Manchester United VII: Moscow Dream is ALIVE!!!

[melvin]

Mexes: Don't write us off

AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes has not given up hope of reaching the Champions League semi finals, and insists his side will come out fighting at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney have given United a commanding advantage going into the quarter final second leg tie. But, with defensive injuries a concern to United, the 2-0 scoreline is far from a guaranteed pass into the tournament's last four.

"It will be difficult having conceded two goals, but you never know what will happen in football so we are not giving up yet," Mexes told United Review ahead of the game.

"Once you lose a game, it’s over. But you go to the next one and have the chance to fight that team again.

"We started really well in the first leg and there was a feeling we could have got more from the game. But United are always a great team. They haven’t changed much from last year. They are a more compact group, very solid, hard to tackle, but also quick when they have the ball."

Mexes swapped shirts with Ronaldo after the game and was impressed with the winger's performance. And although he feels the Portuguese star is United's major threat, he picks out two other star players to be wary of.

"There is no doubt that he is the key for United," the Frenchman added. "I was very impressed with his goal. It was not a goal you’d have expected a player like Ronaldo to score. He was very brave and perhaps we underestimated how good he is in the air.

"United are lucky because they have so many other great players, like Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes. Rooney is very strong, and he and Ronaldo are a great combination."

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Pallister worry over defence

Former Reds defender Gary Pallister has expressed concern at the affect injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could have on United's season.

Sir Alex may have to select a back four against Roma on Wednesday that does not include his two regular centre-halves. Nemanja Vidic is out for a fortnight with a knee injury suffered in last week's 2-0 win in Rome, while Rio Ferdinand limped off against Middlesbrough and is a serious doubt for the second leg against the Italians.

"It's a concern," said Pallister. "Rio and Vidic have been outstanding this season. It's a superb partnership. Vidic is such a strong defender, and Rio loves playing alongside him."

United face a crucial double header at Old Trafford this week, with Roma the visitors on Wednesday before Sunday's league showdown with Arsenal. The Reds can expect defensive disruptions for both games, which will test the squad's durability.

"It gives everyone in the team confidence when you're not conceding goals," Pallister told Sky Sports News. "That defensive stability has been a major plus for United. It's a great platform to go on and win games. Unfortunately that has been taken away, possibly this week, maybe for longer. To not have Rio or Vidic would be a big concern."

United had a flurry of defensive injuries at the same stage last season, and Sir Alex will be keen to have Ferdinand and Vidic back as soon as possible, although the return of Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre may prove conveniently timed.

:devil:

 

[jeff49er]

Latest: Rio is fit but SAF may start him depending on his cond. Best is to rest him for this Sun.

 

[redstorm]

Latest: Rio is fit but SAF may start him depending on his cond. Best is to rest him for this Sun.

If Ferdinand plays, then someone reliable must partner him. I don't see Brown or O'Shea being capable centreback. Perhaps, Pique, who have proven in recent games to be an able partner, or even Silvestre, who used to be a centreback, should slot comfortably into this position. But, I agree that Ferdinand should be rested for this Sunday's crucial match against the gunners. We have a 2 goals cushion against Roma and even without Ferdinand we should be able to make it to the semis.

 

[melvin]

Latest: Rio is fit but SAF may start him depending on his cond. Best is to rest him for this Sun.

I think SAF may not start him but may sub him in the later stage of the game!:devil:

 

[melvin]

If Ferdinard plays, then someone reliable must partner him. I don't see Brown or O'Shea being capable centreback. Perhaps, Pique, who have proven in recent games to be an able partner, or even Silvestre, who used to be a centreback, should slot comfortably into this position.

Anyone but Brown he cant make it! Look at the way him defend against boro!:thumbsd::devil:

 

[melvin]

Sir Alex: Let's finish the job

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned of the potential pitfalls in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with AS Roma, and says United will only make the semi finals with a performance that matches the effort and professionalism of the 2-0 win in Rome a week ago.

United suffered a minor slip in the Premier League in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough. But Sir Alex will demand the Reds resume the kind of imperious form that has cleared the way for a shot at a league and European Cup double.

“We made two mistakes against Middlesbrough on Sunday,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Uncharacteristic mistakes, I must say. But they cost us two goals.

"We need to make sure we don’t do anything silly. There are 90 minutes to get through, and the clock ticking. The clock is against Roma. They have to do something, and that may suit us.”

That may indicate a patient approach from United, but Sir Alex won’t allow his team to rely solely on two away goals from the first leg at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We have leeway, but we never take anything for granted and we’re not going to start now,” he added. “Therefore, we’re looking upon this game as the most important game of the season for us.

“We’ve got one foot in the semi final, and to get through we have to approach the game in the right fashion and go and win it. The result in Rome is not a pass into the semi final. We achieved that because we worked our socks off, the team discipline was excellent and tactically we were good. That’s the kind of performance we need on Wednesday, because it’s not an absolute certainty that we'll go through.”

Sir Alex doesn't expect Roma to spring any surprises in terms of team tactics, but knows the Giallorossi are capable of an upset even if their attack has again been blunted by absence of injured club skipper Francesco Totti.

“This is the sixth time we have played Roma in a year, and knowing Luciano Spalletti I think they will play their normal game,” he said. “I don’t think they will change anything in their approach to the match.

“We’re aware of the dangers in their team and how we can counter those dangers. We’re at home so we have to express ourselves in our own way.

“If we can get the first goal, it would take pressure off us. Knowing my team, that is what we will try to do. We will attack the best that we can and try to make sure we play our normal game. I think both teams will have their moments, but hopefully ours are enough to take us into the semi finals."

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Scholes to join 100-club

Paul Scholes could make his 100th Champions League appearance against AS Roma at Old Trafford tonight – but the Salford midfield schemer won’t be donning the captain’s armband as recognition of his service.

The 33-year-old won't even be considered for the role, according to Sir Alex Ferguson. Not out of disrespect, merely because the quiet man of United’s team would not welcome the task.

“I won’t be making Scholes captain,” said Sir Alex at his pre-match press conference. “I think he would regard it as a form of punishment!”

He may not take the responsibility of the armband, but there can be no denying the midfielder’s influence on the pitch when it comes to his performances.

Scholes returned in January from a three-month lay-off after suffering a knee injury in training back in October. It took a few games to get up to full speed, but some outstanding performances of late have seen Scholes return to his imperious best.

“I said when he came back from injury that it was like having a new player,” added the boss. “It did take him a few weeks to get back on form. But now he has got his rhythm back, he has been in absolutely fantastic form for us.”

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Maturing Rooney so unselfish

Wayne Rooney’s unselfishness and commitment to United’s cause has not gone unnoticed by Sir Alex Ferguson, who believes the Reds forward has proved what a great player he is in recent weeks.

Rooney played wide on the left against AS Roma in the 2-0 first leg win at the Stadio Olimpico, before reverting to his customary striker role in the second half.

He duly scored United’s second away goal, but Sir Alex was equally impressed with the 22-year-old’s first-half performance.

The forward has displayed a broad range of qualities lately, most recently in helping to haul United level against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

To Sir Alex, it’s a sign of his still-blossoming potential. “He’s only 22,” said the Reds boss. “At that age you are still waiting for the completion and fulfilment of potential. That will happen in the next two or three years.

“What his performance in Rome demonstrated was the sacrifice he makes for the team.

“He forfeited his normal position in the side to work for the team. That was an indication of a great player. Sacrifice is an important factor in any good team.”

Rooney has also rediscovered his goalscoring form. He has scored four goals in his last three games which, added to his tireless effort, determination, vision, passing and superb link-up play, make his performances very nearly complete.

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Tonite 2.45am hmm.... think will be a low scoring match tonite snice few of the 'old man' are playing!:bsmilie::devil:

 

[jeff49er]

LFC and Chelskis in 2nd trilogy. Song :thumbsup:

 

[plsoong]

:what:

2:45again!!!!

cham.....

need to set alarm

hopefully will be able to wake up

but then again....sure disturb people one ............hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


I'm hoping that pique be given more exposure.....

this time round quite jiaratz, i expect the italians to really run rings round our defenders....only way is really for anderson an prolly hargreaves to wrestle control in midfield..........

c'mon u devils..........!

 

[redstorm]

:what:

2:45again!!!!

cham.....

need to set alarm

hopefully will be able to wake up

but then again....sure disturb people one ............hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm


I'm hoping that pique be given more exposure.....

this time round quite jiaratz, i expect the italians to really run rings round our defenders....only way is really for anderson an prolly hargreaves to wrestle control in midfield..........

c'mon u devils..........!

Yo.... bro soong, long time no see. You watching the game? I gotta work tomorrow so I need my Zzz zzzzz. Still drinking your wine? Keep a bottle of champagne to celebrate our progress to the semis, man. Go, devils, go. :devil::thumbsup::bsmilie:

 

[plsoong]

heyhey,

liddat loh.....hopefully i can stay awake to watch.....its on Ch5 rite?....dun wanna watch thru sopcast....else blur...

i ish of course still drinking my reds ....and nowadays oso different champagnes...... but still horrible with whites.....

heng i get my fill whenever there's a seminar.... LOL!..... so its FREE!

 

[jeff49er]

Swee Man U in semis

 

[plsoong]

this time round i managed to stay up to watch the match!

was :thumbsup: but could have a much better score!!!!!!!!!

see, when SAF listens to plsoong's ramblings about who to field and y, it produces results HAHAHAHAHA!

Owen and Anderson were so much more effective...and yes, pique did have a good time.

the really good player of the match i felt was Park JS...countless of times he made runs and contributed passes that were really sublime.

ONLY thing his FINISHING TOUCH was.............. so many times go close then DONI (GK from ROMA) was really good too pointblank blocking a few times .....

wasted, else the scoreline would have been alot more liao....

there was good movement and good penetration... but was equally surprised that the italians didn't play the ball so much...most of their few attempts were really from outside rather than close grid passing.....

anywayz.......semis liao.......hope everybody will be fit then!

 

[melvin]

Swee Man U in semis

Yes! Nou Camp here we come but in 2weeks time!:bsmilie::devil:

 

[melvin]

Sir Alex: Bring on Barca

Reds boss Sir Alex can’t wait to face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.

The Catalans beat Schalke 2-0 on aggregate to progress, but will be without skipper Carlos Puyol for the first-leg tie at the Nou Camp on 22 April.

“Puyol’s a very good player, so that’s interesting,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports.

“We have the opportunity now to achieve something really special. We want to go to Barcelona and show we’re a good team.

“Barcelona are a wonderful club but we can’t go there and be negative. We have to go there and be really positive. If we do that then we’ve got a chance.”

The United manager surprised everyone with his starting line-up against AS Roma, leaving Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes on the bench.

But Sir Alex defended his decision and maintained his faith was repaid by those in the starting XI.

“We have Arsenal on Sunday to think about and you have to look at the big picture at times,” Sir Alex told MUTV.

“We were going into a game at Old Trafford with a two goal lead and I have to trust the players in that situation.

“I keep saying it’s the best squad I’ve ever had so if that’s the case then why shouldn’t I play them? I took out Scholes, Rooney and Ronaldo but Ji-sung Park, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves were our three best players.”

The line up:

United: Van der Sar; Brown, Pique, Ferdinand, Silvestre; Park, Carrick (O'Shea 74), Hargreaves, Anderson (Neville 81), Giggs (Rooney 74); Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Ronaldo, Scholes, Welbeck

Roma: Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Juan, Cassetti (Tonetto 56); De Rossi, Pizarro (Giuly 69), Taddei (Esposito 81), Perrotta; Mancini, Vucinic.
Subs not used: Curci, Cicinho, Aquilani, Brighi

Booked: Perrotta.

:devil:

 

[plsoong]

after watching the game....

i think Park should be given more training on being physical as well as shooting!

he was really giving the Roma's side a hard time with his runs and good vision.....really fits into an AMF really well.... BUT always kena bulllied physically LOL! which was oso y perrotta got his deserved yellow card!

yesterday's match i felt that carrick on the other hand wasn't doing so much........abit out of sorts liddat....

 

[melvin]

Spalletti backs Reds' charge

After watching his side beaten by the Reds at the quarter-final stage for the second campaign in a row, Roma coach Luciano Spalletti feels United have the wherewithal to win this season's Champions League.

The Reds booked a semi-final berth against Barcelona with a 3-0 aggregate victory over the Italians, despite fielding a much-changed side in Wednesday night's second leg.

"We put in a good performance and we're proud of that, but if you look at the track record and the history, Roma aren't at the same level as United," Spalletti said in his post-match press conference.

"I believe United are well-equipped to win the tournament. They have the potential to do so both collectively and individually. We saw this evening that whoever plays for them, they are a strong team."

The 49-year-old Italian admitted that, although his side were hampered by the absence of skipper Francesco Totti, United were worthy winners over the two matches.

"Of course we missed Francesco Totti very much," he said. "Anyone would like to have him in their team. He plays a crucial role for us and is vital to the way we play.

"But to get to this level, a team has to be able to overcome the absence of important players. We must concede that over the two legs United were better than us and deserved their victory."

United's progress would not have been so straightforward if Daniele De Rossi had not blazed a first-half penalty over the crossbar.

The Italian international midfielder waited for an age before hammering a shot into a baying Stretford End, and he conceded that pressure could well have been his undoing.

"It was not a penalty to make it 2-0 in the last minute, but still I think the game would have changed if I had scored," he said. "The first goal was there, eleven metres away from me, but we all know what happened.

"It was a highly-charged moment and probably I had too much time to think before taking it. I've scored penalties in important games like the World Cup final during my career but tonight I was less fortunate."

:devil: