Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Giliran Arsenal selepas ini - Rooney
ROONEY (kiri) dan
Tevez menjadi inspirasi
kepada kemenangan
United ke atas Spurs Sabtu lalu.
LONDON - Penyerang Manchester United, Wayne Rooney menjelaskan bahawa kejayaan pasukannya membelasah Tottenham 5-2 Sabtu lalu telah membakar semangat mereka untuk mengulanginya ke atas Arsenal. Red Devils akan berdepan The Gunners pada aksi separuh akhir pertama Liga Juara-Juara di Old Trafford pagi Khamis ini.
Selepas mempamer kebangkitan luar biasa ketika ketinggalan 0-2 dalam aksi Liga Perdana England, Rooney percaya mereka akan turun pada pertemuan itu dengan penuh keyakinan.
"Sangat penting untuk memenanginya dan kekal di persada liga dengan jurang yang selesa. Ia memberi kami keyakinan untuk turun pada aksi Eropah minggu ini," kata Rooney.
Sementara itu, Carlos Tevez mungkin akan disenaraikan dalam skuad utama pada pertemuan dengan Arsenal nanti selepas berjaya memberi impak ketika mengalahkan Spurs.
"Tevez memberi impak dan menambah kekuatan kami di bahagian serangan pada babak kedua. Dia berjaya memikat hati peminat dan membantu kejayaan pasukan ini," kata pengurus United, Alex Ferguson. - Agensi
manchesterunited
4/28/2009 07:36:00 AM
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Giggs Pemain Terbaik
GIGGS (kanan) dan Young masing-masing menerima trofi selepas diumumkan sebagai Pemain Terbaik PFA dan Pemain Muda Terbaik PFA pada satu majlis di London kelmarin.
LONDON - Ryan Giggs dinobatkan sebagai Pemain Terbaik Tahunan Persatuan Pemain Profesional (PFA) England awal pagi semalam meskipun dia hanya beraksi 12 kali dalam kesebelasan utama Manchester United musim ini. Pemain tengah berusia 35 tahun yang berasal dari Wales itu berjaya menewaskan lima calon lain termasuk empat rakan sepasukannya, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nemanja Vidic, Edwin van der Sar dan Rio Ferdinand serta kapten Liverpool, Steven Gerrard.
"Saya pernah menang dua kali anugerah Pemain Muda Terbaik tetapi anugerah kali ini betul-betul kejayaan besar buat saya.
"Ia merupakan anugerah peribadi terbaik yang kamu boleh dapat kerana ia merupakan undian dari rakan-rakan pemain sendiri," katanya.
Menurut Giggs, saingan musim ini begitu menarik di mana selepas berakhir satu perlawanan besar, mereka perlu menempuh satu lagi perlawanan besar secara berterusan.
"Itulah yang berlaku dengan United. Ucapan terima kasih pastinya kepada Alex Ferguson yang banyak mempengaruhi karier bola sepak saya.
"Pertama kali bertemu dengannya adalah ketika saya berusia 13 tahun dan hubungan kami sentiasa baik sehingga ke hari ini," ujarnya.
Sementara itu, pemain England yang beraksi untuk Aston Villa, Ashley Young dipilih sebagai pemenang anugerah Pemain Muda Terbaik Tahunan.
Bagi pilihan kesebelasan utama Liga Perdana England untuk tahun ini, seramai enam pemain United berada dalam senarai tersebut iaitu Giggs, Ronaldo, Vidic, van der Sar, Ferdinand dan Patrice Evra.
Namun penyerang United, Wayne Rooney tidak berada dalam senarai itu selepas diketepikan penyerang Chelsea, Nicolas Anelka dan penyerang Liverpool, Fernando Torres. - Agensi
PILIHAN LIGA PERDANA ENGLAND
PENJAGA GOL: Edwin Van der Sar (United)
PERTAHANAN: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Rio Ferdinand (United), Nemanja Vidic (United), Patrice Evra (United)
TENGAH: Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Ryan Giggs (United), Cristiano Ronaldo (United)
PENYERANG: Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
manchesterunited
4/28/2009 07:20:00 AM
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Sunday, April 26, 2009
Premier League - United roar back to hammer Spurs
Manchester United staged a stunning comeback from two goals down to beat Tottenham 5-2 at Old Trafford and reclaim top spot in the Premier League.
The champions were facing defeat after Darren Bent and Luka Modric had taken advantage of yet more shaky United defending to put Spurs two up before half-time.
But a dubious penalty award on 56 minutes sparked an incredible turnaround that saw United score five times in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo's expert penalty conversion was followed by a four-minute blitz that yielded a further three goals - another from Ronaldo and two from Wayne Rooney - before Dimitar Berbatov rounded off the scoring on 79 minutes.
The result sent United back to the summit, deposing Liverpool who had kept warm the position for a couple of hours, as the champions took a huge stride towards retaining their title for a third consecutive year. They are three points clear and have five matches remaining to Liverpool's four.
But for all the deserved plaudits for a simply stunning comeback which saw some thrilling attacking football and a virtuoso display from Rooney, focus will inevitably turn on referee Howard Webb's role in proceedings.
The official pointed to the spot after when Heurelho Gomes was adjudged to have brought down Michael Carrick in the box despite replays later showing the Brazilian to have touched the ball before the man.
The decision turned the game, which United appeared to on the verge of losing, totally on its head as Spurs capitulated amid some fine play from the hosts.
Ronaldo's spot-kick seemed to instil belief in United while galvanising a team which had previously looked racked with nerves.
Rooney was the architect, firing through Vedran Corluka's legs to pull United level before playing a magnificent ball through for Ronaldo to register his second with a diving header a minute later.
Rooney then bagged his second of the day after Ronaldo repaid the compliment with a clipped ball through which the England international controlled before firing goalwards - Gomes got something on it, but the ball crept over the line before Jonathan Woodgate scrambled it away.
Berbatov completed the scoring, bundling the ball over the line after Gomes had spilled his initial header on 79 minutes, to repay his manager's faith in him.
Ferguson sent out a strong side, with Berbatov recalled to the starting line-up despite United fans' barracking of the player following his lacklustre penalty miss in last weekend's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Everton.
The former Tottenham man was again targeted by some sections of the crowd, although it was not entirely clear whether he was being booed by Spurs fans or the home faithful.
But the Bulgarian was involved for United soon after kick-off, nearly getting on the end of a cute Darren Fletcher through pass in the second minute as the early exchanges offered plenty of open and entertaining football - from both sides.
Ronaldo provided United's main threat going forward, his 21st-minute free-kick forcing a save out of Gomes before a header flashed wide of the post.
But Spurs winger Aaron Lennon was in particularly dangerous mood, and the England international had the upper hand on Patrice Evra right from the start.
It was the tricky winger's measured cross that led to the game's first real chance, Bent forcing Edwin van der Sar to turn round the post with a back-stick header.
Lennon was again involved as Spurs took the lead on 29 minutes, his pass finding Corluka before the Croat sent a cross into the danger area. Rio Ferdinand failed to deal with it as he rose to challenge Bent and the ball dropped kindly to the Spurs striker, who gleefully lashed home from close range.
With United's back line again looking shaky, despite the presence of both Ferdinand and his central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic, Spurs sensed blood.
And they tasted it again just three minutes later, Lennon again taking on Evra to the by-line before crossing to Modric who controlled on his chest and fired past Van der Sar.
Two-nil down and United started to pour forward in search of the goal that would get them back into the game. Again the hosts looked to Ronaldo for inspiration and the Ballon d'Or winner nearly provided it on 38 minutes.
Only a wonder save from Gomes denied the Portuguese from 25 yards after his initial free-kick had rebounded straight back to him off the wall.
Moments later Gomes was again forced into action, this time to deny Wayne Rooney a sharp turn and shot and there was to be no respite for the Brazilian after the break as United emerged with renewed vigour, and there was nothing he could do about the onslaught which followed.
manchesterunited
4/26/2009 08:02:00 AM
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Kaka bakal sertai United
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| KAKA
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LONDON - Manchester United telah meng- adakan satu perbincangan dengan pemain Brazil, Kaka semalam, sekali gus bakal menyaksikan satu lagi perpindahan sensasi pada musim panas ini. Wakil kepada pemain Brazil itu telah bertemu wakil United bagi membincangkan syarat-syarat tertentu dengan jumlah keseluruhan gaji dilaporkan mencecah 35 juta pound (RM185 juta).
Sumber terdekat kepada pemain kelab AC Milan itu mengesahkan perbincangan itu menunjukkan tanda-tanda positif meski- pun tiada sebarang perjanjian dibuat.
"Kaka mahu kontrak selama lima tahun dengan gaji 135,000 pound (RM713,677) seminggu. Dia sangat berminat untuk menyertai United. Jadi terpulang kepada mereka (United) untuk menentukannya.
"Pertemuan itu juga tidak melibatkan sebarang perbincangan mengenai yuran perpindahan tetapi Milan dijangka akan mendapat sekurang-kurangnya 70 juta pound (RM370 juta) jika melepaskan Kaka kepada United," kata sumber tersebut.
Persoalannya, bagaimanakah United mampu untuk mendapatkan jumlah wang sebesar itu dan salah satu kemungkinan, mereka akan menjual Cristiano Ronaldo kepada Real Madrid musim panas ini.
Kaka, 27, sebelum ini pernah mendedahkan bahawa dia berminat untuk beraksi dengan United kerana mahu beraksi bersama-sama pemain hebat dalam pasukan itu seperti Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes dan Wayne Rooney.
"Salah seorang rakan karib saya iaitu Ander- son juga berada di sana (United). Mereka adalah juara di England dan Eropah. Sudah tentu ia sebuah kelab yang hebat untuk saya sertai," kata Kaka. - Agensi
manchesterunited
4/26/2009 07:00:00 AM
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Friday, April 24, 2009
'Perjuangan kami belum berakhir'
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| CARRICK (kiri) meraikan jaringannya bersama Rooney pada aksi menentang Portsmouth di Stadium Old Trafford kelmarin.
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MANCHESTER - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson memberi amaran kepada anak buahnya bahawa mereka masih ada kerja yang perlu dilakukan sebelum boleh merangkul kejuaraan Liga Perdana England musim ini. Kelmarin, United menewaskan Portsmouth 2-0 di Old Trafford, sekali gus kembali menerajui takhta liga dengan 74 mata, tiga mata di hadapan Liverpool dengan masih memiliki kelebihan satu perlawa- nan.
Sebelum itu, Liverpool sekadar meraih satu mata sele- pas diikat 4-4 dengan Arsenal Selasa lalu, sementara Chelsea pula berkongsi keputusan seri tanpa jaringan dengan Everton di Stamford Bridge.
United ketika ini masih mempunyai baki enam perlawanan dalam liga, dengan aksi pertama menentang Tottenham Hotspur esok sebelum berdepan Arsenal pada saingan separuh akhir Liga Juara-Juara, Rabu depan.
"Kami berada pada kedudu- kan terbaik berbanding kelmarin tetapi saya tidak mahu pemain mengambil sikap sambil lewa," kata Ferguson.
Skuad kendalian Ferguson itu akan beraksi tanpa Gary Neville dan John O'Shea untuk beberapa minggu selepas kedua-dua pemain itu mengalami kecederaan ketika menentang Pompey kelmarin.
Begitupun, pengurus United itu mendapat khabar gembira apabila kaptennya, Rio Ferdi- nand dijangka kembali beraksi menentang Spurs minggu ini selepas direhatkan.
Pemain pertahanan tengah England itu terlepas beberapa perlawanan kerana mengalami kecederaan sebelum kembali diturunkan pada perlawa- nan Piala FA yang menyaksikan United tewas kepada Everton, Ahad lalu.
"Dia telah beraksi minggu lalu dan jelas ia satu risiko buat kami," jelas Ferguson mengenai situasi Ferdinand.
"Ia tidak ada kaitan dengan masalah kecederaan yang dialaminya tetapi dia hanya keletihan.
"Namun, Jonny Evans telah menampilkan persembahan yang baik sejak ketiadaan Rio."
Pada aksi di Old Trafford kelmarin, Wayne Rooney menjaringkan gol pembukaan buat tuan rumah pada minit kesembilan sebelum Michael Carrick melengkapkan kemenangan United pada penghujung babak kedua.
"Kami perlu mengekalkan rentak terbaik ini untuk beberapa perlawanan akan datang, sekali gus membolehkan kami meraih kejuaraan secepat yang mungkin," jelas Car- rick. - AFP
manchesterunited
4/24/2009 07:30:00 AM
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Premier League - Rooney and Carrick put United back on top
Goals from Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick gave Manchester United a 2-0 victory against Portsmouth at Old Trafford and returned the champions to the top of the Premier League.
Rooney steered home Ryan Giggs's left-wing cross on nine minutes to finish a flowing move and put United ahead.
The home side spurned a host of chances to increase their advantage, before substitute Carrick sealed all three points late on with an angled drive past David James.
The result sees United move three points clear of Liverpool and six points ahead of Chelsea, who have each played a game more.
Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes to the team defeated by Everton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, with Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo among nine players recalled to the starting line-up.
Scholes was among them, and the midfielder duly celebrated his 600th appearance for United with a typically dynamic and influential performance, which he capped by laying on the goal that sealed the win.
United started with real purpose and went ahead with a devastating breakaway goal.
Brazilian Anderson started it, releasing Giggs with an angled ball behind Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson. The United winger chested down, before laying on the simpliest of finishes for Rooney - who beat James with ease to put the home side ahead.
The goal acted as encouragement for United, who immediately began searching for a second and were dominant all over the pitch.
On 29 minutes John O'Shea saw his goalbound header cleared off the line by Nadir Belhadj.
Moments later Giggs was denied by James after being sent clean through by Rooney.
Half-time arrived with Portsmouth having failed to create a single meaningful opening, and Paul Hart reacted by introducing Jermaine Pennant for David Nugent.
The second half brought more of the same, however, with Anderson, Scholes and Darren Fletcher in complete control of the midfield.
But all the while United failed to increase their advantage, Portsmouth's faint hopes remained and when they eventually threatened, Pennant was involved.
The England winger got in behind Patrice Evra and delivered a cross to Peter Crouch six yards out, but the striker's improvised volley lacked power and direction.
It would prove the visitor's best opening of the night. And normal service soon resumed.
On 71 minutes Rooney's strength saw him clear of Johnson, only for James once again to come to Portsmouth's rescue.
United would not be denied, however, and fittingly it was left to Scholes to lay on the encore - inviting Carrick to run in on goal with an inch-perfect slide-rule pass.
Carrick took the ball in his stride and shot confidently past James to the relief of the United faithful - who must surely believe now the title is theirs.
It was not all good news for the home side, however, who saw both Gary Neville and O'Shea forced to withdraw with injuries.
The defeat leaves Portsmouth lingering six points clear of the relegation zone and Hart's side are far from safe on the evidence of what was a wholly lacklustre and unconvincing performance.
manchesterunited
4/23/2009 07:41:00 AM
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
MU kembali senarai barisan utama
LONDON - Alex Ferguson mempertahankan tindakannya membariskan barisan muda dalam separuh akhir menentang Everton, kelmarin kerana ia akan menguntungkan Manchester United dari segi perancangan jangka panjang.
Ferguson yang berjanji bahawa skuadnya akan kembali dalam kekuatan sebenar dalam saingan liga menentang Portsmouth minggu ini, mengakui terpaksa mengubah pelan asal dengan melakukan lebih banyak pertukaran selepas mengambil kira impak padang Wembley ke atas pemain Arsenal dan Chelsea sebelum itu.
Kelmarin, pengurus itu melakukan pertukaran lapan pemain yang menewaskan FC Porto, empat hari lalu dengan pemain mentah dan muda.
Bagaimanapun, beliau memberi jaminan bahawa semua nama-nama besar dalam United akan beraksi menentang Portsmouth, esok termasuk Wayne Rooney yang cedera buku lali.
Ferguson juga mendakwa, keputusan seri 0-0, kelmarin sehingga mendorong kepada penentuan sepakan penalti sebenarnya menyerlahkan pasukan muda itu tetapi keputusan suram itu tidak akan menjejaskan usahanya untuk menjulang gelaran Liga Perdana dan Liga Juara-Juara.
''Kami membuat pilihan pemain yang rapi kelmarin. Namun, selepas saya melihat kualiti padang, saya tidak mahu mengambil risiko dalam masa tambahan dengan menurunkan pasukan kuat.
''Jadi, kami terpaksa mengambil keputusan menurunkan pemain muda yang bersemangat, kuat serta penuh keyakinan.
''Kelab ini diwujudkan juga untuk memberi peluang kepada pemain muda dan mereka mendapatnya dan tidaklah mengecewakan.
''Saya bangga dan puas hati dengan mereka, cumanya apa yang mengecewakan ialah mereka kalah. Everton tidak membuat pertukaran tetapi gagal mencari gol.
''Memang sedih kalah dalam saingan separuh akhir. Namun, saya perlu mengetepikannya kerana kami mempunyai perlawanan penting esok, Sabtu dan Ahad.
''Apa yang mengejutkan saya ialah kemampuan pemain muda terutamanya Marcheda dan Danny Wellbeck,'' ujarnya.
Ketika Ferguson 'berkabung' atas kekalahan pertama United dalam saingan separuh akhir Piala FA sejak 1970, pengurus Everton, David Moyes pula menyifatkan kejayaan anak-anak buahnya bakal mengulangi penampilan kali terakhir pasukan itu dalam babak akhir pada tahun 1995.
Moyes percaya, prestasi Everton kelmarin akan menjadi batu loncatan kepada kebangkitan semula kelab tersebut pada masa akan datang.
''Bagi peminat Everton, kejayaan semalam amat hebat dan pengorbanan pemain berbaloi. Kami gigih mencari kemenangan dan sekarang kami tidak begitu jauh dengannya (juara),'' kata Moyes. - AFP
manchesterunited
4/21/2009 08:07:00 AM
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Akhbar kritik strategi pincang Ferguson
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| KETUA pasukan Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand (kiri) berjalan longlai ke arah rakan sepasukannya yang turut kecewa selepas gagal menyempurnakan sepakan penalti kedua ketika membuat penentuan dengan Everton pada separuh akhir Piala FA di Stadium Wembley, kelmarin. United tewas 2-4 pada penentuan sepakan penalti itu selepas diikat tanpa jaringan dalam 90 minit permainan sebenar dan 30 minit masa tambahan. - REUTERS
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LONDON - Alex Ferguson tidak perlu menyalahkan orang lain tetapi dirinya sendiri selepas Manchester United tewas dalam perlawanan separuh akhir Piala FA menentang Everton, ulas akhbar-akhbar harian di sini, kelmarin. Pengulas media berkata, tindakan pengurus United itu membariskan pemain simpanan dan merehatkan pemain utama menjelang perlawanan Liga Perdana England minggu ini menentang Portsmouth, terpaksa dibayar dengan harga mahal untuk memenangi lima piala.
Ferguson telah melakukan lapan pertukaran dari barisan utama yang mengalahkan FC Porto empat hari lalu dan membariskan pemain muda serta pemain yang sering dipinggirkan sebelum ini.
"Manchester United, telah menyusahkan diri sendiri menyebabkan mereka tewas. Dalam situasi yang pelik ini, mereka tidak boleh hanya mengawal satu kejohanan sahaja sambil mengekalkan pemain lain untuk dua kejohanan lagi yang masih terbuka buat mereka.
"Ini adalah fungsi kepada perancangan utama dan strateginya untuk memenangi lima piala seperti dikoyak-koyak dan dimasukkan ke dalam bakul sampah.
"Perkataan untuk memenangi lima kejuaraan sekarang ini lenyap dari sejarah bola sepak sepantas apabila ia mula-mula muncul," lapor The Guardian.
Ia seperti memberi maksud yang jelas apa yang akan terjadi dalam saingan Piala FA pada masa akan datang, Ferguson begitu bersedia untuk memperjudikan nasibnya merebut gelaran.
"Banyak perkara yang dilakukan sejak beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini untuk melakukan keajaiban dalam Piala FA tetapi, kelmarin Fergie telah melakukan yang terbaik untuk meletakkannya semula dalam bayang-bayang," kata Daily Mirror.
Laporan The Daily Telegraph pula: "Pada mulanya melihat barisan pemain yang diletakkan United, ia seperti Ferguson membariskan pasukan untuk perlawanan separuh akhir Piala FA remaja, bukan untuk memberi cabaran menempatkan diri dalam perlawanan akhir piala yang tertua di dalam dunia.
"Ferguson sebelum ini melayang saingan piala itu dengan penghormatan tinggi dan tidak pernah tewas dalam lapan perlawanan separuh akhir sebelum ini.''
Dari sudut positif, The Times berkata, ia memberi peluang kepada pengurus David Moyes untuk menyinar.
"Bagi sesetengah dari mereka, ia mungkin akan meninggalkan kenangan pahit tetapi ia membolehkan kami melihat apa sebenarnya Piala FA kepada pemain, jurulatih dan penyokong Everton," katanya. - AFP
manchesterunited
4/21/2009 07:30:00 AM
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Monday, April 20, 2009
Ferguson Defends Berbatov
Sir Alex Ferguson has leapt to the defence of record signing Dimitar Berbatov.
The Bulgarian's £30.75million transfer fee has been the subject of considerable debate almost since the day he moved north from Tottenham last summer.
And the critics were out in force again on Sunday following Berbatov's woeful penalty miss in the FA Cup semi-final shoot-out defeat to Everton at Wembley.
As one of United's more experienced players, a lot more was expected of Berbatov on Sunday, although afterwards he did look genuinely distraught at the defeat.
And Ferguson confirmed the 28-year-old was upset before defending his contribution to the Old Trafford cause.
"He will get criticism because when you pay £30million for a player everyone thinks he should be able to score with a penalty kick," said Ferguson.
"He was upset and disappointed, as we all were.
"But I don't see any evidence of Berbatov's season tailing off.
"He has missed a few games and overall yesterday, I thought he did really well."
While Ferguson's desire for victory could not be questioned after his rant at referee Mike Riley for failing to give a spot-kick when Danny Welbeck was brought down by Phil Jagielka in the second half, the Scot is not getting too down about the defeat.
After winning three successive shoot-outs, including last season's Champions League final, he knew a defeat was inevitable at some stage.
"Anyone can lose out a penalty kick shoot-out," he said.
"I cannot look upon it as a definition of the team's record. It is done, we just have to move on."
manchesterunited
4/20/2009 10:35:00 PM
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Kaka, Ribery sertai MU?
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| RIBERY
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| KAKA
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LONDON - Manchester United mungkin melepaskan Cristiano Ronaldo ke Real Madrid musim panas ini dalam usaha melengkapkan perpindahan £70 juta (RM385.7 juta) ke atas Kaka dan Franck Ribery. Ketika spekulasi mengenai Ronaldo dan kelab gergasi Sepanyol itu masih belum reda, media di Britain mencetuskan isu baru dengan mendedahkan bahawa Kaka mungkin akan menggantikan bintang Portugal itu di Old Trafford.
Menurut laporan, pengurus United, Alex Ferguson sudah sedia untuk membelanjakan £70 juta (RM385.7 juta) bagi perancangannya itu sekiranya Ronaldo minta untuk dilepaskan ke Real Madrid.
Red Devils akan menggunakan wang daripada apa yang dijangka sebagai rekod perpindahan termahal dunia ke atas pemain sayap itu untuk mendapatkan Kaka dari AC Milan dan juga perancang Bayern Munich, Franck Ribery.
Begitupun, terdapat juga akhbar yang tidak bersetuju dengan berita tersebut dengan melaporkan bahawa pengurus Red Devils, Alex Ferguson menganggap perbincangan terbaru mengenai Ronaldo itu sebagai karut semata- mata.
Spekulasi lain pula mengatakan bahawa pengurus Arsenal, Arsene Wenger kini berminat untuk mendapatkan bintang yang disisihkan Liverpool, Ryan Babel dengan harga £9 juta (RM50 juta).
Babel yang menyertai The Reds dari Ajax dengan harga £11.5 juta (RM63.8 juta) pada 2007, dikatakan bertelagah dengan pengurus- nya, Rafael Benitez sebelum pertemuan dengan Blackburn minggu lepas dan dia juga sanggup untuk berpindah ke Emirates.
Lebih menarik, ada juga laporan yang mendedahkan, legenda Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish akan kembali semula ke Anfield untuk membantu bekas pasukannya itu menamatkan kemarau 19 tahun kejayaan mereka dalam Liga Perdana England.
Dalglish dikatakan telah pun mengadakan berbincang dengan Benitez mengenai kepulangannya ke Merseyside dan dijangka memainkan peranan yang besar dalam membantu sistem kejurulatihan Liverpool.
- Agensi
manchesterunited
4/20/2009 11:33:00 AM
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United musnah
WEMBLEY – Manchester United gulung tikar.
Semalam, skuad kendalian Alex Ferguson itu ditunjuk jalan keluar oleh Everton pada perlawanan separuh akhir Piala FA yang berlangsung di Stadium Wembley.
Everton menang 4-2 menerusi penentuan sepakan penalti selepas kedudukan terikat seri tanpa jaringan sehingga ke masa tambahan.
Kemenangan itu memastikan tempat Everton ke perlawanan akhir untuk menentang Chelsea pada 30 Mei depan sekali gus menamatkan penantian mereka selama 14 tahun.
Chelsea mara selepas menewaskan Arsenal 2-1 pada satu lagi aksi separuh akhir kelmarin.
Bagi United, kekalahan itu memusnahkan hajat mereka untuk meraih lima gelaran musim ini.
Pada aksi semalam, penjaga gol Everton, Tim Howard muncul wira pasukannya selepas berjaya menafikan sepakan penalti daripada Dimitar Berbatov dan Rio Ferdinand.
Leighton Baines, Phil Neville, James Vaughan dan Phil Jagielka pula masing-masing cemerlang menewaskan penjaga gol United, Ben Foster. – Agensi
manchesterunited
4/20/2009 08:30:00 AM
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Saturday, April 18, 2009
Rooney rela diejek peminat Everton
ROONEY mula dibenci penyokong Everton selepas membuat keputusan menyertai United.
MANCHESTER - Bagi memastikan diri- nya menampilkan aksi terbaik, penyerang Manchester United, Wayne Rooney mahu penyokong Everton mengejeknya. Malam esok, United akan berdepan Everton pada aksi separuh akhir Piala FA di Stadium Wembley dan Rooney beranggapan, dia mampu beraksi cemerlang jika dikecam penyokong Everton.
Rooney begitu dibenci penyokong Everton kerana dia menyertai United biarpun pernah berikrar akan selama-lamanya menyarung jersi Everton.
"Segala kutukan dan ejekan akan membuatkan saya mahu melakukan yang lebih baik. Ia tidak terlalu mengganggu kerana saya sudah menjangkakannya setiap kali berdepan Everton," kata Rooney.
Penyerang England berusia 23 tahun itu yang menyertai United pada 2004 mengakui, perasaannya berbelah bagi setiap kali berdepan kelab lamanya itu.
"Memang saya rasa janggal setiap kali menentang Everton kerana ia adalah kelab yang saya sokong sejak kecil dan kemudian menjadi pemain kelab itu.
"Tetapi saya tetap berharap United akan melangkah ke final," jelas Rooney.
Sementara itu, pengurus Everton, David Moyes mendakwa, pengadil pertemuan kedua-dua pasukan itu nanti, Mike Riley yang menggantikan Steve Bennett yang sakit adalah merupakan penyokong United.
Namun jurucakap Persatuan Bola Sepak (FA) England membalas: "Mike Riley adalah salah seorang pengadil utama kami. Kami yakin dia akan menjalankan tugas dengan baik Ahad ini (esok)." - Agensi
manchesterunited
4/18/2009 09:53:00 AM
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Ronaldo fantastik
PORTO: Pemain terbaik dunia, Cristiano Ronaldo menjawab semua persoalan yang berbangkit mengenai prestasinya - termasuk tanda tanya pengurus, Alex Ferguson - apabila menjaringkan gol terbaik sepanjang kariernya sekali gus membawa juara bertahan, Manchester United ke separuh akhir Liga Juara-Juara.
Rembatan jarak jauh Ronaldo memberikan kemenangan 1-0 ke atas FC Porto dan 3-2 pada agregat di peringkat suku akhir.
“Ia adalah jaringan terbaik saya,” kata Ronaldo. “Ia jaringan yang hebat dan saya tidak sabar untuk melihatnya sekali lagi menerusi DVD. Saya gembira dengan jaringan itu.”
Penyerang Portugal itu memulakan larian dalam kawasan Porto pada minit keenam sebelum melepaskan rembatan ke penjuru gawang daripada jarak 40 meter yang gagal diselamatkan penjaga gol, Helton.
“Apabila Anderson menolak bola kepada saya, saya terus mengambil keputusan untuk membuat rembatan dan saya dapat menghasilkan jaringan berkenaan,” kata Ronaldo.
Jaringan itu hadir sehari selepas Ferguson memarahi pemain sayap muda itu kerana kecuaiannya membolehkan Porto menjaringkan gol pembukaan ketika seri 2-2 di suku akhir pertama di Old Trafford.
Semalam, Ferguson turut terkejut dengan jaringan itu, sama seperti kira-kira 45,000 penonton di Stadium of Dragon.
“Ia sukar dipercayai,” kata Ferguson. “Rembatan yang hebat, sukar untuk dipercayai...penjaga gol tidak berpeluang untuk menyelamatkan bola.
“Kami memulakan permainan dengan rentak yang baik...tetapi tidak siapa yang percaya kami boleh memulakan aksi dengan jaringan sebegitu.”
Ronaldo yang pernah bermain untuk kelab Sporting, sering diejek setiap kali menerima bola dan dia membuat beberapa pergerakan cantik dan cubaannya diselamatkan Helton m-90.
Prestasi memberangsangkan itu menjelma di tanah airnya sendiri iaitu di Portugal, di mana Ronaldo gagal menyinar sejak menyertai United pada 2003. Ronaldo mengangkat tangan tanda gembira dan jaringan itu adalah yang pertama buat kelab Inggeris di Porto dalam 12 percubaan. - Agensi
manchesterunited
4/18/2009 08:28:00 AM
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Premier League - Ferguson hits out at 'arrogant' Benitez
Alex Ferguson has accused Rafael Benitez of "arrogance" and showing "contempt" in his dealings with fellow Premier League managers.
The Liverpool chief has been in combative mood recently, on several occasions launching verbal volleys at Manchester United counterpart Ferguson.
And ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Everton, Ferguson has hit back with a withering assessment of Benitez's conduct.
First he lambasted the Spaniard for his description of Everton as a "small club" before rounding on him for the attitude he showed in dismissing Blackburn last weekend once Liverpool had scored their second goal at Anfield.
"Everton are a big club, not a small one which Benitez arrogantly said," said Ferguson.
"But arrogance is one thing. You cannot forgive contempt, which is what he showed (Blackburn manager) Sam Allardyce last weekend.
"When Liverpool scored their second goal, he signalled as if the game was finished. I do not think Sam deserved that.
"Sam has worked so hard for the LMA (League Managers' Association) and he's had a weakened team. I just thought it showed contempt.
"In my experience, no Liverpool manager has ever done that. It was beyond the pale."
The tirade should enliven the Premier League title battle when it resumes next week, although Ferguson will feel justified in making the attack.
Benitez had delivered what he claimed to be "facts", about United which the Red Devils do not believe to be true.
And while Ferguson has tried to resist the temptation to respond, this time he felt he needed to make a stand against the Liverpool manager, who feels more sure of his ground after finally steering his club into championship contention despite this week's Champions League exit at the hands of Chelsea.
manchesterunited
4/17/2009 02:29:00 PM
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Fergie tak sabar temu Arsenal
RONALDO (kiri) meraikan jaringan bersama, Wayne Rooney dalam saingan suku akhir kedua bertemu Porto di Stadium Dragon, kelmarin. United menang 1-0 dan layak dengan agregat 3-2.
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United jadi kelab Inggeris pertama menang di Porto
PORTO: Pengurus Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson meramalkan satu 'pertarungan hangat' antara dua kelab Inggeris apabila mereka menentang Arsenal nanti selepas anak didiknya menyingkirkan Porto 1-0 dalam saingan suku akhir kedua Liga Juara-Juara Eropah, awal pagi semalam.
Juara bertahan Eropah itu muncul kelab Inggeris pertama untuk merakamkan kemenangan di Porto dan akan bertemu skuad Arsene Wenger dalam saingan separuh akhir pada 29 April ini untuk mengesahkan tiket ke final di Rome, bulan depan.
Dalam saingan di Stadium Emirates, Arsenal mudah membenamkan Villarreal dari Sepanyol 3-0 untuk layak atas agregat 4-1.
“Ia pasti sukar tidak kira siapa kami bertemu, tetapi hakikat bahawa satu lagi pasukan Inggeris memberikan keseronokan berbeza,” kata Ferguson. “Pertemuan kami pada awal musim akan menakjubkan. Itu sepatutnya cara bola sepak dimainkan.
“Kami ada dua pasukan bola sepak yang hebat. Ia menjanjikan pertemuan separuh akhir menarik dan kami tidak sabar menanti.”
United harus berterima kasih kepada bintang Portugal, Ronaldo yang meledakkan rembatan menakjubkan dari jarak 35 meter membantu United melakar kemenangan untuk mara dengan agregat 3-2.
Ferguson mengakui dia bersedia menerima kemenangan dengan jaringan kecil apabila Gunners berkunjung ke Old Trafford untuk perlawanan pertama, 29 April ini.
Walaupun pengurus berbangsa Scotland ini memuji pencabarnya, kedua-dua kelab ini jarang memiliki hubungan mesra, termasuk paling dikenang ialah insiden yang digelar “pizzagate” pada 2004 apabila pemain Arsenal melontar pizza ke arah Ferguson selepas United secara kontroversi menamatkan rekod 49 perlawanan tanpa kalah kelab itu. - AFP
manchesterunited
4/17/2009 10:18:00 AM
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Thursday, April 16, 2009
Champions League - Ronaldo guides United past Porto
A stunning long-range strike from Cristiano Ronaldo sent Manchester United into the Champions League semi-finals with a 1-0 win at Porto.
The Portuguese powered home a spectacular drive in the sixth minute as the holders secured a tense 3-2 aggregate victory.
United became the first British side to win at the Estadio do Dragao in 23 attempts over 41 years, and their reward is an all-Premier League semi-final against Arsenal.
After a month of shambolic defending and uncertainty, this was the solid, secure United that earlier this season set a record number of consecutive Premier League clean sheets.
Rio Ferdinand must take much credit for this on his return from a groin injury. While he did not have an outstanding game individually, his constant communication appeared to imbue his colleagues with improved positional sense and confidence.
Nemanja Vidic, in particular, looked much improved from his poor displays against Liverpool, Sunderland and the first leg against Porto.
Porto fielded the same starting 11 that performed so admirably at Old Trafford a week earlier, but were without their charismatic coach Jesualdo Ferreira, who served a touchline ban.
The punishment was the result of a misguided appeal against a sanction from earlier in the competition, and Ferreira opted not even to turn up to the stadium, leaving his assistant Jose Gomez to his own devices.
United failed to control the first leg, allowing Porto to snatch a late 2-2 draw, but grabbed the return fixture by the scruff of the neck. Or rather, Ronaldo did.
The winger has been widely criticised for performing below his best this season, but for all the carping he remains a fairly useful player - if not the world's best, then certainly still in the top 10.
He has 20 goals to his name this campaign and has lost none of his sense of occasion.
After five minutes of barracking from the Porto fans - a product of his former association with rivals Sporting Lisbon - Ronaldo unleashed a firecracker from nearly 40 yards that whooshed past Helton into the top-left corner.
Take that, naysayers.
In an instant, all the angst about Mariano Gonzalez's late equaliser in the first leg disappeared.
United had regained the aggregate advantage and could once again lead from the front. Although Porto improved as the half went on, they were reduced to half-chances - the best of these came to Bruno Alves who beat Vidic in the air but sent his header just wide.
United fans held their breath when Wayne Rooney pulled up pain on 37 minutes after a challenge from Rolando.
The England striker has had a tough history against Portuguese opponents. He suffered a broken metatarsal against Portugal at Euro 2004, then another following a Paulo Ferreira tackle versus Chelsea in 2006. Then he was sent off - after an intervention from Ronaldo - for a stamp at that year's World Cup, again against Portugal.
While United could have been forgiven for fearing the worst, the 23-year-old hobbled around briefly before shaking the injury off.
Porto created little in the second half, but the knowledge that a single home goal would send the holders out meant jitters crept in.
United have not forgotten the late Costinha goal that allowed Jose Mourinho's Porto to topple them in 2004, and the failure to add more breathing space made for a tense finale.
Edwin van der Sar's horribly bobbled clearance on 82 minutes typified the anxiety, yet in truth he had little to do except make some routine saves from Hulk and Lisandro Lopez.
After the pyrotechnics at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, this was much more like the tense, tight Champions League we know.
But United know what it takes to win and did just enough to set up an all-English semi-final.
manchesterunited
4/16/2009 04:51:00 AM
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tugas getir menanti MU
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| FERGUSON anggap peluang anak buahnya pertahankan trofi Liga Juara-Juara masihbelum berakhir.
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LISBON - Manchester United tidak rela trofi Liga Juara-Juara dirampas.
Sebaliknya, United mahu mempertahankan trofi yang dimenangi mereka itu musim ini.
Begitupun, tugas United dilihat tidak semudah yang dijangka kerana mereka akan berdepan kelab Portugal, FC Porto pada aksi suku akhir kedua Liga Juara- Juara di Stadium Dragao awal pagi esok.
Untuk rekod, belum ada mana-mana pasukan dari England yang berjaya menewaskan Porto di Dragao selepas 12 kali percubaan.
Biarpun sekadar membawa bekalan keputusan seri 2-2 pada aksi pertama di Old Trafford minggu lalu, pemain tengah United, Michael Carrick menegaskan, mereka tetap memiliki keazaman tinggi untuk mengekalkan kejuaraan Eropah.
"Kami merupakan juara bertahan Liga Perdana England dan Liga Juara-Juara. Jadi kami tak mahu ia terlepas kepada pasukan lain.
"Lagipun skuad kami kali ini mempunyai keazaman yang lebih berbanding musim lalu untuk kekal berada di puncak. Kami boleh kalahkan sesiapa pada hari terbaik kami.
"Jadi kami akan ke Portugal dengan keyakinan dan percaya akan berjaya memenangi perlawanan ini," kata Carrick.
Sementara itu, pengurus United, Alex Ferguson menganggap situasi ketika mereka tewas 1-2 di tangan Porto lima tahun lalu adalah berbeza dengan keadaan ketika ini.
"Ia hal yang berbeza sekarang kerana mereka (Porto) sudah mengambil pemain-pemain dari Brazil dan Argentina. Pasukan mereka lebih kuat.
"Tetapi Porto juga pasti ada hari serba tidak menjadi mereka. Mereka pernah tewas di tempat sendiri kepada Dynamo Kiev dan tewas kepada Arsenal di Stadium Emirates musim ini," jelas Fergu- son.
Selepas bertemu Porto awal pagi esok, United sekali lagi berdepan cabaran getir apabila berdepan Everton pada separuh akhir Piala FA di Stadium Wembley, Ahad ini. - Agensi
manchesterunited
4/15/2009 07:35:00 AM
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Scholes confident of pipping Porto
Paul Scholes sees no reason why Manchester United cannot win in Porto on Wednesday night to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.Mariano's late leveller at Old Trafford handed the Portuguese side the advantage heading into the second leg, with two away goals secured in the 2-2 draw cause for confidence in the Porto camp.
No English side has ever won at the Dragao Stadium but Scholes, who scored the opener in Saturday's 2-1 win at Sunderland, believes the task faced by Sir Alex Ferguson's side is definitely achievable.
"All we've got to do at Porto is win a football match," said Scholes.
"With the players we've got I'm sure we can do it."
After an uncharacteristic shaky spell of late, Scholes believes the Stadium of Light win could be just the boost United need.
"It's always nice to get a win. It always boosts your confidence. I think we needed a little boost.
"That was a big win for us. Liverpool had won beforehand and Chelsea won as well. It doesn't increase the pressure. You have to do your own job."
Scholes reserved special praise for match-winner Federico Macheda.
The 17-year-old's dream start to his United career continued in the North East, as he came off the bench for the second league game in succession to net his side a crucial three-point haul.
At the other end of his career, veteran Scholes knows it is important for young players to keep grounded but nonetheless had words of encouragement for the Italian starlet.
"I think he scored with his first or second touch and he looks like a great goalscorer and, hopefully, there's more to come," he concluded.
"He's a young lad but I'm sure the other boys will keep his feet on the ground."
manchesterunited
4/14/2009 06:18:00 AM
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Premier League - Macheda set for lengthy contract
Manchester United could offer Federico Macheda a five-year deal when he turns 18 in August according to this agent.
The Italian striker has made a major impact off the bench in the last two weeks scoring in his first two Premier League matches.
"When he's 18 we'll talk again. I think Manchester will ask us to sign a five-year deal and I think that would be logical because it makes no sense to lose a lad at 21," agent Giovanni Bia told Italy's Sky TV. "We haven't talked about figures."
Macheda scored late winners in a 3-2 home win over Aston Villa and Saturday's 2-1 victory at Sunderland.
manchesterunited
4/14/2009 06:05:00 AM
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Macheda miliki sesuatu yang cukup luar biasa
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| MACHEDA permata baru dalam skuad United.
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LONDON - Pengurus Manchester United, Alex Ferguson menganggap Federico Macheda sebagai 'sesuatu yang istimewa' selepas pemain muda Itali itu menyelamatkan maruah Red Devils pada aksi Liga Perdana England kelmarin. Pemain berusia 17 tahun itu mempamerkan sentuhan ajaibnya untuk membantu United menewaskan Sunderland 2-1, sekali gus mengukuhkan kedudukan selaku pendahulu liga.
Dia yang masuk sebagai pemain gantian bijak menampan percubaan Michael Carrick dengan sentuhan pertamanya pada minit ke-76.
Sebelum itu, pemain Sunderland, Kenwyne Jones berjaya menyamakan kedudukan 1-1 selepas Paul Scholes meletakkan United di hadapan pada minit ke-19.
Minggu lalu, Macheda turut meledak gol kemenangan United yang menang 3-2 ke atas Aston Villa.
Bagi Ferguson, dia jelas sekali memuji aksi pemain mudanya itu yang mana memberi tiga mata berharga buat Red Devils selepas pencabar terdekat Liverpool menang besar 4-0 ke atas Blackburn.
"Budak itu memiliki sesuatu yang istimewa dalam dirinya. Saya tidak nampak gol itu, tapi salah seorang pemain kata dia benar-benar menyepaknya," kata Ferguson.
"Dia hanya menyentuhnya sedikit ketika bola melepasinya. Itulah tindakan bijak dan fikiran pantas yang perlu ada pada seseorang penyerang. Dia memang ada naluri tersebut."
Pengurus United itu juga mendedahkan bahawa pemain kelahiran Itali itu menjalankan tugasnya dengan baik.
"Dia tahu apa yang perlu dia lakukan. Kami mahu dia menyusup masuk kotak penalti dengan melepasi pertahanan mereka," tambahnya.
"Dia memiliki pergerakan yang bagus, ada kepantasan dalam pergerakannya dan itulah yang dia tunjukkan ketika dia dimasukkan."
- Agensi
manchesterunited
4/13/2009 11:35:00 AM
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Premier League - Macheda strikes again
Federico Macheda was again the hero as Manchester United beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light to regain top spot in the Premier League.
The Italian diverted Michael Carrick's drilled shot past Craig Gordon a minute after coming on as a substitute to take United a point ahead of Liverpool, who had earlier beaten Blackburn.
Paul Scholes had headed the opener in the first half before it was equalised after the break by Kenwyne Jones.
United are now a point ahead of their North West rivals with a game in hand, as they were at the start of the weekend.
It has been a week to remember for Macheda, who scored a last-minute winner against Aston Villa at Old Trafford in their last league game.
In Sunderland he replaced the injured Dimitar Berbatov with a quarter of an hour remaining - and his impact was immediate.
Ferguson rested Cristiano Ronaldo for the match, the Portuguese also appearing from the bench in the second half, as he started with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney operating behind Bulgarian Berbatov.
The opening 30 minutes seemed a stroll for United, who passed the ball accurately in midfield and sought to create chances through the avenue of Rooney on the left.
The opening goal did indeed come courtesy of a Rooney cross, clipped in for Scholes to arrive and glance a lovely header into the far corner on 19 minutes.
Just before that Danny Collins had cleared a Nemanja Vidic header off the line, the Serb then sending an overhead kick wide of the post.
However United's recent frailties in defence were again in evidence minutes later as Vidic passed the ball beyond the advancing Ben Foster and past the post with Sunderland attackers lurking.
That seemed to serve as a call to arms for the Black Cats, who took the game to their opponents in the remainder of the half; Phil Bardsley repeatedly attacked from right-back, one cross finding the head of Calum Davenport - the ball dropping a foot wide - and Jones unable to control another in the six-yard box.
Foster, chosen to start ahead of Edwin van der Sar - who was not even on the bench - tipped over from Jones and Djibril Cisse also menaced before the half-time whistle.
The closest Ricky Sbragia's side came to scoring in the half was when Vidic deflected a Carlos Edwards cross on to the post.
United regained a measure of control in the second period before the equaliser, Rooney whistling a shot just wide; however they were dragged back on to level terms 10 minutes into the half.
Jones set the home fans celebrating as he finished from close range after his initial header from a Teemu Tainio cross was blocked by the head of Jonny Evans.
Sunderland were as desperate as United for the points, standing just one place and three points above local rivals Newcastle who occupied the uppermost relegation spot at the start of the day.
With that in mind perhaps they sat back and allowed United to come at them, Scholes going very close with a first-time strike and Tevez only denied by a last-ditch Bardsley block with Gordon struggling.
After Ronaldo appeared Cisse found the side-netting with an acrobatic volley; then Berbatov was replaced by 17-year-old Macheda, and he scored what proved to be the winning goal.
The home team could not find their attacking form again and United closed out the match.
manchesterunited
4/13/2009 09:19:00 AM
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Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Champions League - United held by effervescent Porto
Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by an impressive Porto side in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie at Old Trafford.
United appeared to have wrapped up victory when substitute Carlos Tevez swooped in the 85th minute after Wayne Rooney had cancelled out Cristian Rodriguez's early opener.
But another second half replacement, Mariano Gonzalez, netted for the visitors in the last minute to put Porto firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at the Estadio do Dragao.
The result saw United extend their unbeaten run in the competition to 22 games but Porto's formidable home record will now be of real concern to boss Alex Ferguson, whose team will have to score at least twice to keep alive their hopes of retaining the trophy.
The Scot's opposite number Jesualdo Ferreira had promised the visitors would attack from the outset, and it was clear his words boasted substance as Porto flew out of the blocks and went straight for United's jugular.
From the very first whistle, Porto went on the front foot and in just the third minute, Hulk - a danger throughout - unleashed a powerful drive from distance which Edwin Van der Sar was forced to tip over the bar
The visitors' forward-thinking was rewarded soon after with the opener on four minutes, Cristian Rodriguez pouncing on a poor Jonny Evans clearance before sidestepping the defender and firing low into the far corner.
United were stunned and they took their time to recover. Rarely do the English and European champions show so clearly they are rattled, but such was their lack of composure after the goal went in, a number of passes uncharacteristically went astray.
Porto nearly capitalised, Lisandro Lopez bringing Van der Sar into action again with a well-struck effort on six minutes.
As a result of their wayward passing, United were impotent going forward until the 14th minute, when Helton was finally called on to deny Cristiano Ronaldo a header.
It was a decent save by the Porto keeper, but there was nothing he could do moments later when a moment of madness from defender Bruno Alves handed United an equaliser on a plate.
The Portugal international committed the cardinal sin of making a blind back pass; if he had looked before playing the ball back to Helton, he would have seen Rooney sneaking up behind him.
The United striker gratefully accepted the gift, running onto the ball before dinking it over the keeper and into the back of the net.
But the hosts failed to use the goal as a springboard to taking control of the game - Porto's fearless display could take a great deal of credit for that.
The Portuguese champions continued to attack at every opportunity and were unlucky not to re-take the lead before the first half was out, Rodriguez twice going close with headers and Hulk seeing a long-range shot bounce wide.
After the break, United's uncertainty on the ball initially persisted, but eventually they did begin to enjoy more possession and with that came chances to grab a winner.
After Park Ji-Sung had stung the gloves of Helton, Rooney gave the hosts a lift with an exquisite attempted lob which the furiously backpeddling Porto keeper was forced to tip over the bar.
From the resulting corner Nemanja Vidic, who along with Rooney and Scholes returned from suspension to the United line-up, thumped a header goalwards but again Helton was alert to make the save.
At the other end, Lopez saw a deflected shot trouble Van der Sar before Aly Cissokho blasted on target from distance.
The visitors also had a big penalty shout turned down on 74 minutes when Tevez, on in the 72nd minute for Scholes, appeared to bring down Hulk at the by-line.
A relieved Tevez went on to lift United spirits on 85 minutes, the Argentine netting from close range after Rooney had flicked on Gary Neville's throw into the Porto penalty area.
But the relief around Old Trafford was short-lived as an unmarked Gonzalez finished at the far post four minutes later to give United an uphill battle in next Wednesday's return leg.
manchesterunited
4/08/2009 04:43:00 AM
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
United, Arsenal yakin menang
ROONEY (kiri) berlatih bersama bintang sensasi baru United, Federico Macheda sebagai persiapan menghadapi FC Porto pada saingan suku akhir pertama Liga Juara-Juara, hari ini.
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Fergie, Wenger galas harapan kelab Inggeris mara ke peringkat separuh akhir
LONDON: Dua kelab elit Inggeris - Manchester United dan Arsenal akan turun ke gelanggang, hari ini (awal pagi Rabu waktu Malaysia) menghadapi saingan suku akhir pertama Liga Juara-Juara dengan perasaan penuh yakin mencipta keputusan positif.
Sambil United pimpinan Alex Ferguson menentang bekas juara, FC Porto dari Portugal di Old Trafford, Arsenal akan berkunjung ke Villarreal di Sepanyol untuk menyalakan harapan kelab Inggeris mara ke saingan kelompok empat teratas edisi kali ini.
United harus ceria dengan kepulangan Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic dan Paul Scholes dalam skuad selepas mereka digantung daripada perlawanan domestik, minggu lalu, manakala kemenangan dramatik 3-2 ke atas Aston Villa dalam saingan Liga Perdana Inggeris, kelmarin harus memberi tonik baru.
Ferguson sudah mula bermain psikologi apabila memberi tekanan kepada Liverpool dan Chelsea dengan kata-kata sinis bahawa pemenang perlawanan itu bakal bertemu mereka untuk menentukan kejuaraan.
Arsenal yang turut mencipta kemenangan 2-0 ke atas Manchester City, Sabtu lalu jelas bersemangat dengan pengurus pasukan, Arsene Wenger menyuarakan peluang realistik pasukan 'The Gunners' menjuarai trofi utama Eropah, musim ini.
"Kami kini bermain tanpa sebarang halangan dan menuju ke Liga Juara-Juara dalam keadaan bersemangat, fokus, penuh kepercayaan dan komitmen. Saya masih percaya musim ini akan beri kejayaan buat kami," kata Wenger.
Apapun, harapan Ferguson membina jurang selesa ketika menentang Porto bakal diperkukuhkan andai bek tengah Rio Ferdinand pulih daripada kecederaan belakang. - Agensi
manchesterunited
4/07/2009 04:10:00 PM
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United ada dendam
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| ROONEY kembali diturunkan pada aksi
menentang Porto pagi esok.
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MANCHESTER - Manchester United akan turun dengan misi membalas dendam apabila berdepan Porto pada aksi suku akhir pertama Liga Juara-Juara pagi esok. Selepas merampas kembali takhta Liga Perdana England hasil kejayaan dramatik 3-2 ke atas Aston Villa kelmarin, United kini mula mengalihkan tumpuan mereka kepada kempen Eropah.
Porto menyingkirkan United dalam kempen Liga Juara-Juara pada 2004 ketika kelab Portugal itu dibimbing Jose Mourinho.
Meskipun berjaya membalas dendam terhadap Mourinho dengan menyingkirkan pasukannya, Inter Milan pada pusingan kedua musim ini, United kini pastinya mahu meneruskan misi kedua mereka dengan menyingkirkan Porto.
United bakal diperkuatkan kembali dengan kehadiran Wayne Rooney, Scholes dan Nemanja Vidic yang terlepas aksi dengan Villa kelmarin ekoran penggantungan.
Park Ji-sung juga dijangka disenaraikan semula manakala situasi Ryan Giggs dan Rio Ferdinand yang cedera masih belum dipastikan.
"Saya tidak fikir pemain kami yang cedera akan diturunkan apabila berdepan Porto," kata Ferguson.
"Tetapi pemain yang digantung perlawanan sudah pasti akan diturunkan di mana ia satu berita baik.
"Vidic akan bergandingan dengan Jonny Evans di posisi pertahanan tengah manakala John O'Shea akan bermain di posisi pertahanan kanan.
"Rooney dan Scholes juga boleh beraksi dan ia memberi kami sedikit kelebihan untuk menyerang dan Ji-sung (Park) juga sudah bersedia dan ia memberi kami banyak pilihan.
"Kami telah mengkaji pasukan Porto. Saya telah melihat rakaman enam perlawanan terakhir mereka. Mereka pernah menewaskan Arsenal 2-0 musim ini dan bermain dengan baik.
"Lisandro Lopez adalah penyerang yang berbahaya. Saya masih ingat lagi kali terakhir ketika kami bertemu. Ia akan menjadi satu pertemuan yang sengit," tambahnya. - AFP
manchesterunited
4/07/2009 07:30:00 AM
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Monday, April 6, 2009
Champions League - Ferdinand losing fitness race
Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to play in Manchester United's Champions League first-leg tie against Porto, but has not been ruled out altogether.
Ferdinand missed United's 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Sunday after picking up an injury playing for England against Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier.
The centre-half had also been struggling with a back problem prior to the England fixture and is unlikely to have recovered for the visit of Porto.
Although Ferguson said he did not expect the 30-year-old to feature, he stopped short of saying Ferdinand would definitely miss the game and the defender remains in the squad.
The Scot has been known to talk pessimistically about certain players' chances of featuring as a psychological ploy before picking them for big games.
He said: "Most of the players will be okay and we can bring some fresh faces in but Rio, no, I don't think so."
Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes all return for the European tie after the suspended trio sat out the victory over Villa.
Park Ji-Sung is also likely to come back into the starting line-up, while Ferguson will make a late decision on the fitness of Ryan Giggs.
"I don't think any of the injured players will be back against Porto," the United boss told MUTV. "But we do have the suspended players back which is good.
"'Vidic will play alongside Jonny Evans at the back with John O'Shea moving to right-back.
"Rooney and Scholes are also available which will give us a bit more penetration and experience, and Ji-Sung Park will also be ready so I've got some good options for Tuesday.
"I'll have to assess how Ryan is after playing the 90 minutes against Villa.
"It's a big ask for someone at 35 years of age to play another game two days later at the kind of level we play."
Seventeen-year-old striker Federico Macheda remains in the squad after scoring a dramatic winner on his debut against Aston Villa on Sunday.
"The young boy came on and did an incredible job. It was just one of those incredible moments," said Ferguson.
"I think he will be involved off the bench. We've got Wayne Rooney back, which is a big bonus, but it's difficult to leave him (Macheda) out."
manchesterunited
4/06/2009 11:30:00 PM
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Ronaldo rejects latest Real rumours
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again reaffirmed he is "at the right club" amid fresh speculation over his future at Manchester United.Neither the player nor his manager Sir Alex Ferguson were happy that the issue was raised again ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League tie with FC Porto.
Ferguson wondered aloud "how many times" more he would have to endure this line of questioning before describing the continued speculation as "pathetic". Ronaldo shrugged and said: "We always have this question."
The 23-year-old simply repeated the position he has stuck to since reaffirming his commitment to United last summer after a face-to-face meeting with Ferguson appeared to stop the rumblings linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
"I am happy at this club. I think it is the right club," said Ronaldo.
It has once again been suggested a deal has been done between United and Real for the transfer of the 2008 European and World Player of the Year this summer.
Yet at the Club World Cup last December, Ferguson claimed he would not sell Real "a virus", a position that does not appear to have softened judging by his pointed response this afternoon.
One of the reasons Ronaldo is said to favour a move to La Liga is that he has become fed up of being targeted by opposition defenders, eager to stop the former Sporting Lisbon star by whatever means possible.
Yet Ronaldo does not feel he is suffering any more than he has done at other stages since arriving in England six years ago.
"It has always been like that," he said.
"It is not only this season that defenders have kicked me to try and stop me. It is just normal."
Ronaldo played a major role in taking United back to the top of the Premier League on Sunday with his two-goal haul against Aston Villa that took his seasonal tally to 20.
United are now a point ahead of Liverpool, with a game in hand.
"We are the best team in England," Ronaldo said.
"We have shown that by being top of the table. That speaks for itself.
"We respect all our opponents but if we carry on winning, we will win the title again."
Indeed, United are still on track to record an unprecedented quintuple, with Ronaldo not quite being as dismissive about the project as Ferguson.
"We have a chance to win everything this season," said Ronaldo.
"First we have to beat FC Porto. After that, we must carry on."
manchesterunited
4/06/2009 02:41:00 PM
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Dream debuts
Federico Macheda's stunning late winner against Aston Villa was an eye-catching way to introduce himself as a Manchester United player.
Indeed, the 17-year-old Italian's wonderful last-gasp strike (pictured) may yet prove to have a huge bearing on where the Premier League title ends up come the conclusion of the season in May.
But Macheda is by no means the first - nor will he be the last - to enjoy a spectacular introduction, as our selection of other star debutants shows below.
Alan Shearer (Southampton 4-2 Arsenal, First Division, April 1988) - A hat-trick on a debut is always a supremely impressive feat, but what makes this one stand out is that Shearer was just 17 when his three goals made the country sit up and take notice of his talent. Not forgetting that it came against Arsenal either, the League Cup holders and the same side that would go on to win the championship the following season. Shearer's scoring feat was good enough to break a long-standing record set by Jimmy Greaves for the youngest player to score a top flight hat-trick.
Zinedine Zidane (France 2-2 Czech Republic, international friendly, August 1994) - You know the name by now, but 15 years ago few outside of France knew the then 22-year-old Zidane. That soon changed after a magnificent bow on the international stage during which he scored twice off the bench to salvage a 2-2 draw against the newly-formed Czech Republic. The first came from a mazy dribble rounded off by a 25-yard screamer while the second was a towering bullet header. Both became trademarks as he went on to become one of the best players the world has seen.
Fabrizio Ravanelli (Middlesbrough 3-3 Liverpool, August 1996) - One of Boro's more successful foreign imports during the 1990s, the Silver Feather immediately ingratiated himself to the Riverside faithful with a hat-trick on his debut on the opening day of the season. Again, the team in question were far from slouches, which only further enhanced the former Juventus striker's reputation as a born goalscorer, although his goals could not save the from relegation.
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United 6-2 Fenerbahce, Champions League, September 2004) - Rooney was keen to impress his new club after having signed from Everton for £25.6 million earlier in the summer, but not even his biggest fans could have expected him to make such an immediate impact. Returning from an injury sustained while on England duty at Euro 2004, a sublime hat-trick helped demolish the Turkish side and announce Rooney's arrival at one of the biggest clubs in the world - and on the biggest stage in club football.
And just for good measure, how about a managerial debut?
Diego Maradona (Argentina 4-0 Venezuela, World Cup qualifier, March 2009) - Not strictly speaking his debut as coach of Argentina - that came in a friendly with Scotland - but the romp in Buenos Aires was Maradona's first match in charge of a competitive game. And what a start it was, Lionel Messi inspiring the team to a comfortable 4-0 victory that prompted hopes that Maradona might well be capable of managing a national side successfully afterl all. Unfortunately, that promising beginning has since been tempered by a 6-1 pasting by Bolivia - Argentina's worst defeat in more than 60 years.
manchesterunited
4/06/2009 10:37:00 AM
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Premier League - Macheda screamer puts United top
A stunning injury-time strike by 17-year-old debutant Federico Macheda gave Manchester United a 3-2 home win over Aston Villa to restore the champions to the top of the Premier League.
In the 92nd minute, the previously unknown Italian curled an unstoppable shot into the top right after leaving Luke Young for dead with a delightful backheel.
Villa had been leading through goals by John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding an 80th-minute equaliser to his first-half opener.
The win got United's title defence back on track after consecutive league defeats against Liverpool and Fulham threatened to derail their bid.
Burly former Lazio schoolboy Macheda was introduced on the hour mark for the disappointing Nani and was only in the squad because United were missing seven first-team players through injury and suspension.
Rio Ferdinand, Dimitar Berbatov, Fabio Da Silva and Wes Brown are all out for varying time frames while Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney were serving bans for recent red cards.
The net effect was that United's defence looked shaky and a bench filled with teenagers could barely inspire confidence when Sir Alex Ferguson's side went behind.
Villa started brightly and they went close through a Carew header cleared off the line by Darren Fletcher on five minutes.
Agbonlahor was getting the better of Gary Neville as United looked unsure at the back without Ferdinand and Vidic.
But the hosts took the lead after a moment of madness saw James Milner touch the ball back to Brad Friedel with the American keeper already diving on to the ball.
It was a clear backpass inside the area and, after Milner was booked for encroachment, Ryan Giggs touched the indirect free-kick to Ronaldo, who smashed the ball across the face of goal and into the top right corner for 1-0 on 14 minutes.
United could have gone two up straight from kick off when a long ball played Giggs through, but Carlos Cuellar got back to block his finish.
Villa recovered from the shock of going behind and Ashley Young forced a smart stop from Edwin van der Sar with a free-kick on the edge of the United area.
They levelled on 29 minutes thanks to the endeavour and skill of Gareth Barry, who won a 50-50 ball on the right, nutmegged Patrice Evra and swung a perfect cross for 6'4" Norwegian Carew to divert a downward header into the left corner of the United goal.
Ronaldo was guilty of a glaring miss five minutes later when he sent a free header straight at Friedel, but it would have been harsh on Villa to trail at the break as, despite United having better possession, the visitors created more clear-cut chances.
The second half started in subdued fashion, with United looking nervous and uninspired while Villa were happy to sit back and use the counter attack.
It paid off for Martin O'Neill's men when, after Ronaldo gave the ball to Stiliyan Petrov in Villa's half, they countered down the left.
Neville stood back as Carew moved towards the area and the former Valencia striker duly picked out a cross that Agbonlahor rose to head past the stranded Van der Sar.
United's problems with injury and suspension were highlighted by the introduction of Macheda for anonymous Portugal winger Nani.
Jonny Evans headed a Giggs corner just over but United lacked a creative spark or inspirational figure to drive them on.
After a short spell camped on the edge of the Villa box, the ball broke to Ronaldo who took a touch before drilling a low left-foot shot through the legs of Petrov and past the unsighted Friedel into the bottom right.
The Portugal star's leveller heralded a final push by United that saw sub Danny Welbeck force a reflex stop from Friedel after he killed Ronaldo's cross with a good first touch.
The visitors looked like they were holding on for a point until Macheda's late moment of brilliance.
With his side camped on the edge of the Villa box, the reserve-team striker had his back to goal on the left-hand side of the box but left Luke Young trailing with an impudent flick that created the space for a right-foot curler that left Friedel no chance.
United's win put them one point clear of Liverpool with a game in hand.
Villa, meanwhile, stay fifth but are only one point ahead of Everton, who thrashed Wigan 4-0 earlier in the day.
manchesterunited
4/06/2009 07:00:00 AM
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Sunday, April 5, 2009
United tidak mahu terus malang
VAN der Sar mengaku United goyah tanpa trio Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes dan Nemanja Vidic.
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Tekad bangkit bertemu Villa selepas dibelasah Liverpool dan kalah kepada Fulham
MANCHESTER: Bintang Manchester United yang tersentak sejak kebelakangan ini, mengakui pertembungan Liga Perdana dengan Aston Villa di Old Trafford hari ini, sudah menjurus ke arah perlawanan hidup mati barisan Sir Alex Ferguson yang semakin goyah.
United, yang memiliki pendahuluan tujuh mata ke atas pencabar terdekatnya hanya tiga minggu lalu, kini sudah menyaksikan aura kekebalan mereka dilunturkan dengan kekalahan berturut-turut kepada Liverpool dan Fulham.
Liverpool muncul sebagai pasukan yang berada pada prestasi tinggi dan pemain United mengakui tidak mampu melakukan kesilapan lagi jika tidak mahu segala usaha keras mereka pada awal musim disia-siakan.
Dengan barisan Villa bimbingan Martin O’Neill bergelut untuk menemui prestasinya, dan tanpa kemenangan liga di Old Trafford sejak 1983, pemain tengah United, Michael Carrick dan penjaga gol, Edwin van der Sar mengakui mereka perlu kembali ke rentak kemenangan hari ini.
“Kami sudah lama tidak merasai kekalahan dalam liga sehinggakan apabila ia berlaku menentang Liverpool, ia adalah kejutan buat kami terutamanya apabila anda melihat rentetan kemenangan yang kami lalui dan persembahan kami.
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Michael Carrick.
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“Tetapi anda akan tewas perlawanan sepanjang musim. Jarang sekali ia tidak berlaku. Kami perlu bangkit — kami pernah melakukannya dan kami akan melakukannya semula.
“Ia bukannya mengubah segala-galanya hanya kerana kami tewas beberapa perlawanan — kami perlu fokus terhadap apa yang kami lakukan dan berharap akan memulakan rentetan kemenangan,” kata Carrick.
Van der Sar, yang sudah bolos enam gol dalam dua perlawanan liga, menegaskan United — tanpa trio Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes dan Nemanja Vidic yang digantung dan Dimitar Berbatov yang cedera — tidak boleh membenarkan diri mereka leka dengan kekalahan menentang Liverpool dan Fulham.
“Kami hanya tewas dua perlawanan dalam empat bulan. Secara keseluruhan, ia bukannya rekod buruk tetapi kerana penekanan diberikan kepada dua perlawanan terakhir, ia kelihatan teruk.
“Kami tidak terlalu risau tetapi kami perlu menang perlawanan seterusnya dan perlawanan Villa adalah besar buat kami.” - AFP
manchesterunited
4/05/2009 08:41:00 AM
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Saturday, April 4, 2009
C.Ronaldo ke Real Madrid?
RONALDO dapat tawaran perpindahan RM397.5 juta dari Real termasuk bayaran pendahuluan lebih RM265 juta serta gaji mencecah lebih RM1.06 juta seminggu.
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United tetap nafi wujud perjanjian jual Pemain Terbaik Eropah dan Dunia
MANCHESTER: Real Madrid percaya akan akhirnya melengkapkan perpindahan Cristiano Ronaldo daripada Manchester United dengan rekod perpindahan bernilai £75 juta (RM397.5 juta), musim panas nanti.
Kelab gergasi Sepanyol itu difahamkan kini begitu pasti kerana mereka mempunyai asas perjanjian dengan pemain dan kelab juara England serta Eropah itu.
United pula bagaimanapun terus menafikan wujudnya perjanjian sebegitu dan kekal dengan pendirian bahawa Ronaldo tidak akan dijual.
Cuma bezanya, beberapa ejen utama Eropah kini yakin tentangan United akan akhirnya runtuh dalam tempoh beberapa minggu lagi dan perpindahan termahal dalam sejarah bola sepak Inggeris akan akhirnya terlaksana pada penghujung musim.
Ronaldo memang mengidamkan perpindahan ke Santiago Bernabeu sejak 18 bulan lalu dan hanya bersetuju untuk kekal di Old Trafford selepas campur tangan peribadi pengurus, Sir Alex Ferguson, tahun lalu.
Tetapi memang dijangkakan bahawa Madrid akan kembali untuk memikat Pemain Terbaik Eropah dan Dunia itu dengan kelab itu, sekurang-kurangnya ketika ini, memiliki keyakinan padu Ronaldo akan jadi bintang terbaru menyarung jersi serba putih kelab termasyhur di Sepanyol itu.
Tawaran Madrid termasuk yuran perpindahan berjumlah £75 juta - termasuk bayaran pendahuluan berjumlah lebih £50 juta (RM265 juta) serta gaji mencecah angka lebih £200,000 (RM1.06 juta) seminggu buat Ronaldo. Mereka percaya tawaran itu kini mampu diterima United dan pemain berkenaan.
Berita itu pastinya mengganggu peminat-peminat United, tetapi tidak lagi mengejutkan mereka.
Ronaldo menikmati musim produktif di United sejak kembali daripada kecederaan pergelangan kaki yang melengahkan kempennya musim ini, tetapi dia tidak lagi sama seperti tunjang pencetus semangat ketika mengepalai pasukan memenangi gelaran berganda Liga Perdana dan Liga Juara-juara Eropah, musim lalu.
Malah baru-baru ini wujud kebimbangan di Old Trafford bahawa Ronaldo, yang dibeli dengan harga £12 juta (RM63.6 juta) daripada Sporting Lisbon pada 2003, mungkin menamatkan aksinya di England ekoran kerap jadi sasaran bentesan keras pemain pertahanan lawan pada setiap minggu. - DM
manchesterunited
4/04/2009 11:06:00 AM
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Status : married with two daughter