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The Dennis Viollet Fund


www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Tue Jan 19 10:42:18 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org

This Issue:
1. CANTONA SET FOR OLD TRAFFORD RETURN
2. MEN: United and West Ham race for Foe
3. Red-hot Cole
4. Sugar Plum"
5. Cole and Yorke...The best in Europe
6. UNITED HEAD NORTH FOR GREAT SCOTT
7. Inter Watch 
8. Top Scorers!
9. The Andy & Dwight Show - M.E.N. Article

++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++

Daily RED Trivia  Tue 19th January 1999:

19/1/1935: Billy Porter made his debut at Barnsley. Porter came from Oldham Athletic
 and the industrious Full-back won a Second Division Championship medal in 1936.
 made 65 appearances between 1935-38. He captained United during several 
 seasons of wartime football.

1972: United beat Southampton 4-1 after extra time in an FA Cup 3rd Round
 replay at Old Trafford watched by 50,950. George Best 2, David Sadler and
 John Aston scored the goals. Team was: Stepney, O'Neil, Burns, Gowling,
 Edwards, Sadler, Morgan, McIlroy (Aston), Charlton, Law, Best. 

***************

Barry Daily Comment:
Manchester United have given their blessing to a testimonial match at
Old Trafford for manager Alex Ferguson - and that could mean another
appearance for Eric Cantona.

Survey #33 results: Should UNITED make an offer for Zidane?
Yes:		146	82.0%
No:		32	12.9%
Total votes:	178

Barry Comment:
I think our Salford Lass may well appreciate the results of our latest survey!
Time will tell if it comes true, of course now we know a massive 80% of
REDS will support any action by Alex!

New Survey #34 Question: What is United's best pairing of Centre Backs?
G.Neville & Stam
G.Neville & Johnsen
Berg & G.Neville
Berg & Stam
Johnsen & Stam
Johnsen & Berg
(Question suggested by Gary Heath)

Survey opened: Sun Jan 17 99 20:00 EST 
Vote now at: http://www.red11.org/miva/survey.mv

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:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix9899z.htm

  24/1 Liverpool   (H)  12.00 Sky Sports FA CUP 4th rnd
  31/1 Charlton    (A)  15.00 UK

UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/

*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED  ***

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                    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    Middlebrough             Home     L  2-3     3    55,152
26/12/98    Notts 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

	******
  
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-FINAL DRAW
 Manchester Utd    v   Inter Milan
 Real Madrid       v   Dynamo Kiev
 Juventus          v   Olympiakos
 Bayern Munich     v   Kaiserslautern

 Ties to be played on March 3 and 17

*** RESULTS AND ATTENDANCES ON 18/01/99 ***
         Aston Villa   3-0   Everton               34,288

*** CONDENSED LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 18/01/99 ***

Pos Team                  P   W   D   L   F   A   GD  Pts
---------------------------------------------------------
 1  Chelsea              22  11  10   1  34  18   16   43
 2  Aston Villa          22  12   7   3  34  20   14   43
 3  Manchester United    22  11   8   3  49  26   23   41
 4  Arsenal              22  10   9   3  23  11   12   39
 5  Leeds United         22   9   9   4  36  20   16   36
 6  Liverpool            22  10   5   7  43  26   17   35
 7  Wimbledon            22   9   7   6  29  33   -4   34
 8  West Ham United      22   9   5   8  25  31   -6   32
 9  Middlesbrough        22   7  10   5  32  28    4   31
10  Derby County         22   7  10   5  22  20    2   31
11  Leicester City       22   7   8   7  25  27   -2   29
12  Tottenham Hotspur    22   7   8   7  28  30   -2   29
13  Sheffield Wednesday  22   7   5  10  25  22    3   26
14  Newcastle United     22   6   7   9  26  31   -5   25
15  Everton              22   5   9   8  13  24  -11   24
16  Blackburn Rovers     22   5   6  11  21  29   -8   21
17  Coventry City        22   5   5  12  21  31  -10   20
18  Charlton Athletic    22   3   8  11  26  36  -10   17
19  Southampton          22   4   5  13  20  46  -26   17
20  Nottingham Forest    22   2   7  13  18  41  -23   13

Fixtures FAC:
*** ROUND 3 FIXTURES (REPLAYS) ON 19/01/99 ***
             (0) Barnsley  v  Swindon Town (0)

*** ROUND 3 FIXTURES (REPLAYS) ON 20/01/99 ***
         (1) Notts County  v  Sheffield United (1)

*** ROUND 4 FIXTURES ON 23/01/99 ***
              Aston Villa  v  Fulham
                 Barnsley  v  AFC Bournemouth
          or Swindon Town     
         Blackburn Rovers  v  Sunderland
           Bristol Rovers  v  Leyton Orient
                  Everton  v  Ipswich Town
           Leicester City  v  Coventry City
         Newcastle United  v  Bradford City
             Notts County  v  Cardiff City
      or Sheffield United     
               Portsmouth  v  Leeds United
      Sheffield Wednesday  v  Stockport County
             Swansea City  v  Derby County
                Wimbledon  v  Tottenham Hotspur
                  Wrexham  v  Huddersfield Town


*** ROUND 4 FIXTURES ON 24/01/99 ***
        Manchester United  v  Liverpool **********  1200 kick off!
            Wolverhampton  v  Arsenal

++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++


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Subject: CANTONA SET FOR OLD TRAFFORD RETURN Manchester United have given their blessing to a testimonial match at Old Trafford for manager Alex Ferguson - and that could mean another appearance for Eric Cantona. Manchester United have given their blessing to a testimonial match at Old Trafford for manager Alex Ferguson - and that could mean another appearance for Eric Cantona. Friday, August 6th has been booked for the event, and the organisers will be trying to attract Cantona and many of the other stars who have played under Ferguson since he took charge at the club. United chairman Martin Edwards said: ''We were approached by a testimonial committee acting on Alex's behalf and were delighted to grant them permission to organise the game. ''It is something we are happy to support because it is certainly well deserved.'' With a crowd of more than 55,000 certain, the game will reward Ferguson for his service since he took over at Old Trafford since November, 1986. Ferguson is on the verge of becoming the most successful manager in the club's history. He needs just one more league championship to equal the five won by Sir Matt Busby and if United win the European Champions' League, Ferguson could surpass the achievements of his legendary predecessor.
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Subject: MEN: United and West Ham race for Foe BY STUART MATHIESON ACTION MAN . . . Marc-Vivien Foe playing for Cameroon MANCHESTER United are back on the trail of the star Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe. But they face new opposition in the shape of West Ham United who are keen to spend some of the money from the sale of John Hartson. The Reds were sending a representative to monitor the 23-year-old for his French club Lens against Monaco as he continues on his comeback road following a broken leg last May. United manager Alex Ferguson had a £4m bid for Foe accepted at the end of last season by the French champions after Foe helped engineer Lens' surprise title win. However, the deal fell through when the versatile and powerful player broke his leg during World Cup training with Cameroon before France 98. Now he is on the way back the Hammers are believed to be ready to up the ante with a £5million bid. Foe came over to England at the beginning of this season in order for United's medics to assess him but he returned to France to continue his rehabilitation. The Reds, though, have kept in touch with the player. Foe made his comeback in November and Ferguson has continued to keep tabs on his progress. ``We have been monitoring Foe and have had him watched two or three times now,'' says Fergie. ``We'll watch him against Monaco today. He's been doing well since he came back and we'll obviously make a decision at some stage. ``But we're not in a hurry. We want to see him play a few more times yet to assess his progress.'' United now have less than a fortnight to bring in a new face if Ferguson wishes to add to his Champions' League squad. He has to forward his list of 25 players for the final stages by January 31. Unfortunately for Foe he was brought on by Lens in the final match of their Champions' League group against Dynamo Kiev in December. The brief substitute's appearance now means the player is ineligible for the Champions' League. ``Obviously at this stage we'd prefer to get someone who is available for the Champions' League,'' says Fergie. A host of other Premiership clubs have already contacted his agent regarding Foe's availability. Aston Villa, Blackburn, Southampton, Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday have all made previous noises about wanting the Cameroon international but Foe is desperate for his dream move to Old Trafford to be resurrected. Meanwhile, United's Champions' League quarter-final opponents Inter Milan look set to win their battle with Italian TV over the screening of their Serie A matches on the weekends before the two legs with the Reds in March. Inter are due for live screening of their matches at home to Juventus and also the Milan derby with AC in the San Siro on the Sunday night prior to the last eight ties. The Juve encounter was scheduled just 36 hours before they were flying into Manchester for the first leg at Old Trafford on March 4 with the AC Milan set-to due three days before the return. However, Inter have requested a switch and Italian TV are now expected to bring forward both live screenings by 24 hours to the Saturday evening.
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Subject: Red-hot Cole Leicester City 2-6 Manchester United: Red-hot Cole Monday, January 18, 1999 Glenn Hoddle's steadfast belief that Andy Cole is not worthy of an England place came in for some thinly-veiled criticism at Filbert Street. Leicester manager Martin O'Neill led the outcry against the England coach after seeing Cole and strike partner Dwight Yorke undo his injury-hit side. O'Neill was careful not to mention Hoddle by name when he said: 'If anyone tries to tell me that Andy Cole is not a top-class player and a top-class goalscorer, I would tell them they should have their head examined.' 'He has been a top-class player for years. There is no doubt about that and he showed it again today. 'What do I think of his partnership with Yorke? Well, they scored five goals between them and could have had a few more, so I suppose that is alright for an afternoon's work.' Hoddle chose to bypass Leicester - even though his name was on the guest list for a complimentary ticket at Filbert Street - and continue up the M1 to Leeds for his weekly appraisal of England candidates. It was left to David Davies - ghost writer of Hoddle's infamous World Cup Diary - to take his place in Leicester's directors' box as Cole and Yorke ran riot and took their joint goal tally for the season to 31. He may take courage in both hands and point out to Hoddle the error of his ways. Then again, he may not. There are plenty who would, though. O'Neill for one, Kasey Keller for another. The Leicester goalkeeper's protracted contract negotiations with O'Neill have left him confused about his future, but nothing like as bewildered as when he emerged from a bombardment at the hands of United's prolific front runners. 'Andy is thriving on the service from his team-mates and showing great technique. 'He keeps popping them in and I can't fathom out why he is still waiting for a look in at England level. 'He hasn't been given much of a chance and I find that strange. 'If you are as successful as he has been lately you have every right to expect an opportunity. 'He must be wondering what more he can do because guys with nothing like as good a scoring record have been getting in while he has been consistently overlooked. 'All credit to him, as well, for not going into his shell. Now England have a couple of friendlies coming up, so let's hope he finally gets the chance to show whether he can do it at that level.' Yorke took his time over United's 10th-minute opener, but no one could blame him. He had plenty of it as Leicester's defence crowded round Cole at the near post and left him free to control Denis Irwin's cross before firing past Keller. Theo Zagorakis equalised with a spectacular 35th-minute long-range drive during Leicester's only spell of supremacy. It didn't last as the second half became one-way traffic. Ominously for the rest of the title pacesetters, United seldom ventured out of second gear to underline their status as the most free-scoring team in the Premiership. They dominated midfield at a canter - even without Nicky Butt, ruled out with a migraine just before kick-off - and relied on the electrifying finishing of Cole and Yorke to leave Leicester's defence in ruins. Cole restored United's advantage in the 49th minute and made the most of a sublime piece of skill from Yorke to put them further ahead 12 minutes later. Yorke made light of an almost impossible angle to punish Keller's misjudgment and put United 4-1 in front in the 63rd minute. A Peter Schmeichel blunder was seized on by Steve Walsh soon after, but Yorke and Jaap Stam, with his first goal in English football, had the final say as United took their scoring tally to 79 in all competitions so far. Yorke, quick on his feet as ever, snapped up the match ball at the end and refused to let go as he tucked it under his arm and shook hands with opponents and team-mates alike. Finally, he strode over to the massed ranks of United fans and held it aloft like a trophy. The real thing will surely follow shortly. In duplicate, possibly, as United pursue another League and FA Cup double. Inter Milan are looming in the Champions League quarter-final, but with Yorke and Cole in such rampaging form it could yet be triplicate.
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Subject: "Sugar Plum" After yesterdays set of results the only match without a goal was "The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" Act 2 Rembering my report back in Dec 98: >>>>>>>>>>> Quote "Rennie "for headaches" Ref was gullable, he continued to book players left right and center. Nicky Butt, David, Teddy for talkng too much, Ronny and for good measure Phil Neville! (Phil actually deserved his) Back to Sugar Plum, he could be a great player, he left players for dead esp in the 2nd half running through and shooting on target. I called him cheat as all REDS sang out loud, he must have received the message loud and clear. The real reason for the 2-2 draw, in a match where Manchester United dominated, was Act-1 scene-3 when Rennie had orchestrated the Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy." All this, with pics, is at http://www.red11.org/mufc/billbarry98.htm ........ unquote<<<<<<<<<< The match at White Hart Lane on Sat Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Wimbledon 32,422 If "Rennie" had been there 4 of the Dons players would have been sent off! Sugar Plum dived un-convincingly THREE times (one was worth two Oscars) and managed one more in the penalty area which might well have been a foul outside the area. This was not given of course due to previous evidence. Christ, Ginola is actually a decent footballer but if he/others go on like this mayhem will arise! Point 2: in an average run of the mill game I heard on 606 that the very same Ref Rennie managed to ruin a fairly played game by booking left right and center? Booked: Carragher, Ince, Monk, Colleter, Hughes Something has to be done, but the Sugar Plum/Rennie combination must never happen again...... I rest my case.
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Subject: Cole and Yorke...The best in Europe Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were hailed as the best strike partnership in Europe by Manchester United team-mate Jesper Blomqvist after they had carried out their latest demolition job on Leicester City. Blomqvist has a wealth of European experience and during his time in Italy partnered Dino Baggio and played against the likes of Brazilian superstar Ronaldo and the now Chelsea player-manager Gianluca Vialli. But as a duo he rates hat-trick hero Yorke and two-goal Cole as the most potent he has witnessed - and similar sentiments were echoed by Leicester players Steve Walsh and Neil Lennon. After their gruelling programme in November and December, Blomqvist believes United are getting their second wind and have the power and strength in depth to get through the demanding next three months. Yorke and Cole have now scored 31 goals between them this season, and looking back it is hard to believe that United manager Alex Ferguson did not pair them together straight away at the start of the season. Former Gothenburg, Inter Milan and Parma star Blomqvist said: "I've seen loads of quality strikers in Sweden and Italy. I played with Baggio while Ronaldo is exceptional and Vialli is a great player. "Maybe they have slightly better individual skills - but as a partnership I think Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole are the best I have seen. I've never seen a pair work so well together. They are fantastic. "They've only been together a few months but you wouldn't believe it from watching them. As a winger it's nice to know those two are on the end of the balls you put into the danger area." Blomqvist added: "The team is looking good for what's ahead. On the training ground there is a freshness but also a determination I haven't really seen in a couple of months. "It's like we've got a second wind and the squad has got the power to last the pace until the end of the season - and I believe that we can still improve." Leicester midfielder Lennon spoke of United's clinical finishing power and said Leicester could not afford to ease off at all. He said: "We kept them pretty quiet for the first half but you can't afford to give Yorke and Cole a sniff. We made some sloppy mistakes and were punished because their finishing was so clinical. "They've already destroyed Barcelona in the Nou Camp and if they can do that to teams of that quality, then they will certainly do it in the Premiership. "They are the best duo in our country at present and I hope they can carry it into Europe and help United win the Champions League. "That would silence all the critics who say English football isn't up to scratch. You get the cliché statements trotted out like 'Dutch maestros' and 'The Italians are so hard to beat.' "But United are as good as any team on earth, are great ambassadors for England in Europe and I hope they go all the way." **************************************************************** Kieran Lambert email: klambert@accuris.ie
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Subject: UNITED HEAD NORTH FOR GREAT SCOTT UNITED HEAD NORTH FOR GREAT SCOTT Teddy Scott will finally take his place in the spotlight on Monday when Alex Ferguson makes an emotional return to Pittodrie with what he promises will be a strong Manchester United squad. Now kit man at Aberdeen, Scott's roles at the club also include playing and coaching responsibilites, but it was as a talent scout that Ferguson believes he excelled. Many of the famous names of the 80s at Aberdeen were discovered by Scott including the likes of talented Scotland trio Jim Leighton, Willie Miller and Alex McLeish. Old Trafford boss Ferguson will be reunited with his European Cup Winners' Cup side of 1983 glory as the players meet again for a pre-friendly kickabout, but above all it is Scott's night. Ferguson said: "Teddy's contribution was a huge factor in what the Aberdeen team attained in the eighties, he was always waiting to tell me the potential of some youngster he had spotted. "When you look at some of the players he unearthed you realise his value to the club. He taught me that money counts for less than funding and nurturing your own lads. "Teddy loves football to his boot-straps and I just hope that folk such as him don't disappear from the sport because they remain very important to its future development." The Pittodrie clash represents an opportunity for the latest manager Paul Hegarty to prove he can cope with the legacy left by Ferguson in what is anticipated to be a genuinely competitive game. Ferguson is likely to rest in-form strike pairing Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke meaning Norwegian international Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could well be offered a chance to impress. Other possible stars of the future poised to feature are Jonathan Greening, Mark Wilson and Philip Mulryne alongside the more established faces Ferguson has pledged will be on view. Match Report: BECKHAM FEAR FOR FERGIE Aberdeen 1-1 Manchester Utd (Aberdeen won 7-6 on penalties) Alex Ferguson tasted defeat on his return to former club Aberdeen - but the score will worry the United boss far less than the fitness of David Beckham. Ferguson took a full strength side to Pittodrie for a testimonial in recognition of Teddy Scott's 44-year association with the club. But the evening turned sour when Beckham left the pitch with a suspected groin strain, making him a doubt for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round clash with Liverpool. A crowd of over 20,000 watched the Old Trafford side held to a 1-1 draw, before losing 7-6 in a penalty shoot-out. Norweigan defender Ronny Johnsen put United ahead in the 50th minute but the home side levelled quarter of an hour later when former Blackburn striker Mike Newell beat Peter Schmeichel. Prir to the match, the Dons' 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup winning side were reunited with Ferguson joining long-serving Scott in parading the trophy to the delight of the crowd. After the match, Ferguson said: "We have one or two players with slight niggles, and David Beckham is one of those. He has just maybe got a little niggle, and we'll have to see how he is tomorrow."
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Subject: Inter Watch >Inter-esting news. >Inter lost 2-0 away to Bologna today. This game was live on Channel 4 here in the UK, and I managed to catch the first half hour or so. It appears that Inter's new coach, Lucescu (?) has decided to play all 3 of Baggio, Ronaldo and Zamorano up front. Whilst this worked last weekend, it wasn't so hot yesterday. Ronaldo had one chance about 10 minutes in - having been played through by Baggio, he fired against the keeper's legs. It appears that Ronaldo always plays through the middle, whilst Zamorano switches from left to right across the front. Baggio obviously has a free role - he was dropping very, very deep to collect the ball. Bologna seemed not to be too worried about this, and only got tight on him when he approached the edge of the box. Baggio and Simeone were by far the most dangerous players - almost all of Inter's attacking play was channelled through these two. Other impressions were that Inter like to play through the middle, with lots of one-two's and combinations around the edge of the box. Baggio was particularly dangerous from free-kicks in this area, hitting the post with one curler. Defensively, Inter looked fairly shaky - I'm not sure if their back four yesterday was the usual, but they appear to have trouble with pacy forwards, and, in goal, Pagliuca looked very dodgy on crosses. Having said all this, it appears that Inter are more than a little inconsistent and certainly shouldn't be judged on one afternoon's work - let's all keep sticking pins in those Ronaldo dolls. Cheers, Jon Stiley stiley@riversoft.com
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From: Philip O'Brien Subject: Top Scorers! Premier League Top Scorers Up to and including Saturday, January 16 1999 FA Lge Lge Cup Cup Euro Other Total Aloisi (Coventry) 15 0 3 0 0 18 17 for Portsmouth Owen (Liverpool) 13 1 1 2 0 17 Yorke (Man Utd) ********** 11 0 0 5 0 16 Ward (Blackburn) 12 0 3 0 0 15 15 for Barnsley Cole (Man Utd) ********** 10 1 0 4 0 15 Dublin (Aston Villa) 12 0 1 0 0 13 4 for Coventry Ricard (Middlesbrough) 10 0 3 0 0 13 Fowler (Liverpool) 9 1 1 2 0 13 Hasselbaink (Leeds) 10 1 0 1 0 12 Blake (Blackburn) 9 0 3 0 0 12 9 for Bolton Huckerby (Coventry) 8 3 0 0 0 11 Poyet (Chelsea) 8 0 2 1 0 11 Armstrong (Tottenham) 6 0 5 0 0 11 Solskjaer (Man Utd) ******** 6 0 3 1 0 10 Zola (Chelsea) 9 0 0 0 0 9
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Subject: The Andy & Dwight Show - M.E.N. Article ANDY Cole is at the centre of a huge nationwide guessing game which has left fans and foes alike puzzled. The Manchester United striker, along with Dwight Yorke, has got opposition defenders baffled and having to endure a game of chance in a bid to keep him quiet. Meanwhile, the 27-year-old's continued absence from Glenn Hoddle's England squad despite 40 goals in the last season and a half is mystifying. His Red Siamese twin and Filbert Street hat-trick hero Yorke is perplexed by Hoddle's snubs. Leicester City boss Martin O'Neill, whose side were tormented by Cole's five goal combination with Yorke, reckons: ``If anybody can tell me Andy Cole is not a good finisher they need their head examined.'' Well, if national coach Hoddle doesn't include the Premiership's third top scorer in his pool for the Wembley friendly against France on February 10 then he'd better book in for a session with a shrink. Cole should have been celebrating last Tuesday's fourth anniversary of his £7m move from Newcastle with a share of the match ball with Yorke after their joint destruction of Leicester. Arguably he could even have made it is own property to stash alongside the other three he's bagged from his four-year Old Trafford career. The fact he didn't, with a wild slash over in the 60th minute against Leicester's harassed makeshift defence as the main culprit which denied him the hat-trick honour, Hoddle would say adds to his argument that Cole needs too many chances to put a goal away. And you don't get that many at international level. Cole's followers would be justified in countering: do Alan Shearer and Michael Owen convert every goal opportunity that comes their way? Whatever the merits of his international inclusion United supporters, who don't have a lot of time for England these days anyway, are just wallowing in his golden tie-up with Yorke this season. The partnership has reaped 26 goals when they've been in tandem and United's leading scorer Yorke warns it can get better. ``The partnership is going well at the moment,'' says the Trinidadian international. ``It can get better because there is always room for improvement. ``It's not for me to say if Andy should be in another England squad but I'd like to see him there. ``The important thing is what we are doing for Manchester United. Andy is really flying at the moment. I hope that continues and he gets better still.'' The pair's five-goal contribution was the best haul in one game for the £20m combo and the fact it hasn't peaked will alarm defenders. Leicester's Steve Walsh reveals that trying to quell Cole and Yorke is pure guesswork. ``They are quick, sharp and very clever players. They are a class act together,'' says the one-time Wigan defender. ``They are right up there with the best. They do their little one-twos which mean you have to be on your toes for sure. You have to guess what they are going to do. ``Having Dwight alongside him has certainly made Andy a better player. They link up well. They know where each other is going. They've got these little flicks and link ups. It's through your legs and see you later. You have to try to work out where they are going to go. You have to try to second guess them but we guessed wrong!'' ``They're becoming quite a force,'' says Reds' boss Alex Ferguson. ``It doesn't matter who they play they make it difficult for defenders. The partnership has just evolved and the threat they pose and the understanding they have is fantastic.'' The pair gave United a cutting edge which eventually slashed Leicester's noble battling qualities to ribbons. The Reds, however, needed an interval reminder from Fergie about being merciless. With top defensive buys Matt Elliott and Frank Sinclair missing from the centre of Leicester's rearguard the Midlanders were always up against it with United in this form. The makeshift defence's complete misunderstanding allowed Denis Irwin's 10th minute cross to dissect them and with their collective attentions seemingly trained on Cole's near post run, Yorke was suicidally left alone. You don't present gifts like that to Jaap Stam these days let alone Yorke! United then appeared to decide to extend Fergie's mid-season break and have a team winter breather. Dogged Leicester took advantage and a screaming equaliser from Greek Theo Zagorakis could have led to a half time lead but for Kaamark's blaze over the bar just before the interval when United's defence matched Leicester's kamikaze efforts which let Yorke in for the opener. Fortunately City's Swedish defender hasn't got Yorke's finishing ability. It was the kick up the backside United needed and no doubt Fergie added to the jolt. The Reds reverted to their more recognisable ruthless streak and the second half was a savage display of striking power. Ryan Giggs, switched at half time into a more comfortable looking central role, began the butchery with a through ball for Cole and Gerry Taggart to chase. It was Linford Christie against Agatha Christie as Cole opened up a gap and then clinically drilled the ball past Keller. Following his miss on the hour Cole then stretched United's lead. Yorke's flick and spin past Walsh made the City centre half look like he was nailed to the floor. He slipped the ball into Cole's stride and Keller was beaten again. The American keeper compounded his misery by allowing Irwin's long ball past him after winning the race with Yorke and the United forward made light of the tight angle to side foot his second. Walsh bundled in a second for Leicester as United's defence revealed their Mr Hyde side and then Keller brilliantly revealed his Dr Jekyll form with a brilliant reflex stop to beat away Yorke's close range volley. The Cole and Yorke race was on for the match ball and Cole looked to have won it when he blasted in an 86th minute unstoppable shot. Unstoppable that is for a human but the woodwork kept it out and Johnny-on-the-spot Yorke gobbled up the rebound for his first United hat trick. With Leicester's defence in such generous mood with their space Stam decided to join in the fun and displayed Yorke and Cole like finishing qualities to volley a sixth home to complete the rout. Match facts: SHOTS ON: Leicester 4 United 10. SHOTS OFF: Leicester 3 United 6. GOALS: Yorke (10,64,86), Cole (50,63), Stam (90) for United. Zagorakis (35), Walsh (75) for Leicester. BOOKINGS: Keane, Blomqvist for United. Walsh, Lennon for Leicester. ATTENDANCE: 22,091. Manchester United - The Legend: http://manunited.net
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