www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Tue May 11 08:33:21 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. Another day in the sun Personal Report by OUR SALFORD LASS
2. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Personal Report by RED KELLY
3. Another day in the sun From: "P.J. Thum"
4. Fit-again Giggs to return at Blackburn .. Soccernet
5. Blackburn crush Reds (Under 17s fortunately)
6. Keane set for specialist ««
7. Giggs poised for Ewood clash ««
8. Bayern clinch title ««
9. SUAM showdown planned ««
10. Berg comeback on ice ««
11. Edwards faces charge ««
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Tues 11th May 1999:
11/5/1976:
Uniteds Stuart Pearson scores for England as they beat Northern Ireland
4-0 at Wembley.
11/5/1991:
Andrei Kanchelskis made his United debut at Crystal Palace. The Ukranian
flyer won Premiership medals in 1993 and 1994, an FA Cup winners medal in
1994, a League Cup Winners medals in 1992 and a losers medal in 1994 when he
was sent off at Wembley. He made 156 appearances and scored 36 goals between
1991-95. Kanchelskis later appeared for Everton, Fiorentina and Glasgow Rangers.
11/5/1996:
United complete their second League and Cup'Double' by beating Liverpool
1-0 in the FA Cup Final at Wembley watched by 79,007. Eric Cantona scored the
winner in the 86th minute. Team was: Schmeichel, P.Neville, Irwin, May,
Beckham (G.Neville), Pallister, Cantona, Butt, Cole (Scholes), Keane, Giggs.
*********************
Barry Daily Comment:
Blackburn on Wednesday, anyone supporting L...s on Tonight!?
RED sky at night BARCE' delight
Enjoy this memorable week, one and ALL!
Survey #46:
Are you going to the European Cup Final in Barcelona?
Yes 30 34.1%
No 58 65.9%
Total votes 88
Barry Comment:
OK so 30% of REDS on the list are going! Judging by the expense this should
be a good turn out!
My Comment on Ticket prices? I have already spent 500 before leaving and
have no tickets!
** FANTASY **
IF ONLY OT could step in and sell them for 100 quid we would all leap for
them!
Stay home for example, watch on TV, then buy a Caddy or Mustang convertable
instead!
Barry in coma
--------------
Survey #47:
Should the FA introduce a video replay match official?
Question now open.
Vote here: http://www.red11.org/miva/survey.mv
The www.red11.org Web Team:
Webmasters: Barry Leeming & Bill McArthur
Graphics: Sam Hayward
Reports: OUR SALFORD LASS & Red Kelly
Design: Diana Low
Stats: Paul Hinson Masterfan 1999
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Latest sound interviews in Real Audio here:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/sound/99
Everyone who wants the goal in Real Time Video 300k now thanks to RED CAFE!
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/texts/report98/domestic/arse-fa2.htm
FA Cup Semi Final Replay
14 April 1999
Manchester United 2:1 Arsenal
Villa Park
Download Ryan Giggs Goal! (Real Video: 300K)
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/real/giggs-goal.ra
Thanks to the Theatre of Dreams
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MANCHESTER UNITED STATS v ALL teams on the Web
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats.htm
Previous News:
BSKYB Takeover news/pics at http://www.red11.org/mufc/bskyb.htm
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
Next games:
ALL Result/Fixture Index:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
If you would like ALL the final fixtures for
UNITED/Arse/Chelsea then go to http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899.htm
Next Games:
May
12 Blackburn (A) 20.00 PL Live on Sky Sports UK
16 Tottenham (H) 16.00 PL Live on Sky Sports UK
22 FAC Final Wembley Newcastle (N) Live on Sky Sports UK
26 European Cup Final Bayern Munich Nou Camp
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
*** RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 08/05/99 ***
Aston Villa 3-4 Charlton Athletic 37,705
Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Nottingham Forest 24,565
Derby County 0-0 Coventry City 32,450
Everton 6-0 West Ham United 40,049
Leicester City 2-0 Newcastle United 21,125
Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Liverpool 27,383
Wimbledon 0-2 Southampton 24,068
*** RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 09/05/99 ***
Middlesbrough 0-1 Manchester United 34,665
*** LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 09/05/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Manchester United 36 21 12 3 78 36 42 75
2 Arsenal 36 21 12 3 58 16 42 75
3 Chelsea 36 19 14 3 53 27 26 71
4 Leeds United 36 17 12 7 59 32 27 63
5 Aston Villa 37 15 10 12 51 45 6 55
6 West Ham United 37 15 9 13 42 53 -11 54
7 Derby County 37 13 13 11 39 43 -4 52
8 Liverpool 37 14 9 14 65 49 16 51
9 Middlesbrough 37 12 15 10 48 50 -2 51
10 Leicester City 37 12 13 12 40 45 -5 49
11 Tottenham Hotspur 36 11 13 12 44 46 -2 46
12 Newcastle United 37 11 12 14 47 53 -6 45
13 Sheffield Wednesday 37 12 7 18 40 42 -2 43
14 Everton 37 11 10 16 42 45 -3 43
15 Wimbledon 37 10 12 15 40 60 -20 42
16 Coventry City 37 11 8 18 37 49 -12 41
17 Southampton 37 10 8 19 35 64 -29 38
18 Charlton Athletic 37 8 12 17 41 55 -14 36
19 Blackburn Rovers 36 7 12 17 37 51 -14 33
20 Nottingham Forest 37 6 9 22 34 69 -35 27
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 05/05/99 ***
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 United Home W 3-2 2 55,172
05/12/98 Aston Villa Away D 1-1 2 39,241
12/12/98 Tottenham Hotspur Away D 2-2 1 36,079
16/12/98 Chelsea Home D 1-1 2 55,159
19/12/98 Middlesbrough Home L 2-3 3 55,152
26/12/98 Nottingham Forest Home W 3-0 3 55,216
29/12/98 Chelsea Away D 0-0 3 34,741
10/01/99 West Ham United Home W 4-1 3 55,180
16/01/99 Leicester City Away W 6-2 2 22,091
31/01/99 Charlton Athletic Away W 1-0 1 20,043
03/02/99 Derby County Home W 1-0 1 55,174
06/02/99 Nottingham Forest Away W 8-1 1 30,025
17/02/99 Arsenal Home D 1-1 1 55,171
20/02/99 Coventry City Away W 1-0 1 22,596
27/02/99 Southampton Home W 2-1 1 55,316
13/03/99 Newcastle United Away W 2-1 1 36,500
21/03/99 Everton Home W 3-1 1 55,182
03/04/99 Wimbledon Away D 1-1 1 26,121
17/04/99 Sheffield Wednesday Home W 3-0 1 55,270
25/04/99 Leeds United Away D 1-1 2 40,255
01/05/99 Aston Villa Home W 2-1 1 55,189
05/05/99 Liverpool Away D 2-2 2 44,702
09/05/99 Middlesbrough Away W 1-0 1 34,665
*** TEAM STATISTICS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 09/05/99 ***
AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE: 55,188
HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 27/02/99 - Southampton (55,316)
LOWEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 15/08/98 - Leicester City (55,052)
BEST WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
BEST HOME WIN: 17/10/98 - Wimbledon (5-1)
HEAVIEST HOME DEFEAT: 19/12/98 - Middlesbrough (2-3)
BEST AWAY WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST AWAY DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
*****
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
Dec 9 Brøndby 0-2 Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd 1-1 Bayern Munich
******
CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS
Manchester Utd 2 v 0 Inter Milan
Real Madrid 1 v 1 Dynamo Kiev
Juventus 2 v 1 Olympiakos
Bayern Munich 2 v 0 Kaiserslautern
**DYNAMO KIEV 2 v 0 REAL MADRID (Agg:3-1)
FC KAISERSLAUTERN 0 v 4 **BAYERN MUNICH (Agg:0-6)
INTERNAZIONALE FC 1 v 1 **MANCHESTER UNITED (Agg:1-3)
OLYMPIAKOS 1 v 1 **JUVENTUS (Agg:2-3)
Semi Finals
Manchester United v Juventus 4-3agg 3-2 [1-1]
Bayern Munchen v Dynamo Kiev 4-3agg 1-0 [3-3]
UEFA Champions League Final MANCHESTER UNITED v BAYERN MUNICH
Venue Camp Nou (Estadi FC Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
Date Wednesday 26 May 1999 Kick-Off 20.45 CET (19.45 GMT)
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK Personal Report by RED KELLY
The first of a trilogy which will decide the destiny of this season's
Premiership title was played out at the Riverside yesterday. The gunners
from Wenger, the holders of the crown had gained the ascendancy over the
last couple of weeks, but will they be able to stand the heat when it's
turned up to boiling point?
The Wizard Vader's rebel forces massed on Teeside ready to do battle. The
Red Army arrived in their thousands to support the main attacking group.
The time was now, the rival factions in place.
Four of us set off around midday and belted like hell up the M1. The
journey was uneventful until we reached the A1 when we suddenly came to a
halt. Whatever it was hadn't long happened as the queue was short. On the
opposite carriageway we could see a fire engine and fire fighters running
across the road. On our side we soon became aware of what had caused the
hold up. A car had over turned and spilled it's occupants out onto the
central reservation. The car was crushed at the front and lying on it's
roof.
Everyone had escaped but there were obviously fears for at least one of
them as a concerned group crouched around someone lying on the grass - we
can only hope, whoever they are, that they survived. We sped on our way
more than a little shocked, but grateful it hadn't been us.
We arrived on the outskirts of the Middlesborough at around 3pm. We could
see the Riverside from where we parked opposite the station. There was
still time for a swift pint or two in a local hostelry, but which one to
choose was the tricky question.
"Club Bongo International" seemed a definite no go area. The occupants were
already spilling out onto the street and looked extremely hostile. The next
pub seemed better although as we went in I had my doubts. We soon learned
that nearly every male in Middlesborough looks as though they have just
been in a fight. Most were friendly though and we encountered no trouble
whatsoever from them. This time it was Nigel who we voted as spokesperson
as he could muster up a fairly convincing Teeside accent, the rest of us
were less than useless at it.
We stayed inside the pub for half an hour or so, long enough to see the end
of the Bradford Wolves game on TV. It was a nail biting finish to that game
which won them their first promotion in well over 70 years and we win
wondered what was in store for us. The locals seemed up for the job but
none too confident of getting a result against the marauding rebel forces
so we assured them the true Reds would prevail!
Outside things were hotting up. The local police had arrived in great
numbers on horseback, foot and in vans. We were told there were hundreds of
them outside waiting for the Manchester trains to arrive. The horse right
outside the pub window was very agitated and so was the rider. It was
obviously time to leave.
The road was littered with police and the sound of barking dogs filled the
air. We were herded out of the pub and barged down the road towards the
ground with less than subtle words from the main man in charge. They really
know how to handle a non incident this lot.
Once away from the main road we wandered peacefully down to the Riverside
past the shipyard cranes and waste ground and chatted happily with the Boro
fans. Outside the ground there were a number of familiar faces and inside a
few more. The atmosphere was strained with apprehension but the noise was
building to a crescendo.
My seat was on the very front row directly behind the goal and soon I was
joined by BDS who's seat was elsewhere, but that's never bothered anyone
before. As it turned out there was a spare two seats away so no worries! We
had a gangway about five feet wide in front of us which was patrolled by
stewards and police, but despite announcements to the effect that the
Riverside is an all seater stadium and we should abide by that, we were
allowed to stand without question all the way through. they did take
exception to anyone smoking though as it is a non smoking area and one Red
who was rather the worse for wear nearly got himself thrown out. But by
enlarge the stewards were an amenable bunch who left us alone.
Peter was down at our end in the first half and as the game started we knew
it was going to be no easy win. Boro had decided they weren't going to lie
down for us as they had for the Arse so it started as an end to end game
and that's how it carried on. It was going to be a nervy hour and a half.
After only a few minutes Keano came out of a tackle limping and we feared
the worst, but he seemed to run the problem off. After about 15 minutes we
were celebrating a goal. From where I was, looking through the back of
Peter's net, I couldn't see a damn thing and only knew the ball was in the
net because the rest of our stand went up, so down on the front row we
celebrated too. We were late responding to the goal; and late again to the
fact it had been disallowed, our celebrations were still going on! Having
not seen the goal in the first place we weren't in a position to judge but
it didn't stop us questioning the decision - well, you have to, don't you.
We carried on singing our songs and making a hell of a noise. It may be
that the acoustics at the Riverside are exceptional but the Wizard couldn't
have had any complaints yesterday.
United were dominating but then Keano went off. he'd been limping on and
off since about the fifth minute and had obviously aggravated the injury.
Almost immediately Summerbell the baby cheese, burst into the box and sent
a shot past Schmeichel which shaved the post. It woke the Boro fans up and
a Bayern flag over to our left fluttered into life. It scared us half to
bloody death and we hoped there was no more of that in store as our hearts
would be hard pushed to cope.
The Boro boys were great lumbering giants up front and we were thankful
that Yip Jaap and David May were playing well together to help keep them
under control. The half was nearing it's close when Becks took a free kick
down by the edge of their box. The ball was punched clear by Schwarzer and
fell to Nicky. We could just about see him lob it back over to Teddy and
then to Yorkie and in the back of the net. This time the celebrations were
fulsome and uninterrupted. The whistle went and Peter raised his fist to us
in triumph as he left the pitch. The five foot gap at the front was full of
dancing screaming and shouting lunatics who carried on the celebrations
throughout half time.
Back beneath the stands the noise was now defeaning. "We shall not be
moved" echoed round the corridors, through the toilets and the bars as the
Red hoards went mad. Everyone massed round the TV sets and watched the
replays of the two 'goals' and Richard joined us stuffing a huge piece of
Pizza in his face - I bet some of it still lingers round his mouth even
now! Looking around you could see the anticipation etched into everyone's
face ready for the second half, but we nearly missed the start of it!
As soon as we heard the tannoy whipping up the locals there was a mass
exodus from below the stands. The Boro fans were still howling at the ref
for his poor decision. They obviously hadn't bothered to watch the replays
at half time or they would have seen that they should have been 2-0 down
and not 1-0.
The second half was a replica of the first except United were now attacking
our end and for long periods controlled the game. There were several near
misses in front of us and we seemed to spend the whole half darting back
and forth to the railing at the side of the pitch trying to will the ball
in the net. It eased our tension anyway.
We kept ourselves sane singing all the songs we could think of but towards
the end I was continuously wiping away the sweat from my palms. It was a
slender but precious lead, that even though we dominated most of the game
it always looked vulnerable. When the fourth official held up a board which
told us there would be three minutes of time added on we wanted to go over
there and throttle the bastard! Some started to sing "United, United top of
the league" but BDS and I pleaded with them to shut up and sing anything
else but that.
After what seemed an eternity the ref blew for fulltime and we screamed our
delight and relief. Now we were happy. It hadn't be a rout but it was three
points and put us back on top of the table and the pressure back on Wenger
and his boys. Now sing the song, now sing we're top of the league, it's OK
now!! United trouped off battle weary but happy. Boro stayed on to do their
end of season lap of honour and we stayed to applaud Robbo and Pally and
they applauded us.
Outside the stadium the four of us met up again and set off to walk back to
the car. The police were very much in evidence and as we had heard of a
possible rumble after the game they were obviously well informed. Then a
number of lads appeared from the top of a grassy bank to our left pursued
by police and from that moment on chaos ensued. If we thought it was bad at
Leeds the other week, it was nothing compared to this.
Police horses charged down the road, their riders shouting at people to
"get out of the way". Some did, some couldn't. The result of one of these
charges was a father being parted from his 13 year old son - his crime was
having sworn at the police because he was concerned about his son being
barged out of the way. The consequence was that he was banged up in the van
with his son left outside and no amount of pleading would change the
situation. Sensitive policing eh?
We tried to continue walking and not get involved but it was difficult. The
situation to our left continued and developed into a battle. We kept
walking straight but we were very close to the action - too bloody close
for comfort. In truth we were more concerned with the police than anyone
else.
Finally we managed to get through the fencing and on to some waste ground
just before the riot squad came down the road behind us. We heard the "hup,
hup, hup" and the clacking of heavy boots on tarmac and turned around to
see a line of police in full black riot gear with shields and truncheons at
the ready power running shoulder to shoulder and mowing down anyone unlucky
enough to be in their way.
They were focused only on what was directly in front of them, their eyes
almost glazed over. They were unaware of those of us who had sneaked
through the fence, as we stopped to see what was going on. Yet another war
zone at an away game, but apparently the Boro boys had waited in ambush in
a tunnel the other side of the grassy bank. Pity no-one had thought of
blocking off the tunnel to prevent this sort of thing happening. Surely
prevention of a possible incident would have been more productive.
Once again we wandered away from an opposition ground to the sound of
barking dogs and wailing sirens with one thought in our minds - to get out
of this land that time forgot and back to civilisation.
Copyright RED KELLY 1999
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Another day in the sun From: "P.J. Thum"
The Boston Reds drank and celebrated like we'd won the league.
Perhaps it was meeting no less than 2 hours before the 4pm showing
to get a few extra pints in that did it, but in any case, the atmosphere is
the Plough was incredible yesterday. There were no less than 9 of us present
and we made more noise than I have ever heard us make, much of it directed
at the only Boro fan in the pub. We also had a special guest star, Robbie
Fowler himself, who for some reason gave his name as 'Mike' until a few
beers cured him of that. By the end of the game, we were singing, "One
Robbie Fowler, there's only two Robbie Fowlers, three Robbie Fowlers!" and
spilling beer all over the place. Other songs that got aired included "Oh
Gary, Gary - Gary, Gary, Gary, Gary Pallister", "One Bryan Robson" everytime
the TV showed Robbo, "Keano's f.....g magic", "Superstar" when David May
made a great tackle to stop a Boro attack, Sean's "All you need is
Schmikes", and many other songs, which I don't remember (I think the pint
glass in my hand has something to do with my memory loss). Perhaps one of
the other Boston Reds can fill you all in. The half time highlights show
featured some great goals including Giggsy's goal against the Arse, which
led to a recurrent chorus of "Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, running down the
wing."
Everytime I look back at a game, I always find it that a group of men (and
the occasionally woman) with such disparate personalities from all walks of
life can get together once or twice a week and yell at a TV for no real
reason. After all, it's not like the players can hear us, can they? But come
the next game, you can be sure I will be the again with the rest of the
Boston Reds, yelling at the poor, innocent TV. See you all on Wednesday,
lads!
One last thing: (deep breath) Go Leeds!!!
--PJ
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Fit-again Giggs to return at Blackburn .. Soccernet
By John Drayton
Tuesday, May 11, 1999
Manchester Uinted winger Ryan Giggs is likely to make his comeback in the
vital Premiership match at Blackburn tomorrow night, but Roy Keane looks
certain to lose his race to be fit.
Giggs has recovered from the ankle injury picked up against title rivals
Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final replay win at Villa Park four weeks ago.
He said yesterday: 'I've been training for the past couple of days and
hopefully I will be involved in some way.'
Keane received his ankle injury in the early stages of United's 1-0 win at
Middlesbrough on Sunday, a victory which took them back to the top of the
Premiership on goals scored. The Republic of Ireland midfielder, who went
off after 25 minutes, saw a specialist yesterday and spent the rest of the
day in the treatment room. However, United assistant manager Steve McClaren
reckons it is too early to give Keane a target for his return to the side.
'He had X-rays this morning and they're clear,' said McClaren. 'Now it's a
case of assessing the injury, getting the swelling down and putting a time
on how long he will be out.' McClaren said that the injury was not the same
as the problem which sidelined Giggs.
'It's not like Ryan's injury - this was a kick and a twist so the full
extent of the injury won't be known for a couple of days.'
Also missing from the United line-up at Ewood Park will be the former
Blackburn defender Henning Berg, who returned from Norway yesterday to have
more treatment on his knee injury.
Fellow defender David May, who joined United from Rovers in 1995, is likely
to start the game on the substitutes' bench.
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Blackburn crush Reds (Under 17s fortunately)
KIDS CRASH OUT
Monday, May 10, 1999 10:31
Jimmy Davis scored in extra-time for United's
Under-17 side in the Academy play-off
semi-finals against Blackburn on Saturday.
Unfortunately, Blackburn scored an amazing five
goals in the half-hour added period. Brian Kidd's boys
were 2-0 up after four minutes of extra-time, so the team who only lost
one game in the usual league season have nothing
to show for their impressive record this year.
Let's hope it's not an omen as the senior team
face Blackburn in a vital Premiership match on
Wednesday night.
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Keane set for specialist ««
They may be back at the top of the table after their 1-0 win at
Middlesbrough yesterday but Manchester United have been struck another
major blow on their way to the treble.
Roy Keane will see a specialist this morning to analyse the extent of the
damage to his ankle following a tough challenge yesterday, but with players
suspended for vital games and the injuries refusing to go away there is
some good news coming out of Old Trafford.
Ryan Giggs says he will be fit enough to face Blackburn in Wednesday's
showdown at Ewood Park.
That game against Brian Kidd's side could be a two-way decider in the race
for the title.
Blackburn know they have to win to keep alive their slim chance of staying
in the Premiership, if they lose they are relegated.
However, if Arsenal win at Elland Road tomorrow night the same applies to
United who would have to beat the 1995 Champions to stay the pace with the
Gunners.
On the other hand if Arsenal lose to David O'Leary's side the spotlight
will brighten for Alex Ferguson.
A win for United at Ewood would put them three points ahead of Arsenal with
one game remaining.
Everything will be decided on Sunday when Tottenham come to Old Trafford
but the chances of Keane making either game look slim.
Assistant boss Steve McClaren said: "We don't know the full extent of Roy's
injury, but knowing the player he will be back in training straightaway.
"We don't think it's anything serious and we're hoping that he will be fit
to face Blackburn on Wednesday."
He limped away from the Riverside Stadium on crutches, in similar style to
Giggs, who last played on April 14.
If it takes Keane the same length of time to recover, then his season is over.
He is already unlikely to figure in either of this week's games and with
the FA Cup Final just twelve days away it could be a bitter blow for the
Republic of Ireland skipper who is already suspended for the Champions'
League Final on May 26.
Incidentally, if it does go to the wire and United beat Tottenham and win
the title it would be the first time they had clinched a championship in
front of their home supporters since 1965.
The game that clinched things that year was a 3-1 home win over Arsenal and
they pipped Leeds to the title on goal average!
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Giggs poised for Ewood clash ««
Ryan Giggs is confident of stepping back this week and reckons he will be
back to peak fitness by the time United face Newcastle at Wembley.
The Welsh star, whose super-goal put United through to the FA Cup Final,
has been out of action since the semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa
Park.
Regarding winger Giggs, United assistant Steve McClaren said: "Ryan's close
at the moment and he's progressing well.
"He's been doing light training and over the weekend he trained quite hard.
We hope to have him for the run-in."
United need Giggs to provide his threat to opposition defences and know
they can rely on him to come up with crucial goals when it matters.
His last minute equaliser at Old Trafford kept live their Champions' League
hopes in the first leg against Juventus and that 'goal-of-the-season'
against Arsenal was his tenth of the campaign.
Giggs stepped back to full training on Friday, but it was too late for him
to feature against Middlesbrough yesterday.
He will have another full workout today and tomorrow and looks certain to
be back in the line-up for the make-or-break game at Blackburn on Wednesday
night.
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Bayern clinch title ««
Champions' League opponents Bayern Munich clinched the Bundesliga title
yesterday, taking the pressure off their squad for the remainder of the
season.
The Germans efficiently sewed up their 15th domestic title en route to
their fifth European Cup final appearance, against the Reds later this month.
Ottmar Hitzfeld's side can now rest key players for the next couple of
weeks ahead of the big game on May 26.
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: SUAM showdown planned ««
Even though the B-Sky-B takeover deal has been brushed under the carpet,
the supporters groups opposed to the bid, plan to stick around.
SUAM - Supporters United Against Murdoch - which rallied opposition to the
takeover and contributed to it being thrown out by the Department of Trade
and Industry, are continuing their efforts to preserve the independence of
Manchester United.
Changing their title to simply 'Supporters United', they hold their
inaugural meeting this Sunday ahead of the game against Tottenham at Old
Trafford and are urging more ordinary fans to buy shares in the club.
They have also asked existing shareholders to donate their latest 0.55
pence a share dividend to SU's funds.
Anyone interesting in attending Sunday's meeting should go along to The
Beer Trading Company in Mosley Street, Manchester on Sunday at 1.15pm.
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Berg comeback on ice ««
One player who will miss that game will be former Rovers defender Henning
Berg who has been struggling to recover from a knee ligament injury for the
last month.
The Norwegian is out for the season although the club are yet to confirm
everybody's worst fears.
He was injured during the 1-1 draw with Juventus at Old Trafford on April
7, and had a recurrence of the injury a fortnight ago when he took a knock
during a training session.
It could be a night of mixed emotions for Berg and David May who also
played at Blackburn before moving to Old Trafford.
May is likely to be on the bench as Jaap Stam and Ronny Johnsen continue in
the centre of the defence.
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
Subject: Edwards faces charge ««
Martin Edwards could face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute
following alleged comments he made about David Elleray's refereeing at
Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Harrow official was criticised by Edwards and Alex Ferguson following
the controversial decisions which, according to Fergie, 'handed the game'
to Liverpool.
But, although his manager escaped any rap, Edwards is heading for trouble
after his ill-advised outburst.
He allegedly said: "If Arsenal or Chelsea win the title by one or two
points, I trust they will strike a special commemorative medal for Mr
Elleray because he will have done it for them."
Tonight Arse then United tomorrow: Click on table for details!
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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