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www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Wed Apr 07 06:45:05 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. UNITED v JUVENTUS - THE FORM
2. I may not hold out, says Zidane
3. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW
4. Official - very latest Alex + more
5. ZZ IS TOPS
6. UNITED IN TOP SHAPE
7. PERRY HAILS STAM
8. Ferguson's men to put the emphasis on attack
9. UNITED CAN BE EURO KINGS - WILKINS
10. Arsenal FT Result
11. KEANE WARY OF TREBLE TALK AS UNITED PLOT JUVENTUS REVENGE
12. Becks Wedding
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Wed 7th April 1999:
7/4/1928:
Danny Ferguson made his debut against Burnley. Ferguson was a whole-hearted
Forward whose 4 appearances helped United avoid relegation that season. He joined
Reading in May 1928, and later turned out for Chester and Stockport County.
7/4/1956:
United clinch their fourth League title after beating Blackpool 2-1 at Old
Trafford watched by 62,277. Johnny Berry and Tommy Taylor scored (Taylor's
25th League goal of the season). Team was: Wood, Greaves, Bryne, Colman,
Jones, Edwards, Berry, Doherty, Taylor, Viollet, Pegg.
***************
Barry Daily Comment:
Simplenet match preview incl PICS from OT yesterday available from 8am GMT:
http://www.red11.org/miva/matchreports.mv
This is it ONE OF THE BIGGEST DAYS of the season.
We now need to do the Itaalian job twice to get to the European Cup Final in May!
Juve here we come Zidane plays so does Jaap Stam & Ryan Giggs!
Good luck to all REDS!
Previous News:
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
Next games:
ALL Result/Fixture Index:3
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm
Next Games:
TODAY! European Cup Semi Juventus (H) 19.45 CL
11 FAC Semi Arsenal at Villa Park 12.30 UK Live Sky Sports Uk
17 Sheff Wed (H) 15.00 PL
21 European Cup Semi Juventus (A) 19.45 CL
25 Leeds (A) 11.30 {am} UK PL Live Sky Sports UK
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
*** RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 05/04/99 ***
Coventry City 1-0 Southampton 21,402
Everton 1-2 Sheffield Wednesday 35,270
Middlesbrough 3-1 Wimbledon 33,999
Newcastle United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur 36,655
Nottingham Forest 2-2 Liverpool 28,374
West Ham United 0-1 Charlton Athletic 26,041
*** RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 06/04/99 ***
Arsenal 1-0 Blackburn
*** FULL LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 05/04/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Manchester United 31 11 4 1 38 16 7 6 2 31 16 37 64
2 Arsenal 32 11 5 0 27 4 6 7 3 16 9 29 63
3 Chelsea 30 9 5 1 21 9 7 6 2 24 14 22 59
4 Leeds United 31 11 3 2 30 8 5 6 4 22 20 24 57
5 West Ham United 32 9 3 4 22 20 4 5 7 12 20 -6 47
6 Aston Villa 31 8 3 5 25 24 4 6 5 14 13 2 45
7 Derby County 31 7 5 4 21 19 4 6 5 14 17 -1 44
8 Liverpool 30 8 4 2 36 18 4 3 9 21 23 16 43
9 Middlesbrough 31 6 8 1 22 11 4 5 7 20 30 1 43
10 Newcastle United 32 7 4 5 23 20 4 5 7 20 25 -2 42
11 Wimbledon 32 7 6 3 20 16 3 5 8 16 32 -12 41
12 Tottenham Hotspur 31 7 6 3 24 19 2 7 6 11 18 -2 40
13 Sheffield Wednesday 32 6 3 7 18 14 5 2 9 20 22 2 38
14 Leicester City 29 5 4 5 19 21 4 6 5 11 16 -7 37
15 Coventry City 32 7 5 4 21 16 3 2 11 13 27 -9 37
16 Charlton Athletic 31 4 5 6 18 14 3 5 8 16 27 -7 31
17 Blackburn Rovers 31 6 4 6 19 19 1 6 8 13 23 -10 31
18 Everton 32 3 8 5 10 11 4 2 10 16 29 -14 31
19 Southampton 32 7 3 6 22 22 1 3 12 6 35 -29 30
20 Nottingham Forest 32 1 7 8 15 30 3 2 11 15 34 -34 21
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 21/03/99 ***
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/08/98 Leicester City Home D 2-2 11 55,052
22/08/98 West Ham United Away D 0-0 11 26,039
09/09/98 Charlton Athletic Home W 4-1 9 55,147
12/09/98 Coventry City Home W 2-0 5 55,193
20/09/98 Arsenal Away L 0-3 10 38,142
24/09/98 Liverpool Home W 2-0 3 55,181
03/10/98 Southampton Away W 3-0 2 15,251
17/10/98 Wimbledon Home W 5-1 2 55,265
24/10/98 Derby County Away D 1-1 2 30,867
31/10/98 Everton Away W 4-1 2 40,079
08/11/98 Newcastle United Home D 0-0 3 55,174
14/11/98 Blackburn Rovers Home W 3-2 2 55,198
21/11/98 Sheffield Wednesday Away L 1-3 2 39,475
29/11/98 Leeds United Home W 3-2 2 55,172
05/12/98 Aston Villa Away D 1-1 2 39,241
12/12/98 Tottenham Hotspur Away D 2-2 1 36,079
16/12/98 Chelsea Home D 1-1 2 55,159
19/12/98 Middlesbrough Home L 2-3 3 55,152
26/12/98 Nottingham Forest Home W 3-0 3 55,216
29/12/98 Chelsea Away D 0-0 3 34,741
10/01/99 West Ham United Home W 4-1 3 55,180
16/01/99 Leicester City Away W 6-2 2 22,091
31/01/99 Charlton Athletic Away W 1-0 1 20,043
03/02/99 Derby County Home W 1-0 1 55,174
06/02/99 Nottingham Forest Away W 8-1 1 30,025
17/02/99 Arsenal Home D 1-1 1 55,171
20/02/99 Coventry City Away W 1-0 1 22,596
27/02/99 Southampton Home W 2-1 1 55,316
13/03/99 Newcastle United Away W 2-1 1 36,500
21/03/99 Everton Home W 3-1 1 55,182
03/04/99 Wimbledon Away D 1-1 1 26,121
*** TEAM RESULTS SUMMARY - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 21/03/99 ***
P Won Drawn Lost For Against Points
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home 16 11 (69%) 4 (25%) 1 (6%) 38 (2.4) 16 (1.0) 37 (2.3)
Away 14 7 (50%) 5 (36%) 2 (14%) 30 (2.1) 15 (1.1) 26 (1.9)
Total 30 18 (60%) 9 (30%) 3 (10%) 68 (2.3) 31 (1.0) 63 (2.1)
Averages per game in (brackets)
*** TEAM STATISTICS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 21/03/99 ***
AVERAGE HOME ATTENDANCE: 55,183
HIGHEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 27/02/99 - Southampton (55,316)
LOWEST HOME ATTENDANCE: 15/08/98 - Leicester City (55,052)
BEST WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
BEST HOME WIN: 17/10/98 - Wimbledon (5-1)
HEAVIEST HOME DEFEAT: 19/12/98 - Middlesbrough (2-3)
BEST AWAY WIN: 06/02/99 - Nottingham Forest (8-1)
HEAVIEST AWAY DEFEAT: 20/09/98 - Arsenal (0-3)
*****
Champions League:
Group D P W D L F A Pts
Bayern Munich 6 3 2 1 9 6 11
Man United 6 2 4 0 20 11 10
Barcelona 6 2 2 2 11 9 8
Brondby 6 1 0 5 4 18 3
Dec 9 Brøndby 0-2 Barcelona
Dec 9 Man Utd 1-1 Bayern Munich
******
CHAMPIONS' LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS
Manchester Utd 2 v 0 Inter Milan
Real Madrid 1 v 1 Dynamo Kiev
Juventus 2 v 1 Olympiakos
Bayern Munich 2 v 0 Kaiserslautern
**DYNAMO KIEV 2 v 0 REAL MADRID (Agg:3-1)
FC KAISERSLAUTERN 0 v 4 **BAYERN MUNICH (Agg:0-6)
INTERNAZIONALE FC 1 v 1 **MANCHESTER UNITED (Agg:1-3)
OLYMPIAKOS 1 v 1 **JUVENTUS (Agg:2-3)
Semi Final
to be played today + 21st April
Manchester United v Juventus [OT today]
Bayern Munchen v Dynamo Kiev
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: UNITED v JUVENTUS - THE FORM
United have never beaten Juve over two legs and they have
recorded just two wins - both at Old Trafford - in their eight
meetings. Here's the full record:
UEFA Cup Second Round, 1976-77
1st leg, 20 October 1976: United 1 Juventus 0
Gordon Hill scored the only goal at Old Trafford against the Italians,
who had accounted for Manchester City in the first round.
2nd leg, 3 November 1976: Juventus 3 United 0
United, who were without key defender Martin Buchan, were blown
away in Turin as Roberto Boninsegna netted in each half before
Romeo Benetti scored to complete a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Cup Winners' Cup Semi-Finals, 1983-84
1st leg, 11 April 1984: United 1 Juventus 1
United were without inspirational skipper Bryan Robson for the Old
Trafford tie as Paolo Rossi scored for Juve and Alan Davies for the
Reds.
2nd leg, 25 April 1984: Juventus 2 United 1
Robson was also absent for the return and the Turin outfit went
ahead through Zbigniew Boniek. Norman Whiteside equalised with
United's first European goal in Italy and the tie appeared to be
heading for extra time until Rossi grabbed the winner.
Champions League, Group C, 1996-97
11 September 1996: Juventus 1 United 0
European champions Juventus outclassed their English guests at the
Stadio delle Alpi and should have won by more than Alen Boksic's
strike on 34 minutes.
20 November 1996: United 0 Juventus 1
Ferguson's team had clearly learned from their lesson in Turin and
ran Juve close, only for the Italians to score the only goal of the
game through Alessandro del Piero.
Champions League, Group B, 1997-98
1 October 1997: United 3 Juventus 2
The Red Devils bounced back from a Del Piero goal in the first
minute to produce one of Old Trafford's most glorious European
nights. Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs scored
before Zinedine Zidane pulled one back in the final minute.
10 December 1997: Juventus 1 United 0
With a quarter-final place already in the bag as group winners,
United eased up against Juventus, who scored through Filippo
Inzaghi, six minutes from time, to sneak through to the last eight.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: I may not hold out, says Zidane
By Graham Hunter
Wednesday, April 7, 1999
Zinedine Zidane, the world's best player, yesterday admitted he is nowhere
near peak condition to face Manchester United in tonight's Champions League
semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.
Just as United boss Alex Ferguson revealed that they were working up to the
last minute to ensure that key player Ryan Giggs is 100 per cent ready
after recovering from a hamstring injury, Juventus and France playmaker
Zidane confessed that he has no idea how long he can last in the match.
Both players are expected to start but Zidane's right knee was heavily
strapped in training last night as he clearly struggled and Jesper
Blomqvist is standing by in case of a late scare over Giggs.
Zidane's struggles were welcome news to United, who benefited in the
quarter-final from the furore over whether Ronaldo, Zidane's predecessor as
the world's best player, was fit and should play.
The French World Cup winner and reigning FIFA world player of the year,
said: 'I will play but I still have a problem of feeling pain every time I
strike the ball hard, especially in my right instep.
'It does hurt when I hit the ball but this is a European semi-final so you
must grit your teeth and go through the pain barrier.
'Also, having been out of the game for three weeks, it will be very
difficult to get used to the rhythm of play, particularly in a match like
this one.
'How long will I last? I just don't know. Certainly, I want to play the
whole game but I don't know if I will and the important thing for me and
the team was that I should be able to start.'
Ferguson will not be lulled into any false sense of security and, on Giggs,
he said: 'We have worked very hard on Giggs' fitness in the last few days
and trained him very hard.
'There was no point in risking him at any time in Saturday's match at
Wimbledon.'
United will attempt to play the game at increased pace to pose extra
questions over Zidane's fitness but Juventus coach Carlo Ancelotti said: 'I
am confident that we can play at a higher tempo than Manchester United and
control that aspect of the game.
'United's matches against Inter showed that you can cause them trouble in
defence.'
Juventus are on an astonishing £5million bonus to win the Champions League
- over double the money being offered to Ferguson's players. The golden
carrot breaks down to more than £200,000 each for their huge 22-man pool.
United, meanwhile, will pay out around £75,000 per man, though their
players will receive at least another £50,000 each if they can complete the
unprecedented treble of Champions League, Premiership and FA Cup triumphs.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW
'We've Closed The Gap On Juventus' Says Ferguson, Plus:
Italians Fear Wide Boys, The Key Battles
MANCHESTER UNITED v JUVENTUS
Alex Ferguson believes Juventus' loss of coach Marcello Lippi and
star striker Alessandro del Piero can help United to Champions
League glory. Ferguson is confident his team is good enough to beat
the Italian giants over two legs and claim a place in the final for the
first time in 31 years. The Red Devils have gradually closed the gap
on Juventus since the first of their four Champions League meetings
in September 1996 and now Fergie believes the resignation of Lippi
and the absence of the injured Del Piero has finally swung the
pendulum Manchester's way. New coach Carlo Ancelotti has partly
revived the 'Old Lady' of Italian soccer, but Ferguson could not hide
his relief that his old friend and rival Lippi has gone.
He feels the loss of Lippi and Del Piero are a tremendous boost for
United going into tonight's semi-final first leg at Old Trafford.
''Ancelotti has brought a fresh approach and just the freshness of a
new coach has stabilised them after some bad results,'' said
Ferguson. ''But Lippi's experience is something which I'm glad I don't
have to face. Del Piero is certainly a big loss to them, no question
about it. We know that and they know that. You can't ignore or
dismiss that and I think he is a fantastic player.''
Juventus are clearly not the force they were and have had a dismal
season by their own high standards. By comparison, United could
hardly be in better shape. Ryan Giggs is fit and ready to be
unleashed down the left wing following his hamstring problem, while
central defender Jaap Stam has recovered from his ankle injury to
give Ferguson a full squad to choose from.
The Scot's treble-chasers are scoring regularly and are unbeaten in
three-and-a-half months. They laid their Italian bogey to rest when
they beat Inter Milan in the previous round and Ferguson admitted:
"We've got a fabulous chance. We're going into this game with the
knowledge gained from playing Juventus four times before. We feel
we have improved as a team and we're ready for a game of this
stature. There is a great team spirit among the players which is
fantastic. We're still undefeated in the competition and we hope we
will still be saying that at the end of the year. Our team is certainly
good enough and we've proved our quality. Now we've just got to
take that step in a big game where we don't want to disappoint and
I don't think we will.''
Juventus, finalists for the last three years, have been knocked
down on a couple of occasions this season in the Champions
League, but never knocked out. They stumbled through the group
stages, winning just one game, before they squeezed past
Olympiakos in the quarter-finals with a late winner in the second
leg. Ferguson feels their unrivalled Champions League experience
has got them this far, but doesn't think they can rely on it forever.
''I don't think you can underestimate the value of experience,'' he
said. ''That experience creates its own pride in that they don't want
to lose. I think that's the way they start by making sure they don't
lose a game and the rest is a bonus. That experience helps them to
keep their heads when they are down, but sometime it will run out
and even experience won't get you back.''
Ferguson was careful not to say anything derogatory about
Juventus or Italian football following his UEFA fine over some of his
remarks before the Inter games. He fielded one such question from
an Italian journalist with the reply: ''I don't want to say anything
unless you pay my next fine.'' However, if everything goes to plan it
will be Juventus paying the price.
United might have only drawn at Wimbledon at the weekend, but
that was a great result compared to Juve's. The Serie A champions
continued their dismal defence of their crown with a 1-0 defeat at
rock-bottom Empoli.
"We must have had our heads in Manchester," Ancellotti said after
the morale-deflating defeat. Juventus were without Zinedine Zidane
for that match, though, and the inspirational Frenchman is expected
to play tonight. The 1996 European champions should field their
regular starting lineup with Italy's Fillippo Inzaghi leading the attack,
alongside either Daniel Fonseca, Nicola Amoruso or Juan Esnaider.
ITALIANS FEAR THE WIDE BOYS
Juventus believe Ryan Giggs and David Beckham pose the biggest
threat to them at Old Trafford. The Italians have studied United and
they know they must stop Giggs and Beckham. The latter almost
destroyed Inter Milan single-handed with his crosses from the right
and he set up both goals for Dwight Yorke in the 2-0 quarter-final
first leg victory. Gianluca Pessotto and Angelo di Livio are expected
to be handed the job of shackling Beckham and Juventus know it
will not be easy.
Midfielder Antonio Conte said: ''The main danger from Manchester
United comes from out wide. They are very good on the wings with
Beckham and Giggs and it is a tactic that they use quite a lot.''
Coach Carlo Ancelotti added: ''They are particularly good on the
right side, but they can also attack from other positions. They have
lots of influential players and they are one of the strongest teams
around at the moment. I think Manchester United will start as
favourites, but that does not bother us.''
Juventus, who are bidding to become the first team since Real
Madrid 40 years ago to reach a fourth successive final, intend to
cause a few problems of their own for United. World Footballer of
the Year Zinedine Zidane has recovered from his knee injury, while
influential defender Paolo Montero has shrugged off his hamstring
complaint.
The Frenchman holds the key for Juve in the absence of the injured
Alessandro del Piero and coach Ancelotti admitted as much when he
said: ''He has trained and he looks very good. He will play as he has
always played and his presence is very, very important for us. We
are very positive about this match and we want nothing less than
victory.''
Ancelotti adroitly sidestepped being drawn into the row over United
boss Alex Ferguson's anti-Italian comments before the two Inter
games. Fergie earned himself a £2000 fine from UEFA for accusing
them of diving and trying to con the referee and he said if an Italian
claimed it was pasta he would check under the sauce before
believing him. But when asked for his thoughts on Ferguson's
remarks, the cool Ancelotti replied: ''Italian people like spaghetti
very much.''
Juventus (probable): Peruzzi, Mirkovic, Ferrara, Montero, Pessotto,
Conte, Deschamps, Davids, Di Livio, Zidane, Inzaghi.
UNITED OLD BOY: 'WINGERS ARE THE KEY'
Manchester United can wing their way to Champions League glory
against Juventus, according to former stalwart Arthur Albiston.
Albiston believes United's route to success lies down the flanks, just
as it did against Inter Milan in the previous round. The former
Scottish international, who played for the Red Devils against
Juventus in the UEFA Cup in 1976 and the Cup Winners' Cup in
1984, believes Italian sides struggle against wingers. That proved to
be Inter's Achilles heel in the quarter-final first leg at Old Trafford
when David Beckham set up Dwight Yorke for two headers in
United's 2-0 victory. And Albiston feels Beckham and Ryan Giggs
can provide the platform for victory over Juve.
''Getting crosses into the box is a great British trait and there are
few better people at doing that than Beckham and Giggs,'' he said.
''We saw that against Inter, where Beckham destroyed them down
the right and that can work again against Juventus. Because of the
Italian style of football they are not used to dealing with a lot of
crosses into the middle. A lot of their play tends to come through
the middle and their full-backs could struggle against the quality of
Beckham and Giggs.''
Whatever happens, Albiston believes it is essential that United keep
a clean sheet and he would not be unduly worried if the game
finished goalless, because he is confident his former club can score
in Turin.
''I think that is the one thing United have learned from their past
campaigns, the need to score goals away from home,'' he said. ''We
saw how they went out against Monaco and Borussia Dortmund
because they could not score and this season they have been
pushing the boat out much further. They have proved that they are
capable of going away from home and scoring and even if they do
not score at Old Trafford I would still fancy their chances of going
to Italy and scoring.
''Of course what United must do first is keep a clean sheet at home
and I'm sure Alex Ferguson would be delighted with a 1-0 win.''
Albiston believes it would be foolhardy to write Juventus off
because of their indifferent form and the loss of Alessandro del Piero
through injury. He said: "They've been in the last three finals, so
they know what this competition is all about. They have been in
this position many times before and they know exactly what's
required.''
UNITED v JUVENTUS - THE KEY BATTLES
Arthur Albiston analyses three key head-to-head battles in tonight's
game...
Roy Keane v Zinedine Zidane ''Zidane has just returned from
injury, so it will be interesting to see if he's fully recovered. He is
world class and we saw how good he is on Juventus' last two visits
to Old Trafford. It's vital that he is not allowed to run the game
from midfield and he will know he has been in a match after 90
minutes with Keane.''
Jaap Stam v Filippo Inzaghi ''Inzaghi blows hot and cold. I think
he's too inconsistent. He's obviously one to be watched and he is
an Italian international. There is a lot of pressure on his shoulders
because of the absence of Del Piero and I fancy Stam against him
because he has proved this season what a great defender he is.''
David Beckham v Angelo di Livio ''Juve have been playing Di Livio
at left-back and if that is the case they will need his experience
against Beckham. David will be a key player for United and if he can
get crosses into the box like he did against Inter, that will be food
and drink for Yorke and Cole. I'm not sure if Juventus will be able to
handle that and if Beckham can provide the right service, United will
score.''
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: Official - very latest Alex + more
LATEST NEWS OT direct
---------------------------------------------------------------
06-APR-1999 [17:08]
http://www.manutd.com/news/feature.sps?from=latest&id=576032
REDS IN TIP-TOP CONDITION
Tuesday, April 06, 1999 17:08
Alex Ferguson will approach the home dressing room on Wednesday evening,
knowing he can choose any member of his Manchester United squad.
Every one of the twenty-six players on his
Champions League list is fit for the semi-final. This
is in stark contrast to some of the big European games of recent years.
Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Peter Schmeichel all missed
last season's quarter-final defeat by Monaco, and the same
trio missed either the first or second leg of the 1997
semi-final against Borussia Dortmund.
"It's an unusual situation for us," said a smiling Fergie at
the pre-match press conference.
"At this time of year you expect at least one or two players
to be carrying knocks, but fortunately for us on this
occasion, we’ve got everyone fit. It's quite amazing and
we're very pleased about it."
One journalist suggested the clean bill of health is a direct
result of Fergie's squad games, and his determination to
rotate and rest players at different times during the season.
"No, it’s luck," quipped Fergie. And you have to agree.
Jaap Stam was injured only last week, in training with
Holland, but as luck would have it, it was only a twisted
ankle and he's now available for selection.
Selecting the team is probably Fergie's only problem in the
build-up, and he naturally offered few clues to the
assembled media from England and Italy.
His assertion that "the priority is always to score goals"
would suggest a place for Paul Scholes in midfield, but
there was equally a case for the more defensive Ronny
Johnsen or Phil Neville when he said: "There are tactics
involved."
If Scholes, Johnsen, Neville and Nicky Butt are the only
players still competing for a place, there's no time left to
sway the manager's mind.
Fergie revealed that he'd already picked his team, saying:
"Juventus will be wondering what I’m going to do with my
team. I’ve given it a lot of thought and hopefully I’ve got it
right."
Turning his attention to the opposition, the United boss
claimed he could name ten of Juve's starting eleven. One
player who's certain not to play is Alessandro Del Piero
and that, said Fergie, could be significant.
"Del Piero’s a big loss to them, there’s no question. We
know that, they know that. It’s something you can’t ignore,
especially when he’s a fantastic player."
Some observers have written off Juve's chances, citing their
poor form in Serie A. After all, they lost 1-0 to relegation
favourites Empoli on Saturday. But Fergie is not convinced,
despite the visual evidence.
"There’s a lot you can dismiss and a lot you can listen to,"
said the Boss. "I haven’t seen them myself personally but
we’ve had them watched and I’ve seen the videos."
"What you can't underestimate is the value of experience,
and Juventus are carrying some tremendous experience
into this game. It’s the semi-finals of the European Cup,
and they’ve been in the last three finals."
The Manchester United manager just hopes his team are
now experienced enough themselves.
"We feel that as a team we’re ready for a game of this
stature now," he said.
"Some of our players have played more than twenty
Champions League matches over the last three years, and
they’ve played in quarter-finals and semi-finals."
"This year, we’ve come through arguably the hardest group
and one of the harder quarter-final ties. We’ve had a
tremendous run, we’re still undefeated and I hope I can say
that at the end of the season."
So do we, Alex. So do we.
------------------------------------------------------------
06-APR-1999 [15:30] DISCIPLINE THREAT TO DAVIDS
Tuesday, April 06, 1999 15:30
Indiscipline could yet ruin Juve's bid to regain the Champions League crown.
All things being equal, the 1996 Champions of Europe will have a tough
enough task beating Manchester United over two legs. But life will be even
more difficult if players like Edgar Davids lose their cool and fall foul
of the rules.
Dutchman Davids was booked in the last European match against Olympiakos,
and will miss the second leg of the semi-final if he receives the yellow
card again at Old Trafford. In fact, Juve could have a real problem in
midfield in Turin if Wednesday night's game is littered with cards. Angelo
Di Livio, Antonio Conte and Didier Deschamps are also one caution away from
a one-match ban.
The Italians' list of shame is completed by playmaker Zinedine Zidane,
goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, and defenders Zoran Mirkovic and Paolo Montero,
although the latter could miss the tie through injury. All were booked in
the quarter-finals and none can afford to have their name taken in Manchester.
United, meanwhile, will hope that Denis Irwin, Ronny Johnsen, Roy Keane,
Phil Neville and Paul Scholes are not on first name terms with the referee
by the time he blows his final whistle.
The chosen man in the middle is Manuel Diaz Vega from Oviedo in Spain. He's
refereed United twice before, in the away win over Fenerbahce in the
1996-97 Champions League, and the goalless draw at Monaco in last season's
quarter-final.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: ZZ IS TOPS
Tuesday, April 06, 1999 18:29
They were the words every United fan did not want to hear. "Zidane is fit
and looking good." Thus spoke Juventus manager Carlo Ancelotti in his
pre-match press conference.
The UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg is only hours away now, and
there had been talk that the French World Cup winner would not be fit to
face the Reds. But Ancelotti quickly put paid to that talk.
"I watched him train yesterday and he looked good. He is very important to
the team," said Ancelotti.
He went on to praise United, before going on to say they are the team he
wanted to face in the semis. "They are a good team," he said. "They have
good attacking qualities and are well organised. They're one of the best
teams around at the moment."
"If I could have chosen an opponent, it would have been Manchester. They
are a similar team to us and it should be an exciting game. Their strength
is in their squad of good players."
Inter Milan had been wary of the threat Ryan Giggs posed to their
ambitions. But Juve have another player who deserves special treatment.
"Roy Keane is the heart of their team. He has given balance to the side. He
is a very strong player, and United's most important player," admitted the
manager.
And in a chilling closing shot to United, he explained what he expected
from the tie. Just one word. "Victory". We'll see, Carlo, we'll see.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: UNITED IN TOP SHAPE
By David Anderson, PA Sport
Manchester United skipper Roy Keane claims confidence among the players is
sky high ahead of tomorrow's Champions' League duel with Juventus.
United are in excellent shape going into the semi-final first leg against
the Italian giants at Old Trafford.
Alex Ferguson's treble-chasers remain top of the Premiership, have topped
100 goals for the season and have not lost for three-and-a-half months.
Add Jaap Stam's return from his ankle injury and Ryan Giggs' recovery from
his hamstring problem, and things could hardly be better.
United have already put Inter Milan to the sword in the quarter-finals and
now they believe they can account for another Italian team in the semis.
"The feeling among the players is great and the confidence is sky high,"
said Keane. "We've been on a great run since Christmas and we haven't lost a
game this year.
"We were a bit disappointed to draw 1-1 with Wimbledon on Saturday, but you
can't have everything your own way.
"We'll prepare for this game slightly differently than we did for Wimbledon
but we will treat Juventus with total respect as we did for Wimbledon.
"Make no mistake the boys will definitely be up for this one.
"It should definitely be a night to remember, and European nights at Old
Trafford are brilliant.
"The fans were brilliant for Inter Milan, and I'm sure the atmosphere will
be the same, if not better this time."
Keane missed last season's two clashes with Juventus, including United's
epic 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, because of his cruciate ligament injury.
He was disappointed to miss those and is keyed up for their semi-final. "The
3-2 last season was the Wednesday after I snapped my cruciate ligaments
against Leeds so I missed the two games," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing against Juventus
this time."
Juventus, who have appeared in the last three Champions' League finals, are
not the force they were when United played them in 1996 and 1997.
They are well off the pace in the Serie A title race and have scraped their
way through to the Champions' League semi-finals with two wins from their
eight games.
However, like United, they are unbeaten in this season's competition, and
Keane is not writing them off.
"Compared to their own high standards, they have had a disappointing
season," he said. "But they've made it to the semi-finals of the European
Cup, and we must respect them for that."
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: PERRY HAILS STAM
By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer
Jaap Stam was hailed as the best defender in the Premiership as Wimbledon
centre-back Chris Perry declared that the Dutchman's return would prove
crucial in Manchester United's imminent encounter with Juventus.
Stam, who was absent with an ankle injury in the Premiership leaders' 1-1
draw at Selhurst Park, was sorely missed as United struggled at the back in
the opening 25 minutes and conceded an early goal.
They may have equalised just before half-time through David Beckham and
indeed almost pummelled the Dons into submission during a second-half
onslaught.
But with Wimbledon producing an impressive rearguard performance and
United's strike force failing to take advantage of a host of chances, it was
their early defensive inadequacies which led to loss of two points in the
title race as Chelsea closed the gap.
It was hard to imagine United being so slipshod early on if Stam, who had
turned his ankle during a training session with the Dutch squad last week,
had not been rested ahead of the Champions' League semi-final first leg.
For although the Dutch international was heavily criticised immediately
after his £10.75million signing last summer, he has since become a
commanding presence at the heart of the United back four.
Although Perry, who himself showed class worthy of an England call-up at
Selhurst Park, firmly believes United are the best side in Europe, he knows
that Stam's presence on Wednesday will be vital - given the need for a clean
sheet.
Perry declared: "I think they are the best team in Europe and I fancy them
to beat anyone over two legs.
"At Old Trafford, I can see them scoring a couple and not conceding many.
But I think they missed Stam against us as he makes a big difference for
them.
"He's a superb defender. I can't honestly say how much I admire Alex
Ferguson for actually signing him.
"When he came over here, a lot of people wrote him off because Nicolas
Anelka got in behind him a couple of times (in the Charity Shield) but then
Anelka's shown what a class player he is.
"Stam's just got a presence. He stands there and he's very difficult to
pass. He's got good distribution and his defending is excellent.
"I think he's one of the best defenders in the Premiership, if not probably
the best. He's certainly up there alongside Sol Campbell."
Perry added: "It's difficult when you come from a different country to
settle into the style and the pace of English football.
"It's a lot quicker than anywhere else in Europe and he's taken his time to
settle in but he's done really well."
In Stam's absence, Wimbledon took the lead at Selhurst Park within just five
minutes as Jason Euell took advantage of a weak back header by Gary Neville
to round the exposed Peter Schmeichel.
Only Schmeichel's brilliance prevented Euell from scoring a second after
Ronny Johnsen was brushed off the ball by John Hartson and then Henning Berg
was at fault with a suicidal pass to Denis Irwin which almost let in Marcus
Gayle.
United poured forward in search of victory, especially in the second-half
after Beckham had equalised with a first-time shot from close range after
Irwin's cross had bounced into the air off Dean Blackwell's thigh.
Indeed, United seem determined to attack the treble in swashbuckling style,
with Wimbledon coach David Kemp observing that this sometimes left them
vulnerable at the back, with only two defenders left to hold the fort.
They may well adopt a more measured approach in Wednesday's game at Old
Trafford but boss Ferguson insisted: "In terms of chasing games, we're right
to take a risk as you're not going to win if you don't."
By then, attention was already focusing on Wednesday night, with the sight
of Jesper Blomqvist leaving the pitch with a possible knock tempered by the
appearance of Ryan Giggs on the substitutes' bench.
Captain Roy Keane said: "We'll do some light training over the next few days
and get as much rest as we can. We'll be doing our homework but we know a
lot about Juventus anyway."
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: Ferguson's men to put the emphasis on attack
By Jeremy Butler
MANCHESTER, England, April 6 - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has
hinted his team will put the emphasis on attack against Juventus in the
European Cup semifinal first leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The step is a bold move for Ferguson, who normally regards keeping a clean
sheet at home as imperative in two-leg European ties.
The United boss said on Tuesday: "The priority is to score goals. We hope
we don't lose a goal but we won't change our attacking style."
Although demanding goals from his side, Ferguson was quick to point out he
has improved enough tactically as a manager to believe United can score and
also deny Juventus an important away goal.
"Possibly Manchester United in the past never had a reputation of being
tactically good on defence and I don't think we were good at that,"
Ferguson said.
"But now we are putting the right players in the right areas we feel to
match the (opposition's) best players and hopefully we can do that tomorrow."
Ferguson was quick to admire the Italians, adding he felt Carlo Ancelotti
had added some stability to the team, but he believes their ability to come
good however badly positioned they are in a game cannot always repeat itself.
Juventus reached the semifinals only through a late Antonio Conte goal at
Olympiakos, and with that in mind Ferguson said: "They have got the
experience to keep their heads when they are down.
"It's a good thing to have but sometimes it runs out for you and even
experience can't get you back."
United go into the game parading a fully fit squad, with Dutchman Jaap Stam
and Ryan Giggs expected to return to the line-up after recent injuries.
Giggs, who scored a stunning goal in the 3-2 victory when the sides met at
Old Trafford last season, was on the bench in the 1-1 premier league draw
with Wimbledon on Saturday.
"He's worked hard in training over the past few days. I felt there was no
point risking him on Saturday but he is fit for this game," Ferguson said.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: UNITED CAN BE EURO KINGS - WILKINS
By Neil Silver, PA Sport
Ray Wilkins is backing Manchester United to win the Champions' League and go
on to create their own European dynasty.
Victory over Juventus in the two-legged semi-final, followed by success in
the final, can provide the springboard to United dominating the European
Championship scene in the new millennium, according to former Old Trafford
favourite Wilkins.
"I think this is the year United have their best chance of winning the
Champions' League," said Wilkins.
"They are fit and strong and the experience of losing in the semi-final two
years ago has done them the world of good.
"Alex Ferguson's rotation system has worked wonders this year and he has a
squad packed out with talent.
"If they win the European Cup they have a helluva chance of doing it again.
They will also get the opportunity of playing in the World Club Championship
and the world will be their oyster."
Wilkins spent five years at Old Trafford and was in the United side which
lost to Juventus in the European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final in 1984.
He has also been an interested spectator in the past two years when United
have reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals of this competition.
But the former United skipper, who recently joined the coaching staff at
rivals Chelsea, insists the Red Devils can go one better this year.
He is a keen student of Italian football following his time at AC Milan as a
player, and believes United have what it takes to beat Juve.
"I think United can beat Juventus," he said. "They are having a torrid time
in league football in Italy just now and they concede goals, which they
never used to do.
"They have some very talented players but I don't think they are as good as
Inter Milan.
"Zinedine Zidane beat United on his own a couple of years ago at Old
Trafford. He had a wonderful game and that is what you expect from world
class footballers.
"But this time United have another couple of years experience in the
Champions' League. They have been playing some wonderful football in this
competition and are top scorers.
"They are coming to terms with it much easier and have scored away from home
all the time. I can see United scoring wherever they go.
"It is not just about Dwight Yorke, it is a collective unit. Look at Jaap
Stam, he has been outstanding, and Peter Schmeichel is fantastic.
"We talk about the English league being the best in the world but to fulfil
this we have to start winning European competitions.
"Chelsea managed it last year and hopefully we will do it again, but we want
to be prominent in the Champions' League as well."
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: Arsenal FT Result
One nil boring Arse did it again!
Tues 6/7 FT result
Arsenal 1 - 0 Blackburn
Bergkamp
s/o Keown s/o Gillespie
Bergkamp missed penalty 2nd half
Both sides playing with 10 men at the end.
*** LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 06/04/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Manchester United 31 11 4 1 38 16 7 6 2 31 16 37 64
2 Arsenal 32 11 5 0 27 4 6 7 3 16 9 30 63
3 Chelsea 30 9 5 1 21 9 7 6 2 24 14 22 59
4 Leeds United 31 11 3 2 30 8 5 6 4 22 20 24 57
End of season update:
MANCHESTER UNITED CHELSEA ARSENAL
P31 - 64pts P30 - 59pts P32-63pts
April
10 Wimbledon (A) 31
14 Middlesbr (A) 32
17 Sheff Wed (H)32
18 Leicester (H) 33
19 Wimbledon (H) 33
24 SheffielW (A) 34 Middlesbr (A) 34
25 Leeds (A)33
May
1 Aston Villa (H)34 Everton (H) 35
2 Derby C (H) 35
5 Liverpool (A)35 Leeds (H) 36 Tottenham H (A) 36
8 Tottenham (A) 37 Leeds U (A) 37
9 Middlesbr (A)36
12 Blackburn (A)37
16 Tottenham (H)38 Derby (H) 38 Aston Villa (H) 38
Champions?
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: KEANE WARY OF TREBLE TALK AS UNITED PLOT JUVENTUS REVENGE
By Iain Spragg
ROY KEANE has warned Manchester United fans not to bet on his side
clinching an unprecedented European Cup, Premiership and FA Cup treble, but
is refusing to completely rule out the Red Devils’ chances of a clean
sweep. The Old
Trafford skipper knows the size of the challenge in becoming the first English
side to win all three competitions in oneseason, but is raring to give it a go
regardless.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder told Football365: “To talk about winning
all
three trophies is a bit of an impossible dream. But you should never say
never. If I
was a betting man I wouldn’t bet on us finishing with all three. You have
to go back
19 years to find a side that did that and when Liverpool did the treble
they didn’t win
the FA Cup.”
United’s own treble aspirations will be put to a stern test tonight at Old
Trafford in the
first leg of their European Cup semi-final against Juventus, followed by
their FA Cup
semi-final clash with Arsenal on Sunday. And Keane has told his troops to
treat this game
like a cup final. Juve have beaten Alex Ferguson’s men in three of their
last four
Champions League meetings and the tough-tackling midfielder is looking for
revenge.
Keane said: “We don’t look beyond winning the next game and at the
moment every game is like a cup final to us because defeat could be
the difference between winning and losing something. We’ve won
nothing yet. I don’t look too much into what we’ve done so far.”
The last time the two teams met was at the Stadio delle Alpi in Turin
back in December 1997 when a late Filippo Inzaghi strike gave the
Serie A heavyweights a 1-0 win and a place in the last eight of the
competition, alongside United. Since then, Keane’s team has gone
from strength to strength while Juve, European Cup finalists for three
successive seasons, have slumped into domestic obscurity.
History, however, is against the Old Trafford outfit. They have never
beaten Juventus over two legs and have won just two of the their
previous eight clashes with the Italians. Keane is the first to
acknowledge the 1996 European Cup champions are still a force to be
reckoned with despite their recent mediocre performances – hence
his advice to United fans not to line the bookmakers’ pockets.
But if the Red Devils do take revenge against their visitors tonight, it
might be impossible to stop a few of them having a flutter.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
Subject: Becks Wedding
Spice Girls singer Victoria Adams is planning to marry
her soccer star fiancé David Beckham in Ireland,
according to a UK newspaper.
The Sun reports the couple will wed on 4 July at a
church near Dublin.
A reception for about 500 guests is planned at a nearby
castle after the ceremony, according to the report.
The couple are reported to have asked guests to wear
black and white for the event and have designed their
own wedding coat of arms featuring the Premiership
trophy.
The lavish parchment invitations are reportedly laced with
gold leaf and show the crest which includes a swan
floating on a gold crown and a red and white shield with
the couple's initials above the words Love and
Friendship.
Guests have reportedly been banned from bringing
cameras to the service. It is believed celebrity magazine
OK! has paid £1m for exclusive rights to the service.
Adams, 24, and Manchester United midfielder Beckham,
23, have a month-old son, Brooklyn George.
Her Spice Girls colleague Mel B married dancer Jimmy
Gulzar in September near their home in
Buckinghamshire. Despite enormous press interest the
couple managed to evade fans and media waiting
outside.
More pics from OT + preview click on Alex
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