Manchester United IX - Quest for Treble Glory Continues....
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Dun worry we will have the Glory and back to back Champ of Euro! We are unbeaten for 2yrs? snice we last lost to AC in San Siro 20 games! :devil:
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Come Sunday we will have our 2nd title of the 5 titles at stake!:devil:
Inter 0 United 0
This Champions League last 16 tie is intriguingly poised at the halfway stage, but Sir Alex Ferguson will hope that the lack of an away goal one that looked odds on in a dominant first half wont come back to bite the Reds.
At least Uniteds task in the second leg at Old Trafford is simple: win. Any other results apart from 0-0, which would take the game into extra time would see Jose Mourinhos men triumph. But if the first half performance is anything to go by, the Reds chances look good. The balance of the opening 45 minutes was so ludicrously tipped in Uniteds favour that a goal, or a few of them, seemed inevitable. But Internazionale returned a different team in the second half, no longer beleaguered by the Reds commanding football.
The game was given top billing, a mouth-watering battle between two of the most prominent forces in Europe United seven points in front in the Premier League, Internazionale boasting a nine-point lead in Serie A and, of course, the resumption of the rivalry between Sir Alex and Mourinho.
Injury problems before the match led to only six defenders travelling to Milan, two of them carrying injuries, but Jonny Evans and John OShea both made the starting line-up. And they werent the only surprises; Sir Alex left Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez on the bench, favouring an archetypal European away formation, set up for a smash and grab, with Dimitar Berbatov leading the line ahead of a five-man midfield comprising Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park.
United havent lost a Champions League game since the 3-0 semi-final loss to AC Milan in this stadium two years ago. That defeat cut deep and United set out with the intention of putting it right. Ronaldo immediately grasped the nettle, he had an early sighter from a free-kick after three minutes, then tested Julio Cesar with a powerful header from Giggs corner, while another set-piece two minutes later had the Inter goalkeeper scrambling across his goal.
Uniteds demeanour was calm and confident, the passing incisive and purposeful, a more mature team than when this stadium last welcomed the Reds. Uniteds penetrative play created yet another chance on the 20-minute mark as Giggs reverse pass found Berbatovs run into the box, but the Bulgarian couldn't pick out Park in the six-yard box. The possession was all United's, and Berbatov went close again with a powerful downward header 15 yards from goal after Evras lofted cross, but the ball drifted wide of Julio Cesars right post.
The Reds were truly dominant, with Carrick and Fletcher dictating the pace of play in midfield, while Inter were content to contain. It was a task they appeared to be failing to achieve as a goal looked inevitable. Uniteds next opportunity fell to Giggs, played in beautifully by Carrick, but the Welshman took the ball too wide and Julio Cesar narrowed the angle enough to force a shot straight at him.
Ronaldo went close with a third free-kick, while a headed attempt went past the post with Inter hearts in mouths. Sir Alexs worry as half time approached was that he wouldnt want his side to regret a glut of missed opportunities; this tie could have been virtually over inside the first 25 minutes. The only surprise at the half-time break was how the score remained 0-0.
Mourinho recognised the need for change, and duly swapped Nelson Rivas with Ivan Cordoba at the break, whilst no doubt delivering a rallying half-time team-talk. Inter came out fighting in the second half, immediately attacking with a chance for Adriano, but his scuffed shot went over. Inter had far more purpose and gradually regained the belief of a previously disgruntled crowd.
But United were still a threat. Ronaldo went on a brilliant run on 65 minutes and squared the ball across the face of goal, but neither Park nor Berbatov, who was rugby-tackled by Cordoba, could reach the ball to make the decisive touch. Giggs was denied with fifteen minutes remaining when he darted across the edge of the box and fired a shot goalwards, but Cordoba was well placed again to make the block.
Inter went close when Esteban Cambiasso failed to turn the ball in from close range from a corner, which prompted the introduction of Wayne Rooney for last seven minutes in place of the energetic Park. The Englishman was his usual all-action self, but his short, sharp burst of energy delivered only a booking albeit a harsh one for a perfectly legitimate challenge on Cambiasso rather than the goal United craved, and deserved.
It was fitting that the game ended with another Ronaldo free-kick, which twisted and swerved on its route to goal, but was ultimately stopped by Julio Cesar. The deadlock remains unbroken, but home advantage in two weeks time hopefully tilts the balance of power in United's favour.
:devil: Was supprise Rooney was left out of the starting 11 if not maybe we win the match!
This Champions League last 16 tie is intriguingly poised at the halfway stage, but Sir Alex Ferguson will hope that the lack of an away goal one that looked odds on in a dominant first half wont come back to bite the Reds.
At least Uniteds task in the second leg at Old Trafford is simple: win. Any other results apart from 0-0, which would take the game into extra time would see Jose Mourinhos men triumph. But if the first half performance is anything to go by, the Reds chances look good. The balance of the opening 45 minutes was so ludicrously tipped in Uniteds favour that a goal, or a few of them, seemed inevitable. But Internazionale returned a different team in the second half, no longer beleaguered by the Reds commanding football.
The game was given top billing, a mouth-watering battle between two of the most prominent forces in Europe United seven points in front in the Premier League, Internazionale boasting a nine-point lead in Serie A and, of course, the resumption of the rivalry between Sir Alex and Mourinho.
Injury problems before the match led to only six defenders travelling to Milan, two of them carrying injuries, but Jonny Evans and John OShea both made the starting line-up. And they werent the only surprises; Sir Alex left Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez on the bench, favouring an archetypal European away formation, set up for a smash and grab, with Dimitar Berbatov leading the line ahead of a five-man midfield comprising Cristiano Ronaldo, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park.
United havent lost a Champions League game since the 3-0 semi-final loss to AC Milan in this stadium two years ago. That defeat cut deep and United set out with the intention of putting it right. Ronaldo immediately grasped the nettle, he had an early sighter from a free-kick after three minutes, then tested Julio Cesar with a powerful header from Giggs corner, while another set-piece two minutes later had the Inter goalkeeper scrambling across his goal.
Uniteds demeanour was calm and confident, the passing incisive and purposeful, a more mature team than when this stadium last welcomed the Reds. Uniteds penetrative play created yet another chance on the 20-minute mark as Giggs reverse pass found Berbatovs run into the box, but the Bulgarian couldn't pick out Park in the six-yard box. The possession was all United's, and Berbatov went close again with a powerful downward header 15 yards from goal after Evras lofted cross, but the ball drifted wide of Julio Cesars right post.
The Reds were truly dominant, with Carrick and Fletcher dictating the pace of play in midfield, while Inter were content to contain. It was a task they appeared to be failing to achieve as a goal looked inevitable. Uniteds next opportunity fell to Giggs, played in beautifully by Carrick, but the Welshman took the ball too wide and Julio Cesar narrowed the angle enough to force a shot straight at him.
Ronaldo went close with a third free-kick, while a headed attempt went past the post with Inter hearts in mouths. Sir Alexs worry as half time approached was that he wouldnt want his side to regret a glut of missed opportunities; this tie could have been virtually over inside the first 25 minutes. The only surprise at the half-time break was how the score remained 0-0.
Mourinho recognised the need for change, and duly swapped Nelson Rivas with Ivan Cordoba at the break, whilst no doubt delivering a rallying half-time team-talk. Inter came out fighting in the second half, immediately attacking with a chance for Adriano, but his scuffed shot went over. Inter had far more purpose and gradually regained the belief of a previously disgruntled crowd.
But United were still a threat. Ronaldo went on a brilliant run on 65 minutes and squared the ball across the face of goal, but neither Park nor Berbatov, who was rugby-tackled by Cordoba, could reach the ball to make the decisive touch. Giggs was denied with fifteen minutes remaining when he darted across the edge of the box and fired a shot goalwards, but Cordoba was well placed again to make the block.
Inter went close when Esteban Cambiasso failed to turn the ball in from close range from a corner, which prompted the introduction of Wayne Rooney for last seven minutes in place of the energetic Park. The Englishman was his usual all-action self, but his short, sharp burst of energy delivered only a booking albeit a harsh one for a perfectly legitimate challenge on Cambiasso rather than the goal United craved, and deserved.
It was fitting that the game ended with another Ronaldo free-kick, which twisted and swerved on its route to goal, but was ultimately stopped by Julio Cesar. The deadlock remains unbroken, but home advantage in two weeks time hopefully tilts the balance of power in United's favour.
:devil: Was supprise Rooney was left out of the starting 11 if not maybe we win the match!
Ratings
Edwin van der Sar Very little to do in the first half, but he remained sharp of mind and kept Inter out when the inevitable spell of pressure arrived in the second half.
John OShea Solid in defence and got forward well in the first half, won plenty of headers and showed little sign of his injury causing him problems.
Rio Ferdinand An absolute rock at the back all night. Rio was the glue in the back four on a night when United were down to the bare bones at the back.
Jonny Evans Never overawed by the occasion but in 25 games for United hes given no reason to suggest he would be. Coped well with threat of Ibrahimovic and Adriano.
Patrice Evra Always threatened going forward in the first half, which helped Uniteds dominant attacking play, and dealt well with overlapping Inter full-back Maicon.
Darren Fletcher Outstanding performance from Fletcher, controlled possession in midfield in the first half alongside Carrick and protected the back four brilliantly.
Michael Carrick Wonderful array of passes and, like Fletcher, dictated the pace of play in the first 45 minutes. Had to remain composed as Inter edged second half.
Ryan Giggs The Italians used to fear Giggs pace as a winger, and they had plenty of reasons to be concerned with the Welshman as a creative midfield player. Always involved.
Ji-sung Park So vital to the way United played. Important tactically to the teams shape, provided extra defensive cover and was a constant threat down the left flank.
Cristiano Ronaldo Constant menace, just a shame one of his free-kicks didnt find the net. These are games you hope Ronaldo comes to the fore, and he did that, albeit without that crucial final touch.
Dimitar Berbatov Led the line admirably. Always looking for the ball and the perfect man for the task of lone front man on the night, bringing others around him into play.
Substitute
Wayne Rooney (on for Park) had little time to make an impact, although he was harshly booked.
:devil:
Edwin van der Sar Very little to do in the first half, but he remained sharp of mind and kept Inter out when the inevitable spell of pressure arrived in the second half.
John OShea Solid in defence and got forward well in the first half, won plenty of headers and showed little sign of his injury causing him problems.
Rio Ferdinand An absolute rock at the back all night. Rio was the glue in the back four on a night when United were down to the bare bones at the back.
Jonny Evans Never overawed by the occasion but in 25 games for United hes given no reason to suggest he would be. Coped well with threat of Ibrahimovic and Adriano.
Patrice Evra Always threatened going forward in the first half, which helped Uniteds dominant attacking play, and dealt well with overlapping Inter full-back Maicon.
Darren Fletcher Outstanding performance from Fletcher, controlled possession in midfield in the first half alongside Carrick and protected the back four brilliantly.
Michael Carrick Wonderful array of passes and, like Fletcher, dictated the pace of play in the first 45 minutes. Had to remain composed as Inter edged second half.
Ryan Giggs The Italians used to fear Giggs pace as a winger, and they had plenty of reasons to be concerned with the Welshman as a creative midfield player. Always involved.
Ji-sung Park So vital to the way United played. Important tactically to the teams shape, provided extra defensive cover and was a constant threat down the left flank.
Cristiano Ronaldo Constant menace, just a shame one of his free-kicks didnt find the net. These are games you hope Ronaldo comes to the fore, and he did that, albeit without that crucial final touch.
Dimitar Berbatov Led the line admirably. Always looking for the ball and the perfect man for the task of lone front man on the night, bringing others around him into play.
Substitute
Wayne Rooney (on for Park) had little time to make an impact, although he was harshly booked.
:devil:
Giggs: We outplayed Inter
Ryan Giggs was pleased with the display against Internazionale in the Champions League last 16 first leg tie, which has filled him with confidence for the second leg.
The Welshman admits he was frustrated that the commanding performance in Milan was not rewarded with a goal, but the 35-year-old is looking at the positives.
It was a good performance, and it was just a shame we couldnt score that all-important away goal because it could have been vital, he told ManUtd.com.
We completely outplayed them in the first half and we were really pleased with the performance. We knew they would come out strong in the second half but we were still able to create chances, which was pleasing.
I thought we played well throughout, we looked good on the ball and there was great movement within the team. We felt confident and that showed in our performance.
The tie remains evenly poised and although Giggs fancies Uniteds chances, he says Inter are a definite threat at Old Trafford. Its still a tricky tie, and we would have liked to have scored that away goal, he added. But if we perform like we did tonight at Old Trafford then well win.
Experience is going to be very important. Inter are a top side and they have got goals in them. We will have to defend well and make sure we put our chances away.
Uniteds attentions now turn to the Carling Cup final on Sunday against Tottenham, and Giggs is pleased theres no let-up in the hunt for trophies. Everyones really looking forward to the cup final on Sunday, and we all hope we can get the result we want and win the trophy.
:devil:
Ryan Giggs was pleased with the display against Internazionale in the Champions League last 16 first leg tie, which has filled him with confidence for the second leg.
The Welshman admits he was frustrated that the commanding performance in Milan was not rewarded with a goal, but the 35-year-old is looking at the positives.
It was a good performance, and it was just a shame we couldnt score that all-important away goal because it could have been vital, he told ManUtd.com.
We completely outplayed them in the first half and we were really pleased with the performance. We knew they would come out strong in the second half but we were still able to create chances, which was pleasing.
I thought we played well throughout, we looked good on the ball and there was great movement within the team. We felt confident and that showed in our performance.
The tie remains evenly poised and although Giggs fancies Uniteds chances, he says Inter are a definite threat at Old Trafford. Its still a tricky tie, and we would have liked to have scored that away goal, he added. But if we perform like we did tonight at Old Trafford then well win.
Experience is going to be very important. Inter are a top side and they have got goals in them. We will have to defend well and make sure we put our chances away.
Uniteds attentions now turn to the Carling Cup final on Sunday against Tottenham, and Giggs is pleased theres no let-up in the hunt for trophies. Everyones really looking forward to the cup final on Sunday, and we all hope we can get the result we want and win the trophy.
:devil:
Sir Alex feeling confident
Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Uniteds failure to find the net in Milan wont come back to haunt the Reds when Internazionale visit Old Trafford in a fortnight.
United must win the tie to go through, while a score draw would see Inter take the place in the quarter finals. But Sir Alex was heartened by his teams performance.
I hope [not scoring] doesnt come back to bite us, he said. But the atmosphere at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks will be fantastic. I think weve got a great chance.
We are playing very well at the moment and it doesnt matter who we are playing against, we just want to play. The players showed expression in their game, they enjoyed playing in an atmosphere like that.
We showed good composure and maturity. Were pleased with that. Inter had a bit of pressure in the second half, which we expected. We spoke about it at half time. But other than that we played very well.
The United boss had to patch up his defence for the last 16 first leg tie. Without the suspended Nemanja Vidic and the injured Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Rafael, Sir Alex selected John OShea and Jonny Evans in his back four, despite both players carrying knocks.
He was hugely impressed with the maturity shown by Evans at the heart of Uniteds defence up against Adriano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a rock-solid performance which helped earn a record 20th Champions League game unbeaten.
Jonny started limping a bit at the end, but he got through it, said the boss. Players with that desire, they find something. Weve had plenty of players like that in the past that are exactly like that. He wanted to get through it.
:devil:
Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Uniteds failure to find the net in Milan wont come back to haunt the Reds when Internazionale visit Old Trafford in a fortnight.
United must win the tie to go through, while a score draw would see Inter take the place in the quarter finals. But Sir Alex was heartened by his teams performance.
I hope [not scoring] doesnt come back to bite us, he said. But the atmosphere at Old Trafford in a couple of weeks will be fantastic. I think weve got a great chance.
We are playing very well at the moment and it doesnt matter who we are playing against, we just want to play. The players showed expression in their game, they enjoyed playing in an atmosphere like that.
We showed good composure and maturity. Were pleased with that. Inter had a bit of pressure in the second half, which we expected. We spoke about it at half time. But other than that we played very well.
The United boss had to patch up his defence for the last 16 first leg tie. Without the suspended Nemanja Vidic and the injured Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Rafael, Sir Alex selected John OShea and Jonny Evans in his back four, despite both players carrying knocks.
He was hugely impressed with the maturity shown by Evans at the heart of Uniteds defence up against Adriano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a rock-solid performance which helped earn a record 20th Champions League game unbeaten.
Jonny started limping a bit at the end, but he got through it, said the boss. Players with that desire, they find something. Weve had plenty of players like that in the past that are exactly like that. He wanted to get through it.
:devil:
Evans praise for midfield duo
Having struggled with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the Champions League clash with Inter Milan, Jonny Evans was more pleased than most to receive some added protection during the Reds' goalless draw at the San Siro.
The Northern Ireland defender was given a pain-killing injection before kick-off and at half-time to ensure he was able to take the place of the suspended Nemanja Vidic in the starting line-up.
Alongside Rio Ferdinand, Evans made sure it was a quiet evening in the attacking third for Jose Mourinho's men, but the 21-year-old was quick to highlight the contribution of the men immediately in front of the backline.
"Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick did a superb job in protecting the defence and we kept the ball pretty well which limited the threat from them," Evans told ManUtd.com.
"They didn't really have many chances, but the kind of players they have are capable of making something out of nothing so you've got to be fully concentrated all the time.
"We're very disappointed not have scored an away goal especially when you look at the chances we had in the first half when we got in behind them three or four times.
"But it's not a bad result and we go to Old Trafford full of confidence. We have to make sure we win - it's a simple as that."
With Evans and his defensive colleagues not giving Inter's attackers a moment's peace, he Reds enjoyed the lion's share of the possession and made full use of the surprisingly large areas of space afforded to them throughout the pulsating contest.
"Tactically we set out to get at them," says Evans. "Ronaldo and Ji were out wide, whereas they played very narrow in a diamond shape.
"We used the width well in the first half and Ronaldo found himself one-on-one with the left-back on a number of occasions. They had a good spell at the start of the second half and created a couple of chances, but overall I thought we dominated.
"It's definitely the biggest game I've played in terms of importance," added the centre-back. "The atmosphere was amazing - there's something really special about Champions League games.
"Your hairs stand up on the back of your neck whenever you hear the music before the game and it was a great experience to play at a stadium like the San Siro."
:devil:
Having struggled with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the Champions League clash with Inter Milan, Jonny Evans was more pleased than most to receive some added protection during the Reds' goalless draw at the San Siro.
The Northern Ireland defender was given a pain-killing injection before kick-off and at half-time to ensure he was able to take the place of the suspended Nemanja Vidic in the starting line-up.
Alongside Rio Ferdinand, Evans made sure it was a quiet evening in the attacking third for Jose Mourinho's men, but the 21-year-old was quick to highlight the contribution of the men immediately in front of the backline.
"Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick did a superb job in protecting the defence and we kept the ball pretty well which limited the threat from them," Evans told ManUtd.com.
"They didn't really have many chances, but the kind of players they have are capable of making something out of nothing so you've got to be fully concentrated all the time.
"We're very disappointed not have scored an away goal especially when you look at the chances we had in the first half when we got in behind them three or four times.
"But it's not a bad result and we go to Old Trafford full of confidence. We have to make sure we win - it's a simple as that."
With Evans and his defensive colleagues not giving Inter's attackers a moment's peace, he Reds enjoyed the lion's share of the possession and made full use of the surprisingly large areas of space afforded to them throughout the pulsating contest.
"Tactically we set out to get at them," says Evans. "Ronaldo and Ji were out wide, whereas they played very narrow in a diamond shape.
"We used the width well in the first half and Ronaldo found himself one-on-one with the left-back on a number of occasions. They had a good spell at the start of the second half and created a couple of chances, but overall I thought we dominated.
"It's definitely the biggest game I've played in terms of importance," added the centre-back. "The atmosphere was amazing - there's something really special about Champions League games.
"Your hairs stand up on the back of your neck whenever you hear the music before the game and it was a great experience to play at a stadium like the San Siro."
:devil:
Reds face Fulham in FA Cup
United face a trip to Craven Cottage in the FA Cup quarter-finals after Fulham came from behind to beat Swansea 2-1 in Tuesday night's fifth round replay.
The Welsh side took the lead through Jason Scotland early in the second half but late goals from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora his second in two games broke Swansea hearts.
Fulham haven't reached the last eight since 2004 when they went out of the competition at the hands of United, courtesy of a Ruud van Nistelrooy brace. The Reds went on to win the cup that season. In 1998/99 the Reds also knocked out Fulham en route to lifting the trophy.
United's quarter-final tie at Craven Cottage will kick-off at 17:15 GMT on Saturday 7 March.
:devil:
United face a trip to Craven Cottage in the FA Cup quarter-finals after Fulham came from behind to beat Swansea 2-1 in Tuesday night's fifth round replay.
The Welsh side took the lead through Jason Scotland early in the second half but late goals from Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora his second in two games broke Swansea hearts.
Fulham haven't reached the last eight since 2004 when they went out of the competition at the hands of United, courtesy of a Ruud van Nistelrooy brace. The Reds went on to win the cup that season. In 1998/99 the Reds also knocked out Fulham en route to lifting the trophy.
United's quarter-final tie at Craven Cottage will kick-off at 17:15 GMT on Saturday 7 March.
:devil:
Next month fixtures:
Can say lax(compared to Jan) and not so lax cos first 5 games is packed!:bsmilie:
01 Mar League Cup (Carling) Tottenham A 15:00
04 Mar Barclays Premier League Newcastle A 19:45
07 Mar FA Cup Fulham A 17:15
11 Mar UEFA Champions League Inter Milan H 19:45
14 Mar Barclays Premier League Liverpool H 12:45
21 Mar Barclays Premier League Fulham A 15:00
:devil:
Can say lax(compared to Jan) and not so lax cos first 5 games is packed!:bsmilie:
01 Mar League Cup (Carling) Tottenham A 15:00
04 Mar Barclays Premier League Newcastle A 19:45
07 Mar FA Cup Fulham A 17:15
11 Mar UEFA Champions League Inter Milan H 19:45
14 Mar Barclays Premier League Liverpool H 12:45
21 Mar Barclays Premier League Fulham A 15:00
:devil:
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There will be rotation and by then the team will be in full fitness except for Owen Hargreaves
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