Manchester United IX - Quest for Treble Glory Continues....
- Thread starter melvin
- Start date
- Status
Galdor
Senior Member
Carrick eyes Christmas win
Michael Carrick wants only one thing for Christmas... a Boxing Day win against Stoke City as the globe-trotting Reds return to the Barclays Premier League.
By quarter to one on Friday, the United midfielder expects the euphoria - and hopefully any fatigue - from winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan to have worn off.
"Once we get back home, we move on," Carrick told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.
"The Club World Cup will be gone and we'll have had three or four days to readjust so there will be no excuses if we don't win on Boxing Day.
"Going back to England will be slightly easier than going out to Japan. A few of the lads were struggling badly with jet-lag over there but as the week went on, we got used to it."
Carrick and company won't just be dealing with a different timezone on their return to domestic football - the type of opposition will also contrast with the challenge faced in Asia.
"Stoke will be different to Quito," he says, referring to the Club World Cup final.
"We know Stoke will be tough. They have a decent home record and they will not make it easy for us at all. It will be a battle and they will probably come at us a little bit more than Quito did tonight. But we are going there to win the game."
Although a draw at Stoke would be acceptable for most people after the exertions of the past week, Carrick knows United really have to win to keep pace with the league leaders.
"We are not too disappointed with where we are at the moment," says Michael, "but it's up to us to keep winning and applying the pressure.
"We have to build on our success in 2008 and not just settle for it. The manager keeps driving at us to win more. Success breeds success, hopefully that continues."
If it does continue, then Carrick's third season at Old Trafford could yet top his first two campaigns in which he won the league title (2006/07) and then the double of title and the Champions League (2007/08).
"The move has gone well," he says, reflecting on his transfer from Tottenham in 2006.
"I came here hoping to win things and be successful. Thankfully, so far, that has been the case."
Michael Carrick wants only one thing for Christmas... a Boxing Day win against Stoke City as the globe-trotting Reds return to the Barclays Premier League.
By quarter to one on Friday, the United midfielder expects the euphoria - and hopefully any fatigue - from winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan to have worn off.
"Once we get back home, we move on," Carrick told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.
"The Club World Cup will be gone and we'll have had three or four days to readjust so there will be no excuses if we don't win on Boxing Day.
"Going back to England will be slightly easier than going out to Japan. A few of the lads were struggling badly with jet-lag over there but as the week went on, we got used to it."
Carrick and company won't just be dealing with a different timezone on their return to domestic football - the type of opposition will also contrast with the challenge faced in Asia.
"Stoke will be different to Quito," he says, referring to the Club World Cup final.
"We know Stoke will be tough. They have a decent home record and they will not make it easy for us at all. It will be a battle and they will probably come at us a little bit more than Quito did tonight. But we are going there to win the game."
Although a draw at Stoke would be acceptable for most people after the exertions of the past week, Carrick knows United really have to win to keep pace with the league leaders.
"We are not too disappointed with where we are at the moment," says Michael, "but it's up to us to keep winning and applying the pressure.
"We have to build on our success in 2008 and not just settle for it. The manager keeps driving at us to win more. Success breeds success, hopefully that continues."
If it does continue, then Carrick's third season at Old Trafford could yet top his first two campaigns in which he won the league title (2006/07) and then the double of title and the Champions League (2007/08).
"The move has gone well," he says, reflecting on his transfer from Tottenham in 2006.
"I came here hoping to win things and be successful. Thankfully, so far, that has been the case."
Galdor
Senior Member
Now you'll see the real United
Rio Ferdinand is buzzing after captaining United to Club World Cup success but mindful that Boxing Day at Stoke could swiftly bring the Reds back down to earth...
Being a world champion is a great feeling. Not many teams in the world have ever got their hands on a trophy like this and to be the first British side to do it is phenomenal.
Our victory over Liga de Quito was fully deserved. We started the game well and could have had three or four goals in the first half, but their keeper did okay and our finishing probably wasnt as good as it could have been. But credit to the lads, they kept on going and it was great to see Wazza put the ball in the back of the net. It wasnt even really a proper chance, it was half a chance if that, so it was fantastic to see it go in.
A lot has been said about this tournament not having the profile of other major competitions, but its always been a big trophy for us and now weve got our hands on it we want to win it again.
As players your aim is to go out and try and ingrain your name in the clubs history - winning this trophy is a way of trying to achieve that and definitely a step in the right direction. But were not going to stop here, we want to build on this achievement and win a lot more.
We arrive home in the UK on Monday evening and immediately our focus switches to the trip to Stoke on Boxing Day (Friday). Weve been disappointed in ourselves in the last couple of months in terms of the way weve played and the results weve got in the league. Weve had opportunities to get closer to the leading pack but we havent done. The Club World Cup final was very important in terms of confidence and hopefully youll now see the real Manchester United.
Rio Ferdinand is buzzing after captaining United to Club World Cup success but mindful that Boxing Day at Stoke could swiftly bring the Reds back down to earth...
Being a world champion is a great feeling. Not many teams in the world have ever got their hands on a trophy like this and to be the first British side to do it is phenomenal.
Our victory over Liga de Quito was fully deserved. We started the game well and could have had three or four goals in the first half, but their keeper did okay and our finishing probably wasnt as good as it could have been. But credit to the lads, they kept on going and it was great to see Wazza put the ball in the back of the net. It wasnt even really a proper chance, it was half a chance if that, so it was fantastic to see it go in.
A lot has been said about this tournament not having the profile of other major competitions, but its always been a big trophy for us and now weve got our hands on it we want to win it again.
As players your aim is to go out and try and ingrain your name in the clubs history - winning this trophy is a way of trying to achieve that and definitely a step in the right direction. But were not going to stop here, we want to build on this achievement and win a lot more.
We arrive home in the UK on Monday evening and immediately our focus switches to the trip to Stoke on Boxing Day (Friday). Weve been disappointed in ourselves in the last couple of months in terms of the way weve played and the results weve got in the league. Weve had opportunities to get closer to the leading pack but we havent done. The Club World Cup final was very important in terms of confidence and hopefully youll now see the real Manchester United.
Galdor
Senior Member
Papers: Reds' Euro blow
Vidic Euro woe for United
Manchester United have been dealt a huge Champions League blow, with Nemanja Vidic out of their last-16 clash with Inter Milan. Vidic was given a straight red card for elbowing Claudio Bieler as United beat Liga de Quito 1-0 to win the Club World Cup in Japan. United boss Alex Ferguson said: When you do that in front of the referee you give yourself no chance. He was right to show the red card. The subsequent ban will only affect the Champions League, with a definite one-match ban and more likely two as it was violent conduct. - Neil Custis, The Sun
Sticking with the Champions League, The Sun runs Jose Mourinho's comments on Cristiano Ronaldo as the 'mind games' begin for the Reds' clash with Inter. Jose is quoted thus, "When I think how a player should be, names like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and Messi come to mind. Ronaldo is a good player but he is certainly not the best."
Elsewhere in Milan, ex-United midfielder David Beckham was introduced to the fans at AC - but the crowd's failure to be excited by their loan signing was "embarrassing" (The Sun).
Positive coverage of United's success in the Club World Cup includes a front-page photo in The Times and plenty of stories on Wayne Rooney's status as player of the tournament and his desire to push on for domestic honours.
Vidic Euro woe for United
Manchester United have been dealt a huge Champions League blow, with Nemanja Vidic out of their last-16 clash with Inter Milan. Vidic was given a straight red card for elbowing Claudio Bieler as United beat Liga de Quito 1-0 to win the Club World Cup in Japan. United boss Alex Ferguson said: When you do that in front of the referee you give yourself no chance. He was right to show the red card. The subsequent ban will only affect the Champions League, with a definite one-match ban and more likely two as it was violent conduct. - Neil Custis, The Sun
Sticking with the Champions League, The Sun runs Jose Mourinho's comments on Cristiano Ronaldo as the 'mind games' begin for the Reds' clash with Inter. Jose is quoted thus, "When I think how a player should be, names like Kaka, Ibrahimovic and Messi come to mind. Ronaldo is a good player but he is certainly not the best."
Elsewhere in Milan, ex-United midfielder David Beckham was introduced to the fans at AC - but the crowd's failure to be excited by their loan signing was "embarrassing" (The Sun).
Positive coverage of United's success in the Club World Cup includes a front-page photo in The Times and plenty of stories on Wayne Rooney's status as player of the tournament and his desire to push on for domestic honours.
Galdor
Senior Member
Edwin: Let's kick on
Edwin van der Sar hopes winning the Club World Cup will set United on their way to more glory.
The Dutchman played a major part in the victory, making a string of fine saves when the Reds were down to ten men after Nemanja Vidic's dismissal. It's his second world title - he also won one with Ajax - and he's determined to add to his medal collection again next May.
"It's great to win this tournament again. Hopefully we can go on from here and do well for the rest of the season," he told ManUtd.com.
"Its important that we make sure we prepare ourselves properly for Stoke on Friday and get back into the normal timezone, although I dont think that will be hard because I feel like I havent even arrived into this one [in Japan]! But its great to be going into the game on the back of winning a trophy."
Van der Sar felt United fully deserved the victory over LDU Quito after dominating for long periods.
"I didnt have much to do in the first half so youre hoping to go on and get a couple of goals," he said. "They put a bit of pressure on us after we scored, but I had a good eye on the shots and they were nice saves."
Edwin van der Sar hopes winning the Club World Cup will set United on their way to more glory.
The Dutchman played a major part in the victory, making a string of fine saves when the Reds were down to ten men after Nemanja Vidic's dismissal. It's his second world title - he also won one with Ajax - and he's determined to add to his medal collection again next May.
"It's great to win this tournament again. Hopefully we can go on from here and do well for the rest of the season," he told ManUtd.com.
"Its important that we make sure we prepare ourselves properly for Stoke on Friday and get back into the normal timezone, although I dont think that will be hard because I feel like I havent even arrived into this one [in Japan]! But its great to be going into the game on the back of winning a trophy."
Van der Sar felt United fully deserved the victory over LDU Quito after dominating for long periods.
"I didnt have much to do in the first half so youre hoping to go on and get a couple of goals," he said. "They put a bit of pressure on us after we scored, but I had a good eye on the shots and they were nice saves."
Galdor
Senior Member
Wayne hails 'best' supporters
Match-winner Wayne Rooney hailed Uniteds global following as thousands of Reds watched United become world-beaters against Liga de Quito both in the Yokohama International Stadium, on television and via ManUtd.coms coverage.
Weve been amazed by the amount of fans over here, he admitted after the game. So many have travelled from England and there are also thousands here in Japan. Were the best team in the world and theyre the best fans in the world.
Rooney was ecstatic at scoring the goal that confirmed Uniteds position as the greatest team on Earth - his third goal in less than one and a half games.
Its fantastic, I was really happy to get the goal for us," he said.
"Its a great achievement for us, and its something weve worked very hard for. Were delighted to be world champions.
Uniteds no.10 gave Liga de Quitos goalkeeper Jose Cevallos a torrid evening, especially in the first half, but Wayne admitted the game was made a lot harder in early in the second period by Nemanja Vidics sending off.
It was a really tough game for us after going down to ten men," added Rooney. "They had more possession but we defended well to win it."
Rooney is hitting top form at a great time for United and after receiving what looks like a giant key as FIFA's Man of the Match - he was also Player of the Tournament - Wayne will surely unlock more defences back in England. Opposition goalkeepers should expect an unhappy new year.
Match-winner Wayne Rooney hailed Uniteds global following as thousands of Reds watched United become world-beaters against Liga de Quito both in the Yokohama International Stadium, on television and via ManUtd.coms coverage.
Weve been amazed by the amount of fans over here, he admitted after the game. So many have travelled from England and there are also thousands here in Japan. Were the best team in the world and theyre the best fans in the world.
Rooney was ecstatic at scoring the goal that confirmed Uniteds position as the greatest team on Earth - his third goal in less than one and a half games.
Its fantastic, I was really happy to get the goal for us," he said.
"Its a great achievement for us, and its something weve worked very hard for. Were delighted to be world champions.
Uniteds no.10 gave Liga de Quitos goalkeeper Jose Cevallos a torrid evening, especially in the first half, but Wayne admitted the game was made a lot harder in early in the second period by Nemanja Vidics sending off.
It was a really tough game for us after going down to ten men," added Rooney. "They had more possession but we defended well to win it."
Rooney is hitting top form at a great time for United and after receiving what looks like a giant key as FIFA's Man of the Match - he was also Player of the Tournament - Wayne will surely unlock more defences back in England. Opposition goalkeepers should expect an unhappy new year.
Yeah.. Hopefully this time round we will secure our 3pts cant be like last match where every one just draw!:sweat::devil:
afbug
Senior Member
Well can say Liv, ars and us are kinda lucky. Drop so many pts and Chelsea can't get any advantage. If its Mourinho's Chelsea, think they will be quite a fair bit ahead.
afbug
Senior Member
Ya mans.....must make the 2 games in hand count. :devil:
:devil:
afbug
Senior Member
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all :devil:
As far as I'm concern, we are the only big one and the rest are minnows! :bsmilie:
Rooney ready for hectic run
Wayne Rooney says the Boxing Day trip to Stoke City marks the start of a four-week period which could have a serious impact on United's quest for silverware this season.
Following the Reds' visit to the Britannia Stadium on Friday, they entertain Middlesbrough at Old Trafford the following Monday, before embarking on their FA campaign with a trip to St. Mary's to play Southampton.
Sandwiched between the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final against Derby are the league clashes with Chelsea, Wigan and Bolton, while January ends with a potential FA Cup fourth round tie and a league visit to West Brom.
Rooney believes the team are more than capable of coping with the busy run of games, but says it's vital the Reds kick things off with a victory at Stoke.
"Its a big game and a big time of the season for us so its important we pick up the three points," he told ManUtd.com.
"We know it'll be tough especially after having only just returned from Japan. But all the games are winnable over Christmas and were confident we can beat Stoke and Middlesbrough.
"The FA Cup starts soon after and weve got the Carling Cup semi-final with Derby and then the Chelsea game to think about.
"So the next few weeks are a big time of the season for us and they could have a real impact on how things pan out during the rest of the campaign. Hopefully we can get the results we want."
Source
:devil:
Wayne Rooney says the Boxing Day trip to Stoke City marks the start of a four-week period which could have a serious impact on United's quest for silverware this season.
Following the Reds' visit to the Britannia Stadium on Friday, they entertain Middlesbrough at Old Trafford the following Monday, before embarking on their FA campaign with a trip to St. Mary's to play Southampton.
Sandwiched between the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final against Derby are the league clashes with Chelsea, Wigan and Bolton, while January ends with a potential FA Cup fourth round tie and a league visit to West Brom.
Rooney believes the team are more than capable of coping with the busy run of games, but says it's vital the Reds kick things off with a victory at Stoke.
"Its a big game and a big time of the season for us so its important we pick up the three points," he told ManUtd.com.
"We know it'll be tough especially after having only just returned from Japan. But all the games are winnable over Christmas and were confident we can beat Stoke and Middlesbrough.
"The FA Cup starts soon after and weve got the Carling Cup semi-final with Derby and then the Chelsea game to think about.
"So the next few weeks are a big time of the season for us and they could have a real impact on how things pan out during the rest of the campaign. Hopefully we can get the results we want."
Source
:devil:
O'Shea wants festive cheer
John O'Shea is hopeful the Reds will have got over the effects of jet-lag come Friday lunchtime when they take on Stoke City.
The world champions touched down in Manchester on Monday evening following their eight-day stay in Japan for the Club World Cup.
Despite having difficulties in acclimatising to the Far East, O'Shea feels the Reds have a better chance of re-adjusting their body clocks on home soil.
"I'm sure we'll get back into the swing of things pretty quickly," he told ManUtd.com.
"Our coaches have planned it so we hopefully feel less of the jet-lag when we get back to England. And Ji-sung Park has told us it's not as bad on the way back.
"So fingers crossed that's the case because it affected quite a few of the lads when we got to Japan."
The opening month of 2009 will be a busy one for O'Shea and co., but the challenges that lie ahead are something the squad are relishing.
"January is going to be a big month for us, but we're all looking forward to it," added O'Shea. "The FA Cup starts and we've got the Carling Cup semi-final to think about, but it's very important that we put a winning run together in the league.
"We've got a couple of games to catch up on and I think it's a good opportunity for us to show we're determined to keep hold of our the title."
Source
:devil:
John O'Shea is hopeful the Reds will have got over the effects of jet-lag come Friday lunchtime when they take on Stoke City.
The world champions touched down in Manchester on Monday evening following their eight-day stay in Japan for the Club World Cup.
Despite having difficulties in acclimatising to the Far East, O'Shea feels the Reds have a better chance of re-adjusting their body clocks on home soil.
"I'm sure we'll get back into the swing of things pretty quickly," he told ManUtd.com.
"Our coaches have planned it so we hopefully feel less of the jet-lag when we get back to England. And Ji-sung Park has told us it's not as bad on the way back.
"So fingers crossed that's the case because it affected quite a few of the lads when we got to Japan."
The opening month of 2009 will be a busy one for O'Shea and co., but the challenges that lie ahead are something the squad are relishing.
"January is going to be a big month for us, but we're all looking forward to it," added O'Shea. "The FA Cup starts and we've got the Carling Cup semi-final to think about, but it's very important that we put a winning run together in the league.
"We've got a couple of games to catch up on and I think it's a good opportunity for us to show we're determined to keep hold of our the title."
Source
:devil:
Papers: Peace over Patrice
United end Evra feud
Manchester United have kissed and made up with the Football Association over the Patrice Evra affair. The Premier League champions were fuming after the FA published the full report of the French defenders improper conduct hearing on their website. Evra was handed a four-match ban after clashing with Chelsea groundstaff in a bust-up following Aprils clash between the clubs at Stamford Bridge. Boss Alex Ferguson claimed he was stunned at the outcome - and United were even more unhappy after the FAs publication of the official transcript showed assistant manager Mike Phelan and others in a bad light. It led to FA chairman Lord Triesman and United chief executive David Gill meeting in Tokyo during the FIFA Club World Cup. That has finally led to the two parties patching things up. - Carl Long, The Sun
Elsewhere United players are quoted on their aims for 2009. Paul Scholes' plan is to finish the season with six winners' medals - "Scholes has 6 appeal: trophy-hungry legend Paul wants em all" (Daily Star).
The Mirror's Oliver Holt uses his column to praise Martin O'Neill following a successful first half to Aston Villa's season - and to link the former Celtic boss with the Old Trafford hotseat again. "It is being said that O'Neill's achievements make him the only candidate whenever it is decided that Fabio Capello has had enough time in charge (of England). That may be right. It's equally possible that if Sir Alex Ferguson quits suddenly at the end of this season or next, O'Neill will be his successor as the manager of Manchester United."
What The Papers Say returns on the next working weekday in the UK... Monday 29 December. Merry Christmas!
Round up by Adam Bostock
Source
:devil:
United end Evra feud
Manchester United have kissed and made up with the Football Association over the Patrice Evra affair. The Premier League champions were fuming after the FA published the full report of the French defenders improper conduct hearing on their website. Evra was handed a four-match ban after clashing with Chelsea groundstaff in a bust-up following Aprils clash between the clubs at Stamford Bridge. Boss Alex Ferguson claimed he was stunned at the outcome - and United were even more unhappy after the FAs publication of the official transcript showed assistant manager Mike Phelan and others in a bad light. It led to FA chairman Lord Triesman and United chief executive David Gill meeting in Tokyo during the FIFA Club World Cup. That has finally led to the two parties patching things up. - Carl Long, The Sun
Elsewhere United players are quoted on their aims for 2009. Paul Scholes' plan is to finish the season with six winners' medals - "Scholes has 6 appeal: trophy-hungry legend Paul wants em all" (Daily Star).
The Mirror's Oliver Holt uses his column to praise Martin O'Neill following a successful first half to Aston Villa's season - and to link the former Celtic boss with the Old Trafford hotseat again. "It is being said that O'Neill's achievements make him the only candidate whenever it is decided that Fabio Capello has had enough time in charge (of England). That may be right. It's equally possible that if Sir Alex Ferguson quits suddenly at the end of this season or next, O'Neill will be his successor as the manager of Manchester United."
What The Papers Say returns on the next working weekday in the UK... Monday 29 December. Merry Christmas!
Round up by Adam Bostock
Source
:devil:
Blog: Boss gets his wish
Sir Alex Ferguson usually gets his way, so it's little surprise that his Christmas wish has been granted this year.
Before jetting off to Japan to contest the Club World Cup, the United manager admitted that he had his fingers crossed for the Reds' title rivals to drop points in their absence.
Sunday's draw between Arsenal and Liverpool was followed by Chelsea's goalless stalemate at Everton last night. Throw into the mix red cards for Emmanuel Adebayor and John Terry, and that constitutes one wish emphatically ticked off the Gaffer's list.
It's reminiscent of when United went to Brazil for the controversial Club World Championship almost nine years ago and, to paraphrase Arsene Wenger, 'had a mid-season break on the beach'. Comfortably ahead in the title race before they went, the Reds returned to find that neither Arsenal nor Leeds had forged on, leaving United ahead and with games in hand.
This year, of course, there is still plenty of ground to make up. Even if United garner maximum points from games in hand - against Fulham and Wigan - it would only rein in Liverpool's lead to a point.
The true cost of United's exertions in Japan won't become clear until the dust has settled on a hectic Christmas period. There are sizeable hurdles to overcome in Stoke City, with a vocal partisan backing at the Britannia Stadium, and then the visit of the ever-stubborn Middlesbrough.
Should United come out of those two games with six points, however, the other members of the Big Four will be left to lament a missed opportunity to pull clear of the reigning champions - a slip that could prove costly come the season's end.
It's been a strange old season so far, with chinks in the armour of all those who covet top spot. The trip to Japan had long loomed on United's horizon but now, with the Club World Cup secured and allied to further slips from those around us, it could act as a watershed for the remainder of the campaign. It certainly will if Sir Alex gets his way.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Source
What a Chirstmas wish come true the best part is pool got 2 games in 3 days while we got extra 1 day of rest after tonight's game!:bsmilie::devil:
Sir Alex Ferguson usually gets his way, so it's little surprise that his Christmas wish has been granted this year.
Before jetting off to Japan to contest the Club World Cup, the United manager admitted that he had his fingers crossed for the Reds' title rivals to drop points in their absence.
Sunday's draw between Arsenal and Liverpool was followed by Chelsea's goalless stalemate at Everton last night. Throw into the mix red cards for Emmanuel Adebayor and John Terry, and that constitutes one wish emphatically ticked off the Gaffer's list.
It's reminiscent of when United went to Brazil for the controversial Club World Championship almost nine years ago and, to paraphrase Arsene Wenger, 'had a mid-season break on the beach'. Comfortably ahead in the title race before they went, the Reds returned to find that neither Arsenal nor Leeds had forged on, leaving United ahead and with games in hand.
This year, of course, there is still plenty of ground to make up. Even if United garner maximum points from games in hand - against Fulham and Wigan - it would only rein in Liverpool's lead to a point.
The true cost of United's exertions in Japan won't become clear until the dust has settled on a hectic Christmas period. There are sizeable hurdles to overcome in Stoke City, with a vocal partisan backing at the Britannia Stadium, and then the visit of the ever-stubborn Middlesbrough.
Should United come out of those two games with six points, however, the other members of the Big Four will be left to lament a missed opportunity to pull clear of the reigning champions - a slip that could prove costly come the season's end.
It's been a strange old season so far, with chinks in the armour of all those who covet top spot. The trip to Japan had long loomed on United's horizon but now, with the Club World Cup secured and allied to further slips from those around us, it could act as a watershed for the remainder of the campaign. It certainly will if Sir Alex gets his way.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Source
What a Chirstmas wish come true the best part is pool got 2 games in 3 days while we got extra 1 day of rest after tonight's game!:bsmilie::devil:
Reds United again
United's jaunt to Japan wasn't just a success on the field, but also off it, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Another huge piece of silverware was procured in the shape of the Club World Cup, but the chance to build team spirit could ultimately prove more important.
"After the final, the players had a great time together," the manager revealed. "We were up and away early the next morning, so I dont think a lot of them slept that well.
"But after the game I allowed them a bit of relaxation on their own, they had their own time together and I think that was good for them. They all had a good sleep on the plane, and then they had a good sleep when they got home, so I think its worked out very well for us."
The Reds have two Premier League fixtures to make up on their rivals, but Sir Alex feels that winning the Club World Cup can provide a timely fillip for the second half of the season.
"Theres no question its a great boost to the club and the players," he admitted. "It was a great achievement, and the most important thing is that they played well surprisingly well in the sense that a lot of them had trouble with their sleep patterns.
"They showed good enthusiasm during the matches and good concentration, which is the most important thing in these types of games. So weve come through it well, with very good performances."
Source
:devil:
United's jaunt to Japan wasn't just a success on the field, but also off it, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Another huge piece of silverware was procured in the shape of the Club World Cup, but the chance to build team spirit could ultimately prove more important.
"After the final, the players had a great time together," the manager revealed. "We were up and away early the next morning, so I dont think a lot of them slept that well.
"But after the game I allowed them a bit of relaxation on their own, they had their own time together and I think that was good for them. They all had a good sleep on the plane, and then they had a good sleep when they got home, so I think its worked out very well for us."
The Reds have two Premier League fixtures to make up on their rivals, but Sir Alex feels that winning the Club World Cup can provide a timely fillip for the second half of the season.
"Theres no question its a great boost to the club and the players," he admitted. "It was a great achievement, and the most important thing is that they played well surprisingly well in the sense that a lot of them had trouble with their sleep patterns.
"They showed good enthusiasm during the matches and good concentration, which is the most important thing in these types of games. So weve come through it well, with very good performances."
Source
:devil:
Fit and fresh for Friday
Any rival manager hoping for a United setback at Stoke on Boxing Day may be disappointed by Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match press conference.
The Reds boss had no new casualties to report and insisted his players looked good in training this morning (Wednesday), less than 48 hours after arriving home from Japan.
"We've no injury worries," confirmed Sir Alex. "Everyone has come through the trip well.
"We just hope we've got enough time to prepare for Friday's game. They had yesterday off and looked quite fresh in training today."
United's players will be put through their paces on Christmas Day to ensure that they are fighting fit for the Potters, but Sir Alex insists that they are still able to join in the festivities with their families.
"We're in tomorrow, training, then we go down at night to Stoke," he revealed. "Were training in the morning, and were back in plenty of time to enjoy the family gatherings.
"Of course, the Portuguese and some of the European players celebrate it the previous night, its a different culture. So youre not hindered."
Source
:devil:
Any rival manager hoping for a United setback at Stoke on Boxing Day may be disappointed by Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match press conference.
The Reds boss had no new casualties to report and insisted his players looked good in training this morning (Wednesday), less than 48 hours after arriving home from Japan.
"We've no injury worries," confirmed Sir Alex. "Everyone has come through the trip well.
"We just hope we've got enough time to prepare for Friday's game. They had yesterday off and looked quite fresh in training today."
United's players will be put through their paces on Christmas Day to ensure that they are fighting fit for the Potters, but Sir Alex insists that they are still able to join in the festivities with their families.
"We're in tomorrow, training, then we go down at night to Stoke," he revealed. "Were training in the morning, and were back in plenty of time to enjoy the family gatherings.
"Of course, the Portuguese and some of the European players celebrate it the previous night, its a different culture. So youre not hindered."
Source
:devil:
Potters pose dangers
Sir Alex Ferguson is under no illusions as to the stern test awaiting the newly-crowned world champions at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.
The Reds travel to the west midlands on Boxing Day, fully expecting to be faced by a vociferous crowd and a team scrapping for every ball.
"Ive been to the Britannia Stadium for quite a few games over the years, and theres always that really hot atmosphere," the manager told his pre-match press conference.
"They are really passionate down there, and you have to deal with that. You could be going to Sunderland, Newcastle or Anfield, theyre similar situations you have to deal with."
The Potters have made a solid start to life in the Premier League, taking 20 points from 18 games, but are still mired in a tight relegation battle - and Sir Alex admits the ante has been upped by the bottom half of the division this season.
"We expect Stoke to fight for everything because if you look at the bottom of the league, there are 10 teams separated by seven points," he said. "Its the tightest I can remember.
"Last year the difference between the fourth-bottom and bottom place was 14 points, so its a change. This season, teams at the bottom may need well over 40 points to guarantee safety, and we always say that 40 points is the safety margin."
Source
:devil:
Sir Alex Ferguson is under no illusions as to the stern test awaiting the newly-crowned world champions at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.
The Reds travel to the west midlands on Boxing Day, fully expecting to be faced by a vociferous crowd and a team scrapping for every ball.
"Ive been to the Britannia Stadium for quite a few games over the years, and theres always that really hot atmosphere," the manager told his pre-match press conference.
"They are really passionate down there, and you have to deal with that. You could be going to Sunderland, Newcastle or Anfield, theyre similar situations you have to deal with."
The Potters have made a solid start to life in the Premier League, taking 20 points from 18 games, but are still mired in a tight relegation battle - and Sir Alex admits the ante has been upped by the bottom half of the division this season.
"We expect Stoke to fight for everything because if you look at the bottom of the league, there are 10 teams separated by seven points," he said. "Its the tightest I can remember.
"Last year the difference between the fourth-bottom and bottom place was 14 points, so its a change. This season, teams at the bottom may need well over 40 points to guarantee safety, and we always say that 40 points is the safety margin."
Source
:devil:
- Status
Similar threads
