Man Utd Fans Part III

[melvin]

Van der Sar set for comeback:

Holland are confident Reds goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will be fit to face Slovenia in the next bout of Euro 2008 qualifiers on Wednesday.

Van der Sar has been suffering from a calf injury and hasn’t played since United beat Lille in the Champions League on 7 March. But Dutch coach Marco van Basten says the 36-year-old keeper is nearing a return, which is good news ahead of the Reds' Premiership clash with Blackburn on Saturday.

"It will become clear over the next couple of days whether Edwin will play. He trained on Saturday, but not with the rest of the players. If we didn't think he had a chance of playing we wouldn't have included him in the squad."

The England squad, including Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ben Foster, must improve on their 0-0 draw with Israel when under-fire Steve McClaren’s side take on Andorra at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona. In third place, they are in desperate need of a positive result.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in Portugal’s 4-0 thrashing of Belgium, comes face to face with United team-mate Nemanja Vidic in Group A, where Serbia will hope to recover from a 2-1 defeat to Kazakhstan, their first ever competitive win.

Group A leaders Poland, for whom Tomasz Kuszczak is again likely to be on the bench, meet Armenia.

In Group D, Ryan Giggs’ Wales take on bottom-placed San Marino, while John O’Shea will be hoping the Republic of Ireland can build on their narrow 1-0 win over the Welsh at the weekend when they take on Slovakia.

Northern Ireland rose to second place in Group F with a 4-1 win over Liechtenstein on Saturday, and Jonny Evans, who played the full 90 minutes, is in line to play a part in Wednesday's top-of-the-table clash with Sweden.

Fixtures: Wednesday 28 March
Andorra v England
Northern Ireland v Sweden
Poland v Armenia
Rep of Ireland v Slovakia
Serbia v Portugal
Slovenia v Netherlands
Wales v San Marino

Results: Saturday 24 March
Israel 0-0 England
Liechtenstein 1-4 N. Ireland
Kazakhstan 2-1 Serbia
Poland 5-0 Azerbaijan
Portugal 4-0 Belgium
Rep of Ireland 1-0 Wales
China PR 0-2 Australia
South Korea 0-2 Uruguay

Phew!!!... lucky no one got on the injured list!
But one more international game to go after dat this weekend will be playing Blackburn at home then travel to Roma for CL game juz imagine the no flights the guys took! :devil:

 

[redstorm]

Van der Sar set for comeback:



Phew!!!... lucky no one got on the injured list!
But one more international game to go after dat this weekend will be playing Blackburn at home then travel to Roma for CL game juz imagine the no flights the guys took! :devil:

Two international games must be tiring for them and I won't be surprised if they underperform in the match against Blackburn. This is my worry as the season draws to an end and with the title in sight, ManU need to be at its very best to fend off Chelsea. The two matches aren't doing us any good. Fortunately, we are playing at home.:devil:

 

[melvin]

Gattuso claims Reds interest:

AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso claims he has had repeated offers to join United in recent years.

The 29-year-old World Cup winner was consistently mooted as a potential target as United sought to fill the void left by Roy Keane's departure, prior to the arrival of Michael Carrick.

"Maybe for two or three years I have had the chance to go and play for Manchester," Gattuso told Sky Sports News.

Amid rumours of continued interest from Sir Alex Ferguson, the Italian claimed that any move would be unlikely due to his new contract extension with Milan.

"I have never spoken to Ferguson," he said. "At this moment it's impossible to go to another team right now as I have signed a new contract for 2011."

Wow ... 2011 by the time he come over he 33yrs liao can retired!:sweat:
:devil:

 

[melvin]

Transfer rumour for month of march:

Sir Alex Ferguson has allegedly targeted Manchester City and England star Micah Richards as an ideal long-term replacement for club skipper Gary Neville.

The Sunday Mirror says United will make firm their interest this summer, although it is expected that the Reds will be joined in the race for Richards' signature by long-term admirers Chelsea.

The burly full-back is just one name on an ever-growing list of potential transfer targets, joining a host of top names which currently includes three Barcelona forwards.

Samuel Eto'o and Eidur Gudjohnsen have both been strongly linked with Old Trafford in recent weeks, but the News of the World expects a swoop for Portuguese star Deco.

The Reds are tipped to launch a £15million move for the 29-year-old playmaker, but have allegedly also planned a bid for fellow Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa.

The Sunday Express claims missions to watch Ajax and Holland striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have brought team-mate Wesley Sneijder to the Reds' attention, and a double move may be pursued when the transfer window re-opens.

Long-term target Nani, of Sporting Lisbon, is also named by several sources, while usual suspects Owen Hargreaves and Fernando Torres are names that continue to crop up.

:devil:

 

[redstorm]

Transfer rumour for month of march:


:devil:

Although so many names were thrown up, realistically probably one or two or at most three players will be bought during the summer transfer window. Nobody seems to know who is the real target and they are keeping the matter close to their hearts and let others guess. :devil:

 

[melvin]

Two international games must be tiring for them and I won't be surprised if they underperform in the match against Blackburn. This is my worry as the season draws to an end and with the title in sight, ManU need to be at its very best to fend off Chelsea. The two matches aren't doing us any good. Fortunately, we are playing at home.:devil:

Funny they know this time very busy n everytime they like to squeeze int. matches during this period of the season think FIFA n FA should do something about it if not those poor lads will burn out before season ends!:devil:

Think FIFA should scrap off Euro cup! 1 worldcup is enough liao no need so many if the teams are good means good can win the cup if not means lousy simple as that! No need to come off wif consolation cups as in Euro cup, African Cup.... waste of time! if they wan so many cups then built the national team specially for int. matches. :sweat:

 

[melvin]

Keane: Ronaldo is frightening, will pay to watch him:

Former United captain Roy Keane has labelled former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo 'different class' after his scintillating form this season.

Keane, now manager at Sunderland, has been taken aback by the 22-year-old's sensational impact on United's three-pronged assault for silverware.

Ex-skipper Keane told The Sunday Mirror: "I think Ronaldo is outstanding. If you had asked me two or three years ago I would have told you he could go on to be the best player in the world.

"I thought that would happen after he had been playing over a longer period of time, but his form this season has been a different class."

The Black Cats chief admitted that the winger's dazzling array of tricks make him one of the game's great entertainers.

"The skills Ronaldo has are frightening," said Keane. "He is an entertainer and fans at United love that. It's great to see and they are the type of players you would pay to watch."

With United six points clear at the Premiership summit, in the semi-finals of the FA Cup and quarter-finals of the Champions League, Keane can envisage a repeat of 1999's Treble.

"I am sure the Treble win of 1999 could be emulated," he said. "They are in good form - but they need luck, though. It'll be hard but I think an English team has a good chance (in the Champions League) this year."

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Although so many names were thrown up, realistically probably one or two or at most three players will be bought during the summer transfer window. Nobody seems to know who is the real target and they are keeping the matter close to their hearts and let others guess. :devil:

Prefer they get someone young n explosive potential!:devil:

 

[afbug]

well i was talking about just the prize money
im not too sure about getting +-1M before CL Quarter finals...
but if we just count those matches above quarter finals, its 16M. which is 6M more than the premiere league (put it another way 16M is 60% more than 10M)
and if im not wrong, usually a big fraction of these prize money goes to the club's transfer funds

so altho winning the EPL would be good to send chelsea a "message", winning champs league would be more practical to me for money :bsmilie:

That 1 cannot count as prize $$$ la. Why? Because a team dun need to win the CL to get the Q and S finals bonus. All the need to do is to qualify. All Q and S finalist gets the bonus. The prize $$$ is the amount awarded when a team lifts the cup.

The +- 1M is win bonus. A win in any match on route will net u a win bonus. Draw or lost dun have $$$! eg, When Man Utd beat Lille home and away, we earned 2 win bonus.

 

[melvin]

Ronny in injury scare:

Cristiano Ronaldo is a doubt for Portugal's Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia after limping out of training on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old winger, who scored twice in his country's 4-0 win over Belgium at the weekend, collided with a team-mate during a training session and left the field with an ice pace wrapped around his left foot.

Ronaldo is due to come face-to-face with his Reds' team-mate Nemanja Vidic in Belgrade on Wednesday evening, but he now faces a race against time to be fit.

"Cristiano sprained his heel," confirmed Portugal team spokesman Onofre Costa. "At this time we don't know if he will play.

"It doesn't look very serious but we are not sure if he will be fit."

Poland lead the way in Group A on 13 points. Finland are second on 11, with Portugal currently lying third, level on ten points with fourth-placed Serbia.

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Loan experience pleases Rossi:

Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi expects to return to United next term after a valuable season out on loan.

The 20-year-old is an integral part of Parma's fight against relegation from Serie A, and also spent three months before Christmas at Newcastle United.

Rossi was quoted in the Oldham Chronicle as saying: “My contract with United does not expire until June 2010 and I expect to complete it."

The striker has three goals to his name for Claudio Ranieri's side from nine appearances, and he is delighted with how his season has panned out.

“It is important for young players to get their chance and I am getting my chance at Parma where I am turning out regularly and playing well," he said.

“Going to Newcastle was also a good experience, though I didn’t play as much, but the important thing was that I learned a lot while there.”

Rossi briefly returned to England last weekend, starting the Italian U21's pulsating 3-3 draw against England at Wembley.

“Of course it was special to be here," he said. "Just by saying the name Wembley makes you have goose bumps. It was a great occasion and I think we put on a good show."

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Interview: Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes has been at his scheming best this season, orchestrating United's attacks alongside Michael Carrick. The 32 year-old midfielder has set his sights firmly on a Premiership winners' medal, and is in no way giving consideration to retirement or the path he intends to take when he hangs up his boots...

Have the players or the manager set a points target in the Premiership?
You never know how many points you are going to need to win the league, so we don’t really do that here. We don’t know what Chelsea or any of the other teams are going to do. I know it’s a bit boring to say it, but we do have to take each game one at a time. You can’t look at it any other way. That’s always been the attitude at this club, you try and win every game and do it playing good, attacking football, trying to score plenty of goals. I’ve never known it any other way. I don’t think you can set realistic points targets. People say now that you need to get more than 90. That may be the case, but I think the best way to reach that is to take it slowly and beat the opponents in front of you.

The boss has rotated the squad. How important will that be in the run-in?
It’s really important. You’ve got to keep everyone fresh and you certainly notice the difference if you get a rest. You want to play every match but the rest helps you perform to a higher level when you do come into the team. For the players who perhaps aren’t playing regularly, they need matches because if somebody picks up an injury or suspension along the way they’ll be called on and required to come in and help you win important games. Having a good squad with players capable of being ready you need to call on them is vital. And I think we’ve got that here.

Is the Premiership the priority?
It has to be our top priority. After not doing so well in the Premiership in the last couple of years we’re all more determined than ever to lift the trophy this year. The league is the major trophy, your bread and butter. We’ve not had the trophy for four years now, that’s too long and it’s a trophy we desperately want to win back. The other competitions would be a bonus if we can do well in them. If we could win all three that would be nice, but if I had to choose one it would be the league, and I think a lot of the players feel that way.

Would that make it an even bigger achievement to win it this season?
I don’t think it would make it a bigger achievement. To do it, whenever you do it, is a fantastic accomplishment. It has become more difficult to win, you’d have to say that. Arsenal and Chelsea in the last three seasons have performed so well that you need to be more consistent. But, winning the league is a fantastic achievement any time you do it because it’s recognition for your performances over the course of the entire season.

How does this United side compare to others you have played in?
The league tells you everything you need to know. If you look at the points total and the goal difference column... it's a good attacking team that can defend as well. We’ve kept clean sheets and scored a lot of goals, I think there's a really good balance to this team. That’s what you need to be successful, so in that sense it's similar to the other successful United sides I've played in. It’s a different team but what has stayed the same is the type of football we play – always looking for a way to score goals and keeping it tight at the back. In the most successful teams we've always looked like scoring goals, and if you look at some of the players we have going forward, players like Cristiano, Wayne, Louis, Ryan, that’s certainly the case with the team now. Even the defenders are scoring as well.

What do you think of Michael Carrick's performances this season?
He’s been fantastic. He’s been a great signing for us and I think he’s really helped us get to where we are. He’s had a great season. His passing is brilliant, most people see that straight away, and not just that, he works hard for the team as well.

Have you enjoyed playing alongside him?
I have, yeah. It’s been nice because he’s so composed and calm on the ball. It’s been really enjoyable and I think we’ve developed a good understanding. Hopefully that will continue.

How does he differ to previous midfield partners? He’s obviously a completely different player to Roy Keane…I don’t know if he is that much of a different player to Roy. They do a similar role. It’s difficult to compare him to other players. I don’t look at it like that. I just know that I can play alongside him and I feel comfortable alongside him in the team. He’s got all the capabilities of a top midfielder and that's what you need at this club.

Has his arrival brought about a change in your role at all?
No, I don't think so. Our job is the same as it has been when I've played with anyone else in midfield: get the ball to our most dangerous players in attacking positions. If we can do that then we’ve got every chance of winning games because of the quality of our attacking players. I suppose he's freed me up a little bit to try and get forward more. I know he doesn't get forward that often. But he can do that, he's definitely capable of scoring goals. But he is more of a sitting midfielder, so he takes on that role and I can get forward.

:devil:

 

[melvin]

In part two of our interview, Paul Scholes talks about his form this season and how he's developed as a player in 12 trophy-laden years in the United first team.

Are you pleased with your own form this season?
[Shrugs] …It's been all right. I know I can play better. I'd like to be scoring a few more goals and making a few more as well. Hopefully in the important last few months of the season I can contribute a bit more.

You never seem to build up your own performances...
Well, I just think I've played better in the past. I think I'm capable of getting to that level again and I believe I can still do better than I have done this season.

As you've got older, has your training regime changed?
Football has moved on, but I don't think training has changed much. The diet side of it is still pretty much the same. The way we train, with Valter di Salvo (fitness coach), has changed a little bit. There are more days in the gym. I still love going outside and playing football, that's what I love doing. My approach to training has always been the same. You have to put every effort into it to get the benefit in games. I like to think I'm still doing that.

Do you still enjoy training?
Oh yeah, I love training every day. Training outside that is, I don't really enjoy the gym side of it. But that’s something that you have to do and you just get on with it. But, yeah, I love going out and playing football.

Do you work a lot on the individual elements of your game, like shooting?
I try to work on everything, shooting especially. I probably work on that more than anything else. I don't really try different ways of striking the ball or things like that, I just practice shooting the way I've always done. But I try to improve all aspects of my game. If you don't do that then you don't get anything out of training.

Your volley against Villa, voted Goal of the Month for December, was similar to the one at Bradford in 2000. Does the team practice goals like that in training?It's not something we've worked on too much, you just know that corners are very often cleared to the edge of the box. It's a position I enjoy taking up because you're always hoping the ball will come out to you so you get a shot on goal. Wayne is the same as well, he loves shooting, so he's normally there queuing up to have a go, too. Both of us are hoping the ball comes to one of us, if we've not already scored from a header because Rio and Vidic are so dangerous at set-pieces.

With such a ferocious shot, why don't you take more free kicks?
I'm not a great free-kick taker. In fact, I'm rubbish! I prefer a bit of movement on the ball or striking it on the volley. We've got some good free-kick takers, like Ronaldo and Ryan [Giggs], who are a lot better than I am. I don't think there are many better strikers of the ball from dead-ball situations than those two, so I'm best letting them get on with it.

Players generally have to adapt their game as they get older, how has your game changed?
I haven't knowingly changed my game. I probably don't get forward as much as I used to. When you go forward it's a long way back, so I probably try and stay where I am a bit more! Maybe I've calmed down a bit in going forward, but I still try to keep all the elements of my game, passing the ball and trying to make and score goals. That's always what I've tried to do.

If you could improve one aspect of your game, what would it be?
Defending. Shocking defending. My tackling isn't the best [smiles].

People often talk about that...
My tackling? I'm not really that bothered by what people say. When you think about it, my disciplinary record isn't really that bad for a central midfield player. I do make some bad tackles, but never on purpose.

Are referees understanding of that?

Referees are with me, well, most of the time. There's been the odd game where you make one tackle after five minutes and you get a booking. Then I really have to be careful. But, most of the time, I don't ever have a problem with referees.

This time last year you were out with an eye injury, giving you a taste of what life is like without football. Did you ever consider what you might do when your playing days end?
I'm probably going to think about what I do when my career finishes when it's actually over. There's so much to think about when you're playing, and I'm really enjoying playing football at the moment, so I just want to concentrate on that.

During your time out you were spotted at a few games - might you have a future role in scouting?
The manager just wanted me to keep involved in football because I couldn't do anything for three or four months. I couldn't play or train, which was frustrating. I was just told to rest. So he just asked me if I'd go and watch a few games for him. I spoke to the chief scout and arranged to go and watch a few games. I quite enjoyed it actually.

So, do you see your playing career continuing for some time yet?
I hope so. It's my aim to keep playing for as long as I can. As long as I feel OK and I'm enjoying playing, which I am doing, then I'll keep going.

:devil:

 

[afbug]

Ronny in injury scare:



:devil:

Wah lao i hope they drop him! Rooney too! :bsmilie:

 

[Zaknafein]

Saw in New paper yesterday that Man Utd was rumoured to be interested in Deco!

huh? deco so old liao man u still want?:what:
i thought fergie trying to build a team for the future? need deco to help "tong" ah lol
if free, its okay. if need like 7M :bigeyes:
bo hua lehhhh

 

[melvin]

International Reds undefeated:

Andorra 0-3 England
Poland 1-0 Armenia
Rep of Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Serbia 1-1 Portugal
Slovenia 0-1 Hollands
Wales 3-0 San Marino

Cristiano Ronaldo and Nemanja Vidic came face to face on Wednesday in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Serbia and Portugal both dropped points after a 1-1 draw in Belgrade. Tiago put the visitors ahead after just five minutes, but Bosko Jankovic levelled eight minutes before the interval to earn a draw.

Ronaldo was denied on numerous occasions by the heroics of Serbia stopper Vladimir Stojkovic.

The stalemate allowed Tomasz Kuszczak's Poland to move five points clear in Group A with their 1-0 win over Armenia.

Rio Ferdinand played the full 90 minutes in an unconvincing England win over Andorra. Steven Gerrard's brace and David Nugent's late goal spared Steve McClaren's side after jeers greeted the half-time whistle with the scores at 0-0. Wayne Rooney endured a frustrating evening. Targeted for rough treatment he was later booked - he'll now miss the game against Estonia in June - and then subtituted. Michael Carrick was an unused sub.

Jonny Evans earned his fifth Northern Ireland cap at left-back as Lawrie Sanchez's side leapfrogged Sweden into top spot in Group F. David Healy got the goals in a 2-1 win after Sweden had taken the lead at Windsor Park.

Ryan Giggs scored in Wales' 3-0 win over San Marino in front of a sparse crowd at the Millennium Stadium. The Reds winger put his country in front after three minutes, before Gareth Bale and Jason Koumas completed the scoring.

John O'Shea played as the Republic of Ireland earned a valuable win over Slovakia in Group D. They now share top spot with Germany and Czech Republic, who occupy first and second spot on goal difference.

:devil:

 

[afbug]

International Reds undefeated:

Andorra 0-3 England
Poland 1-0 Armenia
Rep of Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Serbia 1-1 Portugal
Slovenia 0-1 Hollands
Wales 3-0 San Marino




:devil:

I just want all of them to return to Utd safely! :bsmilie: BB this weekend leh! Its tough man.

 

[afbug]

Man Utd stay top of wealth league
Manchester United have been named the most valuable team in the world, by Forbes business magazine.

United (£740m) retained top spot ahead of Real Madrid (£528m) and third-placed Arsenal (£466m) who nipped ahead of AC Milan, with Chelsea (£274m) in eighth.

Forbes' most valuable football clubs:
1 Man Utd £740m
2 Real Madrid £528m
3 Arsenal £466m
4 Bayern Munich £427m
5 AC Milan £420m
6 Juventus £289m
7 Inter Milan £282m
8 Chelsea £274m
9 Barcelona £273m
10 Schalke 04 £240m
11 Liverpool £231m
12 Lyon £175m
13 Newcastle £132m
14 Tottenham £124m
15 Roma £114m
16 Hamburg £112m
17 Man City £106m
18 B Dortmund £101m
19 Ajax £100m
20 Celtic £94m
21 Everton £84m
22 Marseille £80m
23 West Ham £79m
24 Rangers £75m
25 Aston Villa £71m

Man Utd fans may face Rome wait
Manchester United supporters have been warned they will be kept behind for 90 minutes after the Champions League quarter-final against AS Roma.

 

[afbug]

Saha may have to wait
Saturday's Premiership clash against Blackburn Rovers may have come too soon for Louis Saha.

Neville still three weeks away
Gary Neville faces a further three weeks on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from ankle ligament damage.

Alamak la! What a bummer!

 

[Galdor]

HT and we're down by a goal. Hope we can do better in the 2nd half. We have a few good chances by blundered at the last moment. ;(