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EPL [ 12 ] : Arsenal 2 - 2 Manchester United

2007-11-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Barclays Premier League
Emirates Stadium, Sat 3 November

ARSENAL 2
Fabregas (48), Gallas (90)

MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Gallas o.g (45), Ronaldo (82)

William Gallas netted at both ends at the Emirates Stadium, including Arsenal's last-gasp equaliser after Cristiano Ronaldo looked to have scored the winner.

The Gunners’ captain struck two minutes into injury time to earn Arsene Wenger’s side a 2-2 draw after the Reds had twice taken the lead in a pulsating match.

United went in front on the stroke of half-time when Gallas turned in Wayne Rooney's effort with his arm. Cesc Fabregas drew the hosts level three minutes after the restart when the Reds were slow to react in their own box, but Ronaldo then put United 2-1 up eight minutes from time. Victory was then in United's grasp until Gallas intervened again.

Sir Alex Ferguson made two changes to the side that had thrashed Middlesbrough a week ago with recalls for both Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra, who had missed the Boro win through injury. The Reds boss also had significant options on the bench with Louis Saha and Michael Carrick back in the frame after returning from knee and elbow injuries respectively. Tomasz Kuszczak, Nani and John O’Shea took up the remaining sub spots.

Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, stuck with the same eleven who earned a point at Anfield last weekend. Both sides went into the game in top form - the Gunners unbeaten with six league wins out of six on their own patch, while United had eight consecutive league victories under their belt.

The game began at a frantic pace as both sets of players took time to settle. Arsenal’s first sight of goal arrived on 10 minutes with Gael Clichy firing in a cross for Emmanuel Adebayor but his header was off target. A minute later, Carlos Tevez fired an effort wide of Manuel Almunia’s right-hand post after a fizzed centre from Ryan Giggs.

Shouts for an Arsenal penalty rang round the Emirates 15 minutes in when Aleksandr Hleb went down under Nemanja Vidic’s clumsy challenge. Replays showed the Serbian centre-back had a handful of Hleb’s shirt, but referee Howard Webb, a somewhat fussy officiator throughout, waved away the Gunners’ appeals.

Two minutes later Ryan Giggs, making his 37th appearance against Arsenal, poked the ball just wide after an excellent break from United and a fine cross from Ronaldo into the Welshman's path at the back post. The Reds’ skipper fired an effort just over the bar soon after, picking up Tevez’s deflected knock down before turning and hitting it first time. Almunia looked to have covered had it been on target.

United seemed content to let Arsenal have possession and play on the counter-attack with the Reds’ backline and midfield duo of Anderson and Owen Hargreaves standing firm. Kolo Toure found a glimmer of an opening after exchanging passes with Hleb just before the half hour but his shot flew over.

Arsenal’s possession percentage continued to grow as the half drew to a close and their best chance of the opening period duly arrived on 36 minutes. Fabregas whipped in a free kick to the near post where William Gallas stooped in front of Patrice Evra to head the ball goalwards. Edwin van der Sar saved well with his legs as United’s travelling army breathed a sigh

Having gone so close at one end to opening the scoring, it was Gallas who got the final touch as United made the vital breakthrough in first half injury time. Wes Brown shrugged off a challenge from Hleb, before slotting the ball into Ronaldo who in fired a low cross. Rooney took a swing at it at the near post with the last touch coming off Gallas and past Almunia.

After a somewhat cagey opening 45 the game burst into life three minutes after the restart. Having looked so solid in defence during the first half, United found themselves stretched for the first time in the match and it led to Arsenal's equaliser. Van der Sar bravely blocked Adebayor’s effort and as the ball ran loose, Bacary Sagna was quickest to react slotting the ball into Fabregas’ path. The Spaniard picked his spot and fired into the bottom corner.

Fabregas found the target again three minutes before the hour mark, curling a low free kick under the United wall. Thankfully, van der Sar was alert to the situation grasping the ball on the line.

United continued to weather the Arsenal storm and went close through Rooney on 64 minutes. The England front man picked up the ball in midfield after Fabregas had given possession away and slipped a pass through to Giggs. The Welshman chipped a superb cross back into Rooney’s path, but the striker was unable to guide his header on target.

Rooney flicked a ball through to Evra soon after but the Frenchman's cut-back eluded Ronaldo who was unable to get there in front of a cluster of Arsenal defenders.

Ronaldo was not to be denied eight minutes from time, however, as United snatched the lead once more. Saha, on for Tevez, slid a superb ball into the onrushing Evra who crossed brilliantly for Ronaldo to simply slot the ball home.

The drama was not finished though as Arsenal went in search of another equaliser. As the game entered added time the Gunners grabbed a point through Gallas who guided the ball home brilliantly from a tight angle. Van der Sar looked to have saved it, but an eagle-eyed linesman spotted that the Dutchman was behind his goal line when he parried the ball clear. It was a sickening moment for the Reds who were so close to avenging their loss to Thierry Henry’s late goal last season.

It felt like a defeat when the final whistle sounded but many United fans would have taken a point before kick-off, and it could prove to be a vital point in the long run.

Teams

Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy; Eboue (Walcott, 74), Flamini, Fabregas, Rosicky (Eduardo, 81); Hleb (Gilberto, 81), Adebayor. Subs not used: Lehmann, Diarra

Booked: Fabregas

United: van der Sar; Brown (O'Shea 71), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Anderson (Carrick, 76), Hargreaves, Giggs; Tevez (Saha, 76), Rooney. Subs not used: Kuszczak, Nani

Booked: Evra, Hargreaves

Attendance: 60,161

EPL [ 11 ]: Manchester United 4 - 1 Middlesbrough

2007-11-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sat 27 Oct

MANCHESTER UNITED 4
Nani (3), Rooney (33), Tevez (55 & 85)

MIDDLESBROUGH 1
Aliadiere (6)

Middlesbrough have traditionally held something of a hoodoo over United at Old Trafford, but even they had no answer to another vibrant attacking display from Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Goals from Nani, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez (twice) invalidated an early equaliser from Jeremie Aliadiere and put United on top of the Barclays Premier League, ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool on Sunday.

Following on from convincing victories over Wigan, Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, the scoreline also marked a fourth-consecutive four-goal haul, equalling a club record set back in the 1907/08 season.

The only noteworthy change to Sir Alex Ferguson’s line-up saw Owen Hargreaves return for only his fourth United appearance, his first taste of action since the victory over Sunderland on September 1.

Whereas Boro traditionally come to Old Trafford with a stifling approach clearly at the fore, Gareth Southgate’s 4-4-2 formation suggested the potential for an open game, and Nani's early goal bore that out in style.

Just three minutes had passed when he picked the ball up on the left flank, just inside the Boro half. The Portuguese winger beat three defenders, cut inside and sent goalwards a scorching 30-yard drive which arced over the flailing Schwarzer.

Less than two minutes later, Tevez could have doubled the Reds’ lead. The Argentine striker was sent clean through, but his attempt to lift the ball over Schwarzer was thwarted by the Australian stopper.

United would rue that miss moments later as the visitors drew level. Turkish striker Tuncay, who scored a hat-trick for Fenerbahce in his last appearance against the Reds, did superbly to outfox John O’Shea and send in a cross, which Aliadiere glanced in off van der Sar’s far post.

The Turk proved troublesome again after 24 minutes, curling in another fine cross which Stewart Downing headed wastefully past the far post. Boro were by no means bossing the game, but they were certainly proving a handful on the counter-attack.

United, as per, were enjoying the lion’s share of possession, and responded to Downing’s near-miss with one of their own, as Ronaldo latched onto Rooney’s pass and sent a left-footed shot skidding just past Schwarzer’s post.

Downing was heavily involved again as United retook the lead after 32 minutes. The England international dwelled on the ball inside his own area and, as he attempted to pass clear, Nani nicked the ball to Rooney, who hammered a shot past Schwarzer and in.

The Australian was called into action again moments later as United sought to extend their lead. A spell of heavy pressure ended with O’Shea sliding the ball back to Ronaldo, whose low sidefooted effort was held just in front of the line.

United seemed liberated by the chance to savour their advantage, and they continued to pile the pressure on Boro’s goal, coming agonizingly close to scoring a third in first-half injury time.

A defensive slip allowed Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo to break against just one Boro defender, but Rooney’s overhit pass to Tevez was half-cleared to Nani. In the ensuing melee, the winger’s cross fell invitingly to Ronaldo, but the ball merely bounced off him and ricocheted straight to Schwarzer.

The lead stayed at just the one goal going into the break, but it could easily have been extended further within a minute of the restart as Tevez fed Rooney, but the England striker could only fire narrowly over the crossbar with a diagonal shot.

Much had been made of the burgeoning English-Argentine partnership upfront after their prominent role against Aston Villa and Dynamo Kyiv, and they combined again to devastating effect to put United 3-1 ahead.

Tevez flicked a long ball straight to Rooney and continued his run into the box. The Argentine then slipped below Boro's radar as he crept into the box, but Rooney was able to find him with a sumptuous back-heel, which teed up a simple slid finish.

Parallels have been drawn between the infamous Cole-Yorke partnership and the current Tevez-Rooney pairing of late, and this goal was the most glaring sign of similarity yet. The duo’s interplay immediately evoked memories of Cole’s much-heralded 1998 goal against Barcelona, scored with similarly intuitive front-play.

With a two-goal lead established, Sir Alex opted to bring on Darren Fletcher and Gerard Pique for some much-needed playing time, as they replaced Hargreaves and Ferdinand respectively, while Ryan Giggs replaced Anderson. There was no disruption to United’s attacking flow, however, and they grabbed a fourth goal with five minutes remaining.

Rooney broke from deep inside his own half and left Cattermole trailing in his wake before picking out Tevez, who cut inside and, although his goal-bound shot struck Taylor’s arm, it bounced down into the ground and past the hapless Schwarzer.

And with that, United had equalled a century-old record and moved to the top of the Premier League table, with a tantalising trip to title rivals Arsenal looming next weekend.

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand (Pique, 73), O’Shea; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Fletcher, 66), Anderson (Giggs, 78), Nani; Tevez, Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Simpson.

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer; Young, Woodgate, Wheater, Taylor; O’Neil, Cattermole (Boateng, 90), Rochemback, Downing; Tuncay (Lee, 80), Aliadiere (Hutchinson, 55).
Subs not used: Turnbull, Hines.

Attendance: 75,720

UCL [ 3 ] Kiev 2 - 4 Manchester United

2007-11-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

Champions League Group F
Olympiyskiy Stadium, Wed 23 Oct

DYNAMO KV 2
(Rincon 34, Bangoura 78)

MANCHESTER UNITED 4
(Ferdinand 10; Rooney 18; Ronaldo 41, 68)

Centre back Rio Ferdinand opened the scoring, but United's frontline ran riot in Kyiv during a free-flowing and frenetic Group F encounter.

Despite pre-match predictions of a tight tussle likely to be settled by a single strike, the net bulged six times in the Ukraine capital as Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed the freedom of the Olympiyskiy Stadium's vast pitch.

Dynamo Kyiv did score two of the six goals, but never seriously threatened United's stranglehold on a third successive Champions League victory. The win leaves the Reds with maximum points so far in this season's competition and the opportunity to secure group qualification when Kyiv travel to Manchester in a fortnight.

United's first-half performance was as good as any European display in recent memory, with the Reds carving out a number of chances in the first half-hour. With Kyiv desperate for a win and manager Jozsef Szabo adopting a three-pronged strikeforce, United found gaps aplenty in the home side's defensive armour.

Szabo's tactics left Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo with boundless space in which to operate and it was the Reds' no.7 who looked most menacing in the game's early stages. Tiberiu Ghioane decided the easiest way to halt the 22-year-old was illegally, but his 9th minute foul on the Portuguese winger ultimately led to United's opener.

Giggs curled the resulting free-kick teasingly into the space in front of Kyiv goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy, who remained rooted to his line. Instead, Rio Ferdinand,who scored the Reds' third at Villa Park on Saturday, met the ball early to thump home a header and send United into the lead.

It must have been tempting for Sir Alex to then issue stifling instructions to his troops, but United continued to push forward in search of a second goal. It duly arrived on 18 minutes when Ronaldo fed Wes Brown on the right hand side of the penalty area. Kyiv's Goran Gavrancic slid in to intercept Brown's first-time cross but could only divert the ball into Rooney's path, who found the net for a simple tap-in.

It was Rooney's fifth goal in his last four United appearances and no less than the Reds deserved. Sir Alex's European sides are often criticised for a lack of attacking ambition but the manager's decision to attack Kyiv so early must surely be applauded.

Indeed, United would have killed off the game a minute later had Rooney or Tevez been able to get onto the end of yet another searching Ronaldo ball. The front two then went close again when Rooney stung Shovkovskiy's palms before Tevez's shot from the rebound was bravely blocked.

Such frenetic pace could never be sustained and the match slowed, albeit marginally, until the Ukrainians pulled a goal back on 34 minutes. Anderson did well defensively to break up a rare foray into the penalty area but Diogo Rincon gave John O'Shea the slip at the resulting corner and headed home unmarked from 10 yards.

It was a poor goal to concede from United's point of view, although the Reds almost restored the two-goal advantage immediately when Cristiano Ronaldo forced Shovkovskiy into a smart save down to his right. The Reds were on the march and John O'Shea missed a gilt-edged opportunity five minutes before the break when he miscued a shot from six-yards after good work on the right from Wayne Rooney.

A third United goal did arrive before half-time and again it was Ryan Giggs who provided a telling cross from the left flank. This time it was Ronaldo in the middle and, although he was unmarked, there was still a lot of work to do. Indeed, the no.7 was forced to back-pedal quickly before leaping to direct his header beyond Shovkovskiy and into the corner of the net.

The half-time whistle provided both players and fans a chance to draw breath (but not before the Reds fashioned another chance, which Rooney blasted narrowly over the top) and inevitably the second half was slightly more subdued.

But only just. The major difference was that now the team in white were fashioning the better chances, although United's defence, marshalled superbly by Rio Ferdinand, denied the home side again and again.

Rincon saw a glancing header go just wide on 52 minutes before Carlos Correa's free-kick curled around the wall and narrowly past van der Sar's left-hand post. It did send a scare through United's travelling support, as did Nemanja Vidic when he looked to have brought down Kyiv substitute Artem Milevskiy inside the area. But Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai blew for a foul the other way and a relieved United side restarted the match.

Kassai was under the spotlight again seven minutes later when Goran Gavrancic was adjudged to have handled the ball… initially on the edge of his area. After consultation with his assistant, however, the man in the middle pointed to the penalty spot, where Ronaldo coolly sent the hapless Shovkovskiy the wrong way to notch United's fourth and effectively seal the win.

Kyiv, rooted to the bottom of Group F and with nothing to lose, weren't about to surrender and Bangoura doubled the home side's tally with a long-range rocket on 78 minutes. Despite the revival, however, Sir Alex opted to withdraw Edwin van der Sar and Ryan Giggs, with Tomasz Kuszczak and Danny Simpson given a chance to impress.

There could have been even more goals in the final 10 minutes, but in the end United ran out 4-2 winners after a thrilling, open-ended 90 minutes that gives United every opportunity to secure passage into the knockout stages when the Ukrainians arrive at Old Trafford next month.

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak 80); Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea; Ronaldo, Anderson, Fletcher, Giggs (Simpson 80); Tevez (Nani 73), Rooney

Subs not used: Pique, Evans, Eagles

Dynamo Kyiv: Shovkovskiy; Ghioane (Belkevich 46), Gavrancic, Yussuf, Diakhate; Gusev, Correa (Rotan 83), Nesmachniy; Bangoura, Rincon, Shatskikh (Milevskiy 46)

Subs not used: Rybka, Vaschuk, El Kaddouri, Markovic

Booked: Diakhate

EPL [ 10 ]:Aston Villa 1 - 4 Manchester United

2007-10-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Villa Park, Sat 20 October

ASTON VILLA 1
Agbonlahor (13)

MANCHESTER UNITED 4
Rooney (36, 44), Ferdinand (45), Giggs (75)

United’s excellent form at Villa Park continued with a 4-1 victory characterised by the passing, movement, vision of the Reds' blossoming strike pairing, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.

Rooney scored twice, but could have scored double that after seeing a penalty saved and a shot rattle off the crossbar. Tevez was as tenacious as ever but, more importantly, his link-up play crucial to the Reds going forward. Villa, who took the lead through Gabriel Agbonlahor on 13 minutes, ended the match with nine men after Nigel Reo-Coker and Scott Carson both saw red. In truth the match was all but over after United’s three-goal blitz before the break.

Without Vidic, Saha, Hargreaves, Carrick Neville, and with Ronaldo on the bench after suffering a slight knock on international duty, Sir Alex was forced to reshuffle. Anderson was handed only his second league start, while Gerard Pique deputised at right-back as Wes Brown filled in for Vidic.

It took two minutes for United to get the first chance when Scott Carson picked up a backpass from Wilfred Bouma 12 yards out. Rooney teed up Ryan Giggs on the volley, but the Villa wall blocked the effort. A promising start. But Martin O’Neill's side are made of stern stuff and, in contrast to the early run of play, they managed to strike first. Ashley Young’s cross from the left found Agbonlahor with time to glance his header past Edwin van der Sar. There was a hint of offside, as Luke Moore appeared to block van der Sar’s line of sight. But the goal stood.

Undeterred, United piled on the pressure, and chances soon followed. Evra’s cross from the left
allowed Rooney to nod the ball back to Nani, who volleyed just over. Then after 25 minutes United’s intricate passing found a way through. Anderson, Nani, Scholes opened up space for Tevez, whose one-two with Rooney put him through on goal. But Carson was quick off his line and saved with his legs.

The Reds deservedly pulled level after 36 minutes following a low and dangerous Nani cross from the right. It caused indecision in the Villa defence. Zat Knight seemed to think Carson was coming to collect, but also knew that the slightest of touches would send the ball into his own net. Rooney gladly capitalised, nipping in behind Knight and tapping home the equaliser.

The understanding between Rooney and Tevez was the signature of United's first-half performance. Tevez drops under the radar of opposition defences, and he caused all kinds of problems for Villa's defence. Charged with linking midfield with attack, he executed the task perfectly for United’s second goal on 45 minutes. Using Giggs’ run as a decoy, the Argentina international cut inside from the left and carved Villa’s defence wide open with a pass to Rooney. United’s no.10 coolly slotted home his second of the match. It was the perfect time to take the lead. But Sir Alex’s men weren’t finished there. From a corner in injury time, Pique had his header cleared off the line before Craig Gardner volleyed Ferdinand’s rebounded shot in off the bar. It was a dramatic, but utterly deserved, turnaround.

The odds were further stacked in United’s favour during a five-minute spell around the hour mark. First, Rob Styles, perhaps slightly harshly, sent off Nigel Reo-Coker,

whose two bookable offences comprised clumsy rather than malicious tackles on Anderson and Tevez. Then, after Tevez was brought down by Carson whilst clean through on goal, he dismissed the Villa shot-stopper and awarded a penalty. However, substitute goalkeeper Stuart Taylor made the most of his first touch, saving low and to his right from Rooney’s spot-kick. The English front man’s hat-trick was proving elusive, seconds later he smashed a shot from 12 yards against the bar.

Tevez, who deserved a goal for his efforts, should have scored shortly before being replaced after 73 minutes by Darren Fletcher. He found space in the box and had just Taylor to beat, but the Villa goalkeeper spread himself well to deny Tevez. Taylor would be beaten, however, albeit via a wicked deflection. Giggs danced through the Villa defence from the right flank before seeing his left-footed shot cannon off Martin Laursen and beyond Taylor to complete the win. Villa Park remains one of United’s favoured grounds on the Premier League circuit, and a performance of this quality so soon after an international break bodes well.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Pique, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Scholes (O'Shea, 77), Giggs (Ronaldo, 77); Tevez (Fletcher, 73), Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Simpson.

Aston Villa: Carson (sent off, 66, Taylor on); Bouma, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Gardner (Osbourne, 54); Barry, Reo-Coker (sent off, 60), Young, Agbonlahor, Moore (Maloney, 54).
Subs not used: Davies, Petrov.

EPL [ 9 ]: Manchester United 4 - 0 Wigan

2007-10-07T00:44:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sat 6 October
MANCHESTER UNITED 4

Tevez (54), Ronaldo (59 & 76), Rooney (82)

WIGAN ATHLETIC 0

United moved to the top of the Barclays Premier League with an emphatic, irresistable second half display against Wigan Athletic.

Goals from Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo (2) and Wayne Rooney after the break brushed off the physical challenge posed by Chris Hutchings' Latics.

United lost Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea to injuries - concussion and a dead leg respectively - in a bruising first 45 minutes, while Louis Saha was a late withdrawal from the squad after injuring himself in the warm-up.

A patched-up Reds defence saw Gerard Pique and Danny Simpson included alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, and the two youngster turned in outstanding performances.

They were rarely tested sternly by a Wigan side intent on containing United, a gameplan which worked for the first 45 minutes as the visitors managed to keep the Reds largely at arm's length.

Visiting goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was only required to be at his best once in the first half, and that came in clawing away a header from his own defender, Salomon Olembe, who inadvertently diverted Carlos Tevez’s cross goalwards.

In the ensuing melee, Ronaldo was denied a strong shout for a penalty, as he was seemingly wrestled to the ground by Michael Brown. Referee Mike Riley quickly waved away the claims, however, much to the chagrin of the Portuguese winger.After 20 minutes Nemanja Vidic, who had earlier been dazed by a clash with Marcus Bent, needed to leave the field of play. After a lengthy touchline discussion with Sir Alex, Carlos Queiroz and club Doctor Steve McNally, the Serbian was eventually replaced by Anderson, who put in a highly promising show.

John O’Shea took the Vidic's place at centre-back, but the big Irishman was one of three defenders to take a knock in the next few minutes. Patrice Evra took a kick to the face, Pique was limping heavily after having his foot trodden on, while O’Shea had to be replaced by Danny Simpson, after picking up a dead leg.

United then had another decent shout for a penalty, with Brown again involved. The former Fulham midfielder appeared to block Evra’s run into a crowded area, but again the Reds’ appeals were in vain.

Ronaldo saw a long-range shot palmed away by Kirkland, but United found clear chances hard to come by, until the final five minutes of the half. First Rooney saw his shot blocked after a winding run, then Tevez fired over after a superb flowing move.

The second half began as the first had ended - with United well on top. Only the woodwork prevented the hosts from taking the lead, when Giggs volleyed Ronaldo’s half-cleared cross against the crossbar.

Moments later, United finally took the lead. Rio Ferdinand carried the ball out of defence and fed Rooney, whose superb clipped pass freed Anderson.The Brazilian slipped the ball in turn to Tevez, who calmly held off the attentions of Kilbane and Bramble, circumnavigated Kirkland and lashed home a left-footed shot.

Almost immediately Wigan survived another strong penalty claim, as Scharner slipped and took Evra down with him, before Koumas almost produced an equaliser out of nothing, firing just past the post with a long-range effort.

That close-call with parity was long forgotten after 59 minutes when United doubled their lead. Giggs’ cross was headed towards his own goal by Kilbane and, although Kirkland brilliantly kept the ball out, Ronaldo was on hand to head home the rebound.

The two-goal deficit prompted Latics manager Chris Hutchings to introduce Antonio Valencia, and the substitute almost pulled a goal back with his first touch. It took a fine reaction stop from Kuszczak to keep out the Ecuadorian’s fierce shot, as the Pole sought to prolong United’s long run of league clean sheets.

At the other end, only a saving interception from Kilbane stopped Ronaldo from poking home his second, while Kirkland was alert enough to clutch the loose ball before Tevez could double his own tally.

A third goal was forthcoming shortly afterwards, and it was Ronaldo who was on hand to give United added breathing space. Anderson nicked the ball off the toes of Brown, and Pique strode onto the loose ball before releasing Rooney down the left wing.The England striker slid an inch-perfect ball into the box, and Ronaldo was on hand to apply an emphatic finish.

Three should have been four straight away but Ronaldo, released by a brilliant pass from Anderson, blazed over the bar from close range when Tevez was an unmarked option in the centre. Wigan were comfortably beaten, offering little by way of resistance to United’s incisive attacking play, and it was no surprise when a fourth goal came.

Simpson was released on the right, and the young full-back swung a teasing cross onto the head of Rooney, who powered the ball into Kirkland’s top corner and registered his second goal in successive games, following Tuesday’s strike against Roma.

Substitute Nani spurned the chance to add a fifth, just mis-timing his pass to release Ronaldo, while Simpson was denied a first senior goal by Kirkland's legs.

But four was enough for United, particularly after a period in which goals had been at such a premium. They would come, Sir Alex had assured the media before the Latics' short trip across the North-West, and he was spectacularly validated.

The dam was always going to burst, and in the end it was Wigan who were left torn to shreds as the tension of United's goal-shy start to the season - and a frustrating first 45 minutes against the Latics - was finally released.

Team line-ups

Manchester United: Kuszczak; Pique, Ferdinand, Vidic (Anderson, 21), Evra; Ronaldo, Scholes, O’Shea (Simpson, 28), Giggs; Rooney, Tevez (Nani, 80)
Subs not used: Heaton, Eagles.

Wigan Athletic: Kirkland; Melchiot (Hall, 51), Boyce, Bramble, Kilbane; Skoko, Brown, Koumas, Scharner, Olembe Valencia, 66), Bent.
Subs not used: Pollitt, Landzaat, Aghahowa.

Attendance: 75,300.

more Picture !!

UCL [ 2 ] Manchester United 1 - 0 AS Roma

2007-10-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League Group F Old Trafford, 2 Oct

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
(Rooney 70)

AS ROMA 0

There was no repeat of April's Roman demolition but United did enough to take all three points against an Italian side desperate to avenge last season's embarrassing defeat.

The Reds dominated for large spells but couldn't force the ball in during the first half. In the end, it was Wayne Rooney who broke the deadlock with a predatory strike in the 70th minute to hand Sir Alex yet another European scalp.

The United boss opted for pace down the flanks in his team selection, picking both Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani at the expense of the experienced Ryan Giggs.
Louis Saha was handed his first start since February, while John O'Shea slotted in at right back for the injured Wes Brown. There was no Owen Hargreaves in the squad, although Nemanja Vidic passed a late fitness test to take his spot in the centre of defence alongside Rio Ferdinand.

In goal, Tomasz Kuszczak made his European debut and he had to be alert as early as the 10th minute when Francesco Totti fired a long-range effort straight at the Pole. It did little to trouble Kuszczak but suggested last season's European Golden Boot winner had once again adopted the shoot-on-sight policy we saw here at Old Trafford in April.

Of course, on that occasion, United went 3-0 up before 20 minutes. Tonight, the pace was less frenetic in the opening exchanges, as the new-look Roma back four stood firm against United's two-pronged strikeforce of Rooney and Saha.

Nani unwittingly came close on 17 minutes when he stretched to keep a Rio Ferdinand pass in play and the ball cannoned off his shin and across the six-yard box. Two minutes later, the Portuguese winger earned a free kick when Lancashire-born Simone Perrotta caught him 25 yards from goal. Ronaldo lined up the ball but blasted the set-piece into the Italian wall.

It began a period of real dominance for the Reds, with Nani and Ronaldo again involved moments later. United had a half-hearted penalty appeal for handball turned down after a Nani pass struck a Roma defender on the arm. But there was more concern for the Italians in the next phase of play, as Nani whipped in a curling cross that Ronaldo narrowly directed over the bar from six yards.

The summer signing from Sporting Lisbon went close himself on 27 minutes when an in-swinging cross from the left-wing forced goalkeeper Curci to athletically tip the ball clear. Louis Saha then stung Curci's palms before a Totti free kick kept Kuszczak alert at the other end.

But it was all United and once again it was Nani who fashioned a chance for the Reds. This time he beat De Rossi on the left before curling a ball to the back post where Wayne Rooney volleyed over from close range.

Curci required treatment shortly afterwards when he collided with Saha at a United corner but the Italian stopper recovered sufficiently to continue and ensure Roma went to the break on level terms. He'd certainly been the busier goalkeeper, although Roma manager Luciano Spalletti would have been pleased to go into the dressing room at 0-0.

Sir Alex told ITV during the break he expectedthe Reds to take a few more risks in the second half and Ronaldo fired a low cross into the box early on. But it was Francesco Totti who perhaps should have put the visitors ahead in the 48th minute. Nemanja Vidic slipped in the penalty area, allowing Totti space. With Kuszczak bearing down on the striker, Totti was forced to take the chance early but could only clip the ball over both goalkeeper and crossbar.

It was a lively start to the second period and Nani almost illuminated the match further when his cross-come-shot brushed the top of the Roma crossbar after he'd carved open the Italian defence on the edge of the penalty area.

Wayne Rooney forced a smart save from Curci at his near post on 65 minutes before Cristiano Ronaldo found the net on 69 minutes with a cheeky backheel. To the Reds' dismay, the Portuguese winger was ruled offside and he was denied a second European goal in as many games.

There was no doubting the validity of Wayne Rooney's strike a minute later. The England international latched onto Nani's clever pass to fire a first-time drive across Curci and in off the far post to send United ahead. It was Rooney's first goal of the season and no more than he deserved after a night of tireless running and clever interchange play.

Carlos Tevez almost made it 2-0 when he flashed a shot inches wide from long range before Rio Ferdinand blocked a Ludovic Giuly shot that may well have been heading into the far corner.

But Roma's best chances were still to come, with Max Tonetto miscuing a volley at the back post inthe 82nd minute before substitute Ahmed Esposito blasted wide with the goal at his mercy and just three minutes on the clock. That opportunity arrived with the Reds down to 10 men, after Ronaldo, bloodied and groggy from a Mirko Vucinic elbow, had disappeared down the tunnel a minute earlier to receive four stitches.

Even with a numerical disadvantage, Sir Alex's men hung on for a satisfying three points… even if they didn't arrive in quite the same fashion as April's epic 7-1.

Attendance: 73, 652

United: Kuszczak; O'Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Nani (Giggs 80); Rooney (Anderson 85), Saha (Tevez 66)
Subs not used: Heaton, Pique, Simpson, Eagles

AS Roma: Curci; Cicinho, Juan, Mexes, Tonetto; De Rossi, Aquilani (Pizarro 61), Giuly (Esposito 80), Perrotta, Mancini (Vucinic 74); Totti

Subs not used: Sergio, Antunes, Barusso, Brighi

EPL [ 8 ] : Birmingham 0 - 1 Manchester United

2007-10-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
St. Andrews, Sat 29 September

BIRMINGHAM CITY 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 1
(Ronaldo 51)

It wasn't vintage United but a second-half Cristiano Ronaldo strike gave the Reds victory at St. Andrews against a resilient Birmingham City.

Steve Bruce's side arguably created the better chances, but Ronaldo, in his 100th league match for United, was again the match-winner away from home. However, the Reds looked shaky at the back early on, and Sir Alex will be concerned by losing Edwin van der Sar to a toe injury. The Dutchman fell awkwardly after a routine save and was forced off at the break. The United boss made wholesale changes to the side that lost to Coventry in the Carling Cup on Wednesday, with all 11 who started in the Reds' victory over Chelsea returning to action.

Van der Sar, aiming to keep his sixth consecutive clean sheet, was among them, although he wouldn't have expected to be called into action in the first minute, and certainly not after a Paul Scholes error. But the Reds' No.18 was caught in possession, allowing Cameron Jerome to stride towards goal and let fly with a shot that required quick reactions from the goalkeeper. Frank Queudrue was first to meet the resulting corner, and his powerful downward header forced another smart save from van der Sar.

United had come out of the traps sluggishly but not even those early scares jolted the Reds into life. The home side continued to fashion the better chances and went even closer on 18 minutes when Gary McSheffrey's header was cleared off the line by Rio Ferdinand. In truth, the opportunity should never have presented itself. Patrice Evra, under close attention from former Arsenal trainee Sebastian Larsson, was careless in shepherding the ball out of play. The Swede nipped in to dispossess the United left back and clip the ball to the far post, where McSheffrey headed back across goal only for Ferdinand to hook clear.

At the other end, Cristiano Ronaldo, who'd earlier drawn a foul that earned Queudrue the game's first booking, twisted and turned on the edge of the box before firing a low drive straight at Blues goalkeeper Maik Taylor. It was the first time the Reds had really threatened in a match many expected them to win comfortably. But, just ask Liverpool, Birmingham are no pushovers. At Anfield last weekend, Bruce's side came away with a 0-0 draw after a spirited and robust display. At St. Andrews there was more of the same, with an added attacking element thrown in. Jerome and Olivier Kapo were lively up front, with McSheffrey providing plenty of support.

In contrast, United looked strangely blunt, with neither Wayne Rooney nor Carlos Tevez able to find a way past the Blues' back four. Even so, there was more cause for concern at the back, especially after van der Sar required treatment on his toe. Shortly afterwards the Dutchman left his area to deal with a through ball and scuffed his clearance straight to Jerome. Fortunately the 20-year-old forward couldn't muster enough elevation in his strike to clear Nemanja Vidic.

Van der Sar was visibly struggling, so Ferdinand assumed responsibility for the goal kicks until Polish stopper Tomasz Kuszczak came on at the interval. The Reds emerged brighter in the second half and good work from Ryan Giggs and Tevez on the left side of the penalty area ended with the Argentinian forcing a routine save from Blues goalkeeper Taylor. Moments later, Taylor was picking the ball out of the net as United shot into the lead. Ronaldo pounced on sloppy Queudrue defending on the edge of the box before confidently rounding Taylor and finishing with his left foot. It was the Portuguese winger's first league goal from open play since February and it gave the Reds a vital, if not wholly deserved, lead.

Kuszczak showed his worth on 56 minutes when a McSheffrey shot skipped off Ferdinand and looked set for the net before the Polish goalkeeper intervened with a flying save at the near post. McSheffrey then saw a free kick fizz inches wide of the post before Rooney had a shot cleared off the line and Tevez blasted over from 18 yards. The Reds were growing in confidence with every passing minute and Ronaldo perhaps should have had a second on 80 minutes when he skewed a shot wide from 12 yards. In the end, his first strike was enough to secure all three points and send United second in the league, despite a display that was neither convincing nor comfortable. But the statisticians – Sir Alex, too – will care only for the final result.

Team Line-ups

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak 45); Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Giggs (Saha 64); Tevez (O'Shea 89), Rooney.
Subs not used: Anderson, Pique

Birmingham: Taylor; Kelly, Djourou (Schmitz 76), Ridgewell, Queudrue; Larsson, Nafti (O'Connor 84), Muamba (Palacios 71), McSheffrey; Kapo, Jerome.
Subs not used: Kingson, Danns.

Attendance: 26,526

CARLING CUP [3th rd] :Manchester United 0 - 2 Coventry

2007-10-03T02:35:00.000-07:00

Carling Cup, Third Round

Old Trafford, Wed 26 September

MANCHESTER UNITED 0

COVENTRY CITY 2
Mifsud (2)

The Reds disappointingly bowed out of the Carling Cup on Wednesday night as Coventry striker Michael Mifsud struck twice to give Iain Dowie’s Championship side a 2-0 victory over a young United team.

Sir Alex Ferguson gave first-team run-outs to some of the club’s rising stars, but the Reds showed their inexperience against a well-organised and determined Coventry side. Some valuable lessons for these young players will undoubtedly have been learned.

The match arrived as a welcome distraction for Sir Alex’s side from Premier League and European duties. Most of all, it offered an opportunity for some of United’s up-and-coming players to show what they can do.

With the accent firmly on youth, Sir Alex selected a starting eleven with an average age of just 21, most notably with club debuts for centre-half Jonny Evans and full-back Danny Simpson. “Tonight’s team will be built around the talented young players now back with us after spending most of last season on loan,” the manager said in his programme notes. “We have an exceptionally gifted group of young men who are in critical need of a higher grade of football.”

Eight of the starting eleven – Nani, Anderson and John O’Shea excluded – were handed their first starts of 2007/08. As with all infrequently assembled sides, it took this United team time to find their feet, especially under busy close attention from Coventry’s players who were prepared to fight for every ball.

The Reds grew in confidence in the opening stages. Pique started solidly at the back, Lee Martin and Nani looked dangerous as both players swapped flanks frequently, while Anderson showed nice touches and a wide-range of passes. After 17 minutes a good attacking move, starting with an Anderson pass to Nani that spliced Coventry’s defence, ended with Martin’s deflected volley going just wide.

Sir Alex wanted a test of his players, and he certainly got it. Coventry broke with a little over 20 minutes of the first half remaining, and in a move that ended with Sky Blues skipper Michael Doyle crossing for Michael Mifsud to tap home, they took the lead in the tie. The Maltese forward almost grabbed his, and Coventry’s, second moments later when he flicked Robbie Simpson’s cross onto the post.

The half ended virtually all Coventry, Simpson going close with a volley that dipped narrowly over Tomasz Kuszczak’s goal. Despite a bright start to the half, United lacked a little bit of composure in possession, as to be expected of young players. At the break, Fraizer Campbell injected pace into United’s attack, while Wes Brown came on for Phil Bardsley, and ten minutes into the second half, Sir Alex made a third change after Evans suffered a twisted ankle. Michael Carrick entered the fray to replace the Belfast born teenager.

Much like the first half, United began to step up the performance and for a period at the start of the second half looked to be edging towards an equaliser. After 52 minutes Nani tested Andy Marshall in Coventry’s goal with a long-range effort. Then Campbell fired a shot over the bar from outside the area, before three minutes later Dong had a shot inside the box saved by Marshall and Carrick’s follow-up was deflected wide.

But, the second half followed a similar path to the first. And it was Coventry who struck the next telling blow, virtually killing the tie with 20 minutes remaining. Mifsud broke down the left, slipped past Pique and after playing a one-two with Jay Tabb, lashed his shot past Kuszczak.

Mifsud, Coventry’s star, spurned the opportunity of a rarity for a visiting player at Old Trafford – a hat-trick. When Kuszczak spilled Doyle’s low free-kick, the forward pounced first, but fired wide. It didn’t stop the 11,000-or-so Sky Blues fans from singing and celebrating to the very last. “Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be, we’re going to Wembley…” they sang ironically. But nobody could deny their fans or the team this moment.

For the Reds, this was perhaps an evening to forget. But with a trip to Birmingham City on Saturday and the visit of AS Roma next Tuesday, it very quickly becomes business as usual.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Kuszczak; Bardsley (Brown, 46), Pique, Evans (Carrick, 56), Simpson; Martin (Campbell, 46), O’Shea (c), Anderson, Nani; Eagles, Dong.
Subs not used: Heaton, A.Eckersley.

Coventry City: Marshall; Borrowdale, Ward, Turner, Osbourne (McNamee, 88); Simpson, Doyle (c), Hughes, Tabb, Mifsud; Best (Adebola, 90).
Subs not used: Konstantopoulos, De Zeeuw, Thornton.

Attendance: 74,055

EPL [ 7 ]: Manchester United 2 - 0 Chelsea

2007-09-24T22:04:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sun 23 September
MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Tevez (45), Saha (89).

CHELSEA 0

The Reds moved second in the Barclays Premier League table on Sunday after Carlos Tevez grabbed his first United goal and Louis Saha capped off a deserved 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Chelsea's John Obi Mikel was sent off in the first half, but even before that point, United were always in control and never looked like ending this match with anything other than three points.

The goings-on at Stamford Bridge earlier this week took centre stage in the build-up to the game. However, during his Friday press conference, Sir Alex was insistent that Jose Mourinho’s departure would not overshadow the greatest need – three points – in what he said would be an important, if perhaps not decisive, meeting in the race for the title.

And that mindset was clear from the start, with United playing an attacking 4-4-2 formation as Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez spearheaded the Reds' attack for the first time. And the former quickly stamped his mark on the game. Rooney latched onto a ball Ryan Giggs won in midfield, and carrying the ball forward he took on his marker Tal Ben-Haim and curled a shot towards the far top corner. Petr Cech had to be at his best from the off, finger-tipping his save from the jaws of the upright.

The new man, Avram Grant, wasn’t aiming for a rapid departure from the brand of football Mourinho preached, sticking to the Portuguese coach’s 4-5-1 template, with width and expansive, attacking play – high on Roman Abramovich’s wish-list – clearly not yet applied. The missing Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard further blunted Chelsea’s attacking options.

Just short of the 20-minute mark, Evra and the entire Stretford End were up in arms as Joe Cole appeared to catch the Reds' left-back just inside the area. Referee Mike Dean ushered away the protests.

United’s forward triumvirate of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo began increasingly to cause Chelsea significant problems. Paul Scholes picked out their forward runs with relative ease. All three attackers had shots that troubled Cech, and Sir Alex’s side were edging closer to finding the breakthrough.

All the goalscoring opportunities were United’s. Rooney controlled a poor Ashley Cole clearance and crossed to the far post, where Giggs narrowly side-footed over. More than the chances, red shirts were first to every ball, strong in defence, organised in midfield, eager to get on and play from free-kicks and positive in everything they did going forward.

United were to be given a further boost in the 32nd minute when John Obi Mikel went into a challenge on Patrice Evra and lifted both feet off the ground. Fortunately he didn’t follow through, otherwise the Frenchman could have seriously been injured. It was maybe harsh, but the referee considered it dangerous enough to send the young Nigerian from the field.

Advantage United, perhaps. But it still needed the goal the home side’s play deserved. It almost arrived five minutes from time when Nemanja Vidic, the match-winner against Everton, rose above Chelsea’s defence to test Cech again.

The breakthrough finally did arrive in injury time at the end of the first half. Giggs curled in an inviting cross to the front post and Tevez darted into space, heading past Cech. It was nothing more than United deserved, and what better time for the Argentinian to score his first goal for the club?

The second half brought, as expected with Chelsea down to ten men, long periods of possession for the Reds. And with United rock solid in defence, wave after wave of attack came with the rain that raked across Old Trafford.

Chelsea never really looked like equalling United in any department all afternoon. The sending off undoubtedly didn’t help their cause, but from the very start the Reds showed they wanted this victory more than the visitors.

Joe Cole was lucky to stay on the field after a challenge caught Ronaldo on the ankle and could have caused injury. He was booked and can count himself lucky.

But United had the final say of the afternoon when substitute Louis Saha, on for the impressive and tireless Tevez, was pulled back in the area by Ben-Haim and the referee pointed to the spot. The Frenchman, having earned the penalty, stepped up to take it, despite the inevitable offer from Ronaldo to take over duties if he should be required. Saha welcomed his second goal of the season with a strike down the middle of the goal.

Saha had the chance to add a second in injury time. The forward raced away from Ben-Haim and controlled Carrick’s raking ball forward perfectly before firing his shot narrowly over.

The victory breaks the trend of 1-0 wins – United were headed for a fifth on the trot before Saha’s penalty – and moves the Reds to second in the table, two points behind Arsenal. Chelsea must surely now be asking questions of their ability to reclaim the title. For United, the defence of it gathers momentum.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (c); Tevez (Saha, 79), Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, O’Shea, Nani, Pique.

Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Ben-Haim, Terry(c), A.Cole; J.Cole (Pizarro, 76), Mikel (sent
off 32), Makelele, Essien, Malouda (Wright-Phillips, 69); Shevchenko (Kalou, 59).
Subs not used: Cudicini, Alex.

Attendance: 75,633

UCL [ 1 ] Sporting 0 - 1 Manchester United

2007-09-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League Group F

Estadio Jose Alvalade, 19 Sept

SPORTING LISBON 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Ronaldo (62)

Cristiano Ronaldo headed a fine winner on his return to former club Sporting Lisbon, giving United a winning start to the 2007/08 Champions League.

The Reds were solid, if unspectacular, in overcoming the Portuguese side, and were indebted to two superb saves from Edwin van der Sar either side of Ronaldo’s goal.

In a game of few chances, the Dutch goalkeeper's brilliant first-half save from Liedson was the platform for United’s triumph, while Nani and substitute Louis Saha both came close to doubling their margin of victory.

Ronaldo’s goal was enough to notch United’s 100th victory in the Champions League, however, and further good news was provided by a sprightly 71-minute outing for Wayne Rooney.

The England striker made his first appearance since suffering a fractured foot against Reading, and showed no lack of fitness as he ploughed a lone furrow upfront.

The opening exchanges between the two sides were bossed largely by the hosts, who seemed eager to test van der Sar from long-range at any given opportunity.

Having already been called into action on several occasions, the big Dutchman kept United on level terms in breathtaking fashion just before the half-hour mark, denying Liedson with an astonishing fingertip save.

The Brazilian was picked out on the edge of the United box and, having fashioned space for a shot, curled an effort which was bound for the top corner until van der Sar hurled himself towards the ball and clawed it around the post.

The 36-year-old was required again to keep out several long-range efforts from the hosts, including a deflected free-kick from Brazilian defender Ronny.

United, however, were beginning to show more hints of fluency as the half wore on. Nani had a shot deflected just wide after a rapid counter-attack, while only a last-ditch intervention from Polga stopped Rooney from tapping home Giggs’ neat low cross.

Sporting continued to show plenty of industry, but it was United who had the final threatening moment of the half, as Polga again denied Ronaldo on the edge of the area.

United’s ascension continued into the opening exchanges of the second period. There was unquestionably greater purpose in the visitors’ game, while Sporting’s pace notably waned just after the break.

Skipper Ryan Giggs missed United’s first clear opening of the evening in the 58th minute, heading over the bar after a fine run and cross from Ronaldo on the left.

A second such opportunity arose four minutes later, and Ronaldo was far more clinical in front of goal as he stooped to head in Wes Brown’s superb right-wing cross.

The winger’s delight at putting the Reds ahead was clearly tempered by the fact that the goal came on his old stomping ground, as reflected in his deliberately muted celebrations.

That gesture was recognised by the home support who, fittingly, sportingly afforded Ronaldo a rapturous round of applause to accompany the travelling supporters’ more euphoric celebrations.

United’s lead seemed to severely stunt the hosts’ ambitions, and Nani almost made it an old-boys’ double on the 70 minute mark, but saw his powerful shot parried out by Stojkovic.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side seemed set to see out the game in great comfort, but for a defensive lapse to almost cost them two points as Tonel ghosted onto the end of a left-wing cross.

The defender powerfully headed goalwards from close-range, only for van der Sar to again save his side by plunging low to his right and fisting the ball to safety.

Substitutes Anderson and Louis Saha combined well with Nani in a move which led to Saha shooting straight at Stojkovic, before Ronaldo again tested the goalkeeper with a winding run and low shot.

Moments later Saha shot wide after another fine run from Ronaldo, as United struggled to find a second goal which would have put the result beyond doubt.

Ronaldo was terrorising the Sporting defence, and it was surely partially relief as well as admiration which ensured the winger a standing ovation from the home fans when he was eventually substituted with five minutes remaining.

It was a fitting tribute to the man who, perhaps inevitably, proved to be the difference between the two sides on his first return to his former club.

Team line-ups
Sporting Lisbon: Stojkovic, Abel, Tonel, Anderson Polga, Ronny (Bruno Pereirinha 74), Izmailov (Vukcevic 55), Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Romagnoli (Purovic 67), Djalo, Liedson.
Subs Not Used: Tiago, Paredes, Farnerud, Gladstone.
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Ronaldo (Tevez, 85), Carrick, Scholes, Giggs (Anderson, 76), Nani; Rooney (Saha, 72).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Pique, J Evans, Eagles.

Attendance: 39,514

EPL [ 6 ] : Everton 0 - 1 Manchester United

2007-09-16T00:09:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Goodison Park, Sat 15 September

EVERTON 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Vidic (83)

Hard-fought, patient and determined; everything United needed to be at Goodison Park on Saturday, and all qualities encapsulated in the performance of Reds match-winner Nemanja Vidic.

The colossal Serbian defender, outstanding in coping with the threat of Yakubu and Andy Johnson all afternoon, proved his threat in attack with a thumping header from Nani’s corner to seal victory seven minutes from time in a match that so often looked destined for a draw.

United controlled large periods of possession, and attacked with purpose, but rarely threatened Stefan Wessel - in for injured former Reds goalkeeper Tim Howard. However, the Reds never stopped seeking a breakthrough, even when Everton had arguably decided to settle for a point.

Wayne Rooney, who hasn’t played since the opening day stalemate with Reading at Old Trafford, had been tipped to make his comeback from a fractured metatarsal against his former club. But Sir Alex Ferguson instead opted to leave the 21-year-old out of his squad. And with Cristiano Ronaldo back from a three-match suspension, Carlos Tevez with games under his belt and Louis Saha on the bench, there was no need to take any risks with Rooney.

The Reds, and Tevez in particular, started brightly with the Argentina forward, Ronaldo, and Ryan Giggs all rotating to find space in the final third. Tevez carved out the first chance with a glorious through-ball, arced perfectly round Everton full-back Tony Hibbert to find the advancing Patrice Evra. The Frenchman, playing on the left wing in front of Mikael Silvestre, hit the side-netting with his shot, but it represented a positive opening from Sir Alex’s team.

Ronaldo was next to go close after quarter of an hour with a shot that flew past the post. And it may have troubled Everton keeper Wessels had Joleon Lescott not got a crucial touch on the ball.

Despite United’s bright beginning, however, the half ended frustratingly for the Reds, with Everton defending resolutely and clear-cut chances few and far between. Sir Alex was forced into a change just before the break when Mikael Silvestre appeared to slip, twisting his knee. Nani replaced the Frenchman and took up duties on the left flank, with Evra dropping back into defence to replace his fellow countryman.

As the half wore on, Everton began to come into the game and after the restart Yakubu was proving a handful for United’s defenders. Two minutes into the second half, the Nigerian laid on the ball for Phil Jagielka to strike just wide. Then he helped earn David Moyes’ men a corner kick, from which Paul Scholes had to clear off the line from Andy Johnson’s header.

Giggs and Tevez continued to probe Everton’s defence, but United were finding it difficult to get in behind the back four. And when the Reds did manage to find space in the area just after the hour, the chance went begging. Ronaldo and Tevez combined on the edge of the box, culminating in Tevez lifting the ball over Joseph Yobo to find Scholes’ run, but the ball wouldn’t drop quickly enough and, under pressure from Lescott, the Reds midfielder volleyed over.

With that in mind Sir Alex brought on Saha in place of Giggs to add dynamism to United's attack. As against Sunderland, Saha brought with him hope of a late winner. Two minutes previously, Tevez had gone close with a 20-yard effort and Saha's arrival seemed to lift the Reds momentarily. But still there was no way through Everton's stubborn resistence.

Ronaldo went down in the area on 70 minutes and for a second it seemed as if referee Alan Wiley had pointed to the spot. He had actually given Everton a free-kick and booked Ronaldo for diving, even though television replays showed that Jagielka had clipped the Portuguese winger’s heels.

With the game entering the final ten minutes, the match appeared headed for a draw. And on account of Everton’s undoubted improvement this season, a draw at Goodison Park is by no means anything to be ashamed of. But in light of United dropping points against Reading, Portsmouth and Manchester City already this season, these were three points the Reds certainly needed.

The cavalry finally arrived in the 83rd minute. Patrice Evra won a corner on the left and Nemanja Vidic, so dangerous from set-pieces, found space at the front post to power home from Nani’s centre. It merely enhances the Serb's cult status among United's supporters, and the relief at seeing the ball hit the back of the net was almost immeasurable. Remarkably, it was United's first attempt on target.

But the drama wasn’t over there. James McFadden, Scotland’s hero against France in midweek, came on for Phil Neville and immediately tested Edwin van der Sar with a 20-yard effort. The Dutchman palmed away the shot, but it fell to substitute Victor Anichebe inside the six-yard area. United’s fans, hearts in mouths, must have winced, but Rio Ferdinand came to the rescue to block the Nigerian’s shot, before Yobo fired wide.

This isn’t the slick United we saw at this stage of last season, but with several key players returning to action from injury or suspension, it is another victory at least – the third 1-0 win in a row – and results under recent circumstances are all that matter.

Team Line-ups

Everton: Wessels; Hibbert, Yobo, Lescott, Baines; Osman (Pienaar, 72) P.Neville (McFadden, 84), Jagielka, Arteta; Johnson, Yakubu (Anichebe, 72).
Subs not used: Turner, Carsley.

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic*, Silvestre (Nani, 40, Pique, 84); Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Evra; Giggs (Saha, 62), Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Gibson.

source : www.manutd.com

Mancherter United 1 - 0 Sunderland [ EPL 5]

2007-09-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League

Old Trafford, Saturday 1 September

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Saha (71)

SUNDERLAND 0

Louis Saha marked his return from injury with a vital winning goal as United just about overcame a well-disciplined Sunderland side on a nail-biting afternoon at Old Trafford.

The French striker, on as a half-time substitute for debutant Anderson, headed home a Nani corner 19 minutes from time to finally end the resistance of the visitors, who were inspired by a fine performance from goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Ex-Reds skipper Roy Keane returned to Old Trafford for the first time as an opposition manager, and included a host of former United players in his side - including the highly impressive Dwight Yorke in midfield.

Predictably, and completely correctly, Keane was afforded a rapturous reception on his return, and the sentiment continued to flow as both teams quickly assembled into a guard of honour for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who announced his retirement this week.

The veteran striker received a standing ovation from all corners of the ground, including the generous travelling support, before departing the spotlight after an impromptu embrace with Keane.

With two legends of the modern era suitably recognised, it was time for the focus to move quickly into the present, a shift which was facilitated in no small part by United's starting line up.

All four of the Reds' summer signings started for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, with Brazilian playmaker Anderson the latest debutant in attack.

It was another new boy, Nani, who had the game's first noteworthy effort. The winger's left-footed shot had none of the venom which brought his first United goal last week, against Tottenham, but it still had Gordon scrambling unconvincingly across his line.

Shortly afterwards, Patrice Evra fizzed in a fine left-wing cross, only for Danny Higginbotham another ex-Red - to superbly snuff out the danger in his first real act on his Black Cats debut.

United were, as is often the case, dominant in possession in the face of the visitors' limited attacking ambition, but there was no apparent cutting edge in the early exchanges.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium throughout a fairly lifeless first half, although Anderson was harshly denied a free run on goal just before the half-hour, having been adjudged to have fouled Nyron Nosworthy.

Much of the Brazilian's debut was a frustrating affair, although he did show glimpses raw power to accompany his much-vaunted skill.

His first sniff of space resulted in a decent chance for Tevez. Following a slip by Yorke in the centre of midfield, Anderson advanced and released the Argentine on the left edge of the area.

Despite the acute angle, Tevez opted for a first-time shot which Gordon did well to parry out. Moments later, the Scot was called into action again as he clutched at a long-range effort from Eagles.

That brief flurry of activity was an anomoly for much of the first 45 minutes, however. For all the enterprising build-up play on show across the United attack, there was no evident focal point to aim for.

As such, it was little surprise that United's closest brush with taking the lead came from a set-piece. Nani cleverly teed up Scholes, whose 25-yard effort was deflected just past Gordon's right-hand post by Nosworthy.

That was the last action before the half-time break, at which point Sir Alex opted for a change of personnel and approach.

The absence of an out-and-out striker had been blamed for United's lean goalscoring spell in many corners, and the half-time introduction of Saha would test the validity of those claims.

The Frenchman started the second half in place of Anderson, in doing so clocking up his first minutes of action since last May's Champions League semi-final exit in Milan.

Within 90 second he was heavily involved, as a harsh offside flag invalidated a right-foot shot which forced Gordon into action. Immediately sensing the new possibilities, the home fans were nudged into vocal action.

Again involved moments later, Saha chased a long punt from Rio Ferdinand. Higginbotham's clearing header dropped to Tevez, who saw his low shot well held by Gordon.

The Scot, established as Britain's most expensive goalkeeper by his move from Hearts, showed exactly why Sunderland had lavished £9million on his signing with a stunning stop from Saha after 56 minutes.

Hargreaves, Scholes and Eagles combined to feed the Frenchman, whose superb control and snapshot was brilliantly kept out by Gordon's right arm. Nemanja Vidic then volleyed narrowly over from the resulting corner as United continued to press without tangible reward.

Frustration almost turned to despair on the hour-mark, as Edwin van der Sar reacted well to punch away Rio Ferdinand's skewed header with Kenwyne Jones lurking.

Gordon again saved the visitors, parrying a Hargreaves shot and gathering the rebound before Scholes could convert, but the Scot was caught cold when United finally took the lead after 71 minutes.

Nani fizzed in a superb left-wing corner which Saha converted, rising between Daryl Murphy and Nosworthy to head past the stranded goalkeeper.

Old Trafford erupted - with part joy, part relief - and the Frenchman revelled in his glorious cameo in front of a baying Stretford End. Those who had awaited Saha's comeback as a return of the Reds' goalscoring threat had been validated.

A second was almost forthcoming 10 minutes from time, as the excellent Hargreaves fizzed a 25-yard effort just over Gordon's top corner.

Saha then claimed a penalty after going to ground under pressure from Higginbotham, while those claims were reprised for a handball by Collins four minutes from time.

Substitute Darren Fletcher, on for the impressive Nani, lifted a half-chance over the crossbar as United missed the chance to double their advantage. It mattered little, though.

The important thing was the garnering of another three points and, perhaps more crucially in the long-run, the return of Saha to provide a telling goal threat upfront.

Team line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Hargreaves, Scholes, Eagles (Fletcher, 66); Anderson (Saha, 46), Tevez, Nani (O'Shea, 84).
Substitutes not used: Carrick, Kuszczak.

Sunderland: Gordon; McShane, Nosworthy, Higginbotham, Collins; Etuhu (Miller, 82), Leadbitter, Yorke, Wallace (Stokes, 82); Chopra, Jones (Murphy, 70).
Substitutes not used: Ward, Kay.

Attendance: 75,648

EPL [ 4 ]: Manchester United 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur

2007-08-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League

Old Trafford, Saturday 26 August

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Nani (68)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0

This 1-0 victory, courtesy of a 68th-minute Nani strike which deflected off Carlos Tevez’s head, may not have had much of the attacking flair and verve that United’s performances at the start of last season were blessed with, but it is a victory nonetheless, and the Reds’ first of the season.

There were times when it appeared United’s winless start to 2007/08 would continue, and the final whistle was met with considerable relief from the home crowd.

Before the match, Sir Alex claimed not to have looked at the league table. Had he done so, he would have seen his team second bottom on just two points. And the Reds could have been propping up the rest of the division had Derby County claimed a point against Birmingham on Saturday.

Martin Jol’s side, who themselves have made a slower-than-expected start to the campaign, began with immediate purpose to their play. After just 20 seconds, Robbie Keane had Edwin van der Sar scrambling across his six-yard box with a curling shot that clipped the crossbar of the Dutchman’s goal.

Tottenham had clearly come with the specific intention of pressing United back in order to keep Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick deep, and blocking avenues through to Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nani, who looked to break forward and support Carlos Tevez in attack.

The weight of expectation around Old Trafford and the necessity for a first win of the season was abundantly apparent. It was certainly a cagey start from the Reds, highlighted when Rio Ferdinand dallied on the ball in his own area expecting van der Sar to come and collect and Keane quickly stole in. It took a last-ditch block from Wes Brown to save his team-mate’s blushes.

But the United defender almost immediately redeemed himself, forcing a brilliant save from Paul Robinson in the Spurs goal with a powerful volley at the far post. That one incident inspired urgency among the supporters and the team.

possession brilliantly in midfield, United piled forward midway through the half. Carrick went close with ferocious 30-yard shot, then Scholes, who actually knew little about it, saw a Tevez cross deflect off his shin and onto the roof of the net. However, Sir Alex’s men needed to contradict recent form and turn possession and chances into goals, and as half-time approached the breach had not been made.

Ten minutes into the second half and the impasse remained. So Sir Alex switched to a 4-4-2, replacing Carrick with Chris Eagles and pushing Giggs up front alongside Tevez, and it gave United an added attacking edge.

The game sprang into life after the hour when Gareth Bale broke away for Spurs and slipped a ball through to Berbatov, who although he stumbled managed to toe his shot through van der Sar’s legs. The ball trickled towards the goal and Ferdinand had to race back to clear off the line. Then the visitors claimed a penalty as Brown, the last man, blocked Berbatov’s shot. The Spurs players surrounded the referee, but it would have been harsh had the decision gone against the Reds defender.

Seconds later, United attacked and Tevez had a shot from outside the area cleared off the line by Jermaine Jenas. It stirred the crowd, and the cacophonous support drove the Reds on. After 68 minutes Nani dispossessed Tom Huddlestone on the edge of the area and rifled a shot past Robinson via the slightest of deflections off Tevez’s head. Nani wheeled away and produced his trademark somersault celebration as the stadium erupted, as much a huge sigh of relief as sheer joy.

Tottenham weren’t about to surrender easily. Berbatov, largely quiet in the first half, is capable of moments of true class, and he began to come into the game even more in the second half. Entering the last 20 minutes, he expertly controlled the ball on the edge of United’s penalty box and arrowed a shot millimetres over the crossbar.

It was an edgy finish. But in the end the Reds were prepared to see this match out and secure a much-needed first win of the team’s title defence. Victory at last, and for the Reds the season starts here.

Team Line-ups

Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Scholes, Hargreaves, Carrick (Eagles, 57), Giggs (c); Tevez (Fletcher, 78).
Subs not used: Dong, O’Shea, Kuszczak.
Tottenham Hostpur: Robinson; Chimbonda, Rocha (Zokora, 83), Gardner, Lee (Taarabt, 75); Malbranque, Huddlestone, Jenas, Bale; Berbatov, Keane (c) (Defoe, 75).
Subs not used: Stalteri, Cerny.

EPL [ 3 ] : Manchester City 1 - 0 Manchester United

2007-08-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Eastlands, Sun 19 August

MANCHESTER CITY 1
Geovanni (31)

MANCHESTER UNITED 0

United slumped to a derby-day defeat on Sunday as a poor Manchester City team eked out a 1-0 win at Eastlands.

Even without Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Reds battered Sven Goran Eriksson's new-look side, but with Carlos Tevez the only recognised striker in United's starting XI, Sir Alex's team struggled to find the net.

The Reds enjoyed the lion's share of possession but failed to convert a string of chances against a City team devoid of attacking ambition. Indeed, the Blues' goal came from their only shot on target in the first half. At the other end, they relied on Micah Richards, captain Richard Dunne and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to dig them out of trouble, time and time again.

The loss leaves United with just two points from the first three games, while Manchester City, still undefeated and yet to concede a goal, are top of the league.

The Blues' lively start to the season meant United went into the match in the unusual position of having less points than their city neighbours. But form always goes out the window in derbies and, true enough, the Reds dominated possession from the opening whistle.

Owen Hargreaves made his league debut alongside Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes in midfield, with Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez and Nani playing as a front three. It was the young Portuguese international who had the game's first chance, his fifth-minute shot well saved by Kasper Schmeichel after good build-up play from Scholes and Tevez.

The Blues suffered and early blow when striker Valeri Bojinov fell awkwardly while challenging Patrice Evra for a header and was stretchered off the pitch. Emile Mpenza, one of City's most effective players during the last campaign, replaced the Bulgarian international but couldn't help stem the Red tide. It was all United as Nani asserted himself down the left wing and Paul Scholes continually found time and space in the centre of the park. Nani had another half chance on 17 minutes, after Scholes' crafty flick teed up the no.17 on his left foot. But Schmeichel, the son of United legend Peter, was again equal to the task.

Carlos Tevez and Patrice Evra then went close before City took a shock lead through Brazilian Geovanni on 31 minutes. Just a minute after the Blues engineered their first shot of the match – a speculative Michael Johnson blast from long range – Geovanni received the ball unmarked 25 yards from goal and let fire. Had the ball not clipped Nemanja Vidic's calf on the edge of the penalty area, it's likely Edwin van der Sar would have made a routine save. But the touch off the Serbian imparted wicked spin on the ball, which took it away from the Reds goalkeeper and into the corner of the net.

With City fans in full voice and revelling in the scoreline, Kasper Schmeichel almost gifted United an equaliser when he spilled a cross in the six-yard area. Luckily for the Dane, Micah Richards, who was superb in the heart of the City defence, cleared the danger and ensured the Blues went into the break 1-0 up.

Despite going behind, Sir Alex won't have been too disappointed with how the Reds were playing. After all, Nani, Scholes and Owen Hargreaves had looked particularly impressive in the first 45 minutes and the back four restricted the home side to just one shot on goal. But flair and possession count for nothing if not converted into goals and the Reds were made to pay for some severely lax finishing.

Little changed in the second half, as United continued to bombard Schmeichel's goal. In the second half's opening exchanges, Nemanja Vidic hit the bar from a corner, Richards slid in to deny Carlos Tevez what would have been a certain tap-in, Paul Scholes fired over from 15 yards and Tevez failed to get a decent connection on a Giggs cross.

It took the Blues until the 67th minute before Sven's men mustered another shot on goal and even then it was a tame Geovanni free-kick. Sir Alex then made two changes (Eagles had earlier replaced Nani) in an effort to salvage the match, with John O'Shea and debutant Fraizer Campbell thrust into the action.

Carlos Tevez volleyed wide on 76 minutes but still City stood firm. Schmeichel snuffed out a dangerous through ball and Micah Richards headed out a wide free kick as it looked increasingly as if it wasn't to be United's day. That hunch was confirmed when, just seconds before the fourth official indicated there would be four added minutes, a corner flashed across the City goal and Carlos Tevez, lurking at the back post, headed wide from two yards.

It was a frustrating end to a game United should have won comfortably. Instead, the Reds are now left to reflect on yet another performance that was characterised by impressive ball retention yet wasteful finishing.

Line-ups:
United: van der Sar; Brown (O'Shea, 73), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Carrick (Campbell, 73), Scholes, Hargreaves; Nani (Eagles, 60), Giggs, Tevez

Subs not used: Kuszczak, Silvestre

City: Schmeichel; Corluka, Dunne, Richards, Garrido; Johnson, Hamann, Geovanni (Ball, 74), Petrov; Bojinov (Mpenza, 8), Elano (Bianchi, 63)

Subs not used: Hart, Onuoha

EPL [ 2 ] : Portsmouth 1 - 1 Manchester United

2007-08-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Fratton Park, Wed 15 August

PORTSMOUTH 1
Benjani (53)

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Scholes (15)

A second frustrating draw in four days; this 1-1 result against Portsmouth followed a similar script to Sunday’s 0-0 stalemate with Reading, as United dominated possession and created a glut of chances but couldn't make them count.

It’s by no means panic stations, but two draws and four points dropped is not the way United would have liked to begin the title defence. Worst of all, both teams ended the match with ten men, and Cristiano Ronaldo's late red card means he will miss the next three matches against Manchester City, Tottenham and Sunderland.

If recent Premier League campaigns have proved anything it is that a good start is imperative to winning the title. And after Sunday’s draw with Steve Coppell’s men, victory at Fratton Park would hold even greater importance.

However, while United have had few problems picking up victories in each of the last four matches against Pompey at Old Trafford, the team’s record on the south coast made for uncomfortable pre-match reading. On home turf, Portsmouth have beaten United three times in the last four years – a tally Sir Alex Ferguson’s side could ill-afford to add to.

The loss of Wayne Rooney to a fractured metatarsal at the weekend blunted United’s attacking threat, but there was a real sense of anticipation among Reds fans at Fratton Park when, as expected, Carlos Tevez was named in the starting line-up.

And, in the first ten minutes, the Argentine forward buzzed with enthusiasm and energy, eager to impress, although he was largely isolated on his own up front in the opening stages. But, after 15 minutes it was his excellent close control and acute awareness that brought about the opening goal.

Nani, making his first Premier League start, did well on the left flank and his cross found Tevez just inside the penalty area. The 23-year-old front man brought the ball down, turned and had the vision to pick out Scholes on the edge of the box, and he lashed his shot past David James. The strike takes Scholes to 96 league goals and past Ruud van Nistelrooy to become United’s highest-scoring player in the Premier League.

The Reds continued to press forward, and had Nani been more selfish after 20 minutes he might have had a clear shot on goal after an intricate passing move created space on the edge of the area. But he attempted to play in Tevez instead, and it was intercepted by Sylvain Distin.

On 34 minutes Ronaldo made his first impression on the match with a swerving left-foot shot from the edge of the area that James couldn’t keep hold of. Tevez attempted to round the keeper from the rebound, but James got his foot to the ball and the danger was cleared.

After the break, the Reds picked up pretty much where they’d left off. And Nani was the first to engineer an opening. A quick turn of pace took him away from Noe Pamarot, but James did well to save the Portuguese winger’s low left-footed shot.

Scholes then orchestrated United’s next two chances. First, his ball over the top gave Tevez something to chase, but James again was quick to react and came off his line to clear the danger. Then a flicked Scholes pass found Tevez inside the box. It took excellent close control to set up a shot in limited space, but his volley went narrowly over.

United were edging closer, and with chances in abundance and the major share of possession, a second Reds goal looked a matter of when rather than if. Portsmouth appeared out of ideas and out of the contest. But, on 53 minutes, the home side struck a hammer blow against the run of play. Matthew Taylor crossed on a Pompey break and Benjani powered his header past Edwin van der Sar, who had barely had a save to make all evening.

It put a spring in Portsmouth's step. And Benjani, in particular, was posing the Reds' defence problems. He ran at Wes Brown down the left flank and, cutting inside, sent a low shot that van der Sar could only parry. It fell to David Nugent, who, with the goal at his mercy, fired high over the bar.

Tense times, but United didn't give in. Despite persistent fouling, Ronaldo came into the match a bit more. His curling cross on 67 minutes found Giggs eight yards out, but the Welshman’s volley was saved by James. Then, following the resulting corner, Giggs’ low centre required the slightest of touches from Nemanja Vidic or Scholes to put the Reds in front, but neither could make the crucial contact. Moments later, Tevez put another shot wide after more good work from Ronaldo.

The longer the game went on and the more chances that went begging, the more it seemed this wasn’t going to be United’s night. Sir Alex’s men were given hope with seven minutes remaining when Sulley Muntari was sent off for a second bookable offence for a foul on Michael Carrick, but that was almost immediately negated when Ronaldo was shown a straight red card for his involvement in a scuffle in the box before a United corner.

It was a dramatic end to the match, but not the finale United hoped for. With the Manchester derby next up, it isn’t just local pride at stake at the City of Manchester stadium on Sunday.

Team Line-ups

Portsmouth: James; Pamarot (Hughes, 64), Cranie (Traore, 46), Distin, Hreidarrson; Utaka, Davis, Mendes (Taylor, 46), Muntari (sent off, 83); Nugent, Benjani.
Subs not used: Ashdown, Kanu.

United: Van der Sar; Brown (Eagles, 88), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Nani; Giggs (O’Shea, 82), Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Pique.

EPL [ 1]: Manchester United 0 - 0 Reading

2007-08-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sun 12 August

MANCHESTER UNITED 0 READING 0

United were held to a goalless draw by Reading in a frustrating season-opener at Old Trafford, and also lost Wayne Rooney with a fractured foot.

The Royals, who survived the dismissal of substitute Dave Kitson, were indebted to a superb performance from goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, who repelled everything the Reds threw at him.

Countless chances came and went begging as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side began their defence of the Premier League title with a teeth-grinding slog against the pragmatic visitors.

Frustration at the Reds' inability to break down Steve Coppell's side was heightened by the loss of Rooney, who was replaced at half-time by new signing Nani.

Sir Alex opted not to pitch any of his new signings straight into action against the Royals, with the Portuguese winger providing the only new face in the entire 16-man squad.

That meant no Anderson, Hargreaves or Tevez for a packed Old Trafford, as a very familiar United side kicked off the defence of their title against Steve Coppell’s side.

The ongoing absence of Gary Neville saw Wes Brown continue at right-back, while Mikael Silvestre’s inclusion on the opposite flank saw compatriot Patrice Evra pushed upfield in the winger’s role he occupied frequently in pre-season.

Reading deployed left-back Nicky Shorey to man-mark Cristiano Ronaldo, and the England international stuck to the Portuguese winger like a limpet for much of the match.

United’s first half-chance came after nine minutes of posturing between the two sides. Rooney raced onto Carrick’s long pass, but was thwarted by Hahnemann in his attempts to round the goalkeeper.

Carrick then fizzed a volley over the bar a minute later, and was involved again after 15 minutes as

he cleverly released Wes Brown inside the area, only for Stephen Hunt to snuff out the danger.

The Irishman was helpless 10 minutes later as he was left completely befuddled by Ronaldo’s trickery. The winger then delivered a perfect deep cross, which Ryan Giggs slammed against Hahnemann’s near post on the volley.

Ronaldo was again involved shortly afterwards, sending another superb cross into the box – this time from the left wing – but Rooney’s header sailed narrowly over the Reading goal.

The Royals' defensive doggedness was unwavering all match. United’s attacking verve, while never at its free-flowing peak, was evident throughout the first half, but Steve Coppell’s side – in particular Michael Duberry – were superbly resolute.

Rooney did manage to escape the attentions of the former Leeds defender in the 35th minute, but could only guide Carrick’s superb cross just over the bar.

Even then, Duberry was in such close pursuit of the striker that he caught him with a desperate lunge in trying to cut out the shot. Rooney raised fears by immediately adopting a heavy limp and requiring treatment from Rob Swire, but he rejoined the fray shortly afterwards – much to the relief of the majority of those watching.

Such relief was short-lived, however, as Rooney was substituted at half-time with what transpired to be a hairline fracture in his left foot. His misfortune paved the way for Nani to make his competitive Reds debut, and the new boy was soon involved.

The Reds’ summer signing from Sporting Lisbon took a short corner from Ronaldo and returned it quickly to his international team-mate, whose powerful low shot was gratefully clutched by Hahnemann.

Scholes then had a shot deflected wide by Duberry has United looked to make the territorial

dominance count, despite having no recognised strikers on the field.

Defender turned winger Evra should have grabbed that tangible reward, but scuffed his shot horribly wide when Giggs’ corner was deflected out to him.

It was most likely United’s lack of genuine height in attack, rather than that miss specifically, which saw the Frenchman quickly shifted to left-back, while John O’Shea entered the action as a makeshift striker.

Giggs fractionally missed the upright with a beautifully curled free-kick as United continued to threaten, but it was O’Shea who came even closer as his close-range effort was beaten away by Hahnemann.

United’s pressure was incessant, with Reading’s forays into Red territory nothing more than an occasional hazard, which Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic dealt with comfortably.

Although time was ticking away, United continued to show great patience in their build-up, with one particularly long spell of possession culminating in a superb long-range effort from Nani which fizzed past the post.

Reading’s defensive attitude meant that Kevin Doyle was largely restricted to an afternoon of chasing lost causes, and the Irish international striker was replaced by Dave Kitson with 18 minutes remaining.

One minute later, the Royals were down to 10 men as Kitson thundered into a lunging challenge on Patrice Evra and was duly sent off by referee Styles.

The decision lifted the Old Trafford crowd, and they almost had more to cheer moments later as first Hahnemann saved from Carrick, then Wes Brown’s header was blocked in an almighty goalmouth scramble.

United’s marriage to attacking almost led to a catastrophic concession 10 minutes from time as Oster and Hunt found themselves two-on-two against Ferdinand and Vidic. Fortunately for United, Hunt’s speculative long-range effort went straight to van der Sar.

As the game entered its dying embers, Hahnemann was called into action three times, saving a Ronaldo free-kick, a Scholes header and a powerful Carrick shot from 20 yards.

In the final minute of added time, Ronaldo drilled a free kick over the bar as United’s final chance came and went.

Reading, to their credit, defended heroically throughout the 90 minutes and their share of the points was undoubtedly hard-earned after a worthy slog in the baking Manchester heat.

For United, the positives were restricted to a clean sheet and a thorough workout against Steve Coppell’s well-drilled side. There’s no escaping the fact, however, that Sir Alex Ferguson will look on the result as two points dropped.

Team Line-ups
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown (Fletcher, 78), Vidic, Ferdinand, Silvestre (O’Shea, 57); Carrick, Scholes, Evra; Ronaldo, Rooney (Nani, 46), Giggs.
Substitutes: Kuszczak, Pique.

Reading: Hahnemann; Murty, Gunnarsson, Duberry, Shorey; Hunt (Bikey, 87), Harper, Ingimarsson, De la Cruz; Seol (Oster, 57), Doyle (Kitson, 72).
Substitutes not used: Federici, Cisse.

Attendance: 75,655

Manchester United confirm squad numbers

2007-08-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

United have announced their squad numbers for the forthcoming 2007/08 Premier League campaign.

Among the Reds' summer signings, Owen Hargreaves will wear the No.4 shirt, with Gabriel Heinze moving to 14. Anderson will wear No.8 and Nani has been given No.17.

It has also been confirmed that Carlos Tevez, who was registered as a United player by the Premier League on Friday afternoon, will wear the No.32.

United squad numbers 2007/08

1 VAN DER SAR (GK)
2 NEVILLE
3 EVRA
4 HARGREAVES
5 FERDINAND
6 BROWN
7 RONALDO
8 ANDERSON
9 SAHA
10 ROONEY
11 GIGGS
12 FOSTER (GK)
13 J.S. PARK
14 HEINZE
15 VIDIC
16 CARRICK
17 NANI
18 SCHOLES
19 PIQUÉ
20 SOLSKJAER
21 DONG
22 O’SHEA
23 J. EVANS
24 FLETCHER
27 SILVESTRE
28 GIBSON
29 KUSZCZAK (GK)
30 MARTIN
32 TEVEZ
33 EAGLES
35 LEE
36 GRAY
37 CATHCART
38 HEATON (GK)
39 CAMPBELL

Get to know... Nani

2007-07-28T21:09:00.001-07:00

10 things you should know about rapid winger Nani...

1 His full name is Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha.

2 His first club as a boy was Real De Massama before joining the youth set up at Sporting Lisbon.

3 He broke into the first team at Sporting Lisbon when he was just eighteen-years-old.

4 In the 2006/2007 season, he made 29 appearances for the first team scoring five goals along the way.

5 He helped Sporting Lisbon win the 06/07 Portuguese Cup.

6 Nani appeared for Portugal's Under 21s in the summer of 2006, appearing in all three games that Portugal played in the tournament.

7 He first strode into the spotlight with a wonder goal in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow.

8 In September 2006, he won man of the match and scored on his international debut for Portugal against Denmark.

9 As a child, Nani played football with former Portsmouth and Everton midfielder Manuel Fernandes.

Head over heels !

10 Old Trafford goal celebrations are going to take on a more spectacular air next season. Nani’s own routine comprises of a back flip quickly followed by a somersault.
____________________________________________________________
thank www.manutd.com

Manchester United Asia Tour 4 [ China ]

2007-07-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Report: Guangzhou 0 Utd 3

Pre-season friendly

Guangdong Olympic Stadium

GUANGZHOU PHARMACEUTICAL 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 3

Rooney, Nani, Martin

United's pre-season tour of Asia ended with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in the Guangdong Olympic Stadium, with strikes from Wayne Rooney, Nani and Lee Martin.

Injuries to Ryan Giggs, Edwin van der Sar, Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo meant Sir Alex was able to hand Lee Martin and Tomasz Kuszczak their first pre-season starts, while youngsters Phil Bardsley, Danny Simpson and Darron Gibson also gained starting berths.

Dong Fangzhuo fulfilled his dream of starting for United in his home country and was cheered throughout. But it was a frustrating run-out for the China international, who so desperately wanted to find the back of the net. The game's first chance fell to Dong, when Martin's low ball
flashed across the goalmouth. Dong was unable to make a connection on that opportunity but did go closer on 15 minutes when he headed wide.

The home team showed little ambition going forward, content instead to try and soak up the pressure. It was a risky tactic and the Reds made Guangzhou pay on 20 minutes when Michael Carrick was chopped down inside the penalty area. Guangzhuo weren't happy with the referee's decision to award a penalty – he'd initially signalled for a free-kick just outside the box – but Rooney ignored the protests to blast home from 12 yards.

The Reds scored three in 15 minutes against FC Seoul and three in 11 minutes in Macau, but there was no goal rush this time. United struggled to penetrate Guangzhou's defensive line, although the home side's negative tactics didn't help matters.

The first real chance from open play arrived in the 41st minute when a Michael Carrick cross was touched onto the woodwork by a Guangzhou defender. It was a timely intervention since Rooney was lurking at the back post and would surely have buried the chance. As it was, the ball bounced back into play and Rooney was penalised for a foul in the ensuing scramble.

It was left to Nani to brighten what had been a sloppy first period. The Portugal international, who scored on his debut against Shenzhen FC, added to his goal tally with a glorious chip from the left side of the penalty area, which drifted over Guangzhou goalkeeper Shuai and in off the far post. It was the kind of sublime piece of skill and ingenuity United fans will hope to see more of during his Old Trafford career.

Sir Alex made two changes at the start of the second half, with Gibson making way for John O'Shea and Tom Heaton coming on for Kuszczak… eventually. The referee actually blew his whistle to get the second period underway without realising the Reds had nobody in goal. The game was quickly stopped, however, to allow Heaton time to take up his position between the sticks.

The error drew ironic cheers from the crowd, which soon turned to celebrations as Martin fired United further into the lead with a brilliant swerving strike from 30 yards. Had it not been for Nani's spectacular first-half effort, Martin's goal would surely have grabbed all the headlines.

The game opened up somewhat as both teams made a string of substitutions. Alan Smith, Chris Eagles, Patrice Evra, Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown all saw action, but it was the 76th-minute introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo that drew most attention. Despite playing for only a quarter of an hour, Ronaldo still managed to pull out his tricks in what was a thrilling display of exhibition football. It was a lively end to the match, although, on the whole, Sir Alex will be delighted with United's pre-season form.

Team Line-ups

United: Kuszczak (Heaton 46); Bardsley, Vidic (Silvestre 58), Ferdinand (Brown 58), Simpson; Martin (Evra 58), Carrick, Gibson (O'Shea 46), Nani (Eagles 58); Rooney (Ronaldo 76), Dong (Smith 62)
Unused subs: Evans, Fletcher

Guangzhou: Shuai; Zhihai (Xichang 74), Dechao (Suozhi 83), Yan, Wenpeng (Zhixing 56), Z Lin (Xianrong 69); Pengfeng (Yong 56), Zhijie (Zhiyi 69), Oliveira, L Lin (Deen 56); Batista (Junyan 56).

Manchester United Asia Tour 3 [ Macau ]

2007-07-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Report: Shenzhen 0 United 6

Pre-season friendly The Macau Stadium

SHENZHEN FC 0

MANCHESTER UNITED 6
Giggs, Rooney, Nani, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Eagles

New signing Nani scored on his debut as United ran riot against Shenzhen FC in a humid Macau Stadium.

The summer signing hit the Reds' third after just 23 minutes in a game that felt more like a practice match than a pre-season showpiece. Shenzhen rarely troubled Unit ed's rearguard and Sir Alex may have preferred a sterner workout. But the Reds did provide plenty of entertainment, including spectacular goals from Wayne Rooney and Chris Eagles.

Only five players who started against FC Seoul last Friday kept their place in Macau, with the manager handing starts to a number of youngsters. Nani operated on the right side of midfield, while Jonny Evans partnered Nemanja Vidic in central defence. Paul Scholes' injury-enforced absence handed Darron Gibson a chance to prove himself in central midfield and he looked lively early on when he combined with Wes Brown to force a corner in the third minute. Cristiano Ronaldo rose highest to head the cross past Shenzhen goalkeeper Jianjia, but the referee had already blown his whistle for a foul.

But the Reds continued to press and duly took the lead after 12 minutes. Rooney collected a curling Darren Fletcher pass inside the area and headed straight for goal. But while everyone expected the England forward to shoot, Rooney squared the ball inside to Ryan Giggs who rolled the ball into an empty net for a deserved lead.

The home side looked comparatively ineffective going forward but could have equalised had the referee spotted Evans' 15th-minute handball as he attempted to block a cross. United took advantage on 20 minutes via another moment of magic from Rooney. This time it was Giggs who provided the splitting pass into the area. Rooney controlled the ball before sending a superbly disguised chip over Jianjia - a sublime piece of skill that called to mind a similar pre-season effort in 2005.

Nani marked his debut with a goal shortly afterwards when he thumped Ryan Giggs' lay-off into the bottom corner. It was a well-taken strike that left the goalkeeper with little chance and prompted the 20-year-old's trademark somersault celebration.

Giggs, now 33, enjoyed a sparkling first half and was involved in all three United goals. The Welshman certainly doesn't look like relinquishing his spot in the side, despite the arrival of Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves over the summer. Giggs made way for Alan Smith at the interval, while the United boss also introduced Tomasz Kuszczak, Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea.

Shenzhen started brightest in the second period, with Ferdinand doing well to block a fierce Marek Zajac shot. But the more numbers the home team committed forward, the more the gaps opened up at the back. O'Shea kept his cool to net on 55 minutes after Ronaldo had drawn two men inside the penalty area, before the Portuguese winger capped a brisk counter-attack shortly afterwards to send the Reds 5-0 up.

It was the last action Ronaldo saw, as Sir Alex made a further four changes. Among them was Chris Eagles, whose impact was felt almost immediately. With the ball bouncing almost 35 yards from goal, the youngster lashed a shot over substitute goalkeeper Lei and under the bar. It was a fine finish and one that rivalled Rooney's first-half gem.

Smith should have made it 7-0 on 75 minutes but the striker almost seemed to have too much time when sent clear of the Shenzhen defence. Of course, it mattered little to the final result, as the Reds coasted to victory in front of yet another capacity Far East crowd.

Team Line-up:

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 45), Brown, Vidic (Ferdinand, 45), Evans, Evra (Silvestre, 59), Nani (Carrick, 59), Fletcher, Gibson (O'Shea, 45), Ronaldo (Eagles, 59), Giggs (Smith, 45), Rooney (Dong, 59)

Manchester United Asian tour 2 [ S. Korea ]

2007-07-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

Report: FC Seoul 0 United 4

Pre-season friendly
Seoul World Stadium, Seoul

FC Seoul 0

Manchester United 4
Ronaldo, Eagles, Rooney, Evra

Chris Eagles and Patrice Evra both got on the scoresheet as United trounced FC Seoul 4-0 in the Reds' second pre-season tour match.

United, inspired by an effective and entertaining performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, were clinical in front of goal and sped to a 3-0 lead after just 21 minutes. Evra capped the scoring on the hour to seal an impressive win in front of a fanatical Korean crowd.

The Reds made four changes to the side that started against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday, with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wes Brown and Darren Fletcher all rested. Injuries again prevented fans from getting a first glimpse of new signings Owen Hargreaves and Nani, but Sir Alex handed starts to Chris Eagles and Phil Bardsley. Elsewhere, Mikael Silvestre and John O'Shea were called into the starting XI.

With both Silvestre and Evra in the side, the manager gave the Frenchman the freedom to push into midfield and he showed off his skills as early as the third minute with a cheeky back-heel pass.

But it was the star combination of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo that put the Reds in front on six minutes. With his back to goal, Rooney laid the ball square to Ronaldo who was given far too much space to run at the defence. In fact, nobody moved towards the Portuguese international, who advanced to the edge of the area before unleashing a low shot that beat Seoul goalkeeper Kim Byung-Ji at his right-hand post.

Rooney and Ronaldo carved open the defence again 10 minutes later but Ronaldo's touch was too heavy and the ball ran out for a goal kick. He got it right just nine minutes later when he cheekily dragged the ball inside to Chris Eagles on the edge of the area. Eagles, who last netted at Goodison Park in April, had time to pick his spot and curl the ball inside the left-hand upright to send United 2-0 up.

Rooney added a third two minutes later when FC Seoul were again found guilty of backing off United's attackers. The England international turned his marker before shifting the ball onto his right foot and blasting past Kim at the near post.

United were cruising at 3-0 but remained disciplined and continued to pass the ball freely. Ronaldo took the opportunity to show off a few tricks as the half drew to a close and even garnered squeals of delight from the crowd when he poured water over his head.

Sir Alex made wholesale changes at half-time, with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Alan Smith, Tomasz Kuszczak and Danny Simpson all given opportunities to impress.

FC Seoul emerged much sharper in the second half and almost pulled back a goal on 49 minutes. Nemanja Vidic was booked for a foul out wide and the resulting free-kick was curled in dangerously by Seoul's Portuguese midfielder, Ricardo. Defender Tae-Hwi Kwak was first on the scene but headed wide from just six yards.

The home side certainly showed more adventure after the break and kept Tomasz Kuszczak on his toes. But the Reds' fourth never looked too far away and it duly arrived in the 60th minute when Patrice Evra, released by Ryan Giggs, strode into the box and fired low and hard across the goalkeeper.

Seoul never recovered and failed to create any clear chances in the remaining half an hour. In the end it was a comfortable victory for United and an occasion the Korean fans will remember for many years.

Team Line-ups:

United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 45), Bardsley (Simpson, 45), Ferdinand, Vidic (Evans, 77), Silvestre, Eagles, Carrick (Scholes, 45), O'Shea, Evra, Rooney (Smith, 45), Ronaldo (Giggs, 45)

FC Seoul: Kim (Kim, 82), Kwak, Adilson, Lee (Kim, 45), Kon (Koh, 73), Choi, Ki (Song, 82), Lee Chung-Yong, Ricardo (Ahn, 73), Lee, Jung (Shim, 45)

Manchester United Asian tour 1 [ Japan ]

2007-07-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

Report: Urawa 2 United 2

Pre-season friendly
Saitama Stadium, Tokyo

URAWA 2
Uchidate, Ono

UNITED 2
Fletcher, Ronaldo

Despite scoring twice in a frantic five-minute period at the start of the second half, United ended the first Asia Tour match on level terms with Urawa Red Diamonds in Tokyo's Saitama Stadium.

Inspired by goals from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Reds overturned a 1-0 half-time deficit to take the lead on 52 minutes. But drizzly conditions and a late equaliser from home crowd favourite Shinji Ono put a dampener on proceedings.

Despite the rain, both sides were determined to keep the ball on the ground and Paul Scholes was particularly effective early on, orchestrating United's attacks from the centre of midfield. Cristiano Ronaldo didn't disappoint his admirers either, pulling out his party tricks as early as the second minute.

The Portuguese winger, who drew cheers with every touch, forced Urawa Reds goalkeeper Tsuzuki into his first save on 25 minutes when he shot fiercely towards the near post.

But a minute later, the Premier League champions were behind. Urawa's Hideki Uchidate found space in the United half and let fly from 30 yards with a shot that swerved wickedly past Edwin van der Sar. In fact, the deviation was so severe, van der Sar was left diving in the wrong direction.

Urawa threatened again four minutes later but then seemed content to settle on the ball. So it was left to Wayne Rooney to inject a little sparkle into the match. With 43 minutes on the clock, Rooney provided an inch-perfect cross for Paul Scholes, but the midfielder could only steer his header into the arms of a grateful Tsuzuki.

A minute later, the England striker had everyone at the Saitama Stadium on their feet after coming within a whisker of a spectacular equaliser. Rooney picked up the ball inside the United half before turning on the speed to brush aside what seemed like most of the Urawa defence. But, when left with only Tsuzuki to beat, the Reds' no.10 scuffed his shot and the goalkeeper stretched out a right boot to divert it around the post.

Sir Alex made three changes at the interval, bringing on defenders Danny Simpson, Johnny Evans and Mikael Silvestre for Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. Perhaps it should have been the home side shoring up the defence. It wasn't, and within seven minutes of the restart, United were 2-1 up.

Darren Fletcher scored the equaliser from 12 yards after substitute goalkeeper Yamagishi failed to hold a Michael Carrick shot moments earlier. Then, in the 52nd minute, the crowd got what they came for when Cristiano Ronaldo cut inside from the left wing to unleash a rasping drive past Yamagishi at the near post. It was typical of so many of Ronaldo's goals last season and a reminder of how dangerous the Portuguese winger can be when given space.

United looked comfortable thereafter but failed to capitalise on a number of half chances. Shinji Ono, however, was lethal when presented an opportunity in the 78th minute. The midfielder showed enormous composure to turn Johnny Evans and roll the ball coolly past Edwin van der Sar and into the far corner.

It was the last significant piece of action in an entertaining and free-flowing affair. The Reds now travel to South Korea for Friday's match against FC Seoul (kick-off 12:00 BST).

Team Line-ups:

United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand (Evans, 45), Vidic (Simpson, 45), Evra (Silvestre, 45), Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick (O'Shea, 69), Giggs (Smith, 69), Scholes, Rooney
Subs: Kuszczak, Heaton, Bardsley

Urawa Red Diamonds: Tsuzuki (Yamagishi, 45), Hosogai, Horinouchi, Nene, Yamada, Uchidate (Hiriwaka, 45), Hasebe, Soma (Okano, 91), Ono, Ponte (Koike, 83), Tanaka (Nagai, 75)
Subs: Tsutsumi, Sakai, Nishizawa

News Out Field

2007-07-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

Sunderland sign Richardson

After a string of summer arrivals, Kieran Richardson became the first player to walk through the Old Trafford exit door when he joined Sunderland on Monday in a four-year deal that sees the England international reunite with Reds legend Roy Keane.

Richardson, who played alongside Keane at Old Trafford between 2002 and 2005, was also thought to be a target for Everton and Middlesbrough. But Black Cats boss Keane came up trumps in the pursuit for the 22-year-old and now hopes the speedy midfielder can bolster his Championship-winning squad.

"I'm delighted we've been able to bring Kieran to Sunderland," Keane said.

"Having worked with him in the past I'm well aware of what a good player and a good lad he is. He's ready for a fresh challenge and hopefully Sunderland will provide that for him."

Richardson, who is expected to feature in Sunderland's friendly against Darlington on Wednesday, described the move as "exciting".

"I know all about Roy Keane and I'm looking forward to playing for his team. Sunderland is a big club and it's a great move for me."

Richardson joined United in July 2001 after a trainee spell at West Ham but didn't make his Reds debut until the following October when he came off the bench in a 3-2 Champions League victory over Olympiakos. Two weeks later he scored with a flying header against Leicester on his home debut.

Over the next 18 months, Richardson was handed only sporadic opportunities to prove his worth and, like so many other United youngsters, made his real mark away from Old Trafford during a loan spell.

At West Bromwich Albion, under the stewardship of Bryan Robson, Richardson excelled in the heart of the Baggies' midfield. His confidence grew during his six months at The Hawthorns and he returned to Old Trafford in May 2005 a more mature player

News Out Field

2007-07-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Torres signs six-year Liverpool deal

New Liverpool signing Fernando Torres believes the Spanish influence at Anfield will help him hit the ground running.

GettyImages
The Spanish striker is one of the hottest prospects in Europe.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has brought the Spain international to Anfield in a club record deal, believed to be just under £20million.

The 23-year-old, who side-stepped questions about previous interest from Chelsea, has signed a six-year contract but the size of the fee, coupled with Liverpool's attacking problems last term, mean he will be under pressure to perform immediately.

He has also been handed the club's famous number nine shirt worn by the likes of Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler, but is adamant that will also spur him on.

Torres, who will play alongside the likes of Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso, said: 'Hopefully I can settle as quickly as possible. It will be a help that there are so many Spanish speakers here and also the manager.

'I'll be able to understand them from the word 'go' and let's hope the settling in period is as short as possible.

'I don't see it as a pressure. It's a good responsibility and at the same time, it's a real privilege to have the opportunity to wear the shirt number.

'The fact that Liverpool have given me that number shows they've got a lot of confidence in me and they've got high hopes I will succeed.

'I just hope that I can do well over a good number of years at this club and be remembered in the same way as the guys that have been mentioned.

'I hope I can repay the confidence they've shown in me on the field in seasons to come.'

While many new arrivals claim to have followed their new club all their life, there is no doubting Torres is genuine.

His friends have Liverpool tattoos and he was also pictured with 'We will never walk alone' on the inside of his Atletico Madrid captain's armband last season.

He added: 'A group of my mates and I are all Liverpool fans and we have been for some years.

'A few years back, my friends each got a tattoo on their arm but obviously as a football player, I couldn't really get that tattooed on my arm.

'So on my last birthday they gave me the present of the armband with it written on the underside and it's 'We'll never walk alone'.

'This club is well capable of winning the Premiership and other trophies as they have proved in the past and recent history.

'We will be fighting on all fronts this year.'

Benitez himself was doubly impressed by Torres' desire to move to Anfield and was pleased with reports from his players returning from Spain duty.

He said: 'There is the anecdote with the armband and, maybe I shouldn't say this, but he was talking with some of his team-mates in the national team.

'He said 'ok, if I leave Atletico Madrid I would like to go to Liverpool. Say to Rafa, please say to Rafa!'

'The last season, we knew that (Dirk) Kuyt was our target and this year (Torres) was our target.

'After we reached an agreement with the club, they received a big offer, bigger than our offer, but the player said he wanted to go to Liverpool and he didn't want to hear anyone just to come here. That's the positive thing for me.'

Benitez also hinted that Craig Bellamy may be the striker to pay the price for Torres' arrival at Anfield.

With Andriy Voronin also joining this summer, speculation has increased about the futures of Peter Crouch and Bellamy.

But while Benitez confirmed he wants Crouch to stay, he admitted there is interest from other clubs in Wales international Bellamy.

Asked if Bellamy will be leaving, Benitez said: 'Possibly. We have some clubs asking about him and it's a possibility.

He added: 'The only thing I can say is that Crouch will be staying with us. I have said to Crouch that he must fight for his position and he will stay with us.'

Speculation has also linked Benitez with a controversial move for Manchester United's defender Gabriel Heinze.

But Benitez insists he is concentrating on signing wide midfielders.

He continued: 'Really we are working with wingers. People can talk about a lot of things and a lot of names but we're working on wingers.'

Ten perfect for Rooney

Wayne Rooney is changing his United squad number from 8 to 10 for the forthcoming season and beyond.

To mark the switch, Wayne met probably the club's greatest ever number 10, Denis Law for a special photograph at Carrington.

"When I was offered the chance to wear the number 10 shirt I jumped at it," says Wayne.

"Some of the game's greatest players have become legends wearing number 10, none more so than Denis Law.

"He was crowned King of the Stretford End during his time at the club and it is a great honour for me to wear a shirt that has such history behind it."

Rooney's manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne is a worthy addition to the roll-call of players who've worn the iconic red shirt.

"There have been some wonderful footballers who have worn the Manchester United number 10 shirt," says Sir Alex.

"These men have captured the imagination of our fans around the world with their skill and their goals. Wayne is the right man to carry on that tradition and I'm delighted that Denis Law was able to pass on the mantle."

United have yet to confirm who will replace Rooney at number 8, or which numbers will be worn by new signings Nani, Anderson and Owen Hargreaves.

Soccer Rising Star

2007-06-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

Gareth Bale

Personal information

Full name : Gareth Frank Bale
Date of birth : July 16, 1989 (1989-07-16) (age 17)
Place of birth : Cardiff, Wales
Height : 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position : Left-back

Club information

Current club : Tottenham Hotspur
Number : TBA

Gareth Frank Bale (born July 16, 1989) is a Welsh football player, currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur.

In December 2006 he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year .

He is one of the most talented young players in Wales' history, with a deadly left foot which has established him as favourite amongst the supporters.

Southampton

At the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for the Saints (after Theo Walcott) when he made his debut on April 17, 2006. He played the whole match as Southampton defeated Millwall 2-0.

On 6 August 2006 Bale managed to swing home a left foot free kick to level the scores to 1-1 against Derby County. Both Rudi Skácel and Bale stood over the ball and the youngster took it sweetly, leaving the keeper with no chance with the ball sailing into the top right hand corner. He celebrated with his trademark twirl in the air. This was three weeks after his 17th birthday. The final score at Pride Park was 2-2.

He scored again, at St. Mary's, against Coventry City in the team's second game of the 2006-07 season with another superbly executed free kick, and further developed his reputation as a free kick specialist when he struck the post from one against West Bromwich Albion.By December 16, 2006, Bale's goal count had risen to five, thanks to a late equaliser against Sunderland and expertly-taken free-kicks away to Hull and at home to Norwich City.

On 4 March 2007, he was named the Football League Young Player of the Year.This capped an incredible first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints' most creative players even though operating from the left-back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed.

His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007, when, following a succession of cynical, crunching tackles from Dean Leacock and Seth Johnson (amongst others), Bale was forced out of the game after 56 minutes, preventing him from appearing in the second leg. In total, he made 45 appearances for the Saints, scoring 5 goals.

Tottenham Hotspur

Bale completed a transfer to Tottenham on 25 May 2007, arranging a four-year deal, with Tottenham making an immediate payment of £5 million, with further additional payments that could see Bale's transfer go up to £10m.

Wales

He made the senior Welsh squad at the end of the 2005-06 season and then played his debut on 27 May 2006 as a substitute in a 2-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago, making him the youngest ever player to play for Wales aged just 16 years and 315 days to break Lewin Nyatanga's three-month old record. In the game he set up the winner for Robert Earnshaw.

On 7 October 2006 he became the youngest person to score a goal for the full Welsh national team in the Euro 2008 qualification match against Slovakia with a trade-mark free kick . He scored his second goal for Wales in a 3-0 win over San Marino on 28 March 2007.

Brian Flynn, the U-21 Wales manager has expressed comments of the potential in Bale as a future star of the game. Although being trained as a left-back, Bale's left-footed prowess and free kick ability have evoked comparisons to the great left-sided midfielder Ryan Giggs, also from Wales.

La Liga Report

2007-06-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

Real Zaragoza 2-2 Real Madrid

ZARAGOZA, June 9 (Primera Liga) - Ruud van Nistelrooy struck an 88th-minute equaliser as Real Madrid salvaged a point from their trip to Real Zaragoza to remain in the pole position to win the Primera Liga title.

Madrid's hopes of being crowned champions for the first time since 2003 looked to be fading as they trailed 2-1 heading into the final few minutes at a rain-drenched La Romareda, while at the Nou Camp title rivals Barcelona, who were level on 72 points with Madrid at the start of play, led 2-1 against Espanyol.

But Van Nistelrooy's equaliser - his second of the match after Diego Milito had twice put Zaragoza in front - combined with a late Espanyol leveller means Madrid still hold the upper hand heading into the final round of fixtures.

Zaragoza looked the more dangerous early on, with Ewerthon sending a well-struck effort just wide after five minutes and Andres D'Alessandro soon after firing in a shot from outside the box which Iker Casillas parried away at his near post.

The visitors responded in the 11th minute with a decent long-range effort of their own, Robinho bringing a sprawling save out of former Madrid keeper Cesar Sanchez with a dipping 30-yard effort.

Three minutes later Madrid had probably the first decent chance to take the lead when Robinho sent a left-footed volley into the side-netting after latching onto a cross from David Beckham - the Englishman shaking off an ankle injury picked up on international duty in midweek to make the starting line-up.

At the other end, Ewerthon wasted two opportunities to test Casillas before Zaragoza centre-back Gabriel Milito showed his striker how it should be done with a free-kick that at least forced the Madrid custodian into a save.

Milito's brother Diego went one better in the 31st minute though as he put Zaragoza ahead from the penalty spot.

News had just filtered around La Romareda that Madrid's title rivals Barcelona had gone a goal down at home to Espanyol, but Fabio Capello's side soon found themselves facing the same deficit when Milito sent Casillas the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The kick had been given after Pablo Aimar went down under a challenge from Ivan Helguera, who had only been drafted into the Madrid line-up after Miguel Torres had suffered an injury in the warm-up.

Robinho and Van Nistelrooy failed to make the most of openings as Madrid tried to force an equaliser before the break, although Van Nistelrooy very nearly drew the teams level in first-half injury-time.

Sergio Ramos sent over a cross to the far post which Van Nistelrooy looked certain to turn home, but Cesar reacted superbly to parry the Dutchman's header away for a corner.

Madrid started the second half with a speculative 35-yard free-kick effort from Roberto Carlos which flew harmlessly wide, but Capello's men were back on level terms in the 57th minute thanks to Van Nistelrooy.

Again news of a goal from the Nou Camp preceded the one at La Romareda, with Van Nistelrooy heading home Sergio Ramos' cross at the far post just moments after Leo Messi had put Barca 2-1 up in their clash.

That was Van Nistelrooy's 24th league goal of the season and was the seventh match in succession that he has found the back of the net.

More importantly, it gave Madrid renewed hope in their hunt for their title.

However, that joy was short-lived as Zaragoza reclaimed the lead just seven minutes later when Diego Milito netted his second of the match.

Aimar made a darting run forward before feeding Milito on the right-hand side of the area.

The prolific Argentinian striker then raced into the area, coolly stepped inside the sliding challenge of Roberto Carlos, before firing home left-footed past Casillas.

With the title slipping from their grasp, Madrid coach Fabio Capello used his final substitution in the 66th minute, sending on Jose Antonio Reyes for Robinho.

It was pretty much all Madrid in the final 25 minutes as the visitors threw everything at Zaragoza.

Gonzalo Higuain had two decent openings, while Sergio Ramos and Mahamadou Diarra also went close with headers.

Madrid could not find a way past the impressive Cesar though, and the visitors suffered a further blow in the final 10 minutes when Beckham looked to damage the same left ankle he had problems with leading into the game.

The former England captain played on after receiving treatment though, and it was from a Beckham free-kick which Ramos very nearly headed Madrid level in the 87th minute.

Just when it looked as though Madrid would end up with nothing, Van Nistelrooy slotted home his second of the night after Cesar had parried a shot from Higuain.

That proved enough to earn Madrid a point - although Diarra could have snatched a late winner if he had kept his header down - but there was even better news from the Nou Camp where Espanyol had netted a late equaliser against Barca, leaving the title within touching distance for Madrid.

Barcelona 2-2 Espanyol

BARCELONA, June 9 (Primera Liga) - Espanyol captain Raul Tamudo denied Barcelona an important victory in the Catalan derby to ensure the Primera Liga title race will go down to the wire.

Tamudo also became the club's all-time top league goalscorer, scoring twice at the Nou Camp after Lionel Messi had looked certain to fire the hosts to a third consecutive title success with a brace of his own.

Barca went behind on the half-hour mark following Tamudo's opener, but responded just before half-time thanks to a controversial Messi effort.

The Argentinian struck again after the break, but Barcelona were denied in the dying minutes as Tamudo equalised and Real Madrid also came from behind to draw at Real Zaragoza and stay on top of the Primera Liga with just one game remaining.

Espanyol began brightly and after Luis Garcia had threatened in the very first minute, Tamudo saw his fierce shot well saved by Victor Valdes.

At the other end, Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta sent a long-range effort well wide and Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen was off target from 12 yards as Barca searched for an early advantage.

But Espanyol were looking more dangerous and Tamudo forced Valdes into a fine low save with an angled drive.

Luis Garcia also forced a corner for the visitors, but Barca soon came back into the game and Messi sent a low shot just past the post on 16 minutes.

Gudjohnsen, in the side for the suspended Ronaldinho, then sent a header just wide for Frank Rijkaard's side three minutes later.

The Spanish champions were enjoying the majority of the possession and won a free-kick just outside the area on 28 minutes.

However, Deco's effort was deflected wide and a minute later, Espanyol took the lead.

Ivan De La Pena released Tamudo with a brilliant threaded through-ball and the veteran forward smashed his shot past Valdes and into the top right-hand corner to equal Espanyol's all-time scoring record of 111 goals set by Rafael Maranon.

Barcelona looked lost at this point, but levelled in controversial fashion just before the break when Messi pushed the ball past Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni with his hand.

The Argentinian winger produced a repeat of Diego Maradona's sensational dribbled strike against England in the 1986 World Cup against Getafe last month and came up with a carbon copy of the first goal Maradona scored that day - the so-called ``Hand of God'' goal - against Espanyol by diverting Zambrotta's deflected cross past a hapless Kameni.

Despite the protests from the Espanyol players, the goal stood and the Argentinian winger was to do even more damage after the break.

Messi set up Gudjohnsen on 55 minutes, but the former Chelsea striker was unable to get his shot on target.

However, a minute later, the young midfielder struck again for Barcelona with a clinical low finish from 10 yards out after a flowing team move.

The Nou Camp faithful then realised that title rivals Real Madrid had gone down 2-1 at Zaragoza and celebrated the announcement of Diego Milito's goal as if they had won the title.

They should have waited though, because after Samuel Eto'o squandered a great chance for Barcelona to make it 3-1, Tamudo equalised in the dying seconds.

A minute later, things were even worse for Barcelona as news came through of Madrid's equaliser at Zaragoza, which leaves things as they were going into the last match of the season, when Barca will need their bitter rivals to slip up if they are to win the title.

Sevilla remain two points off the pace after drawing 0-0 against Mallorca.

News Out Field

2007-05-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Hargreaves to join United in July

Owen Hargreaves will complete his £17million move to Manchester United on July 1.

The England international's exit from Bayern Munich was confirmed by Franz Beckenbauer three weeks ago, since when Hargreaves' arrival at Old Trafford was viewed as inevitable.

Pictured at the Red Devils' Carrington training ground last week, the 26-year-old flew out to his native Canada on Tuesday, leading to speculation he would finally sign a five-year contract at some point over the next seven days.

However, a combined statement from United and Bayern revealed all the elements of the deal have now been concluded, with Hargreaves putting pen to paper when he returns from holiday at the end of June.

'Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with FC Bayern Munchen for the transfer of Owen Hargreaves,' said the statement.

'The player has also agreed terms with the club and passed his medical.

Owen will formally sign his contract with Manchester United when he returns from his holiday at the end of June and will join on July 1, 2007.'

Coming less than 24 hours after deals 'in principle' were announced for brilliant young Brazilian Anderson and Portugal winger Nani, it leaves Sir Alex Ferguson only requiring a senior striker to complete his squad for next season.

Samuel Eto'o would be Ferguson's first-choice should he get any indication from Barcelona that they were willing to part with the Cameroon international - who will be required for African Nations Cup duty in January.

The United manager is also an admirer of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov and Klaas Jan Huntelaar of Ajax, although both men appear settled at their current clubs.

Jermaine Defoe, currently on international duty with England, remains a possibility, although it does not appear Michael Owen is on United's radar at present.

Even if he eventually fails to solve his striking dilemma, Ferguson can look back with satisfaction on his close season business.

In securing the services of Hargreaves, Anderson and Nani on long-term contracts, not only is the Scot bolstering his current squad ahead of their Premier League title defence, he is also looking to a future without Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Hargreaves arrival will provide vital support for Michael Carrick, meaning Scholes can be used slightly more sparingly than he was this season.

Ferguson made a concerted effort to bring Hargreaves to Old Trafford after the World Cup, in which the midfielder turned out to be one of England's few success stories.

Hargreaves left no-one in any doubt he wanted to make the move, only for Bayern to block the deal fearing supporter unrest after losing Michael Ballack to Chelsea.

Ferguson was hopeful of resurrecting the deal in January but those plans were scuppered when Hargreaves - who has family from Bolton - broke his leg on club duty against Armenia Bielefeld in September.

However, there was little doubt the United boss was determined to push the transfer through once the season was over and Bayern's failure to qualify for next year's Champions League only made it more certain Hargreaves would end up at Old Trafford.

Soccer Rising Star

2007-05-18T01:32:00.000-07:00

Micah Richards
Personal information
Full name :Micah Lincoln Richards
Date of birth :June 24, 1988 (1988-06-24) (age 18)
Place of birth :Birmingham, England
Height :180 cm (5'11")
Playing position :Defender

Club information

Current club :Manchester City
Number : 2

Micah Lincoln Richards (born June 24, 1988 in Birmingham) is a football player with Manchester City and England.

He made his first team debut on October 22, 2005 against Arsenal, coming on as a substitute and was given his full debut on 12 February 2006 against Charlton Athletic. Since making his first start he has played in the majority of Manchester City's matches, and was named as the club's Young Player of the Year for the 2005-06 season.

Richards came to national prominence when his 94th minute headed goal in a televised FA Cup fixture against Aston Villa gained City a replay. Following the game an emotional Richards was interviewed by Garth Crooks live on BBC One. During the interview he was asked about his goal and used the phrase "fucking hell", and then continued with the interview. At the end of the interview, host Gary Lineker apologised to the televised audience and put it down to "the inexperience of the young lad".

During the 2005-06 season Richards captained the Manchester City youth team which reached the final of the FA Youth Cup. Richards missed the first leg of the final as he was on first team duty, but returned for the second leg. He helped his side to a 2-0 win over Liverpool, but Liverpool youth won the trophy 3-2 on aggregate.

In July 2006 Manchester City rejected a bid of £5m for Richards from Tottenham Hotspur. On 25 July 2006 he signed a new four-year contract, quashing rumours of a move away from the City of Manchester Stadium. He was rewarded with the number 2 shirt for the 2006-07 season, a traditional first team number, rather than the number 45 he wore in 2005-06.

Richards lost his temper with his manager Stuart Pearce in front of Sky TV cameras after he was substituted during the Blues' 1-0 defeat at the Madejski Stadium against Reading on 11 September 2006. The teenage defender had to be calmed down by Paul Dickov after hurling his shirt out of the dug-out and following it up with a volley of abuse.

Richards' second City goal was also an injury time equaliser - this time in a 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park on 30 September 2006.

Of late there have been rumours regarding Richards' future with a host of English clubs keen to sign him, with Arsenal, Chelsea, city rivals Manchester United, and Liverpool under rich new American ownership, all having shown an interest in the 18 year old defender. Liverpool appear to be the favourites to land the young English defender, despite the interest from his boyhood team Arsenal.

" The Hunter" Klaas Jan Huntelaar

Personal information

Full name :Klaas Jan Huntelaar
Date of birth :August 12, 1983 (1983-08-12) (age 23)
Place of birth : Drempt, Gelderland, Netherlands
Height : 183 cm / 6ft
Playing position :Striker

Club information

Current club : AFC Ajax
Number : 9

Klaas Jan Huntelaar (born August 12, 1983 in Drempt, Gelderland, Netherlands) is a Dutch footballer who plays as a striker for Ajax Amsterdam and Netherlands, where he has replaced Ruud van Nistelrooy as striker after he fell out with coach Marco van Basten. He is seen as a rising star in Dutch football, having scored 33 goals in the 2005/06 Eredivisie campaign, making him top scorer. His nickname is 'The Hunter'.

In 2000, aged 16, Huntelaar joined PSV Eindhoven’s academy and established himself as a prolific goalscorer for their youth team.

He made his debut for PSV during the first half of the 2002-2003 season but this was to prove his one and only Eredivisie appearance for the club.

Having failed to establish himself in the first team he was loaned out to De Graafschap to gain experience. He made 9 Eredivisie appearances for ‘the Super Farmers’ but failed to score.

In the summer of 2003 Huntelaar was again loaned out. This time to AGOVV Apeldoorn in the Dutch First Division. He was an instant success scoring 26 times in his 35 league appearances and finished the season as the divisions top goalscorer.

After the player turned down the opportunity to sign a new contract with PSV SC Heerenveen moved in to sign him for a transfer fee of €100,000. The following season he scored 17 goals in 31 matches to help Heerenveen qualify for the UEFA Cup. 2005/06 saw him score 17 goals in 15 matches, form which earned him a mid-season transfer to Ajax, who paid € 9 million + future extensives for the player. A substantial sum went to rivals PSV Eindhoven as a result of the training compensation rule imposed by FIFA.

Huntelaar had an immediate impact at Ajax, scoring perhaps his most spectacular goal of the season, a bicycle kick in injury time of the KNVB Cup semifinal against Roda JC, which squared the match and allowed Ajax to go on to victory after the extra periods. Huntelaar then went on to score a brace, including the winner, against PSV Eindhoven to bring Ajax its 16th KNVB Cup.

Huntelaar was the first player to score a goal at Arsenal F.C.'s new Emirates Stadium in a testimonial match for Dennis Bergkamp on July 22nd, 2006 - a match Ajax ended up losing 2-1 (although in the second half, which started off with Ajax leading 1-0, 'legends' like Johan Cruijff, Marco van Basten and Ian Wright played instead).

Huntelaar started the 2006/07 campaign by scoring a brace against Copenhagen in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying round. Huntelaar continued scoring this season, getting 21 goals in the league and four in the KNVB Cup, including a goal in the final that Ajax went on to win. He also scored 9 goals out of 9 appearances in the Champions League and UEFA Cup.

Possible transfer from Ajax

Ajax issued a hands-off warning following speculation that Newcastle United was interested in signing the player in the January transfer window. Manchester United and Liverpool are also said to be very interested in the player. Juventus, Arsenal, Olympique Lyonnais and Valencia are also interested in signing the striker.

News Out Field : Celebrate English Premier League

2007-05-18T01:13:00.000-07:00

Neville: We deserve crown

United skipper Gary Neville says the Reds fully deserved to be crowned Premiership champions, but he urged his team-mates to now focus on lifting the FA Cup.

Neville lifted his seventh league trophy on Sunday - his first as captain - but urged the Reds to make it a “special” season by doing the double.

“There were times in the last three years where we felt really low,” he admitted on MUTV. “We probably weren’t consistent enough to win it, we didn’t deserve to be champions.

"But this year we deserve it. It’s a fantastic day for the club. It’s important to savour the moment, but we’ve got a huge game next week.

“We’ve had a great week, but the focus at United is to move on and we have to think about the cup final next week and make it a really special season.”

Neville, who has been suffering with an ankle injury and hasn’t played since 17 March, will start football training on Monday and, according to Sir Alex, “will be given every chance” of making the final. But his place is by no means assured. “I’ll be there,” he said. “I don’t know if I’ll be playing, but I hope I will.”

Rooney: No greater feeling

Wayne Rooney was almost lost for words on Sunday after collecting his first Premiership winner's medal.

United's ecstatic number eight told MUTV: "I'm delighted. It's what all the hard work this season has been for.

"There's no greater feeling out there. It's fantastic. It's brilliant but really hard to explain. I'm absolutely delighted, I can't put into words, it's unbelievable."

Rooney's enjoyment of winning the title was enhanced by the enormity of the task. Wayne had tried twice before to win the Premiership with United, losing out to Chelsea in both years, and the Reds also missed out in the term before he joined the club from Everton.

"It's a massive tournament for us to win," said Wayne.

"We've had 38 tough games so to come out on top of that league is great for us. Hopefully we won't have to wait for another four years to win it again."

Now Wayne is targeting another personal first - an FA Cup winner's medal, having been a runner-up with the Reds at the end of his debut season 2004/05.

"We can't go too far with our (title) celebrations," warned Wayne. "We have to make sure we're ready for the cup final on Saturday."

13/05/2007 17:43, Report by Adam Bostock

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Soccer Rising Star

2007-05-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Ezequiel Garay

Personal information

Full name : Ezequiel Marcelo Garay
Date of birth : October 10, 1986 (1986-10-10) (age 20)
Place of birth : Rosario, Argentina
Height : 1.89 cm
Playing position : Defender

Club information

Current club : Racing de Santander
Number : 4

Ezequiel Marcelo Garay (born October 10, 1986 in Rosario, Argentina) is an Argentine football player, who currently plays for Racing de Santander in the Spanish La Liga. His favoured positions are on the right wing and in central defence. His previous club were Newell's Old Boys of Argentina. He has been linked with a move to Manchester United F.C. and has been quoted as being very pleased with this, but will continue concentrating on Racing de Santander.

"It's a joy that such a great team as Manchester (United) is paying attention to me, but at the moment there is nothing official. I had not had a chance to speak with my agent about this news. The club hasn't said anything either, so there's no point getting overexcited."

_____________________________________

Nani

Personal information

Full name :Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha
Date of birth :17 November 1986
Place of birth :Amadora, Portugal
Height :1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Playing position : Wing forward

Club information

Current club : Sporting Lisbon
Number : 18

Nani started his career at his local club Massama on the outskirts of Lisbon before joining Sporting Clube de Portugal youth system.

Nani is the latest outstanding talent to be produced by Sporting’s seemingly endless conveyor belt of world-class wingers. The same system that produced Luis Figo, Simão, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Quaresma appears to have unearthed another sensation capable of attaining the heights of such exalted company.

His speed, strength and skill have led many to compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo. He is equally at home on either flank.

He broke into the first team at 18 years of age, and made an immediate impression with his dazzling footwork and extreme speed, scoring 6 goals in his debut season.

Nani enjoyed a blistering start to the 2006/07 season with two goals in Sporting’s first two matches and another on his international debut where he gave a man-of-the-match display against Denmark.

He has been compaired to Cristiano Ronaldo, and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has stated, that he would love bringing another major talent to the club.

He has attracted the interest of English Champions Manchester United and Premiership Losers Chelsea, with rumours coming out of Manchester believing that he is a transfer target for Sir Alex Ferguson this summer (2007) as a replacement for veteran left winger Ryan Giggs. Nani could join Ronaldo in Manchester, making arguably the most lethal wingers on the planet playing in the same Manchester United team.

News Out Field

2007-05-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

O'NEILL LANDS BARCLAYS AWARD

source : www.premierleague.com

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for April.

O'Neill's side recorded three successive away wins in the Barclays Premiership and spent the entire month unbeaten in the league.

Villa enjoyed their travels last month with victories at Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough and Manchester City.

And their strong away form was complemented by solid home draws against Everton, Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth.

This is the first monthly award O'Neill has collected since November 1999 when he was manager at Leicester City and is his fourth overall.
____________________________________________________________________

Ronaldo nets Football Writers' Association award

Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The Manchester United winger topped the journalists' poll ahead of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Ronaldo's team-mates Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were third and fourth respectively.

It caps a superb season for the Portugal international, who also collected both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year trophies.

Ronaldo, 22, has been in awesome form for United, as the Red Devils remain on course for a Barclays Premiership and FA Cup double, having reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The achievement is all the more remarkable considering the somewhat harsh criticism the Portuguese winger received from some fans during the early stages of the season following England's demise at the World Cup.

Ronaldo will be presented with his latest prestigious accolade at the FWA Footballer of the Year dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on May 17.

Chairman of the FWA, Paul Hetherington said: 'After the events of last summer at the World Cup, the vote of the Football Writers' Association shows that what we are all interested in is honouring the best player in the country.

'There has been no agendas carried over from last summer.

'This was a heavy poll of our members. Cristiano has been a runaway winner, and deservedly so.'

Hetherington added: 'We also know we have a player who is absolutely delighted and honoured to receive this accolade.'

Former England captain Alan Shearer - voted Footballer of the Year himself when at Blackburn in 1994 - will propose the toast the FWA, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.

MANCHESTER CITY v MANCHESTER UNITED, 0-1

2007-05-05T06:52:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrated his resilience to inspire Manchester United to a derby victory which leaves them on the brink of clinching the Barclays Premiership title.

The Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year was the centre of attention as early as the third minute when he was left needing treatment after a stamp from Michael Ball.

The City full-back escaped punishment as the incident occurred outside of referee Rob Styles' eyeline, but Ronaldo exacted a fitting punishment when he drew a foul from the same player to earn the penalty from which he scored the only goal.

Ball later won a spot-kick at the other end but Darius Vassell was denied by Edwin van der Sar as City drew yet another blank to pick up an unwanted record for the fewest home goals - 10 - in a Premie League season.

Thank you the report from www.premierleague.com

FC Sevilla 2-0 Osasuna

2007-05-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

SEVILLE, Spain, May 3 (Reuters) - Holders Sevilla set up an all-Spanish UEFA Cup final against Espanyol after goals by Brazilians Luis Fabiano and Renato earned a 2-0 win over Primera Liga rivals Osasuna on Thursday.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Sevilla took advantage of a pressure-cooker atmosphere at the Sanchez Pizjuan to turn the heat on the visitors and were rewarded when Luis Fabiano scored eight minutes before the break.Renato made it 2-0 with a deft finish early in the second half and although Osasuna gave them a couple of isolated scares the hosts remained in charge.The victory means coach Juande Ramos's side are on course to become the first team since Real Madrid in 1986 to make a successful defence of the UEFA Cup. They are also still in with a chance of winning the league and the King's Cup.'Getting to two consecutive finals is an achievement which is within reach of very few teams and we've done it,' Ramos told reporters.'I hope we can play well and win the UEFA Cup again, that would cap everything.'Sevilla put Osasuna under intense pressure from the off, striker Luis Fabiano and winger Antonio Puerta firing over the bar.Osasuna defender Carlos Cuellar had to react quickly to steal the ball off Frederic Kanoute's toe when the Sevilla striker looked certain to turn in a cross on the half hour.But as Osasuna seemed as though they might weather the storm, Luis Fabiano found a way through their determined defence.The Brazilian beat Cuellar, who slipped to the ground, brought the ball down with his toe and fended off Jose Izquierdo before stabbing a low shot under keeper Ricardo.There was no respite for Osasuna after the break, midfielder Renato going close in the opening minute with a fierce long-range effort as the home team pressed.Renato was on target in the 53rd minute when he guided the ball into the net on the volley after defender Daniel Alves had spotted his run into the area.Osasuna almost cut short the celebrations when striker Pierre Webo headed against the post and substitute Valdo forced a sharp save from Andres Palop with a dipping volley.But Sevilla remained on top, Alves having two good chances to add a third before the home crowd exploded with delight at the final whistle.The only sour note for the holders was the booking received by French defender Julien Escude which puts him out of the final in Glasgow on May 16 and a suspected thigh muscle tear suffered by Brazilian midfielder Adriano Correia.

AC Milan 3 United 0

2007-05-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

United were dumped out of the Champions League as AC Milan outclassed the Reds on a miserable evening in the San Siro. First-half goals from Kaka and Clarence Seedorf, and a late strike from Alberto Gilardino, gave the Rossoneri a 3-0 win and earned the Italians a spot alongside Liverpool in the Champions League final.

On a rain-soaked pitch, a clinical Milan team punished United's defensive frailties, while Gennaro Gattuso and Kaka delivered glittering performances in the midfield. The Reds struggled to create any clear openings and gifted Milan two goals at the other end.

Rio Ferdinand was a surprise inclusion on the bench, as was striker Louis Saha, who's not played since the Reds travelled to Rome for the quarter-final first leg. But arguably the biggest boost came prior to kick-off with news that Nemanja Vidic would start for the first time since sustaining a broken collar-bone against Blackburn in March.

Vidic was tested in the first minute when Milan's dangerman, Kaka, flew by him on the left side of the penalty area. The Brazilian's acceleration was astounding but his low centre flashed across goal and out for a goal kick. It was an early scare for a United side intent on keeping a clean sheet.

Milan almost took the lead in the third minute when a loose ball fell to Clarence Seedorf on the edge of the box. The Dutchman's stinging shot seemed destined to sneak under the bar until Edwin van der Sar thrusted an arm skywards to deflect the ball over for a corner. In slippery conditions and on a brand new pitch, the Reds looked nervy in possession. Kaka shot straight at van der Sar on seven minutes but still United failed to take heed. Indeed, Sir Alex's men were punished four minutes later when the midfield maestro arrived unmarked on the edge of the area to volley the home side in front.

It was all too easy, as Seedorf won a header uncontested in the area and nodded the ball back to Kaka, who lashed at the ball with his left foot to send it arrowing past van der Sar and into the bottom corner. The strike, Kaka's10th in this season's Champions League campaign, levelled the aggregate score at 3-3 but put Milan in pole position on the away goals rule. It was now imperative United scored. But it took the Reds until the 20th minute to fashion a clear chance. When Ryan Giggs did, his 20-yard strike was easily smothered by Brazilian goalkeeper Dida.

Still Milan drove forward, looking confident and comfortable in possession in front of a passionate San Siro crowd. The Italian team's full backs, Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski, were seeing a lot of the ball and making strong headway down the flanks. In comparison, United's attacks were laboured and neither Michael Carrick nor Paul Scholes were able to assert themselves on the game.

Things went from bad to worse for the Reds on half-an-hour when Gabriel Heinze put Vidic under pressure unnecessarily in the area. The big Serbian slipped, gifting the ball to Andrea Pirlo, whose cross was headed out to Seedorf on the edge of the area. The 31-year-old skipped past desperate challenges from Vidic and Darren Fletcher before firing low and hard into the same corner Kaka had found less than 20 minutes earlier.

United were 2-0 down and faltering badly. Memories of 1999 came flooding back, when the Reds, inspired by captain Roy Keane, overturned a similar scoreline to dump Juventus out of the competition. Eight years later, Reds' fans were hoping for more of the same. United did begin to ease into the game but never really tested the Milan defence. A Wayne Rooney thunderbolt, which slammed into Alessandro Nesta on its way to goal, was as close as the Reds came to reducing the deficit in the first half.

Neither side made any changes during the interval, although United emerged re-energised and more adventurous. Chances were still at a premium, however, as Gattuso, terrier-like in his pursuit of white shirts, acted like some kind of human forcefield. Milan were content to soak up the pressure and rely on counter attacks and Kaka almost put the home side 3-0 up when he broke quickly down the inside right channel. Vidic was unable to keep upwith the Brazilian, who turned inside and forced a sharp save from van der Sar. The Reds rallied and Fletcher and Scholes combined well to send Ronaldo free on the left wing. But the Portuguese winger was felled by Gattuso and blasted the resulting free-kick into the wall.

United's best chance arrived in the 63rd minute after a rare period of sustained possession inside the Milan half. Wayne Rooney, in a central position about 25 yards from goal, slipped the ball sideways to Darren Fletcher, who came storming through from the midfield only to slice his shot wide of Dida's left-hand upright. Minutes later, Rooney's low cross fizzed across goal and missed everyone, before a clever Ronaldo ball almost found the England striker at the back post.

Louis Saha was introduced on 77 minutes for John O'Shea but United's eagerness to get forward and pull a goal back ultimately cost the Reds. A minute later, Milan substitute Alberto Gilardino, on for Filippo Inzaghi just 10 minutes earlier, skipped through a massive hole in the heart of United's defence. With just van der Sar to beat, he calmly slotted the ball past the Reds' stopper to secure victory and lead Milan to yet another European Cup final.

It was a frustrating night for Sir Alex and his men, who, after such an exhilarating Champions League campaign, never broke out of first gear. United must now return to England and concentrate on the Premiership and the FA Cup.

Team Line-ups

United: Van der Sar; O'Shea (Saha 77), Brown, Vidic, Heinze; Carrick, Fletcher, Scholes, Ronaldo, Giggs; Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Ferdinand, Richardson, Eagles, Smith, Solskjaer

AC Milan: Dida; Oddo, Kaladze, Nesta, Jankulovski; Gattuso (Cafu 84), Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf; Kaka (Favalli 86), Inzaghi (Gilardino 67).
Subs not used: Kalac, Favalli, Bonera, Serginho, Brocchi

Football Manager 2007

2007-04-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

Football Manager is a series of football management simulation games first released in 1982 by Addictive Games, and lasting until the mid 1990s. In 2004, the series was revived by Sports Interactive to replace the name of their Championship Manager series. The original series is credited as being the first ever computer game to use the concept of managing a football team. Football Manager 2007 is the latest in the series.

In the United States and Canada the series is sold as Worldwide Soccer Manager or WSM. This is similar to the name of the series on the Sega Saturn and Sega Dreamcast. These games were published by Sega who, incidentally, are now Football Manager's publishers, in the place of Eidos, who published Sports Interactive's Championship Manager series until their split in 2003.

On 8 June 2006, Sports Interactive published details on Football Manager 2007. "Packed full with more than 100 new features, Football Manager™ 2007 is set for release on PC, Mac and Intel Mac, as well as the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. Football Manager Handheld on Sony’s PlayStation Portable handheld entertainment system (PSP) completes the format line-up, with all platforms set for a Christmas 2006 release."

On 24 September 2006 it was announced that Football Manager 2007 would be released on the 20 October 2006.

On 1 October 2006, Sports Interactive released a Gold Demo of FM 2007, available in two versions, vanilla and strawberry. Both versions allow users to play 6 months into a season. The strawberry version contains a larger collection of quickstarts so users can try out more leagues. It also contains more graphics than the vanilla version.

As a result of certain retail outlets ignoring the official release date, Football Manager 2007 was actually released on 18 October 2006.

New Features in the 2007 version of FM include the ability to include pictures for you as the manager; substantially increased media interaction such as approaches from national newspaper journalists about the upcoming match or asking for comments on a player's performance in recent matches; new varying degrees of criticism or praise for players (happy with form or very pleased with form rather that just one generic good term), a similar feature has been included for such actions as admiring players or attempting to unsettle transfer targets. Improvements have also been made to board request interactions.

The main improvement lauded by Sports Interactive for this version of FM is the improved scouting system. Scouts' and coaches' experience is now shown graphically via bar charts and scouts gain knowledge from areas they have scouted previously. To go with this it is now possible to get feeder/parent club status which allows you to either send your players to lower league teams to gain experience, make it easier to get work permits, merchandise sales in other areas etc. or work from a similar angle from the opposite end gaining parachute payments from higher league clubs and their reserve players on loan for no cost. In turn the parent club gains scouting knowledge for the area that the feeder club is in if it is in another country than that club.

A patch has been released to combat some of the main bugs in the game, such as unrealistic scout reports and high amounts of injurys sustained whilst playing on the pitch. The latest build of this patch is 7.0.2 94768.

Wayne Rooney's stunning last-minute winner kept Manchester United's hopes of reaching the Champions League final alive after an Old Trafford classic.

2007-04-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's fifth-minute header put United in front, only for AC Milan to draw level through Kaka's angled drive after 21 minutes.

Kaka put Milan ahead from close range before the interval, but Rooney turned in Paul Scholes' cool pass on the hour.

Rooney then lashed a glorious 20-yard finish past Dida in injury time.

It was a moment of magic that gave United a precious lead to defend going into the second leg in Milan next Wednesday.

United opened in sparkling fashion, and it took a desperate intervention from Alessandro Nesta to divert Rooney's shot over the bar.

But they were soon ahead when Ronaldo met Ryan Giggs' corner with a firm header, which Dida palmed into the air and could then only divert into the net.

United were firing on all cylinders up front - but all the time Milan, in the shape of Kaka, were waiting to probe their suspect and under-strength rearguard.

And the strike they feared came after 21 minutes when Kaka took Clarence Seedorf's pass and accelerated away from Gabriel Heinze and fired a left-foot angled drive across Edwin van der Sar.

A high-quality encounter saw Rooney just fail to get on the end of Giggs' cross and Ronaldo bring a crucial block from Dida with a 25-yard power drive.

But Brazilian superstar Kaka was an ever-present threat, and he took advantage of shambolic United defending to grab a crucial second away goal for Milan after 36 minutes.

Kaka chased a long pass, and when Heinze and Patrice Evra collided, he moved smoothly into top gear to slide a perfect finish past Van der Sar.

Evra was then booked for dissent - a yellow card that rules him out of the second leg at the San Siro, an inconvenience United did not need given their lack of defensive resources.

Michael Carrick wasted a glorious opportunity to put United level after 47 minutes when he side-footed wide of an open goal when he arrived unmarked at the far post on the end of another dangerous Giggs corner.

Milan lost captain Paolo Maldini to a knee injury at half-time, then were robbed of Gennaro Gattuso with a knee problem - with the combative midfield man being replaced by Cristian Brocchi.

Kaka was giving a master-class, escaping the offside trap to shoot across the face of goal then playing a sumptuous one-two with Seedorf only to volley narrowly over.

United desperately needed inspiration, and a moment of genius from Scholes provided it as they drew level after 59 minutes.

Scholes instinctively lifted the ball into the path of Rooney, whose finish was half-stopped by Dida but rolled in.

United were suddenly buoyant again, and the unpredictable Dida saved brilliantly from Darren Fletcher after Rooney's cross was headed into his path.

Fletcher forced Dida into a save at his near post as United pressed for what would be a crucial lead to take to Italy.

Dida then finger-tipped Ronaldo's dipping drive inches wide as United mounted a spell of sustained pressure in the closing stages.

United's sheer courage was rewarded when Rooney ran on to Giggs' pass and fired past a startled Dida to send Old Trafford wild in celebration.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Brown, Heinze, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Smith, Solskjaer, Dong, Richardson, Eagles, Lee.

Booked: Evra, Giggs.

Goals: Ronaldo 6, Rooney 59, 90.

AC Milan: Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Maldini (Bonera 46), Jankulovski, Gattuso (Brocchi 52), Pirlo, Ambrosini, Seedorf, Kaka, Gilardino (Gourcuff 84).
Subs Not Used: Kalac, Cafu, Inzaghi, Favalli.

Booked: Kaka, Bonera.

Goals: Kaka 22, 37.

Att: 73,820

Ref: Kyros Vassaras (Greece).

PFA AWARDS DOUBLE FOR RONALDO

2007-04-23T03:05:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first man since 1977 to win both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year Award in the same season when he was honoured at a gala dinner in London.

Not since Andy Gray scooped each of the coveted accolades 30 years ago has one player dominated the voting of his fellow professionals in such fashion.

Ronaldo, 22, has been in awesome form for United, as the Red Devils remain on course for a Barclays Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League treble.

The achievement is all the more remarkable considering the somewhat harsh criticism the Portugal winger received following England’s demise at the World Cup.

Ronaldo beat Chelsea striker Didier Drogba to the award, with United’s former England midfielder Paul Scholes third.

Ryan Giggs and last year’s winner, Steven Gerrard, also made the shortlist, alongside 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Ronaldo said it was a "big honour" to be singled out by his peers.

He said: "It is a special night. It is amazing and a big honour for me to win trophies like this in the English Premier League. I am very proud.

"My colleagues have voted for me and that is fantastic because the players know the qualities of players.

"I want to keep working hard and getting better because these trophies have now given me more motivation.

"At this moment, I am consistent. I am more mature now and I am playing better.

"This great team has helped me as well, because when the team win it is more easy for us all to play with more confidence.

"Everything is right this season and I am really enjoying it.

"I am still young and I am learning more every day.

"I have much time to learn more and improve myself.

"I try to improve all aspects of my football - not only in training but also in games."

Fabregas finished runner-up in the young player category as well, with 20-year-old Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon third.

Ronaldo’s team-mate Wayne Rooney (21) was also shortlisted, as were Reading striker Kevin Doyle, 23, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards of Manchester City.

It was Manchester United who took centre stage at the Grosvenor House hotel - with eight of their players making it into the Premier League team of the year and manager Sir Alex Ferguson being honoured with the PFA Special Merit Award.

Ronaldo said: "This shows what quality we have at Manchester United.

"To have eight players in the team of the year is great."

Ferguson paid tribute to his multi-talented young winger, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £12.24million deal during August 2003.

The United boss said: "When we saw him play in a pre-season friendly for Sporting against us, at half-time I knew we had to get him and I said to [then chief executive] Peter Kenyon 'we are not leaving the stadium until we get the boy'.

"At this moment in time, I think he is the best player in the world and his season has been incredible."

PFA Player and Young Player of the Year 2007: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

PFA Premier League Team of the Year 2007: Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra (all Manchester United); Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo (all Manchester United) and Steven Gerrard (Liverpool); Didier Drogba (Chelsea) and Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham Hotspur)

Special Merit Award: Sir Alex Ferguson

UEFA Champions League

2007-04-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

The UEFA Champions League (formerly named but still often called the European Cup) is an annual club football competition organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. The prize, the European Champion Clubs' Cup, is considered the most prestigious club trophy in the sport.
The tournament was inaugurated in 1955, at the suggestion of the French sports journalist and L'Équipe editor Gabriel Hanot,[1] as a continental competition for winners of the European national football leagues, under the name of European Cup. In the 1992–93 season, the tournament was renamed to UEFA Champions League and, since then, the competing teams have been the top performing domestic teams of Europe, even though some teams have never been league championships in their respective countries. The UEFA Champions League is not to be confused with the UEFA Cup, the secondary championship for European club teams, nor with the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup. The winner of the tournament qualified for the also defunct Intercontinental Cup (against the winner of the Copa Libertadores of South America), played yearly between 1960 and 2004.
The tournament consists of several stages and begins with three preliminary knockout qualifying rounds. Different teams start in different rounds, according to their position in domestic league and the UEFA coefficients of their league, while the sixteen top ranked teams spread across the biggest domestic leagues qualify directly.
In the subsequent preliminary round, participating teams are paired, with aggregate winners proceeding into the next round. Qualifying rounds span from mid-July to late August. The losers of the third qualifying round are transferred to the UEFA Cup, while the sixteen winners of the final qualifying round are joined by the sixteen teams who have qualified directly, to participate in the group stage.
Teams are drawn into eight groups of four teams, each team playing every other team in the group twice (home and away). The group stage is played between mid-September and early December. The teams finishing third in their groups are transferred to the UEFA Cup, while the top two teams from every group qualify for the next round. Here the sixteen remaining teams take part in the knock-out stage, which starts in late February and ends with the final match in May.
All qualifying round and knock-out ties are two-legged, with each team hosting one match. The team which scores the greater aggregate number of goals qualifies for the next round. The away goals rule applies. Extra time and penalty kicks are used to determine the winner, if necessary. An exception is the final, which is a single match played at a predetermined venue.
The draws are currently structured to ensure that clubs representing the same national association cannot play each other until the quarter-finals. In addition, seeding of the teams according to their UEFA coefficients is used. The competition system has been undergoing changes since the 1991/92 season (see history). The current system was adopted in 2003.
The current holder of the UEFA Champions League trophy is F.C. Barcelona, who beat Arsenal F.C. 2-1 at the Stade de France, in St-Denis, Paris, on 17 May 2006. Barça, however will not be able to retain the title after being defeated in the first knock-out stage by Liverpool F.C., the 2005 champions.
The final of the 2006–07 season will be played at the Olympic Stadium, Athens, Greece, on 23 May 2007

Calcio Serie A

2007-04-03T01:50:00.000-07:00

Serie A is the top division of the Italian Football League, the highest football league in Italy. Italian mobile phone company TIM is the main sponsor, so the official name is Serie A TIM.

Bundesliga

2007-04-03T01:49:00.001-07:00

The Bundesliga (plural: -ligen) (Federal League, meaning nation-wide league) is the name for the premier league of any sport in Germany or Austria. Used on its own, Bundesliga usually refers to Germany's highest football league.
Most often, German champions and Austrian champions are determined by a team winning their Bundesliga regular season organized as a round-robin tournament. Each participating team plays two games (one at home, one away) against each of the other teams in the league. Points are earned from match results (for example, in the football Bundesliga, a team which wins a match receives 3 points, with teams receiving 1 point each for a draw) and the team with the most points at the end of the season wins the championship without any further playoffs or a final.
In Germany and Austria the Bundesligen are the elite sporting competitions (leagues) in a given sport while, depending on the sport, the second division may be known as the 2nd Bundesliga, or alternatively as a Regionalliga (or regional league).

La Liga

2007-04-03T01:48:00.001-07:00

Liga de Fútbol Profesional (Professional Football League), commonly known as La Liga, is the professional football league in Spain. It is widely regarded as one of the best leagues in the world.
Nine clubs have been crowned Campeones de Liga. Since the 1950s, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have dominated the competition. The former have been champions 29 times while the latter have won it on 18 occasions. However during the 1930s and 1940s and in more recent seasons, La Liga has been more competitive. Other winners include Valencia CF, Sevilla FC, Atlético Madrid, Deportivo de La Coruña, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Real Betis. La Liga also boasts the two most successful teams in European competition history in Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. In 2005/06 FC Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League and Sevilla FC won the UEFA Cup. La Liga became the first league to do the European "double" since 1997. [1]
La Liga is currently first in the UEFA rankings of European leagues based on their performances in European competitions over a five year period, ahead of Serie A in second and Premier League in third [2] The 2005–06 average attendance of 29,029 for league matches is the sixth highest of any domestic professional sports league in the world. In professional football leagues La Liga was third highest behind the Bundesliga in first and the Premier League in second.

English Premier League

2007-04-03T01:40:00.000-07:00

The Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership for sponsorship reasons or as the Barclays English Premier League internationally) is a league competition for football clubs located at the top of the English football league system (above The Football League), making it England's primary football competition. It is the world's most watched sporting league, and the most lucrative football league.
The FA Premier League (as it was then known) was formed in 1992 from the clubs in the top division of The Football League, and is currently contested by twenty clubs. In a total of fourteen seasons, the title has been won by only four teams: Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea and Manchester United. Of these, the most successful is Manchester United, who have won the title eight times and are the only team to have won the title three consecutive times. The current Premier League champions are Chelsea, who won their second consecutive title in the 2005–06 season.
The FA Women's Premier League, more specifically the National Division, is the Premiership's female coun Premier League
terpart, as most of its clubs are affiliated with Premiership and Football League sides; however, the league is semi-professional and has a much lower profile than the men's game even within its national boundaries.