CELEBRATE THE DAY

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Champions League - Rooney hurt as United lose
2009-2010 Wayne Rooney leaves the Allianz Arena on crutches - 0

An injury time winner from Ivica Olic handed the advantage to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United after a 2-1 victory at the Allianz Arena.

Wayne Rooney, who later hobbled off the pitch, had put United ahead after just 64 seconds but the visitors could not hold onto their lead as Franck Ribery deservedly levelled with a heavily deflected free-kick on 77 minutes.

Intense Bayern pressure then told as Olic swooped in time added-on to put a real dent in United's hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive semi-final in the competition.

To make matters worse for Alex Ferguson's side, Rooney had to be helped to the touchline with an apparent ankle injury as the full-time whistle sounded, sparking fears over his fitness for next weekend's top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea.

Before the game, a repeat of the 1999 final, Alex Ferguson said he would take a goal over a clean sheet; for the majority of the game he had both. But the evening ended in the worst possible fashion as two goals in 13 minutes went some way to exorcising any demons that remained in the Bayern camp following that famous night in Barcelona.

Bayern were deprived of their best player, Arjen Robben, who did not even make the bench due to his groin injury; though even if the Dutchman had been on the field, he would not have had a chance to touch the ball before United opened the scoring with just a minute and four seconds on the clock.

Straight from the kick-off Nani won a free-kick near the corner flag, which he took himself. His cross took a deflection on its way into the box, the ball looping towards Rooney, who coolly volleyed home after a disastrous slip by Martin Demichelis had left him in acres of space.

The goal was the England striker's 34th of the season, and he should have added to that tally at the end of an open and entertaining first half which saw excellent chances go begging at both ends.

Demichelis, sporting a mask to protect a facial injury, was at fault again on 39 minutes when he allowed Darren Fletcher's cross to evade him and fall to Rooney, whose first touch set him up perfectly for a shot on goal. But number 35 of the season was not forthcoming and his effort was well blocked.

At the other end, Olic wasted a golden opportunity on 28 minutes to cancel out Rooney's opener, but the Croatian striker somehow conspired to miss the ball completely when Hamit Altintop's mis-hit shot from Edwin van der Sar's punched clearance found him all alone in the six yard box.

It was a real let-off for United, who struggled to build on their early advantage as Bayern responded well to that early hammer blow.

Ribery, reportedly a target for United last summer and the focus of Bayern's creativity in the absence of Robben, tested van der Sar on 20 minutes before Danijel Pranjic did likewise on 34 minutes.

Van der Sar also proved to be a central figure in proceedings after the break as Bayern emerged from the dressing room in far more concentrated mood.

The United keeper had to be at his best seconds after the restart to repel an Olic strike from a tight angle before Thomas Mueller's deflected effort and a Daniel van Buyten shot from distance tested him again.

Bayern went on to enjoy the majority of possession during the second half, fashioning further scoring opportunities which were spurned by Altintop, Mark van Bommel and Olic again before their superiority was rewarded with the equaliser.

There was an element of fortune to it - Ribery's free-kick took a hefty deflection off Rooney in the United wall - but it was no more than Bayern deserved.

That said, United still could have grabbed a winner but Nemanja Vidic saw his thumping header rattle off the crossbar on 83 minutes.

Vidic was then at fault as substitute Mario Gomez found his way through, only to see his shot palmed around the corner.

But United failed to get away with another lapse as Patrice Evra was caught napping by Olic in the third minute of injury time. He shot home confidently as United conceded a second goal, and in doing so fell to their first away defeat in the Champions League for 16 games.

manchesterunited 3/30/2010 07:06:00 AM

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Sunday, March 28, 2010

Premier League - Berbatov fires United back to summit

Dimitar Berbatov scored twice as Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win away to Bolton Wanderers.

Jlloyd Samuel opened the scoring with an unfortunate and somewhat absurd own goal on 38 minutes, Berbatov provided two cool finishes after the break and substitute Darron Gibson completed the rout.

United leapfrogged Chelsea to go a point clear, and they are now four ahead of Arsenal who drew at Birmingham. It completed a satisfactory evening for United that began amid injury worries over two of their leading players.

Fears over the state of Wayne Rooney's knee inflammation appear to be well-founded after the England striker was left out of United's match squad altogether despite having a week to recover since their last game against Liverpool.

Less surprising was the omission of Rio Ferdinand, following his umpteenth back twinge of the season - both absences will cause major concern for fans of both United and England with the World Cup less than three months away.

The first half initially offered little in the way of excitement before exploding into life late on. Ryan Giggs returned from a broken arm and was deployed through the middle to replace some of Rooney's spark, but the Welshman failed to assert himself.

United carved out some half-chances, with Berbatov volleying at Jussi Jaaskelainen and Jonny Evans thrashing a left-foot shot over following a corner.

But Bolton came closer, bringing two world class saves from Edwin van der Sar. First Johan Elmander raced onto an exceptional through ball from Jack Wilshere, but saw his shot repelled by the Dutchman's strong wrist at the near post.

Then Van der Sar had to be at his acrobatic best to leap and tip over a Fabrice Muamba shot that appeared destined for the top-left corner.

But between those two saves came Samuel's aberration. Giggs sent in a low cross from the left and Samuel met it at the back post, planting the ball back across goal into the far corner, giving Jaaskelainen no chance. A great finish, if only he had meant it.

It was the 11th own goal scored in United's favour in the Premier League this season - the previous record for any side is six.

Sir Alex Ferguson launched a furious half-time rant at referee Martin Atkinson after he felt Sam Ricketts had led with his elbow when jumping with Nani, although his challenge was fairly innocuous.

Ferguson's fury was put into perspective after the break when Nemanja Vidic caught Elmander with an altogether heftier blow to the head when leaping for a header. There was no suggestion of malicious intent from the Serb, but he caught Elmander with a forearm that drew blood.

While the Swede was receiving treatment, United made it two on 68 minutes. Giggs played a perfectly-weighted ball inside from the left for the marauding Darren Fletcher, who raced to the edge of the box.

The normally unselfish Scot this time ignored the supporting Nani and struck a left-foot shot that Jaaskelainen could only parry into the path of Berbatov, and the Bulgarian - coolness personified - tucked away the rebound.

It was fitting that Fletcher and Berbatov combined to score the clinching goal since the pair were, by a distance, United's best players on the day.

Berbatov was in his element, and added further gloss to the scoreline on 78 minutes, finding the net with an audacious flick off the outside of his boot following good work by Nani to conjure space to cross from the left.

Nani was the provider again four minutes later, stitching up poor Ricketts again before squaring for the substitute Gibson. The Irishman's sidefoot shot went in off the underside of the bar.

The emphatic scoreline provided a reply to Chelsea, who thrashed Aston Villa 7-1 earlier on Saturday, and ensured Bolton's goal difference worsened to the extent that they dropped a place, falling below Wolves to 15th in the Premier League table.

manchesterunited 3/28/2010 08:03:00 AM

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Friday, March 26, 2010

Nani Signs New Contract At Manchester United Until 2014

Manchester United have confirmed that Portuguese winger Nani has signed a new contract that should see him stay at Old Trafford until 2014.

The attacking midfielder signed for United in July 2007 and has shown a greater maturity and quality to his performances this season and some speculation about his future in the recent past.

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract. It has been like a dream come true to play for Manchester United," the 23-year-old told United's official website.

"The coaching staff have taught me so much about the game and I'm playing alongside some of the best players in the world. I'm looking forward to winning many more trophies with this team."

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson was also pleased that the player had committed his future to Old Trafford.

"Nani is an emerging talent within the team and has developed tremendously since joining the club," the Scot said.

"We are delighted he has signed a new contract and I am sure he will have a long and successful future here at Manchester United."

manchesterunited 3/26/2010 02:05:00 PM

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Darren Fletcher Delighted To See Ryan Giggs Return To Action For Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher believes that Ryan Giggs' return from injury has come at a good time for the Red Devils.

The veteran Welshman returned to action in last weekend's home win over Liverpool after a month or so out with a fracture to his arm.

Fletcher feels that the 36-year-old's experience will be vital to United's bid to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

"Ryan's experience at handling pressure situations is going to be vital," the Scotland captain told reporters.

"The moment that spoke volumes about that was his touch and pass in the last minute of injury time against Manchester City earlier this season.

"It was the last minute of a pressure game but he didn't panic. He has so much experience in these situations and it is great to have him back."

Giggs has enjoyed a successful last few years as his career continues. What particularly impresses Fletcher is how the former Welsh international has adapted the way he plays the game as his pace has lessened.

"Ryan has been revitalised," the Scot added.

"He is not the flying winger that he once was but he has adapted.

"He has probably got the most assists because he still has the eye for a killer pass and floats into inside areas where he is hard to mark.

"He still has that burst of pace over the first five or 10 yards as well that means he can get away from opponents.

"He is a really intelligent player and a great player to play with."

manchesterunited 3/26/2010 01:03:00 PM

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Thursday, March 25, 2010

Beckenbauer tabik Rooney

TEL AVIV: Prestasi hebat Wayne Rooney musim ini mampu membantu England menjuarai Piala Dunia, Julai ini kata Franz Beckenbauer, semalam.
Beckenbauer, yang menjuarai Piala Dunia bersama pasukan Jerman Barat selaku pemain dan jurulatih, berkata biarpun Rooney secara keseluruhannya dianggap sebagai pemain cemerlang sebelum musim ini, dia berjaya memperbaiki mutu permainannya.

“Dia melakukan tugas yang hebat di Manchester United dan saya katakan kepada anda bahawa dia akan digeruni Bayern apabila kami menentangnya dalam perlawanan suku akhir Liga Juara-Juara,” kata Beckenbauer.

“Tetapi pada masa sama dia adalah pemain cemerlang dan bermain lebih baik daripada sebelumnya. Bukan mudah untuk menjaringkan 33 gol untuk kelabnya di England atau di mana-mana saja dan jika dia terus melakukan jaringan seperti ini, dia boleh menjuarai Piala Dunia untuk England,” kata Beckenbauer, yang menghadiri kongres tahunan Uefa sebagai ahli jawatankuasa eksekutif Fifa dan juga presiden kehormat Bayern Munich.

“Saya fikir mereka akan menjadi pasukan pilihan di Afrika Selatan bersama Sepanyol, Brazil dan Argentina, kerana Argentina memiliki Lionel Messi yang seperti Rooney antara pemain terbaik dunia ketika ini.

“Mereka adalah pemain yang berbeza kerana Messi sungguh pantas dan mempunyai banyak idea dan Rooney begitu kuat, tetapi Wayne menunjukkan peningkatan ketara dalam permainannya. Dia menukar corak permainannya dan pada usia 24 tahun, permainannya semakin matang.

“Sebagai penyerang, dia menyukarkan pemain pertahanan untuk menghalangnya dan dia mampu melakukan hantaran menerusi kedua-dua sayap dengan baik. Saya tidak pernah melihat dia bermain sebaik ini dan sudah lama saya memerhatikannya,” katanya.

Menurut Beckenbauer, Rooney akan menjadi faktor utama untuk Bayern dalam perlawanan suku akhir Liga Juara-Juara.

“Kami berdepan kesibukan serta kesukaran dalam perlawanan Liga dan Piala menjelang perlawanan itu,” katanya.

“Sudah pasti kami mahu menyingkirkan mereka untuk membalas kekalahan pada perlawanan akhir 1999 tetapi ia akan menjadi sukar dan United pula memiliki Rooney. Semuanya boleh berlaku tetapi pertama sekali kami perlu mengatasi Wayne dan tiada siapa yang mampu melakukannya dengan kerap musim ini,” katanya.

Bayern akan menanti kunjungan United dalam perlawanan pertama Selasa depan dan perlawanan kedua 7 April ini. - Reuters

manchesterunited 3/25/2010 12:35:00 PM

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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

United tak gentar

JI-SUNG menganggap United memiliki peluang cerah untuk menjuarai Liga Perdana England musim ini.

MANCHESTER – “Kami tidak perlu risau tentang Arsenal dan Chelsea.”Demikian tegas pemain tengah Manchester United, Park Ji-sung terhadap dua pencabar utama mereka itu.

Keyakinan itu hadir selepas kejayaan mereka menewaskan Liverpool 2-1 Ahad lalu, sekali gus membolehkan mereka mendahului carta Liga Perdana England dengan kelebihan dua mata.

“Kami tak perlu risau. Kami hanya perlu fokus untuk menang semua baki perlawanan dan kami mampu melakukannya.

“Kemenangan ke atas Liverpool telah membawa semangat baru dalam skuad United,” kata pemain dari Korea Selatan itu.

Ji-sung, 29, telah membuktikan bahawa dia adalah antara watak penting dalam setiap perlawanan besar bagi pasukan itu.

Dia telah menjaringkan gol kemenangan United ketika menentang Liverpool, Ahad lalu selepas mencatat nama sebagai penjaring pada pertemuan dengan Arsenal dan AC Milan sebelum ini.

Menurut Ji-sung, meskipun Arsenal dilihat semakin garang kebelakangan ini, ia bukan ancaman kepada United.

“Kami ada reputasi tersendiri. Kami ada keyakinan untuk terus muncul juara.

“Pencabar kami khususnya Arsenal dan Chelsea juga mempunyai misi yang sama tetapi cabaran daripada dua pasukan berkenaan semakin melonjakkan semangat kami untuk terus tampil garang dalam setiap perlawanan yang bakal dilalui. Kami sudah membunuh langkah Liverpool.

“Tidak mungkin pasukan hebat seperti United akan menyerah. Kami akan melakukan apa sahaja hingga ke akhir musim,” katanya. – Agensi

manchesterunited 3/24/2010 12:49:00 PM

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Terpaksa minum jus katak

PARK Ji Sung adalah seorang budak yang meminum jus katak busuk panas sebelum menjadi seorang lelaki dewasa.

Idola Korea Selatan itu - wira pada perlawanan Ahad lalu di Old Trafford - dianggap terlalu lembik untuk bermain dalam sukan bola sepak yang dicintainya.

Namun ibu bapanya memiliki idea lain.

Itulah sebabnya bapanya pergi ke ladang katak, ibunya pula memasak jus itu manakala anaknya terkial-kial ketika meminumnya, selepas diberitahu nutrien itu boleh membantunya membesar.

Pemain tengah Manchester United berusia 29 tahun itu mendedahkan: "Mereka kata ia bagus buat saya untuk menjadi lebih kuat dan saya mengambil apa saja yang mampu meningkatkan ketahanan saya." Malah bapanya bekerja di kedai penyembelihan daging jadi dia dapat potongan daging terbaik untuk membesarkan anak lelakinya dengan jus katak sebagai makanan kedua.

Persembahan Ji Sung buat kelab dan negaranya jelas tidak menghampakan ketika dia diberi jolokan di negaranya sebagai 'Park yang mempunyai tiga paru-paru'.

Kerja kerasnya yang tidak mengerti makna penat membuatkannya tampak menyerlah. Lagipun dia memiliki kebijaksanaan berada di posisi tepat sekali gus dihargai oleh rakan sepasukannya.

Pemain pertahanan Patrice Evra berkata: "Saya tidak pernah melihat seorang pemain yang sebijak sepertinya. Saya beritahunya supaya merakamkan permainannya dalam video kerana pergerakannya amat bagus jadi pedoman buat pemain muda. Park buktikan ia adalah mengenai pasukan, bukannya individu." Tindakan tidak mementingkan diri dianugerahkan dengan gol kemenangan dramatik ke atas Liverpool Ahad lalu. Ji Sung berkata: "Untuk menjaringkan gol dalam satu perlawanan besar adalah satu perasaan yang fantastik. Melakukannya di depan Stretford End amat menakjubkan." Gol Ji Sung meletakkan United kembali ke persada Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL).

"Ada tujuh lagi perlawanan liga tinggal dan jika kami memenangi semuanya maka kami akan memenangi kejuaraan.

"Jadi kami perlu memberikan tumpuan dan mengekalkan tahap persembahan ketika ini.

"Kami tidak perlu bimbang mengenai Arsenal atau Chelsea, kerana jika kami memenangi perlawanan kami, kami akan muncul juara." Ji Sung bergelut dengan pelbagai rintangan sebelum menjadi ketua pasukan Korea Selatan dan pemain paling dipuja di negara itu. Dia pernah ditolak oleh pasukan kolej ketika remaja sebelum bermain buat pasukan Universiti Myongi.

Dia terpaksa berhijrah ke divisyen dua Jepun untuk mendapat peluang bermain bola sepak profesional dengan Kyoto Purple Sanga.

Ji Sung mula mencuri tumpuan pada Piala Dunia 2002 sebagai sebahagian daripada anggota pasukan Korea Selatan yang mara hingga ke separuh akhir.

Pengurus mereka Guus Hiddink membawa Ji Sung bersamanya ke Belanda apabila beliau mengambil alih tampuk pengurusan di PSV Eindhoven.

Namun peminat PSV mengejeknya, percaya bahawa dia tidak cukup bagus - memaksa Ji Sung mengakui ketika itu bahawa dia 'bencikan bola sepak'.

Namun persembahan hebatnya pada separuh akhir Liga Juara-Juara menentang AC Milan pada 2005 meyakinkan pengurus United, Alex Ferguson untuk membelinya dengan tanda harga £4 juta (RM19.98 juta).

manchesterunited 3/24/2010 12:47:00 PM

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Scholes: We have the experience to win

Paul Scholes is convinced Manchester United can win all their remaining seven games to retain their Barclays Premier League crown.

United, chasing an unprecedented fourth successive league win, took the initiative in the title race with victory over Liverpool last weekend while Chelsea dropped points against Blackburn.

United still have to play Chelsea - who are four points behind with a game in hand - and must also face Champions League-chasing Manchester City and Tottenham, but their destiny is in their own hands.

Scholes, who has already been involved in nine title wins, told Inside United: "I'd like to think we've got the right players, ones who have been there before and know how tough it is to win the league.

"The game against Chelsea is going to be massive and we know we need to win that one. But that's not the only important game.

"If we want to win the league we're going to have to win every game. It's going to be tough but I'm sure we can do it."

manchesterunited 3/24/2010 12:43:00 PM

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Hargreaves is back but not yet pain free

Owen Hargreaves may never be pain-free despite hitting the comeback trail last week.

After 18 months out of action following major operations on both knees, Hargreaves finally got back on the pitch again last Thursday when he turned out for Manchester United's second string at Altrincham.

The 29-year-old is hoping to build on that 45-minute outing against the same opposition at Accrington on Thuesday.

However, it is not all plain sailing for Hargreaves. Renowned Colorado-based surgeon Dr Richard Steadman told the midfielder his knees were in a worse state than he had ever come across in 35 years of practicing.

And, although Hargreaves has reported a vast improvement, he still experiences discomfort and there is a chance he will never be fully clear of the problem.

"I wouldn't say I am pain free and I don't know if I can play through it," said Hargreaves. "My training has improved over the last weeks and that is a very positive sign for me. I believe that it will continue to improve and progress."

manchesterunited 3/24/2010 11:44:00 AM

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Michael Owen Eyeing New Deal At Manchester United

Michael Owen has revealed that he could soon extend his stay at Old Trafford by signing a new contract which should keep him at Manchester United beyond the end of next season.

The 30-year-old's current deal expires at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season but the injury-prone forward is currently considering the possibility of a third season with the Red Devils.

"I'm just looking to next season now," said Owen, according to The Manchester Evening News.

"I've got another year left on my contract here and have the option of a third as well. I've had a great time at United and I am really looking forward to being back next season."

Meanwhile, Owen's recovery from his hamstring injury continues now that he has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

"I had the operation two weeks ago so I'm going to be on crutches for six weeks now," he explained.

"I'm not allowed to do anything on it for six weeks, so I am definitely out for the season."

The striker had netted nine goals in 34 appearances this season before sustaining the injury in the League Cup final win over Aston Villa at Wembley.

manchesterunited 3/23/2010 12:58:00 PM

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Monday, March 22, 2010

Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Believes That Manchester United's Antonio Valencia Dove For Penalty

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has accused Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia of diving to earn the penalty that canceled out an early Fernando Torres strike in United’s 2-1 victory on Sunday to vault them to the top of the Premier League.

Valencia fell awkwardly under a Javier Mascherano challenge to earn the penalty after 12 minutes. Wayne Rooney’s shot was saved but he was able to net the rebound to tie the game at one.

Benitez was clear when asked if the Ecuadorian international dove for United’s penalty.

"Yes I think so, Benitez told The Sun.

“There is maybe a contact but the way he fell down was strange.

"I've seen three replays and the last one was very suspicious.

"See the replay and how he fell to the ground.

"The penalty made a big, big difference. One situation changed everything."

The decision to award United with the spot-kick led to an argument between Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson, who thought that Mascherano should have been given a red card for being the last man on path to a scoring chance.

"I thought for the penalty kick it was a red card,” Ferguson said.

"There was no way Carragher could have got across to stop Valencia from shooting, absolutely no way. He's too quick for Carragher to get across.

"It was a penalty but you have seen it time and time again - the law of the game is that if you stop a player from a goalscoring opportunity, it's a red card. But not today it wasn't.”

The loss leaves Liverpool in sixth place, four points adrift of Tottenham for the last Champions League spot, and two points behind Manchester City, who also have two games in hand on the Reds, for fifth.

manchesterunited 3/22/2010 12:51:00 PM

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Premier League - Park heads United back to top

2009-10 Premier League Manchester United's Park celebrates after scoring against Liverpool - 0

Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League table as they broke their losing run against Liverpool by beating them 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring for Liverpool early on before Pepe Reina saved a Wayne Rooney penalty, only for the England striker to tap in the rebound. United then completed the comeback to seal victory on the hour mark via a header from Park Ji-sung.

United retook their place at the top of the table, two points above Arsenal, who led the title race for less than 24 hours following Saturday's win over West Ham United.

As ever, this fixture needed little added spice. However, not only was ground in both the title race and the fight for the final Champions League spot at stake, but there was also the added pressure on Liverpool to take their chance at stopping United sealing a 19th championship, surpassing the Anfield side's haul of 18 titles.

Five minutes in, Torres won the ball in the centre circle, found Steven Gerrard with a backheel and continued his run forward. Gerrard fed Dirk Kuyt out on the right and the Dutchman chipped in a cross. Torres lost Gary Neville easily and rose unmarked to head past Edwin van der Sar for his 16th league goal of the season.

United were given the chance to level five minutes later when Antonio Valencia went down in the box after being fouled by Javier Mascherano. The initial foul looked to have been committed outside the area, but referee Howard Webb gave the penalty and booked the Argentine midfielder.

Rooney's spot-kick was well saved by Reina, but the ball rebounded kindly for Rooney tap in his 33rd goal in all competitions.

The rest of the half was evenly contested, with a well-organised Liverpool coping well as United saw more of the ball. The home side's chances were limited, with Reina tipping one effort from Nani round the foot of the post while Park sent one header wide and another over the bar.

After the break, both sides played in even more measured fashion, and the game was there for the taking for whichever team took the initiative. That side was United.

Rooney found Darren Fletcher wide on the right on the hour mark. The Scotland midfielder waited by Gary Neville's overlapping run, which distracted Emiliano Insua long enough for him to curl in a cross that Park met with a decisive diving header.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez brought on Alberto Aquilani and Ryan Babel on with 15 minutes remaining, but they struggled to create any more clear openings as United sat back and defended their lead, confident of their ability to hit them on the break with a killer third goal if necessary.

Liverpool were presented with one gilt-edged chance to grab a share of the points in the final minute of the 90, but when the ball fell at the feet of Torres on the penalty spot the Spain striker scuffed his shot woefully. The ball looped up for Yossi Benayoun to head, but the ball was caught easily by van der Sar.

manchesterunited 3/22/2010 09:40:00 AM

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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Manchester United's Ji-Sung Park: 'No Need To Worry About Arsenal And Chelsea'

Manchester United winger Ji-Sung Park has asserted that Arsenal and Chelsea should be of no concern to United, who currently sit atop the Premier League standings.

Park’s game-winner in United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday, which, coupled with the Blues' draw with Blackburn, means the Red Devils sit two and four points ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea respectively, with only seven games remaining.

The Korea Republic international, whose other goals this season came in wins over Arsenal and AC Milan, insists that if United continues winning, their title rivals' upcoming results count for nothing.

"We don't need to worry about Arsenal or Chelsea, because if we win our games then we will be champions," Park told The Mirror.

"So that's why we need to concentrate on our performances and our games," he said.

"It was very important we beat Liverpool. We did that and it's a big boost for the rest of the season.

"There are seven league games left and if we win them all, then we will win the title. So we need to concentrate and keep up our performance levels."

manchesterunited 3/18/2010 01:09:00 PM

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Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Rooney tetap pilihan Real

KEHEBATAN Rooney (depan) membuatkan terdapat usaha untuk menggandingkannya dengan bekas rakan sepasukannya, Ronaldo.

LONDON - Wayne Rooney sekali lagi membuktikan bahawa dia berhak untuk menjadi pilihan Real Madrid.

Penyerang Manchester United itu menjaringkan dua gol ketika menang 3-0 ke atas Fulham, sekali gus menambah rekod jaringan kepada 32 gol musim ini.

Kemenangan itu turut meletakkan kembali United pada kedudukan teratas Liga Perdana England.

Kini, bekas Presiden Real, Ra- mon Calderon berkata, kelab gergasi Sepanyol itu terdesak untuk menggandingkan Rooney bersama bekas rakan sepasukannya, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Ia dilihat seperti terlalu obses untuk mendapatkan Rooney. Kadangkala ia berkaitan dengan wang dan jika terdapat cadangan, mungkin menjadi satu perjanjian.

" Saya tidak tahu ada kemungkinan untuk sekali lagi berbelanja sebanyak 100 juta euro (RM456 juta)

"Saya membayangkan dalam kes tersebut kamu mungkin akan menjualnya."

Sementara itu, Presiden Real, Florentino Perez dan seluruh dunia kagum dengan jaringan yang dilakukan Rooney.

Kelmarin, rakan sepasukannya, Dimitar Berbatov menegaskan, dia yakin Rooney mampu melepasi rekod 42 gol yang dilakukan bekas pemain sayap, Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Saya fikir Wayne (Rooney) akan menjaringkan lebih 40 gol. Saya rasa, buat masa ini dia adalah pemain terbaik di dunia.

"Dia masih muda, jadi dia masih mempunyai banyak peluang untuk menjadi terhebat."

Rooney masih mempunyai baki maksimum 13 perlawanan untuk mengatasi rekod Ronaldo yang menjaringkan 42 gol dua musim lalu.

Pengurus United, Alex Ferguson berkata: "Kamu tidak tahu. Saya tidak meletakkan di hada- pannya." - Agensi

manchesterunited 3/16/2010 09:06:00 AM

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Sunday, March 14, 2010

Premier League - Rooney leads United back to top

Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United crushed Fulham 3-0 at Old Trafford to return to the summit of the Premier League.

All three goals came in the second half as Rooney made his Premier League tally 25 and overall season haul 32 as he chases Cristiano Ronaldo's target of 31 and 42 from 2007-08, while Dimitar Berbatov added a third late on after impressing throughout but failing to find the target.

United move two points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal after the win, while Fulham stay 10th.

The result was a reverse of Fulham's 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage in December but, unlike that game, Roy Hodgson's side were comprehensively outplayed by a United side keen to continue the momentum after their 4-0 thrashing of Milan in the Champions League.

Both sides are renowned for quick, incisive passing and the first half panned out in entertaining fashion, although neither side could break the deadlock.

United, as expected, had more of the ball and created the greater number of chances.

Rooney, who hit his 30th goal of the season against Milan in midweek, mis-kicked his finish on 10 minutes, had a penalty appeal rejected after a challenge from Stephen Kelly 11 minutes later, forced an excellent save from Mark Schwarzer on the half-hour mark, was denied by a Hangeland-Kelly double-block seven minutes later and curled an imaginative effort inches wide just before the break.

His striker partner Berbatov was heavily involved too, and missed one gilt-edged chance when he headed Nani's cross over to cap off a move he started.

Portugal winger showed both sides to his game - impressing with his running and crossing, having a shot deflected over but frustrating when he tried to go it alone with Rooney unmarked in the box.

Fulham had their opportunities too. Bobby Zamora was a touch isolated up front, with Dempsey providing the support and firing just over once and straight at Edwin van der Sar twice.

Zamora should have put Fulham in front on 39 minutes when, after beating Rio Ferdinand to a long ball from Danny Murphy, he opted to finish first-time with his preferred left foot when his right was better placed: the shot skewed well over, with Van der Sar grateful as he was stranded.

Fulham made one change at the break, bringing on the surprisingly benched Damien Duff for Simon Davies, but they were a goal down almost immediately.

After United went forward from kick-off, Rooney turned on the edge of the box to slip the ball wide left to Nani. For some reason Fulham opted not to track Rooney, standing and watching as he waltzed into the middle and diverted the low cross past the helpless Schwarzer.

An old-fashioned goalmouth scramble saw the visitors lucky to survive repeat shots from Rooney and Nani, while Ferdinand hooked an improvised volley just wide after Antonio Valencia's corner.

Berbatov nearly doubled the lead with an audacious bicycle kick from the edge of the box but the effort went wide as United bossed the game with Fulham barely leaving their half.

On one rare foray forward, the Whites should have levelled when, after Zamora was played clean through by a fortuitous deflection, Nemanja Vidic raced back to block a finish that the Cottagers' top scorer should have released earlier.

Park Ji-sung, on for Valencia, laid on a simple headed finish for Berbatov with a delightful scooped cross from the outside of his right boot but the Bulgarian again mis-directed his finish just wide of the far post.

Patrice Evra got forward to fire wide after combining with Park, while Schwarzer had to be at his acrobatic best to tip Darren Fletcher's rising finish over.

They finally got a second when, with six minutes remaining, Berbatov killed Michael Carrick's long pass with a superb first touch before gliding between Nicky Shorey and Chris Baird to hand an easy finish to Rooney.

Fulham were a broken team now, and Berbatov scored a deserved third when he stooped to nod Park's cross into the bottom right.
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United rampas takhta liga

ROONEY menyumbat dua gol untuk membantu kemenangan 3-0 United ke atas Fulham semalam.

LONDON - Wayne Rooney menyumbat dua gol untuk membantu Manchester United merampas kedudukan teratas Liga Perdana England selepas menang 3-0 ke atas Fulham semalam.

Selain Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov turut meletakkan namanya sebagai penjaring apabila menyumbat gol ketiga United seminit sebelum permainan tamat pada aksi Old Trafford itu.

Sebelum ini, skuad bimbingan Alex Ferguson itu telah disingkir dari persada liga oleh Chelsea yang menang 4-1 ke atas West Ham United kelmarin.

Namun United merampas kembali kedudukan itu selepas Rooney menjaringkan gol pada minit pertama babak kedua sebelum menambah gol kedua pada minit ke-84.

Seminit sebelum permainan tamat, Dimitar Berbatov menanduk masuk gol ketiga United, sekali gus meletakkan juara bertahan itu dua mata di hadapan The Blues dan Arsenal.

Pada pertemuan pertama musim ini, United tewas 0-3 kepada Fulham.

Rooney yang telah menjaringkan 16 gol daripada 11 penampilan terakhir bersama United menyumbat gol pertama selepas memperoleh hantaran lintang daripada Nani.

Penyerang England itu membuktikan kehebatannya apabila bijak menyambar hantaran lintang Berbatov untuk menjaringkan gol kedua, sekali gus yang ke-32 dalam semua pertandingan musim ini.

Lima minit kemudian, Berbatov melengkapkan kemenangan 3-0 United selepas menanduk masuk hantaran pemain sayap Korea Selatan, Park Ji-Sung.

manchesterunited 3/14/2010 03:59:00 AM

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man.United Winger Antonio Valencia Could Be As Good As David Beckham

Manchester United striking legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks that winger Antonio Valencia has proved to be one of Sir Alex Ferguson's shrewder acquisitions this season.

The Norwegian envies the current United strikers who are handed the opportunity to play alongside the Ecuadorean, who joined from Wigan Athletic for £16 million in the summer.

Solskjaer also feels that it is fair to compare Valencia's delivery from wide areas with that of David Beckham.

"Antonio is a striker's dream. He is also a manager's dream," Solskjaer told The Manchester Evening News.

"He works hard and he does his bit defensively. He doesn't just do the flash bits. He keeps the team shape when he doesn't have the ball and attempts to win it back.

"He has something special because he has pace and he has a delivery. I can understand the comparisons between Becks' service and what Antonio is providing now. The work ethic of both players is the same. Their first thought is to put in a dangerous effort for the strikers to feed off.

"Just like with David, you know when Antonio is going to cross the ball. He doesn't dilly-dally, as soon as he can, he is going to cross it. He puts his head down and you know it is going to come in.

"It is just what you want. You can get that half-second ahead of a defender because you can make your move early knowing virtually where the ball is going to end up. It gives you a great advantage.

"Wayne Rooney will be experiencing that now. You get a little feeling about where the ball is going to go. You get to know your team-mates and you know what they will do when they get the ball. Wayne knows exactly what Antonio's first thoughts will be."

And Solskjaer believes that Wayne Rooney's goal tally this season has much to do with the improved service the England man is receiving from the right flank.

"Wayne has been hitting it off with Antonio recently. And whoever has been up front will know that they can expect a ball in that will cause defences problems and you give an edge," he added.

"As a striker you want to find space. That is your best friend in the box. So to find that space you have to have an understanding with those putting the crosses in. You have to have a strong inkling about what they will do.

"When I played with Becks I knew him inside out. I knew when he got the ball his first idea was to put the ball in the vicinity of whoever was playing up front.

"Becks didn't think about doing something special for the crowd. He just wanted to deliver the ball in efficiently and for one of us to score a goal. So many of my goals came from an assist from him.

"That is just what Antonio is doing now. It is great to see him finding his feet here and Wayne more than anyone is benefiting.

"Wayne has always been a team player. But now he can see that we need goals. As a striker you smell goals and he is maturing into a goalscorer."

Meanwhile, the man who won a Champions League medal with United in 1999 is still expecting one of his former team-mates to perhaps exert a decisive influence on the second leg of the Red Devils' last-16 Champions League tie with Milan on Wednesday.

"Becks is always a danger. He will be a massive threat tomorrow," he warned.

"In open play you know he is going to get four or five chances in a match to put a great cross in. If you have a striker who is alive then there is danger."

manchesterunited 3/09/2010 12:52:00 PM

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Saturday, March 6, 2010

Premier League - Scholes fires United top of table

Manchester United went top of the table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux thanks to Paul Scholes's 100th Premier League strike.

Scholes's finish from nine yards was the difference between the sides after home substitute Sam Vokes missed a sitter in injury time.

The result, which sees United move two points ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal, was unfair on a Wanderers side which matched United in the first period and fought tooth and nail in the second, with Stephen Ward also guilty of missing a glorious chance.

Earlier this season, their manager Mick McCarthy was fined by the Premier League for making 10 changes at Old Trafford. For the home fixture he went with an unchanged line-up for the fourth game in succession, and it almost paid off.

The enterprise and running of Matt Jarvis on the left was a threat while, in the opening 45 minutes especially, Kevin Doyle led a number of counter-attacks. David Jones should have done better following one such move on 32 minutes after Doyle had fed Jarvis and the winger cut back.

Immediately Dimitar Berbatov whipped a low ball across the Wolves six-yard box, just ahead of the sliding Nani, and Darron Gibson could not find the target from a narrow angle on the far side.

United are always a threat of course and the in-form Antonio Valencia linked up well with Berbatov, who was leading the line in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, to send in many crosses which Jody Craddock and Christophe Berra repelled.

Ward then had his opportunity when Jarvis found him unmarked eight yards out in the centre of the goal. His header contained little power and Edwin van der Sar nevertheless did well to save.

Nil-nil was a fair scoreline at the break, doubtless causing brimstone United boss Alex Ferguson to give his men a talking-to ahead of the second period. They came out with purpose, but were frustrated by a resilient Wolves backline.

Patrice Evra sprinted forward from left-back to be slipped in by Gibson, but failed to get a shot away despite having two chances to do so.

Jones could only hit the away wall from 20 yards with a free-kick for Wolves after Adlene Guedioura had charged forward, only to be upended deliberately by Nemanja Vidic. The booking was one of several in quick succession, before both sets of players calmed their challenges again.

Wolves were undone by a rare sloppy clearance by hardman Craddock on 72 minutes. Nani crossed low from the right and his intended big boot only made it a few yards to Scholes, who earned some space and fired into the far corner past Marcus Hahnemann.

A lot of huffing and puffing ensued from Wolves as United relaxed and looked to see the game out. They could have scored a second, but did not - and almost paid the penalty in injury time.

Home right-back Ronald Zubar battled to get the ball into the danger zone and when it fell to sub Vokes six yards out, he had time - and a strolling Scholes on the far side playing him on.

The flag stayed down but Vokes, who had replaced Jarvis on 88 minutes, panicked and skied his shot a couple of yards over the bar.

Chelsea, who face Stoke in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, have a game in hand on both United and Arsenal.

manchesterunited 3/06/2010 09:05:00 AM

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Friday, March 5, 2010

Michael Owen Has Not Played At Manchester United Because Wayne Rooney's So Good - Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United winger Nani is well aware of the importance of Saturday's clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford and wants a win to keep the pressure on their main rivals for the Premier League title.

Indeed, the Portuguese international feels that a victory could be a big step towards the Red Devils winning a much-coveted fourth consecutive league title.

"It’s very important that we stay ahead of our rivals and don’t give them any encouragement," Nani told United Review.

"It will be a big result for us if we can win on Saturday. It will give us a great chance to win the league."

Swiftly following the game against Carlo Ancelotti's side is the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

Nani is relishing the frequency of the big games as the run-in to the season intensifies.

"It feels normal to have big game after big game at this stage of the season and I think you must enjoy the pressure," he added.

"You’re up against big teams in the Champions League and every game in the [Premier] League is important, but we all feel ready for the challenge and are determined to win everything we can."

manchesterunited 3/05/2010 01:06:00 PM

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Monday, March 1, 2010

Antonio Valencia Is As Effective For M.U As Cristiano Ronaldo Was - Wigan Athletic Boss Roberto Martinez

Despite a slow start to his Manchester United career Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez believes Antonio Valencia is as effective for the Red Devils as former World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ecuadorian left the Latics to join United last summer for £16 million as Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Real Madrid, and few saw the winger as a decent replacement for the Portuguese superstar.

But the 24-year-old has returned nine assists and seven goals in all competitions this season, and has been linking well with in-form forward Wayne Rooney.

"You will never replace like for like in terms of Cristiano Ronaldo but what Antonio brings to the United side is as effective as what Ronaldo used to do for them," Martinez said in The People.

"In Ronaldo you are talking about the most stylish player in world football. He is so pleasing on the eye and you can't replace that but Antonio is as effective as Ronaldo in a very different way," the Spaniard added.

"Look at the way [Valenca] has contributed this season. Tactically he has really developed his game in the short time he has been at United - his knowledge is now on a different level and he has stepped up his game in a big way.

"From an early age he has looked after himself on the pitch. For instance he was playing for Villarreal and Ecuador from a young age. Once he is on the pitch he is very arrogant in the right way. He is a great professional, he is a real team player."

manchesterunited 3/01/2010 12:53:00 PM

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