Thursday, April 16, 2009

United v Arsenal: The Big Game in the UCL's semi-final

These fantastic games will be played on 29 April and 05 May and will be the first time these teams have met each other on the European Stage.

The first leg of two, take place at Old Trafford, and Sir Alex Ferguson has said his desired to take a lead to the Emirates Stadium.

I think that It will be a terrific semi-final because the rivalry on both teams is Amazing! United have won 14 times and The Gunners have won 15 times and they've drawed 8 times.

The first leg is at home so I think that the advantage would be perfect for us. But, I think this game going to be very difficult to score a Goal.

I believe that we have to be physically well to face Arsenal and not speculates in results.

This season, The Gunners have beaten us 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium and our next game against Arsenal will be on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season.

Next Clashes in the UCL:

28 April & 06 May: FC Barcelona v Chelsea FC, Kick-off 19:45
29 April & 05 May: Manchester United FC v Arsenal FC, Kick-off 19:45

So, Don't miss these Fantastic Games to the road to Rome in the UCL's Final. I look forward to beat Arsenal and I hope to face Chelsea in the next round. We can still win all the Trophies. We can do it! Go United Go!!!

By Paul 'Devil' Grippo.


Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Mourinho ready-made to replace Fergie

When Sir Alex finally calls it a day at Old Trafford the United hierarchy will face the unenviable task of trying to replace the enigmatic Scot.

You can guarantee David Gill will have no shortage of applicants to sift through but just who, if anyone, can replace Ferguson?

There are not too many candidates in my mind that will be able to follow Fergie's legacy at the Theatre of Dreams, but former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho stands out from the rest.

Mourinho has consistently been linked with the United post and when Ferguson's son, Darren, currently in charge of Peterborough, revealed he believed his father could retire at the end of next season if the club overhaul Liverpool's overall Premier League title successes, the speculation once again surfaced.

The self-proclaimed 'Special One' is by no means expecting Fergie to retire in the near future, but he revealed it would take a brave man to turn down the chance to manage United.

"Which is the manager that says no? Nobody can say no," said Mourinho. "Manchester United belongs to a small group of clubs from around the world where nobody can say no.

"But first of all I don't believe in 2010 he is leaving - I don't believe.

"I think year after year he is the same, he's exactly the same person; healthy, happy, so I don't see a reason for him to quit.

"And in a very fair way, I hope he still goes. I hope he still goes on, because he's good."

Mourinho's right- the 67-year-old has not shown any signs of slowing down and his hunger for success is still great, but when he does decide to bring the curtain down on his managerial reign, Mourinho will surely be on the short-list to replace him.

The Inter Milan boss has the ability to cope with huge pressure and turn big-name players into a strong unit. His tactical knowledge is also first class and his dealings with the media have been legendary.

So when Fergie does step aside I think Mourinho will be the ideal man to replace him and continue the success enjoyed by Ferguson.


By Phil Tomlinson

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Time for Ronaldo to step up

With nine games to go in the Premier League and a mini-crisis to avert it's time for Cristiano Ronaldo to step up to the plate.

The champions looked to be in cruise control before Liverpool crashed the party at Old Trafford and the response everyone expected never materialised at Fulham, despite United dominating the second half for long periods.

The two defeats have left Sir Alex and his men licking their wounds and how United could do with an on-song Ronaldo for the run-in.

The talented winger has been a shadow of his former self this season, but after a staggering 42-goal haul last term, how was he ever going to better that this term?

It was an almost impossible ask but after setting such high standards last season the Portuguese ace has not quite been on top of his game, although many people have overlooked the fact that Ronaldo has scored 18 times this season.

United return to league action against Aston Villa and only a win will do as the champions aim to fend off Liverpool, who are a point behind but have played a game more.

Ronaldo is currently on international duty but does have a calf strain - which has been seen with a heavy strapping on - and if he misses out for Portugal the player could be a doubt for United's tussle with Villa.

Ronaldo has come under fire from critics this season for looking disinterested and this has continued to ignite speculation that his move to Real Madrid is a formality.

The winger undoubtedly pondered a switch to the Spanish capital in the summer and a move at the end of the season may not be an unwise football bet to make. However, another league title for United would soften the blow for Fergie and United's fans.

By Phil Tomlinson

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

We won't stop United, says Fulham boss

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has told United’s Premier League title rivals to be ‘realistic’ in their pursuit of the champions. Fergie’s charges face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday as they look to extend their four-point lead at the top of the pile and Hodgson has told the chasing pack not to expect too much from the Cottagers.

“Listen, we have to work very hard to win our games," said Hodgson. "I can't stand here and say at the moment that our team is on a par with Manchester United because everyone knows it isn't but we'll give it our best shot.

"We'll work very hard, but the Liverpools and the Chelseas who are chasing Manchester United can't really expect that much of Fulham and think we'll beat Manchester United for them. Those teams chasing must be realistic.

"The lead is still four points and Manchester United have a game in hand, which could stretch the lead to seven points, and seven points is a massive gap. I think everyone will realise the chance is slim."

United’s uncharacteristic slip-up on Saturday has given both Liverpool and Chelsea a glimmer of hope, but the Red Devils still have a game in hand on their rivals. United’s pursuit of their 12th consecutive league win came crashing down around them at Old Trafford as a penalty, a free-kick and two long balls provided Liverpool with a shock 4-1 win.

Nemanja Vidic, who has been outstanding all season, got caught out by Fernando Torres and Patrice Evra mistimed a tackle on Steven Gerrard as the visitors grabbed a half-time lead.
Vidic’s red card after a rugby tackle on Gerrard completed his miserable day and Fabio Aurelio fired in the free-kick before Andrea Dossena lobbed in a late fourth.

Fergie thought United were the better side, but I’m not so sure too many United fans agreed with that comment as Liverpool capitalised on numerous mistakes.

But you can be sure Ferguson’s men will respond with a good result at Fulham and prove Saturday was just a blip.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Evergreen Giggs pens new contract


Evergreen Ryan Giggs has been handed a new one-year contract at Manchester United after displaying the type of hunger that Sir Alex Ferguson demands of his players.

Giggs, 35, who made his first-team debut for the club nearly 18 years ago, has racked up over 550 top-flight appearances and is the only player to have scored in every Premier League season since its inception.

The Welshman has featured in 18 Premier League games for the champions this season after being moulded into a central midfield player after spending the majority of his career out on the wing.

"I am as fit as I have ever been. The only difference is recovering from games," said Giggs.

"Two days after a game, I am still tired. Before, I could play Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Wednesday no problem.

"Today, I would be a lot less efficient at doing things. Nowadays, I only play once a week, it's very good that way."

With 10 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns representing the pinnacle of his achievements many fans would have forgiven Giggs for a wavered passion for success, but far from it.
The Cardiff-born star has been in sensational form for Fergie's men driving them forward from midfield and working hard in defence - a trait not associated with Giggs in his pomp.

And with an amazing Quadruple still possible at football odds of 16.5, Giggs might just be aiming to topple the feat of 1999 when United won an unprecedented Treble.


By Phil Tomlinson, an online sports writer for Betfair – Check them out for Cheltenham betting odds.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Carlos Tevez's car seized by Police

United's soccer star Carlos Tevez has had his 140,000 pounds Bentley seized because he does not have a full UK driving licence, police said.

The 25-year-old Argentina international was stopped by traffic officers on the M60 near Stretford, Greater Manchester. His car has been impounded.

Police said they pulled his car over, suspecting the tinting on its windows was too dark.

Test at the roadside showed the tint was illegal, police officers said.

"The officers were concerned certain windows were illegally tinted. They were tested and found to be too dark so a prohibition notice was issued to the driver.

"When asked to provide his documentation, it was discovered the driver did not have a full UK driving licence and was advised to arranged removal of the car."

Source: BBC Sports.
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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Munich Remembered: We will never forget them!

February 6th will forever be circled on the calendars of everyone connected with Manchester United.

On that day in 1958, the darkest day in United's history, 23 people - eight players and three member of the club's staff - suffered fatal injuries in the Munich air crash.

Flying back from the European Cup tie against Red Star Belgrade, the team plane stopped in Germany to refuel. The first two attempts to take off from Munich airport were aborted; following the third attempt the plane crashed.

Twenty-two of the people on board died instantly, while Duncan Edwards died 15 days later as a result of the injuries he sustained.

The tragedy is an indelible part of United's history, as is Sir Matt Busby overcoming his injuries to build another great team which won the European Cup 10 years later.

Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Mark Jones, David Pegg, Tommy Taylor, Geoff Bent, Liam Whelan, and Duncan Edwards all died along with the club secretary Walter Crickmer, trainer Tom Curry and coach Bert Whalley.

"The Busby Babes are the story of  Manchester United" Sir Bobby Charlton. 

Source: manutd.com
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