08 March, 2008
Ronaldo: Refs don't protect us
 Cristiano Ronaldo feels he is not given enough protection from referees and fears suffering a serious injury. The winger was denied a clear penalty against Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter final defeat at Old Trafford. That incident, coupled with persistent fouling throughout the game, highlights an oft-felt view that the Portuguese is not protected by referees. "It's very frustrating, the referee was unbelievable," he told MUTV. "He didn't want to give the penalty, he didn't want to give yellow cards - I'm very disappointed. "Refs don't protect skilful players. I think about the Arsenal player (Eduardo) and I'm scared sometimes to do skills because some players do unbelievable fouls and the ref protects the defender, not the skilled player! It's very disappointing and I'm thinking a lot about changing my game. When referees don't give penalties, yellow cards or reds, it's difficult to play." Sir Alex Ferguson was left aghast that referee Martin Atkinson did not award a penalty for Sylvain Distin's clear bodycheck on Ronaldo in the seventh minute. Ronaldo added: "He (Distin) didn't try to take the ball. It's a joke." But it wasn't just refereeing decisions that disappointed the 22-year-old. "We lost today and everyone is disappointed because we were the best team," he said. "We created ten chances while Portsmouth created just one. It's frustrating to lose like that. "We controlled the game, but we didn't score. Carrick had one cleared off the line, Patrice hit the post... we had a great chance to win the FA Cup but we need to think now about the Premier League and the Champions League. These are the priorities." |
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Sir Alex furious with ref decisions
 Sir Alex Ferguson says the system for assessing referees needs to be overhauled after United were denied a penalty against Portsmouth. Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled by Sylvain Distin in the penalty area in the seventh minute, but referee Martin Atkinson waved play on. Sir Alex told MUTV: “It’s absolutely ridiculous. I just cannot explain that decision. Managers get sacked on the basis of things like that. And he’s going to referee a game next week? It’s ridiculous.” Atkinson later sent off United's substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak when arguably he shouldn’t have, because Anderson and Wayne Rooney were covering when the Pole felled Portsmouth striker Milan Baros. Pompey's Sulley Muntari scored the resulting penalty past emergency keeper Rio Ferdinand to knock the Reds out of the cup. “We’re out and you could look at a lot of things,” Sir Alex added. “We missed a lot of chances for one, but the refereeing performance… Keith Hackett (of Match Officials Board) has got a lot to answer for. He’s not doing his job properly. “He should be assessed like everyone else. Martin Atkinson will referee next week, no problem. But his performance today should not be accepted in our game. I agree with Sepp Blatter, the standards here as opposed to the Continent is behind Europe. It’s a big problem.” |
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Report: United 0 Portsmouth 1
 United's treble dreams came to an end against Portsmouth at Old Trafford on Saturday. But how this FA Cup quarter final tie ended in anything other than a Reds victory is a mystery. Call it fate, luck (or lack of it), this simply wasn’t United’s day. Pompey snatched victory with a 78th-minute penalty, resulting in a red card for Tomasz Kuszczak and Rio Ferdinand pulling on the goalkeeper jersey. But it was so ridiculously against the run of play that it very nearly constituted daylight robbery. The Reds can feel a deep sense of frustration. And injustice, too. Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a clear penalty after seven minutes, one of many refereeing decisions that Sir Alex Ferguson has every right to feel aggrieved with. The United boss made three changes to the team that beat Lyon in midweek, calling on Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez – not at all bad replacements. The only downside was Louis Saha’s late withdrawal from the bench with an injury, Ji-sung Park taking his place. No matter which team Sir Alex selects, it bears the usual United hallmarks, and the Reds began with clear intent: this competition is more than a passing interest. After just seven minutes United should have been in front. Rooney’s glorious cross-field pass found Ronaldo, whose first-time touch took him clear of Niko Kranjcar. Darting into the box he shifted the ball away from Sylvain Distin, who clattered into him. Clear bodycheck. Clear penalty. Referee Martin Atkinson saw it differently. The sense of injustice was keenly felt around the ground. And when Papa Bouba Diop tugged the Portuguese shirt, it was a deserved booking. It was scant consolation. Portsmouth, with Nwankwo Kanu as a lone striker, clearly saw their midfield as key to stifling United and penetrating the Reds' defence. Edwin van der Sar was given his first taste of action on 15 minutes, when Kranjcar tested him with a swerving effort from 25 yards. Harry Redknapp’s men would have been 1-0 down inside 20 minutes, but for some brave defending from Glen Johnson. Tevez broke clear down the right and put Rooney one-on-one with James, but the Reds striker was not quick enough getting his shot off, and James saved. Tevez latched onto the loose ball and shot goalwards, but Johnson headed the ball off the line. Shortly after, United had a second penalty appeal turned down when John Utaka bundled into Nani inside the area, though it was far less clear-cut than Ronaldo’s earlier incident. United had plenty of attacking opportunities in the first half, most frequently on the counter. But the final pass, or decision whether or not to shoot wasn’t quite right. United’s crossing also wasn't as sharp as it needed to be against the towering figures of Distin, Sol Campbell and Hermann Hreidarsson. Kuszczak replaced van der Sar at half-time, but very little changed in the game's pattern; Portsmouth continuing to stifle, the referee making pedantic and often bizarre decisions, and United’s finishing touch still elusive. United's first chance of the second half fell to Nani, after good work from Tevez and Rooney - his powerful shot warming James' gloves. Then on 58 minutes the Reds went even closer. An almighty scramble in the box following Nani’s corner saw Vidic, Tevez and Scholes all fail to force the ball over the line, before Ronaldo fired wide on the edge of the area. The chances kept coming. Ronaldo fired wide after a delightful one-two with Rooney, then headed over from his compatriot Nani’s cross. The problem seemed to be that United couldn’t get in behind Portsmouth’s solid defence. Sir Alex responded, bringing Anderson and Michael Carrick on to replace Tevez and Hargreaves respectively. United switched to 4-3-3 with Ronaldo, Rooney and Nani in attack. Still the frustration told. Ronaldo’s backheel on the edge of the area put Carrick through. He rounded the keeper, but couldn’t get enough on his shot to beat Distin, who cleared the ball off the line. Shortly after, James denied Evra, the Pompey keeper’s fingertip save pushing the Frenchman’s volley onto the post. Then Campbell cleared brilliantly from Nani’s cross. It was unbelievable stuff. The words on everyone’s lips: It's not our day. That proved to be the case as Portsmouth struck a killer blow. With 12 minutes remaining Pompey hit on the counter, ending with Baros being brought down by Kuszczak. The Pole's red card seemed harsh considering that Anderson and Rooney had both got back to cover. Cue discussions over who should go in goal. Rooney immediately claimed responsibility, but his attacking powers are too precious to lose when chasing a game. So Rio took responsibility - with shades of John O’Shea against Tottenham last year - and although he guessed the right way, Sulley Muntari slotted his penalty home. The sheer improbability of United trailing having created chance after chance and the sense of injustice at some of the appalling refereeing decisions spurred the crowd into a frenzy. Would it be enough? Ronaldo went close with a dipping free-kick late on, but there was to be no repeat of his wonder-goal against Pompey in January. It’s no consolation, but United simply did not deserve to lose this tie. Portsmouth, who in fairness worked tirelessly, defended valiantly and took their chance when it came, go through to the semi finals. But even they must concede this was the unlikeliest of victories. The one hope is that the frustration and disappointment of this defeat does not affect United’s pursuit of success in the league and in Europe. On the flipside, however, it may even enhance them. Team Line-ups Manchester United: Van der Sar (Kuszczak 46); Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo, Hargreaves (Carrick 69), Scholes, Nani; Tevez (Anderson 68), Rooney. Subs not used: O’Shea, Park (replaced Saha). Booked: Rooney Sent off: Kuszczak Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin (Lauren 74), Hreidarsson; Utaka, Muntari, Diarra, Diop, Kranjcar (Hughes 80); Kanu (Baros 54). Subs not used: Ashdown, Mvuemba. Booked: Diop, Diarra Attendance: 75,463 |
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Q&A: Sir Alex Ferguson
 Sir Alex Ferguson's weekly press conference on Friday was dominated by talk of retirement. But what emerged from the probing questions about his future was a glimpse of a blueprint for the future and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. It was an interesting exchange, with the press gathered to extrapolate whether Sir Alex has a retirement date in mind. Instead, they found a manager intent not only on success in his final years at the club, but laying solid foundations for the future. So, according to reports, we've got you for the next three years? I’m not putting a time limit on it, it’s impossible to do. What I've said for a while is that if I feel fit and healthy and enjoying your job, then who knows? Two, three, maybe four years, it’s difficult to pigeonhole myself on that one. What are the factors in making your decision? The only thing that can change is your health and the success of the team. There are two factors related to my job, performance and health. At 66, you have to make it a consideration. We have made good decisions in the last few years for the future of the club and the team. The youth policy is strong, and I think the youth at the club will be here for a few years. There's a good balance and strong prospects for Manchester United. How hard will it be to leave if the team is really successful? Well, that’s the perfect time, because you know then that you’ve done your job. When I make the decision I'll be satisfied that the club is in good hands. You’ve almost served the club as long as Matt Busby, is that a target? No, not at all. It’s down to me and the way I feel myself. It’ll be my decision. Has anything changed in your daily schedule from, say, ten years ago? No. The only thing that has altered is that, during international breaks, I take more time off. That’s why I hope there are more internationals next season! I enjoy getting a few days’ break during those international breaks. What is there left to achieve? The thing to strive for is maintaining the standards and levels of success. You have to fill the ground, that’s important. I think that’s Manchester United, and it’s always going to have those expectations. It’s not a matter of adding anything more to what I've done, it’s maintaining the level we've been at. The past won’t matter at that point, it’s the future. |
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07 March, 2008
No retirement date for boss
 Sir Alex Ferguson is refusing to put a timescale on any potential retirement, despite reports in the press that he will quit in three years. The manager was quoted in the UK press as saying “maybe three more years, then I’ll finish”. But he was less committed to a specific date when asked about his intentions at his Friday press briefing at Carrington. “I’m not putting a time limit on it, it’s impossible,” he told reporters. "You never know what happens in life. “It’s something I have said for quite a while. If you are fit and healthy and enjoying your job, then who knows? Two, three, maybe four years, it’s difficult to pigeon-hole myself on that one.” Sir Alex, of course, did plan to retire in 2002, but went back on his decision. The boss admitted that pre-announcing his retirement had an affect on the team, and in February 2002 agreed to stay in charge for at least another three years. He is currently on a rolling one-year contract, and with a promising outlook at Old Trafford - both this season and in the short-term future - the United boss shows no sign of retiring any time soon. |
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Reds consider Foster loan option
 United are considering a number of enquiries from Championship clubs to take Ben Foster on loan until the end of the season. The 24-year-old goalkeeper returned from a serious knee injury for United’s reserves on Thursday this week, coming through the entire 90 minutes. Having suffered no adverse reaction, Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to challenge Foster with regular first-team football. And it appears there is no shortage of offers. “I was hoping he would come through the Reserve match last night because there is a consideration for us to put him out on loan with a Championship club until the end of the season,” confirmed Sir Alex. “I’ll have a chat with him early next week, but we’ve already had a few enquiries for him from the Championship and I think it would be good for him. We will consider all these options at the beginning of next week.” Foster is certainly highly-rated, both at United and for England, and news of his return has raised the prospect of the former Stoke City shot-stopper challenging for the number one spot with both club and country. “He came through the game without any problems,” added Sir Alex. “We are very pleased because he is a fantastic prospect. Everyone recognises that he is potentially the top goalkeeper England have available. I think he is above them all. “It would have been yet another selection dilemma for me if Ben had been available this season. The experience and performances of Edwin van der Sar, and even Tomasz Kuszczak. Next season I will have that dilemma about who my number one choice will be. But challenging and competition is a good thing, and I look forward to that.” |
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Veteran duo back for Cup clash
 Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are both likely starters for United's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Portsmouth on Saturday lunchtime. Despite a sublime display in the Reds' win at Fulham last weekend, Scholes found himself on the bench for the Champions League victory over Lyon. Sir Alex admitted it was a tough decision to leave out the midfielder and insisted he will be back in action for the Cup clash. Giggs is fit again after a calf injury ruled him out of United's last two matches and looks set to return to the starting eleven against Pompey. “Everyone is fit for Saturday, and I have a difficult choice to make," said Sir Alex. "That seems to be the norm at the moment. But that is something I relish and am happy to do. Without that squad we wouldn’t be in the position we are in now. "Scholesy will play against Portsmouth," he added. "His performance against Fulham was vintage. It wasn't easy to leave him out against Lyon." Meanwhile, Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre are both continuing to make good progress with their recovery from long term ankle and knee injuries respectively. "Gary and Mikael are on a good programme now," said the boss. "I am pretty positive about them. Gary has been much better and it’s a matter now of sticking to that framework of what we’re doing with them. We want to make sure he doesn’t have any niggling recurrences of the small injuries that have been holding him back." |
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Rooney bags double
 Wayne Rooney has won ManUtd.com's Player and Goal of the Month awards for February. The 22-year-old striker scored three goals and turned in outstanding performances against Arsenal, Newcastle and Lyon, and his displays saw him narrowly pip Brazilian midfielder Anderson to the award. Just two percent of over 64,000 votes separated the pair, while Portuguese winger Nani registered a third place finish after his own fine form during the course of the month. The winger's fine goal against Arsenal barely registered in February's Goal of the Month poll, however, as Rooney made it a personal double. His superb curling effort against Newcastle secured his second award of the month by some distance, finishing comfortably ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's first strike in the same game, and Michael Carrick's late consolation against Manchester City. Keep checking www.manutd.com/polls to have your say on all the latest burning issues. |
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06 March, 2008
Ronaldo targets trophies
 Cristiano Ronaldo is delighted with his goalscoring form - but admits it will count for nothing if United fail to win any silverware this season. The Portuguese winger hit his 30th goal of the season against Lyon on Tuesday but, rather than focus on personal plaudits, he is focused solely on a collective strong finish to a promising campaign. "At the moment I feel very good," he told MUTV. "I've scored a few important goals and I want to keep going like that. I want to score more goals. "But the most important thing is for the team to win games and trophies. We're playing really well and we're in three competitions. Now we need to be strong for 15 more games to finish the season." Next up for United is Saturday's FA Cup visit of Portsmouth, and Ronaldo feels home advantage gives the Reds a great chance of reaching next month's semi-finals at Wembley. "Portsmouth are a strong team and always difficult to beat," he said. "But we are playing at home, and I think we have a great chance to go through to the semi finals." |
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Rooney a Red for life
 Wayne Rooney is so committed to United that he cannot see himself ever being lured away to any of Europe's top clubs. The 22-year-old striker has confessed his love of playing for the Reds and doesn't foresee a time when he will ever decide to leave. Of course, things can rapidly change in football, but Rooney feels the lure of the Premier League and the chance to win trophies with United makes Old Trafford feel more and more like home. "I have no desire to play abroad," he says. "I love playing for Manchester United and I'm pretty sure that will never change. "Our game in England has improved so much in the past few seasons I think we have proved now that we have the best league in the world. We attract the best players and, in my eyes, it's by far the best league. It is up to other players if they decide to play abroad but, for me, English football is better than anything else." Rooney's claims can be substantiated by the fact that English clubs make up almost half of the teams remaining in the Champions League. "It'd be nice if all the English teams could stay apart," he said. "It would be better for English football if we all progress." While the United striker is keen for United's English counterparts to do well in the Champions League, he is desperate that the Reds prove to be a force in Europe this season. "Last season we had injuries and a few tired players, but this is a bigger squad and, hopefully, the rotation policy will help," he added. "If we get to the last four again, we should be a lot fresher because a lot of the players won't have played as many games as they did last season. "But if we want to win the Champions League we'll have to improve on the performance against Lyon. We got a bit edgy in the second half. We're looking for better performances than that." |
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Vidic: Derby defeat inspired us
 Nemanja Vidic says losing to Manchester City on derby day may, in retrospect, have yielded a number of positives. While the Serbian centre-back says February's defeat was hard to stomach, he admits it “came at the right time”. “Look at us now,” Vidic told Manchester United Radio. “We’re playing better than ever and we’re only point behind Arsenal in the league. I think losing to City was a wake-up call and helped us realise that if we don’t play to our best then we won’t necessarily win.” Since that loss, United have chalked up four victories and a draw in Europe away from home. The team have closed the gap at the top of the Barclays Premier League to just one point, qualified for the quarter finals of the Champions League and now face Portsmouth in the FA Cup sixth round. “We’re doing well right now and I hope we’ll keep this momentum going,” Vidic says. “I want to play in the big games and win trophies; that’s why I’m at Manchester United. Every game is crucial now and it’s important we keep our shape and don’t lose too many goals.” Keeping it tight has been a major feature of United’s play this season and Vidic’s partnership with Rio Ferdinand has widely been hailed as the best in the league. Even so, 26 year-old Vidic says there’s no room for complacency. “You can always get better and Rio and I are always looking for ways to improve. If something happens in training and we find ourselves in a situation we’re not familiar with, we’ll discuss it and try and sort it out. If you want to play well then you must be willing to work hard and improve.” |
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05 March, 2008
Sir Alex left frustrated
 Sir Alex Ferguson was disappointed that his side did not take advantage of second-half chances to kill off the tie against Lyon, despite being pleased at reaching the last eight. Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th goal in 30 games was enough to send the Reds through 2-1 on aggregate. But Sir Alex feels it should not have been such a tight and tense finish to the match. "We should have made more of the chances and the possession we had in the second half," he told ITV Sport. "We made it difficult for ourselves. But we're into the next round and that was, of course, the object of the exercise. "Defensively we did very well. I don't think Lyon really had any chances in the game. That is a plus for us." Ronaldo's fantastic goalscoring record was one of the most pleasing aspects of the victory, which sees United in the last eight draw on Friday 14 March. "It's a fantastic record," added the boss. "For a wide player to do that is incredible. He drifts into the middle at times, as he did tonight. He took the goal very well. We're very pleased, it's a great contribution." The game also saw another impressive feat - a tenth straight home win in the Champions League. "It's a marvellous record, and I think it equals a record held by Juventus," said the boss. "The supporters have a lot to do with that. They were fantastic again tonight." |
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Rio won't get carried away
 Rio Ferdinand conceded that United were short of their best against Lyon on Tuesday evening, but was delighted simply to have sealed a berth in the Champions League quarter-finals. Cristiano Ronaldo's goal gave the Reds a narrow 2-1 aggregate win over the French champions, and the England international defender admits that each tie will be tricky in the latter stages as the cream of European talent comes together. "These nights are always tough," Rio told MUTV. "You've got to defend well as a team and then take your chances when they come. We did that, maybe could have finished the game earlier, but we'll take what we're given. "It's tough every year, there are always good teams. This is the Champions League and we expect tough games, whatever part of the competition we're in. As long as we're in the next round we're happy, and that's what we are." The Reds now move onto FA Cup duty against Portsmouth in Saturday's next match, but Ferdinand is ignoring the inevitable talk of repeating 1999's Treble. "We'll take each game as it comes. Today it's the Champions League, Saturday it's the FA Cup and the following game is in the league so it's just each game as it comes. "Last year we got caught a little bit with injuries and stuff, but we've got a lot of numbers at the moment with great quality, and long may that continue." |
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Report: United 1 Lyon 0
 United may not have been at their flamboyant best, nor even their most devastatingly ruthless, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal three minutes from half time was enough to see the Reds through to the Champions League quarter finals. Ronaldo's 30th of the season gave the Reds a tenth straight Champions League win at Old Trafford. Lyon, solid and tactically tight but, to their detriment, unadventurous, set the tone for this game. But United broke the mould – if only once – in a game of few chances. It’s always difficult to second-guess Sir Alex’s team selection, especially with the multitude of options available to him. But the Reds boss still managed to spring a surprise by picking a side that did not contain three of his most experienced outfield players. Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves both took up places on the bench, while a calf injury ruled Ryan Giggs out. At the start of the season, it might have been difficult to picture a midfield trio of Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson playing in such a critical last 16 second leg tie. But, that in itself is a signal of how strong United’s squad is. Crucially, no player in Sir Alex’s front six had played the full 90 minutes against Fulham on Saturday. It’s a freshness that the United boss has sought in recent weeks. The Reds started brightly enough in the opening minutes. With Sir Alex opting again for a 4-5-1 formation, Ronaldo and Nani pressed forward, Rooney worked tirelessly, while Anderson pushed ahead of Fletcher and Carrick. Karim Benzema again looked dangerous when given space, and Juninho had a few early free-kicks to test United’s rearguard. But the Reds, marshalled by Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, looked solid. More and more the game was played out tactically; Lyon content not to concede, looking for a breakaway; United probing for a way through but not going full pelt with a valuable away goal in their armoury. It was less the clichéd chess match, more who blinked first. Fortunately for United, it was Lyon. The French side failed to clear Anderson’s shot on 42 minutes, and Ronaldo’s delicate touches eight yards out drew him clear of Francois Clerc, and his shot sneaked inside Gregory Coupet’s near post. Lyon’s game-plan changed very little in the second half, keeping it tight and hoping to snatch a goal on the counter. United chose a similar tactic, hoping to draw Lyon out. After 65 minutes Nani had a shot that arrowed narrowly over, but other than that United were quiet in front of goal until the final 15 minutes. The introduction of Carlos Tevez, United's scorer in the first leg, in place of Anderson may have seemed a bold attacking move. But he was instructed to drop deep and keep possession, providing an outlet on the break. United, though in control, were not home and dry. Substitute Kader Keita found space in the Reds’ penalty area and struck the post on 74 minutes. But it was a rare breakthrough. The Reds weren’t without chances to put the game out of reach. Rooney latched onto Hatem Ben Arfa’s mystifying back-pass, but he couldn’t beat Coupet. Then Nani burst down the right channel and elected to cross the ball when he should have shot. With ten minutes remaining, Lyon boss Alain Perrin brought on Fred and went to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation, but in the end their own negativity had worked against them and time ran out. For United this may not have been a resounding victory, but against well-organised and tactically stubborn opponents, it was a professional job well done. Team Line-ups Manchester United: Van der Sar; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo (Hargreaves 90), Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Tevez 70), Nani; Rooney. Subs not used: Kuszczak, Saha, Park, Scholes, O'Shea. Booked: Evra, Nani Olympique Lyonnais: Coupet; Clerc, Squillaci, Cris, Grosso; Govou (Keita 68), Juninho Toulalan, Kallstrom (Fred 79), Ben Arfa; Benzema. Subs not used: Vercoutre, Bodmer, Delgado, Mounier, Boumsong. Booked: Grosso, Squillaci |
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03 March, 2008
Edwin relishing rush of games
 United are in for a hectic few months in the quest for silverware on three fronts, but Edwin van der Sar says everyone relishes the rigours of the run-in. Hot on the heels of the league victory at Fulham on Saturday, the Reds entertain Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday, before hosting Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter final at the weekend. And van der Sar is confident the squad will thrive on the challenges that lie ahead. "Every game is big now, but that's how you like it as a player. You want to be competing for trophies," he told MUTV. "If you have three games every week, it shows you're doing something right." The 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage took the Reds to within a point of league leaders Arsenal, who could only manage a draw at home to Aston Villa, courtesy of a last-gasp injury-time equaliser. "Things keep changing," says van der Sar. "We were five points behind a couple of weeks ago and thought it would be difficult because you're relying on them dropping points. Thankfully for us they've drawn their last two games and we're right back in there." The Dutchman's solid display against his former team ensured the Reds' 16th clean sheet in the league, equalling their total tally for last season. "As a goalkeeper you take pride from clean sheets," he admits. "But the whole team deserve credit when we don't concede. I make the saves, but the defenders, midfielders and strikers all work hard. They all play their part too." |
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Owen: Squad is finely balanced
 Owen Hargreaves feels the victories over Newcastle and Fulham have demonstrated United's quality in-depth, which he believes could be a decisive factor in the title race. For the trip to Craven Cottage, Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the side that thrashed Kevin Keegan's men, but there was no disruption to the team's flow as the Reds cantered to a 3-0 win. "It was a good performance from everyone in the team after a great display at Newcastle last weekend," Hargreaves told MUTV. "A different team played that game so I think the balance of the squad is very good at the moment. "We are all part of the jigsaw puzzle. Nobody is going to play in all the games at United. You trust the boss with all the experience he has. So far this season, as far as I'm concerned, he has picked the right team pretty much every time. "I think all our players have something different to bring to the table. So, depending on how we want to play, we can perform in different formations. "You only need to look at the win at Fulham - to have Rooney, Ronaldo and Anderson all coming on late from the bench is quite remarkable. And I think the depth and balance in our squad could make the difference in the end." Hargreaves himself opened the scoring in the win over the Cottagers with a superbly executed free kick which marked his first goal for the club. "Sometimes you feel good about a free-kick and other times you don't," he admits. "I decided to take it because I thought I'd have a chance to score and thankfully it went in." |
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Crerand's quandary
 Spare a thought for Sir Alex, his job must be awful at the moment. United’s squad is so good, in so many areas, that I’d find it impossible to leave players out. I’m glad it’s his job and not mine! Going into Tuesday's crucial clash against Lyon, Sir Alex once again has some tough decisions to make regarding his team selection. Getting players to understand it is key. And the fact that they never complain shows the confidence and respect they have for the manager. No player complains in the press, and the fans aren’t disgruntled. Look at Liverpool, everyone goes on about their squad rotation. But I don’t think Rafael Benitez has got a strong enough squad to rotate. United have, and ultimately that’s why it works. No player should look at it as being dropped. It’s for the benefit of the team in the long run. There are a number of advantages to it. Firstly, of course, everyone stays fresh and sharp. Secondly, it can puzzle your opponents. They don’t know who they are going to be facing, and in what formation. Different players bring different qualities to the team. As a television pundit everyone thinks I must know the team. But until I actually see the team-sheet, there’s not a chance I can tell what the team is. That has to have an affect on opposition managers and players, too. There are so many games to be played and so many competitions to try and win, that you need to have a squad of players. United have got that at the moment. Look at Michael Carrick, his form has been outstanding. But he’s still not a regular. When someone is in that form, you’d think they would be in the team every week. It shows you the quality of players United have. It sets a very high standard for everybody. If you’re playing you only need take one look at the bench and think to yourself, ‘My God, I’ve got to play well to stay in this team’. Sir Alex rested Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo at the weekend, so you would hope to see the benefits of squad rotation against Lyon. We couldn’t have done better than getting the away goal, considering we went 1-0 down. It's far from done and dusted, but the tie is set up well for United and it’s a competition everyone at the club wants to do well. We could be in for another great European night at Old Trafford. As for the team selection, though, your guess is as good as mine. |
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Juninho: Don't rule us out
 Brazilian playmaker Juninho has warned United: "do not rule us out" of the Champions League last 16 tie, despite the Reds snatching a crucial late goal in the first leg. The French champions are in Manchester on Tuesday with the tie tipped slightly in United's favour after Carlos Tevez's goal earned a 1-1 draw in Lyon two weeks ago. Lyon appeared headed for victory after Karim Benzema's excellent opening strike just before the hour mark. But Juninho says the Reds would be ill-advised to think the second leg is cut and dry. "We were disappointed not to win after taking the lead," he tells United Review. "But we knew that, along with Inter Milan, Manchester United were the best team in Europe and have many players who can do you damage. "Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez – what an attacking line-up! Against a team like United, you have to play perfectly. We nearly did it – but not quite. But the Lyon squad is still calm. The pressure is on United to progress to the quarter finals." Lyon have been used to battling against the odds in this season's Champions League. After a terrible start to their group campaign, they pulled out all the stops to progress to the knockout stages, a lesson Juninho says could serve them well at Old Trafford. "We are still in this tie," he says defiantly. "Do not rule us out yet. You need technique and strong characters to win silverware and we have those. We have proved a number of times our capacity to achieve in big matches at stadiums in Glasgow, Stuttgart and Paris." |
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02 March, 2008
Boss hails Reds' professionalism
 Sir Alex Ferguson praised his squad's professionalism after the Reds convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Owen Hargreaves opened the scoring - and his United account - on 16 minutes with a beautiful curling free kick. Ji-sung Park bagged his first goal for nearly a year right on half-time, before a Simon Davies own goal wrapped up the points for United. "I didn't think we were special, but it was a windy day and in these conditions you need to have good concentration and I think we did the job well and very professionally," Sir Alex told MUTV afterwards. "I don't think Fulham posed a great threat to us inside in the area, but elsewhere on the pitch they played some good stuff and pressed us well. So that was a test for us. "Ji-sung's goal killed them really. It was a good goal and I'm pleased for Ji because it's his first in nearly a year. It was also good to see Owen [Hargreaves] get off the mark. I've seen him take free kicks in training and he's very good as he proved today." The United boss made five changes to the team that so emphatically brushed aside Newcastle last weekend. And the players that came in did their manager proud. "You have to have faith in your squad and trust the players, and the team I picked today showed a great desire and worked very hard," explained Sir Alex. "The pleasing thing for me was I was able to use my squad with Tuesday's game with Lyon in mind. It was vital for us to rest Rooney and Ronaldo for that match." United's win, coupled with Arsenal's draw at home to Aston Villa, means the Gunners' lead at the top of the table is down to one point. Chelsea's 4-0 victory at West Ham has ensured Avram Grant's men are still in with a shout and Sir Alex believes there will be a few more twists and turns before the season's finale. "The title race has been like a see-saw of late," he said. "We were ahead, then Arsenal went five points clear, now the gap is back to one point. "And, of course, we're both looking over our shoulders at Chelsea, who enjoyed an emphatic win at West Ham. So it looks as if it's going to be a fantastic run-in. "The important for us is to keep our momentum going. The players are showing a great appetite to play and the team spirit is very good. Results like those in the last two games against Newcastle and Fulham will only help that." |
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Report: Fulham 0 United 3
 United earned a valuable three points at Craven Cottage with a comfortable 3-0 win over Fulham, while Arsenal could only manage a draw across town at the Emirates Stadium. A Simon Davies own goal rounded off the scoring after first-half goals from Owen Hargreaves and Ji-sung Park had put United in the driving seat. Last season, Craven Cottage was the scene for late drama as Cristiano Ronaldo capped a stunning 88th-minute dribble with a shot to match. It gave the Reds a come-from-behind 2-1 victory and, among fans at least, belief that Sir Alex’s side had the necessary character to go on and win the league. Today, victory was less dramatic and yet just as significant. With Arsenal stumbling at the Emirates, this weekend could well prove the difference come the end of the season. Perhaps with one eye on Tuesday’s crucial Champions League match, Sir Alex opted to leave out Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Nemanja Vidic, although he did field former Fulham favourites Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha. Saha had a golden chance to put the Reds in front as early as the fifth minute, but sliced wide from 18 yards after Paul Scholes had found the Frenchman from inside United’s half. Carlos Tevez then went close from distance on seven minutes, forcing Fulham stopper Antti Niemi into a smart save down by his left-hand post. Van der Sar, meanwhile, was called into action a minute later, flinging himself to his right to keep out Danny Murphy’s rasping, dipping volley. The chance buoyed the home support but it was United who carved out the next chance, Paul Scholes’ shot requiring a brave block from Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland to keep scores at 0-0. Hangeland was involved a minute later, however, in the build-up to United’s opener, bringing down Carlos Tevez on the edge of the box. With regular free-kick taker Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, up stepped Owen Hargreaves to curl home the set-piece in front of the Reds’ travelling fans. It was the summer signing’s first goal for United and gave the Reds a valuable lead against a Fulham side who, until that point, were growing increasingly confident. Hargreaves’ strike, however, subdued the home team and Nani almost made it 2-0 in the 23rd minute when his long-range strike whistled past Niemi’s post. The Reds did hit the target shortly afterwards, Paul Scholes’ header looking destined for the corner before Finnish stopper Niemi turned the ball around the post at full stretch. United, by this stage, were coasting. Certainly, Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown had few worries at the heart of the Reds’ defence, while Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves were controlling the centre of the park. Nani looked lively on the left wing, his quick feet causing Paul Stalteri all sorts of trouble whenever the Portuguese international reached the goal-line. Despite United’s dominance, it was Fulham who had the best chance to score the game’s second. A Wes Brown foul near the right touchline gave Jimmy Bullard a chance to swing over a free-kick, which found Danny Murphy unmarked at the back post. Luckily for the Reds, the former Liverpool midfielder powered his header straight at Edwin van der Sar, who saved comfortably on the line. It was a sharp wake-up call for Sir Alex’s men and the Reds responded by carving out another chance at the other end. This time it was Patrice Evra providing the cross and although Scholes found himself unmarked in the middle, the Englishman’s first touch – usually so close and assured – let him down and the ball trickled into Niemi’s arms. It was Scholes who laid on the Reds’ second, just two minutes before half-time. Carlos Tevez held the ball up well on the edge of the box before switching play to Nani on the other flank. Scholes, sensing an opportunity to get to the by-line, provided the overlap and Nani duly fed the Reds veteran, who crossed first-time for Ji-sung Park to head into the net via the underside of the bar. Like Hargreaves', Park’s goal was his first of the season and came just before the interval to give United a deserved half-time lead. Neither manager made changes at the break and although Fulham did put the ball in the net shortly after the restart, Brian McBride was correctly ruled offside in the build-up. Craven Cottage soon found its voice but sit was United who looked most threatening. Nani, jeered by the home crowd for what they believed was a dive early in the second half, cut inside before testing Niemi from the edge of the box after Louis Saha’s effort was blocked. Moritz Volz saw a shot flash wide after taking a deflection off Patrice Evra but it was a sole Fulham spark in an otherwise quiet period for the home side before the hour-mark. Down the other end, Paul Scholes almost unlocked the Fulham defence again with a sweet clipped ball with the outside of the foot, but Niemi reached the pass ahead of Saha to snuff out of the danger. American Eddie Johnson then pulled a shot wide before Danny Murphy made way for Alexey Smertin on 65 minutes as Fulham sought to find a way back into the match. Roy Hodgson won’t have been pleased, then, to see Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo introduced four minutes later. Ronaldo almost had an instant impact, twisting and teasing Hangeland on the right wing before crossing for Park, whose knock down found Rooney on the edge of the box. The England striker swivelled but struggled to dig the ball out from beneath his feet. United did find the net on 72 minutes when John O’Shea’s low cross was diverted into his own net by the hapless Simon Davies. It was cruel on Fulham but, in truth, no less than the Reds deserved on a bitingly cold London afternoon. From then on, it was a case of safety first, although Ronaldo almost added a fourth in injury time to rub salt into the wound. Of course, three was enough and it was three cheers for United at the final whistle as Sir Alex’s men clawed back vital points in the race for the title. United: Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra; Park, Scholes, Hargreaves, Nani (Anderson 75); Tevez (Ronaldo 69), Saha (Rooney 69) Subs not used: Kuszczak, Pique Fulham: Niemi; Stalteri, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Murphy (Smertin 65), Volz (Kamara 90), Johnson (Nevland 90), Bullard, Davies, McBride Subs not used: Keller, Bocanegra Attendance: 25,314 |
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