Click for hundreds of RED
Websites / Swap shop / Meet other United Fans and more!
|
 |
E-mail: barry@www.red11.org Updated
Daily
Compiled by 
Barry
J. Leeming Digest Prgram
by 
William
McArthur Canada
Theatre Of Dreams Banner's by
Sam Hayward Download the digest program here!
The
Devil's Advocate "REDitorial"
commentary by Alex Paylor "RED
sky at night UNITED delight!"
www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Sat Mar 20 08:52:18 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. Guardian inc Full Euro Draw
2. FERGIE CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
3. JUVE COACH: WE'LL SCORE AGAINST UNITED
4. United fans are looking forward to a return to the European glory days - BBC
5. VAN DER SAR TIPPED TO SUCCEED SCHMEICHEL
6. Re: I've just noticed...
7. MANCHESTER UNITED ARE WRITTEN OFF BY THE ITALIANS
8. Zidane doubt raises United European hopes
9. Keegan has always stood by me - Cole
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
Daily RED Trivia Saturday 20th March 1999:
20/3/1961: Jesper Olsen born in Fakse, Denmark. Joined United from Ajax Amsterdam
for £700,000 in July 1984, and wove his magic down United's wings 175 times
between 1984-89, scoring 24 goals. Claimed an FA Cup Winners medal in 1985,
and won several caps for Denmark, playing in the 1986 World Cup Finals. Olsen
joined Bordeaux (France) in November 1988, having earlier won 2 Dutch
Championship medals and a Cup Winners medal with Ajax.
1996: In a crucial Premiership clash United beat Arsenal 1-0 at Old Trafford with
a majestic Eric Cantona goal watched by 50,028. Team was: Schmeichel, G.Neville,
P.Neville, Bruce, Sharpe, May, Cantona, Butt, Cole (Scholes), Keane, Giggs.
***************
Barry Daily Comment:
Well its third season in a row for Juventus! reckon it will be
3rd time lucky for us but will of course be hard, good luck to REDS all over the world.
Here's the low down: P6 W2 L5 D1 GF-6 GA-11
20/10/76 EUFA 2 rnd H W 1-0 Gordon Hill
3/11/76 A L 0-3
11/04/84 ECWC SF H D 1-1 Davies
25/04/84 " A L 1-2 Whiteside
11/09/96 EC Lg A L 0-1
20/11/96 " H L 0-1
01/10/97 EC Lg H W 3-2 Sheringham, Scholes, Giggs
10/12/97 " A L 0-1
Well results can only be improved so we most def need to win at home and probably 2 goals will do it.
I go for 2-0 home 1-1 away
"The same procedure as last time" [same agg as Inter 3-1}
Lets get on the Italian Job, again!
Barry
Reader comment:
"A good draw I think. We have played Juve a number of
times home and away, Bayern are my current favourites to win the competition
(just shading the Reds, of course heart says reds) and Kiev are the real
wild cards plus having to play on their terrible pitch.
The tension of this season will be the death of me!!!"
Forever red.
Jason
Jordi: Out for season
Jordi Cruyff could miss the rest of the season after suffering another
injury setback while on loan in Spain. The unfortunate United striker
will be out for two months after undergoing an operation on his pubis last Tuesday.
Cruyff has told Celta Vigo not to pay him anything while he is recovering
from this latest blow.
***** Live United commentary on Internet
The official website is running live audio only commentary for the game
against Everton at OT courtesy of Century Radio and Broadcast.Com.
official site is www.manutd.com.
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
March
Tomorrow Sunday! *** 21 Everton (H) 15.00 PL
April
3 Wimbledon (A) 15.00 PL
7 European Cup Semi (H) 19.45 Juventus
11 FAC Semi Arsenal at Villa Park 12.30 UK Live Sky Sports Uk
17 Sheff Wed (H) 15.00 PL
21 European Cup (A) 19.45 Juventus
25 Leeds (A) 11.30 {am} UK PL Live Sky Sports UK
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
*** LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 14/03/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Manchester United 29 17 9 3 65 30 35 60
2 Arsenal 29 15 11 3 40 13 27 56
3 Chelsea 28 14 11 3 41 23 18 53
4 Leeds United 29 14 9 6 45 26 19 51
5 Aston Villa 29 12 8 9 39 34 5 44
6 Derby County 29 11 11 7 31 28 3 44
7 West Ham United 29 12 7 10 32 39 -7 43
8 Wimbledon 29 10 10 9 33 41 -8 40
9 Liverpool 28 11 6 11 52 37 15 39
10 Tottenham Hotspur 29 9 12 8 34 34 0 39
11 Newcastle United 29 10 8 11 38 39 -1 38
12 Middlesbrough 28 8 12 8 37 39 -2 36
13 Sheffield Wednesday 29 10 5 14 35 32 3 35
14 Leicester City 28 8 10 10 28 37 -9 34
15 Coventry City 29 8 7 14 31 40 -9 31
16 Everton 29 7 10 12 22 32 -10 31
17 Charlton Athletic 29 6 10 13 33 40 -7 28
18 Blackburn Rovers 29 6 9 14 29 41 -12 27
19 Southampton 29 7 5 17 27 56 -29 26
20 Nottingham Forest 29 4 8 17 26 57 -31 20
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED - AS AT 20/02/99 ***
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
******
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 Draw to be played 7th, 21st April
Manchester United v Juventus [OT 7/4]
Bayern Munchen v Dynamo Kiev
*** FIXTURES ON 20/03/99 ***
Arsenal v Coventry City
Blackburn Rovers v Wimbledon
Leeds United v Derby County
Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough
Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday
West Ham United v Newcastle United
*** FIXTURES ON 21/03/99 ***
Aston Villa v Chelsea
Manchester United v Everton
*** WC FINAL FIXTURE ON 21/03/99 ***
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur
++++++=========+++++++========+++++++++========++++++++
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: Guardian inc Full Euro Draw
Comments: To: RedDevilsNews@onelist.com
To: MUFC@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU
Champions League United handed another Italian test
By David Lacey
Saturday March 20, 1999
If practice makes perfect then Manchester United are
entitled to be optimistic about reaching the final of the
European Cup for a second time. Either way they will need to
make a habit of overcoming Italian opposition because,
having beaten Internazionale in the quarter-finals, they
have now been drawn against Juventus. At least United know
what they are up against. This will be the third time in as
many seasons that the clubs have met in this competition
and at their present rate of progress Alex Ferguson's team
will fancy their chances.
In the 1996-97 Champions League Juventus beat Manchester
United 1-0 in both of their group matches but last season
United won memorably 3-2 at Old Trafford and only lost 1-0
in Turin after they had qualified.
Before Wednesday night United had never beaten an Italian
team over two legs. Now Ferguson will have an immediate
chance to check the psychological effect of ending a losing
run which included four previous European ties against
Juventus.
'At this stage you would expect a tough draw,' the United
manager said yesterday, 'but we have the experience of
playing against them four times in the last two seasons.
'The players know all about them, and to be honest we have
also improved. It will be a hard game for us but I hope we
can make it hard for Juventus.'
With the first leg at Old Trafford, Ferguson will be
looking for the form United showed in beating Juventus at
home 18 months ago after falling behind in the opening
minute. Demanding though United's task is, they will not be
sorry to have avoided the dark Ukrainian horses, Dynamo
Kiev, who will meet Bayern Munich in the other semi-final.
Juventus appear equally relieved. According to one of their
directors, Romy Gai, they have been given the draw they
wanted. 'We prefer to play United over two games instead of
one,' Gai said, 'because we believe we have a better chance
that way.'
So far Juventus have loped through the season in Italy and
after heading their Champions League group with a win and
five draws they squeezed into the semi-finals in Athens on
Wednesday when Antonio Conte's late goal brought them a 3-2
aggregate win over Olympiakos.
Chelsea's chances of reaching the Cup Winners' Cup final
for the second year running were boosted when they avoided
Lazio in the semi-final draw and were paired with Real
Mallorca of Spain. Chelsea will be at home in the first leg.
European semi-final draws
Champions Cup
Manchester United v Juventus
Dynamo Kiev v Bayern Munich
(Ties to be played April 7 and 21)
Cup-Winners Cup
Chelsea v Real Mallorca
Lokomotiv Moscow v Lazio
(April 8 and 22).
Uefa Cup
Atletico Madrid v Parma
Marseille v Bologna
(April 6 and 20).
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: FERGIE CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
United remain Euro favourites
Alex Ferguson is happy to face Juventus in the Champions' League semi-finals
and even happier to have avoided Dynamo Kiev.
Juventus hold no fears for the Manchester United manager because he feels
his side have improved since they last met last season.
But Ferguson admitted he had not wanted to be paired with Kiev in today's
draw in Geneva.
Ferguson was worried a gruelling midweek trip to the Ukraine might have
hindered United's assault on the treble.
"We're trying for the league and to travel to that kind of place does
interrupt your plans on the league side," he said.
"When you're trying to prepare for league matches it does make it a lot more
difficult."
Travelling to Turin for the semi-final second leg on April 21 will not be so
demanding on the United players and Ferguson is confident they have the
measure of the Italian giants.
United have lost three and won one of their four meetings with the Italian
club in the Champions' League over the past two seasons.
Their last encounter was in December 1997 in the group stages when Juventus
won 1-0, although United had already qualified and played accordingly, and
Ferguson feels his side have got better since then.
"We have the experience of playing against them four times in the last two
or three years," he said.
"The important thing is that the players know all about them and to be
honest we've improved.
"It will be a hard game for us and hopefully we can make it a hard game for
Juventus.
"At this stage the draw is what you would expect - tough. But you are not
going to get to the semi-finals of a major competition without these
difficulties."
United recorded arguably their best European result of recent years against
Juventus at Old Trafford back in October 1997 when they beat the Serie A
side 3-2.
Ferguson claims his side must reach that standard again if they are to
progress to the final in Barcelona on May 26.
"We've had four great games against them and we did exceptionally well when
we won 3-2," he said. "That's the kind of concentration which will be
required on the night."
Ferguson is not bothered that United are at home in the first leg on April
7, like they were in the quarter-finals against Inter Milan.
"I don't think that matters now and I think we've proved that we can handle
the away tie," he said. "We did very well in Milan and that was a big step
forward for us."
He also knows Juventus are not the force they have been in the Champions'
League.
They may have reached the last three finals, but this season they scraped
through the group stages, winning just one game, before squeezing past
unfancied Olympiakos in the quarter-finals 3-2 on aggregate.
Juventus have also had a disappointing Serie A campaign, which culminated in
Marcello Lippi quitting as coach last month to be replaced by Carlo
Ancelotti.
They lost last year's final to Real Madrid; the 1997 final to Borussia
Dortmund but lifted the trophy in 1996 by defeating Ajax.
Meanwhile, Juventus coach Carlo Ancelotti welcomed the draw , joking about
how easy it will be to score against Alex Ferguson's men.
The Italian giants have won three out of four meetings with United since
late 1996. The most recent was a 1-0 win in Turin in December 1997, with a
late goal from Filippo Inzaghi putting Juve into last season's
quarter-finals.
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: JUVE COACH: WE'LL SCORE AGAINST UNITED
Juventus coach Carlo Ancelotti welcomed his side's Champions' League draw
with Manchester United today, joking about how easy it will be to score
against Alex Ferguson's men.
The Italian giants have won three out of four meetings with United since
late 1996. The most recent was a 1-0 win in Turin in December 1997, with a
late goal from Filippo Inzaghi putting Juve into last season's
quarter-finals.
Ancelotti has already been joking with his top centre-forward about how
simple it will be to once again find the target against a defence which is
reputed by Italians to be doughty but slow.
``I said to Inzaghi `if you don't score against the English, I'll never look
you in the face again','' quipped the coach, who replaced Marcello Lippi
last month.
The Italian made it clear he had been hoping to get United all along.
``We don't know Dynamo Kiev so well, and in April they could be on form,
while Bayern are physically the strongest of them all.
``Of the three teams, Manchester might have the most technical ability, but
we know them and we know how they play.
``Obviously, it should be a great game, a dream for the fans, and I'm sure
their support will get us fired up.''
However, Ancelotti's glee was not shared by those who have tangled with
United on the pitch.
``I really can't understand what he is so pleased about,'' said midfield
stalwart Angelo Di Livio.
``The only real beating we've had in the last five years was the one we got
at Old Trafford last season,'' he said of a comprehensive defeat which
belied the 3-2 scoreline.
Trying to look on the bright side, Di Livio, who could be up against England
midfielder and Posh Spice's husband, David Beckham, said: ``At least my
daughter will be happy, she's a Spice Girls fan.''
Goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi said: ``Bayern have the strongest side but we were
hoping for Dynamo.
``It's going to be very difficult at Old Trafford, they're going to bombard
us, and have us under real pressure.
``It's clearly the hardest away venue of them all.''
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: United fans are looking forward to a return to the European glory days - BBC
Friday, March 19, 1999 Published at 16:53 GMT
Online readers back United
United fans are looking forward to a return to the European glory days
Alex Feguson's Manchester United could break their
Champions' League duck and bring the trophy home,
according to News Online readers.
In a Online poll, 55% of users believe the Old Trafford
club can go all the way to secure their first European
trophy since winning the Cup Winners' Cup in 1991.
As the result shows, however, opinion is divided as to
exactly how successful United will be.
'Outclassed'
Robert Marshall from the United States highlights a
recurring theme - that Manchester United are now so big
the media spotlight is rarely on anyone else.
"It would be impossible to bear the media hype if they
got as far as the final," he says, while Robbie Pender
from England is a little more blunt: "Man Utd are the
worst team in the last four and will be outclassed by who
ever they play."
'Juventus too strong'
If many of your responses are to be believed then
United's draw against Juventus could put paid to their
dreams of European glory.
The United Kingdom's Manfredi Bargioni says: "They will
probably put up a good fight against Juventus in the first
leg and then collapse" - comments echoed by Jon
Harford of England who writes: "One can't help but feel
that in the big match situation Juventus will scrape
through."
'True winners'
On the positive side the support for United is typically
global.
Graham Deere from the United States feels their recent
performances are evidence of their superior strength:
"We saw them in the States yesterday on ESPN, they
sure look like winners."
Phil Davies from Finland is similarly optimistic: "After the
two games against Inter, it is hard to see a team left in
the competition that could beat them."
United's recent form has attracted fans from even further
afield, however.
Canada's Parvinder Walia writes: "Good Luck. Man Utd
is the best of the best," while Mohannad Kafri from
Palestine says, "even though I am a Liverpool and
Juventus fan, I have to admit that Manchester United is a
superb team this year."
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: VAN DER SAR TIPPED TO SUCCEED SCHMEICHEL
Dutch international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar still wants to join
Manchester United, according to Jaap Stam.
Van der Sar is being touted as the man to replace Peter Schmeichel when
the Dane leaves Old Trafford in the summer.
The Ajax keeper was a guest of Stam's at Wednesday's Champions' League game
against Inter Milan at the San Siro and the defender says his friend is
keen to join United.
Van der Sar, 28, is determined to leave Ajax in the summer and Old
Trafford is his preferred destination.
Stam said in the official Manchester United magazine: "I didn't get much
chance to speak to Edwin van der Sar when I met up with the Dutch squad
for a recent friendly against Portugal, but I gather he is still
very keen to come to United.
"I do know that he wants to leave Ajax this summer and that there are a
lot of clubs after him. But I think his first choice would be to join me
at United. The problem is he has a long-term contract at Ajax. I'd be
very pleased if he came to Old Trafford but we'll have to wait and
see."
Meanwhile, United's hopes of reaching the Champions' League final have been
boosted by news of an injury to Juventus star Zinedine Zidane. The
World Player of the Year received a blow to the knee in his side's 1-1
draw with Olympiakos in Athens.
And The Mail reports that the French play-maker must now wear a leg brace
for the next 10 days before his chances of facing Alex Ferguson's
side on April 7 can be decided.
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: Re: I've just noticed...
At 15:55 19-03-99 +0000, Chris Gowland wrote:
>..... that the top three have still to play Leeds, Villa, Spurs and 'boro.
>Very interesting!
Poor Bryan
Boro have all 3 at home
Chelsea 10/4
Arse 24/4
UNITED 8/5
Thats 3 home games he can do us a BIG favour winning the first 2! :))
We of course have to fight revenge: 19 Dec 98 L 2-3
Spurs have us as the last match of the season 16th May at OT :))
they can beat Chelsea the week before 8th May at Stamford Bridge.
Arse game is tba [no date yet] at White Hart Lane
Leeds are dark horses: 9 pts behind now they have
Apr 5 Chelsea A
Apr 25 UNITED H
May 8 Arse H
this could put them as title contenders if they won all 3!
Finally BEWARE the 1st MAY and this happens:
crunch time is away 3 in a row: 5th 8th 12th Pool Boro Blckburn
UNITED play 5 prem games in 16 days - 3 away
VILLA, Pool,Boro,Blckb, SPURS
Arse play 3g - only 1 away DERBY, Leeds, VILLA
Chelsea play 3g - only 1 away EVERTON, Tottenham, DERBY
ALL 3 AT HOME Sunday May 16th
COMEON YOU REDS!!!!
Barry
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: MANCHESTER UNITED ARE WRITTEN OFF BY THE ITALIANS
By Ian Cruise
MANCHESTER UNITED have been written off as European Cup
contenders by their semi-final opponents and the Italian
media. Despite their victory over Inter Milan in the
quarter-finals, Alex Ferguson's side have been branded as
no-hopers ahead of next month's clash with Juventus.
The two sides have met in the group stages in each of the
last two Champions League tournaments, and United have lost
three of the four meetings, winning just once - 3-2 at Old
Trafford - in October 1997. And even then they were beaten
in the second match, 1-0, over a two-legged tie, Juventus
would have gone through on away goals.
The Italians clearly feel they have the Indian sign over
United and Friday's draw was met with eager anticipation in
Turin. Club coach Romy Gai said: "Manchester United was the
choice of manager Carlo Ancelotti so we are happy with this
draw. We wanted to avoid Bayern Munich and Dynamo Kiev.
"The two teams know each other very well, but we feel we
have the international experience to reach our fourth
European Cup Final in a row. Playing the second leg in
Turin is certainly an advantage and we feel it is easier to
play an English team over 180 minutes, rather than in a
one-off game."
And while the Juventus management were pleased with the
draw, the Italian press were scathing about United's
chances. Leading sports paper, Gazzetta dello Sport,
suggested that United's cautious approach to away games
would cost them a place in the final at Barcelona's Nou
Camp in May. The paper said of United's display in Milan:
"They were too cautious. That's not the nature of this team.
Always when the English play away they lose some of their
fury. They try to make too many calculations and they are
beatable. Alex Ferguson has nothing to glorify himself. His
team has earned a semi-final berth but it has shown him to
be a modest technician and it has no international
personality."
Meanwhile, rival publication Corriere della Sera was even
more damning. They insisted: "We will be very surprised if
they (United) get to the final and if, at the end of May,
they lift the European Cup that will mean the quality of
football in Europe has reached a new low, especially
tactically."
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: Zidane doubt raises United European hopes
By Graham Hunter
Saturday, March 20, 1999
Juventus may have to face Manchester United in the Champions League
semi-final next month without World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane.
United were guardedly happy with the draw, in which they avoided the
unnerving prospect of facing the brilliant Dinamo Kiev in the Ukraine, but
would be even happier if Zidane missed even one of the two semi-final legs
on April 7 and 21.
The French World Cup-winning hero picked up a nasty knee injury in Athens
last Wednesday when Carlo Ancelotti's Juventus drew 1-1 with Olympiakos and
it emerged at the Stadio Communale in Turin yesterday that he must now wear
a leg brace for the next 10 days.
His training will be restricted but only when the brace is removed will the
ultra-cautious Juventus doctors decide whether he is fit enough to resume
playing again.
Alex Ferguson wants to buy the majestic midfielder, who scored twice against
Brazil in the France 98 final, but would be delighted to miss this chance of
seeing him in action.
Zidane played quite brilliantly in creating a torrent of chances when
Juventus beat Alex Ferguson's team 1-0 in December 1997 and scored a late
free-kick at Old Trafford in the previous game, a 3-2 win for United.
Ferguson said: 'We have had four great games against them and we did
exceptionally well when we won 3-2 - that is the kind of concentration which
will be required on the night.
'It does not matter that the first match is at Old Trafford because I think
we proved in Milan that we can handle the away tie - Milan was a very big
step forward for us. The important thing is that the players know all about
Juventus and, to be honest, we have improved.
At this stage the draw is what you would expect, tough. But you will not get
to the semi-final of a major competition without these difficulties.'
On the subject of avoiding Kiev he added: 'We are trying for the league and
to travel to that kind of place does interrupt your plans.'
In Turin Ancelotti, the new Juventus coach who is unbeaten in nine games in
charge, said he preferred to play United over two matches instead of in a
sudden-death final.
'It's the draw I wanted,' he confirmed. 'It sets up a classic night of
European football and I know we are the kind of club who perform best under
the spotlight.
'The key will be the first leg at Old Trafford. If we can limit the damage
then we are in good shape for the return in Turin. If anything I'm glad we
are going there first.'
Ferguson has been reported to UEFA by Inter Milan for comments he made
before both legs of the quarter-final. Before the first leg he made a joke
about not trusting Italians and said that when eating in an Italian
restaurant he always checked under the sauce to make sure the pasta was
actually there.
Last weekend, he accurately predicted that Inter's players would dive in an
attempt to con the referee and that they would try to intimidate his team.
Now Luciano Nizzola, the Italian FA president, has contacted UEFA to
complain bitterly. He asked the governing body to punish United and to
register a protest on behalf of Italian football.
He has also allegedly complained about the refereeing in both matches,
claiming that there was bias towards United.
[click on pic for Inter report]
Subject: Keegan has always stood by me - Cole
By John Richardson
Saturday, March 20, 1999
Andy Cole was stunned when Kevin Keegan packed him off one cold January
morning to join Manchester United.
Today, in possession of yet another accolade - that of Wilkinson Sword
Premiership player of the week - there seems to be little which fazes the
27-year-old Manchester United striker who has the world at his feet.
Yesterday he was back in training, following the heroics at the San Siro
against Inter Milan, to learn that Juventus now stand in United's path to
their first European Cup final since 1968. There's also the eager
anticipation of linking up with his former Newcastle boss Keegan with the
England squad.
Tomorrow there will be another Old Trafford full house to see whether the
dream team of Cole and Dwight Yorke can nudge United closer to reclaiming
the Premiership title by beating Everton.
No wonder Cole is starting to rival Yorke in the smiling stakes - not that
he is taking anything for granted.
'I am not fussed really who gets the goals between Dwight and myself, but at
the same time I know that if I don't get my fair quota then I will be out of
the team. For a start there's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer breathing down my neck.
'But I'm happy with my form. I've not had many injuries this season which
means I've been able to keep my form.'
With Cole and Yorke contributing 47 goals so far the confidence has spread
throughout Alex Ferguson's much revered side.
The news that Juventus are the one remaining barrier to May's European final
in Barcelona was accepted with the same coolness Cole has displayed in front
of goal all season.
'I think the way we are playing at the moment we don't have to fear
anybody,' he said. 'In fact a lot of teams wanted to stay away from us. They
are saying that we have played so many games and yet we're still strong.
'Also I don't believe we will have to suffer the same dirty tricks that
Inter Milan displayed. That didn't happen when we played Juve last season
and there's no reason to think they have changed.'
Cole added: 'At least we don't have a long trip to Kiev or have to play
Bayern Munich again. All the games are tough at this stage of the tournament
but we are happy with facing Juventus.'
Cole still recalls the time just over four years ago when Keegan informed
him Manchester United had been successful with a £7million bid. 'He told me
that he was sending me to Manchester United to become a better player. I
feel I have been improving all the time although it was a surprise at the
time.'
Now, with 21 goals under his belt this season, Cole is ready to be reunited
with Keegan in readiness for the critical Euro 2000 qualifier against Poland
at Wembley.
Cole said: 'People have been at me all my career but Kevin has always stood
by me. He has been good for me. When you have someone like that on your side
you always feel great.
'I am looking forward to linking up with him again. He has great charisma.
People want to play for him because of what he has done in the game and
because of his enthusiasm.
'It's a big game for England but first of all, to be in the right frame of
mind, I've got to help United gain three points. But players respect Kevin
and I know he will be a success.
'I haven't spoken to him for some time but I was delighted to see my name
included in the England squad.'
It's all a different world to the days when, after being freed by Arsenal,
he turned up at Bristol City. There he was spotted by Keegan, who had a
£1.5m bid accepted.
Cole learned about Newcastle's coup when a message was placed on his car
wind-screen outside a launderette.
Since then his whole football world has been in a spin. A contented Cole
doesn't want that to end just yet.
[click on pic for Inter report]
Pic Link today is http://www.red11.org/miva/matchreports.mv
|
To receive this Daily News by email each day: |
|
Subscribe / Unsubscribe |
|
|
|
- OR - |
|
By
E-mail |
Other RED Mail Lists:
"MUFC + Premier
STATS" after matches:
Subscribe/Unsubscribe e-mail to:
Mufcstats-subscribe@onelist.com
- Subscribe's to the list
Mufcstats-unsubscribe@onelist.com
- Unsubscribe
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/Mufcstats
"REDitorial Mail
List"
Subscribe/Unsubscribe e-mail to:
red_devils_advocate-subscribe@onelist.com
- Subscribe's
to the list
red_devils_advocate-unsubscribe@onelist.com
- Unsubscribe
http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/red_devils_advocate
To debate ALL subjects about Manchester United Football
Club we at Simplenet recommend:
The "RED-DEVILS MAIL LIST" all subscription
requests to: <RedDevils-subscribe@onelist.com
>
+ "THE INTERNATIONAL
MANCHESTER
UNITED MAILING LIST" <listserv@listserv.indiana.edu>
Write the command: sub mufc (your_name)
Webmaster e-mail: barry@www.red11.org
Singalong
Calypso available here: mp3
If ever they are playing in your town
You must get to that football ground
Take a lesson come to see
Football taught by Matt Busby
Manchester, Manchester United
A bunch of bouncing Busby Babes
They deserve to be knighted
"RED HOT" News-wire
NOW!
Manchester United FC: Theatre Of
Dreams Website Index:
Results News
WhosWho Archive
Pics Statistics
Reserves Squad
Trophy's History
Munich Webring
Editorial Guestbook
+ Read
AlexFerguson Beckham Berg Blomqvist Butt Clegg Cruyff Cole Giggs
Irwin Johnsen Keane
May NevilleG
NevilleP Schmeichel Scholes Sheringham
Solskjaer Stam Yorke
Fast Search this Website www.red11.org:
