Monday, September 29, 2008
Fergie feared Neville would retire
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thought at one point Gary Neville would not play in the Premier League again.The right-back had been hit by injuries for a frustrating 18-month period but he has now started three of the Red Devils' last four games and is beginning to show his best form.
"When you consider the way Gary has been plagued by injuries for 18 months, he has done brilliantly to come back so convincingly," Ferguson told Manchester United's official website.
"At one point I thought he would not make it back into the Premier League. But he has and all credit to him."
Ferguson also feels the strength of character Neville showed during his recovery from injury has set a great example for all players.
"He persevered and never lost faith, despite the succession of niggles and strains that followed his ankle injury," said the United boss.
"He is a role model for any player feeling down on his luck."
manchesterunited
9/29/2008 09:36:00 PM
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Sunday, September 28, 2008
Premier League - What the managers said
Manchester United 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
Bolton boss Gary Megson (regarding Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty): "It was a nonsense decision. When [referee] Rob Styles blew the whistle I thought he was going to book Ronaldo for diving. He did not seem to be sure what he was going to give. My thoughts on the tackle were the same as everyone else's in the stadium apart from one man. When the referee sees it again, he will have the same opinion too. It really sticks in the throat.
"I want to see the right decisions made. If TV replays take too long then we won't do them but from looking at other sports, TV can do these things. They talk about dropping the referee but what does that solve? It is just a symbolic gesture. Everybody knows what happened. Jlloyd Samuel won the ball. It is astonishing."
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson: "I was surprised because it looked as though their lad got a foot on the ball. But Rob Styles turned us down four or five times last year so maybe it is payback time. But he still owes us another four.
"He [substitute Wayne Rooney] made a difference when he came on. If we are getting responses like that from players it is terrific for the club."
Arsenal 1-2 Hull
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "Human beings are not machines and perhaps subconsciously we thought we would just win it. We were a bit careless and it was a good lesson for us. We now know that if our attitude isn't right, we can lose games and Hull played very well, especially in defence. You can never afford defeats but it is very concerning to lose a game like we did today. We had a good chance to go top of the league.
"We responded well after losing at Fulham earlier this season and now we have to have an outstanding game on Tuesday night [against Porto in the Champions League]. The dressing room is very shocked and quiet but that is part of mental strength, to deal with that and show how united we are. We have to repair the damage done psychologically."
Hull manager Phil Brown: "We picked a team to come here and cause them problems. We have a drive, an endeavour and a belief that we can come to places and get a result. We have a great group of players: we aren't fazed by anything because we have good experience in that dressing room and good talent. I wasn't surprised we won today.
[On Geovanni's strike] "I expected him to score from there! He's a technically-gifted player who can move the ball, like all Brazilian players. He has his own technique for it and it was far from a one-off for him. He's a magical player."
Newcastle United 1-2 Blackburn Rovers
Newcastle interim manager Joe Kinnear: "We needed to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. We need to get rid of all the issues that are going on - is the club being sold? Are we bringing back Kevin Keegan? - until it actually happens.
"We need to focus on playing football, it's as simple as that. And they need to play football well. But what has not helped matters, I am told, is that six or seven of the best players are missing."
Blackburn boss Paul Ince: "It was important in the last 48 hours that we shut that out and concentrated on what Blackburn Rovers is all about rather than feeling sorry for Newcastle. Also, it was a case of who got the first goal. As soon as we got the first goal I felt at ease because I knew the crowd would get on their backs.
"It's not the [Newcastle] players' fault. They are trying, they are trying really, really hard and I feel sorry for them."
Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Everton boss David Moyes: "It [Tim Cahill's red card] was not the worst foul of the day and I felt it was only a yellow. We will be asking the referee to have a look at the decision and hope he will rescind the card. I did not feel Cahill should have been sent off. Maybe the referee even changed his mind about what card to show.
"Our start does worry me. It is the same group of players, in the main, who finished fifth last season. Our performances have not matched that. Sometimes you cannot find the winning formula, so it is my job to sort things out. Maybe you can see the difference £100million makes to a team, but I expect my team to compete. And for most of the game they did."
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez: "We are playing with confidence and controlled the game. We are top, probably for only a while, but we want to make sure we are at the top for a long time.
"As for the red card, Xabi told me it could have been a lot worse, he felt it was justified."
Stoke City 0-2 Chelsea
Stoke boss Tony Pulis: "We have to take positives out of the game and cannot get down in the dumps. We competed well against Chelsea and Liverpool. The problem today is we sat off them a little bit. It was just unfortunate the way their second goal came about as Cort just lost his footing. That killed the game."
Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari: "It is impossible to play beautiful football all the time and it was difficult against Stoke. Whenever we made a mistake they arrived and tried to put the ball in the box. We had to pay attention.
"But we kept our shape and that was important. It was fantastic to get a win like this as Stoke created only one or two chances. We always want to play football but sometimes the other team does not think that way. They just want to live off your mistakes."
Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill: "We had to fight back and try to blow the cobwebs away after losing to QPR in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.
"The side has done well but we didn't have much more energy left in the game and I think the majority of the crowd will forgive us for keeping the ball in the corner in the last few minutes. They will forgive us because in terms of entertainment we are as strong as anyone in Britain in that department."
Sunderland boss Roy Keane: "You've got to put the ball in the back of the net and, for all our decent play and good possession, particularly in the second half, we didn't test the keeper enough. We felt there was definitely something there for the taking today so we are disappointed with that side of things. But we know Villa are going to be pretty decent at set-pieces. Their record would suggest that, the number of goals they have scored over the last couple of years."
Fulham 1-2 West Ham United
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson: "It has to go down as one of those really weird games where you have to be satisfied with a lot of the things we did out there. I thought we played some excellent football but within three minutes, in a game we looked like being able to win and certainly give a good account of ourselves, everything changed.
"I was really amazed how the players in the second half showed their character and physical fitness to work as hard as they did and almost bring us back into the game. Unfortunately at this level of football, when you are two goals down it is not easy to come back, especially when you have 10 men rather than 11."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "I don't know if we were lucky today, I will leave it up to others to judge. But when you win you need a little bit of luck. Certainly I am not one who regrets luck. I would like to have luck in every single game but we played a good match and had a few occasions in the second half to make it [the scoreline] bigger. I would like to be lucky every Saturday.
"I have been working with this team for two weeks and they know what kind of football I want. They are doing very well and they will get much better. Winning away games like this will give them a lot of confidence."
Middlesbrough 1-2 West Brom
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate: "We had more than enough chances to win the game, never mind draw it. But we haven't, and we've got to learn quickly. We can't keep saying we deserved something and coming away with nothing.
"It's a lesson we've got to take on board very quickly. Up to the penalty box we've done an awful lot right with the ball, and going forward we've had enough chances to win two games. I'm a bit more than fed up but you just have to roll your sleeves up and go again. It was one of those days."
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray: "His [goalkeeper Scott Carson's] talent will get him back into the England team if that's what his goal is. He's got a settled place to come to work every day and that will give him the stability he needs. As a 21-year-old boy playing in a game like that [for England] and having that unfortunate situation, it's a great credit to his character and personality that he's producing performances like he did today.
"Scott made some great saves. He's a lovely lad, he's got no edges about him. He's a big lad and he's agile and alert. He does the right thing at the right time and I'm delighted he's between our sticks."
manchesterunited
9/28/2008 09:15:00 PM
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Kami cukup bernasib baik - Ferguson
RONALDO (kanan) dan Rooney meraikan kejayaan United menewaskan Bolton, 2-0 di Old Trafford kelmarin.
MANCHESTER - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson mengakui anak buahnya bernasib baik apabila dihadiahkan satu sepakan penalti yang membolehkan Cristiano Ronaldo menjaringkan gol pertama ketika menang 2-0 ke atas Bolton Wanderers kelmarin. Begitupun penggendali dari Scotland itu tidak berpuas hati dengan kemenangan itu dan mendakwa apa yang diperoleh adalah hasil daripada keputusan pengadil, Rob Styles
Styles menghadiahkan sepakan penalti kepada Ronaldo selepas pemain sayap Portugal itu dikasari oleh Jlloyd Samuel. Begitupun, tayangan ulangan menyaksikan Samuel tidak melakukan sebarang kekasaran.
"Saya terkejut. Saya belum lagi melihatnya sekali lagi tetapi saya terkejut kerana saya tidak nampak pemain mereka cuba untuk mendapatkan bola.
"Bagaimanapun, Rob telah menafikan empat atau lima peluang kami pada kempen tahun lalu dan mungkin dia mahu membayar balik kesilapan itu kepada kami hari ini. Apa pun, dia (Rob) masih lagi berhutang dengan kami."
"Secara jujur, saya sungguh terperanjat tetapi kami bernasib baik. Adalah sesuatu yang baik untuk kami memenangi perlawanan itu tetapi apabila pasukan-pasukan bertahan seperti mana yang mereka lakukan, dengan keazaman itu, mereka sukar untuk ditewaskan dan kamu perlukan nasib seperti ini untuk untuk menang."
Pengurus Bolton, Gary Megson cuba memasuki padang tetapi dihalang oleh pembantu Styles selepas wisel penamat dibunyikan.
"Malangnya kamu tidak boleh menerima kesilapan yang dilakukan oleh Rob Styles.
"Ia bukannya penalti. Ketika insiden itu berlaku, saya tidak fikir dia berada dekat di tempat kejadian dan dia sepatutnya menuduh Ronaldo berlakon. Ia adalah satu keputusan yang tidak masuk akal." - AFP
manchesterunited
9/28/2008 03:05:00 PM
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Liverpool, United kekal momentum
RONALDO (kiri) menjaringkan gol pertama Red Devils pada pertemuan dengan Bolton di Old Trafford semalam.
LONDON – Penyerang Sepanyol, Fernando Torres akhirnya menamatkan kemarau jaringannya dalam enam perlawanan penuh bergaya apabila meledakkan dua gol ketika Liverpool menang 2-0 ke atas Everton dalam saingan bola sepak Liga Perdana England.
Bintang Sepanyol itu memecah kebuntuan The Reds di Goodison Park pada minit ke-59 dan tiga minit selepas itu menggandakan jaringan Liverpool.
“Enam perlawanan tanpa sebarang gol adalah sesuatu yang sukar diterima bagi seorang penyerang,” kata Torres.
“Kini saya mahu meneruskan prestasi ini dalam kempen Liga Juara-Juara pula dengan menjaringkan gol dalam setiap perlawanan seperti musim lepas.
“Mungkin juga kali ini saya akan mengatasi rekod 33 jaringan yang dicipta musim lepas,” katanya lagi.
The Reds yang belum lagi tewas dalam kempen musim ini berpeluang melonjak ke tangga teratas liga sekiranya Arsenal gagal mencatat kemenangan ke atas Hull City.
Pengurus Liverpool, Rafa Benitez pastinya lega setelah melihat Torres kembali mendapatkan rentak dan menjangka pasukannya mampu menamatkan penantian selama 18 tahun mereka untuk menjulang kejuaraan liga musim ini.
“Gol tersebut amat penting bagi dirinya dan juga bagi kami. Kejayaan menjaringkan dua gol di gelanggang lawan adalah suntikan semangat yang besar,” kata Benitez.
Sementara itu dua pencabar utama, Manchester United dan Chelsea turut melakar kemenangan pada pertemuan semalam.
Red Devils menang 2-0 ke atas Bolton hasil jaringan Cristiano Ronaldo dan Wayne Rooney manakala The Blues juga menang 2-0 ke atas Stoke City menerusi jaringan Nicolas Anelka dan Jose Bosingwa.
Perlawanan lain menyaksikan Aston Villa mencatat kemenangan 2-1 ke atas Sunderland sementara Middlesbrough tewas 0-1 ke atas West Brom. – AFP
manchesterunited
9/28/2008 01:00:00 PM
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Premier League - Ronaldo and Rooney fire United to win
Second-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney put Manchester United's title ambitions back on track with a 2-0 defeat of Bolton at Old Trafford.Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo won and converted a disputed penalty on 60 minutes to score his first league goal of the season, before Rooney arrived from the substitutes' bench to seal victory with an exquisite finish late on.
The result represented only United's second win in five Premier League matches, and the first time Sir Alex Ferguson's team have scored more than once in the top flight this season.
The opening exchanges belonged to Bolton, however, who took no time in asserting their trademark physicality on United's comparatively lightweight midfield.
Two minutes in the visitors had the first shot on target, when Kevin Nolan reacted first to a loose ball and struck a firm volley into the arms of Edwin van der Sar.
Kevin Davies was the next to threaten, driving in from the left and sending over a far-post cross which Rio Ferdinand dealt with comfortably.
But United escaped the early volleys unscathed and gradually started to settle in possession.
On 13 minutes, Dimitar Berbatov met Darren Fletcher's right-wing cross with a crisp header, but could only direct it straight at Jussi Jaaskelainen in the Bolton goal.
Two minutes later Carlos Tevez cut in from the left and fired a low shot that Jaaskelainen parried into the path of Park Ji-Sung. The South Korean found the angle too tight, however, and could only find the side netting.
Just after the half-hour mark Jaaskelainen made a fine save to deny Anderson, and soon after repeated the feat to punch away a powerful Ferdinand effort.
Bolton were being outplayed and bookings for Johan Elmander, Davies and Gavin McCann owed much to their inability to cope with United's attacking threat.
Just before the interval, however, Gary Megson's men launched a counter-attack and missed a glorious opportunity to take an undeserved lead.
Gretar Steinsson was the architect, reaching the by-line on the right and finding Fabrica Muamba with a fine cross - only for the midfielder to shoot wide from six yards with Van der Sar sprawling.
The second half began with United firmly in the ascendancy. Ronaldo cut across the Bolton box from the left to shoot against the post on 52 minutes, and the visitors duly parked all of their resources behind the ball.
The Portuguese winger moved to the opposite flank soon after and won his side a penalty from referee Rob Styles after Jloyd Samuel was harshly adjudged to have brought him down.
Replays showed the defender got the ball, and Ronaldo compounded Bolton's frustration by sending Jaaskelainen the wrong way and putting United ahead with a flourish.
In truth it was no more than the home side deserved, and they doubled their lead on 77 minutes with a fine finish from substitute Rooney.
Ronaldo was inevitably involved, driving into the Bolton box before finding the England striker with an impudent backheel. Rooney dragged the ball back and sent a curling shot beyond Jaaskelainen into the far corner.
There would be no response from Gary Megson's toothless Bolton, who other than the occasional foray were hopelessly bereft of ambition and ultimately could have suffered a far heavier defeat but for the efforts of Jaaskelainen.
Substitute Paul Scholes was sent clean through by Berbatov on 88 minutes, but the impressive Jaaskelainen once more came to the visitor's rescue - saving with his legs.
United played out the closing minutes comfortably, and Ferguson could even afford the luxury of withdrawing the ever-influential Ronaldo once his important work was done.
With both he and Rooney on the scoresheet there was a familiar look to this United victory - one that will surely send a clear message to those who dared to doubt United's title credentials.
manchesterunited
9/28/2008 07:34:00 AM
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Saturday, September 27, 2008
Chelsea, Liverpool march on as Ronaldo lifts United in Premier League action
LONDON (AFP) - Chelsea's drive to reclaim the Premier League title gathered pace on Saturday with a 2-0 win at Stoke extending their unbeaten start to life under Luiz Felipe Scolari to eight matches.
The win lifted Scolari's men back to the top of the table, at least for a couple of hours before Arsenal's late kick-off match at home to Hull.
A Fernando Torres double ensured Liverpool returned to winning ways, comfortably overcoming ten-man Everton 2-0 in the Merseyside derby to match Chelsea's return of four wins and two draws from their opening six games.
It was also business as usual from champions Manchester United, who climbed into the top half of the table for the first time this season with a 2-0 win at home to Bolton in which Cristiano Ronaldo opened his league account.
But there was no relief for Newcastle's long-suffering supporters. A 2-1 home defeat by Blackburn leaves the Magpies mired in the relegation zone and underlined the scale of the task facing interim manager Joe Kinnear, who is due to take charge from Monday.
Chelsea were put on track to victory by right-back Jose Bosingwa. The Portugal defender demonstrated the finishing touch of a seasoned striker as he fired in his first goal for the club from an acute angle ten minutes before half-time.
Nicolas Anelka then made sure of the points with just under quarter of an hour left.
Liverpool -- who surrendered top spot when they were held at home by Stoke last weekend -- reasserted their title credentials with their derby victory.
Fernando Torres's second half double at Goodison Park sealed the points long before Everton had Australian midfielder Tim Cahill sent off for a studs-up challenge on Xabi Alonso.
The challenge was undeniably reckless but Everton manager David Moyes did not believe it merited a red card and will ask referee Mike Riley to rescind it.
At Old Trafford, Ronaldo made it two goals in as many games with a 60th-minute penalty that he won himself with what the Bolton defenders insisted was a blatant dive.
Wayne Rooney then added his first goal for United since April to make sure of the points with 13 minutes left.
Aston Villa's fine start to the season continued with a 2-1 win over Sunderland keeping Martin O'Neill's side in fourth.
Djibril Cisse's tenth-minute opener for Sunderland was quickly cancelled out when Ashley Young found the net from a 25-yard free-kick.
John Carew's deft back-heel finish then put Villa in front and that was the way the match finished.
West Ham made it two league wins out of two for new manager Gianfranco Zola with a 2-1 win at London rivals Fulham, who completely imploded in the space of four mad minutes at the end of opening period.
After conceding goals to Carlton Cole and Matt Etherington in quick succession, Roy Hodgson's side were reduced to ten men after Andy Johnson received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge in first half stoppage time.
A Danny Murphy penalty gave Fulham hope but West Ham were able to close out the match against tiring opponents.
First-half headers from Christopher Samba and Roque Santa Cruz left Paul Ince's Blackburn cruising at St James' Park.
Newcastle were given some hope when Michael Owen converted a 51st-minute penalty after he had been brought down by New Zealander Ryan Nelsen. But the home side were unable to conjure up an equaliser.
A close-range strike from Swedish defender Jonas Olsson was enough to earn West Brom a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough, the club their manager Tony Mowbray served for most of his playing career. It was the Baggies' first away win since they reclaimed their place in the top flight.
manchesterunited
9/27/2008 06:22:00 PM
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Jadual 27 September 2008
manchesterunited
9/27/2008 10:53:00 AM
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Giggs cabar United raih 10 kemenangan berturut-turut
MANCHESTER: Ryan Giggs mencabar Manchester United supaya bangkit dan melancarkan kempen meraih 10 kemenangan berturut-turut dalam Liga Perdana Inggeris dan mangsa pertama yang akan dibaham adalah Bolton Wanderers, hari ini.
Juara bertahan Liga Perdana Inggeris dan Juara Eropah itu, kelihatan hambar setakat musim ini dengan hanya meraih satu kemenangan daripada empat saingan liga domestik dan terikat dengan Villarreal di gelanggang sendiri ketika saingan Liga Juara-Juara, awal bulan ini.
Bagaimanapun dengan kehadiran semula Cristiano Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves dan Gary Neville yang kembali cergas, menyuntik kembali semangat United dan anak buah Alex Ferguson menyambut ketibaan Bolton di Old Trafford dengan dibayangi rekod tanpa tewas.
Dan dengan kemenangan dalam saingan Piala Liga pada pertengahan minggu ke atas Middlesbrough, membenih keyakinan skuad Ferguson dan pemain tengah veteran, Giggs mengakui kini sudah tiba masa United bangkit daripada kelesuan itu.
“Permulaan yang begitu sukar buat kami tetapi kami sedar betapa kami tidak bermain dengan baik pada permulaan musim.
“Saya fikir minggu lalu atau sebelumnya, seperti sewaktu menentang Villarreal, separuh masa pertama saingan dengan Chelsea dan terutama ketika menentang Middlesbrough, kami mempamerkan permainan yang bagus.
“Dari awal hingga akhir sewaktu menentang Boro dalam saingan Piala Carling, kami bermain dengan baik. Kami bermula dengan amat baik dan ia memang persembahan mantap.
“Bagaimanapun, pasukan ini mampu mencatatkan 10 kemenangan berturut-turut, jadi saya harap selepas Boro, kita akan meneruskan rentak kemenangan ke atas Boro, esok (hari ini),” katanya. - AFP
manchesterunited
9/27/2008 09:20:00 AM
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Friday, September 26, 2008
Ferguson: Rooney Not A Concern
Manchester Unietd boss Sir Alex Ferguson has no fears about the form of Wayne Rooney.
With Carlos Tevez in outstanding form, Cristiano Ronaldo inching back to full fitness and Dimitar Berbatov just needing more match sharpness to prove he is worthy of the £30million price-tag he commanded from Tottenham, Rooney is in danger of becoming Manchester United's odd man out.
Although he was outstanding for England in their brilliant 4-1 win over Croatia, he has struggled to replicate that form for the Red Devils.
Rooney is yet to find the target for Ferguson's team this term, something both Tevez and Ronaldo have managed, and it would be no surprise if the 22-year-old found it was his turn for a rest when United tackle Bolton searching for their first home Premier League win on Saturday.
Yet Ferguson insists he is not concerned for the young Merseysider.
"Players are still trying to find their fitness," argued Ferguson.
"Wayne is not getting a lot of chances at the moment but Liverpool and Chelsea are hardly the easiest places to go.
"It is difficult to judge the goalscoring performance of any player when you have those two games right at the start of a season."
Ferguson was able to confirm Rooney will be left out at some stage during the campaign. But it will have nothing to do with the former Everton striker's form.
Rooney may have developed a welcome reputation for wanting to play every minute of every game. However, in modern-day football it is just not possible.
"For us to achieve what we want to achieve we need four strikers," said Ferguson.
"I have been saying for over a year now we have been operating with two strikers, which is ridiculous for a club of our size.
"It is not always a matter of who is playing the best or who I prefer. It is a matter of keeping the freshness in the team.
"There is an art to keeping strikers fresh.
"You go back to the four strikers I had in 1999, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole were always just in front but it was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham who scored at the most important time."
Danny Welbeck's performance as a lone frontman against Middlesbrough in midweek has convinced Ferguson the 17-year-old can be included among his quartet, although more likely Ronaldo will provide the support to Rooney, Tevez and Berbatov, who Ferguson is waiting to hit top form as well.
"We would have rather had Dimitar on July 1 than August 31," reflected Ferguson.
"He will improve us, there is no question about that at all.
"But we are playing catch-up fitness-wise.
"It is difficult to say how long it will take because he is quite a languid mover.
"He is a very quick decision-maker, though, and he has a composure and calmness about him.
"We have a lot of young players up front, so bringing someone in with those attributes and that sense of timing is good for us."
Having never previously expressed any reservations about Bolton's style of play, Ferguson has decided to change tack.
His criticism of Kevin Davies' tackle on Arsenal's Gael Clichy last week may have been triggered by Emanuel Pogatetz's even more desperate lunge on his own Rodrigo Possebon, but Ferguson clearly felt the Bolton man went too far.
"I know (Bolton boss) Gary Megson has but it is hard to defend anyone when he makes tackles like the one last week," said Ferguson.
"He might have got the ball with his right foot but he didn't with his left."
At least Ferguson was able to deliver some good news on Possebon after he was carried off against Middlesbrough.
Like Michael Carrick and Thomas Kuszczak - but not Edwin van der Sar, despite the keeper limping out of the draw at Chelsea last weekend - the young Brazilian will miss out on Saturday.
But with no break and no ligament damage either, it is far less serious than Ferguson originally feared.
"I looked at the reaction from Nani when it happened," recalled the Red Devils chief.
"It was the same as the Arsenal players for Eduardo last season and even when David Busst suffered his terrible injury at Old Trafford a few years back.
"Thankfully, it is just a gash in the bone.
"He does have to go back into hospital to have it closed up but we are quite happy with that."
manchesterunited
9/26/2008 10:28:00 PM
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Squad Mentality Key For Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson insists his players understand the need for rotation at Manchester United even if they do not accept it.
Ferguson dropped Carlos Tevez to the bench for Sunday's draw at Chelsea and Jonny Evans is bracing himself for the axe against Bolton on Saturday as Nemanja Vidic returns from suspension.
There is also a possibility Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov could be left out at Old Trafford as Ferguson tries to spread the load across his vast squad.
"If you want to make sure you win something, you need a strong squad," said Ferguson.
"That has paid dividends for this club, and others who have the same mentality.
"The players understand it when they are left out from time to time but it doesn't mean they accept it.
"They might do three days afterwards or three days before. They might know it has to be done and understand the mechanics of it.
"But they don't like it. I don't mind that.
"I would rather that than players who are quite happy to sit on the bench."
Ferguson has a big squad to choose from as well given only Michael Carrick and goalkeeping duo Tomasz Kuszczak and Ben Foster are missing from his senior men.
Rodrigo Possebon is absent too, although the damage to the young Brazilian's leg is nowhere near as bad as Ferguson feared when Emanuel Pogatetz thundered into him during Tuesday's Carling Cup win over Middlesbrough.
"We are delighted it is not more serious," said the Red Devils chief.
"At the time I feared the worst.
"I looked at the reaction from Nani when it happened. It was the same as the Arsenal players for Eduardo last season and even when (former Coventry defender) David Busst suffered his terrible injury at Old Trafford a few years back.
"There is no break and no ligament damage. It is just a gash in the bone.
"He does have to go back into hospital to have it closed up but we are quite happy with that."
Following public apologies from Pogatetz and Boro boss Gareth Southgate, Ferguson has declared the matter closed, although he does recognise referees have a major problem dealing with such incidents given the ferocity with which such tackles are made.
"There is nothing wrong with good tackling, it should be an art," said the Scot.
"Tackling should not be lost to the game.
"But the speed of tackling today has increased. When people go charging in and you get a slight error of judgement, you get bad tackles."
Not that Ferguson has any problem with his own side's competitive spirit despite the fact they picked up an incredible seven bookings at Chelsea.
"I maintain there was not one bad tackle in the match," said Ferguson.
"I have no problem with the discipline of our team. We always try to play football. Long may that continue."
After encouraging performances against Villarreal and Chelsea, followed by the win over Boro, United are in confident mood, even if they are still entrenched in the bottom half of the table.
They still have a game in hand against Fulham, although, on the eye of United's first home league game since the opening weekend of the season, Ferguson knows the Red Devils need to start winning.
"The win on Tuesday has sent us on our way," said Ferguson.
"It has been a tough start to the season with a run of away games at Portsmouth, Liverpool and Chelsea.
"But we have ended up with exactly the same number of points from those games as we got last season.
"It is early season of course. Nothing emphatic happens at this stage.
"But I expect our form to pick up now."
manchesterunited
9/26/2008 03:38:00 PM
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Thursday, September 25, 2008
Pogatetz buat bos United naik angin
POSSEBON (tengah) terpaksa diberikan rawatan kecemasan selepas
mengalami kecederaan serius akibat terjahan keras Pogatetz.
LONDON - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson membidas tindakan Emanuel Pogatetz yang melakukan kekasaran keras sehingga menyebabkan pemainnya, Rodrigo Possebon hampir mengalami patah kaki. Pogatetz yang juga kapten Middlesbrough diperintah keluar padang selepas melakukan terjahan keras ke atas Possebon pada aksi Piala Liga di Old Trafford kelmarin.
"Ia adalah satu terjahan yang dahsyat. Saya telah melihat rakaman semula dan saya tidak mahu melihatnya sekali lagi," jelas Ferguson.
"Saya melihat sesuatu yang buruk dan dia (Possebon) telah dirujuk ke hospital. Dia membuat penampilan pertama namun kecederaan dialaminya cukup serius."
Possebon terpaksa diusung keluar dan seterusnya dikejarkan ke hospital selepas dikasari oleh Pogatetz pada minit ke-65 ketika United menang 3-1 ke atas Middlesbrough.
Pada perlawanan itu, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs dan Nani masing-masing menjaringkan satu gol buat tuan rumah.
"Saya tidak membuat sebarang aduan dan kami meminta maaf ke atas pemain tersebut," jelas jurulatih Middlesbrough, Gareth Southgate.
"Saya hanya berharap kecederaan itu tidak serius dan berharap agar pemain itu pulih dengan segera." - Agensi
manchesterunited
9/25/2008 02:31:00 PM
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'Saya mahu Ronaldo jadi seperti Cantona'
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| RONALDO (kanan) memeluk Giggs selepas menjaringkan gol pertama United di Old Trafford kelmarin.
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LONDON - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson akhirnya mendedahkan rahsia di sebalik kejayaannya untuk meyakinkan Cristiano Ronaldo agar terus kekal di Old Trafford. "Saya hanya menasihatinya supaya lebih baik meninggalkan United seperti Eric Cantona yang mana peminat amat menyayanginya dan menghargainya," jelas Ferguson.
"Peminat masih lagi memuja nama Cantona dan saya beritahu Cristiano supaya pergilah dengan menjadi seorang wira seperti Eric. Dia berpeluang melakukannya, cuma sudah tentu bukan sekarang"
Kenyataan Ferguson itu disuarakan sehari selepas Ronaldo membuat penampilan penuh pertamanya musim ini dengan menyumbat satu gol ketika membantu United mencatat kemenangan 3-1 ke atas Midlesbrough dalam kempen Piala Liga kelmarin.
Dua lagi gol yang dijaringkan tuan rumah pada aksi di Old Trafford kelmarin hadir menerusi Ryan Giggs dan Nani.
Sebelum ini, ramai peminat sangsi dengan prestasi Ronaldo selepas dia cuba meninggalkan Old Trafford untuk berpindah ke Real Madrid pada musim perpindahan lalu.
Ronaldo telah mengaturkan perpindahannya sebelum Ferguson terbang ke Lisbon berjumpa bintangnya itu dan memberitahu risiko yang bakal dihadapinya nanti.
"Jadi saya faham apa yang bermain di fikiran Ronaldo apabila dia mahu menyertai Real.
"Tapi selepas kami berbincang dan meniliti semua aspek, dia menerima hakikat bahawa perpindahan ini hanya akan berlaku pada masa hadapan." - Agensi
manchesterunited
9/25/2008 02:16:00 PM
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Carling Cup - Ronaldo scores as United beat Boro 
It was almost as if Cristiano Ronaldo had never been away as he marked his return to Manchester United's starting line-up with a goal.
Exactly 125 days after the final one of his 42 last season, Ronaldo converted his first of this one.
A Carling Cup tie with Middlesbrough may be somewhat less enthralling than a Champions League final at the Luzhniki Stadium but the headers were eerily similar, marking the end of a turbulent summer for Ronaldo and providing confirmation he intends to be a major player for United again this season - despite his stated desire to join Real Madrid.
It was veteran Ryan Giggs who got United's deserved winner though, chipping home after Adam Johnson had blasted Boro level, before Nani struck a third in stoppage-time.
But there was a sour taste as well as Boro skipper Emanuel Pogatetz was dismissed for a tackle on Rodrigo Possebon which saw the 19-year-old Brazilian require lengthy treatment before eventually being carried from the field.
It was an awful end to an impressive evening for Possebon, the brightest of a gifted crop of youngsters for the Red Devils.
Given the events at Manchester City in the last couple of weeks, the emphasis on finding young talent has taken on even more significance for United, who are no longer the biggest spenders in the city, never mind the country.
Sir Alex Ferguson has traditionally tended to use the League Cup as a proving ground but all too often in recent years it has signalled the end of first-team dreams rather than the start.
However, 12 months on from a dreadful home loss to Coventry, this crop of Red Devils youngsters showed they were up to the task.
Injury ruled out Fabio Da Silva but brother Rafael and fellow Brazilian Rodrigo Possebon are stars of the future on this showing.
Indeed, Possebon was so impressive in the centre of midfield against opponents who so often cause United problems that Ferguson might have a job holding him back - assuming his injury is not serious.
And in Danny Welbeck the Old Trafford outfit have a local-born striker worthy of the praise he has been showered with on England Under-19 duty.
At 21 and 20 respectively, Nani and Anderson are not that much older but with significantly more experience, it was no surprise the pair took on more responsibility.
Nani appeared to be on a one-man mission to score, only to find Boro's own talented youngster, David Wheater, in top form, along with Brad Jones, who made a series of excellent saves.
Neither Wheater nor Jones could do anything about Ronaldo's header though, the prospective world footballer of the year racing away to celebrate what he hopes will be the end of the most turbulent period in his career.
Gareth Southgate lifted this trophy in 2004, the only time Boro have won a major trophy, but he must have been sadly disappointed with his side's first half showing.
Afonso Alves threatened early on and Stewart Downing got into some good positions but the Teessiders never threatened rookie keeper Ben Amos, propelled into Ferguson's side due to injury.
But if the England Youth international had allowed himself a slight smile of satisfaction during the interval, Amos received a rude awakening 12 minutes after the restart as Johnson lashed Boro level.
There appeared little danger as Nemanja Vidic nodded Downing's cross out of the area but Johnson caught his first-time volley perfectly, giving Amos little chance of keeping it out.
At that point, a well-contested game was in the balance but soon came the twist which saw Pogatetz sent from the field.
The Boro captain got to the ball just in front of Possebon as the pair went for it in fully committed fashion.
But Pogatetz's dangerous follow-through cut Possebon down, a nasty gash instantly appearing on the Brazilian's right leg as he yelled in agony.
It took the United medical staff five minutes to treat the Brazilian and substantially less for referee Andre Marriner to show Pogatetz the red card.
With a man advantage, United were given another advantage 11 minutes from time when O'Neil stood on the ball attempting to control Gibson's long pass, enabling Giggs to advance and calmly chip past Jones.
Nani wrapped up the win in stoppage-time, although Boro were a spent force by then.
manchesterunited
9/24/2008 06:01:00 AM
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Barisan depan United mampu menyengat lagi
ROONEY (kanan) dan Ronaldo masih belum memperlihat kehebatan mereka pada saingan musim ini.
LONDON - Penyerang Manchester United, Wayne Rooney yakin skuad Red Devils akan kembali menyengat terutama di barisan serangan. United sekadar mencatat keputusan seri 1-1 dengan Chelsea di Stamford Bridge kelmarin dan ia dianggap satu permulaan hambar pada kempen awal Liga Perdana England musim ini.
United juga hanya mengutip lima mata daripada empat perlawanan awal liga.
Pada aksi pembukaan Liga Juara-Juara minggu lalu, United sekadar seri tanpa jaringan dengan kelab Sepanyol, Villarreal di Old Trafford.
Begitupun, Rooney yakin gandingannya bersama Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov serta Carlos Tevez membuka kembali laluan United untuk mempertahankan kejuaraan yang dimenangi musim lalu.
"Ia adalah satu berita baik apabila pasukan ini kembali mendapat khidmat Cristiano," jelas Rooney.
"Dia adalah pemain hebat dan harap-harap dia boleh beraksi dalam beberapa perlawanan untuk beberapa minggu selepas ini.
"Situasi itu penting kerana ia akan memberi kecergasan terbaik kepadanya dan barulah dia boleh pamerkan apa yang dia miliki selama ini.
"Dengan adalah Dimitar, ia juga sesuatu yang menarik kerana pemain baru ini cukup berbakat. Saya pasti, gandingan mereka (Ronaldo-Berbatov) akan lebih berkesan selepas ini termasuk kehadiran Carlos."
Dalam pada itu, Rooney tetap gembira dengan keputusan seri di Stamford Bridge kelmarin biarpun penyerang Chelsea, Salomon Kalou berjaya menafikan hajat United untuk meraih kemenangan.
"Ia adalah keputusan yang baik apabila memperoleh satu mata," tambahnya.
"Rekod Chelsea di Stamford Bridge sangat baik dan walaupun kami berjaya menguasai permainan dan hanya gagal kerana melepasi satu gol pada minit-minit terakhir, saya tetap anggap keputusan ini sebagai sesuatu yang hebat." - Agensi
manchesterunited
9/23/2008 07:10:00 AM
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Monday, September 22, 2008
Good Point For United - Rooney
Berbatov and Park
challenge Chelsea's
Ballack during their
match in London.
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Wayne Rooney said Manchester United's draw at Chelsea was a point gained.
The reigning Premier League champions went ahead through Park Ji-sung early in the big game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
And though their hopes of victory were dashed when sub Salomon Kalou levelled 10 minutes from time, Rooney says the visitors were more than happy with a share of the spoils.
"It's definitely a point gained," he told MUTV. "Chelsea's record at Stamford Bridge is really good and, although we were leading for most of the game and it was disappointing to lose the goal, it's still a good point.
"We had the better of the game in the first half but Chelsea were better in the second half. A draw was probably a fair result."
Sunday's performance will boost United, who came into the game on the back of a hugely disappointing defeat at Liverpool and a midweek Champions League stalemate against Villarreal.
Rooney added "We were all disappointed (by the Liverpool defeat). It was a terrible display, but against Villarreal I thought we deserved to win, and against Chelsea we showed at times what a good football team we can be.
More good news for United on Sunday came with the return to Premier League action of Cristiano Ronaldo - a second-half substitute.
"It's a huge boost for us to have Cristiano back," said Rooney.
"He's a great player and hopefully he can get a few games in the next few weeks. That will give him fitness and he'll start to produce what we know he is capable of.
"With Dimitar (Berbatov), he's a new player and we had some good touches together. I'm sure the partnership will get better the more we play together and, of course, with Carlos Tevez to come in as well."
manchesterunited
9/22/2008 10:29:00 AM
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Man U seri 1-1 di Stamford Bridge
LONDON: Park Ji-Sung mengakui Manchester United sepatutnya menewaskan Chelsea sebelum Solomon Kalou muncul penyelamat dengan menjaringkan gol penyamaan ketika seri, 1-1 pada aksi Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL), semalam.
Pemain sayap Korea Selatan itu meletakkan United di depan pada minit ke-18 pertemuan di Stamford Bridge tetapi barisan Sir Alex Ferguson gagal menambah gol kedua.
Kalou menghukum pelawat selepas masuk selaku pemain gantian ketika perlawanan berbaki 10 minit menjadikan United ketinggalan enam mata di belakang Chelsea dan tujuh mata berbanding pendahulu, Arsenal.
“Amat mengecewakan kerana kami berada dalam kemenangan ketika perlawanan berbaki 10 minit. Kami cuba melancarkan serangan.
“Mereka banyak menguasai bola pada babak pertama, jadi kami menggandakan usaha dan beraksi baik. Kami memiliki beberapa peluang yang baik tapi hanya memperoleh satu gol.
“Permainan kami cemerlang hinggalah mereka menyamakan kedudukan. Kami bertandang untuk menang tapi hanya mendapat satu mata, ianya mengecewakan,” kata Park.
Park turut menyuarakan kemarahan mengenai tindakan cerewet pengadil, Mike Riley melayangkan enam kad kuning kepada pemain United hingga merosakkan corak permainan kedua-dua pasukan.
“Saya fikir tindakannya sedikit tidak adil. Pemain Chelsea melancarkan terjahan sama tapi, mereka tidak dilayangkan kad kuning. Itu keputusan pengadil,” katanya.
Jaringan Park hanyalah sagu hati kecil selepas kecewa tidak beraksi pada final Liga Juara-Juara Eropah menentang Chelsea, musim lalu tetapi, dia sudah cukup gembira andai United pulang dengan tiga mata.
“Situasi ini sedikit mengubat kekecewaan namun tidak sepenuhnya. Amat mengecewakan terlepas final Liga Juara-Juara, jadi ia sedikit membantu apabila menjaringkan gol di sini,” katanya. - AFP
manchesterunited
9/22/2008 09:05:00 AM
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Sunday, September 21, 2008
Ronaldo sedia mengamuk
LONDON - Bintang Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo (gambar) tidak akan membiarkan Chelsea berasa selesa meskipun skuad The Blues itu menampilkan aksi keras pada pertemuan Liga Perdana England di Stamford Bridge esok.
Ronaldo menegaskan bahawa dia adalah seorang pemain yang 'liat' dan mampu berdepan segala taktik kasar daripada pemain Chelsea.
Pemain sayap Portugal itu membuat penampilan sulungnya buat Red Devils musim ini apabila masuk sebagai pemain gantian ketika United seri tanpa jaringan dengan Villarreal pada aksi Liga Juara-Juara Rabu lalu.
Ia adalah aksi pertama Ronaldo di Old Trafford sejak pulih daripada pembedahan buku lali yang dijalaninya Julai lalu.
Kini, Ronaldo sudah bersedia untuk diturunkan sambil memberitahu bahawa dia tetap mampu berdepan segala bentuk halangan daripada benteng pertahanan Chelsea yang akan diketuai kapten, John Terry.
"Saya tahu, pemain lawan akan kembali mengganggu saya di atas padang tetapi perlu diingat bahawa saya bukan seorang pemain yang mudah tunduk dengan muslihat seperti itu," kata Ronaldo.
"Saya akan terus diejek tetapi saya tidak terpengaruh dengan situasi tersebut. Saya sudah biasa malah menganggap ia adalah sebahagian daripada daripada perlawanan.
"Apa pun, matlamat saya ialah untuk membalas kepercayaan pasukan dengan menjaringkan gol."
Setakat ini, United hanya menang satu daripada enam perlawanan musim ini, namun Ronaldo masih enggan panik dengan situasi tersebut.
"Tiada kena mengena langsung dengan prestasi kami. Musim lepas kami juga bermula seperti ini tetapi lihat bagaimana kami menamatkannya.
"Kami tetap sebuah pasukan yang hebat." - Agensi
manchesterunited
9/21/2008 06:48:00 AM
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Tugas Giggs masih belum berakhir
LONDON - Pemain veteran Manchester United, Ryan Giggs mengakui, dia cukup berpuas hati dengan pencapaiannya setakat ini.
Namun Giggs menegaskan masih ada tugas yang lebih penting perlu dilakukannya selepas United bermula hambar dalam saingan Liga Juara-Juara musim ini.
Khamis lalu, United yang turun dengan reputasi selaku juara bertahan sekadar seri 1-1 dengan kelab Sepanyol, Villarreal di Old Tarfford.
"Pada mulanya saya tidak pernah menjangkakan berapa lama saya akan bermain bersama pasukan ini dan kemudiannya bagaimana saya mencapai kejayaan sepanjang tempoh itu.
"Saya bernasib baik kerana dapat bermain dalam satu era di mana paling berjaya dalam sejarah Manchester United, jadi saya sangat bertuah.
"Saya berpindah ke Salford sejak berusia tujuh tahun. Saya membesar di kawasan Salford, bermain untuk Salford Boys dan kemudiannya bermain untuk Manchester United adalah sesuatu yang sukar untuk dipercayai.
"Kamu tidak dapat untuk membayangkan. Kamu tidak terfikir ia akan berlaku," kata Giggs, 34, yang merangkul gelaran ke-10 Liga Perdana England dan kedua Piala Eropah musim lalu.
Ketua Eksekutif United, David Gill menghormati sumbangan Giggs kepada United yang telah hampir dua dekad bersama kelab itu sejak dia menjadi pemain profesional pada November 1990.
"Saya fikir ia adalah satu kepercayaan kepada seseorang yang mempunyai karier yang menakjubkan," kata Gill.
"Kami memiliki ramai pemain seperti Paul Scholes, Gary Neville yang telah bertahun-tahun bermain untuk kami dan ia adalah sesuatu yang menarik." - AFP
manchesterunited
9/21/2008 05:43:00 AM
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Saturday, September 13, 2008
Berbatov tekad bayangi Ronaldo
LONDON - Penyerang Manchester United, Dimitar Berbatov (gambar) berazam membayangi reputasi rakan sepasukannya, Cristiano Ronaldo sebagai pemain terhebat di Eropah. Selepas ditabalkan selaku Pemain Terbaik Kelab Eropah baru-baru ini, Ronaldo diramal menambah koleksi gelaran dalam kariernya apabila dia disebut-sebut menjadi calon pilihan bagi memenangi anugerah Pemain Terbaik Eropah.
Bagaimanapun Berbatov yang juga bintang baru United mahu menjadikan anugerah yang bakal dimiliki Ronaldo itu sebagai buruan utamanya tahun ini.
"Saya akan memburu anugerah Bola Emas itu sehinggalah saya berhenti bermain.
"Apabila saya meletakkan sasaran, saya berazam untuk mencapainya. Dengan izin Tuhan, saya akan berjaya mencapai sesuatu yang besar," kata penyerang Bulgaria itu.
Hari ini Berbatov akan beraksi sebagai pemain skuad Red Devils buat kali pertama apabila United berdepan Liverpool pada aksi Liga Peranda England di Anfield.
Berbatov menambah, dia akan menampilkan aksi terbaik bersama United walaupun ada sesetengah pihak yang meragui keupayaannya.
Sebelum ini bekas jurulatih Berbatov, Klaus Augenthaler menyifatkan penyerang Bulgaria itu sebagai seorang yang pemalas.
"Berbatov memiliki mentaliti seperti pemain Brazil. Dia amat pemalas dan seseorang perlu menegurnya.," kata jurulatih kelab Bayer Leverkusen itu.
Namun Berbatov membalas: "Saya tidak boleh berlari tanpa tujuan. Sebab itu kadangkala saya dilihat sebagai pemalas.
"Tetapi saya selalu berwaspada. Saya menanti peluang saya dan cuba tidak melepaskannya." - Agensi
manchesterunited
9/13/2008 12:23:00 PM
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Thursday, September 4, 2008
Jersi Red Devils lebih bermakna
BERBATOV memilih untuk
menyarung jersi
Red Devils daripada
menerima bayaran
lumayan
di Manchester City.
LONDON - Penyerang Bulgaria, Dimitar Berbatov mendedahkan bahawa menyarung jersi Manchester United adalah lebih bermakna daripada menerima bayaran termahal di Manchester City.
Hajat Berbatov untuk berhijrah ke Old Trafford akhirnya terlaksana dengan harga 30.75 juta pound (RM187.5 juta) meskipun City membuat tawaran pada saat-saat akhir sebelum musim perpindahan ditutup.
Berbatov, 27, bersetuju dengan gaji 100,000 pound (RM609,870) seminggu di Old Trafford, namun dia mengakui dia sebenarnya mampu mendapat gaji sekali ganda daripada yang ditawarkan United jika berpindah ke City.
"Beraksi buat Manchester United adalah sesuatu yang paling bermakna bagi saya. Orang yang mengenali saya tahu saya bermain untuk kegembiraan dan kepuasan," jelas penyerang Bulgaria itu.
"Saya tidak bermain demi wang. Jika saya mahukan wang, saya pasti menerima tawaran City ataupun Chelsea.
"Tapi saya mahu beraksi bersama kelab terhebat didunia dan sebab itu saya berada di sini.
"Saya amat menghormati tawaran yang diberikan oleh City. Sebab itu perpindahan saya ke United tertangguh selama tiga hingga empat jam.
"Tapi bagi saya, hanya ada satu matlamat saja iaitu menyarung jersi berwarna merah United. Saya boleh lagi hidup senang dengan 1 juta, 10 juta atau juga hanya 500,000 pound." - Agensi
manchesterunited
9/04/2008 01:58:00 PM
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It was almost as if Cristiano Ronaldo had never been away as he marked his return to Manchester United's starting line-up with a goal.
LONDON: Park Ji-Sung mengakui Manchester United sepatutnya menewaskan Chelsea sebelum Solomon Kalou muncul penyelamat dengan menjaringkan gol penyamaan ketika seri, 1-1 pada aksi Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL), semalam.
Status : married with two daughter