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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