Khan could only punch it away. Bayern hit back
immediately, however, with Bixentwe Liseraxu hitting a low
cross to Giovane Elber at the near post. Elber, diving low,
beat Gary Neville, but the finish was not as good as the
set-up and the ball flashed across the face of the goal.
Dennis Irwin then clashed heads with Alexander Zickler,
badly bruising his nose - which bled profusely - but both
players recovered to rejoin the match. But United pushed
forward, with Cole narrowly missing out on a superb opening
goal. Irwin fed Ryan Giggs, who fed through instantly to
Cole just inside the box. Cole turned, sending Khan the
wrong way, but forced a curving shot just outside the
Bayern near post.
United then picked up the pace to force two more near
chances with Roy Keane blasting a shot onto Markus Babbel
who volleyed it away, before Ryan Giggs headed a Cole chip
the wrong side of the Bayern post. It started a fine period
of play with United dominating. Both Cole and Dwight Yorke
began to make some darting runs into the Bayern box and
Cole was unlucky to have a shot deflected in the 39th
minute. Despite Bayern's defensive record - they have so
far only conceded one goal in the Bundesliga - it seemed
inevitable that a United goal would come. And minutes
before the break it did. A long ball from Beckham found
Giggs on the left-wing, who, beating Thomas Strunz, passed
neatly to Keane who hammered a 20-yard shot low into the
left corner of the Bayern net. Bayern push forward Bayern
started with much more purpose in the second-half, forcing
United back into their own half and after a flying 35-yard
drive from Samuel Osei Kuffour which was pushed round the
post by Peter Schmeichel, Bayern found the equaliser. It
was a terrible piece of defence from United from a more
than ordinary corner. And when Thomas Strunz headed into
the box, the United defence looked asleep, allowing Hasan
Salihamidzic to chip into the United net.
Andy Cole was then unlucky not put United ahead - but only
after both sides had made substitutions. Bayern brought on
Thomas Linke for Matthaus, while Nicky Butt came on for
Yorke. Cole then met a long ball from Beckham, but shaved
it with his head just to the left of the far post. Bayern,
undoubtedly, began to take more control of the second-half,
but seemed content the draw would take them through.
United, however, continued to press on with Paul Scholes
jinking his way into the penalty area to create problems
for the Germans. Kuffour was lucky not to concede a penalty
in the closing minutes after pulling Cole back from a Giggs
free-kick. But it was not to be and when the final whistle
blew, both sides looked happy with the draw.
Teams:
Manchester United: Peter Schmeichel, Wesley Brown, Gary
Neville, Jaap Stam, Denis Irwin, David Beckham, Paul
Scholes, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs; Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole
Bayern Munich: Oliver Khan, Thomas Strunz, Markus Babbel,
Lothar Matthaeus, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Bixente Lizarazu,
Alexander Zickler, Stefan Effenberg, Jens Jeremies, Giovane
Elber, Hasan Salihamidzic
Referee: Dick Jol, Netherlands
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: WITH THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SET TO BE EXTENDED NEXT SEASON, THIS IS THE REDS'
BEST CHANCE TO WIN THE EUROPEAN CUP
By Ian Cruise
MANCHESTER UNITED booked their place in the quarter-finals of the European Cup
last night with a 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich. It wasn't the result that United
had hoped for, but it was enough to see them through to the last eight of the
competition for the third successive season. And now they need to show they
have what it takes to win the most prestigious club competition of all
because this could be their best chance for the next couple of years.
In the past two seasons United have failed to live up to their billing as one of Europe's
real greats as they have been beaten by Borussia Dortmund and Monaco, in the
semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively. In the group matches this year they have
proved that, on their day, they are a match for any side in the competition and Alex
Ferguson will be desperate for his side to go all the way, particularly as their chances of
success seem certain to be hampered next year, and possibly the year after that.
From next season, the size of the Champions League will be increased still further and the
two sides who meet in the final will be playing in their 17th game in the
competition. And with no chance of the Premiership being reduced in size before next
August, United's resources will be tested to the limit. The top leagues in countries like
Italy and Germany contain only 18 teams, whereas the Premier League is 20, so that is
four extra league games a season for starters. Add to those the League and FA
Cups and it is easy to see why England's best sides get stretched when it comes to
European competition.
Eventually, it seems certain that the Premiership will be reduced in
size to come into line with other leading countries, but that won't
happen overnight. It is obviously too late to cut teams for the start
of next season and there is sure to be strong opposition from the
'lesser' clubs when the idea is once again raised. But until the
domestic league is pruned, the likes of United, Arsenal and Chelsea
will be on a slightly uneven playing field when up against the likes of
Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich - and that is why United
must make the most of their chance this year.
For now though, Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson can enjoy the
prospect of a quarter-final in March and he was delighted to book his
place in the last eight. He said: "I was always confident that a draw
would be enough because I couldn't see Juventus losing at home. We
had some nervy moments after half-time and Bayern are a very
effective team, but I was satisfied with the result. It was a good
performance from us and, although we weren't so much of a threat in
the second half, the result takes us to the stage we want to be."
And there was more good news for United on the domestic front
when Premiership leaders Aston Villa were beaten 2-1 at Chelsea,
thanks to a last-minute winner from Tore Andre Flo. That result
leaves United a point behind in second place, but with one game in
hand.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: KEANE'S GOAL GOOD ENOUGH FOR UNITED
GROUP D: MANCHESTER UNITED 1 BAYERN MUNICH 1
Manchester United emerged alive and kicking from
the Champions League group of death as they
booked their place in the quarter-finals. It wasn't
the classic match so many fans had hoped for but
Roy Keane's 43rd minute goal was enough to
ensure that Alex Ferguson's side reached the last
eight for the third successive season.
United started as the brighter side and they carved
out the first chance after just five minutes. A
beautiful ball from David Beckham was turned into
Andy Cole's path by Ryan Giggs, but the in-form
striker saw his left-foot shot charged down. Still
United could have taken advantage though, but
when the ball rebounded to Dwight Yorke, he
blazed his effort over from the edge of the box.
It was clear that United had the pace and power up
front to trouble Bayern, but it was pace and power
of a slightly different kind which most concerned
goalkeeper Oliver Kahn in the 14th, as he was
taken by surprise by Beckham's 25-yard pile-driver.
The German keeper just about got his fists to the
ball to deflect it to safety.
A minute later Yorke headed wide from Giggs' cross
as the home side searched for the vital opening
goal. However, although they had created the best
opportunities of the first quarter of an hour, United
were given a warning of Bayern's own attacking
threat in the 16th minute when Bixente Lizarazu's
cross was met by Brazilian striker Giovane Elber,
but his diving header skimmed wide of the far post
when perhaps he should have done better.
As the game swung to and fro, Cole almost
snatched the lead for Alex Ferguson's men when,
after a swift turn on the edge of the box, he sent
his shot just inches wide of Kahn's post, and at the
other end Alexander Zinckler's header from Stefan
Effenberg's cross appeared to flick off Keane's
boot and over the bar when it may have been
heading for the back of the net.
It looked as though these two European super
powers would end the first-half all square until
Keane stepped in to give United a valuable lead in
the 43rd minute. Giggs twisted and turned past
Thomas Strunz and rolled the into the path of his
captain who fired an unstoppable shot into the
bottom corner of the net from 20 yards.
That was just the fillip United wanted on the stroke
of half-time, and they wasted no time in trying to
extend their advantage after the break and
substitute Ronny Johnsen - who replaced the
injured Denis Irwin at the interval - almost became
an instant hero. Keane played Beckham's corner
back across the face of goal and all Johnsen had to
do was volley the ball home from six yards out. He
completely missed his kick but even then had a
chance to make amends as the ball fell, but this time
he blasted it over the bar.
Bayern showed that they were not prepared to let
United have things all their own way in the 53rd
minute when a period of sustained pressure finally
left Samuel Kaffour with a clear sight of Peter
Schmeichel's goal. The Germans had questioned
the big Dane before the game but there was
nothing wrong with his reactions as he flew to his
right to turn the Ghanaian's fierce drive away for a
corner.
But two minutes later there was little or nothing
Schmeichel could do to prevent an equaliser.
Effenberg's corner was headed down into the
danger area by Strunz, and Hasan Salihamidzic
poked the ball over the line from close range. And
within three minutes Bayern almost snatched the
lead when Elber volleyed narrowly over after
Zinckler's shot had deflected into his path.
United were dealt a blow in the 63rd minute when
Yorke limped off to be replaced by Nicky Butt, but
four minutes later they were within inches of
regaining the lead, and again it was Cole who was
the unlucky man. He reacted first to Beckham's
wicked cross but his glancing header flew just wide
of Khan's right hand post.
Schmeichel was forced to make another save from
a speculative Effenberg drive but, as the news of
other scorelines filtered down to the players and it
became clear that a draw would be good enough
for both clubs, everyone seemed happy for the
game to finish level. As a result the closing stages
lacked the passion of the earlier exchanges as both
teams began to turn one eye to the quarter-finals.
In the other Group D game, Barcelona beat
Brondby 2-0 in Denmark with goals from Luis Figo
and Rivaldo in a match that was relevant only in
deciding who would finish bottom of the group.
FINAL TABLE - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP D
P W D L F A Pts
Bayern Munich 6 3 2 1 9 6 11
Man United 6 2 4 0 20 11 10
Barcelona 6 2 2 2 11 9 8
Brondby 6 1 0 5 4 18 3
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
From: Jon Leigh
Subject: Short report of Bayern game and pre-match
Fellow list members may recall Adrian Hodgkiss and his mate John saying
they were coming over for the game as part of Adrian's Stag Do.
As luck would have it, we bumped into Adrian and John in the 'Circus
Tavern' at about 3pm. After a few beers we adjourned to another bar a
short distance away in China Town opposite the Woo Sang. Anybody who
knows this area will understand that we all had an excellent time and
departed for the match nicely relaxed and looking forward to the game.
Further details can only be supplied by Adrian on his return to
California - for me to elaborate further would be unfair.
One of our group was depending on a contact of mine to provide a ticket
- at above face value. Unfortunately, when we got to the Trafford pub at
6:45 the bastard had already sold it for double what he was going to
give it to my mate for. Won't be speaking to him again. The ensuing
delay while we found a replacement meant that we were unable to make it
to the Throstles Nest for another quick 2 or 3 before the game. Sorry
ladies and gents, hope you had a good time.
The highlight of the evening for me, which hasn't appeared in any
account so far, was the long banner unfurled by the Bayern fans as the
teams came out onto the pitch. With a red background it carried just two
words, in white capitals: "STOP MURDOCH". I was diagonally opposite and
those 2 words were clear for all to see and it cheered me (and some of
those around me) no end. The banner was held up for about 2 minutes and
then disappeared. I don't know if the fun-loving SPS confiscated it or
they took it down before that happened. Top fans, unlike a few others
who will be mentioned later.
Enough accounts of teh game itself have already appeared, but for the
opening few minutes the noise and atmosphere were electric (like all
games used to be in the 70's but sadly now only 3 or 4 a season). Poor
Ryan seemed to be demonstrating that the Dani Behr stories are true - he
was a yard off the pace and gave the ball away continually and cheaply.
But we have to also remember that he has been out for 7 weeks and it
will take time for him to adjust - I do sincerely hope that is the real
reason for his current form.
Up front,man-of-the-match Andy Cole had an absolute dream of a game: he
worked his arse off and, more importantly, if a ball was played in his
vicinity he showed excellent touch and kept possession. But still not
good enough to play for yer Inger-land (which you know where you can
stick) eh, Glenda?
At the back, Stam had another magnificent game and nothing got past him
all night - apart from that soft and rather fortuitous goal Bayern
rarely looked like scoring.
As other scores came through, it was obvious that a draw would certainly
see us easily through to the Quarters - our only and un-surpassable
objective. This filtered through on to the pitch and a couple of minutes
from the end Gary Nev and Schmikes played a little bit of keep-ball to
waste some time. This infuriated some of the spoilt bastards around me,
who started to boo the players who had scored a record number of
Champions League goals (providing top grade entertainment all along the
way) for having the temerity to play safe for the last 5 minutes of a
540 minute campaign (so far) and ensure that all that hard work didn't
go to waste. That's your 90's football supporter for you. Never mind
standing up, if I was Martin Edwards I would have all those people
ejected and ensure they never darkened the doors of Old Traffrord again.
For me, a sad end to the evening, which was immediately forgotten when
the lady who had infuriated us during the game with her 23 renditions of
"THIS IS A STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT..." (did she not know there was a football
match going on?) actually said something useful and informed us that we
had qualified for the last 8.
Job done. Home to bed for some much- (and still-) needed sleep.
Jon Leigh.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: BRUCE SET FOR OLD TRAFFORD RETURN
Latest Transfer Cash Snub Could Be Final Straw,
Plus: Newcastle Share Price On The Slide, Gunners
Back Wenger And The Rest Of The Day's News
STEVE BRUCE is said to be considering his future as
Sheffield United's player/manager after being told
he won't be given any of the £500,000 from the
sale of striker Dean Saunders to Benfica to spend
on new players. Carlo Colombotti, the chairman of
United's plc, has widened the rift between
boardroom and changing room by refusing Bruce
any cash from the shock transfer. Colombotti insists
he wants the manager to stay and will fight any
move from Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson
to recruit his 37-year-old former captain as his No.
2, but Bruce is not prepared to work on a
shoestring budget for much longer.
"I would have hoped that I would be getting some
of the Saunders money to bring in a replacement,"
he said. "That was the very least I expected after
having the player sold from under me less than two
hours before Saturday's game at Bristol City. Now
I'm not getting any of his transfer fee. I don't want
to keep selling my best players. My main problem
now is finding replacements for those who have
left. In the current climate, it won't be easy."
Saunders' exit follows the £400,000 sale of Gareth
Taylor to Manchester City less than a fortnight ago.
------------
Latest! Blades block United's Bruce moves ««
Sheffield United have affirmed that they will turn down any
approaches from Manchester United to make their manager
Steve Bruce the new number two at Old Trafford.
Bruce, the former long-time United defender, has been linked
with the vacant position as assistant to United manager Alex
Ferguson, since Brian Kidd left to become the new boss at
Blackburn Rovers.
Sheffield United Chief Executive Philip Wood insisted:"We want
to make it clear Steve has our full support as manager and we do
not want him to go anywhere. Any approach will be fiercely
resisted."
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
Subject: BSKYB/MANCHESTER UNITED MERGER INQUIRY
1. The MMC Group conducting this inquiry is of the view
that arrangements are in contemplation which, if carried
into effect, will result in the creation of a merger
situation qualifying for investigation. I am writing to
give you an indication of the issues which the Group are
likely to raise with you at the forthcoming hearing.
2. The Group believes that it would be beneficial to the
inquiry to make public its thinking on what issues it has
to address, to inform third parties interested in
making submissions and to enable them to tell us if they
think that important points have been missed. It has
therefore decided to publish this letter.
The markets
3. The Group will wish to ask you about the existing
markets and the effects of possible developments including:
a. The nature, extent and definition of the market(s)
within which BSkyB operates, including both the wholesale
and retail supply of TV channels and pay-per-view services.
b. The nature, extent and definition of the market(s)
within which Manchester United operates.
c. The links between these markets, including the sale of
broadcasting rights.
d. Whether BSkyB and/or Manchester United currently have
any market power and, if so its nature, extent and
consequences.
e. Any other relevant competition issues affecting the
existing markets.
f. The effects of the following on the market:
the alternative scenarios of a continuation of
collective selling of broadcasting rights on the one
hand and the introduction of individual selling on the
other; the current and future development of digital
broadcasting; the current and future development of
pay-per-view services; the ownership of football clubs
by other broadcasters and links between broadcasters;
and possible changes to the regulation or organisation
of football in England and Europe.
Public interest issues
4. The Group will wish to explore the reasons for the
proposed merger and to ask you about its benefits.
5. It will wish to put questions to you on the effect of the
merger on competition and in particular on the following
points:
a. In the context of collective selling of TV rights, whether
the merger would give BSkyB an advantage over other
broadcasters bidding for the rights by,
giving BSkyB influence over the decision of the Premier
League on the sale of the rights; giving BSkyB access
to information not available to others; discouraging
others from bidding or increasing the costs of their
doing so; and encouraging BSkyB to bid more
aggressively.
b. Whether a threat by Manchester United to leave the Premier
League, if for example BSkyB failed to win the League’s TV
rights, would be a credible one. Whether a threat by the
Premier League to expel Manchester United, if for example
it refused to abide by a League decision on the collective
sale of TV rights, would be a credible one.
c. Whether a threat by the Premier League to expel Manchester
United, if for example it refused to abide by a League
decision on the collective sale of TV rights, would be a
credible one.
d. What the impact of the merger would be on any plans by the
Premier League to set up its own TV channel.
e. In the event of TV rights being sold individually by
Premier League clubs, whether the merger would give BSkyB
an advantage over rival broadcasters by, for example,
enabling it to prevent any competitor from buying rights to
Manchester United games and using its monopoly over these
games to persuade other premier league clubs to sell it
their TV rights.
f. What effect the proposed merger would have on the
wholesale and retail supply of TV channels. Whether it
would, in general, enhance BSkyB’s position in the live
broadcasting of sports and, in particular, increase the
incentive and ability of BSkyB to:
block or limit the supply of live football matches to
rival broadcasters; block or limit the supply of
highlights or recorded games to rival broadcasters; and
price its sports channels in ways which reduce the
ability of other broadcasters to compete at the
wholesale or retail level or both.
g. Whether a merged BSkyB/Manchester United would have a
disproportionate influence over the rules and decisions of
the Premier League (and other football associations) and,
if so, what effect this might have on these rules and
decisions, for example, the rules on club ownership and
decisions about the number of matches to be broadcast live.
h. Whether the merger, if it went ahead, would induce other
broadcasters to acquire football clubs and what effect this
would have on competition.
i. Whether the merger would increase barriers to entry or
barriers to growth in any part of the market.
j. Whether the merger would enable BSkyB to block or limit
access to Manchester United matches, staff and players by
media (for example newspapers) not owned by or allied with
companies related to BSkyB.
k. Whether the merger would have any effect on the operation
of Manchester United TV.
6. The Group will also wish to seek your views on the
possible effects of the proposed merger on the interests of
consumers. In particular:
a. Whether the merger would lead to an increase in Manchester
United’s gate prices, or the prices of any of BSkyB’s TV
channels or both.
b. Whether the merger would lead to changes in the prices of
or selling practices for Manchester United’s merchandise.
c. Whether the merger would lead to or hasten the
introduction of pay-per-view services and whether this
would increase the cost of watching top quality football
matches on television.
d. Whether the merger would reduce the access of consumers to
televised football by:
removing Premier League highlights and/or Manchester
United European competition games from free-to-air
television; and inducing mergers between other
broadcasters and football clubs, resulting in a need to
purchase several pay TV channels in order to view a
range of Premier League matches.
e. Whether the merger would lead to a rescheduling of matches
in the interests of broadcasters, with the live matches
being timed to suit TV audiences, possibly abroad, or
advertisers to the detriment of those wishing to attend
matches.
f. Whether, in the interests of group profitability or cash
flow, the merger would lead to reduced expenditure on
players and/or investment by Manchester United, to the
detriment of its sporting performance.
g. Conversely, whether the resources of the merged group
would enable it to invest more heavily than any other
football club, enabling Manchester United to win
consistently, to the detriment of an exciting sporting
competition.
h. Whether there would be a conflict of interest between
Manchester United’s wish to win as many matches as possible
and BskyB’s wish to maintain an exciting sporting
competition with uncertainty about winners.
i. Whether the merger would, by inducing similar mergers
between broadcasters and football clubs, exacerbate the gap
between wealthy clubs and the rest, decreasing the ability
of the latter to mount an effective challenge and thus
reducing the excitement of football for many supporters.
j. Whether other aspects of football, for example the
organisation of leagues both nationally and
internationally, the selection of players and the location
of grounds, would tend to be dominated by broadcasting
interests rather than the interests of supporters and
whether this would be against the public interest.
7. It has been suggested that certain other aspects of
football could be affected by the merger and the Group may
wish to ask you about these. These issues include:
a. Whether a club owned by a broadcaster could undermine the
authority of football’s governing bodies and league
organisers by refusing to accept their rulings when they
were not in the interests of the club or its owner.
b. Whether the merger and its consequentials would lead to
English football being run by people with no real interest
in the game itself.
c. Whether Manchester United supporters would lose such
influence as they have over the club.
d. Whether News International has the ability materially to
influence BSkyB and whether this raises public interest
issues additional to those identified in this letter.
8. The Group has, of course, not yet reached any conclusions
about whether the merger might be expected to operate
against the public interest. But if it were to do so it
would need to make recommendations to the Secretary of
State on how to remedy the adverse effects identified. It
may therefore wish to ask you about hypothetical remedies.
"Peter Schmeichel's last season at OT" Click on image for more!"
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If ever they are playing in your town
You must get to that football ground
Take a lesson come to see
Football taught by Matt Busby
Manchester, Manchester United
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes
They deserve to be knighted
Barry
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by 
William
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