Manchester United IX - Quest for Treble Glory Continues....
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Edwin glad to be involved
After being virtually redundant during last week's win over Sunderland, Edwin van der Sar was happy to be called into action against Tottenham.
Like his colleagues and Reds everywhere, however, the veteran Dutchman was frustrated that his side couldn't find a way past opposite number Heurelho Gomes.
"We were unlucky with a header [Rios] that was centimetres over the goal and Gomes made a couple of good saves," Edwin told MUTV after the match. "We had them under a lot of pressure but it didnt materialise for us."
"I dont think it was enough to really win the game. They had a couple of shots for me to save, but its always nice to be involved and I enjoyed this game a lot more than the Sunderland one, although that result was better with Vida scoring in injury time!"
On a weekend when Liverpool, Arsenal and latterly Chelsea also failed to win, van der Sar admits there was a sense of missed opportunity in the United camp before jetting off to contest the Club World Cup.
"There are mixed feelings in the dressing room a little bit of disappointment of course," he said. "We set ourselves up for a win, although its a hard place to come.
"Results earlier in the day were good for us, with Arsenal and Liverpool both drawing, so it would have been an ideal time for us to get closer to them before we go to Japan, but we left it a little late."Source
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After being virtually redundant during last week's win over Sunderland, Edwin van der Sar was happy to be called into action against Tottenham.
Like his colleagues and Reds everywhere, however, the veteran Dutchman was frustrated that his side couldn't find a way past opposite number Heurelho Gomes.
"We were unlucky with a header [Rios] that was centimetres over the goal and Gomes made a couple of good saves," Edwin told MUTV after the match. "We had them under a lot of pressure but it didnt materialise for us."
"I dont think it was enough to really win the game. They had a couple of shots for me to save, but its always nice to be involved and I enjoyed this game a lot more than the Sunderland one, although that result was better with Vida scoring in injury time!"
On a weekend when Liverpool, Arsenal and latterly Chelsea also failed to win, van der Sar admits there was a sense of missed opportunity in the United camp before jetting off to contest the Club World Cup.
"There are mixed feelings in the dressing room a little bit of disappointment of course," he said. "We set ourselves up for a win, although its a hard place to come.
"Results earlier in the day were good for us, with Arsenal and Liverpool both drawing, so it would have been an ideal time for us to get closer to them before we go to Japan, but we left it a little late."Source
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League: Status quo
United's position in the Premier League title race was unchanged after another unpredictable weekend in which all of the Big Four failed to register a victory.
Chelsea passed up the chance to re-take top spot from Liverpool as their home woes continued against West Ham. Craig Bellamy put the Hammers ahead and, although Nicolas Anelka levelled matters early in the second half, it was the visitors who could have snatched the win in injury time, but Petr Cech denied Carlton Cole.
On Saturday, leaders Liverpool had to come from two goals behind against Hull City to snatch a point. Steven Gerrard's quickfire double seemed set to lay the foundations for a home win at Anfield, but the Tigers' early strikes from Paul McShane and Jamie Carragher - at the wrong end - ultimately ensured shared spoils.
Arsenal took an early lead at Middlesborugh through Emmanuel Adebayor's unmarked header. Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere had the last laugh, though, hauling the hosts level before half-time.
Aston Villa moved ahead of the Gunners, and to within a point of United, with a 4-2 hammering of Bolton at Villa Park, while Manchester City's woes continued with a last-minute 1-0 home defeat to Everton.
Sunderland, in their first home match since the departure of Roy Keane, powered to a 4-0 victory over rock-bottom West Brom at the Stadium of Light, while struggling Blackburn were offered no respite by local rivals Wigan, who romped to a 3-0 win at the JJB Stadium.
United's wasn't the only goalless draw of the day, with Stoke and Fulham grinding out a 0-0 stalemate at the Britannia Stadium, while Sunday's other match saw Newcastle post an impressive 3-0 win at Portsmouth.
Source
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United's position in the Premier League title race was unchanged after another unpredictable weekend in which all of the Big Four failed to register a victory.
Chelsea passed up the chance to re-take top spot from Liverpool as their home woes continued against West Ham. Craig Bellamy put the Hammers ahead and, although Nicolas Anelka levelled matters early in the second half, it was the visitors who could have snatched the win in injury time, but Petr Cech denied Carlton Cole.
On Saturday, leaders Liverpool had to come from two goals behind against Hull City to snatch a point. Steven Gerrard's quickfire double seemed set to lay the foundations for a home win at Anfield, but the Tigers' early strikes from Paul McShane and Jamie Carragher - at the wrong end - ultimately ensured shared spoils.
Arsenal took an early lead at Middlesborugh through Emmanuel Adebayor's unmarked header. Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere had the last laugh, though, hauling the hosts level before half-time.
Aston Villa moved ahead of the Gunners, and to within a point of United, with a 4-2 hammering of Bolton at Villa Park, while Manchester City's woes continued with a last-minute 1-0 home defeat to Everton.
Sunderland, in their first home match since the departure of Roy Keane, powered to a 4-0 victory over rock-bottom West Brom at the Stadium of Light, while struggling Blackburn were offered no respite by local rivals Wigan, who romped to a 3-0 win at the JJB Stadium.
United's wasn't the only goalless draw of the day, with Stoke and Fulham grinding out a 0-0 stalemate at the Britannia Stadium, while Sunday's other match saw Newcastle post an impressive 3-0 win at Portsmouth.
Source
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Gamba book United date
Gamba Osaka overcame Adelaide United on Sunday to book a Club World Cup semi-final clash with United.
The AFC Champions League winners squeaked past their Australian opponents with a 1-0 victory in the Toyota Stadium, ensuring that they will face Sir Alex Ferguson's side in Thursday's semi-final.
Meanwhile, the other last-four encounter will be contested on Wednesday by Mexican side Pachuca and reigning Copa Libertadores holders Liga de Quito.
United's squad remained in London on Saturday evening after a hard-fought draw with Tottenham, and jetted out to Japan earlier this evening.
There was one late change to the Reds' travelling party, with rookie goalkeeper Ben Amos drafted in to replace Ben Foster, who had picked up a slight hand injury in training.
Our very own Gemma Thompson is aboard the team trip, so keep checking ManUtd.com for all the latest news from inside the United camp.
Source
:devil:
Gamba Osaka overcame Adelaide United on Sunday to book a Club World Cup semi-final clash with United.
The AFC Champions League winners squeaked past their Australian opponents with a 1-0 victory in the Toyota Stadium, ensuring that they will face Sir Alex Ferguson's side in Thursday's semi-final.
Meanwhile, the other last-four encounter will be contested on Wednesday by Mexican side Pachuca and reigning Copa Libertadores holders Liga de Quito.
United's squad remained in London on Saturday evening after a hard-fought draw with Tottenham, and jetted out to Japan earlier this evening.
There was one late change to the Reds' travelling party, with rookie goalkeeper Ben Amos drafted in to replace Ben Foster, who had picked up a slight hand injury in training.
Our very own Gemma Thompson is aboard the team trip, so keep checking ManUtd.com for all the latest news from inside the United camp.
Source
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Edwin: I couldn't refuse
Edwin van der Sar admits he hardly had to think twice before deciding to extend his United contract by a further year.
The veteran Dutchman is set to have the last hurrah of an epic playing career at Old Trafford, having agreed a new deal to keep him on the Reds' roster until June 2010.
"It was not difficult at all," van der Sar told MUTV. "Its a great club to be at, with a great atmosphere in the dressing room, the boss is fantastic and we have the best stadium in England.
"Ive enjoyed every minute of the three-and-a-half years Ive been here so far and Im really looking forward to playing for another season after this one."
Van der Sar and his United colleagues have now switched their sights to world domination, and the Dutchman is keen to bring the Club World Cup trophy back to Manchester before Christmas.
"I won it with Ajax but that was just one game and now you play a semi-final as well, so its going to be different," he said. "Were there a little longer than normal, so well do our best and hopefully bring another trophy home."
Source
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Edwin van der Sar admits he hardly had to think twice before deciding to extend his United contract by a further year.
The veteran Dutchman is set to have the last hurrah of an epic playing career at Old Trafford, having agreed a new deal to keep him on the Reds' roster until June 2010.
"It was not difficult at all," van der Sar told MUTV. "Its a great club to be at, with a great atmosphere in the dressing room, the boss is fantastic and we have the best stadium in England.
"Ive enjoyed every minute of the three-and-a-half years Ive been here so far and Im really looking forward to playing for another season after this one."
Van der Sar and his United colleagues have now switched their sights to world domination, and the Dutchman is keen to bring the Club World Cup trophy back to Manchester before Christmas.
"I won it with Ajax but that was just one game and now you play a semi-final as well, so its going to be different," he said. "Were there a little longer than normal, so well do our best and hopefully bring another trophy home."
Source
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Let's take our chance
Gary Neville is relishing the chance to represent the Reds on the world stage again having helped them to victory in 1999.
The captain is one of just three survivors from the Intercontinental Cup triumph in 1999 along with fellow veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Neville was also part of the squad that travelled to Brazil for the FIFA Club World Championship, before its amalgamation with the Intercontinental Cup to become the Club World Cup.
With only Champions League victory guaranteeing qualification for the tournament in Japan, Neville says the Reds are determined to make the most of this rare opportunity.
Its a great tournament for us to play in and its a reward for what we achieved last season, he explains. "It was an amazing season winning the league and European Cup so we deserve to be there.
I was a lot younger when I played in the Intercontinental Cup in 99 and you probably dont really realise how hard a tournament it is to qualify for.
"You also don't realise how big a competition it is. So its important for us to go out there and win it.
"It is not a break for us where we can go and put our feet up," he added. "We have to make sure we win the tournament. And there's no point in going if we're not going to win it."
With Wes Brown back in Manchester still struggling with an ankle problem, Neville will be hoping to get some minutes on the clock during Uniteds eight-day stay in Japan.
But he faces stiff competition from Brazilian full-back Rafael, who has been a revelation at right-back this season.
Its difficult because the likes of Rafael, Wes and John OShea, who can also play in either full-back position, are all very good players, but that competition for places is great for the team, reasons Neville.
If you look at all the positions in the team there are three or four players for each one. So its difficult for all players, but its healthy for the club.
Source
:devil:
Gary Neville is relishing the chance to represent the Reds on the world stage again having helped them to victory in 1999.
The captain is one of just three survivors from the Intercontinental Cup triumph in 1999 along with fellow veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Neville was also part of the squad that travelled to Brazil for the FIFA Club World Championship, before its amalgamation with the Intercontinental Cup to become the Club World Cup.
With only Champions League victory guaranteeing qualification for the tournament in Japan, Neville says the Reds are determined to make the most of this rare opportunity.
Its a great tournament for us to play in and its a reward for what we achieved last season, he explains. "It was an amazing season winning the league and European Cup so we deserve to be there.
I was a lot younger when I played in the Intercontinental Cup in 99 and you probably dont really realise how hard a tournament it is to qualify for.
"You also don't realise how big a competition it is. So its important for us to go out there and win it.
"It is not a break for us where we can go and put our feet up," he added. "We have to make sure we win the tournament. And there's no point in going if we're not going to win it."
With Wes Brown back in Manchester still struggling with an ankle problem, Neville will be hoping to get some minutes on the clock during Uniteds eight-day stay in Japan.
But he faces stiff competition from Brazilian full-back Rafael, who has been a revelation at right-back this season.
Its difficult because the likes of Rafael, Wes and John OShea, who can also play in either full-back position, are all very good players, but that competition for places is great for the team, reasons Neville.
If you look at all the positions in the team there are three or four players for each one. So its difficult for all players, but its healthy for the club.
Source
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Wayne wants world title
Wayne Rooney insists the Reds will go all out for victory in the FIFA Club World Cup after touching down in Tokyo on Monday.
The Reds striker is part of the 23-man squad that travelled to Japan in a bid to be crowned world champions.
Sir Alexs men face Gamba Osaka in Thursdays semi-final, with the winner playing either Mexican side Pachuca or LDU Quito of Ecuador in the final on Sunday.
The Reds are strong favourites to win the tournament and Rooney is determined to ensure that come next Sunday, United really are on top of the world.
Our main objective at the start of each season is to win every competition we're involved in. To come back as world champions would be a fantastic achievement and something wed be really proud of, he says.
We know it wont be easy because we're up against some good teams. But were well prepared - were coming up to the halfway point of the season and we all feel pretty fit.
These are the games we want to be playing in and hopefully we can win it.
Should United end the tournament victorious, Rooney insists hell be savouring every precious moment.
I remember Giggsy saying after we won the Champions League this year that he enjoyed this one more than 99 because when he was younger he didnt take it in as much as this one, explained the 23-year-old.
After hearing that, Ive really tried to take everything in and enjoy things as much as I can, and Ill do the same in Japan.
Source
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Wayne Rooney insists the Reds will go all out for victory in the FIFA Club World Cup after touching down in Tokyo on Monday.
The Reds striker is part of the 23-man squad that travelled to Japan in a bid to be crowned world champions.
Sir Alexs men face Gamba Osaka in Thursdays semi-final, with the winner playing either Mexican side Pachuca or LDU Quito of Ecuador in the final on Sunday.
The Reds are strong favourites to win the tournament and Rooney is determined to ensure that come next Sunday, United really are on top of the world.
Our main objective at the start of each season is to win every competition we're involved in. To come back as world champions would be a fantastic achievement and something wed be really proud of, he says.
We know it wont be easy because we're up against some good teams. But were well prepared - were coming up to the halfway point of the season and we all feel pretty fit.
These are the games we want to be playing in and hopefully we can win it.
Should United end the tournament victorious, Rooney insists hell be savouring every precious moment.
I remember Giggsy saying after we won the Champions League this year that he enjoyed this one more than 99 because when he was younger he didnt take it in as much as this one, explained the 23-year-old.
After hearing that, Ive really tried to take everything in and enjoy things as much as I can, and Ill do the same in Japan.
Source
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Papers: Tosic deal doubt?
Tosic says no to United
Manchester United's January spending plans suffered a setback when wing whiz Zoran Tosic rejected their offer. Red Devils chiefs fought in the courts to get 21-year-old Serb Tosic a work permit. After finally securing the permit, Fergie expected the £3million deal to go through with Partizan Belgrade on New Year's Day. But, after visiting Old Trafford last week to discuss personal terms, Tosic has snubbed the club by demanding more money. Tosic, who has 11 caps and played for Serbia at the Beijing Olympics, said: Uniteds offer does not coincide with my demands. But we agreed to stay in touch and I believe that everything will be fine in the end."
Tony Little, The Sun
Most of the national newspapers carry pictures of United's players out on a night out at a London nightclub on Saturday.
The Daily Star says Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo could both face bans after allegedly kicking out at opponents against Aalborg and Tottenham respectively.
In The Times, Harry Redknapp says the title is between United or Chelsea, writing off Liverpool and Arsenal's chances.
Times columnist Martin Samuel says Rafael's emergence is bad news for Gary Neville and Wes Brown.
Round up by Ben Hibbs
Source
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Tosic says no to United
Manchester United's January spending plans suffered a setback when wing whiz Zoran Tosic rejected their offer. Red Devils chiefs fought in the courts to get 21-year-old Serb Tosic a work permit. After finally securing the permit, Fergie expected the £3million deal to go through with Partizan Belgrade on New Year's Day. But, after visiting Old Trafford last week to discuss personal terms, Tosic has snubbed the club by demanding more money. Tosic, who has 11 caps and played for Serbia at the Beijing Olympics, said: Uniteds offer does not coincide with my demands. But we agreed to stay in touch and I believe that everything will be fine in the end."
Tony Little, The Sun
Most of the national newspapers carry pictures of United's players out on a night out at a London nightclub on Saturday.
The Daily Star says Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo could both face bans after allegedly kicking out at opponents against Aalborg and Tottenham respectively.
In The Times, Harry Redknapp says the title is between United or Chelsea, writing off Liverpool and Arsenal's chances.
Times columnist Martin Samuel says Rafael's emergence is bad news for Gary Neville and Wes Brown.
Round up by Ben Hibbs
Source
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Chelsea drew too.
So over the weekend the big 4 all drew with their opponents.
Expected lei...not the first time liao 1 win all win 1 draw all draw!:devil:
afbug
Senior Member
lol ya dunno what happen to the top 4. Think they enticing Villa to break into top 4. :bsmilie:
afbug
Senior Member
Match is this thurs i think and got live telecast on starsports.
Papers: Fab warns Reds
Capello warning for United
Fabio Capello has warned Manchester United that the Club World Cup in Japan could wreck their title hopes. United are third in the Prem and could be nine points adrift of Liverpool when they return. England boss Capello was twice a losing finalist at the world showdown as AC Milan boss and missed out on the Serie A title the second year his side travelled to the tournament.
He said: I know very well what it will be like. You have to deal with jet lag and the time to recover is short.
At this moment a lot of the Big Four are drawing matches as they are tired in their heads.
Shaun Custis, The Sun
Elsewhere, theres widespread coverage of decisions by UEFA and the FA not to charge Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo after recent off-the-ball incidents against Aalborg and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Mirror claim Paul Scholes has revealed United would rather not be in Tokyo playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. Scholes told MUTV after the Spurs game that the Reds want to win the tournament, but admitted the subsequent January fixture congestion is undesirable.
Round up by Nick Coppack
Source
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Capello warning for United
Fabio Capello has warned Manchester United that the Club World Cup in Japan could wreck their title hopes. United are third in the Prem and could be nine points adrift of Liverpool when they return. England boss Capello was twice a losing finalist at the world showdown as AC Milan boss and missed out on the Serie A title the second year his side travelled to the tournament.
He said: I know very well what it will be like. You have to deal with jet lag and the time to recover is short.
At this moment a lot of the Big Four are drawing matches as they are tired in their heads.
Shaun Custis, The Sun
Elsewhere, theres widespread coverage of decisions by UEFA and the FA not to charge Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo after recent off-the-ball incidents against Aalborg and Tottenham Hotspur.
The Mirror claim Paul Scholes has revealed United would rather not be in Tokyo playing in the FIFA Club World Cup. Scholes told MUTV after the Spurs game that the Reds want to win the tournament, but admitted the subsequent January fixture congestion is undesirable.
Round up by Nick Coppack
Source
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Fletch: We'll be ready
Darren Fletcher is confident the Reds will have fully acclimatised to life in Japan in time for their Club World Cup semi-final on Thursday evening.
The Reds touched down in Tokyo on Monday afternoon ahead of their first game of the tournament against J-League side Gamba Osaka at Yokohama International Stadium.
Fletcher admits some of the players are still adjusting to the Eastern timezone, but believes they will be raring to go come Thursday.
"We are doing the best we can to prepare for the game," he told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. "It does have an effect when you have a lack of sleep. Lack of sleep affects anybodys performance no matter what they do. We will be affected, but dealing with it is part of the challenge.
"We only have a couple of days to acclimatise so Gamba have a huge advantage in that respect. It is a case of mind over matter. We have to put it out of our minds and concentrate on our game and hopefully we will have enough to get through.
"We are a professional team and the lads are doing everything we are told to conquer it. We waited up until 2am last night and then got woken up in this morning.
"The general feeling was that everyone wasnt too bad. The medical staff have done their research and we have to believe they are right come the match."
Gamba may be relative unknowns outside Japan, but Fletcher believes they will still pose a stiff test.
"We know what to expect from Japanese sides - great technique and a lot of energy," he said. "As we do with every team we will look to their strengths and try to combat that.
"It is a different challenge to what you face in the Premier League, but that is part of the challenge of being out here and to match yourself up against these players. We will be fully aware of who we are coming up against."
Source
:devil:
Darren Fletcher is confident the Reds will have fully acclimatised to life in Japan in time for their Club World Cup semi-final on Thursday evening.
The Reds touched down in Tokyo on Monday afternoon ahead of their first game of the tournament against J-League side Gamba Osaka at Yokohama International Stadium.
Fletcher admits some of the players are still adjusting to the Eastern timezone, but believes they will be raring to go come Thursday.
"We are doing the best we can to prepare for the game," he told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday. "It does have an effect when you have a lack of sleep. Lack of sleep affects anybodys performance no matter what they do. We will be affected, but dealing with it is part of the challenge.
"We only have a couple of days to acclimatise so Gamba have a huge advantage in that respect. It is a case of mind over matter. We have to put it out of our minds and concentrate on our game and hopefully we will have enough to get through.
"We are a professional team and the lads are doing everything we are told to conquer it. We waited up until 2am last night and then got woken up in this morning.
"The general feeling was that everyone wasnt too bad. The medical staff have done their research and we have to believe they are right come the match."
Gamba may be relative unknowns outside Japan, but Fletcher believes they will still pose a stiff test.
"We know what to expect from Japanese sides - great technique and a lot of energy," he said. "As we do with every team we will look to their strengths and try to combat that.
"It is a different challenge to what you face in the Premier League, but that is part of the challenge of being out here and to match yourself up against these players. We will be fully aware of who we are coming up against."
Source
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Rio rules out Gunners
Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal will have to sit out this season's title bout, instead insisting United's crown will be contested with Liverpool and Chelsea.
"It's not beyond Arsenal but it is my personal opinion that it will be between the other three this season," he told PA Sport at the team hotel in Japan.
Ferdinand is in Yokohama with the Reds squad attempting to be the first British team to win the FIFA Club World Cup. And although United's involvement in the competition could mean falling behind the Premier League's pacesetters, Rio is confident the Reds will be among the chasing pack in 2009.
"At the moment it looks like being nip and tuck, but usually from Christmas onwards the teams who are going to be there at the end start pulling away.
"I can see that happening this season. I presume ourselves, Chelsea and Liverpool will pull away, then it will be down to two and finally one."
United's draw against Tottenham before flying out to Japan could have been damaging, but dropped points for Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal maintained an irregular pattern of results in the league this season.
"It looks like teams will drop points," adds Rio. "Hull going to Anfield and getting a draw is a massive result for them. Who would have said that before the season kicked off? And West Ham getting a draw at Chelsea was a surprise as well. There have been quite a few unusual results this season but I'm sure it is good for the fans."
United will hope for more dropped points when Arsenal take on Liverpool on Sunday, with Chelsea travelling to Everton on Monday.
Source
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Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal will have to sit out this season's title bout, instead insisting United's crown will be contested with Liverpool and Chelsea.
"It's not beyond Arsenal but it is my personal opinion that it will be between the other three this season," he told PA Sport at the team hotel in Japan.
Ferdinand is in Yokohama with the Reds squad attempting to be the first British team to win the FIFA Club World Cup. And although United's involvement in the competition could mean falling behind the Premier League's pacesetters, Rio is confident the Reds will be among the chasing pack in 2009.
"At the moment it looks like being nip and tuck, but usually from Christmas onwards the teams who are going to be there at the end start pulling away.
"I can see that happening this season. I presume ourselves, Chelsea and Liverpool will pull away, then it will be down to two and finally one."
United's draw against Tottenham before flying out to Japan could have been damaging, but dropped points for Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal maintained an irregular pattern of results in the league this season.
"It looks like teams will drop points," adds Rio. "Hull going to Anfield and getting a draw is a massive result for them. Who would have said that before the season kicked off? And West Ham getting a draw at Chelsea was a surprise as well. There have been quite a few unusual results this season but I'm sure it is good for the fans."
United will hope for more dropped points when Arsenal take on Liverpool on Sunday, with Chelsea travelling to Everton on Monday.
Source
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Reds won't appeal Evra ban
Despite considering it excessive, Manchester United will not appeal the suspension imposed on Patrice Evra by the Football Association, in order to avoid dragging the process out.
A club spokesman said: The club has reviewed the reasons for the decision and believes them to be flawed in many respects. We retain the view that the suspension is extremely harsh, but appealing it would only prolong the process as we enter the second half of the season, when the focus of the whole squad needs to be on matches and not bureaucracy.
"Patrice accepts the suspension, but categorically denies hitting anyone. Since playing in the Premier League, he has enjoyed a good disciplinary record, having never been dismissed - something which the panel acknowledged.
"It is abundantly clear that no reference was made to previous sentences imposed for Improper Conduct and other charges, which in the clubs view is unfair and unduly harsh on the player, the club and its supporters.
"To serve a ban which is longer than one imposed for a career-threatening tackle or throwing an object into the crowd indicates that the disciplinary commission made a very poor decision.
Source
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Despite considering it excessive, Manchester United will not appeal the suspension imposed on Patrice Evra by the Football Association, in order to avoid dragging the process out.
A club spokesman said: The club has reviewed the reasons for the decision and believes them to be flawed in many respects. We retain the view that the suspension is extremely harsh, but appealing it would only prolong the process as we enter the second half of the season, when the focus of the whole squad needs to be on matches and not bureaucracy.
"Patrice accepts the suspension, but categorically denies hitting anyone. Since playing in the Premier League, he has enjoyed a good disciplinary record, having never been dismissed - something which the panel acknowledged.
"It is abundantly clear that no reference was made to previous sentences imposed for Improper Conduct and other charges, which in the clubs view is unfair and unduly harsh on the player, the club and its supporters.
"To serve a ban which is longer than one imposed for a career-threatening tackle or throwing an object into the crowd indicates that the disciplinary commission made a very poor decision.
Source
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United aware of Endo threat
Sir Alex Ferguson has highlighted Gamba Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo as the Japanese team's dangerman ahead of Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final.
The 28-year-old Japan international further enhanced his burgeoning reputation after scoring the winner in his side's 1-0 victory over Adelaide United to set up a last four clash with the Reds.
Sir Alex and his coaching staff took time out on Tuesday to study footage of Gamba's last round win and the boss was impressed by what he saw, particularly from Endo.
"He is their star player," insisted the Scot. "Not only did he score the decisive goal, he was the influential player in terms of possession of the ball.
"He actually changed his position from where he normally plays behind the centre forward after they lost two players in the first 18 minutes and played towards the left hand side. And it worked very well.
"Their Brazilian centre forward [Lucas] is also a very good player. He has quick feet and unusually for a Brazilian he is tall. He is a very effective player."
One player who doesn't need to worry about Endo is Ben Foster. Sir Alex confirmed during his press conference that the goalkeeper broke his finger in training last week.
Source
If he is 18yrs old SAF will sure sign him one!:bsmilie:
:devil:
Sir Alex Ferguson has highlighted Gamba Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo as the Japanese team's dangerman ahead of Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final.
The 28-year-old Japan international further enhanced his burgeoning reputation after scoring the winner in his side's 1-0 victory over Adelaide United to set up a last four clash with the Reds.
Sir Alex and his coaching staff took time out on Tuesday to study footage of Gamba's last round win and the boss was impressed by what he saw, particularly from Endo.
"He is their star player," insisted the Scot. "Not only did he score the decisive goal, he was the influential player in terms of possession of the ball.
"He actually changed his position from where he normally plays behind the centre forward after they lost two players in the first 18 minutes and played towards the left hand side. And it worked very well.
"Their Brazilian centre forward [Lucas] is also a very good player. He has quick feet and unusually for a Brazilian he is tall. He is a very effective player."
One player who doesn't need to worry about Endo is Ben Foster. Sir Alex confirmed during his press conference that the goalkeeper broke his finger in training last week.
Source
If he is 18yrs old SAF will sure sign him one!:bsmilie:
:devil:
Must secure the title if not really waste time!:devil:
.Hack
Senior Member
Don't think SAF is very concern with this competition. I can foresee he will be using alot of youngsters.
His priority is the BPL and Champions League. :devil:
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