MANUNITED.NETLANE.COM : TODAYS NEWS
Date: Tue Apr 21 07:32:39 GMT+00:00 1998
Mail: barry@www.red11.org

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1998
Fergie flying in for new Schmeichel «« 
Alex Ferguson is to fly out to watch the keeper billed as the new Peter
Schmeichel tomorrow.
The United boss plans to watch Aalborg goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen in action
for the Denmark Under-21s against Norway. The 20-year-old has been
attracting interest around Europe and was recommended to Fergie by his
brother Martin, a scout for United, after a fine performance against
Scotland last month. The 6ft 4in keeper is rated at £1million and Ferguson
is believed to want to groom him to take over from Schmeichel, who is 34,
in a couple of years time. 
Barry your editor.

This Issue:
1. NEWS ARTICLES: Teamtalk 
2. UNITED RUEING LOSS OF CANTONA AND KEANE
3. Ole's Foul (D.Mail)
4. United Given Hope (Carling)
5. An Away Trip for a Home Game: Richard TOF nullThe Oldest FartnullUSA.

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New 98 kit "recognise the models?!"


X-Sender: giggs@tiac.net
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Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 14:46:15 -0400
To: suggs@tiac.net
From: J Callaghan  (by way of Red Devils List )
Subject: NEWS ARTICLES: Teamtalk 

Fergie flying in for new Schmeichel 
Schmeichel set for quick return 
Evans admits defeat 
May exit on the cards 
Stam update 
Edwards on spending 

 
MONDAY, APRIL 20, 1998

Schmeichel set for quick return «« 
Peter Schmeichel is set to return to action on Wednesday after it was
feared his season may be over.
The big Dane limped off after just 17 minutes of United's 1-1 draw with
Newcastle on Saturday after aggravating a hamstring injury which has
troubled him recently.
Alex Ferguson said after the game he would like Schmeichel to sit out the
rest of the season and allow the injury to fully recover. But the United
keeper is set to go against his manager's wishes and play for his country
against Norway in a friendly ahead of this summer's World Cup.
"I definitely hope to play against Norway on Wednesday," he said. "Alex
Ferguson didn't know the full details of the injury when he said what he did."


Evans admits defeat «« 
Manager Roy Evans has finally conceded that Liverpool won't be playing in
the Champions League next season.
Evans said that, while the point won at Highfield Road yesterday keeps
Liverpool in line for a UEFA Cup place, the reality now is that Arsenal and
Manchester United are going to finish as the top two in the Premiership.
Evans went on to say that, if Liverpool can win their remaining four games,
his side can put pressure on Manchester United for second place, but
Arsenal are almost certain to finish the season as champions.


May exit on the cards «« 
Newcastle United manager Kenny Dalglish is reported to be ready to raid Old
Trafford in the summer for defender David May.
Dalglish looks set to lose the services of Darren Peacock during the close
season when his contract expires in May.
And there could also be a double departure from the defensive ranks at St
James' Park, if those rumours suggesting Alessandro Pistone is leaving for
Italy prove to be true.
Defence has been a problem area for the Magpies this season and May, who
Dalglish had under his way at Blackburn, is understood to be seen by the
Magpies boss as a vital component in his summer rebuilding programme.
United chief Alex Ferguson, who has himself been linked with several
defensive targets over the past few days, has already tied May down to a
six-year deal.
The centre-half has only started six games for United this term, with
injury problems keeping him sidelined for most of the Premiership campaign,
and Newcastle are thought to be ready to make a £3 million summer offer for
him.

Stam update «« 
Further talks are planned this week to discover whether any progress can be
made on the Jaap Stam transfer saga.
Stam's agent Ton Van Dalen expects to open discussions with United to see
whether PSV's demands can be met.
He said:
"It is up to us to find a solution. I still expect it to go through and
Jaap still expects to play for Manchester United. It is the only thing he
wants."


 

Edwards on spending «« 
Martin Edwards has revealed that Alex Ferguson has a 'substantial' budget
to rebuild his squad for next season in his quest to win the Premiership
and the European Cup.
Edwards said:
We have a budget and we have to work within those parameters.
"If one player costs more, then there is less to spend on anyone else the
manager might want.
"Further money can be generated, however, if the manager wants to sell
anyone."
New 98 kit "recognise the models?!"




Man United 20 Apr 1998 

Subject:   UNITED RUEING LOSS OF CANTONA AND KEANE

One man walked away, the other was carried away - and Alex Ferguson must know that
is why the FA Carling Premiership is going away. Less than two months ago, after
a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge, it was all over and a bookmaker was already paying out. 

United were 12 points clear of Arsenal - a massive margin even though Arsene Wenger's
side had matches in hand - and looked unstoppable. But since then it has all gone horribly
wrong. Without Roy Keane's midfield drive, United have lacked the belief and sheer
intensity you need when the nerves are exposed. 

And when they needed imagination and a bit extra up front, all the effort in the world
could not make up for the loss of Eric Cantona's craft, guile and genius. 

Take the words of United legend Paddy Crerand, sharing the disbelief of Reds fans as he 
sat in near-deserted Old Trafford on Saturday night. 

``I came out after the Chelsea game thinking the league was all over,'' Crerand told 
listeners to a local radio phone-in. ``But since then it's been a nightmare!''
Indeed it has, and as Ferguson steeled himself to watching Wenger and his Arsenal
side parade around Highbury with the trophy the Scot feels is his by right,
he must have reflected on the pair who could have made all the difference. 

The United boss must take some responsibility for putting all his eggs in the
European Champions' League basket, sending out the clear message the title did not
matter so much, that it would ``look after itself''. But he will also know if Cantona
and Keane had been available to him then not even the Gunners' prodigious run could
have wrested the Premiership from his grasp. 

Hindsight, of course, makes everything easy, and when United put seven goals past
Barnsley in October to start a six-month reign at the top that ended this weekend,
few would have doubted Ferguson's thinking. Teddy Sheringham appeared to be filling
Cantona's boots and, while Keane's self-inflicted injury at Leeds was still a blow,
Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes were filling the breach. 

Yet when it mattered, in Europe and domestically, Keane's absence from the heart of
the midfield engine room - where sheer force of will means so much - was key. 

The Irishman, whose piercing eyes give insight into his utter determination, would 
have imposed himself on the matches that mattered. 

And with Keane in the middle of the park and Cantona up front, it is hard to believe
United would  not have turned the successive home draws against Liverpool and Newcastle
into vital wins. 

Sheringham, despite two penalty misses which saw him relieved of spot-kick duties,
looked to be making light of Cantona's absence at the start of the season. 

One reason was his relationship with Andy Cole - unlike the brooding Frenchman,
who never hid his lack of faith in the £7million man, Sheringham had one! 

But since the turn of the year, Sheringham has not found the net in the Premiership,
the United fans clearly turning on him, finding one man they can blame. 

His body language suggests so much. It is not that Sheringham is not trying
- if anything, he is trying too hard - but there is a sense things have conspired
against him. 

Ferguson tried to defend the former Tottenham man. ``Players have periods when they
can play better. You have highs and lows but that's no problem - that's football,'
" he said. 

Yet it was in what Americans call the ``clutch'' that Cantona, enigmatic and at
times unfathomable, could be relied upon to pull rabbits from the hat. 

Take two seasons ago as United closed in on their second Ferguson Double. 

In March and early April 1996, as Newcastle fell apart at the seams, Cantona scored
the only goal as United beat the Magpies, Arsenal, Tottenham and Coventry, also
coming up with the late equaliser at QPR. 

The Frenchman completed that season of success with the Wembley winner over Liverpool,
coming up with the goods time and again. 

Even last season, with his importance waning slightly, Ferguson knew he could turn
to Cantona when the situation demanded and he scored winners against Southampton
and Blackburn - always a totemic, talismanic presence. 

To add insult to injury, Arsenal's French musketeers - Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit,
Nicolas Anelka - have played so important a part for the Gunners. 

Ferguson remains convinced of one thing - that his team are, whatever the table says
on May 10, the best team in the land. But now he is left straw-clutching in an unaccustomed and unhappy position. 

``We're good enough to win it still,'' he maintained.
``Football's a funny game - you never know.''
In his heart of hearts, of course, he knows all too well. 
New 98 kit "recognise the models?!"



X-Sender: giggs@tiac.net
X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 3.0 (32)
Date: Mon, 20 Apr 1998 10:20:36 -0400
To: suggs@tiac.net

Subject: Ole's Foul (D.Mail)

Manchester United v Newcastle United:

No regrets about hack of the day     
Monday, April 20, 1998

John Richardson finds cynicism rules over sportsmanship in Premiership
business

Norway striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer offered no apologies for his act of
brutal cynicism which has put him in the rogues' gallery.

Sadly, in a game which is now big business rather than showbusiness almost
everyone in the 55,000 Old Trafford crowd knew what was going to happen next
when Newcastle skipper Robert Lee found himself on a clear path to goal.

With the ball a mere distraction, Solskjaer hacked Lee to the ground with
all the subtlety of a bulldozer. The cheers from the Manchester United fans
were akin to those which acknowledge the kill at a bullfight.

Ole! So-called professionalism rules OK. At least he received a red card
rather than the booking which admonished Willie Young for that fateful trip
on 17-year-old Paul Allen in the Arsenal-West Ham FA Cup Final of 1980.

Yet, sadly in playgrounds around the country this week there are going to be
tears as impressionable youngsters mimic the £10,000-a-week Premiership
stars and haul certain scorers to the tarmac. 'It's what is expected,' will
argue the adolescent assailants.

For Solskjaer and United it denied Newcastle victory and kept Alex
Ferguson's side in with a chance of snatching three crucial points at the
death. A week earlier, football's greatest living ambassador Pele had been
at Old Trafford still preaching that football is the beautiful game.

It still is at its pulsating vibrant best but not when the desire for prizes
consumes any last vestige of sportsmanship.

Solskjaer was given a standing ovation by many of the fans as he made his
way to the touchline following his banishment and a pat on the back by
team-mate David Beckham. An observation by Newcastle chairman Sir John Hall
that the applause was over the top was answered with a few choice words by
some United fans within earshot of the directors' box.

Afterwards, Solskjaer was unrepentant: 'I have got no regrets. I did it for
the team. I thought in that position I had no other option. I don't feel I
need to apologise to anybody.'

It was a sad end to an afternoon where experienced boss Alex Ferguson's
worst fears were realised - that the class of '98 lack the know-how and
resilience of the Double-winning sides of '94 and '96.

Ferguson might be a successful horse owner these days but at the age of 56
he's not ready for football's knacker's yard and that's why there will be
changes in personnel this summer. Anybody who doesn't share Ferguson's work
ethic will be out while some of Europe's big names are on his shopping list.

'People like myself and the staff and the supporters don't deserve to have
it thrown away by the players like this,' he said. 'Not after all the work
that has been done here.'

Undoubtedly, the long absence of injured Roy Keane has, like water dripping
into a crack, finally opened up a seam of doubt through the team - enough
for Arsenal to take full advantage.

Too often, Ryan Giggs is the lone attacking inspiration - you won't see many
better delivered crosses than the one which enabled David Beckham to head
the equaliser.

It came at a time when Newcastle had dominated with Andreas Andersson
scoring his second successive Premiership goal while United waited in vain
for the offside flag.

Kenny Dalglish's side who had won through to the FA Cup Final on the same
ground a fortnight earlier treated this latest examination with all the
seriousness of another semi-final in the knowledge that Premiership safety
still had to be earned.

The salutes to the band of Newcastle fans at the final whistle showed that
the players knew it was a mission virtually accomplished. Sir John said: 'I
thought it was a spirited fighting performance and one we could have won. I
think it has probably cost Manchester United the championship.

'We played some good football and of course we saw Robert Lee was through on
goal. He was forcibly taken out. It was one of those things and the player
paid for it by being sent off. We have turned the corner and if the spirit
continues there's no chance of us going down.'

Newcastle are constantly reminded how under Kevin Keegan a 12-point lead was
squandered at the top of the Premiership. Manchester United have now let an
11-point lead slip.

Sir John added: 'Manchester United are going through what we went through
when we were so far clear. The pressure has probably got to them.'

Both sides had opportunities to win the game with Newcastle's Shay Given and
Manchester United replacement keeper Raimond Van Der Gouw making some
outstanding saves.

Yet, the abiding memory of this game will be the callous kick on Lee by
Solskjaer that disfigured Pele's beautiful game.
New 98 kit "recognise the models?!"




Subject:  United Given Hope (Carling)

Man United 20 Apr 1998
UNITED GIVEN TITLE HOPE

Shay Given is a polite young man. The Newcastle goalkeeper conducted himself
like the perfect guest at Old Trafford after he had played a major part in
further loosening Manchester United's grip on the FA Carling Premiership
trophy.

The champions know their reign is likely to end and manager Alex Ferguson
admitted they are ``in a bad position''.

Arsenal are one point ahead of them and three wins in their remaining five
matches will be enough to guarantee them their first championship for seven
years.

But Given, who celebrates his 22nd birthday today, still holds out some hope
for United.

Perhaps it was because he did not want to offend his hosts that when asked
if he felt the title race was over, he replied: ``I wouldn't say that.
Arsenal are definitely in the driving seat and if they keep playing the way
they are, they'll win it.

``They're going through a great run at the minute but all good teams have a
slip-up or two.

``I think if United can keep piling on the pressure, they could still have a
chance.

``United are a great team and still one of the best in England. They didn't
give up against us and I don't think they'll give up yet.''

Newcastle boss Kenny Dalglish, who has been Ferguson's fiercest rival over
the years, offered some words of sympathy to his old foe.

He suggested United's star-studded squad of internationals are paying for
their triumphs.

``United have had a problem with Europe and I feel they're now paying a
price for that success,'' he said.

``Arsenal may have got a bit of benefit from going out of the UEFA Cup early
on against Salonika.

``And when you consider the players from Manchester United who have been in
international squads for the last two years with Le Tournoi and the European
Championship, that's almost two years of non-stop soccer for them.''

Newcastle were set to record only their second win at Old Trafford in 48
years before David Beckham equalised Andreas Andersson's opener for the
Magpies.

But the draw earned them a precious point in their bid to climb clear of the
relegation battle.

Newcastle remain five points above the drop zone in 15th place and Given
said: ``We must be confident but we know we still need a few more points.

``Everyone down there is fighting for their lives and we need a few more
points to get away. The more points we get, the more relaxed we'll be.

``We know what we must do to get out of there and four points in our last
two games has been really good for us.''

Ferguson claimed Gary Neville was doubtful for England's friendly against
Portugal on Wednesday after he was substituted towards the end of the draw
because of flu and diarrhoea.

Nicky Butt also came off with double vision while Phil Neville sustained an
ankle knock, but Ferguson claimed they should be fit for England.

Of greater concern to Ferguson, though, is Peter Schmeichel, set to miss
United's remaining three matches with hamstring trouble, while Ole Gunnar
Solskjaer will be suspended for their last two games because of dismissal
for a challenge on Rob Lee.

New 98 kit "recognise the models?!"



X-Mailer: Mozilla 3.01C-SNET  (Win95; U)
Date:         Mon, 20 Apr 1998 19:58:46 -0400
Reply-To: rarnold02@snet.net
Sender: "Manchester United Football Club (soccer)"
              
From: Richard Arnold 
Subject: An Away Trip for a Home Game: Richard TOF [The Oldest Fart],USA.
       
Well, at last I met a Red who wasn't just words on the list. Hello again
John Kerendi of S. Salem, NY. I noticed John because he had on his Reds
home shirt. His wife popped in for a short while too.

It happened last Saturday. I decided to do what I pointed out others
could do -- if close-- that's see ManUtd on Sentana in The Playwright
pub in Stamford, CT. That's where I met John. I got up at 7 am, 72 miles
away in Cromwell, CT. At 8 am I was on the road after filling up with
gas and had an uneventful 72 mile run on the highway to The Playwright.
Got there at 9:40, 20 minutes before telly KO, and saw some highlights
of past matches for 20 minutes on a 6 ft by 6 ft screen and 2 regular
size TVs (which were much clearer). The pub started filling up and about
10 am to about thirty in the bar -- adults and kids (boys and a girl)
with Reds shirts on.

Just before the game started I saw the barman carry 3 pitchers of beer
into the back room. I asked if there was another room and I was missing
out on something. He said no, that's the beer for the fish batter. Well
needless to say I had a great fish and chips halfway thru the second
half with 2 pints of Bass.

The Match: well, 1-1, what can I say I liked? Besides those 2,000
experimental insects up in the spacecraft Columbia running around like
fools in an electric generating treadmill causing no end of inteference
to the telly broadcast, I thought Newcastle had better chances to win
than Utd., and the Newcastle goal was a tragedy at the back. How can 2
barcodes get behind ManUtd's defense with nobody near them? Personally,
I thought they were well offside because they were so much on their own
-- but the cameras didn't show a shot from the sideline so I couldn't be
sure -- but I would have bet on it!!

Later, another a mistake -- only Solsj was near the breakaway Lee to
trip him up in a really worthwhile professional fashion -- the best I've
seen -- without being malicious. What's happening at the back. There
were too many openings for Newcastle -- fortunately they were pi** poor
shooters. IMHO, I think Newcastle could have won by at least 1 goal just
based on the chances they had. Becks goal was a great low down flying
header. Superb.

Well, on the 72 mile journey back home I kept thinking about the longer
distances so many Reds travel each Saturday to get to OT and to overseas
matches, and was thankful that I was one of the few who saw the match
live, if only on TV -- and the 2 pints of Bass were great too.

For those who like to know this sort of thing, the whole trip cost about
40 dollars including gas, 10 dollars match fee at the pub, two pints of
Bass, fish and chips, and tip. A great day in one way -- to meet other
Reds. But a loss in another way -- no win, and now 2nd in the table. As
much as I hate to say this, I must give now give credit to the Arse who
have been, and are, playing good stuff -- 19 wins out of their last 24
matches!!-- just like ManUtd used to play. They will likely take the
double. I can't see Newcastle beating them in the FA Cup nor can I see
them losing the Championship. Too Bad!!!! But one can only hope.

The only excitement I feel now is the likelyhood of getting Stamm -- we
really had holes in defense -- it was criminal to leave 2 barcodes open
like that -- and a more consistent scorer -- the way Salas beat Campbell
with a backheel, on a sixpenny bit at Wembley, was eye-opening -- to me
that summed up a great missed opportunity for the Reds. I guess Salas
didn't like the warmed up Lancashire Hot Pot Fergie served him in South
America!!!!!

PS: Mark and Ethan, where were you???

Best Wishes to REDS Everywhere.
Richard TOF [The Oldest Fart], Connecticut, USA,
email: rarnold02@snet.net, ICQ4397233

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