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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Berbatov goal gives United another 1-0 victory

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Dimitar Berbatov 69th minute goal gives Manchester United a 1-0 victory over Middlesborough at Old Trafford yesterday. And that victory keeps United in the touching distance with the leaders.

The Bulgarian striker looked like a observer the whole match but in 69th minute Boro failed to clear a Carrick cross and Berbatov pushed it back past Turnbull for the decisive goal.

"Three points was the name of the game, I thought Boro played very well tonight and we had to work hard for it," United manager Alex Ferguson told Setanta Sport.

"But we've missed a lot of chances and that's a bit of a concern and if we don't start taking these chances then we might suffer for it."

Cristiano Ronaldo had half a dozen half chances but sent them either wide or straight at the keeper, while centre back Nemanja Vidic headed wide from a corner.

Middlesborough had not won their previous seven games and looked like they will take a point from the match but Berbatov's goal killed their hope at 21 minutes remaining from the time.

"He's a marvellous player," Ferguson said of his latest signing. "He's taken the goal very well at a crucial moment. At that stage you start to get concerned."

"We are in a good position now come the turn of the year. The two games in hand are at home but it's going to be a great run-in, very exciting."

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Preview: Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

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United captain Rio Ferdinand wil miss out the match against Middlesborough after suffering with a back spasm in the warm-up before the 1-0 win at Stoke City.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said after the match, "Rio won't play against Middlesbrough.

"He had a back spasm again. We have to get to the root of this. He's had this back problem too many times, so we want to get to the bottom of it.

"First of all, we'll give him complete rest, but I think he'll be okay in about ten days."

Evra is also out for the match as he serves the four match FA ban and will join team against Chelsea on 11th January.

Carlos Tevez's late winner against Stoke may stop Berbatov from starting the match but he will be on the side line after recovering from the injury on friday.

Manchester United are seven points behind Liverpool in the top but they have two games in hand. Winning these two match will take United in the touching distance to the leader.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Evra targets Premier League hat-trick

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Patrice Evra targets a hat-trick of Premier League title and told his team mates to focus on it.

"My target is to win three titles in a row," he said. "To win it again would be the best feeling. We have the potential to do it but we must keep working hard."

Manchester United recieved a boost in their title retain challange after winning the Club World Cup and seeing the leader liverpool and Chelsea dropping points.

But Evra will be missing the Christmas fixtures as he serves four match ban given by the FA. He will play against Chelsea in 10th January.

"I would like to thank the FA for my little holiday, it means I can spend more time with my family over Christmas," he joked.

"I have thought about the ban every day. Of course, I am happy we have won the trophy but I am still very angry because I don't accept I did what they say.

"When you miss games through injury, you can understand it but to miss four games because of this hurts.

"It's not the best Christmas present for me, that's for sure."

Monday, December 22, 2008

Manchester United are the Champion of Champions

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Manchester United crowned the champion of the champions as they beat Liga de Quito by 1-0. Rooney scored the winning goal in the 73rd minutes. 

The first half was finished as a goalless 45 minutes with United dominating the possession and creating many chances. But Liga de Quito's keeper save them from conceding any goal.

United started the second half in search of an early goal but they faced a blow as Vidic recieved direct red card for a silly mistake. 

Sir Alex ferguson said after the match, "The collective spirit of the team won the day,"

"With 10 men we played with great expression and tried to win the match, which is a measure of the ambition of the players we have.

"After Vidic was sent off it was important that we didn't lose the ball. It was important to keep passing and hope Ronaldo or Rooney did something special."

And Rooney did something special when Ronaldo placed the ball for him and he finished it with a wonderful curly shot past the Quito keeper.

Ronney was overjoyed to score the winner for Manchester United.

"To be crowned the best in the world is a great achievement," he said.

"To score the winning goal in a match like this is a great feeling for me personally."

Vidic red card cause him a one match UEFA ban that means he will miss the tie against Inter Milan in february.

Teams:
LDU Quito: Cevallos, Norberto Araujo, Calle (Ambrossi 77), Campos, Calderon, Reasco (Larrea 82), Urrutia, William Araujo, Manso, Luis Bolanos (Navia 87), Bieler. 
Subs Not Used: Dominguez, Obregon, Delgado, Eder Vaca, Danny Vaca, Chango, Viteri. 
Booked: Bieler, Campos, Cevallos, Calle, William Araujo. 

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva (Neville 85), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson (Fletcher 87), Park, Tevez (Evans 51), Rooney. 
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Berbatov, Giggs, Nani, Scholes, Welbeck, O'Shea, Gibson, Amos. 
Sent Off: Vidic (49). 
Booked: Anderson. 
Goals: Rooney 73.
Att: 62,619 

Ref: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan).

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Rooney says world title will boost his team morale

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Manchester United number 10 Wayne Rooney believes world title will boost their morale and will help to win them more competitions this year.

United will face Ecuador's side Liga de Quito in Yokohama for the world club championship. Rooney substituted in place of Tevez against Gamba and scored in his second touch. He again scored minutes later. Rooney thinks the medal can change team.

"We are in quite a strong position in the league and if we can go back as champions of the world it would be a big boost for us and a platform for the second half of the season," he insisted. "It would also send out a powerful message."

"It had never been in my mind about winning the world championship - when I joined United the targets were the obvious ones like the Premier League and the Champions league. But the chance to play in this competition has really excited me.

"I would love to have a complete set of winners' medals. I’ve got the Champions League, two Premier League titles, the Carling Cup and the Community Shield already. I was disappointed to lose the Super Cup earlier in the season and I have lost two FA Cup Finals, so the Club World Cup medal is something I'm desperate to get because who knows when you get the chance again."




United will face Inter at Champions League round 16

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Manchester United is pitted against Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in the round 16 of Champions League. United will travel first to San siro and then Inter will come to Old Trafford. 

Boss sir Alex Ferguson said to MUTV,"They kept us hanging being last out of the hat, but its interesting to come up against Jose again. He's a character with a good personality and I've always got on well with him."

"He knocked us out of the competition with Porto, so I hope we have the luck they had in that tie this time round. Inter have had a tremendous domestic record recently and that speaks volumes for the consistency of their team."

Champions League last 16 draw:
Chelsea v Juventus 
Villarreal v Panathinaikos 
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich 
Atletico Madrid v Porto 
Lyon v Barcelona 
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter Milan v Manchester United

First leg Feb 24 and 25, second leg March 10 and 11.

Man Utd in Europe against P W D L F A   
Inter                                2 1 1 0 3 1

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Manchester United overpowered Gamba Osaka

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Manchester United overpowered Gamba Osaka in the semi finals of Club world Cup 2008 at Yokohama and booked their place in the finals. The match ended in a 5-3 scoreline to Man Utd.

Manchester United dominated the first half and lead by 2-0 at break thanks to the goals from Vidic and Ronaldo both from the corner of Giggs. But it was the second half that set the game on fire.

Gamba pulled one back as Yamazaki scored in the 74th minutes. But their hope was gone as Rooney scored within 60 seconds.

Darren Fletcher made it 4-1 in the 78th minutes through a cross from Patrice Evra. Than Rooney scored again after the restart.

In 84th minutes Gamba won a penalty as Gary Naville handled the ball in the penalty box and Endo converted the penalty into a goal. Hashimoto than scored to make it 5-3 in late moments that turned six goals in the last 17 minutes.

United will now play Ecuador's side Liga de Quito on sunday to claim the Club World Cup as first British team.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Fergie eyes Club World Cup title

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Sir Alex Ferguson admits the location of the Club World Cup could be better but he is determined Man Utd win it.

The Red Devils have jetted to Japan for a semi-final showdown with Gamba Osaka on Thursday which means another disruption to their Premier League defence.

United have already seen a home clash with Fulham rearranged because of the European Super Cup but Fergie is still up for the challenge.

He told Setanta: "We are delighted to be going to Japan to be representing England. We are there because we won the European Cup, we are going there to win it.

"No British team has won it in this new format. Although there is a handicap in going there, we are delighted to be there."

Post your opinion on the comments section below.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Van der Sar happy to extend contract

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United goalkeeper said he is delighted to extend the contract with Manchester United until june 2010. He said he didn't think twice to renew the contract.



"It was not difficult at all," van der Sar said. "It's 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."



"I've enjoyed every minute of the three-and-a-half years I've been here so far and I'm really looking forward to playing for another season after this one."



Van der Sar arrived at Old Trafford in 2005 from Fulham and played a key role in last years double winner including UEFA Champions League.



Van der Sar is now in Japan to play in the Club World Cup with Manchester United.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Manchester may lose Real Madrid target Ljajic

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Manchester United may miss out on Adem Ljajic if they cannot agree terms with Partizan Belgrade teammate Zoran Tosic.

The Mirror says United are ready to pull out of a deal for Serbian winger Tosic in a row over his personal terms.

Tosic and highly-rated young team-mate Adem Ljajic were flown in to finalise their moves from Partizan Belgrade.

As Partizan want to do a double deal, United fear losing midfielder Ljajic, who is also on Real Madrid's wanted list.

Chelsea missed the chance to go top

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Chelsea lost a great chance to go top over Liverpool after the draw match against West Ham United at Stamford Bridge last night. They were held at a 1-1 scoreline.

Chelsea, which has now failed to win six of its nine home league games, trailed to Craig Bellamy’s 34th-minute strike at Stamford Bridge. Nicolas Anelka scored his 100th Premier League goal to avoid a second straight home defeat for the Blues.

“We went a goal up early on and we expected to be put under pressure but we were solid and put in a good shift,” West Ham’s Scott Parker told Sky Sports. “I think we deserved a point.”

Liverpool stay top after this weekends play with 38 points even though they lose points with Hull City. Chelsea, standing right after Liverpool with just One point behind. And Manchester United at third position with 32 points.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

United held by Spurs

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Manchester United drew with Tottenham Hotspur in the saturdays matchup. Sir Alex Ferguson admitted they had wasted a massive chance to reinvigorate their title challange after they were held by Spurs.

United could have moved to within four points of leaders Liverpool following their surprising draw at home to Hull City, but United suffered their own frustrations.

That means United still six points behind leader Liverpool but that gap can be streched if Chelsea beat West Ham today.

Manchester United will now fly to Japan to start their campaign of Club World Cup. In this way they will miss their next saturday's match. That means they fall behind even more points.

Ferguson admited he wanted to reduce the gap between them and the leader before departing for CWC but a wasteful finishing and good keeping by Spurs's keeper Gomes held them doing that.

"It's always frustrating when you see your main rivals like Arsenal and Liverpool drop points and you also drop points yourselves," the United manager said.

"Spurs worked very hard to contain us. It's not the worst result in the world, but the two points we dropped would have made a big difference in the league," he added.

United were far from their best at White Hart Lane, but they created enough in a one-sided second half to warrant all thee points.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Manchester United vs Aalborg

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Manchester United will face Dannish club Aalborg in the Champions league final group stage match tonight. United already qualified for the round 16 with villareal. This match will result who will be the top team of the group. Villareal will play Celtic in Celtic's ground.




Cristiano Ronaldo set to miss the match after the hip injury he recieved against Sunderland.The winger trained on Tuesday despite a hip injury but with United having qualified already, manager Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to risk him.


Micheal Carrick is also on the bench while Gary Naville and Ben Foster is likely to start. And its expected that Sir Alex Ferguson will keep Pual Scholes from starting the match.


Man Utd (from): Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Park, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Possebon, Gibson, Berbatov, Rooney, Tevez, Manucho.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Manchester United favourite for the Club World Cup

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Manchester United are the favourite of this years Club World Cup. This year the event will be held Japan.


Man Utd qualified for Club World Cup as they are the present champion of europe. Champion clubs of six continents will compete each other for the glory.


The last time an English team qualified for the tournament, now in the fourth year in its current format, Liverpool made the gruelling trip mid-season in 2005 only to lose 1-0 in the final to Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo.


While the tournament gets underway with a preliminary round game on Thursday between Asian hope Adelaide United and Oceania qualifier Waitakere United of New Zealand, the Red Devils don't play until December 18.


United will play straight to the semi final against either Japan's Gamba Osaka or the winner of the Adelaide-Waitakere.


The other semi will involve Liga de Quito against the winner of a match between powerful Egyptian side Al Ahly or Mexico's Pachuca, the champions of Africa and Central America respectively.


The present winner of this event is AC Millan.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Vidic rescues United from losing two points

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United won against Sunderland by a late Vidic goal that rescues Manchester United from losing two valuable points. Manchester United dominated the game with the ball almost on the Sunderland side. In the first half Van Der Sar almost nothing had to do. United pressed Sunderland every single minuted but couldn't find the net. After the start of the second half Sunderland tried a bit to have possession of the ball but that was not enough to stop united from attacking. And at the 91st minutes Carrick triggered a long range shot that deflected passed the goalkeeper and hit the post. Vidic placed the deflected ball in the net calmly and helped united to keep in track of the championship.

Sunderland started their match without their manager Roy Keane who leaved the post a few days ago.

Other big three also won their matches. Liverpool won against Blackburn by 3-1. Arsenal really had to work hard as they won against Wigan by a goal scored by Adebayor. Chelsea played Bolton and finished the match 2-0 at Reebok stadium. 

United now five points and six points behind Chelsea and Liverpool respectively with a match in hand.

Post your opinion on the comments section.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Preview: Manchester United vs Sunderland

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Manchester United will play against Sunderland in this weeks Barclays Premier League's tie. Where Sunderland will play their match without a manager after Roy Keane leaved the post few days ago.

Paul Scholes retern from a knee injury but Sir Alex Ferguson will not allow the veteran to play against Sunderland even though he played  the last 30 mins against Blackburn in Carling cup quarter final.

The match starts at 17.30 GMT.

Todays LIneup:

MAN UNITED (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Park, Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov.

SUNDERLAND (from): Fulop, Colgan, Bardsley, Chimbonda, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Collins, Malbranque, Whitehead, Tainio, Leadbitter, Edwards, Miller, Yorke, Reid, Henderson, Colback, Diouf, Cisse, Jones, Murphy, Healy.

Other fixtures:

Saturday 06 Dec 2008
Fulham vs Man City

Arsenal vs Wigan

Blackburn vs Liverpool

Bolton vs Chelsea

Hull vs Middlesbro

Newcastle vs Stoke

Man United vs Sunderlan

Sunday 07 Dec 2008
West Brom vs Portsmouth

Everton vs A Villa

Monday 08 Dec 2008
West Ham vs Tottenham





Thursday, December 4, 2008

Tevez scores four as Man utd reaches semi final

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Carlos Tevez found the four times as Manchester united passed Blackburn rovers to reach semi final after a thrilling 5-3 win at Old trafford.

Tottenham hotsper champions of the last season's final also won against Watford by 2-1 as Derren Bent hit the net in the late moments.

Tevez's magnificent display is sure to cause selection problems for boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who has left him on the bench for much of the season in the league.

Feguson made 10 changes that won the match against City on sunday but they played as there were no changes on the team.

Now the four teams in the semi finals are:

Burnley
Derby County
Manchester United
Tottenham

Related:

Carling Cup preview: Man Utd vs Blackburn Rovers

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Carling Cup preview: Man Utd vs Blackburn Rovers

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Carling cup quarter final match between Manchester United and Blackburn will be played at Old Trafford tonight. Manchester United should win this match to continue the tournaments value. As is often the case the bigger clubs focus on the competitions which are perceived to be important are given priority and the other 'less' important competitions are used as training matches for the second string players. Ferguson is likely to make a big change in the team after a big two weeks matches against Arsenal, Villareal and Man City. The predicted team line ups are here:

Manchester United
: Foster, Kuszczak, Rafael, Evans, Cleverley, Neville, Chester, Vidic, O'Shea, Nani, Park, Fletcher, Anderson, Possebon, Gibson, Giggs, Tevez, Welbeck, Manucho.
Blackburn: Robinson, Brown, Simpson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Emerton, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Mokoena, Olsson, Tugay, Treacy, Pedersen, Roberts, Derbyshire, Villanueva, Santa Cruz, Fowler and McCarthy.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Liverpool drew with West Ham

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Liverpool drew with West Ham last Night. Liverpool now on top despite losing points as chesea lost against Arsenal on sunday. That brings Manchester United in touching distance with Liverpool and Chelsea. Liverpool now six points and Chelsea five points ahead of Manchester United. Though Manchester United played one game less than these the others.

Related:

United see off City with 10 man

Monday, December 1, 2008

United see off City with 10 man

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Man City 0-1 Man Utd

Wayne Rooney scored his 100th goal as United saw off a fighting Man City and won the Manchester derby.

In an eventful tie at Eastlands, Man Utd dominated the first half and were rewarded with a goal just before the interval.

Rooney knocking in from a Carrick shot which was parried by Hart, and Rooney scored his 100th club goal, his 83rd with United. Stephen Ireland hit the post but the home team could not force an equaliser.

Man Utd were impressive going forward for the course of the game even when Ronaldo was sent off in the second half. The winger handled in the box from a corner and was shown a second yellow by referee Howard web.

It was a deliberate handball, and the Portugese captain claimed he heard a whistle. Ronaldo had already been booked for bringing down Shaun Wright-Phillips earlier on.

In the dying moments of the game, Richard Dunne had a shot cleared off the line, but as United cleared Joe Hart, the City keeper, was up for the corner and the U21 international had to race back to his goal. Ryan Giggs gave it to Rooney who unleashed a 50 yard shot, which was goal-bound, only for Hart to pull of an amazing save to deny Rooney his 101st goal.

United ended the day convincing winners and are keeping pressure on Chelsea and Liverpool for the title. The champions gave starts to Rafael, Park and Berbatov while rivals City had Robinho back from injury.

Update: Chelsea 1- Arsenal 2

Chelsea suffered a loss against Arsenal despite leading at half time. Chelsea got ahead with a own goal commited by Johan Djourou. But Arsenal leveled after half time start through a Van Persy trade mark bullet shot. Though the goal looked like offside. Within three minutes Van Persy again scored to get arsenal ahead. The match ended on that score.

Manchester United now 5 points behind Chelsea and Liverpool with a game in hand and Liverpool will play their this weeks match against West ham later today.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Match preview: Mancity vs Manutd

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Manchester City will aim to continue their excellent week by claiming the scalp of their local rivals on Sunday.

City completed the double over United last season and will be confident of collecting three points after following up their victory over Arsenal last Saturday with an impressive display against Schalke in the Uefa Cup.

Mark Hughes' men remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table after an inconsistent start to their campaign, although their home form has been good and United have struggled somewhat on their travels.

United have only won at Portsmouth and Blackburn this term, but many of their away fixtures have come straight after European games and Ferguson has stated that he feels his side have been 'handicapped' by the schedule.

Ferguson nevertheless believes the Red Devils can make up the ground on joint leaders Chelsea and Liverpool, with the deficit currently standing at eight points.

United already have a game in hand on their fellow title challengers and will fall further behind when they travel to Japan for the Fifa Club World Cup next month.

Playing in tournaments such as the one in the Far East will be a target for City now they have been taken over by the mega-rich Abu Dhabi United Group, and Sunday's contest should provide some idea of how close they are to United at the present time.

City will expect to narrow the gap over the coming months and years and more signings on the scale of Robinho are expected, either in the January transfer window or next summer.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

3rd consecutive draw for Man Utd against Villarreal

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Holders Manchester United failed to secure top spot in Champions League Group E but qualified for the knockout stage of the competition after another 0-0 draw with Villarreal at El Madrigal on Tuesday.

Villarreal, still undefeated at home in the Champions League, join United in the last 16 and the final round of group matches will now decide who tops the group.

Manchester United, who have the superior goal difference, host Aalborg on December 12 while Villarreal have a tougher trip to Celtic on the same day.

Once again there was no separating these two teams who have failed to produce a goal in 360 minutes of European football having played each other four times in the Champions League with every game ending 0-0.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that he had been impressed by his side's second-half performance.

"I thought we deserved better out of this match," said the Scot, who has guided the team to two Champions League trophies in his time in charge.

"I was satisfied with the second-half performance and I felt that Villarreal were just happy to get the draw."

Cristiano Ronaldo hit the crossbar at the end of the first half for United, who had the better chances, but Villarreal could also have stolen the points.

Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila was harshly sent off eight minutes from time for a challenge on Ronaldo that seemed to merit a yellow card rather than a straight red.

"I didn't really see the incident," said Ferguson.

"However, I had spoken about Ronaldo needing protection from officials and this evening (Tuesday) we had a good referee."

Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini was delighted to qualify but confessed that the draw means Manchester United are virtually certain to top the group.

"It is mission accomplished for us so I am happy," said Pellegrini. "The group is already decided as I see it: Manchester United are going to be top. I don't think they are going to drop points at home against Aalborg."

Asked on why the fixture has produced four successive scoreless draws Pellegrini replied: "I don't think it is normal that two attacking teams have failed to score in four matches."

Ferguson received a major boost with Ronaldo being declared fit after overcoming a leg injury sustained against Aston Villa at the weekend.

With Dimitar Berbatov injured Carlos Tevez was expected to start but the Argentine, becoming increasingly used to life out of the first XI, was surprisingly left on the substitutes bench with Wayne Roooney acting as a lone striker.

For Villarreal, Giuseppe Rossi faced his former club for the first time after finding competition too fierce at Old Trafford.

Rooney had the ball in the net for the visitors after seven minutes but it did not count with Patrice Evra flagged offside.

Ronaldo, jeered by the home crowd, was involved in an early spat with Ariel Ibagaza who wound up the winger by taking his pulse after a late challenge.

Villarreal were being suffocated by the champions' intense pressing in midfield but carved open a chance on 17 minutes with Santiago Cazorla forcing a save from Kuszczak.

Ronaldo then underlined his goal threat rattling the crossbar four minutes from half-time with Diego Lopez pulling off a fine fingertip save to deny the Portuguese schemer.

At half-time Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini was forced to substitute his captain Marcos Senna who had been struggling with a knock.

Ronaldo looked the man most likely to break the stalemate and early in the second half Lopez saved his low drive and Rooney could not convince the referee that he warranted a penalty after collapsing in the area.

Despite a draw being good enough for both teams to qualify neither side was settling for the stalemate and Villarreal had their best opening on 65 minutes with a terrific Cazorla cross somehow evading everyone.

Capdevila made a heroic goal-line clearance on 80 minutes to deny Rooney only to be strangely sent off minutes later.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Aston Villa 0-0 Man Utd

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Manchester United remain eight points off the top of the Premier League after failing to break down Aston Villa in a lively encounter at Villa Park.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor hit an early chance straight at Edwin van der Sar, Ashley Young's tackle prevented Ji-Sung Park from giving United the lead.

Villa wanted a penalty when Nemanja Vidic challenged Agbonlahor before Wayne Rooney miscued in front of goal.

Both teams created openings late on but could do nothing to break the deadlock.



'Enthusiastic' Villa delight O'Neill

Villa, who leapfrog Arsenal into fourth, will be pleased to have ended a run of 12 consecutive league defeats at the hands of United and claimed their first point against the Old Trafford club since 2002.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was urging his side forward at the end and he might reflect on two points dropped, despite Chelsea and Liverpool being held to goalless draws themselves.

Both teams came into the game with form and confidence from their most recent league outings, Villa having claimed a fine win at Arsenal and United following their home demolition of Stoke.
The pair were separated by just one point but there appeared even less to choose between them in the opening exchanges.

A Luke Young free-kick was headed by Martin Laursen into the path of Agbonlahor but the England striker poked his shot straight at Van der Sar.

At the other end, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped in from the left wing and unleashed a venomous drive that was clawed behind by Brad Friedel, making his 166th consecutive Premier League appearance to equal David James' record.

United, boosted by the returns of Rio Ferdinand and Rooney, were initially frustrated by Villa's 4-5-1 formation, which turned into a 4-3-3 when in possession.


But with United looking to get forward in numbers at every opportunity, the visitors' slick passing soon enabled wingers Ronaldo and Park to get in behind the Villa full-backs.

On 38 minutes Ronaldo sent Park racing through on goal but, just as the South Korean prepared to shoot, Ashley Young slid in with a perfectly-timed challenge to avert the danger.

With Villa struggling to keep hold of the ball, United continued to flow forward and a sliding Park was inches away from converting Rooney's enticing right-wing cross.
Villa were good value for their point, attacking and defending as one


United tried to make their superiority count before half-time, Vidic heading narrowly wide from a Ryan Giggs free-kick, but Villa held firm.

Martin O'Neill's men looked vibrant after the re-start and Van der Sar was forced to concede a corner with Ashley Young's intended cross heading towards the top corner.

Villa were beginning to play without inhibition and, on the hour-mark, felt they should have had a penalty when Agbonlahor was felled after out-pacing Vidic on the left, although replays suggested Vidic won the ball.


United wasted a glorious chance when Michael Carrick hooked over the Villa defence for Rooney, who found himself clean through but fired horribly high and wide from close range.

Ferguson replaced an out-of-form Carlos Tevez with Nani as United continued to probe from wide areas but clear-cut chances were not forthcoming and Villa reminded the reigning champions of their threat when Ashley Young's drive was well saved by Van der Sar.

Vidic had to be alert to scramble clear after James Milner beat John O'Shea and crossed but in the end neither side could breach the other's back four.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Manchester United win against Stoke City

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Manchester United 5 - Stoke City 0

Scorers: For ManUtd:  Ronaldo(3',89'), Carrick(45'), Berbatov(49'), Welbeck(84')

In the other matches of saturday Aston villa stunned Arsenal by 2-0 victory. Earliar Liverpool defeated Bolton by two goals to nil. Chelsea will entertain West brom later on today.
 

Friday, November 14, 2008

Man Utd v Stoke : Match Preview

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Sir Alex Ferguson has demanded a more clinical performance from his Manchester United side when they host Stoke City at Old Trafford.

The angry United boss blamed his side's wasteful finishing for last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at the hands of title rivals Arsenal, which left them eight points off the pace set by leaders Chelsea and Liverpool.

The champions carved out 18 chances at the Emirates Stadium last weekend but, despite having the combined attacking talents of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov all on the pitch, they could only find the net through substitute right-back Rafael.

Ferguson is expected to shuffle his pack for the visit of the Potters with Tevez likely to return to the starting line-up following his recent spell as a substitute.

The Argentine striker scored the penalty that secured a midweek Carling Cup win over QPR and could replace either Rooney or Berbatov.

Elsewhere, knee injury victims Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes remain absent, but Wes Brown could return to the squad after spraining his ankle in training last weekend and missing the Arsenal game.

But whichever team Ferguson sends out on Saturday will be expected to improve on a record which has seen the perennial title challengers pick up just four points from the last nine on offer.

Stoke will be hoping to follow up last weekend's strong defensive display in the goalless draw against Wigan Athletic with another backs-to-the-wall effort at Old Trafford.

Tony Pulis' side were well-drilled at the JJB Stadium as they picked up only their second away point of the season, but the Potters had Thomas Sorensen to thank as the Danish goalkeeper kept Wigan at bay with a string of second-half saves.

Those away fans travelling to Manchester will be hoping their side can repeat the heroics of beating Arsenal at the Britannia Stadium two weeks ago.

Tottenham, Sunderland and Aston Villa have also fallen foul of the 12th-placed Potters this season, while joint league leaders Liverpool were also held to a goalless draw in September.

However, Stoke have won on only one of their previous nine visits to Old Trafford and are regarded as long shots to improve on that record.

Cristiano Ronaldo seeks improved Manchester United deal

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Ronaldo is currently the highest paid player at Old Trafford, having signed a £120,000-a-week, five-year contract in April 2007.

However, the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, believes the 23-year-old warrants a pay rise, having been named FIFpro World Player of the Year and now favourite to pick up the prestigious European and World Player of the Year awards in the coming weeks.

A statement from Mendes' company, Gestifute, said: "It is normal that a footballer wants a deal to go with his status and one that matches his performance on the field.

"But nobody has prepared anything concrete. We want to avoid any rumours in the press and we do predict a meeting with Manchester United to speak about the future of Ronaldo, but still there is not an exact date."

This announcement has been treated with surprise and suspicion by United, who are reluctant to offer Ronaldo a wage increase so soon after he spent last summer angling for a move to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo will have to prove his commitment to United before an improved deal is placed on the table, and even then it is unlikely to be anywhere near the £150,000 a week Real offered him just five months ago.

Reports, however, suggest United chief executive David Gill will open discussions with Mendes at the end of the season, for fear Ronaldo may buy himself out of his current agreement if a new deal is not agreed by summer 2010.

Monday, November 10, 2008

This Weeks Table

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             Team             Pld Point 

01. Chelsea                12     29
02. Liverpool             12    29
03. Arsenal                12     23
04. Man United         11    21
05. A Villa                  12    20
06. Hull                      12    20
07. Everton               12    18
08. Middlesbro         12    17
09. Portsmouth        12    17
10. Fulham                11    14
11. Bolton                  12    14
12. Stoke                   12    14
13. Man City             12    13
14. West Ham          12    13
15. Blackburn           12    13
16. Tottenham         12    12
17. Wigan                  12    12
18. Newcastle           12    12
19. Sunderland         12    12
20. West Brom         12    11

This weeks BPL results

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Sunday 09 Nov 2008

Fulham 2 vs Newcastle 1

A Villa 1 vs Middlesbro 2

Man City 1 vs Tottenham 2

Blackburn 0 vs Chelsea 2

Saturday 08 Nov 2008

Liverpool 3 vs West Brom 0

Hull 0 vs Bolton 1

Sunderland 1 vs Portsmouth 2

West Ham 1 vs Everton 3

Arsenal 2 vs Man United 1

Wigan 0 vs Stoke 0

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Man Utd wants Delph

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already missed out on young British prodigies Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey to Arsenal, but this time he is set to win the race to sign the next outstanding young British prodigy.

The left-winger has been under close observation from a host of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle, who made a bid for the 18-year-old earlier this year, but this was rejected by Leeds.

Delph has only played 21 first-team League games for Leeds, scoring three times, but Ferguson is willing to take the chance that he can become a star at Old Trafford, and now looks set to bag the Bradford-born player.

A Manchester United insider told The Sun, "It’s as certain as it gets that Fabian will be a Red in January. It’s a done deal."

The youngster has been making big news recently, with the country's big clubs excited about someone who could be the next Theo Walcott, so Sir Alex Ferguson will have to move fast in order to secure Delph's services.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Report: Arsenal 2 Man UTD 1

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Samir Nasri got Arsenal back in the groove as the French midfielder scored twice to give the Gunners a much-needed 2-1 win against Manchester United on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger's side started as underdogs on their home turf after a miserable run of three games without a win - including a tumultuous meltdown at Stoke - but they produced a superb performance to cast aside doubts over their title prospects this season.

Nasri opened the scoring midway through the first half in a thrilling encounter, then added his fifth goal of the campaign moments after half-time to seal the points.

A last minute goal from Rafael da Silva - his first for United - gave the champions hope, but they couldn't force an equaliser despite six minutes of injury-time.

Arsenal, who moved to within three points of leaders Chelsea ahead of their match at Blackburn on Sunday, are now firmly back in the title race, while United are five points off top spot.

Ahead of kick-off much of the talk had been of Arsenal's injury problems, so relief swept around the Emirates Stadium once the teams were announced with Theo Walcott, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre coming through fitness tests.

For United there was just one change from the side that beat Hull last time out in the league, Park Ji-Sung coming in to replace Nani on the left of midfield.

Arsenal started nervously and goalkeeper Manuel Almunia gave away a needless free kick within one minute as he handled a Silvestre back pass. The set-piece led to Michael Carrick firing wide for the visitors.

Arsenal had not lost back-to-back league games in 56 outings, but the signs were not looking good as that defeat at Stoke seemed to pray on their nerves early on.

United had a goal ruled out after eight minutes, Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov had strayed offside before slotting home from close range after a Wayne Rooney shot was pushed away.

Wenger's men worked their way into the game and Nicklas Bendtner should have tested goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar with two headed chances before the quarter hour mark.

Arsenal took the lead in the 22nd minute. Patrice Evra fouled Bacary Sagna on the right side of the penalty area.

Cesc Fabregas's free-kick was cleared by Berbatov as far as Nasri on the edge of the box and he hit a left foot shot which deflected off Gary Neville and into the net.

The remainder of the half was tense. Walcott struck a decent opportunity over the crossbar, and Arsenal hearts were in mouths as Gael Clichy's apparent handball from a Rooney cross was not given as a penalty.

After the break Arsenal quickly slipped into gear and doubled their lead.

Fabregas produced a brilliant turn just outside the United area on 48 minutes and slipped in Nasri, who drilled a fine strike beyond the grasp of Van der Sar.

It was a desperate blow to United, the league's in-form team following a run of seven games without defeat.

Yet within a minute they should have reduced the deficit, Cristiano Ronaldo slotting wide from close range following a perfect lofted cross by Park.

Rooney had a header saved soon after, and the visitors then introduced Ryan Giggs in place of Anderson with 18 minutes remaining in a bid to salvage something from the game.

However, it was Arsenal who had the next opportunity, referee Howard Webb waving away penalty appeals as Nemanja Vidic tugged on the shirt of Nasri.

Ferguson brought on Carlos Tevez in place of Rooney in a further bid to snatch an unlikely point and Arsenal were forced to take off Almunia, with Lukasz Fabianski on after the Spanish keeper was injured in a challenge with Carrick.

United teenager Rafael, on for Neville, gave United a glimmer of hope in the 90th minute when he chested down a clearance on the edge of the area and volleyed left footed into the corner of Fabianski's net.

But victory takes Arsenal into third place, and although Man United have a game in hand, this is a huge psychological boost for Wenger and his side.

Update: Manchester United vs Arsenal

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Arsenal have several injury concerns with Theo Walcott (shoulder) and captain William Gallas (thigh) rated as having "50-50" chances to play.

Bacary Sagna is also a doubt, while Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle), Emmanuel Eboue (knee) and Robin van Persie (suspension) are definitely missing.

Manchester United's Paul Scholes is back to light training and may make his comeback against Spurs on 13 December.

Darren Fletcher (knee) is a doubt, Gary Neville returns and Wes Brown is out.


Arsenal (from): Almunia, Fabianski, Diaby, Sagna, Fabregas, Toure, Nasri, Gallas, Vela, Walcott, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, Silvestre, Wilshere, Gibbs, Djourou, Clichy, Bendtner

Manchester United team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, O'Shea, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Gibson, Possebon, Fletcher, Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Park, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Manchester United Held by Celtic

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Yestrdays champions league clash between Manchester united and Celtic was ended at a 1-1 draw. Celtic got the lead with a perfect chip shot from Mcdonald. Ben Foster playing in place of Van Der Sar had no chance to stop that shot. Later at the 84th minute Ryan Giggs rescued manchester united with a goal. And the match ended at 1-1. Manchester united will play their next game of Champions league in 3 weeks time.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Celtic vs manutd

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Celtic will again be without strike trio Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Chris Killen for Wednesday's visit of Manchester United.

The Scottish side are also missing Glenn Loovens and Marc Crosas.

Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszczak will deputise in goal for United as Edwin van der Sar has been rested.

Rafael Da Silva is set to fill-in at right-back as Wes Brown still has an ankle injury and Gary Neville is also missing from the squad.

Celtic were beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford in October and need a win to maintain their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.

Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson sees the game as an opportunity to give Foster or Kuszczak the opportunity to play, with Foster the more likely to make what would be only his second senior appearance for United and his debut in the Champions League.

Another win for United would send them into the last 16 with two games to spare if Aab Aalborg fail to beat Villarreal. A draw would also be enough if the Spaniards win.

Gordon Strachan's team will need to improve dramatically on their performance at Old Trafford, when two goals from Dimitar Berbatov and one from Wayne Rooney swept the Premier League champions to an emphatic victory.

Celtic have lost only one of their last 11 home Champions League games but they are yet to score in three matches this season and United are yet to concede.

However, the Scottish side can take heart from seeing Hull score three goals in a 4-3 Premier League defeat on Saturday.

And Strachan also said people should not read too much into his side's defeat at Old Trafford.

"We didn't play as well as would have liked but Man United are probably the best team in the world," he added.

"Everyone who goes there, who has spent more money than us, has got a right tonking there. We got beat 3-0 but two of the goals were offside so it's not as bad as people have been making out.

"Can we do it tomorrow? Yes, we can do but we can also get beat, everybody knows that. But it will be a special occasion."

Celtic (from): Boruc, Hinkel, Naylor, Caldwell, McManus, Wilson, Maloney, McGeady, Scott Brown, Hartley, Robson, Donati, McDonald, McCourt, Sheridan, Mark Brown, Nakamura, O'Dea, Caddis.

Man Utd (from): Kuszczak, Foster, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Rafael, Evans, Possebon, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Ronaldo, Gibson, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney.

Courtesy of BBC Sports.