Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[asiancigar]

Champions League Q-Finals

Chelsea v Manchester United ,
Internazionale Milano v Schalke 04,
Real Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur
Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk.

http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionslea...d=1609215.html

Here is our chance to give back to Chelsea what they did to us on March 1.

Am certain that Roman is not very keen on the thought that they will have to wait another year to try and win the CL...... hahaha

Cheerz
AC

[alex18122003]

United 1 Bolton 0

Never gets tiring, does it? Stack the odds as high as you want, United will find a way to overcome them.

Dimitar Berbatov poked home a potentially priceless late winner for the league leaders, who had been frustrated for long periods by a magnificent defensive display from Bolton, while also being reduced to 10 men for a heavy challenge by Jonny Evans on Stuart Holden.

Led by inspired displays from Gary Cahill and David Wheater in the centre of defence, the Trotters rarely offered United a clear opening, but Berbatov pounced to pinch the points just as time seemed to be running out for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Starting the first instalment of a five-match touchline ban, the United manager again had to patch up his backline. Wes Brown was shunted to right-back by the return of Jonny Evans, who joined Chris Smalling in the centre of defence. Patrice Evra continued at left-back.

With a surfeit of fit wingers, however, the United manager deployed Nani and Antonio Valencia on opposite flanks and repurposed another, Ryan Giggs, to join Michael Carrick in central midfield.

Bolton arrived at Old Trafford on the back of a six game unbeaten run and, like United, fresh from booking a berth in this season’s FA Cup semi-finals. The Trotters struck the first blow even before kick-off; winning the toss and forcing United to flip custom and attack the Stretford End in the first period.

There was another scare for United within two minutes, as Evans’ slip allowed Johan Elmander to tee up Fabrice Muamba, but the midfielder’s clunky first touch sent the ball out of play, when a first-time shot would have posed serious questions of Edwin van der Sar.

There was no such indecision in United’s forward play moment s later, however. Wayne Rooney needed no second invitation to pull the trigger from 25 yards, and his powerful drive arrowed just a yard wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s top corner.

Both sides continued to trade early blows, and the Reds might have had a penalty when Gary Cahill flung himself to block a Chicharito shot, and the Mexican’s half-hit effort was diverted wide by the defender’s flailing hand.

Those claims were waved away by referee Andre Marriner, who found himself subjected to home protestations soon afterwards when he deemed Evans to have fouled Kevin Davies just outside the United area. The Reds’ ire was placated, however, when van der Sar comfortably clutched Martin Petrov’s set-piece.

To and fro, the game continued to swing, with both sides’ ambition coming at the cost of composure in possession, but not chances. Rooney’s powerfully volley from a Valencia cross was well fielded by Jaaskelainen, while Evra alertly blocked Elmander’s effort. In riposte, a neat exchange between Valencia and Rooney culminated in the striker’s cross beingturned wide by Chicharito.

The front pairing’s link-up bore signs of their increased familiarity, having started five of the last six games in tandem, but the visitors’ well-marshalled defence scarcely allowed either striker a chink of space to exploit. Perhaps mindful of this, Rooney sent another vicious long-range effort scorching over the bar shortly before half-time.

Unexpectedly, Sir Alex used the interval to freshen up his side’s approach, introducing Dimitar Berbatov and Fabio at the expense of Chicharito and Brown.

The move prompted a spell of sustained United pressure early in the second period, but still the visitors held firm, marshalled superbly by the central defensive pairing of Cahill and Wheater. The latter might have given his side the lead on the hour mark, but missed Petrov’s corner despite rising above his marker. As Bolton enjoyed a spell of pressure, Petrov’s drilled cross then narrowly cleared van der Sar’s crossbar, though the Dutchman assuredly watched it fly by.

Still the visitors pressed, leaving relatively open space behind them. Carrick performed a heroic block to repel Davies’ shot, then in the same passage of play Nani led a breakaway which culminated in Rooney’s pull-back being cleared by the omnipresent Cahill.



Berbatov had scarcely been afforded a sight of goal since his introduction, but the Bulgarian almost broke the deadlock out of nothing with 20 minutes remaining; steering a snapshot just past the top corner from 20 yards, with Jaaskelainen rooted. Berbatov was soon released by a superb through-ball from Valencia, but Cahill hunted down United’s number nine and executed a stunning challenge to hook the ball to safety.

Just as the Reds were seemingly turning the screw and making chances, however, Evans and Holden contested a 50-50 challenge from which the Northern Ireland defender emerged to a red card from referee Andre Marriner, while the America midfielder left the field on a stretcher with several of his team-mates in visible distress.

Elmander slammed the subsequent free-kick just past van der Sar’s post, but it was still United who pressed, and Rooney brought a smart save from Jaaskelainen with a low, near-post effort. The danger of committing so much to the pursuit of victory was underlined, however, when substitute Matty Taylor, on for Holden, planted a free header straight at van der Sar.

Undeterred, United continued to throw caution to the wind. Jaaskelainen parried a Nani shot to safety, but moments later was less convincing in repeating the feat when the Portuguese winger again chanced his arm from just outside the box. Pouncing at the perfect time, Berbatov steered the loose ball under the Finnish stopper to send Old Trafford into delirium.

[jitlong69]

Originally Posted by jitlong69

That is my predictions too. MU has 2 tricky games. The first one is Bolton. Bolton has always been a boo boo team for all the top 4. The edge is with MU playing at home. Dont bang too much on a MU win cause it could likely be a draw. Currently MU right back is weak with the ultility man O'Shea out and also Rafael

Nexy tricky game is with Everton on the 23rd. Again MU is at home so the edge on MU again but MU never has an easy game with Everton.

Arsenal will be out for revenge for their FA exit when they meet MU. Hopefully MU will score first because Arsenal back line is weak.

Arsenal also have to meet Bolton at Reebok on 24th so this will be an important game for Arsenal and MU.

Spurs should win at White Hart on the 20th when they meet Arsenal.

So everything points towards MU for their 19th League cup or maybe another treble. MU is on course anyway. Lets sit back and enjoy the game.

Chelsea, best is a 3rd position.

4th place will be very interesting between Spur and M city that everyone knows.

See what I told you. Good that MU win but surprise Arsenal had adraw with WBA in fact could have lost.

[machoman]

Berbatov gives 10-man United title boost

Sunday, March 20, 2011, 01:28:32 HRS

Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov (2nd L) scores the only goal of their English Premier League football match against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Dimitar Berbatov gave 10-man Manchester United a vital 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford on Saturday.

With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson serving the first of his five-match touchine ban, the Premier League leaders looked bereft of inspiration for long periods.

Their hopes of taking advantage of Arsenal's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion seemed to have suffered a further blow 15 minutes from time when defender Jonny Evans was shown a straight red card for an horrendous, studs-up challenge on Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden.

But Ferguson, watching in the directors' box, was on his feet two minutes from time when Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen fumbled a long-range shot from Nani and substitute Berbatov was able to walk the rebound into an open goal.

United are now five points clear of second-place Arsenal, who have a game in hand on the leaders.

United's troubles might have started earlier, after just three minutes to be precise, when a slip by Michael Carrick allowed Gretar Steinsson to find Johan Elmander who, in turn, made the perfect lay-off for midfielder Fabrice Muamba.

Fortunately, for the home side, the Bolton man showed terrible footwork and miscontrolled from just 12 yards out.

It was the start of an entertaining half, even if United were well below their best.

Wayne Rooney unleashed a terrific early 20-yard shot that flew wide before Paul Robinson was required to block Javier Hernandez's shot after a clever pull-back from Wes Brown.

Rooney, in a rich vein of goalscoring form, was looking more like his old self and unleashed a volley from an Antonio Valencia cross that Jaaskelainen held well at the second attempt.

Martin Petrov's deflected cross almost played in Daniel Sturridge just six yards out, then the Bulgarian's free-kick from near the right-hand corner flag caused panic in the home defence before being headed behind by Rooney.

By the interval, Ferguson clearly recognised the need for change and defender Fabio and leading scorer Berbatov came on, for Brown and Hernandez respectively.

It was Nani who looked United's most likely source of a breakthrough early after the restart, however, as he tormented Steinsson down Bolton's right flank.

But the Portuguese international could not find the breakthrough, failing with his final pass or long-range shot all too often.

Manchester United's midfielder Nani (L) vies with Bolton Wanderers' defender Gretar Rafn Steinsson (R) during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 1-0.

Instead, it was Bolton who almost drew first blood as the game passed the hour mark and David Wheater almost connected with a Petrov corner before the Bulgarian drilled in a fierce cross-shot that just cleared the bar from another set-piece.

United responded again with Rooney powering into the area from the left and seeing his cross beat Jaaskelainen only to be cleared away from danger by Wheater.

The Bolton goalkeeper failed to deal properly with a Nani corner a few moments later, only for Carrick to respond with a feeble strike that flew harmlessly off target.

Berbatov finally threatened the goal 18 minutes from time when Rooney played a short pass to him just outside the penalty area but the 20-goal United forward curled his shot well wide.

Rooney might have put the ten men of United into the lead seven minutes from time as he cut in from the left only to be denied by Jaaskelainen's smart dive low at his near post.

In response, within a minute, Petrov floated in a cross for substitute Matt Taylor, who could only direct a free header straight at United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

That miss proved doubly costly with Nani soon bringing a fine save out of Jaaskelainen before the Finnish goalkeeper's error, from the same player's shot, allowed Berbatov to snatch the points.

- AFP

[machoman]

[jitlong69]

I thought for a moment MU title chance was slipping away. What a come back. Rooney's free kick was fantastic. Now the pressure is on Arsenal at 12.30am. I think Aesenal should have a quite an easy win.

[jitlong69]

With Chelsea and Arsenal dropping points, MU is getting closer to the title.

[asiancigar]

What a cracker....... coming back from a 2 goal deficit and winning in the manner than we did.... and with our Towkay up in the stands..... truly worthy of being Champions !!!!

And with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool dropping points........ it can't get any better >>>>> triple orgasm.... hahaha

And if Man City also drop points in their game tmrw........ wowwwwwwwwwwWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Cheerz
AC

[machoman]

Rooney treble as United down West Ham
Sunday, April 03, 2011, 00:30:34 HRS

Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his third goal from the penalty spot during their English Premier League football match against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, in East London. Rooney struck a second-half hat-trick as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2 and strengthen their position at the top of the English Premier League.

Wayne Rooney struck a second-half hat-trick as Manchester United came from two goals down to beat West Ham 4-2 and strengthen their position at the top of the English Premier League.

Mark Noble had struck two penalties for the hosts at Upton Park but also felt Nemanja Vidic should have been dismissed by referee Lee Mason for denying Demba Ba a goalscoring opportunity.

United took full advantage in the second half, with Rooney pulling a goal back before levelling with his 100th league goal for his club.

The England striker then established a lead with a penalty after Matthew Upson's handball, before Javier Hernandez grabbed another.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched the match unfold from the stands as he is serving a touchline ban for criticising referee Martin Atkinson.

After 10 minutes another decision went against his team when the hosts took the lead through Noble's first penalty, after a move that started on the edge of West Ham's penalty area.

Thomas Hitzlsperger's long pass out of defence released Carlton Cole, whose attempt to lob the ball over Patrice Evra resulted in the France international handling.

Noble kept his nerve and sent Tomasz Kuszczak the wrong way to establish a lead, then doubled the advantage in the 25th minute with another spot-kick.

Mason's decision for the second penalty may have angered Ferguson, as Vidic was certain his challenge on Cole came outside the area.

The Serbia international even pointed to the precise area he had made the tackle as Cole danced in from the left, but Mason had already made his decision.

Noble went for power with his second penalty, and in the opposite corner, with his finish angling into the roof of the net.

United were inevitably going to see more of the ball as they chased the game, but their first sight of goal led to an athletic save from Robert Green.

West Ham manager Avram Grant could not understand why Green did not play for England against Ghana in Tuesday's friendly at Wembley following his recent good form.

He produced a fine stop to deny Park Ji-Sung when the midfielder was left unmarked and unleashed a powerful volley.

United also felt they should have had a penalty when Rooney's poor control saw the ball flick up and strike Upson on the arm.

Vidic, though, was thankful for Mason's leniency when he was only given a yellow card when he prevented Ba from racing through on goal. Hitzlsperger flashed the resulting free-kick just wide.

Hernandez was brought on at the half-time interval, with Ryan Giggs moved to left-back as United looked to get back into the game.

Rooney pulled a goal back with a spectacular curling free-kick 25 yards from goal after Noble had fouled Michael Carrick in the 65th minute, giving United momentum heading into the final phase of the game.

Rooney then levelled the match when he collected Antonio Valencia's pass, raced past Manuel Da Costa and fired his finish beyond Green.

Dimitar Berbatov, on as a substitute, forced two saves from Green but it was Rooney who grabbed the lead for them, tucking away his penalty after Upson handled Fabio da Silva's cross.

Giggs crossed for Hernandez to tap in with six minutes remaining to add gloss to the scoreline.

- AFP

[Rickey]

Worth rejoicing & mentioning again !!

Hip, hip, hooray !! .. Oh...wat a cracking game it was !! ..against West Ham United !...

Record-Breaking 1 too !...MU suffering 2 penalties in the 1st half...& Rooney's smashing hattrick in the Red Devils' 2nd half comeback !! .. Wow, from 2-0 down to 4-2... wat memorable goals they were esp the 1 from a free kick just outside the box tat went straight in giving the opposition keeper no chance at all..

To Rooney & the MU team...Play as ferociously like tis like a tiger in all the remaining 8 games, & the EPL crown wil surely be yours tis season !...Keep yr flag flying high, Devils ! .. nothing is impossible !!...Glory to Manchester United !!

[machoman]

Advantage United as Rooney stuns Chelsea in Champions League

Thursday, April 07, 2011, 05:26:58 HRS

Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring a goal against Chelsea during their UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, first leg football match at Stamford Bridge. United won 1-0.

Wayne Rooney scored the only goal as Manchester United put one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions League here Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Rooney -- who has been at the centre of a furore over his foul-mouthed tirade at a television camera last weekend -- shrugged off his troubles to fire United ahead on 24 minutes.

But the match ended in deep controversy after Chelsea were denied a clear penalty when Patrice Evra brought down Ramires in the penalty area deep into injury time.

The victory was United's first over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and left Sir Alex Ferguson's side firm favourites to progress from the quarter-finals ahead of next Tuesday's second leg at Old Trafford.

But the defeat has left Chelsea with a daunting task if they are to achieve their dream of winning the only piece of silverware that has eluded since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's 2003 takeover of the club.

Only twice before in the Champions League knockout rounds has a team recovered from losing a first leg match at home to advance to the next round.

Ferguson shrugged off the penalty claims afterwards.

"To be honest I thought their player made the most of it," he said.

"I haven't seen the replay but there is plenty to talk about with penalty claims and dives but I thought our players were great.

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech was seething at the failure to earn a spot-kick.

Chelsea's Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti signals to his players during their UEFA Champions League Quarter Final, 1st leg football match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. United won 1-0.

"I think everybody saw what happened, you can see clearly on the TV," he said. "But the most important person did not see it.

"We lost the game and we have left ourselves a mountain to climb but we have to do it."

A scrappy first half saw both sides struggled to establish dominance early on, 50-million-pound signing Fernando Torres testing United keeper Edwin van der Sar with a low shot after only seven minutes.

Chelsea's early pressure almost resulted in a goal on 19 minutes when clever play released Didier Drogba inside the penalty area.

The Ivorian striker's shot was firm but van der Sar was equal to the challenge, tipping over for a corner.

United meanwhile appeared happy to soak up the pressure and look for openings on the break, and on 24 minutes they took the lead with their first meaningful foray into Chelsea territory.

Michael Carrick swung a pass out to the right flank and the evergreen Ryan Giggs, 37, roared up on the left flank to beat Jose Bosingwa on the outside before cutting back to Rooney, whose low shot went in off the post.

The goal stunned Chelsea and for much of the remainder of the half they looked out of sorts against an increasingly composed United.

Torres gave United a brief scare on 35 minutes when he raced into the area and tumbled over under pressure from Vidic, but Spanish referee Alberto Undiano was unimpressed with half-hearted appeals for a penalty.

Moments later United boss Ferguson was off his bench in protest after young striker Javier Hernandez was flattened by a high boot from Chelsea fullback Yuri Zhirkov, who was booked for the challenge.

Yet as half-time neared Chelsea began to trouble United, and should have levelled when a cross from Drogba came back off the post and fell to Frank Lampard, whose close-range shot was cleared off the line by Evra.

Chelsea enjoyed the better chances of the second half, Ramires heading wide on 50 minutes after good work by Drogba down the right.

An overhead kick from Drogba went wide on 57 minutes, but United rarely looked in difficulty despite Chelsea's territorial dominance.

A fractious encounter saw referee Undiano brandish his yellow card with regularity, Ramires and Essien both getting booked.

Chelsea thought they had equalised on 74 minutes when Torres guided a fine header to the back post but van der Sar pulled off a wonderful save to preserve United's lead.

As injury time wound down Chelsea had loud appeals for a penalty waved away after Evra brought down Ramires, but Undiano was unimpressed.

To add insult to injury, Torres was then booked for diving after going over too easily in the penalty area.

- AFP

[jitlong69]

Rooney - ban for 2 matches.

quote: Wayne Rooney will miss this month's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City after he lost his appeal against a two-match ban for swearing at a TV camera during Manchester United's 4-2 Premier League win at West Ham.
..The striker had admitted a charge of using offensive, insulting and/or abusive language, but had contested the length of the sanction, claiming it was excessive.

However, the FA's sanction has been upheld, and he will miss Saturday's Premier League encounter with Fulham and that eagerly-anticipated clash with local rivals City at Wembley on April 16.

Rooney's expletive-strewn rant was heard by millions after he completed his hat-trick at Upton Park last Saturday.

The 25-year-old said he was "gutted" at the sanction.

"I am gutted to miss two matches, one of which is an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley," he said. "I am not the first player to have sworn on TV and I won’t be the last."
Unlike others who have been caught swearing on camera, I apologised immediately. And yet I am the only person banned for swearing. That doesn’t seem right."

Whatever, I have to accept that what’s happened has happened and move on from here. That’s what I intend to do.”

United released the following statement: "Manchester United is clearly very disappointed with the Regulatory Commission's decision.

"The Club put forward a very strong case to have the punishment reduced, which was unsuccessful.

"Wayne Rooney apologised immediately after the match and the club now wishes to move to on to what hopefully will be a very exciting conclusion to the season."

It is extremely rare for a player to be banned simply for swearing, and while it is officially outlawed, foul language remains commonplace on English football pitches. unquote

Looks bad on the surface, but I don't think so. I strongly believe even if Rooney is playing on the 16th April FA semi final against Man City, likely he will not be the scorer. I have this feeling someone from the midfield will score. I dont quite remember if Rooney had played any really good game in any of the big matches. Of course he will be an inspirations and the fear factor that Rooney is playing will be with the opposition team and thus Rooney will have little room to move. The Fulham game, Rooney will not be missed much. When he comes back, he will be all fired up. But I think he should really try to control himself a little, look at the last England game with Wales, he could have been like Peter Croch - 2 yelow equals 1 red. This 2 match ban is really uncalled for. When everyone swears on the pitch that is true. Dont need to be a lips reader that some player and even manager swears the 4 letter words and is captured on camera.

[alex18122003]

Cohorts praise classy Carrick

Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs have highlighted Michael Carrick's importance to United after the midfielder's exceptional display at Chelsea.

Carrick shone throughout the Champions League quarter-final win at Stamford Bridge and it was his inch-perfect pass to the left flank that allowed Giggs to create the only goal of the game for Wayne Rooney.

By making several notable interceptions and full-blooded tackles, the 29-year-old helped the Reds control the midfield and secure a priceless first-leg advantage.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com at Stamford Bridge, United captain Vidic said: "From the players' point of view, Michael is a very important player for us. He brings a lot of balance to the team – he's a link between defence and attack.

"Maybe he's not the most attractive footballer – he doesn't often do fancy tricks – but for our team he plays a key role.

"He takes up good positions so the defenders can always pass to him and he defends very well. He's a top player and has a lot of passion for the game."

Giggs echoed those sentiments, arguing that the former Spurs midfielder has been back to his best for some time.

"Michael's a top player," Ryan told ManUtd.com. "I've felt he's been outstanding over the past couple of weeks, to be honest with you.

Cohorts praise classy Carrick
"He's got good feet, he can pass long and short. But he also defends well and screens the back four."

Giggs' comments on Carrick's defensive capabilities make interesting reading when you consider he's started more Champions League matches than any of his colleagues this term, and that United have still to concede a goal away from home in this season's competition.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by alex18122003

By making several notable interceptions and full-blooded tackles, the 29-year-old helped the Reds control the midfield and secure a priceless first-leg advantage.

"He takes up good positions so the defenders can always pass to him and he defends very well. He's a top player and has a lot of passion for the game."

Giggs echoed those sentiments, arguing that the former Spurs midfielder has been back to his best for some time.

Giggs' comments on Carrick's defensive capabilities make interesting reading when you consider he's started more Champions League matches than any of his colleagues this term, and that United have still to concede a goal away from home in this season's competition.

am really impressed with the way he played against chelski. he has stepped up where fletcher has been absent due to a virus recently.

players like vds, giggs and vidic have been consistent throughout the season, rooney & carrick are finding their form now, valencia & ferdinand are back from injuries, with smalling, nani, hernandez and berbatov (and even owen) supporting, united can really give the treble a go.

i will gladly forego the fa cup for the 19th league title and 4th champions league win.

the 19th league title will put us ahead of pool while the 4th champions league win will put us just one win behind pool's record.

with sir alex declaring that he may go on for another 3 years, i'm sure he will gun for a couple more champions league titles before finally retiring with united truly the most successful football club in england.

[jitlong69]

Another step closer to the title. Frankly, I think many linemen could have rule the first goal offside. Whatever it may be, some times you win and sometimes you loose. Now it is over to Arsenal...........and I think they should be able to get the 3 points..........but any thing can happen in that 90 mins.