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Tuesday February 09, 2010

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James poisted for Deepdale move Patience is a virtue for Ferguson Man Utd 5 - 0 Portsmouth Media Report Rooney on target again as Man United go top Supporters trust launch recruitment drive We've learned lessons - Wenger Poem read on RTE 2nd Feb 98 by Harry Gregg Ferdinand gets England captaincy despite chequered Ferdinand to take over armband Fergie confident over Rio ban challenge Serie A - Chiellini cool on Manchester link Grant: We have to believe Utd v Portsmouth preview Sir Bobby Charlton is smiling again It's Over For Hargreaves

James poisted for Deepdale move	Posted by Bill on Mon Feb 08 @ 13:01 GMT
Preston are poised to sign rookie Manchester United midfielder Matthew James on loan until the end of the season. The England under-20 midfielder, 18, will sign a deal when the emergency loan window opens on Tuesday. The Rochdale-born will go straight into Preston`s squad for Tuesday's visit of Sheffield United in the Coca-Cola Championship. James will become the second United player to join North End on loan following the recent recruitment of Danny Welbeck to the Deepdale ranks.
Patience is a virtue for Ferguson	Posted by Bill on Sun Feb 07 @ 11:30 GMT
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson praised his players after they regained their place at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 5-0 hammering of Portsmouth. The league`s bottom club were put to the sword with clinical efficiency by United, who scored through Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and a trio of own goals. Ferguson said: "We had a lot of pressure and possession of the ball but we were patient enough. That's important when teams come and sit in the way they did here. Portsmouth were there to make it difficult but we got the goal just before half-time. "We were a bit fortunate with the second one. Nani beat his man and was trying to play a cross across the box. "It got a deflection and went past [David] James and into the net. It was fortunate but nonetheless you have to take them. That opened the game for us in the second half. "We went looking for goals and managed to get three more, the one from Berbatov was brilliant."
Man Utd 5 - 0 Portsmouth Media Report	Posted by Barry on Sat Feb 06 @ 19:35 GMT
Manchester United stormed to the top of the Premier League after crushing bottom club Portsmouth. Wayne Rooney met Darren Fletcher's cross to head the opener and the lead was doubled when Nani's low cross was deflected in by Anthony Vanden Borre. Michael Carrick's drive hit Richard Hughes and thumped in off the bar and Dimitar Berbatov's shot made it 4-0. Pompey's misery was complete when Marc Wilson tried to clear a cross but smashed a volley into his own goal. It was a ruthless performance from United but the reality was they barely had to break sweat to beat a Pompey side in freefall. United went in to the game knowing a win would see them leapfrog Chelsea to sit at the Premier League summit, with the Blues hosting third-placed Arsenal on Sunday. And on paper it seemed they could not get an easier opportunity, with crisis club Pompey having won only once in eight matches, as well as attracting unwanted headlines for their financial difficulties and allegations about their manager Avram Grant's behaviour. United's off-the-field problems were of the more traditional kind - Rio Ferdinand was out suspended and fellow centre-back Nemanja Vidic was still not fit to return to action. Not that United's backline needed to be at its strongest, with Pompey chasing shadows for much of the game as Nani, Antonio Valencia and Rooney ran riot. Predictably, the visitors' defence folded under pressure, with Pompey contributing two of United's goals. Grant's men did well to reach half-time having conceded only two goals as they found themselves struggling to repel wave after wave of United attacks. Rooney had a decent penalty claim turned down after being pushed by Frederic Piquionne, while Berbatov missed a sitter from six yards after being picked out by Gary Neville. Pompey did manage to carve out one chance and it took an alert Jonny Evans to clear Jamie O'Hara's goal-bound effort. But it was a very rare effort from Pompey and they soon went behind. When Fletcher's cross was left, inexplicably, by keeper David James, Rooney headed in from close range. James was again left cursing soon after when he was wrong-footed by a deflection off Vanden Borre from Nani's cross. Grant committed to Pompey cause Belgian defender Vanden Borre tried to make amends with a decent shot which was well saved by Edwin Van der Sar, who also smothered an effort from Nadir Belhadj. That proved the last of Pompey's forward play - in fact they then firmly hit the self-destruct button. They were unfortunate when Carrick's speculative drive cannoned off Hughes and beat James, but they had only themselves to blame for United's fourth goal. Berbatov was allowed to twist and turn in the area before taking the ball back outside the box and shooting into the bottom corner from acres of space. It was abysmal defending from Pompey - and worse was to follow. With no-one around him, Wilson's attempt to cut out Patrice Evra's cross ended with him sending a rasping volley past the hapless James. United, who had long since taken the chance to rest the brilliant Rooney, should have had a sixth. Substitute Mame Biram Diouf played the ball one side of Tal Ben-Haim and collected it round the other but then blazed his shot over. Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "We had a lot of pressure and possession of the ball but we were patient enough. "That's important when teams come and sit in the way they did here today. Portsmouth were there to make it difficult but we got the goal just before half-time. "We were a bit fortunate with the second one. Nani beat his man and was trying to play a cross across the box. "It got a deflection and went past James and into the net. It was fortunate but nonetheless you have to take them. That opened the game for us in the second half. "We went looking for goals and managed to get three more, the one from Berbatov was brilliant." Portsmouth manager Avram Grant: "Positive thinking is always better than negative thinking and as long as we have the chance we will fight. "We created two good chances and one came off the line. Then after 40 minutes they scored and got some own goals but Manchester United are a better team than us. "We need to do our job even if it feels like things are going against us. We cannot think like this." bbc.co.uk
Rooney on target again as Man United go top	Posted by Bill on Sat Feb 06 @ 18:01 GMT
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney scored again to help his team crush bottom club Portsmouth 5-0 and return to the top of the Premier League on Saturday. The England international struck just before halftime followed by two own goals and efforts by Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov to take United to 56 points, one ahead of Chelsea who entertain third-placed Arsenal on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, Liverpool overcame the first-half sending-off of defender Sotiros Kyrgiakos to beat Everton 1-0 in a fierce Merseyside derby at Anfield to go into the top four for the first time since October. Dutchman Dirk Kuyt headed the winner 10 minutes after halftime. Tottenham Hotspur can retake fourth spot later on Saturday when they host Aston Villa. OWN GOALS Portsmouth weathered the inevitable early onslaught from champions United but came unstuck on 40 minutes when the irrepressible Rooney netted his 21st league goal of the season. The hapless south England club conceded another just before halftime when Anthony Vanden Borre turned a Nani cross between his own posts. Carrick struck a deflected shot past England goalkeeper David James, Bulgarian Berbatov atoned for a simple first-half miss with an excellent long-range strike and Marc Wilson helped Patrice Evra's pass into his own net to complete the rout. Big-spending Manchester City suffered an embarrassing slip-up in their pursuit of fourth place and a potential Champions League place when they lost 2-1 at lowly Hull City, leaving them three points behind Liverpool with two games in hand. Burnley battled to a 2-1 win over West Ham United to take them clear of the relegation zone, Stoke City beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0, Bolton Wanderers and Fulham played out a 0-0 draw and struggling Sunderland and Wigan Athletic drew 1-1. (Editing by Ed Osmond)
Supporters trust launch recruitment drive	Posted by Bill on Sat Feb 06 @ 15:30 GMT
A Manchester United fan group stepped up their anti-Glazer campaign ahead of the Barclays Premier League match against Portsmouth. The Manchester United Supporters Trust want a change of ownership as well as forming a significant group for potential financial involvement in any fans' Red Knight bid. The group distributed 70,000 cards to those attending Saturday's game. Their recruiting drive comes on the 52nd anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster in which 23 people died, including eight players. It is also five years to the day the Glazers first tabled a bid to buy the club. A MUST spokesman said: "This day in our history is a permanent reminder that Manchester United Football Club is far more than a business. "Manchester United is a family with a history and a tradition like no other in the world. The damage they (the Glazers) are doing must be stopped."
We've learned lessons - Wenger	Posted by Bill on Sat Feb 06 @ 12:45 GMT
Arsene Wenger has challenged his young Arsenal squad not to make the same mistakes as they did in a crushing defeat to Manchester United by failing to "turn up" at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Arsenal could blow the title race wide open with victory over Chelsea, which would move them within three points of Carlo Ancelotti's side. However, by the same token, suffer another loss and the Gunners' championship ambitions will look to be all but over once again. Wenger's team came up short in every department against United last weekend, when the champions romped to a 3-1 win at Emirates Stadium. The French coach, however, believes lessons have been taken on board. "The biggest regret I have from against Manchester United is that we gave them too much freedom and allowed them to play too much in a game where we should have been dictating," Wenger said. "My team wanted it so much that sometimes you can be a little bit restricted and our target is to get that freedom to play against Chelsea. "I am convinced that we are capable to win everywhere in the world, but of course we need to turn up with a good performance."
Poem read on RTE 2nd Feb 98 by Harry Gregg	Posted by Barry on Sat Feb 06 @ 10:40 GMT
How they laughed and loved and played the game together Played the game and gave it every ounce of life And the crowds they throng to see such free young spirits My good god there won't be many coming home There are those gone down that long long road before us Yet each morning we try and keep them in our sight In memories eyes the Busby Babes are all immortal The Red Devils spured lived it never died RESPECT http://red11.org/munich In loving memory: For those that died. Roger Byrne, 28 Studious, speedy England international left-back from Manchester who made his debut in 1951 and was the captain of the remarkable team. Eddie Colman, 21 Short, compact, right-sided midfielder from Salford who could, it was said, dummy the grandstand with a swivel of his hips. Duncan Edwards, 21 Incomparable, the biggest loss to the English game. The prodigy from Dudley dominated the left side of midfield and could single-handedly turn a match. Mark Jones, 24 Strong, commanding central defender, born in Barnsley. David Pegg, 22 The archetypal left-winger, pacy and tricky, signed from school in Doncaster. Tommy Taylor, 26 Signed from Barnsley for £29,999, led the attack with bravery and gusto, a "target man" ahead of his time. Liam Whelan, 22 Tall, sinuous inside-forward from Dublin, picked his way through defences with an unhurried gait. Geoffrey Bent, 25 Byrne's understudy, the left-back from Salford would have enjoyed first-team status elsewhere.
Ferdinand gets England captaincy despite chequered	Posted by Bill on Fri Feb 05 @ 21:45 GMT
John Terry's sacking as England skipper Friday opened the door for a significant turnaround in fortune for Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand who will take over the captain's armband. When Ferdinand missed a doping test in 2003 it cost him an eight-month ban from football, ruled him out of Euro 2004 and cast a cloud over the career of one of England's most talented defenders even though there was no suggestion he had taken drugs. He also missed the 1998 World Cup finals after being left out by then manager Glenn Hoddle following a drink-driving charge. Ferdinand, 31, has ridden himself of his bad-boy image in recent years but there are still doubts over his suitability as England captain as he has been hampered by back injuries and only recently returned after being sidelined since October. No sooner had the former West Ham United and Leeds United defender come back than he was involved in more controversy, getting a three-match ban for striking Hull City's Craig Fagan. Ferdinand appealed against the charge of violent conduct and the suspension was subsequently increased to four games. England coach Fabio Capello named Ferdinand vice-captain when he handed the skipper's armband to Terry in August 2008. EGYPT FRIENDLY "When I chose John Terry as captain I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice (Steven Gerrard)," Capello said Friday. "There is no reason to change this decision." Providing he is fit Ferdinand will lead the team out for the friendly at home to Egypt next month and will have the honour of captaining his country at the World Cup in South Africa in June. "As a kid you grow up wanting to play for England and lead your country out and I've been given that honour of being able to fulfil those dreams," Ferdinand said when he captained the side against France in Capello's second game in charge. After the tabloid frenzy of the past week regarding Terry's extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of England team mate Wayne Bridge, England will be hoping Ferdinand can smooth over any potential dressing room tension. "John Terry is by far for me the best skipper in the team but Fabio Capello thinks it's best for the squad," former Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parlour told the BBC. "Rio Ferdinand will do a great job. If you're going to win the World Cup you don't just need one skipper, you need at least four or five around the pitch." (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Tony Jimenez)
Ferdinand to take over armband	Posted by Bill on Fri Feb 05 @ 19:15 GMT
Rio Ferdinand will succeed John Terry as England captain and will lead the national side in the World Cup this summer, it can be revealed. The Manchester United defender had been Capello's vice-captain and will take over the skipper's armband following Terry's alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner. Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard will become vice-captain, and Capello said: "When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision."
Fergie confident over Rio ban challenge	Posted by Bill on Fri Feb 05 @ 13:30 GMT
Manchester United will cite the example of Javier Mascherano when they attempt to prove Rio Ferdinand did not lodge a "frivolous" appeal against a three-match ban last week. Ferdinand was hit with a violent conduct charge by the Football Association for striking Hull's Craig Fagan in a Premier League game at Old Trafford on January 23. Had the 31-year-old accepted the punishment, he would have missed the Carling Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City. Instead, the appeal allowed him to play in the Red Devils' thrilling Old Trafford victory, a move that did not go down well with the game's governing body, who promptly added an extra match onto the automatic ban. Yet United felt Ferdinand had a case and have opted to challenge, even though further matches could be added to the current four-game suspension if the disciplinary panel decides otherwise next Monday. The Red Devils are confident of success though, particularly as they have evidence to place before the panel that Mascherano got away without even being charged for what they believe was a very similar incident against Leeds in September, when the Argentina star caught Jermaine Beckford on the head. "The concern is the word frivolous," stated Ferguson. "The two most experienced referees in the Premier League are Alan Wiley and Steve Bennett. "They are under the same controls and the same directions. One says yes (Bennett), in the case of Rio, and one says no (Wiley), in the case of Javier Mascherano against Leeds United when he punched the player in the back of the head. "When you see that example, we don't think our appeal was frivolous."