Saturday, March 28, 2009

Red Devils mampu pintas rekod Liverpool


FERGUSON telah
membimbing United meraih 10 kejuaraan Liga Perdana England.

MANCHESTER - Darren Ferguson, anak kepada pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson percaya bapanya itu akan mengecap kepuasan sehinggalah skuad Red Devils berjaya memintas rekod 18 kejuaraan Liga Perdana England milik Liverpool.

"Tahap kesihatannya masih baik dan dia telah membina sebuah pasukan baru.

"Jika mereka (United) muncul juara musim ini, mereka akan menyamai rekod kejuaraan terbanyak milik Liverpool.

"Saya yakin mereka mampu melakukannya musim ini dan juga pada musim depan, sekali gus memintas rekod Liverpool," kata Darren yang kini membimbing kelab Peterborough.

United kini dalam misi menyamai rekod 18 kejuaraan milik Liverpool selepas skuad Red Devils itu telah merekodkan 17 gelaran liga domestik.

Sementara itu, bek kiri United, Patrice Evra bertekad mahu bangkit selepas pasukannya tewas dua perlawanan berturut-turut kepada Liverpool dan Fulham.

"Saya berada di sini sudah tiga tahun dan ini pertama kali saya merasai kekalahan dua perlawanan berturut-turut. Saya yakin ini hanyalah masalah kecil," kata Evra. - Agensi



manchesterunited 3/28/2009 10:59:00 AM
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Monday, March 23, 2009

Premier League - Rooney escapes further punishment

2008-2009 Premier League Fulham-Manchester United Phil Dowd sends off Wayne Rooney - 0

Wayne Rooney will not face any further disciplinary action following his red card at Fulham on Saturday, the FA have confirmed.

The Manchester United forward was sent off for two bookable offences during his side's 2-0 defeat and although he exchanged words with referee Phil Dowd after being shown red, the official has confirmed he was not sworn at by the player.

The FA will write to Rooney however to issue him with a formal warning about his conduct after he punched the corner flag while leaving the pitch.

An FA spokesman said: "We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed.

"In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities."

It means Rooney will only be suspended for one game, the Premier League visit of Aston Villa to Old Trafford on April.


manchesterunited 3/23/2009 10:25:00 PM
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Ferguson kena cari penawar

Tekanan yang memuncak mula menyelubungi anak buah Sir Alex Ferguson apabila mengalami kekalahan kedua berturut-turut dalam saingan Liga Perdana England (EPL) dalam tempoh dua minggu.

Apa yang menjadi persoalan, pemain berpengalaman seperti Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes dan Edwin van der Sar mula merasakan tekanan yang dirasakan musim ini bukan seperti tekanan biasa yang dihadapi pada musim-musim yang lalu.

Tewas 2-0 ke atas Fulham di Craven Cottage dan insiden kad merah memerlukan Ferguson mencari jalan terbaik untuk membawa pemainnya keluar dari tekanan 'luar biasa' ini sebelum ia lebih mudarat sekali gus gagal untuk mencapai sasaran yang ditetapkan.

Apa sahaja alasan Ferguson setakat ini tidak boleh diterima melainkan cuba untuk menilai semula barisan pemain yang diturunkan dan menggunakan pemain simpanan yang beraksi cemerlang dalam perlawanan akhir Piala Liga selepas menang menang ke atas Tottenham Hotspurs menerusi sepakan penalti 1 Mac lalu.

Ferguson sendiri mengakui barisan kesebelasan utamanya tidak beraksi dengan baik pada separuh masa pertama menentang Fulham kelmarin walaupun pernah membelasah pasukan bimbingan Roy Hodgson itu 4-0 dalam saingan Piala FA beberapa minggu lalu.

"Pada separuh masa pertama kami beraksi tidak seperti yang diharapkan. Mereka lebih bersungguh-sungguh dan berjaya menyekat pergerakan kami. Saya amat menghormatinya walaupun mereka tewas 4-0 kepada kami dalam beberapa minggu lalu (Piala FA). Namun ia agak mengecewakan kami tidak mampu mengulanginya.

"Jika anda tewas dalam perlawanan pada Mac dan April, ia akan memberi kesan kepada anda. Bagaimanapun kami mempunyai sedikit kelebihan namun ia tidak terlalu banyak dan saya berharap kami mampu mengembalikan prestasi seperti sebelum ini apabila pemain berehat untuk saingan antarabangsa," kata Ferguson.

United tewas menerusi jaringan sepakan penalti Danny Murphy pada minit ke-18 apabila Scholes menahan bola sepakan Didier Zakora menggunakan tangan, manakala jaringan kedua adalah hasil sepakan akrobatik cantik Zoltan Gera pada minit ke-87 seminit sebelum Rooney dilayangkan kad merah.

Aksi di White Hart Lane mungkin memberi sedikit kelegaan buat Ferguson selepas pesaingnya yang masih mempunyai harapan untuk menjuarai liga musim ini, Chelsea, tewas 1-0 di tangan Tottenham Hotspurs kelmarin hasil jaringan Luka Modric.

Ia adalah kekalahan pertama Guus Hiddink sejak mengambil alih jawatan dari Luiz Felipe Scolari sejak Februari lalu dan mungkin tekanan yang dihadapi Chelsea ada kaitan dengan undian Liga Juara-Juara Eropah yang menemukan semula mereka dengan satu lagi kelab England, Liverpool.

"Kami terlepas peluang terbesar, selepas mengetahui United tewas, ia adalah peluang terbaik untuk menukar nasib kami," kata Hiddink.

Bagi Arsenal pula kebangkitan yang ditunjukkan sejak kebelakangan ini membuktikan barisan bimbingan Arsene Wenger tidak menyerah kalah terlalu awal selepas terumbang-ambing sebelum liga memasuki peringkat kedua.

"Ramai yang memandang rendah tentang kekuatan mental pasukan ini dan kami telah menunjukkan kehebatan sejak akhir-akhir ini. Kami cuba untuk mempamerkan kekuatan demi kekuatan setiap masa dan mengekalkan semangat untuk menjadikan ini adalah pasukan terbaik setiap masa.



manchesterunited 3/23/2009 10:04:00 AM
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Sunday, March 22, 2009
Premier League - Nine-man United fall apart

2008-2009 Fulham-Manchester United Paul Scholes handball - 0

Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney were sent off as Manchester United slumped to a second straight Premier League defeat, 2-0 at Fulham.

The previously runaway leaders were seen as certainties to retain their crown until they lost 4-1 at home to Liverpool last weekend, and suffered another humiliating setback at Craven Cottage.

The damage was limited by Chelsea's surprising defeat at Tottenham, but Liverpool can cut the gap to a single point if they beat Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday.

Scholes saw red for a brainless first-half handball on the goal-line and Danny Murphy converted the resultant penalty.

Zoltan Gera added a superb second late on, before Rooney was given his marching orders for dissent to complete a miserable afternoon for Sir Alex Ferguson and his players.

It was widely expected that Ferguson would field his strongest side following last weekend's drubbing against Liverpool, but he sprung a selection surprise, playing Dimitar Berbatov as a lone striker and finding no place in the starting line-up for Rooney, Carlos Tevez or Michael Carrick.

In the 17th minute, Bobby Zamora met a corner from the Fulham right with a header that Edwin van der Sar palmed away.

But the striker seized on the rebound and headed goalwards from close range - only for Scholes to repel the ball with a blatant double-handed bat.

The consequences of his moment of instinctive madness were felt immediately - referee Phil Dowd had no choice but to send Scholes off and award a penalty.

Murphy, who scored three winning goals at Old Trafford in four seasons when a Liverpool player, sent Van der Sar the wrong way with a cool finish.

It is sometimes said that it is harder to play against 10 men than 11, but United had no such luck as Fulham tore into them.

Zamora gave Jonny Evans - standing in for the suspended Nemanja Vidic - a torrid time, and peppered Van der Sar's goal with shots without adding to his two Premier League goals this season.

Simon Davies also forced a sharp save from the Dutch goalkeeper and Andy Johnson was a timely Rio Ferdinand clearance away from converting a simple rebound.

Rooney replaced the dreadful Berbatov at half-time and immediately showed all of the effort, vitality and grit that the Bulgarian lacked.

He hared around the pitch in search of the ball, and supplied Ji-Sung Park with a chance that the Korean fired over from the edge of the box.

At times, Rooney looked like he was taking Fulham on single-handedly, embarking on mazy dribbles around the edge of the area while his team-mates stood around.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, let frustration get the better of him after he took umbrage at some sturdy Fulham challenges - notably from John Paintsil.

He flew in with a wild challenge on Murphy to which a stricter referee might have responded with a straight red card, but Dowd settled for a booking.

As the second half progressed, United turned the screw tighter, only to find goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer in prime form.

The Australian veteran produced several superb saves, including a full-length diving parry from Ronaldo and a stunning double save to repel close-range efforts from Park and Rooney.

Gera made the points safe in acrobatic fashion with three minutes to go, as Fulham came away on the counter. The Hungarian flicked up a low Johnson cross and sent an overhead kick past Van der Sar and into the far corner of the net.

The final insult came 60 seconds later as the bad side of Rooney's game reared its head yet again - he saw a second yellow card after bowling the ball away in anger.


manchesterunited 3/22/2009 08:32:00 AM
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Saturday, March 21, 2009

United mahu padam luka lama





LONDON - Minggu lalu pasti dianggap minggu penuh mengecewakan buat Manchester United.

Kekalahan 1-4 kepada Liverpool pada aksi Liga Perdana England di Old Trafford jelas sekali memberi impak buat skuad kendalian Alex Ferguson itu.

Justeru, mereka mahu segera melupakan mimpi ngeri tersebut apabila berdepan Fulham di Craven Cottage malam ini.

Kemenangan dianggap begitu penting buat United untuk mereka kembali mengukuhkan cengkaman di tangga teratas liga.

Sejurus selepas dimalukan Liverpool pada Sabtu lalu, pengurus United, Alex Ferguson awal-awal lagi meminta anak buahnya kembali bangkit.

Sekalipun Ferguson seakan- akan tidak yakin barisannya mampu menjulang lima trofi musim ini, bintang United, Cristiano Ronaldo (gambar kanan) pula mempunyai pandangan yang berbeza.

Ronaldo tetap berasa yakin tentang peluang mereka untuk menyapu bersih lima gelaran musim ini.

"Kami sentiasa positif dengan semua pertandingan yang kami sertai dan kami mahu memenangi kesemuanya. Ia sesuatu yang hebat jika kami berjaya lakukan.

"Musim lalu kami menang Liga Perdana England dan Liga Juara-Juara.

"Tahun ini kami mempunyai peluang untuk lakukan lebih baik. Kami akan terus berusaha keras dan yakin akan mencapainya," jelas Ronaldo.

United bakal turun malam ini tanpa bek tengah, Nemanja Vidic selepas menerima kad merah Sabtu lalu.

Jonny Evans dijangka mengisi tempat Vidic untuk bergandingan dengan Rio Ferdinand.

Sementara itu, kapten Ful- ham, Danny Murphy berkata, dia berhasrat untuk menyekat laluan United bagi pemburuan gelaran liga musim ini.

"Saya percaya United kini semakin terdesak untuk mencipta kemenangan selepas tewas kepada Liverpool minggu lalu.

"Tetapi kami tidak akan memberi laluan mudah kepada mereka dan saya yakin, kami mampu mencipta kejutan," kata Murphy. - Agensi



manchesterunited 3/21/2009 02:37:00 PM
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Champions League - Ferguson happy with Porto draw

FOOTBALL Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson - 0

Sir Alex Ferguson admits facing Porto in the quarter-finals of the Champions League is "a good draw" for his Manchester United side.

The reigning European champions would face Arsenal or Villarreal in the semi-finals, should they overcome Porto in the last eight, and have avoided Liverpool who face Chelsea, plus Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Ahead of the first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday April 7, Ferguson said: "This is a good draw for us, we've met Porto before and obviously we respect any Portuguese team.

"We have had a huge Portuguese influence in the club firstly with Carlos Queiroz but now with Cristiano (Ronaldo) and Nani so we understand Portuguese football."

United will play the second leg in Porto on Wednesday April 15 but Ferguson insists that should not be a problem.

He said: "You sometimes wonder if being at home first is a good or a bad thing but I think in this modern-day competition there is no indication of what is better, the only thing you hope is that you don't lose a goal in the home tie.

"We are happy with the draw and we are looking forward to the next round."

United secretary Ken Ramsden insists his side have not got an easy tie.

Ramsden admits United were lucky to avoid European heavyweights such as Barca and Bayern, but claims they will not underestimate their opponents.

"We should be pleased, it's a good draw," Ramsden told Sky Sports News. "In a perfect world, we would have preferred to be away but the draw is what the draw is and we've got to make the most of it.

"They've got great pedigree and we've got great respect for them. This is not an easy tie."

Liverpool take on Chelsea in an all-English affair, with the first leg on April 8, and Ramsden is delighted to have avoided one of United's Premier League rivals.

"Speaking personally I'm a traditionalist so in Europe I like to play European teams," he continued. "But with four English teams, it's inevitable that will happen - but it didn't happen to us."

United will face either Arsenal or Villarreal if they manage to dispatch Porto and Ramsden admits that would be a relishing prospect.

He added: "It will be if we get that far!"

United are in the hunt for an unprecedented quintuple and Ramsden is hoping the memory of last year's Champions League victory in Moscow can spur them on.

"Having won last year, you're reminded just how important it is, we've still got the joy from Moscow," he said. "It's a very nice feeling."

There is a very real prospect that this year's finalists will be the same as last year's which saw United triumph over Chelsea on penalties.

However, Ramsden insists he's not thinking that far ahead.

"It's a long way off," he said. "There's a great chance of that happening. We just hope we're one of them."


manchesterunited 3/21/2009 09:35:00 AM
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Undian Suku Akhir Liga Juara-Juara



NYON – Buat kali kelima dalam tempoh lima tahun, Liverpool diundi menentang Chelsea pada pusingan suku akhir saingan Liga Juara-Juara.

Dalam majlis undian yang berlangsung semalam, Liverpool dan Chelsea bakal berdepan pemenang antara Barcelona dan Bayern Munich pada peringkat separuh akhir.

Juara bertahan, Manchester United pula akan bertemu kelab Portugal, FC Porto sementara Arsenal akan menghadapi Villarreal dalam dua lagi pertemuan suku akhir.

Mengulas pertemuan menentang Chelsea, pengurus Liverpool, Rafael Benitez percaya anak buahnya akan membalas dendam kekalahan kepada Chelsea pada separuh akhir Liga Juara-Juara musim lalu.

Suku akhir pertama akan berlangsung di Anfield pada 8 April depan manakala perlawanan kedua dijadualkan di Stamford Bridge pada 14 April, sehari sebelum ulang tahun ke-20 tragedi Hillsborough.


BEKAS pemain bola sepak Itali, Bruno Conti melakukan cabutan pada majlis undian saingan suku akhir Liga Juara-Juara di Nyon semalam.




Pada separuh akhir musim lalu, Chelsea menyingkirkan Liverpool menerusi agregat 4-3 tetapi dua pertemuan terdahulu pada 2005 dan 2007 menyaksikan Liverpool mengatasi Chelsea pada peringkat yang sama.

“Harap ia tidak akan memberi kesan kepada kami apabila suku akhir kedua berlangsung di tempat lawan.

“Kami kena pastikan tidak melakukan kesilapan seperti perlawanan separuh akhir pertama musim lalu.

“Ia bakal menjadi dua perlawanan yang sukar tetapi jika kami main baik, kami yakin boleh memenanginya,” kata Benitez.

Suku akhir pertama akan berlangsung pada 7 dan 8 April manakala perlawanan kedua pada 14 dan 15 April.

Saingan separuh akhir pula akan diadakan pada 28 dan 29 April manakala perlawanan kedua pada 5 dan 6 Mei.

Final akan berlangsung pada Rabu, 27 Mei di Stadium Olimpik di Rom, Itali. – AP



manchesterunited 3/21/2009 09:28:00 AM
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Friday, March 20, 2009

United sedia bangkit aksi di Fulham


Alex Ferguson

LONDON: Reaksi kebiasaan Manchester United sejak dua dekad di bawah Alex Ferguson adalah untuk kembali mencatat kemenangan selepas melalui kekecewaan dan pengurus itu akan mengharapkan perkara sama apabila berdepan Fulham esok.

Kekalahan 4-1 kepada Liverpool minggu lalu selepas 11 kemenangan berturut-turut di Liga Perdana menyentap keegoan United, ia juga kembali membuka persaingan liga yang sebelum itu kelihatan akan mudah dimenangi United untuk rekod 18 kejuaraan Inggeris.

Chelsea yang dibimbing Guus Hiddink kini terikat dengan mata sama dengan Liverpool, empat mata di belakang United dan jurang semakin mengecil ketika tekanan kembali dalam saingan liga.

Rafa Bebitez berkata Liverpool mesti memenangi baki sembilan perlawanan untuk menghidupkan peluang memintas pendahulu, tetapi dia dan Hiddink kini bersemangat serta akan mengambil minat mendalam terhadap keputusan di Craven Cottage pada hujung minggu ini.

Ferguson sudah melihatnya sebelum ini, tetapi pengendali berpengalaman itu dengan 10 kejuaraan EPL tetap berasa minggu-minggu terakhir perebutan liga adalah pengalaman kurang senang, walaupun pernah melaluinya beberapa kali.

“Anda akan hanya berpuas hati jika muncul juara, anda bersedia untuk melalui kesukaran ini asalkan anda berakhir di kedudukan teratas.

“Ia boleh menjadi sengit tetapi anda harus menerima saingan ini. Untuk berada di sana adalah perkara paling hebat dan itu yang kami sasarkan,” kata Ferguson.

Dengan ketiadaan perlawanan pertengahan minggu untuk difikirkan, skuad Fergie sudah mempunyai masa seminggu untuk membalut luka mereka dan bangkit, walaupun tanpa pemain pertahanan yang menjalani penggantungan, Nemanja Vidic.

Awal bulan ini mereka membelasah Fulham 4-0 di Craven Cottage dalam saingan Piala FA, tetapi United akan menjangka lebih banyak tentangan kali ini daripada pasukan yang masih belum terselamat daripada zon penyingkiran. - Reuters



manchesterunited 3/20/2009 08:55:00 AM
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Monday, March 16, 2009

Ribery minat United, Barcelona


RIBERY menjadi buruan beberapa kelab terkemuka Eropah.

MUNICH - Bintang tengah Bayern Munich, Franck Ribery sedia mempertimbangkan keputusannya untuk berhijrah ke Manchester United ataupun Barcelona.

Sebelum ini, khidmat pemain antarabangsa Perancis itu mula menjadi perhatian beberapa kelab terkemuka Eropah selepas prestasi membanggakan yang dipamerkan bersama kelab dari Jerman itu.

Selain United dan Barcelona, Ribery turut menjadi perhatian Real Madrid dan Juventus.

Menurut rakan sepasukan Ribery, Daniel van Buyte, hasrat pemain itu untuk menyertai kelab gergasi Eropah telah lama disuarakan.

"Ribery sedang mempertimbangkan pilihan tersebut," jelas van Buyten kepada agensi L Equipe kelmarin.

"Siapa yang tidak tertarik dengan reputasi kelab-kelab hebat seperti Barcelona dan United.

"Apa pun, kami tidak pernah berbincang mengenai hal ini secara serius dan apa yang kami lakukan adalah mengingatkan Ribery bahawa dia adalah ikon dalam kelab Bayern."

Sementara itu, laporan di England minggu lalu mendedahkan bahawa pengurus United, Alex Ferguson sedia membawa Ribery ke Old Trafford bagi menggantikan tempat Cristiano Ronaldo.

Keputusan Ferguson itu adalah sebagai sebahagian daripada alternatif awal seandainya Ronaldo memutuskan untuk berhijrah ke Real.

- Agensi



manchesterunited 3/16/2009 02:44:00 PM
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Ferguson masih terkejut


FERGUSON sukar menerima kekalahan kepada Liverpool.

LONDON - Tekanan sebenar mula dirasai pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson selepas anak buahnya dimalukan Liverpool di gelanggang sendiri pada aksi Liga Perdana England kelmarin.

Pada saingan di Old Trafford itu, Liverpool berjaya bangkit daripada ketinggalan satu gol untuk membelasah United 4-1.

Bagi Ferguson, kekalahan itu adalah sesuatu yang sukar diterima, lebih-lebih ketika mereka beraksi di laman sendiri.

Menurutnya, kekalahan itu bukan sahaja menjejaskan kedudukan United selaku pendahulu liga, malah menamatkan reputasi hebat benteng pertahanan pasukannya yang unggul sejak dua musim lalu.

"Sukar menerima kekalahan dengan keputusan sebegini. Kami beraksi baik dengan menjaringkan gol pendahulu, tetapi kemudiannya dibolosi dengan empat gol," jelas Ferguson yang masih segar daripada kemenangan ke atas Inter Milan dalam kempen Liga Juara-Juara awal minggu lalu.

"Melihat kepada kekebalan benteng pertahanan kami sejak dua musim terakhir ini, kekalahan seperti ini tidak pernah kami bayangkan."

Pada aksi kelmarin, United mendahului menerusi sepakan penalti Cristiano Ronaldo. Namun, The Reds berjaya bangkit dengan dua gol menerusi Fernando Torres dan Steven Gerrard.

Keadaan semakin buruk selepas United dipaksa bermain sepuluh orang selepas pertahanannya, Nemanja Vidic dibuang padang pada minit ke-76, sekali gus memberi kelebihan kepada Liverpool menambah dua gol menerusi Fabio Aurelio dan Andrea Dossena.

"Vidic tampil cukup konsisten musim ini. Namun, semua orang boleh ditimpa malang dan saya rasa hari ini (kelmarin) bukanlah hari yang baik buat Vidic," tambahnya.

United yang akan melayan kunjungan Fulham Sabtu ini masih memiliki kelebihan satu perlawanan ke atas dua pencabar Liverpool dan Chelsea.

Skuad Red Devils itu kini mengumpul 65 mata daripada 28 perlawanan, empat mata di hadapan Liverpool. - Agensi



manchesterunited 3/16/2009 08:43:00 AM
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
Premier League - Four-goal Liverpool stun United

Liverpool capped a fantastic week by coming from behind to beat 10-man Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford to rekindle their Premier League title challenge.

Following a thrilling 4-0 midweek win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, Liverpool cut the gap on leaders United to four points thanks to goals by Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena.

United, who had Nemanja Vidic dismissed in the second half, took the lead through Cristiano Ronaldo only for Liverpool to fight back and give their title hopes receive a huge shot in the arm, even though United still have a game in hand on their rivals from Merseyside.

Ronaldo's opener came from a well-taken spot kick on 22 minutes after Pepe Reina had brought down Park Ji-Sung with a reckless challenge in the Liverpool penalty area.

But United's lead lasted just six minutes as the visitors launched a thrilling comeback, sparked by two uncharacteristic errors from a defensive unit that has been lauded for much of the season.

First, the usually unflappable Vidic opted to allow a long Martin Skrtel clearance to bounce, allowing the snappy Torres to apply pressure on him. The Serb duly cracked as he was outmuscled by the Liverpool striker, who ran in on goal and beat Edwin van der Sar with a typically cool finish.

And then just before half-time, Patrice Evra - much like Reina before him - made a terrible error of judgement with a trip on Gerrard as the Liverpool skipper burst into the United box.

As with the earlier penalty, referee Alan Wiley had no choice but to point to the spot, from where Gerrard kept his nerve to fire past Van der Sar and put Liverpool into a half-time lead.

United started the second half with real intent, but another awkward moment from Vidic in the 76th minute when the Serb failed to control the ball on his thigh allowed Gerrard to rob him and burst forward.

Vidic completed a miserable personal afternoon by hauling down Gerrard and promptly receiving a red card - his second against Liverpool this season, having already been dismissed at Anfield in September. To make matters worse for United, Aurelio stepped up to fire the resulting free-kick into the top right hand corner to put Liverpool 3-1 up.

Substitute Andrea Dossena completed the rout in stoppage time with a fine chip over Van der Sar after the United back line, Rio Ferdinand more specifically, once again failed to deal with a long ball forward.

The result was all the more impressive considering Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez had to cope with an enforced late change to his plans after Alvaro Arbeloa injured his calf in the pre-match warm-up.

The unexpected blow forced Jamie Carragher into occupying the right-back position, a post the centre-back is not entirely comfortable in, with Sami Hyypia starting in the middle.

But Liverpool had Carragher to thank after just three minutes, the defender finding himself in a more central position to make a crucial block on Park's shot from that seemed destined to cause Reina problems.

Reina proved to be a central character during the opening period, and not just for his error of judgement for the penalty. The Spaniard looked shaky on crosses and his spill from Ronaldo's 34th minute free-kick - with the score level at 1-1 - nearly led to a second for United - only his quick reaction prevented Carlos Tevez pouncing from close range.

Michael Carrick, off-form by his high standards this season, then fashioned a chance for United to re-take the lead on 42 minutes with a neat turn but his shot flew just over the bar.

United, roared on by a vocal crowd, started the second period strongly and of the two sides, it was the hosts who looked the more likely after the break to grab the next goal.

Ronaldo struck a post with a mis-hit cross soon after the restart before Wayne Rooney and then Tevez - preferred to Dimitar Berbatov in Alex Ferguson's starting line-up - were given shooting opportunities.

Rooney brought Reina into action, but Tevez failed to work the Liverpool keeper, screwing his effort wide of the upright after having turned on the edge of the box.

But the dismissal of Vidic - and Aurelio's stunning strike from the resulting free-kick - effectively put paid to United's hopes of getting back into the game as Liverpool began to enjoy themselves with the final whistle approaching.

Even before Dossena swooped at the death, Liverpool would have grabbed another had Gerrard not blazed over from Ryan Babel's cute back heel.

No matter; Liverpool did go on to get a fourth, sealing a famous win over their bitter rivals as Benitez recorded a 100th Premier League victory.


manchesterunited 3/15/2009 10:49:00 AM
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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Mampukah Liverpool tawan Old Trafford?






LONDON - Jika sesebuah pasukan itu berjaya melumpuhkan kelab ternama seperti Real Madrid, ia pastinya diletakkan sebagai pilihan untuk perlawanan berikutnya.

Begitulah tanggapan terhadap Liverpool yang memusnahkan Real pada saingan Liga Juara-Juara Rabu lepas.

Malam ini, kelab dari Anfield itu bertandang ke Old Trafford dengan reputasi tinggi selepas membelasah Real.

Mereka akan berhadapan Manchester United, satu-satunya aksi yang ditunggu- tunggu oleh penyokong kedua-dua pasu- kan tersebut.

Walaupun masih segar dengan kemenangan bergaya ke atas Real tetapi kehadiran mereka di Old Trafford membawa reputasi selaku pasukan yang menduduki tempat ketiga Liga Perdana England dan ketinggalan tujuh mata di bela- kang United.

Mereka sedar tugas sukar menanti mereka di Old Trafford tetapi Liverpool mengakui mereka sudah bersedia menghadapi aksi terhebat itu.

Mereka yakin memperoleh sesuatu daripada perlawanan itu sekiranya tampil dengan prestasi hebat seperti yang dipamerkan pada aksi menentang Real, Rabu lalu.

Mereka sedar bahawa Old Trafford adalah 'gelanggang maut' kepada pasu- kan pelawat tetapi mereka tidak gentar menghadapinya.

Berdasarkan prestasi ketika membela- sah Real, Liverpool mampu menghadir- kan masalah kepada United.

Pada aksi Liga Juara-Juara itu, semua posisi berfungsi dengan baik seolah-olah membawa petanda bahawa Liverpool memang sukar digugat.

United sebenarnya sudah sedar dari- pada awal kemampuan Liverpool.

Mereka juga tidak gentar kerana skuad bimbingan Alex Ferguson itu juga memiliki kemampuan yang agak luar biasa lebih-lebih lagi dengan kerakusan Wayne Rooney dan Criatiano Ronaldo yang semakin berbisa kebelakangan ini.

"Kami sudah membuktikan kepada semua bahwa United sukar dicantas.

"Pada awal saingan kami beraksi di bawah tahap sebenar tetapi sekarang keadaan sudah berubah dan sesiapa sahaja akan menjadi mangsa kami," kata Ferguson menjelang aksi genting itu.



Pada aksi Liga Juara-Juara, Khamis lalu, United turut memperlihat kualiti sebagai juara apabila menyekat kelab gergasi Itali, Inter Milan.

"Saya juga sedar, penyerang Liverpool, Fernando Torres turut menemui semula sentuhannya dan Steven Gerrard pula semakin menyengat.

"Apa pun kami tahu apa yang perlu dibuat untuk menyekat pergerakan dua watak utama Liverpool itu," katanya.

"Kami juga tahu rentak permainan Liverpool dalam saingan domestik yang tidak begitu konsisten tetapi kami tetap berhati-hati."

Bagi Nemanja Vidic yang menjaringkan gol pertama United pada aksi menentang Inter itu, pasukan mereka akan tampil dengan rentak yang lebih bertenaga hari ini.

Menurutnya, aksi menentang Liverpool memang ditunggu-tunggu dan kami bersedia untuk melakukan apa sahaja.

"Kami beraksi di gelanggang sendiri dan saya yakin kami akan tampil lebih hebat berbanding perlawanan menentang Inter.

"Ramai yang menyatakan, jika memang perlawanan ini, maknanya kamu akan menjulang gelaran liga dan kami akan membuktikannya," katanya.

Menariknya, kedua-dua pasukan tidak menghadapi masalah kecederaan pemain.

Semua pemain utamanya berada pada tahap kecergasan terbaik.

Watak utama Liverpool khususnya Torres berada pada prestasi terbaik. - AP



manchesterunited 3/14/2009 07:45:00 AM
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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Champions League - United topple Inter to reach quarters

FOOTBALL 2008-2009 Champions League Man United-Inter Ronaldo Giggs - 0

Goals by Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Manchester United a 2-0 win over Internazionale at Old Trafford to secure the European champions' passage into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The goals, both headers coming at the beginning of each half, saw Alex Ferguson register just his second career win over his old foe Jose Mourinho, whose Porto side eliminated United on their way to winning the tournament in back in 2004.

United moved into the last eight 2-0 on aggregate after the first leg in Milan ended goalless a fortnight ago, although Inter were far from pushovers and hit the woodwork in each half during an entertaining game.

But following their early breakthrough, United doggedly refused to allow Mourinho's side a route back into the game and the result ensured the holders retain an interest in the competition ahead of Friday's quarter-final draw.

As far as starts go, on the night United could not have asked for much better. Right from the kick-off they attacked Inter and they were rewarded with the opener from their second corner of the game.

Ryan Giggs's first dead ball had been easily cleared by the Italian defence, but his second found Vidic careering in unmarked to power a header past Julio Cesar.

The culprit for leaving the Serb all alone? A certain Patrick Vieira - a surprise inclusion in Mourinho's starting XI - the former Arsenal midfielder having turned his back and then slipped to leave Vidic free.

United then had two handball appeals in the space of seconds, the evergreen Giggs seeing a cross blocked by a prone Walter Samuel before Dejan Stankovic's arm got in the way of his second attempt to get the ball into the middle. While the first was the more plausible appeal, both were dismissed by referee Wolfgang Stark.

It was rousing stuff from the hosts but their initial fervour soon eased as Inter began to settle and gain a foothold in the game.

And sure enough, the Italian side began to create chances of their own, the mercurial Zlatan Ibrahimovic proving his goal threat on several occasions.

The Swede lost Rio Ferdinand to meet a free-kick with a downward header that bounced up on to the crossbar on 29 minutes before he fired wide having been put in by a sublime first-time pass by Mario Balotelli on 40 minutes.

In between those efforts, Stankovic brought a tremendous fingertip save from Edwin van der Sar before the Serb fired over with a difficult chance from Ibrahimovic's awkwardly bouncing cross.

At the other end, United had a glorious chance to double their lead before the first half was out, only it fell to the one man United fans would rather not have seen in such a position - John O'Shea.

The Irishman burst on to Wayne Rooney's delightful through pass but with Dimitar Berbatov free to his left he opted to go for goal, allowing Julio Cesar to narrow the angle and make the save.

Inter emerged from the tunnel for the second half rejuvenated and looking far more hungry than they had done 45 minutes previously.

But their gusto came to nothing as Ronaldo swooped four minutes after the restart, the Portuguese powering forward to meet Rooney's delightful cross and register his first goal of this season's competition.

Credit to Inter, they continued to search for a goal that would have got them right back into the game, Esteban Cambiasso bringing Van der Sar into action almost immediately after United's second went in.

Substitute Adriano, who had been demoted to the bench in favour of the disappointing Balotelli, then struck the inside of an upright with an outrageous flying volley that Van der Sar was struggling to reach.

But with that chance gone, Inter's game deteriorated - Ibrahimovic typifying the visitors' mood with a ballooned long-range effort before a half-hearted back-post attempt at a header - and with it went any hope of getting something from the tie.

Berbatov should have made it three for United following a Cesar spill and the Inter keeper had to be on his toes again to deny Rooney and then Ronaldo as time ran out.

The elimination of the Italian champions keeps alive the possibility of a quintuple for United, whose next task will be to beat Premier League pretenders Liverpool in Saturday's lunchtime clash.


manchesterunited 3/12/2009 09:53:00 AM
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Monday, March 9, 2009
Champions League - Scholes has winning formula

Paul Scholes believes Manchester United will beat Internazionale in Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg if they follow the formula that saw off Barcelona last season.


Sir Alex Ferguson's team held Inter to a goalless draw at the San Siro two weeks ago, just as they did when they faced Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the semi-finals last year.

The Premier League champions returned to Old Trafford to finish the job against Barca with a hard-fought 1-0 victory and Scholes is confident they can do the same against Jose Mourinho's Italian outfit.

"It probably was the perfect way to play a home leg after a goalless draw," Scholes said.

"We did well to get the draw in the first place because Barcelona is such a tough place to go, then we defended really well and got the goal at home, which, in a European tie, was ideal. We will take that again on Wednesday."

The last time Mourinho brought a team to Old Trafford for a European tie, he burned his name into the English psyche with a spectacular touchline jig of delight after his Porto team scored a late goal to eliminate United.

Mourinho has built an impressive record against Ferguson - losing just once in 13 meetings - and the United manager would relish the chance for revenge.

But Scholes insists there is no chance of a similiar celebration from the Scot if United reach the quarter-finals.

"At his age? He would probably collapse!" Scholes said. "It would be nice to see but I don't think our manager goes in for that type of thing.

"He will probably stand up, have a little clap and be pleased we have gone through."

Scholes isn't certain to start on Wednesday as Ferguson may prefer Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher in central midfield, but he is likely to be involved at some stage.

The former England midfielder has an uncanny knack of scoring crucial goals on the big occasion, but he is more concerned with ensuring United retain their grip on the trophy won against Chelsea in Moscow last year.

"Now and again I still score these big goals," he said. "It would be good but whoever scores does not really matter as long as we get through.

"Any win against a tough team like Inter would be great for us.

"We had a great night in Moscow and we want to experience that feeling again.

"It was great when it happened. But this is a new year and we want to win it again."

Inter defender Cristian Chivu has failed to recover from a thigh injury and has not travelled with the Inter squad to Manchester.

However, fellow defender Walter Samuel is in the squad and should start, with Mourinho facing a defensive personnel crisis.

Centre-backs Nicolas Burdisso and Marco Materazzi are also out after picking up injuries in Saturday's 2-0 win against Genoa.

"For Nicolas Burdisso, tests showed a tear in the right leg and a tear in the medial ligament of the left knee," said a club statement, adding that Materazzi had a left leg injury.

Ivan Cordoba is expected to play alongside Samuel in the centre of defence. If the Argentinian suffers a late setback, midfielder Esteban Cambiasso could be forced to deputise.

United have defensive injury problems of their own, with centre-back Rio Ferdinand and full-back John O'Shea both doubtful after suffering minor injuries in Saturday's FA Cup sixth round against Fulham.


manchesterunited 3/09/2009 11:13:00 PM
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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Mourinho minat ganti Ferguson


MOURINHO berhajat untuk bimbing United.

ROM - Jurulatih Inter Milan, Jose Mourinho mendedahkan minatnya untuk membimbing Manchester United, sekali gus menggantikan tempat Alex Ferguson.

Menurut bekas pengurus Chelsea itu, kelab istimewa seperti United hanya layak dilatih oleh orang yang istimewa sepertinya.

"Kalau kamu meminta agar saya menolak untuk melatih United, ia adalah sesuatu yang tidak mungkin berlaku," jelas Mourinho.

"Kelab istimewa ini sebenarnya perlu dibimbing oleh pengurus yang istimewa. Secara teorinya, saya layak untuk mene- rimanya. Namun, dalam bola sepak apa- apa boleh berlaku.

"Saya pernah melatih kelab England sebelum ini dan menjadi pengurus United adalah kemuncak kepada mana-mana pengurus di dunia ini.

"Saya yakin, kalau Alex bersara, United pasti akan mencari pengurus yang hebat dan sudah pasti saya termasuk dalam senarai itu."

Ditanya bila dia boleh berada di Old Trafford, Mourinho mengakui ia adalah perkara yang susah untuk diramalkan.

"Saya tidak boleh letakkan masanya. Ini kerana Alex belum menunjukkan tanda-tanda akan meninggalkan kelab itu," tambahnya.

Mourinho merupakan antara pengurus berprofil tinggi ketika ini selepas kejayaannya menjulang nama Chelsea dalam Liga Perdana England pada tahun 2005 dan 2006.

Dalam perkembangan lain, Ferguson mengakui dia kini sudah memasuki fasa terakhir dalam karier pengurusannya.

Pengurus United berusia 67 tahun itu menjadi sifu di Old Trafford selama 23 tahun dan kini dalam misi merangkul lima trofi musim ini.

"Saya agak takut untuk berfikir tentang persaraan. Saya telah lama dalam bidang ini sehingga apabila memikirkannya, tubuh badan saya menggeletar," kata Ferguson. - Agensi



manchesterunited 3/08/2009 10:20:00 AM
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FA Cup - United saunter past Fulham

2008-2009 FA Cup Fulham-Manchester United Carlos Tevez - 0

Carlos Tevez scored twice as Manchester United cruised into the FA Cup semi-finals with a 4-0 stroll against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-Sung claimed the other goals as United secured a comprehensive victory that keeps their hopes of a quintuple very much alive.

Tevez's second was a the pick of the bunch, a fizzing 25-yarder that effectively ended the match as a contest at 2-0 late in the first half.

Alex Ferguson picked a surprisingly strong side considering United face Internazionale in the Champions League on Wednesday then Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday - but the selection underlined his desire to fight for silverware on all fronts.

Cristiano Ronaldo sat the match out to nurse a minor injury, although United are adamant he will recover fully in time to face Inter on Wednesday.

They have a greater concern over Rio Ferdinand, who struggled through the latter stages of the first half before he was taken off at the break.

John O'Shea also went off as a precaution, clutching his hamstring. Should the injury be significant, it would leave United without a recognised right-back for the visit of Inter.

Tevez has suffered a difficult season, losing his first-team place to Dimitar Berbatov and scoring only three Premier League goals.

But he looked in the mood early on as he forced a magnificent save from Mark Schwarzer in the third minute.

An uncharacteristic slip by Brede Hangeland gifted possession to Rooney, who fed Tevez and the Argentinian's goalbound shot was tipped behind brilliantly by the Australian goalkeeper, diving full-stretch to his right.

Fulham showed signs of life, as Andy Johnson latched on to a long ball from Simon Davies and knocked the ball past Edwin van der Sar, only for Nemanja Vidic to clear off the line.

Then Clint Dempsey tested the former Fulham keeper Van der Sar with a header after beating O'Shea in the air.

But, just as Fulham began to harbour genuine hopes of an upset, they were hit with a classic sucker punch in the 20th minute.

A United corner found Rooney, who directed a looping header towards the back post and Tevez nodded in from close range.

Rooney then attempted a 50-yard shot that dropped just over the bar, and inexplicably shot wide off the base of the post when Park presented him with a near-open goal eight yards out.

The second goal was not long in coming and when it arrived, 10 minutes before the break, it was a cracker; Tevez weaving his way into shooting position as Fulham back off and firing a fierce shot that dipped past Schwarzer and into the right corner from 25 yards.

Johnson nearly caught Ferdinand out, when played through by Zamora, but in making his recovery the England defender suffered the tweak that saw him removed from the fray.

Rooney grabbed his goal five minutes into the second period as United toyed with their hosts, playing short balls around the edge of the Fulham box. Needing just half a yard to get a shot away, Rooney curled the ball accurately into the bottom-right corner, leaving the unsighted Schwarzer a spectator.

Park brought another fine save by Schwarzer with a low left-foot drive, but by that point it was game over.

Ferguson brought off Rooney, while Roy Hodgson rested Danny Murphy, Johnson and Zamora for the final half-hour.

Park added the final touch, cutting inside Hughes and finishing low into the right corner from the edge of the box with 10 minutes remaining.


manchesterunited 3/08/2009 08:50:00 AM
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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Bintang Manchester United akui tertekan


Edwin Van der Sar

LONDON – Bintang Manchester United, Park Ji-Sung mengakui tekanan perlawanan mula dirasai sebagaimana pengurus, Alex Ferguson menyediakan pasukan pendahulu liga itu untuk mengharungi hari-hari genting tersebut.

Mendapat kedudukan mantap, tujuh mata di tangga teratas Liga Perdana England mengalah Newcastle, 2-1, Rabu lalu, United mula menumpukan perhatian pada Piala FA, hari ini menentang Fulham di Craven Cottage bagi menempah tempat ke separuh akhir.

Rabu depan mereka menyambut kedatangan Inter Milan ke Old Trafford sebagai perlawanan pemutus selepas 16 perlawanan Liga Juara-Juara diikat seri dan pusingan pertama di Itali berakhir dengan tiada gol.

United telah pun merangkul gelaran Kejohanan Kelab Dunia FIFA dan Piala Liga, minggu lalu.

Bagaimanapun, Ferguson mengetahui pasukannya tidak boleh menerima sebarang kesilapan jika mahu menyudahkan kempen dengan kemenangan bergaya.

Park juga yakin United akan mampu mengawal permainan tetapi semua itu tidak seharusnya dipandang ringan.

‘‘Kami mahu prestasi meningkat dan fokus setiap kali permainan. Kemudian kami akan melihat di mana tempat kami hujung musim ini. Dalam liga, kami telah merasai bagaimana rasanya dikejar sehingga ke akhir musim dan ia satu tekanan kepada kami sebelum bermain dengan Newcastle.

‘‘Tetapi saya fikir ia sesuatu yang bagus kerana kami mampu fokus sepanjang perlawanan berlangsung,’’ ujarnya.

Sementara itu, Wayne Rooney juga percaya United sudah bersedia untuk melangkah jauh mencapai impian beberapa hari lagi.

Rooney yang menjaringkan gol kelima ketika menentang Newcastle, Rabu lalu itu mengaku minggu hadapan ini sangat penting.

‘‘Kami hanya mahu pastikan akan bersiap sedia untuk perlawanan kali ini dan kami lakukan dengan baik.

‘‘Masih ada 11 permainan di Liga Perdana dan pelbagai perkara mungkin berlaku dalam perlawanan sebegitu tetapi yang pasti, kami dalam kedudukan yang baik di saat ini,

‘‘Kami mahu pastikan hanya untuk fokus hingga akhir musim dan bersikap professional,’’ kata Rooney.

United mengejutkan pasukan semenjak jaringan gol liga pertama mereka sejak 8 November lalu dan mengumpul semua tiga mata di St James’ Park.

Gol Peter Lovenkrands mengakhiri kemaraan bergaya penjaga gol Belanda, van der Sar selama 1,311 minit di Liga Perdana yang melalukan kesilapan yang jarang dilakukan sehingga meresahkan Ferguson, Sabtu lalu.

Fergusan menggunakan kepakaran Ben Foster bagi perlawanan Piala Liga menewaskan Tottenham hujung minggu lalu dan dia menyumbang dua pertiga kemenangan United musim ini

‘‘Ia berlaku dan Edwin tahu dia membuat kesilapan,’’ kata penyerang England

‘‘ Tetapi pada musim ini dia banyak membantu memberi kemenangan pada kami,’’ katanya

Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs dan Jonny Evans akan kembali ke United untuk berada di barisan hadapan selepas hilang dalam permainan menentang Newcastle.

Fulham yang mempunyai rekod bersih musim ini dengan hanya mengikat mata seri dengan United Sabtu lalu tetapi terpaksa bertungkus lumus ketika menentang Hull dan mendapat gol lewat pada Sabtu lalu

‘‘Sememangnya pemain-pemain itu memerlukan sesuatu. Tiada cara bermain dengan teruk untuk kalah selain bermain dengan baik. Anda sepatutnya di hadapan dan menjaringkan gol tetapi kalah.

‘‘Kita perlu bangkit dan jika tidak bermotivasi menentang Manchester United dalam suku akhir ini Piala FA ini, itu adalah masalah,’’kata pengurusnya, Roy Hodgson. – AFP



manchesterunited 3/07/2009 11:02:00 AM
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Fergie happy with 'arrogant' Ronnie

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson concedes Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, but he has no intention of telling him to change his ways.Ronaldo has been at the centre of more controversy this week, having harshly been booked for diving during the Carling Cup final before getting on the wrong end of a rough-house tackle from Steven Taylor at St James' Park on Wednesday.

That incident led Arsene Wenger to claim there is an arrogance about Ronaldo that rubs opponents up the wrong way.

Rather than bristle at Wenger's comments, Ferguson actually agrees with them.

However, that does not mean he wants Ronaldo to do anything about it.

"There have been many different great players over the years but they always had a touch of that nice arrogance," said Ferguson.

"They have the courage to always want the ball. It courses through them all, and there is nothing wrong with it.

"I don't see why I should tell him to stop. That is the way he plays, and I enjoy watching it. I paid £10million for that."

The fee Ferguson paid for Ronaldo when he signed him as a 17-year-old from Sporting Lisbon was actually £12.24million.

But his point is obvious enough. Through their trickery and skill, great players can often make others look stupid. It is not a new phenomenon.

"It can antagonise people," said Ferguson.

"George Best said he got the treatment. Johan Cruyff was another example when Holland played Brazil in the 1974 World Cup, Maradona had plenty in his day, I am sure, Pele as well. That is what great players do.

"They express themselves to a point that it becomes frustrating for defenders."

Those great players also shared a tendency to react every now and then. Best had a fierce temper; Cruyff served a one-year ban when he became the first Holland player to be sent off, while Maradona was dismissed during the 1982 World Cup Finals, red-carded after the red mist descended against Brazil.

It is little wonder therefore that Ronaldo has reacted with apparent petulance at various times this season.

"It is understandable if you keep getting kicked and nothing happens," said Ferguson.

"Sometimes you can lose your temper. But I think that the moments that Cristiano has shown little flashes have been nothing. They get made big things because of who he is."

Taylor escaped the additional punishment Ferguson had expected for the challenge on Ronaldo.

The United boss might be a bit bemused about the intricacies of the disciplinary system. But as title rivals Chelsea and top-four battlers Arsenal are among Newcastle's next three opponents, he is happy that Taylor is involved.

"The disciplinary situation does confuse you at times," said Ferguson.

"No one is really clear about it. But in actual fact we did not want the boy suspended - because now he can play against Chelsea and Arsenal.

"In Newcastle's position, with the injuries they have at the moment, it would have been devastating for them to lose that player. I am not really upset about it at all."


manchesterunited 3/07/2009 09:57:00 AM
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Bintang muda malap

KETIKA menyaksikan Michael Carrick menggabungkan kebijaksanaan dan aksi hebat untuk Manchester United ketika menentang Newcastle, fikiran saya terkenangkan beberapa pemain tengah muda yang ternyata gagal mencapai tahap Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL).

Tiada kelibat pemain itu dalam fikiran saya, tapi lihat kepada jentera tengah Arsenal dan bagaimana Arsene Wenger mesti begitu mengharapkan gandingan semula Mathieu Flamini serta Cesc Fabregas hingga penghujung musim ini.

Bagaimanapun, permainan berpotensi Denilson, Alexander Song dan Abou Diaby ketika memainkan peranan berkesan, terpaksa bergelut dalam proses menjadi perancang tengah yang hebat.

Malangnya, prestasi trio itu tidak meningkat dan terlalu kerap menampilkan aksi tumpul dan tidak meyakinkan.

Ketiadaan visi dan masalah tidak agresif membayangi jentera tengah skuad Gunners dan kini segala-galanya bergantung kepada soal kecergasan Andrei Arshavin dan sepantas mana keserasiannya dengan Arsenal untuk menyelamatkan cabaran mereka musim ini.

Terdapat dua pemain tengah Manchester United, yang masa depan mereka bersama kelab berkenaan kian menjadi persoalan.

Seorang daripada mereka ialah Nani, yang berdepan masalah tidak konsisten. Malah, kemahiran individu pemain kebangsaan Portugal itu lebih dilihat sebagai sikap mementingkan diri sendiri dan menghampakan pasukan.

Dia tidak mungkin sehebat Cristiano Ronaldo atau pemain tidak tamak, Ryan Giggs, dan dengan Zoran Tosic sudah menunjukkan petanda mencapai tahap bintang, sesuatu yang tidak mengejutkan andainya Nani ditunjukkan pintu keluar.

Kebimbangan pasti turut menjelma di minda Anderson apabila Darren Gibson diberi keutamaan membarisi kesebelasan utama pada final Piala Liga. Anderson, pemain yang penuh bertenaga, hanya memiliki satu kelebihan, tenaga - tapi aspek lain kurang menonjol!

Peminat EPL mungkin masih mengingati Momo Sissoko menyuntik banyak tenaga di Liverpool. Adakah Darren Gibson memberi impak lebih banyak kepada Manchester United berbanding Anderson? Sudah pasti!

Dan, mungkin pemain paling teruk dalam posisi itu ialah Lucas Leiva di Liverpool!
emel Emel Artikel cetak Cetak Artikel


manchesterunited 3/07/2009 09:44:00 AM
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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Premier League - United battle for points at Newcastle

Manchester United players celebrate a goal against Newcastle United in their 2-1 Premier League victory at St James' Park. - 0

Manchester United came from a goal down to beat a spirited Newcastle United side 2-1 at St James' Park and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points.

Peter Lovenkrands stunned the champions - and no doubt sparked excitement in certain parts of London and Merseyside - with a ninth-minute opener following an horrendous goalkeeping error by Edwin van der Sar.

But Wayne Rooney put the visitors back on level terms on 20 minutes - his ninth in nine games against the Magpies - before Dimitar Berbatov made United's increased pressure count with what proved to be the winner on 56 minutes.

It was far from United's most convincing performance of the season - for that Newcastle can take some credit - but nevertheless the result saw Alex Ferguson's side pull away again from their nearest rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, who had given their own title hopes a boost with victories 24 hours earlier.

United's big guns were recalled for the trip to Tyneside, with Van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Park Ji-Sung, Berbatov and Rooney all returning after having missed the weekend's Carling Cup triumph.

But it was the men in black and white who first caught the eye as the assembled Toon Army were given a reminder of what it was like to follow Newcastle during the Nineties - the first half was full of cavalier attacking play from the hosts who had their illustrious guests rattled on a number of occasions.

From the first whistle, they got at Ferguson's side, Obafemi Martins in particular looking in the mood. The Nigerian signalled his intent in just the second minute with a run and shot that flew wide of the upright and again on 13 minutes with a low drive into the side netting.

In between, Lovenkrands broke the deadlock and by doing so became the first player to beat Van der Sar in 1,311 minutes of league football.

That record was an incredible testament to the Dutchman's form - and that of his defence - this season but the keeper was entirely to blame for failing to preserve it longer.

In an entirely uncharacteristic aberration, Van der Sar slipped a Jonas Gutierrez cross right into the path of Lovenkrands, who had the simple task of slotting home from close range. He will not score an easier goal all season.

Newcastle continued to press forward but in truth, the reigning champions looked just as likely to score and it came as no surprise when Rooney levelled 11 minutes later following a delightful piece of individual skill.

The England striker's first touch was exquisite, controlling and turning in one swift movement before firing past Steve Harper from the edge of the area, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection.

Soon after United had a big penalty shout turned down by referee Steve Bennett after Berbatov's cross clearly struck Sebastien Bassong's arm. 'Ball to hand' was the official's verdict.

The remainder of the first half was played out at an incredible pace and with an intensity that rarely dropped. Chances fell at both ends, most notably to Martins following a goalmouth scramble sparked by a poor Van der Sar punch, and then to Nemanja Vidic, who somehow conspired to direct a close-range header high and wide from Carrick's corner.

Almost inevitably, the pace slowed after the break as United began to assert their authority and take control of the game.

And the champions' increased pressure told before too long with Berbatov converting Park's cross after Steven Taylor had made a hash of an attempted chest back to his keeper.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of Newcastle and for the next half-hour United were irrepressible, Rooney firing over before he and Cristiano Ronaldo teed up Berbatov to force Harper into action from the edge of the box.

Rooney could have grabbed a second on 79 minutes when, with Harper off his line, he opted to try and find the top corner rather than square to a team-mate in a better position. It proved to be the wrong decision and his effort drifted over the bar.

For all United's dominance of possession, Newcastle still posed a threat on the break and Martins, who gave Vidic and Rio Ferdinand problems throughout, was only denied a late equaliser by a sharp Van der Sar stop.

That proved to be the last chance of the game, leaving Ferguson's side to edge closer to number three of five possible trophies this season.

As for stand-in Newcastle boss Chris Hughton, he will have to report back to Joe Kinnear on a performance that was full of spirit but one which ultimately left his team mired deep in relegation trouble, just a point above the drop zone.


manchesterunited 3/05/2009 09:23:00 AM
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Jadikan sebagai satu pengajaran - Ferguson


FERGUSON menjulang Piala Liga yang dimenangi United di Stadium Wembley Ahad lalu.

LONDON - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson mahu anak buahnya belajar daripada apa yang berlaku ke atas pendahulu Liga Sepanyol, Barcelona.

Ketika ini, United dilihat selesa memimpin Liga Perdana England dengan kelebihan tujuh mata ke atas Chelsea dan Liverpool.

Rekod kemenangan United lebih banyak membantu mereka melebarkan penguasaan ke atas kedua-dua pencabar utama itu.

Bagaimanapun, lain pula dengan situasi Barcelona. Sebelum ini, kelab Catalan itu cukup gah memimpin takhta liga, namun mereka kini semakin diekori rapat pencabar terdekat, Real Madrid apabila kedua-dua pasukan itu hanya dibezakan empat mata.

"Barcelona telah bermain tiga kali seminggu iaitu Sabtu, Rabu dan Sabtu sekali lagi sejak Januari lalu," kata Ferguson.

"Mereka pernah mendahului 11 mata tetapi kini jurang menjadi empat mata dan buat pertama kalinya, tahun ini mereka kalah dua perlawanan berturut-turut.

"Ia satu amaran dan banyak kali telah berlaku. Sekiranya kamu mula hilang tumpuan, kamu akan menanggung akibatnya."

Sementara itu, kapten United, Gary Neville mengakui, memenangi tiga lagi trofi musim ini mungkin sangat sukar biarpun Red Devils baru menjulang gelaran Piala Liga Ahad lalu.

Prestasi semasa United telah membuatkan ramai menganggap mereka mampu mencatat sejarah menjuarai lima trofi musim ini.

Namun, Neville masih enggan terlalu yakin bahawa United mampu merangkul kesemua kejuaraan tersebut.

"Saya tidak pasti mengenainya. Kami dalam kedudukan yang baik untuk memenangi semua gelaran ketika ini.

"Pastinya kami akan cuba memenangi setiap perlawanan tetapi ia sangat sukar.

"Semuanya bergantung kepada nasib kamu. Kami memang suka sesuatu yang mencabar dan itulah perkara yang paling penting sekali," kata Neville.

- Agensi



manchesterunited 3/05/2009 08:47:00 AM
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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Ribery ganti Ronaldo?



LONDON - Manchester United dilaporkan muncul kelab terbaru yang dikaitkan dengan pemain sayap Bayern Munich, Franck Ribery (gambar).

Namun begitu, menurut ejen pemain Perancis berusia 25 tahun itu, Alain Migliaccio, pengurus United, Alex Ferguson hanya akan membawa Ribery ke Old Trafford sekiranya mereka melepaskan Cristiano Ronaldo ke Real Madrid.

Ribery beraksi cemerlang buat kelab gergasi Jerman itu musim ini dengan meledak enam gol dalam 16 perlawanan.

Ia sekali gus menyaksikan dia mula mendapat perhatian kelab handalan dari England, Itali dan Sepanyol.

Minggu lepas, Barcelona mendedahkan bahawa mereka hampir pasti mendapatkan Ribery selepas selepas Migliaccio memberitahu secara dasarnya, kedua-dua belah pihak telah mencapai persetujuan untuk pemain itu menandatangani kontrak selama empat tahun di Nou Camp.

Begitupun, Migliaccio menjelaskan bahawa Old Trafford mungkin menjadi destinasi yang sesuai buat Ribery.

"Jika Manchester United menjual Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Ferguson akan menggunakan wang perpindahan itu untuk mendapatkan Ribery," kata Migliaccio.

Ketika ini, Ribery memiliki baki kontrak bersama Bayern hingga 2011.

Menjelang pemilihan presiden kelab Real Madrid pada musim panas depan, Ronaldo mungkin akan dikait- kan sekali lagi untuk menyertai kelab gergasi Sepanyol itu.

Persoalannya, adakah Ferguson mahu mengekalkan Pemain Terbaik Eropah dan Dunia itu sekiranya Real menyatakan minat mereka sekali lagi ke atas bintang Portugal itu?

- Agensi



manchesterunited 3/04/2009 10:05:00 AM
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United tak pandang mudah - Giggs


GIGGS (kanan) bersama rakan-rakan sepasukannya meraikan kejayaan United muncul juara Piala Liga, Ahad lalu.

LONDON - Ryan Giggs menegaskan, Manchester United tidak akan memandang mudah perebutan gelaran Liga Perdana England meskipun mereka telah menjuarai Piala Liga, Ahad lalu.

United akan berdepan Newcastle United awal pagi esok dan dengan kelebihan tujuh mata ke atas pencabar terdekatnya, Chelsea, skuad kendalian Alex Ferguson itu dilihat berada dalam keadaan terbaik untuk mempertahankan kejuaraan mereka.

Namun, Giggs antara pemain veteran United, sedar akan bahaya yang mungkin dihadapi mereka dalam usaha merangkul trofi tersebut.

"Kami tidak akan memandang mudah situasi ini," kata- nya.

"Kami pernah terlepas gela- ran sebelum ini dan juga pernah memenangi kejuaraan ini ketika kami ketinggalan. Ia akan menjadi sukar kerana kami mempunyai beberapa perlawanan penting selepas ini.

"Jika kelab ini kalah satu perlawanan, ia akan menjadi bencana, jadi kami hanya perlu me- ngekalkan momentum terkini kami."

Fokus utama United kini ialah pertemuan menentang Newcastle sebelum aksi suku akhir Piala FA dengan Fulham di Craven Cottage, Sabtu ini.

Rabu depan, United dijadualkan menentang Inter Milan pada aksi kedua pusingan kalah mati Liga Juara-Juara di Old Trafford.

Sehingga itu, United akan tahu adakah sasaran mereka untuk menjulang lima gelaran musim ini realistik atau tidak.

"Momentum ini telah bersama kami sejak memenangi kejuaraan treble lagi," kata Giggs. - Agensi



manchesterunited 3/04/2009 10:03:00 AM
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Please be aware korang.. .hope korang dapat forward email ni to all ur beloved people.. utk keselamatan kita semua..

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.

GIRLS BEWARE -- INDONESIANS ARE IN KELANA JAYA, KEPONG, DAMANSARA, BANGSAR, PUCHONG, CHERAS, SERDANG, SUBANG JAYA, SHAHALAM, OUG, SEAPARK , .....

Indonesian gangs rapes any females - BEWARE !!!

These creatures that look like human called Indonesians are now Raping 8 years old girl....!!! Please set up an alarm system in your house...!!! The money is not worth saving....!!! It will be too late for all you know. These Indonesians would rape any females ranging from 1 year old to as old as 90 years old.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. KUALA LUMPUR :

Police have mounted an inter-state manhunt for a notorious gang which robbed a couple before raping their eight-year-old daughter in their Kepong home on Monday. They believe the same gang is also behind Tuesday's incident where a 31-year-old housewife was gang raped by five men in front of her husband at a house in Kelana Jaya after relieving them off RM30,000 in cash and valuables. In the first incident on Monday, three knife-wielding men broke into house in Bukit Maluri, Kepong, at 2.30am and held up the family. The robbers, who entered from the back door, then threatened the couple and their three children before tying them and ransacking the house.

Several minutes later, two of the robbers took the couple's eldest daughter to a room and allegedly raped her.. The gang then fled after 40 minutes with about RM5,000 in cash and valuables.

City police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Meor Chek Hussin Mahayuddin said police had also beefed-up patrols in the area. They are liaising with their counterparts in Negri Sembilan where the gang is believed to be also operating.

MUST READ THIS STATEMENT : Malaysia ranks 2 in rapes!Don't work too late, ladies, please take care and you men please tell your wife to make sure that they are not alone when they stay back to work.

Here is the true story.

There is a girl was raped and murdered. She went back to work on a public holiday with another girl, the boyfriend even packed lunch for them and later when the girls wanted to go home, the car couldn't start and the other girl's boyfriend who came to pick her up didn't wait because the girl told them to go off first and there was a security guard helping her. She didn't come home that night and they found her body in a burnt car abandoned in a rubber estate in Dengkil on the 3rd day. The guard reported to work and acted normal during the police investigation but when the police questioned him again, he remembered the color of her clothes in detail and they noticed that the hair on his hands were seared although there was no burnt marks. He finally admitted that he is the one that killing her. There was no cover up but the case was not publish in the newspapers.

Don't ever trust the security guards.Be sure to keep the office door lock. Hey girls, be forewarned and please be doubly, even triply cautious whenever there is a need to stay back late at work. If at all possible, leave the plant/company early when there are still people around. Better yet, if there is still work that must absolutely be completed by
that day, bring it home!

Just heard about a rape case at a MNC(multinational company)which just happened sometimes back last year. The victim is married with kids, she worked till 11.00 pm. Security guard raped her in the toilet. She managed to escape and drove herself to the hospital.

Next day, the other employees was shocked to see the condition of the toilet.Blood and her hair everywhere, and all the brooms and mops were broken. The police later came and arrested the security guard, who still reported for work the next day.However, they manage to cover it up, not even come up in the newspaper or any media.

I can't imagine how such cases have been covered up in Malaysia.It's because they are MNC. (This is a sad reality)

Please girls, don't put your life in danger by working late or being negligent. You can never be too careful nowadays.Malaysiaranks number 2 in crime against woman.
Please send this to all your female friends

My extra advice: Guys, please tell your mom, your sister, your wife, your girlfriends and all your female friends around you too!

~~~ PLEASE ALERT ~~~

p/s : amat bahaya sekali tinggal di kl...saat2 ini dok berangan..alangkah indahnya kalau dapat balik keje kat Kota Bharu..dapat membesarkan anak2 dalam suasana yang aman dan tak tercemar dengan gejala2 sosial....



manchesterunited 3/04/2009 07:14:00 AM
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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

United enggan dabik dada


KAPTEN United, Rio Ferdinand (kanan) mengucup Piala Liga selepas mereka muncul juara menewaskan Tottenham di Stadium Wembley, kelmarin.

Kami perlu tuah berterusan untuk pastikan sasaran 5 trofi tercapai: Ferguson

LONDON: Alex Ferguson menegaskan bahawa Manchester United memerlukan tuah berterusan untuk memastikan sasaran lima trofi boleh dicapai.

Namun pengurus Tottenham, Harry Redknapp bersedia mempertaruhkan wangnya ke atas United untuk menamatkan kempen dengan memenangi semua trofi utama musim ini.

Kemenangan ke atas barisan bimbingan Redknapp menerusi sepakan penalti dalam final Piala Liga, kelmarin bermakna dua trofi sudah dimenangi dengan baki tiga menjadi buruan United selepas muncul juara di kejohanan Piala Kelab Dunia di Jepun, Disember lalu.

Tempoh 10 hari yang menyusul ini bakal menentukan nasib United dalam usaha menyapu bersih semua pertandingan yang mereka sertai, musim ini.

Kekalahan Liverpool di Middlesbrough, Sabtu lalu, bermakna anak buah Ferguson, yang bakal berkunjung ke Newcastle, esok mempunyai kelebihan tujuh mata di tangga teratas Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL) dengan kelebihan satu perlawanan.

Pertarungan suku akhir Piala FA di Fulham, Sabtu ini, mungkin menyaksikan United bergerak menghampiri dua perlawanan lagi untuk menjulang trofi kejuaraan, dan empat hari kemudian, Inter Milan berkunjung ke Old Trafford dengan tempat suku akhir Liga Juara-Juara menjadi pertaruhannya.

Menjelang Mac, peluang untuk memenangi gelaran mungkin lebih dekat, tetapi Ferguson menegaskan dia tidak akan ‘terbawa-bawa’ dengan prospek pencapaian itu, yang akan menyamai kejayaan salah seorang wiranya, Jock Stein bersama Celtic pada 1967.

“Hanya anda semua, media, akan terbawa-bawa dengannya,” katanya. “Kami akan berpijak di bumi nyata. Menurut pengalaman saya, kami akan berkunjung ke Fulham minggu ini dalam Piala FA dan bola boleh melantun terkena pemain dan menerjah jaring dan kami tersingkir daripada saingan piala.”

Redknapp sudah terlalu lama dalam permainan ini untuk berkongsi keraguan Ferguson mengenai peluang bahawa semuanya akan berlaku mengikut kehendak mereka.

“Mereka memiliki skuad menakjubkan dan sudah pun memenangi satu piala, tampak seperti liga juga akan menjadi milik mereka, dan anda sudah pasti tidak akan bertaruh menentang mereka dalam saingan Liga Juara-Juara dan Piala FA.” - AFP


manchesterunited 3/03/2009 10:25:00 AM
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Monday, March 2, 2009

Piala Liga milik Manchester United



WEMBLEY – Piala Liga milik Manchester United.

Begitupun, usaha mereka untuk menjulang gelaran juara tidak dicapai dengan mudah kerana terpaksa berjuang sehingga ke masa tambahan selepas seri tanpa jaringan sebaik masa perlawanan sebenar tamat.

Pada masa tambahan, skuad bimbingan Alex Ferguson itu tetap sukar untuk meloloskan diri kerana tidak diberi ruang oleh pemain Spurs.

Kemenangan hanya ditentukan menerusi sepakan penalti yang menyaksikan United menang 4-1.

Wira perlawanan akhir itu sudah pastinya penjaga gol United, Ben Foster apabila menyelamatkan sepakan penalti pertama Spurs menerusi Jamie O’Hara.

David Bentley pula gagal menyempurnakan sepakan penalti ketiga Spurs sebelum Anderson memastikan kemenangan bergaya buat United.

Sebelum itu, Ryan Giggs, Carlos Tevez dan Cristiano Ronaldo juga menyempurnakan tugas mereka bagi mengesahkan kemenangan mereka pada perlawanan akhir itu.

Ini merupakan kejayaan ketiga United pada Piala Liga dan kali terakhir melakukannya ialah pada tahun 1992 dan 2006.

Dengan kejayaan itu, United kini telah mendakap dua kejuaraan musim ini selepas menjuarai Kejohanan Kelab Piala Dunia, Disember tahun lalu.

Bagi Spurs, kekalahan itu bermakna mereka gagal mempertahankan gelaran yang dimenangi tahun lalu selepas menewaskan Chelsea 2-1 pada perlawanan akhir. – Agensi



manchesterunited 3/02/2009 09:06:00 AM
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Ronaldo pemain terkaya di England


RONALDO dapat tawaran lumayan untuk kekal di Old Traffrod.

LONDON - Manchester United dilaporkan bersedia menawarkan kontrak lumayan 200,000 pound (RM1.05 juta) seminggu kepada Cristiano Ronaldo dalam usaha mengekalkan pemain itu di Old Trafford.

Ronaldo masih mempunyai baki tiga tahun dengan kontrak 120,000 pound (RM633,741) seminggu bersama United, namun peraturan FIFA membenarkan dia membayar pampasan kepada kelabnya sekiranya mahu keluar hujung musim ini.

Difahamkan pengurus United, Alex Ferguson merancang untuk menjadikan Ronaldo sebagai pemain terkaya dalam Liga Perdana England dengan gaji 160,000 pound (RM844,989) seminggu berserta bayaran tambahan 40,000 pound (RM211,247) lagi untuk hak imej dan aktiviti komersialnya.

"Tidak timbul lagi persoalan mengenai sama ada Ronaldo pergi atau tidak," kata Ferguson.

Sumber terbaru mendedahkan: "Cristiano mahu menyelesaikan isu perpindahannya ke Real Madrid buat selama-lamanya.

"Apabila dia bersetuju untuk kekal di United tahun lepas, dia ingat hanya untuk setahun saja.

"Tapi nampaknya dia mahu melupakan terus cita-citanya itu kerana dia kini sudah sedar yang dia mampu merealisasikan impiannya di Old Trafford."

Sementara itu, rakan senegara Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Pemain Terbaik Dunia itu sepatutnya meninggalkan Old Trafford dan menyertai Real Madrid.

"Real Madrid adalah kelab yang paling penting dalam dunia ini dan kelab terhebat di dunia. Saya rasa Cristiano telah melengkapkan kariernya di United," kata Figo.

"Cristiano seorang pemain yang bagus, tapi dia akan menjadi lebih bagus di Real Madrid." - Agensi



manchesterunited 3/02/2009 09:00:00 AM
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