Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

UNITED CLOSING ON LINDEGAARD DEAL

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United expect to sign Danish goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard within "the next two or three weeks".

Representatives from Lindegaard's Norwegian club side Aalesund FK were in Manchester last week, speaking optimistically about a deal being done for the 26-year-old, who has four caps for his country.

Former United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel claimed Lindegaard is not good enough for the Red Devils, leading to speculation that Ferguson might have cold feet over the deal.

However, the United boss insists that is not the case.

Having earmarked Lindegaard as someone who could bolster his goalkeeping ranks given Edwin van der Sar has now passed his 40th birthday and Tomasz Kuszczak's future appears uncertain, Ferguson felt the Aalesund officials had jumped the gun slightly in their assessment of when the contract would be signed.

"It is not completed at the moment but there has not been a hiccup either," Ferguson said.

"It will probably happen in the next two or three weeks, but the announcement was a bit premature."

[machoman]

Rooney apologises to Manchester United fans

Friday, November 26, 2010, 09:33:49 HRS

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney reacts during the UEFA champions league group C football match against Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox in Glasgow, Scotland, on November 24, 2010. Rooney has tried to make his peace with Manchester United's fans by saying sorry for the way his contract talks were concluded last month.

Wayne Rooney has tried to make his peace with Manchester United's fans by saying sorry for the way his contract talks were concluded last month.

The England striker appeared to question United's desire and left open the possibility he might move to local rivals Manchester City.

It left a sour taste with many United fans who, when Rooney did extend his Old Trafford contract by five years, felt he toyed with their emotions in the hope of getting a better financial deal.

Rooney, before scoring his match-winning penalty in United's 1-0 Champions League victory over Rangers at Ibrox here on Wednesday, said: "I feel like I have apologised to the fans but everyone keeps saying that I haven't.

"If that is the case, then I apologise for my side of things.

"I have made my point clear since I signed my contract that I am committed to this club for the long term. I want to be successful here.

"Everyone is saying that I was definitely going to Manchester City. Believe me if I had gone it wouldn't have been in England."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson blamed Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, for giving the forward bad advice but the 25-year-old himself was adamant he never wanted to leave Old Trafford.

"You see so many players leave this club and not do so well so I am delighted to have stayed."

- AFP

[machoman]

Brilliant Berbatov hits five to destroy Rovers

Sunday, November 28, 2010, 01:50:01 HRS

Manchester United's striker Dimitar Berbatov celebrates after scoring during their English Premier League football match against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United moved top of the Premier League as an incredible five goals from Berbatov helped Sir Alex Ferguson's side humiliate Blackburn Rovers 7-1.

Manchester United moved top of the Premier League as an incredible five goals from Dimitar Berbatov helped Sir Alex Ferguson's side humiliate Blackburn Rovers 7-1 on Saturday.

Wayne Rooney made his first Old Trafford start since he almost left Manchester United last month, but it was Berbatov who stole the show on a memorable afternoon for the Bulgarian striker.

He became just the fourth player since the inception of the Premier League to score five goals in one game following in the footsteps of Andy Cole, Alan Shearer and Jermain Defoe as United played beautifully from start to finish.

In a sign of what was to come, Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson failed to clear properly, as did Michel Salgado when he attempted a rescue act and their ineptitude allowed Nani to get the ball to Rooney who played in Berbatov and he swept past Robinson after 72 seconds.

It was his first goal since netting a hat-trick against Liverpool on September 19 and set United up to totally dominate the encounter.

Nani had a fine start to the game as he ran repeatedly at the Rovers' defence and Chris Samba almost turned the ball past his own goalkeeper after 15 minutes.

Blackburn were missing the influential Morten Gamst Pedersen who pulled his hamstring against Aston Villa last weekend and without him Blackburn just could not get on the ball.

United's midfield totally dominated proceedings and it was with little surprise when Park Ji-Sung superbly doubled United's lead midway through the first half.

The South Korean brilliantly carved Blackburn open with an intelligent run to the edge of Blackburn's box and after clever interplay with Rooney he slotted past Robinson to double the advantage.

Just four minutes later, and still before the half-hour mark, Berbatov secured his second goal when Pascal Chimbonda totally misjudged a back-pass and allowed him to calmly beat Robinson to underline that this match was already effectively over.

United felt they were denied a penalty as the half-time whistle approached as Salgado tackled both the ball and Berbatov in the box but United's pleas fell on deaf ears.

That was soon forgotten after the interval though when United scored twice within three minutes of the second half commencing and both goals were of the highest quality.

Manchester United's midfielder Nani (C) tries to outrun Blackburn Rovers' defenders Pascal Chimbonda (L) and Phil Jones (R) during their English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won 7-1.

Firstly Berbatov started a passing move in his own half which eventually saw him receive the ball back from Nani close to the penalty spot and he thrashed past Robinson before Nani did exactly the same just 90 seconds later.

United were not finished there either as Berbatov then got lucky when a Park shot was blocked in the six-yard box which allowed him to poke home his fourth and United's sixth.

Despite having their ludicrously comfortable lead, United refused to rest on their laurels and continued attacking the now hapless and helpless visitors at will.

Blackburn had nothing left to give as United queued up to score and it was Berbatov who again managed to do so, slotting in from a tight angle after Ryan Nelsen had blocked his original effort.

Blackburn did manage to salvage some pride as Samba headed home a Josh Morris cross to beat Edwin van der Sar with seven minutes remaining but by then Rovers' humiliation was well and truly complete.

- AFP

[asiancigar]

It should have been 6........

Nothing short of what dreams are made of....... going to Top of Table and level with Chelsea on goal diff and with Berba as Top Scorer.... wowWWWWWWWWW

Wonder if Newcastle are up to the task of taking some Blue scalp on Sunday.........

Berba's Fabulous 5 was the end result of the Fantastic Five who played precision flowing attacking football.....

Nani - he was playing his A game and made child's play of the defense
Rooney - his presence and hardwork combined with his understanding of Berba made minced meat of the defense
Park - this season he has been more hungry for goals and not shy of direct attacking play
Carrick - miraculous turn around from being a whimp to a dragon slayer
Anderson - never broke a sweat with his penetration when attacking and long balls that created movement from the wings

If we can keep this up......... then 3 or more Silverware may look more achieveable than just wishful thinking.......

Go United GO GO GO.....

Cheerz
AC

[Rickey]

OMG !! now they lost the Carling Cup which they had quite easily won consecutively for the last 2 years...but today thrashed by a bottom-of-the-table team 4-0 inflicted by an old boy and a out-of-form striker.. even though they sent a 2nd stringers team but cant lose so badly wat...1-0 wld be a more respectable loss..

If they keep on playing like suicide like dat...very likely they wil end up with nothing tis season...dun deserve any silverware....So Wake-up !! Alex Ferguson while there is still a little time left...

[asiancigar]

Looking at the game against West Ham........ IMHO, i think SAF threw the game away.... perhaps because it is a minor silverware and also maybe he pity Avram Grant.

I think SAF was hopeful that his young kids could do the job but alas, they could not deliver.

Now we can concentrate on the 3 main silverware EPL, CL & FA Cups.....

Cheerz
AC

[richie_rich]

UNITED WANT SHAWCROSS BACK

At the weekend all the talk was of Liverpool also making a bid for Ryan Shawcross, but The Daily Mail reports this morning that it's the chaps just up the road who have the advantage.

The paper reports that United's chief scout went for a little look-see at Shawcross this weekend, with Fergie 'considering bolstering his defensive options after seeing his second-string backline torn apart by West Ham in the Carling Cup last week.'

Shawcross, a former United player, has a clause in his contract allowing United first dibs on him should Stoke ever sell, although the Mail reports that Shawcross might hesitate about moving back to Old Trafford, having done his best work so far in the Potteries.

[richie_rich]

FERGUSON: GIGGS CAN CARRY ON

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Ryan Giggs can carry on for another season.

The veteran winger, 37, who has made just 10 appearances this term due to a hamstring injury, hinted on Saturday that this season could be his last at Old Trafford.

But Ferguson believes, such is Giggs' fitness, that there is another year left in the Welsh wizard.

However, he believes the situation is different for fellow veteran Gary Neville, who is again struggling with injury.

Ferguson told The People: "Ryan is unbelievable - he's 37 years of age but his fitness has not changed.

"I think there is another year in him. It is difficult to say at that age because they can hit the buffers just like that.

"Ryan will want to carry on because he knows he is fit enough.

"It is different with Gary. We will have to assess him. He has an injury again and it is difficult when you get injuries all the time in your 30s."

[richie_rich]

Team news for Chelsea vs Man United.

Frank Lampard will start Chelsea's crunch Barclays Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday.

The England midfielder came through the final 12 minutes of last weekend's 1-1 draw at Tottenham and a 60-minute practice match on Thursday unscathed following three and a half months out injured.

Jose Bosingwa, Alex, Yury Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun remain sidelined.

Paul Scholes remains on the sidelines as Manchester United look to consolidate their place at the summit.

Scholes has missed four games since suffering a groin injury during the Champions League win over Rangers and Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect to have the veteran midfielder back until the new year.

John O'Shea (calf) is also a doubt as United attempt to secure their first win at Stamford Bridge since 2002.


Teams:

Chelsea (from): Cech, Turnbull, Hilario, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Cole, Terry, Essien, Lampard, Mikel, Ramires, McEachran, Malouda, Kalou, Drogba, Anelka, Bruma, Sturridge, Kakuta, Van Aanholt.


Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Amos, Rafael, O'Shea, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Smalling, Brown, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Nani, Park, Carrick, Anderson, Obertan, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Macheda, Bebe.

[imom]

LOL that's two matches cancelled....

[yinyang]

Originally Posted by imom

LOL that's two matches cancelled....

What a backlog, with xmas/new year crunch in the corner

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...em/9285955.stm

Chelsea P-P Manchester United
Sunday's game between Premier League champions Chelsea and current league leaders Manchester United has been postponed due to safety reasons.

Heavy snow in London on Saturday has prompted the decision, which was taken following consultation with the Police and the local authority.

Saturday's games at Wigan, Birmingham, Arsenal and Liverpool have also fallen foul of the poor weather conditions.

Football League fixtures have also been heavily affected.

[machoman]

Berbatov double keeps United on top of Premier League
Monday, December 27, 2010, 01:19:34 HRS

Manchester United's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov (C) celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-0.

Dimitar Berbatov scored twice as Manchester United retained first place in the Premier League with a routine 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Berbatov's double took his tally for the season to 13 goals and United could not have wished for a better start than their fifth minute opener.

It should have been the springboard for them to have wrapped up the game emphatically in the opening quarter; indeed, a repeat of last month's 7-1 thrashing of Blackburn looked a distinct possibility.

Yet, somehow, United reached the interval with only Berbatov's superbly-worked opening goal to show for their embarrassing superiority over a Sunderland team without seven potential first team starters.

The goal came from a penetrating Ryan Giggs run through the middle of the park and a short pass to Wayne Rooney who, in turn, picked out Berbatov, lurking at the far post, with a magnificently-judged chip.

The Bulgarian forward stooped to head convincingly past Craig Gordon, his 12th league goal in 13 starts for United this season.

United's attacking switch has been well and truly turned on by that early opener and Sunderland threatened to capitulate in the waves of possession that the home side enjoyed immediately afterwards.

Giggs again found Rooney and the England forward lobbed a shot just wide from the edge of the area before Anderson's perceptive pass found Berbatov in the 11th minute and the forward surged into the area, defenders backing off, and thundered a shot against the post.

More woeful defending presented Anderson with the space to line up a shot which also hit woodwork, this time the crossbar, five minutes later and Park Ji-Sung's pass soon sent Rooney away only for the forward to fail to truly test Gordon who smothered his shot easily.

Berbatov, also, might have done better in the 19th minute when Giggs carved open a shooting opportunity for him only for the goalscorer to this time find the side-netting.

United's dominant spell ended with the outstretched legs of Gordon keeping out a Giggs effort.

Sunderland finally started to compete in midfield and take some of the sting out of the United attack.

Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder Anderson (L) vies with Sunderland's Dutch midfielder Boudewijn Zenden (R) during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford in Manchester. United won 2-0.

It was not until the 40th minute that the hosts again created a chance, with Anderson's speculative shot bouncing wide from outside the area. The half ended with Rooney's low snap-shot being well held by Gordon.

Finally, in the opening minute of the second half, Sunderland had a shot on goal as a favourable deflection from a Steed Malbranque shot fell for Asamoah Gyan who flashed a shot well wide from a tight angle.

Anderson continued to exert his influence on the game, however, exchanging passes with Rooney and seeing his own shot charged down by some desperate Sunderland defending, before the Brazilian set up a second for United and Berbatov.

Anderson's pass was breathtaking as he looked one way, and slipped the ball the other, for Berbatov to advance a couple of strides into the Sunderland area where his shot took a cruel deflection off Anton Ferdinand and past Gordon into the visitors' goal.

Substitute Darron Gibson and Berbatov, with a 70th minute half-volley which Gordon did well to parry, further threatened the Sunderland goal and it was a sign of United's superiority that Edwin van der Sar was not required to make a save until the 80th minute when he easily kept out Boudewijn Zenden's long-range strike.

- AFP

[machoman]

Rooney stars as United start New Year with victory

Sunday, January 02, 2011, 01:51:37 HRS

West Bromwich Albion's midfielder Graham Dorrans (2nd L) clashes with Manchester United's striker Wayne Rooney (L) during the English Premier League football match at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich. Rooney began 2011 in style here on Saturday, scoring one goal and making another as Premier League leaders Manchester United secured a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.

Wayne Rooney began 2011 in style here on Saturday, scoring one goal and making another as Premier League leaders Manchester United secured a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.

Rooney's third-minute header -- his first goal in open play since March -- gave United an early lead but Albion were soon level courtesy of James Morrison's stunning half-volley.

The home side were unfortunate not to end the half ahead after being denied a clear penalty for a foul by Gary Neville on Graham Dorrans.

However, they were awarded one in the second half when Rio Ferdinand caught Jerome Thomas, only for Peter Odemwingie to fire it wide and, as is so often the case with United, they paid a hefty price when substitute Javier Hernandez headed home a Rooney corner 15 minutes from time.

For United, it was only their second away win of the campaign but the victory was enough to temporarily move them three points clear at the top of the table before rivals Manchester City went into action against Blackpool.

But Albion's fourth straight defeat left them three points above the relegation zone.

Both managers made four changes to their line-ups from mid-week action, with ex-Albion goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, in for Edwin van der Sar, and Neville, making his first start for two months, the most notable United inclusions.

Nani, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were among the absentees for the leaders, but United still took an early lead.

Just two minutes and 15 seconds had passed when Gabriel Obertan laid the ball off to Patrice Evra and his first-time cross was met by Rooney, whose downward header was directed beyond Baggies goalkeeper Scott Carson and into the far corner.

It was a first club goal from open play since March for the United striker, and only his second in the Premier League this season.

However, United's elation soon turned to frustration when the Baggies conjured a goal of the highest quality just 11 minutes later, when Nemanja Vidic could only half-clear Chris Brunt's high ball into the path of Morrison.

The midfielder then demonstrated textbook technique to fire an unstoppable half-volley into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.

It was Roberto di Matteo's team who continued to look the more likely to score and they were incensed after being denied a penalty in the 26th minute.

Manchester United's striker Javier Hernandez (L) collides with West Bromwich Albion's midfielder Paul Scharner (R) during their English Premier League football match at The Hawthorns in West Bromwich. Manchester United won 2-1.

Morrison's pass sent Dorrans clean through on goal only for the midfielder to be poleaxed from behind by Neville, who failed to take any of the ball and should have been red carded.

Two more presentable opportunities went to waste in added time when Odemwingie sent Dorrans through, only for the Scot to fire into the side netting, and then a Brunt free-kick deflected narrowly past the post with Kuszczak wrong-footed.

The Baggies were handed a golden chance to go ahead when referee Chris Foy adjudged Ferdinand to have caught Thomas inside the box but Odemwingie feebly dragged his 63rd-minute spot kick wide.

It was just the fillip United required and, in trademark style, they snatched a winner when Rooney's corner was headed in from close range by unmarked substitute Hernandez.

There was a late scare for United when Rooney took a knock to his ankle following a vicious challenge by Brunt but the striker was fit enough to finish the match.

- AFP

[richie_rich]

Some Transfer Gossip

OLD TRAFFORD OLD GUARD OUT?
'Sir Alex Ferguson expects Brazilian duo Anderson and Rafael da Silva to become central figures in Manchester United's future as he prepares to undertake his biggest squad overhaul at Old Trafford for over a decade,' says the Daily Telegraph, who roll out six names who will have played their final games for United by the time June rolls around.

Those players are - deep breath - Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Tomasz Kuszczak, Michael Owen and Wes Brown.

Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will be offered one-year deals while Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck will return from loan deals to become part of United's first-team squad.

There's also talk of moves for Jordan Henderson and Jack Rodwell as Ferguson puts the emphasis firmly on youth.

[machoman]

United knock Liverpool out of FA Cup
Monday, January 10, 2011, 01:38:17 HRS

Liverpool's new manager Kenny Dalglish applauds the Liverpool fans after the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kenny Dalglish's first match back as Liverpool manager ended in a 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat by Manchester United on Sunday and, to make matters worse, captain Steven Gerrard was sent-off.

Any hopes Liverpool great Dalglish, the last manager to bring the league title to Anfield in 1990, would immediately revive the squad after the six-month reign of Roy Hodgson was ended on Saturday, lasted barely 35 seconds at Old Trafford.

That was how long it took United to earn a penalty scored by Ryan Giggs after striker Dimitar Berbatov was clipped in the box by Daniel Agger.

Worse followed for Dalglish when Liverpool captain Gerrard was sent-off by World Cup final referee Howard Webb for jumping into a challenge on fellow England midfielder Michael Carrick in the 32nd minute.

"I think the two decisions (the penalty and the sending-off) are important factors in the game," Dalglish told ITV Sport.

"But if you go into detail about them it would take away from the great commitment of our players.

"It's difficult to come here (Old Trafford) and play at Manchester United, they are top of the league and a fantastic side.

"When you go down to 10 men, lose a goal in the first minute, I think we showed fantastic courage, fantastic commitment and I think they did that in conjunction with the fantastic support they had here.

"They (the Liverpool supporters) stayed with them the whole game, it was always going to be difficult."

Turning to Webb's decision to award a penalty, Dalglish said: "I don't think it's a penalty kick."

Berbatov insisted that it had been a penalty.

"Of course it was a penalty. There was enough contact for me to lose my balance and people know I do not go to ground easily."

Victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's Premier League leaders meant United avoided a repeat of last season's embarrassment when they were knocked out in the third round by then League One side Leeds.

FA Cup holders Chelsea, bidding to win the trophy for a third straight season, thrashed Ipswich Town 7-0 just days after the Championship club sacked Roy Keane as their manager.

Chelsea may be struggling to defend their Premier League title but the result of this match was never in doubt after Salomon Kalou and Daniel Sturridge both scored in the 33rd minute at Stamford Bridge to ease the pressure on beleaguered boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Carlos Edwards's own-goal made it 3-0 before half-time and Nicolas Anelka added a fourth goal early in the second half.

England midfielder Frank Lampard piled on the misery for Ipswich with two goals in as many minutes late on.

Premier League highflyers Tottenham Hotspur beat third division Charlton 3-0.

England striker Jermain Defoe, who started his career at Charlton, scored two goals in three minutes after Andros Townsend's 20-yard drive broke the deadlock shortly after half-time.

Sunday's other third round tie sees Manchester City away to a Leicester side managed by their former boss and ex-England supremo Sven-Goran Eriksson.

- AFP