Video about goals !

Manchester United goals of the season:


More to come...

Michael Owen joins the Red Devils !

"Nothing ventured, something gained" Manchester United signs Michael Owen for free with a two year contract... Unexpected signing isn't it? To see an ex-Liverpool player wearing a United jersey is almost impossible isn't it? Lets just hope Michael Owen bags some goal in for United and stay injury-free but if I am the manager, I would choose Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney ahead of Michael Owen. I also hope that Michael Owen can help us to develop some potential stars like Macheda and Welbeck.


Video about Michael Owen :

Interview (Michael Owen):


All you want to know about Michael Owen:
DOB: 14 December 1979
Former clubs: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United
Club record: 322 apps, 157 goals
International record: England, 89 caps, 40 goals

Honours
UEFA Cup, 2001
UEFA Super Cup, 2001
FA Cup, 2001
League Cup, 2001, 2003
European Footballer of the Year, 2001

A calculated gamble to sign Michael Owen by Steve Bartram : http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7B83A644F4%2D1A7E%2D48B9%2DAF95%2D4605613A9A18%7D&newsid=6635632 (Source : manutd.com)

Manchester United to buy Michael Owen?

Owen all set for a medical in the morning?


Oh my god ! Why Manchester United decided to take Michael Owen to Old Trafford? Will he be the next injury-prone like Saha? Can he score goals right now? I personally think that this is a bad signing for the Red Devils as they already have young and rising stars like Welbeck and Macheda, both of them should be given more games to play... If Michael Owen really comes to Manchester United, what can he do? If I am the manager, i guess i'll let him warm the bench and call him if there is a need to rest players or replace injury players unless he prove that he is still strong to play top-flight football...

Should Manchester United buy Michael Owen?
These are some opinions from the fans.... (Source :espnstar.com)

• "Michael Owen is a fine player. Its only that he has not got chance to play in the big clubs recently. He has an instinct of perfect striker and has proved it while in his time at Liverpool. He deserves to play in one of the top fours without question. However i have this feeling that United should bring player of Kareen Benzema stature. A player who can have equal impact on air ball. When you see at current Man Utd squad I don't find taller players at the front. Rooney, Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Scholes...all are of the shorter height with exception of Berbatov who somehow match the front players of other clubs. And now adding Owen to Striker's role makes the front holders less effective to header goals. If i have to remember the previous season, about 80 percent of the header goals were from Defenders and Christiano Ronaldo. Therefore i would opt for someone who has a good height to blow the goal net with powerful header. This is one area where sir Alex should give a serious thought. And who can guarantee that Owen's long lasting injury woes wont follow him to Old Trafford?" - Sashi, Bhutan
• “The news that Owen might move to Man United is actually quite shocking for me. Owen, as many of us know, is a class player and it is true that he deserves to play top flight football. But, I somehow do not think that Manchester United is the right choice for him. I don't know whether it is the right choice for Man United either because i am not a big fan of theirs. Despite the fact that Ronaldo has moved to Real and Tevez to Man City, Ferguson is looking to fill to fill that void, i doubt it that Owen will get many chances to play. United have players like Rooney, Nani, Park, Berbatov, the newly signed Valencia and Macheda. And to top it, I just cannot imagine Michael Owen in a Man United jersey, it somehow doesn't match. “ - Karthik
• "Michael Owen is a right signing for Manchester United. We should not forget his contribution for England and a club like Liverpool. He deserves playing in a top flight, in a team like Manchester United. He could not do much in Real Madrid because he was not provided chance ahead of other 'so called superstars'. His finishing skills is what ManU is looking for in the absence of Ronaldo and Tevez. This was in my mind a lot before, why is ManU not signing Michael Owen. Talking about his recent form, come one, you can not do much alone. You need support from the team to show your potential. Newcastle United deserves to be relegated (after Alan Shearer's reign) but not a player like Owen." - Sumit Shah, Nepal
• "Owen is now a free agent, he always deserves to play in the top clubs.. Never Mind he has been injured for quite a long but player like owen can also be in top form again. i ve watched owen since my early days in life... i still remember commenter commenting as "every thing he touches turns into GOAL". He is kind of striker that people should not look down on him ... he has all that ability that Tevez posses... so why is Man Utd delaying in signing him." - Ugyen Shakam, Bhutan.
• "This is actually good news. Ok lets accept the facts that he hasn't performed well in the past few years, Louis Saha may look to be fitter than him in terms of training ground injuries etc etc.
  But look at the other side. He's coming for free!!!. he would have no qualms about being used as a striker coming off the bench. This would be a new lease of life for him, and this might just inspire him to become the Owen of the Liverpool days. And if your worried that he'd get injured, im sure United have the money to cover that. Above all, in SAF we trust." - Nirmal Sekhar, India
• "I am a Fan of Manchester United for so long. The problem with Carlos Tevez was that he wanted to play first eleven football. But Sir Alex was in real problem picking up Tevez over Bervatov. And Rooney who have been hoping to play central role for last 2 season could not even think about the central role because of the other heavy weights in the team.
  "So I think Michael Owen will be a perfect option if Sir Alex want to carry on with his previus idea of playing Bervatov in fisrt Eleven and Rooney in central role. Obviuly signing Michael Owen will make the job easy for Sir Alex. Which even would not be easy if Karim Benzima came. The only concern is Michael Owen's injuries. But still he is good striker specially he can be used as substitution.But still i have faith on Sir Alex. As a fan I really want another midfilder and a fast left winger. Hope for the perfect season of 2009-10." - Shiraz Khan, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• "Micheal Owen, is a top flight player, during his youth years he is matched with Emile Heskey to play for England. He even had the experience of playing in the Premier League and Spanish League with Real. However, due to his current injury record, his fitness level is declining. That is what stop him from perfoming at his best. He was even not representing for England currently. Ferguson can bring in Owen to Old Trafford. But it could be both blessing and curse. With his experience, he could guide the young strikers and pair with his English team-mates Rooney. Owen can both be a forward and Second Striker. In fact, he could be a legend at Old Trafford replacing O.G. Solskjaer or Teddy Sheringham. But only time will tell. But with his injury, Ferguson only making a gamble for signing on this player. I suggest Ferguson to sign Owen only as a last resort. In summary United should focus more on Midfield and Defender as players like Giggs, Scholes and Neville are retiring. “ - Caine Ridhwan
• “In my opinion, Manchester United should put their hearts out to try and persuade at least either Franck Ribery, Van Der Vaart or Arjen Robben to fill in the gap left by Ronaldo and Tevez. But talking about Owen, with all due respect, I don't think Manchester United should sign Owen. Due to his long injury hit-list, I don't think he can play much part in Manchester United. Maybe Costa is more of Manchester United type because of club principle of buying young player and nurture them to become the best player; like Beckham and Ronaldo. If they really do want to sign Owen, I just have to keep my faith to Alex Ferguson. I think he knows what he's doing.” - Khairil Hafizi Bin Khairi Thaw, Malaysia.
• “Owen will be a huge addition to the Manchester United. No doubt he is prone to injuries but with Rooney, Berbatov and youngsters like Macheda and Wwelbeck to support them, all United need is an impact player and not a full time player. Macheda and Welbeck have shown promises that they can improve a lot if they are exposed frequently at higher level. Of course Owen can give competition to Berbatov. Owen has been a proven goal-scorer at the highest level and should grab this opportunity if it is given to him.” - Vishnu

Man United's strangest ever signings : http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item289127/Man-United's-strangest-ever-signings/

Antonio Valencia signed ! Karim Benzema next ?

Antonio Valencia signs for Manchester United !

All about Antonio Valencia:
DOB: 04/08/1985
Born at : Lago Agrio, Ecuador
Previous Clubs: El Nacional, Recreativo Huelva (loan), Villarreal, Wigan Athletic
International record: 34 appearances, 4 goals (for Ecuador)
Wigan Athletic record: 83 appearances, 7 goals

Antonio Valencia signs (Video):

Antonio Valencia said: “Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me. I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

“Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can’t wait to get started.”

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.”

Well, this is a good news to all United fans, Valencia could wear the next no.7 jersey to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo. Lets hope Valencia can contribute a lot to the team and have a consistant season. Glad you've joined Man United Valencia, we hope you can be loyal to the club and dont follow the shadows of Cristiano Ronaldo, traitor !

Karim Benzema coming to Man United? Lets see how good he is...
Video:

Antonio Valencia coming to Old Trafford very soon?

Red Devils to sign the Ecuadorian winger Valencia soon?
Here's a video about Antonio Valencia:

As we can see, Antonio Valencia can make some beautiful crosses. He made a similar cross like David Beckham in the video, what a beautiful cross it is. Okay, he may not be as good as Ribery, Kaka, Ronaldo or Benzema but look, he is only 23 years old and the transfer fee is reasonable, 16 millon. Why should we buy Ribery which costs us around 60million pounds and he is 26 years old? United rarely plump for established superstars too(Berbatov was the exception in recent years), instead preferring to cast the net at an earlier age. It is a tactic that is so often reaped benefits for the club, largely because younger players find it easier to adapt to a new playing style and are eager to soak up the experience from United’s older heads. Valencia was also one of the best players at the JJB in the past two seasons and he has the experience in England which Benzema and Ribery don't, not all players can adapt well into the Premier League

News about the transfer:
Antonio Valencia flew in last night to complete his dream £16million move to Manchester United - and end Sir Alex Ferguson's wait for a first signing of the summer. Ecuadorian ace Valencia cut short a break back in his homeland to make the trip and will have a medical at Old Trafford today while his contract details are sorted out. Valencia has been holding out for a move to United for five months since Fergie first showed his hand and tried to buy him from Latics in the last window. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were given the brush-off by Valencia and his camp because he wants to make the trip along the M62 and join the champions as Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement. It is a dream move for Valencia who can expect to quadruple his wages and sign a deal worth around £75,000-a-week.
Source : Alan Nixon, Daily Mirror

They came from Serbia...

Stars in the making !
Serbs signing keen to follow example of Reds' successful yongsters

Ever mindful of the need to plan for the future as well as the present, the Reds announced the capture of Serbian duo, Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade in January.

The pair may have been relative unknown to most football fans , but the youngsters were already familiar names at Carrington, thanks to almost two years of extensive research by the club's scouts.


Name : Zoran Tosic
Age : 22
Position : Left Winger
Zoran Tosic is a good free-kick taker, and could replace our wing wizard Ryan Giggs in the future.


Name : Adem Ljajic
Age : 17
Position : Attacking midfielder
Well honestly, I dont know much about him but a lot of people said that he is far better than Zoran Tosic and could be the next Kaka.


Here's an interview with Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic: (Source : One United booklet)
How excited are you to be part of this great club?
Adem : I feel very happy. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome and I've really enjoyed training with the first team. Im looking forward to join in January.
Tosic : I've been a fan since I was five. I keep playing that night in Barcelona when they won thee Treble back in my mind. I liked United before that, but that was a decisive moment. I said to myself then :"You will play in Manchester"

What have you learned from the other players so far?
Adem : I am a big admirer of them and I learn things in every training session. I try to copy what they do and I hope I can keep improving.
Tosic : I am learninng every day and I hope United can count on me very soon. I will continue to work hard because I want to become a top player and not waste the opportunity of being a member of the greatest football family.

How much has it helped having fellow countryman Nemanja Vidic at the club?
Adem : It's been great. I have spent a lot of time with both Nemanja and Zoran whenever I have been in Manchester and they both shown me around.
Tosic : Vida told us what a great place United was before we joined, but both Adem and I knew what an amazing club it was and we both feel very proud to have signed.

Sir Alex has always put a lot of faith in the club's young players. Is he one of the major reasons why you joined?
Adem : Yes, he is a great manager. I was excited to meet him. Vida had to translate for us, but we had a good discussion. I'm looking forward to work with him.
Tosic : We saw the way he brought Giggsy, Beckham, Scholesy and Gary into the team and helped them develop. We hope he'll do the same with us and help us improve

Conclusion : The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't mean that Manchester United will rot in the future. The Red Devils still have some rising stars and potential stars like Tosic, Adem, Macheda, Welbeck, Rafael, Fabio and Evans. Maybe one or two signings will do for Man United but seriously, I think Manchester United wont buy Frank Ribery in the summer. I also think that Karim Benzema will be a Red Devil soon and he's only 21 years old at the moment. Its time for Manchester United to be an 11-men team, no longer dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo

Carlos Tevez departing from Old Trafford

Carlos Tevez leaving Manchester United


It is extremely sad to see one of our best players to quit Old Trafford this summer... For the past two seasons, Carlos Tevez contributed a lot to the club and will be remembered forever. From my point of view, I think Carlos Tevez is also the most hardworking player at Manchester United but was known as "running around like a headless chicken". His goals are vital throughout the season. Without his goals, we might not be Premier League champions and back to back Champions League finalists.

Video (Carlos Tevez, farewell):





Carlos was at his best for the Reds when tucked just in behind the main striker, although he also had the pace to play on the shoulder of the last man. Covering an awful lot of ground, his constant harassment of defenders often forced errors. Games against Villa and Spurs at Old Trafford, Carlos Tevez proved his worth from trying to get the ball back from a Villa player with his head and overcoming a two-goal deficit from Spurs to emerge 5-2 winners against Spurs, his contribution in both games was priceless.

Thank you Carlos Tevez for all the contributions! You will be remembered forever. It was Manchester United that caused him quit the club as they did not make an effort to sign him before his loan-spell ends. Carlos Tevez will be remembered forever while Cristiano Ronaldo will be hated forever. Adios, Carlos !


Two Seasons of Tevez:
Season 2008/09:
Appearances: 51 (34 starts, 17 subs)
Goals: 15
Honours: Barclays Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, Carling Cup, FA Community Shield


Season 2007/08:
Appearances: 48 (39 starts, 9 subs)
Goals: 19
Honours: Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo : I don't care if the fans hate me !

CRISTIANO RONALDO stuck two fingers up at his critics and insisted he doesn't care if his mega move makes him a hate figure.

Many Manchester United fans say they are glad to see the back of the Portugal winger. But Ronaldo remains defiant after his world-record £80million switch to Real Madrid.

He said: "I love it when people jeer me. I love to see the hate in their eyes, to hear the insults. It doesn't bother me. It's true lots of people hate me but there are even more who love me and who support me. I feel bad only when I play badly. Fortunately, that happens rarely."

The winger, 24, grabbed heaps of silverware during his time at Old Trafford but added: "I still have a long way to go. I really want to re-write the history of football.

"I am aware I'm already among the best of the best but I want to continue to write many more beautiful pages."

In an interview which will appear in French magazine So Foot this month, Ronaldo claims he is capable of eclipsing even the classiest of rivals, like Barcelona wizard Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo added: "I have nothing to envy Lionel for. I don't compare myself to others. I am Cristiano Ronaldo - and I can win more medals than anybody else. I don't like to relax. The fans want to see a great Cristiano Ronaldo so I try to never disappoint."

Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford in next season's Champions League group stages. Real's modest recent record in the competition sees them provisionally seeded as only the ELEVENTH-BEST side in Europe.

But Real president Florentino Perez will aim for an instant turn-around in fortunes, especially as next year's final is at the Bernabeu.
(Source : newsoftheworld.co.uk)


Wilkins: I rather have Rooney : http://espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item281984/Wilkins:-I-rather-have-Rooney/

Goodbye , Spoilt Cristiano Ronaldo (Part 2)

About Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer (some information and comments):

Additional video: http://espnstar.com/media-player/?goTo=http://publish.vx.roo.com/espnstar/flashmain/?vxSiteId=1458d2e1-b8e3-4d73-8b76-e8420617f8b8&vxChannel=English%20Football&vxClipId=2168_ESSFEF_110609ronaldo&vxBitrate=300

CRISTIANO RONALDO: TRUTH BEHIND MOVE
United players were happy to see him go
SIR ALEX FERGUSON might have had the final say - but the whispers from the dressing room were becoming hard to ignore.

Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving - but he won't be lamented. Twelve months ago, when Real Madrid first came calling, Ronaldo was inundated with text messages from senior Manchester United players - urging him to stay. This time, there have been none.

Ronaldo had grown apart from his team-mates, Ferguson had sensed it - and that is why the Old Trafford manager was happy to take Real Madrid's £80million.

On the training ground, they were tiring of his tantrums. On the pitch, they were fed up of his selfishness and it culminated in fury from senior players after Ronaldo tried to single-handedly beat Barcelona in the Champions League final last month.

A United insider told the News of the World: "To many, that was the final straw and showed what he had become. "Wayne Rooney had to change position three times to accommodate Ronaldo. The experienced players in the squad had seen it coming and weren't happy about it.
"Ronaldo had been getting more and more temperamental in training and the others were getting fed up with him. They knew his mind was elsewhere and they thought he was becoming a distraction.

"The senior guys couldn't believe it when he threw the tantrum during the Manchester City game." That tantrum came after an hour of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on May 10. Ronaldo had fired United ahead with a trademark free-kick and after Carlos Tevez made the points safe on the stroke of half-time, Ferguson decided his Portuguese star would benefit from a rest ahead of the crucial Premier League trip to Wigan three days later.

That decision sparked a furious reaction from Ronaldo - who shook his head in disbelief when he realised his number was up.The winger snatched his training top aggressively and sat on the bench, mouthing his disgust.

Publicly at least, Ferguson brushed aside the incident, witnessed by millions on TV, insisting: "He wanted to stay on. He is in great form. But I've got to look at the big picture. I've got to think about keeping our players as fresh as we can for the games ahead."

Privately, though, there is no doubt Ferguson and many of Ronaldo's United team-mates were irked by the petulant show of defiance.

And as Ronaldo hogged more and more of the limelight, there was increasing sympathy for Rooney - a player, unlike his departing team-mate, who is liked by everyone at Old Trafford and at the club's Carrington training complex

The England striker was always the one forced to make a positional sacrifice and, towards the end of the season, grew frustrated at being edged out towards the left flank. His annoyance with Ronaldo during the Champions League final in Rome was plain to see.

The departure of Ronaldo should see Rooney play more in his favoured position - the second striker role he has filled so spectacularly for England and it will also mean the way is clear for Rooney to be rewarded for his unstinting commitment by being handed a new contract and being made the highest-paid player at Old Trafford.

Rooney, 23, has two years left on his current £100,000-a-week deal but United will open negotiations with his advisers later this summer. And that will lead to a new, six-year deal which will start at a basic £125,000-a-week and rise sharply.

The United insider explained: "Ferguson has always said that if he had to lose either Ronaldo or Rooney, it would be Ronaldo every time. Rooney is the future of United and everyone there knows they can count on his loyalty and his team ethic."

Rooney, of course, was involved in the infamous incident in Gelsenkirchen at the 2006 World Cup which saw Ronaldo winking as the England striker was sent off as Sven Goran Eriksson's team crashed out on penalties. Although Ronaldo was forgiven, the moment was never forgotten.
United, meanwhile are facing a £2.5m scrap with Sporting Lisbon over Ronaldo's switch to the Bernabeu. The Portuguese club are set to slap in a claim to United for "development costs" during Ronaldo's time at Sporting. They reckon they are entitled to cash from the sensational £80m which will be heading into the Old Trafford coffers.

A Lisbon source said: "Sporting spent a lot of time and money on Ronaldo during his formative years and they feel they are entitled to some compensation."

Real's new president Florentino Perez made Ronaldo his second megabucks capture of the summer after signing Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan for what - for a few days, at least - was then a new world record fee of £62m.

But Spanish sources claim the man who invented the galactico ethos is expected to tie up a £35m deal to sign Valencia's Spanish international striker David Villa this week - making the Spanish international the third high-profile Bernabeu deal inside a fortnight.

But there will certainly be no tears shed around Old Trafford at Ronaldo's imminent departure. And the mood of the players is best summed up by Nemanja Vidic, who was asked about Ronaldo's future before it was confirmed he was heading off.

Vidic declared: "It is not a situation I know anything about but what I will say is that I and the players have total trust in the manager. The fans have seen him over the years lose players and build new teams - but never has he lost that winning mentality.

"No matter who has gone, the manager has continued to be successful. It is the only way he knows. He has lost major players over the last 10 years but he has proved that no player is ever bigger than the club."

. . . And from what a lot of the players saw, Cristiano Ronaldo had begun to think he was just that. (Source : newsoftheworld.co.uk)

FINGER POINTS - Sir Alex Ferguson (bottom right) makes his point to Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the Champions League Final

IF LOOKS COULD KILL - Dimitar Berbatov (right) looks at Cristiano Ronaldo during the Champions League Final

Rooney more important than Ronaldo : http://espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item281461/Roo-more-important-than-Ronaldo/

Goodbye, Spoilt Cristiano Ronaldo !

Record Ronaldo bid accepted by Manchester United
At the request of Cristiano - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Bye Ronaldo! We dont need you!! We lost Becks, Cantona, Yorke, and Cole... But we still keep winning...... Hope you feel the same like Beckham, Owen, Woodgate, Gravesen, and others.. Remember, "Manchester United and Sir Alex build your career".. Shame of you! Booooooo!"
This was one of the United fan's reaction at the Official Manchester United forums. I agree with that. Without Manchester United, Ronaldo wont be the world best player today...

Some quotes from the newspaper at UK:
"The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo can be the making of Wayne Rooney. Rooney has become a frustrated figure at Manchester United, having been pushed wide left to accommodate Ronaldo. That was never more apparent than in the Champions League final defeat by Barcelona when Ronaldo played for himself and Rooney was left throwing his arms around in despair. The central danger area should be Rooney territory, as he has proved by his brilliant goalscoring run - 10 in his last seven games - for England. Coach Fabio Capello revealed he has got the best out of Rooney by telling him to play in the middle where goals are scored. Simple, yes, but amazingly effective." Shaun Custis, The Sun

"Think of United and many special images blur into one: the history, the ground, the support, the glimpse of Sir Alex Ferguson in the dugout, Sir Bobby Charlton in the directors’ box and the statue of Sir Matt Busby standing proudly outside. All these sights and sounds form the emotional force-field that is Manchester United. No player can ever dream of being bigger than that. No chance. Yet Ronaldo acted during last month’s Champions League final as if marching solely to his own beat, not Ferguson’s, not his team-mates’. It is time for United to be an 11-man team again. Thanks for the memories, Cristiano, and let’s all move on." Henry Winter, Daily Telegraph

"It might have been hard to like Ronaldo but it was harder still not to admire him. Even if Ferguson is allowed to invest all the £80m from his sale in the purchase of new players, United will be a poorer team without Ronaldo. The sad thing is that Ronaldo will almost certainly be a poorer player without United, too. At Old Trafford, he had men like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez who would run themselves into the ground for the team and leave the glory to him. Despite that, he has agitated for a move to Madrid like a little boy tugging at his mummy’s sleeve, whining and whimpering until he gets what he wants." Oliver Holt, Daily Mirror

"The northern sky is dimmer with Ronaldo's proposed £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, but broken hearts are fewer than expected. About the only prize not claimed by the Fifa World Player of the Year in his six years in England was the adoration of the wider public, who loved his skills but not his ways." Paul Hayward, The Guardian

"Such is the ability of Ferguson to rebuild that even on the day he seems about to lose the world’s best player, he has never been in a stronger position. The sale of Cristiano Ronaldo may mark the end of yet another era but the arrival in his place of Franck Ribery – Ferguson’s most likely target as a replacement – will inevitably usher in another. It is like something out of Doctor Who, and this will be the biggest budget series yet. Bryan Robson became Eric Cantona. David Beckham regenerated as Ronaldo. Each wore the famous No7 shirt, each played the role differently with his own supporting cast." Matthew Dunn, Daily Express
(Source : manutd.com)
Conclusion : Cristiano Ronaldo = Who?

Video about the spoilt Cristiano Ronaldo:

Q&A about Ronaldos transfer by Ian Griffiths and Kelvin Leong
(Source : espnstar)
What now for Man United?
Kel: Don't panic United fans! Ferguson seldom makes decisions without a backup plan.
If my guess is right, United probably have got a replacement lined up already. And the man in question is Franck Ribery.
Fergie has long been an admirer of the French maestro who is an ideal sort of player for the Red Devils. He has the speed, guile and tenacity to fit into United's attacking gameplan with ease.
And with 80 million pounds in the bag, the Old Trafford head honcho could very well get the two players he has courted for the past few seasons. Karim Benzema and Ribery. Au revoir!

Ian: Don't panic United fans indeed! You Red Devils should be running for cover as this must be one of the darkest days in the club's transfer history. Losing someone of Ronaldo's class will be a major blow to Fergie's men and I would already say that they will not win the Premier League next season. No matter who United sign, they will need time to fit in and time is one thing you just don't have in England's top-flight. United will finish third or fourth if they are lucky.

Has Ronaldo betrayed Sir Alex and the Red Devils?
Kel: In this modern day and age, loyalty is almost extinct. The days of a Ryan Giggs or a Paolo Maldini have long gone.
Ronaldo has never for one second of his life pledged any form of loyalty to the United flag. From the start, he stated his desire to win titles in the three biggest European leagues namely, Serie A, La Liga and Premier League.
How can it be a betrayal when United are making a seven fold return in investment? This is a good piece of business.
His heart no longer bleeds the red of United. Let him pale in the shadows of Madrid's white.

Ian: Absolutely. Throughout this transfer saga, Ronaldo has gone on record to say that he was happy to stay at Old Trafford - what nonsense.
The guy clearly never wanted to remain in Manchester and always wanted a move to Real. Ronaldo is the archetypal modern day footballer - greedy and egotistical. I doubt Cristiano even knows what loyalty is. What a disgrace!

Which club benefited more from the Ronaldo transfer?
Kel: Definitely United. Now the club can start planning for the future. The deal has been concluded so early into the summer simply because Fergie wants a peace of mind and continue with his business. No player is bigger than a club.
I feel Madrid could very well be heading for disaster with the signing of Kaka and Ronaldo. Both players are superstars in their own right and both will want time and space on the ball. Kaka has shown that he can be a team player at AC Milan but Ronaldo's penchant for wanting everything his way could send Madrid into chaos.

Ian: Real by a mile. Kaka was a superb deal for them, but Ronaldo has outdone the Brazilian. Cristiano was the key piece in Real's summer jigsaw puzzle and will help take them back to the top of Spanish and European football.
I'm not convinced United can match Ronaldo's quality when they look around Europe in their hunt for new players.


Cristiano Ronaldo Factfile: (Bad ones)
2005 October 19 - Arrested and questioned by police after an allegation of rape at a London hotel is made against him. Ronaldo asserts his innocence. No charges are brought.

2006: July 1 Protests to referee Horacio Elizondo after United team-mate Wayne Rooney clashes with Ricardo Carvalho in the World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England. Rooney is sent off and television pictures catch Ronaldo winking towards the bench. Scores the winning penalty in the shoot-out to knock out England

November 30 - Sent off for two yellow cards in the Manchester derby, the second caution coming after a bizarre handball incident.

2009: January 8 - Escapes uninjured after writing off his Ferrari sports car by crashing into a roadside barrier under a tunnel near Manchester Airport on his way to training.

Reaction from Barcelona:
Barcelona finance director Xavier Sala i Martin is bewildered as to how Real Madrid are funding their summer spending spree.

With a reported transfer budget of 300million euros at their disposal, Madrid president Florentino Perez has this week set about creating a second 'galacticos' era.

The Spanish giants today had a world-record bid of £80million for Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo accepted by Manchester United, hot on the heels of Monday's 68million euros acquisition of Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan.

And Sala i Martin, whose team finished nine points clear of Madrid at the Primera Division summit last month, is puzzled by how the purchases are being financed.

He told Radio Station RAC1: "I don't know where the 300million euros that Florentino Perez expects to invest on signings are coming from.

"He says he will recover that money by selling shirts but, in order to do that, he will have to sell 30million shirts, that is impossible."

Sala i Martin is stunned Madrid are able to spend so much money in such a difficult economic climate.

He added: "I guess someone will have to give him that money and it would be good for him to explain where it will come from.

"How can it be that a football team is loaned so much money, considering the current financial crisis in the country and the policy of restricting credits that banks are currently following? I can assure you that we will not pay 65million euros for a player."

"For that amount we would buy the whole Barcelona team that won the Champions League in Rome." (Source : http://www.espnstar.com/)

• Barcelona can use that 80million pounds to buy the whole Barcelona Team
• Where did Real Madrid's huge amount of money come from?
• Can't Real Madrid develop their own youngsters?

The end for Liverpool?

These are dark times for Liverpool Football Club and their long-suffering, hopelessly devoted, hopelessly romantic band of supporters.

Without a trophy to celebrate in three years, Liverpool fans are now faced with the possibility their storied club could disappear from the face of the Earth altogether.

The news came just days after the most successful club in top-flight history missed out on Gareth Barry - who went to a club with more ambition in Manchester City.

It comes on the back of a Premier League season that saw Liverpool stumble like a startled goat from the summit and hand bitter rivals Manchester United yet another title.

And it comes in the wake of a second successive Champions League campaign that ended at the hands of nouveau-riche pretenders Chelsea. That has to hurt.

Is it just Early Doors, or does the miracle of Istanbul suddenly seem a very long time ago?
Isn't it ironic that the team who fought back so valiantly against the mighty Milan in 2005, could ultimately be humbled by a pen-pushing team of accountants.

But it seems Liverpool's ego has been writing cheques the club can't cash. And just as money is the ladder to glory in the Premier League, lack of it is a snake to relegation...or worse.
Liverpool's debt has reportedly doubled to £86 million and Kop Holdings Ltd has a net debt of £299.5m. (ED suspects Steven Gerrard's collection of duck houses and Jamie Carragher's moat made an impression on those figures)

But ED is not one for numbers. It was this statement from KMPG that got the papers' attention: "(There is a) material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt upon the group's ability to continue as a going concern."

Meanwhile, owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have about six weeks to refinance their £350m debt.

All of which cannot bode well for Liverpool's dalliances in the transfer market this summer - which have already ended in failure on Barry and probably seen them miss out on Glen Johnson to Chelsea. Gary Neville may be available though, and Liverpool fans could surely learn to love him.

ED is not among the frenzied fools who actually expect the club to fold. Liverpool's global pulling power is such that there will always be somebody, somewhere, willing to bail them out.
The real problem now is in the short term. With their transparent financial shortcomings, Liverpool will surely struggle to lure top-class players to Anfield.

And if the club stand still while those around strengthen, Liverpool face the possibility they could slip further from grace, miss out on those coveted Champions League spots, and lose even more money in the process.

All of which will be sweetened by the success story that is Everton. And probably another title for United.

(Source : http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/early-doors/article/173941/)





"We will go to Anfield next season with 18"

Fergie planning for a revamp?

Papers: Time to rebuild
Tevez, Nani and Park set to be ditched
Sir Alex Ferguson will reshape his humiliated Manchester United squad after their Champions League debacle against Barcelona. Shell-shocked Fergie has decided he will not take up the option to buy Carlos Tevez, while Nani and Ji-Sung Park could also be high-profile victims of the Rome drubbing. The United manager believes Lyon’s Karim Benzema represents better value for money than Tevez – and to meet Lyon’s £30million asking price there will be fall guys. Nani has failed to impress in his second season at United, while Park may be sacrificed so Fergie can bring in Wigan’s £15m-rated midfielder Antonio Valencia, a long-term target. Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak is on his way out this summer after failing to impress in three years, with Fergie keen to give England goalkeeper Ben Foster more first-team opportunities next season. United will not take up the option to buy Tevez unless the player’s advisers, led by Kia Joorabchian, lower their asking price by a third to around £18m.
David McDonnell & John Cross, The Mirror

Meanwhile, The Sun claim Cristiano Ronaldo is about to "throw Manchester United into turmoil and demand a move out of Old Trafford". If he does, The Express believe he won't be going to Real Madrid. The paper report Madrid have stopped their pursuit of the Reds winger.
(Source : manutd.com)

Full Time : Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United
Barcelona: S.Eto'o 10' , Lionel Messi 69'
Manchester United: -

Im not going to discuss anymore about this final but here's some of our weakness this season (Source : Manchester United Official Forums)

What United Lacked in the UCL Final
1. Strikers who score:
As a team.... Man Utd lack goals. Ronaldo is the only player who consistently scores goals for Manchester united at the moment. None of our strikers are prolific. Tevez is a fantastic player, but doesn't score a lot. Berbatov has been a big disappointment, no matter how many people bang on about his assists and all round play (Did we really pay £30mill for another player who is good at getting the ball to Ronaldo?) Rooney is a fantastic footballer all round, but he really doesn't score consistently. Not since Van Nistelrooy have we had a striker who you just knew would score almost every game. And we really, really lack one. Ferguson tried to sign Torres for years, and unfortunately when he got fed up of chasing him, Liverpool took the gamble. Look at Eto'o - 1 chance, 1 goal. A lethal finisher that United just don't have. Benzema from Lyon anyone?

2. Several Creative Players:
Barcelona - Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Henry (They even SOLD Ronaldinho) Their team is brimming with brilliance. Their attacks are filled with flicks, step overs, backheels, and chips. Ronaldo is the only player for united who fits that bill. Scholes used to be the man, but he is now too old. Carrick constantly attempts audacious passes, which work extremely well against weak opposition, but against a team like Barcelona.... it just gives them possession of the ball 9 times out of 10, and then United had to run around like madmen for 10 minutes to get the ball back. He really needed to play it simple in the final, but he lacked a plan B. Park, who I have a lot of time for, works all day, but never ever looks like scoring.... To the point that when he does score EVERYONE is surprised. Anderson is a quality young player who is strong in possession, but again, he cant buy a goal, and has not been providing that many assists either. Fletcher can tackle, and he can harass, but nothing else - While I respect him as a footballer - I subscribe to the Barcelona viewpoint, you shouldn't need to have a player who stops other teams from playing, you should have players who can OUTPLAY the other team, just like Barcelona did so effectively in the final. Giggs has been good this season, but in my humble opinion - and I will take some heat for this - he either plays really well, or like a ghost that you wouldn't even know was on the pitch. Unfortunately for us it was Giggs the ghost that turned up against Barcelona.

3. Have United spent wisely over the past few years?:
This is a touchy topic. People tend to get offended if Fergie's transfers are analysed. He has made some master moves, some big mistakes, some yet to be proven, and some average transfers. Here's my view - Please note the grade represents the transfer deal, not the player - Feel free to hate me for my opinion:
A+ Ronaldo - Absolute genius and a bargain
A+ Vidic - Again an absolute find. Wonderful
C- Tevez - Should have bought him outright for a cheaper fee instead of this mess
D Berbatov - £30mill.... 30 MILLION POUNDS. I won't say how I really feel. Imagine the players you can get for 30mill (Torres £23)
D Hargreaves - Unlucky with injuries, but he was never going to set the world alight - Too Expensive
C+ Anderson - Good buy, but yet to truly excel - Expensive
D- Nani - I can see why he looked like a good buy, but he is all flair and no substance - Expensive
B Da Silva twins - Look like a good pair for the future - Cheap!
B- Carrick - Decent buy, but £18 mill is a bit steep
FAIL Lets not forget - Kleberson, Bellion, Djemba-Djemba, Howard, Veron, Smith, Forlan
OLD Grades: A+ Ferdinand / A- Rooney / A+ Evra / (These were years ago and don't count)
All in all I think that Fergie should be given great praise for being a wonderful manager, but not for being wonderful in the transfer market. He has done well, and he has done poorly.... All in all he would say he has been ok when you balance out the Djemba-Djemba's with the Ronaldo's? Is that fair?
Compared to the Barcelona, or Ac Milan, Man Utd's transfer dealings haven't been as shrewd.

4. Too Many Similar Players
Rooney, Park, and Tevez - Lots of running - Not a lot of goalsFletcher and Anderson - Lots of strength - Not a lot elseBerbatov and Carrick - Wonderful control and vision - Not a lot of goalsGiggs and Scholes - Old, but usefulVidic and Ferdinand - Legends! No problem having similar players if they are this good!This is why Man Utd won the premiership, lots of quality in depth, but not a lot of variety. Everyone was talking about the strength of Man Utds bench during the premiership games, and it was truly high. Against Barcelona, did you get excited and think that either Tevez or Berbatov would score when they came on..... Like Sheringham or Solskjer 10 years ago! No...... Me neither.Before the match the pundits were saying that they picked Man Utd to win because they had a plan B and could win the game with a number of different playing styles. The truth is that if united have time on the ball to pass it around, and if Ronaldo is able to get into the game, were golden - If not...... There is no plan B against strong opposition.

5. Ferguson's Tactics
Here is where I will really get hung out to dry. I think Ferguson is a tactical genius, but I think he got it wrong for the final.
Park - Had 2 early opportunities to score and messed them both up - Had a terrible gameMy Alternative - Put Tevez, who may get you a goal, on from the start and Ronaldo on the wing (allowing Ronny to get into the game and run at Barca) Tevez will do all the work Park would, and he can actually shoot!
Giggs - Played no part in the game and looked lost - Another player who had a Terrible game
My Alternative - Drop Giggs - Keep Rooney on the left, Start Scholes, who is very creative in midfield - sub him later when he is tired
Carrick - His passing was awful - Had a really, really terrible game
My ADVICE - Stop trying crazy passes!!!! Just keep possession of the ball and work your opportunities!
Ronaldo - Started well, but was lost up front on his own.
My ADVICE - Start on the wing, run at Barca, and drop back deep to get possession if you are not getting into the game. Link up with Tevez and Swap sides with Rooney if you are getting no joy on the right.All this is easy to say in hindsight, but these would have been my tactics even before the game went wrong. Ferguson's a legend, and I am nothing but a piece of Roy Keane blown snot compared to him, but I can still give my opinion.... And my opinion is that he got this one very wrong.

6. A Will To Fight
ROY KEANE.... ROY KEANE!!!! I missed you tonight. Who pushed united forward when they were 1 down? No one. Who encouraged them to keep trying after the 2nd goal. No one. United lacked fight and character.

Next Match : Manchester United vs Barcelona(Champions League Final)
Venue : Stadio Olimpico, Rome

Predicted Formation:


Ins and Outs:
Manchester United : Darren Fletcher (suspended), Ben Foster (injury), Owen Hargreaves (injury)
Barcelona : Dani Alves (suspended), Eric Abidal (suspended), Theirry Henry (could be fit in time), Iniesta (could be fit in time)

Statistics:

• Manchester United's last defeat in the Champions League was to AC Milan 2 years ago.
• Manchester United are now undefeated in the Champions League for 25 games and counting
• Manchester United manage to keep 8 clean sheets in 12 games

Form Guide: In 14 games since March's back-to-back Premier League defeats, United have won 11 and drawn three games, ensuring an 18th league title and a berth in Rome. The final victory of that run came at Hull on Sunday, where Sir Alex Ferguson had the luxury of resting a hatful of players who are likely to start on Wednesday. Barcelona have also been resting players ever since they clinched their own domestic crown, meaning little can be read into successive La Liga defeats against Mallorca and Osasuna. (Source : manutd.com)

Referee : Massimo Busacca

He officiated the semi-final first-leg tie between Manchester United and Barcelona last year, and was the man in the middle for United's 1-0 win at Porto this season. The 40-year-old already has experience of a European showpiece after reffing the UEFA Cup final in 2007. This will be the Swiss official's 33rd Champions League tie.

Manchester United vs Barcelona (Champions League semi-final 2nd leg, season 07/08 highlights):

Manchester United Celebrations (Champions League Final, last season):

Full Time : Hull City 0-1 Manchester United
Manchester United : D.Gibson 24'
Hull City : -

Match Highlights :

Last game of the Premiership, what a stunning goal that was from Gibson. Manchester United's youths are great !

Will be focusing more on the Barcelona game soon...

Next Match : Hull City vs. Manchester United (Premier League)
Venue : Kingston Communication Stadium (KC Stadium)

Predicted Formation:

With all the attention focused on Rome, i guess this will be the starting 11

Injury List:
Manchester United : Ben Foster, Rio Ferdinand (could be fit in time), Owen Hargreaves

Hull City : Manucho (loan tied)

Form Guide:
A win would leave United with a best final points total (90) since the 1999-2000 season. With only one win in the past 22 games, freefalling Hull now sit just above the relegation zone having undone the good work that put them in sixth place at Christmas. They have conceded the second highest number of goals in the Barclays Premier League (63), while the Reds have scored the second highest total (67). The reverse fixture was a pulsating 4-3 victory for United at Old Trafford in November, with goals from Ronaldo (2), Carrick and Vidic proving enough. (Source : manutd.com)

Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)

Prediction : Draw

Full Time : Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal

The Barclays Premier League season 2008/2009 Champions, Manchester United !

We retained our trophy for the third consecutive year! What an achievement for the club! That equals Liverpool's record.

Trophy Presentation
Part one:


Part 2 :


Part 3:


Starting 2pm later...Electricity Consumption in Anfield and in anywhere in Liverpool will decrease. The reason is , all Liverpool fans will switch their TV off and will not use the internet or listen to the radio to avoid any news of MAN UTD winning the trophy. Other report also says that shops in Liverpool will all be empty because all the people will have no courage to go out to avoid any humiliation or to avoid news as well. All the pubs in Anfield or Liverpool will be full tonight, increase in beer sales due to suddent out pour of Liverpool fan soaking suling and moaning for their EPL title lost. I wonder how the authorities will handle the number of drunk people lying in the streets of Liverpool after we lift the trophy , haha :)

Analysis of Manchester United's squad : http://espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item268563/Squad-the-key-to-United-success/

Next Match : Manchester United vs. Arsenal (Premier League)
Venue : Old Trafford

Today is the day for Manchester United to equal Liverpool's record of 18 championship wins. This can also shut their(Liverpool fans) big mouth up! We, Manchester United fans HATE Liverpool FC in our veins as they are arrogant and proud, thinking that they are the best team in England based on their record(but did not won the Premier League since 1990). Say something nice to them, they WERE the best team but not now.

Look at Rafael Benitez refusing to face the fact that we're the best team in England. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5327136,00.html

Predicted formation:




Injury List :
Manchester United : Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand
Arsenal : William Gallas, Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo

Form Guide: Arsenal have lost three of their last four and appear low on confidence. However, the possibility of upsetting the party at Old Trafford will motivate Arsene Wenger’s men. United, on the other hand, are riding a wave of confidence after seven straight wins, and require one point to edge over the line in the title race. There's also the added incentive of lifting the trophy at home. (Source : manutd.com)

Referee : Mike Dean

Prediction : United to draw or win

Full Time : Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United
Wigan Athletic : H.R. Martinez 28'
Manchester United : C.A. Tevez 61', M.Carrick 86'

Highlights :

Manchester United now only need one more point in 2 games to retain their Premier League crown ! Another outstanding performance by the players again, secured three precious points for United at the JJB. Carlos Tevez came off the bench and equalised for Man United , he was the man of the moment. From my point of view, i think its just a matter of time for Manchester United to get the second goal. As expected, Michael Carrick fired a long shot to score the winning goal 4 minutes from time. The good news for all United fans will be, Carlos Tevez will be awarded a permanent contract according to Sir Alex Ferguson. "Tevez, please stay" the fans

"I thought we showed our commitment and our courage to go and get the three points. You have to be proud of how we kept going... That is what the club is all about, commitment and courage." John O' Shea

Next Match : Wigan Athletic vs. Manchester United (Premier League)
Venue : JJB Stadium

Injury List:
Wigan Athletic : Mido (could be fit in time), Won-Hee Cho
Manchester United : Wes Brown, Owen Hargreaves, Jonny Evans

Form Guide: Wigan are without a win in the last five games but sitting 11th in the Barclays Premier League, they are safe and have little to play for other than pride. However, Steve Bruce is likely to fire up the troops as he faces his former club and manager. Sunday’s 2-0 derby win over Manchester City leaves United needing just four points to secure a third successive title. The Reds come into the game on the back of six straight wins and will look to emulate last season’s display at the JJB where a 2-0 win sealed the title. (Source : manutd.com)

Referee: Rob Styles (Hampshire)

Prediction : United to win

Full Time : Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Manchester United : C.Ronaldo 18' , C.A.Tevez 45'
Manchester City : -

Highlights :


4 more points to retain our Premiership title. Wow, Thats another stunning free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo again! Carlos Tevez also scored just before half time with a wonderful strike, hitting the post and went in, assisted by Dimitar Berbatov. According to Sir Alex, he said that United did not played well throughout the game, but we won the game. When Cristiano Ronaldo was subsituted out of the game by Sir Alex Ferguson, he got angry, threw a jacket and kept shaking his head because he wanted to score and continue playing. Sir Alex Ferguson also said that it is a healthy reaction and should not be a major issue. Lets see more from Cristiano Ronaldo in mid-week against Wigan.

Next Match : Manchester United vs. Manchester City (Premier League)
Venue : Old Trafford

Predicted Formation:


Injury List :
Manchester United : Owen Hargreaves, Wes Brown
Manchester City : Craig Bellamy, Benjani
Gary Neville is back while Wes Brown is set to miss the remainder of the season. (Source : ESPNsoccernet.com)

Form Guide: United’s midweek Champions League triumph over Arsenal was the fifth straight win since losing the FA Cup semi-final to Everton on penalties. The Reds will be desperate to avenge last year’s 2-1 home defeat to City but more importantly three points would leave the champions needing a maximum of four points from the remaining three games to retain the title (86 points is the highest possible total Liverpool can achieve). City come to Old Trafford on the back of four straight wins including an impressive 2-1 away victory over United’s FA Cup conquerors Everton, only their second away league win this campaign. Mark Hughes' men currently lie eighth and are battling with West Ham, Fulham and Spurs for seventh place in the league and with it, Europa League football next season. (Source : Manutd.com)

From my point of view, I think Manchester United can win this, they are back in form after beating Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in midweek. The title is United's to lose. By the time United takes on City, Liverpool MAY be on top of the league on goal difference but played 2 games more than United. All the best to the Red Devils and destroy the blue heart of Manchester.

Prediction : 3-0 to United. I also predict that Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo will be one of the scorers today.

Previous result against Manchester City this season :
1. Manchester City 0-1 Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)
Wayne Rooney, the only scorer of the game. I remember only Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney is playing in front and took a corner kick , passed around during the 89th minute while the other players stayed behind and defend. Manchester City nearly equalised in the dying minutes but it was well saved by the flying dutchman Edwin van der Sar. Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off by Howard Webb after the referee spotted him handing the ball. Suprisingly, Rafael Da Silva kept Robinho quiet throughout the game. Will Rafael play again ?

Previous results against Manchester City last season:
1. Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City (Barclays Premier League)




2. Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)

Full Time : Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
Arsenal : Robin van Persie 75'(pen)
Manchester United : J.S.Park 7', C.Ronaldo (10', 60')
(Aggregate : Arsenal 1-4 Manchester United)

Highlights:


The first win at the Emirates Stadium leads Manchester United to Rome. United will be there on the 27th of May to defend the Champions League trophy. Once again, Manchester United players worked very very hard and got what they deserved. Park Ji Sung scored the opener by punishing Gibbs from making a mistake. Minutes later, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his trademark freekick, 40 yards away from goal to confirm a final spot at Rome. Manchester United also kept Arsenal quiet throughout the first-half. 15 minutes after the restart, Cristiano Ronaldo scored again to make it 3-0. A Ronaldo back heel to Park, swept on to Rooney, played into the patch of Ronaldo in a raid clinical in its execution, game over for Arsenal.

The bad news will be, Darren Fletcher will be suspended for the final at Rome after being sent off by the refree. I think it's a harsh decision and Fletcher should not be sent off. However, Robin van Persie scored from the spotkick to make the scoreline look nicer.

(Source : Manutd.com)

Next game : Arsenal vs Manchester United (Champions League semi-final, second leg)
Venue : Emirates Stadium

Aggregate : Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United

Predicted Formation:

Rio Ferdinand should be back in time for the big clash against Arsenal. Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher, Anderson and Cristiano Ronaldo will be back to the starting 11 after being rested during the Middlesborough game.

Injury List
Manchester United : Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves
Arsenal : Robin van Persie(could be fit in time), Gael Clichy, Mikael Silvestre (could be fit in time), William Gallas, Tomas Rosicky, Andrei Arshavin (Cup-tied, not injured), Eduardo

Statistics:
Head to head against Arsenal: Won 83, Drawn 45 , Lost 77.
Manchester United in the Champions League this season : Won 5 Drawn 6 Lost 0
Arsenal in the Champions League this season : Won 5 Drawn 3 Lost 3
(Statistics last updated at 3/5/09)

• Manchester United are unbeaten in the Champions League for 24games, the longest run in history. They last lost to AC Milan 3-0 at the San Siro 2 years ago during the second leg of the semi-final.
• Arsenal haven’t conceded a goal in the Champions League at the Emirates for more than a year and they haven’t conceded a Barclays Premier League goal at home in 2009.
• Manchester United have never been knocked out of European competition by an English club.
• This game is the 39th clash between Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. Both managers have won 15 and eight matches were drawn.
  

Prediction : 1-1 draw or maybe a defeat

Full Time : Middlesborough 0-2 Manchester United
Middlesborough : -
Manchester United : Giggs 25' , J.S Park 51'

Highlights:


7 more points for Manchester United to clinch their 3rd Premiership Title in a row. Sir Alex Ferguson did not really rest most of his key players for this game. Wayne Rooney passed the ball intelligently to Ji Sung Park and finished beautifully. 6 points adrift from Liverpool, i guess Liverpool fans will be dissapointed to see Manchester United finish off Middlesborough in style (Liverpool LOST 2-0 to Middlesborough at the Riverside stadium). Lets hope that the struggling Newcastle will get a result tomorrow at Anfield. Attentions can switched currently to Tuesday's Champions League trip to the Emirates Stadium. The prediction for this match is 100% correct


Pictures:

The world has stopped for 4 seconds!


PFA Player of the year and the man of the match


Park finishes the ball off in style.


Celebrations !

Half time : Middlesborough 0-1 Manchester United
Middlesborough : -
Manchester United : Giggs 25'

No teams dominated the game, both teams played well but its fair for Manchester United to be in front at half time. Ben Foster made a save to stop Tuncay from scoring. The current man of the match for me will be the PFA player of the year, Ryan Giggs as he pass the ball intelligently and scored a goal. More to come from Manchester United.

Next game : Middlesborough vs Manchester United (Premier League)
Venue : Riverside Stadium, Middlesborough

Injury List
Manchester United : Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves, Rio Ferdinand
Middlesborough : Chris Riggott, Emanuel Pogatetz


Sir Alex Ferguson says he will make as much as 8 changes to the squad that won Arsenal in midweek to rest some key players for the big one next Tuesday. “I have got a squad, and I intend to use it,” says Sir Alex. “The midfield will change and the players up front will also probably change. I’ll bring some freshness into the team in some important areas. That will be my predicted formation.

Form Guide: After a brief blip in March, Sir Alex’s men have won the last four league games and head to the Riverside on a high after a scintillating performance against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday. Middlesbrough, on the other hand, have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions and currently reside in the relegation zone. Gareth Southgate’s men are desperate for points and will take heart in the fact United have won just three times from the last eight visits to the Riverside. (Source : Manutd.com)

Middlesborough have a good record against the "Big Four" sides at home in recent years and are one of only two clubs to have beaten Liverpool in the league this season. They are unbeaten at the Riverside since the turn of the year, though five of those seven games have been draws, so perhaps this match-up is not the foregone conclusion it first appears. The Riverside stadium is also not a playground for Manchester United, lets just hope United can get a win there.

My point of view is, it will be a hard hard game as Middlesborough will fight for their lives to get out of the relegation zone and there is not much games left. It will be even harder for Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson will be fielding a much weakened side to rest some of the key players to prepare for the second leg clash against Arsenal. This will also be a chance for the "arrogant" Liverpool to close the gap, but lets hope this does not happen. Victory would give Sir Alex Ferguson's leaders a six-point cushion over second-placed Liverpool, with both teams having four games left to play.

Referee: Mark Halsey

Prediction : 0-2 win to United or maybe a draw


Previous result against Middlesborough this season:
1. Manchester United 1-0 Middlesborough (Barclays Premier League)
Dimitar Berbatov rescued the Red Devils from a draw by scoring from a volley into the back of the net. Cristiano Ronaldo argued with Emanuel Pogatetz during the half time interval in the tunnel while both teams were heading into the dressing room. A penalty should be awarded to Manchester United before the break from a foul by Pogatetz for choking Cristiano Ronaldo down to the ground to clear the ball away. However, refree Martin Atikson (the refree who hates United) did not gave the penalty to Manchester United. Park also missed an open goal to extend the lead. Apart from attacks, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic played well to keep the clean sheet.

2. Manchester United 3-1 Middlesborough (Carling Cup)
Manchester United eliminated Middlesborough out of the Carling Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a mixture of youngsters and some senior players for this one. Rodrigo Possebon suffered an injury by a hard tackle from Emanuel Pogatetz during this fixture. Goals from Ryan Giggs, Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo secured a spot for the next round in the Carling Cup.

Previous encounters against Middlesborough at the Riverside Stadium :
1. Middlesborough 2-2 Manchester United (Season 07/08, Premier League)
2. Middlesborough 2-2 Manchester United (Season 06/07, FA Cup)
3. Middlesborough 1-2 Manchester United (Season 06/07, Premier League)
4. Middlesborough 4-1 Manchester United (Season 05/06, Premier League)
5. Middlesborough 0-2 Manchester United (Season 04/05, Premier League)

Full Time : Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Manchester United : John O'Shea 17'
Arsenal : -
(Aggregate : Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal)



Advantage, Manchester United. The Red Devils take only a one-goal advantage to the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday. The road to Rome is not as straightforward as it perhaps could have been as United had not won a game at the Emirates Stadium before. Manchester United outplayed Arsenal in the first half by creating lots of chances in the opening minutes. Almunia made some couple of good saves to stop United from scoring more goals by increasing the winning margin. I think the man of the match award goes to Michael Carrick this time. Neat, tidy passing from Carrick. Like Vidic, on top form again after a period in the doldrums. Besides Carrick, I think every United player played very well. Will Manchester United hang on for another 90minutes at the Emirates Stadium? I hope so




Will Manchester United get a win here for the first time in the second leg of the semi-final?

Next game : Manchester United vs Arsenal (Champions League semi-final, first leg)
Venue : Old Trafford


Predicted Formation, I think Rafael should start (look how good was his performance against Arsenal during the last game, video provided below)

Training squad (24 players): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak; Evra, Ferdinand, Vidic, Rafael, O'Shea, Evans, Brown; Ronaldo, Park, Giggs, Nani, Anderson, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick; Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov, Welbeck, Macheda. (Source : Manutd.com)

Injury list
Manchester United : Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves
Arsenal : Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Mikel Silvestre(could be fit to play) William Gallas, Tomas Rosicky, Andrei Arshavin(Cup-tied, not injured)

Statistics:
Head to head against Arsenal: Won 82, Drawn 45 , Lost 77.
Manchester United in the Champions League this season : Won 4 Drawn 6 Lost 0
Arsenal in the Champions League this season : Won 5 Drawn 3 Lost 2

My point of view is, if United lose this first leg at Old Trafford, they'll be out of the competition. Arsenal will go all out as the champions league will be their only chance to win silverware this season, it will be a tough game. Manchester United must also avoid Arsenal to score an away goal in order to be on the driving seat during the return leg. Lets just hope that Manchester United perform another stunning performance like what they did against Tottenham. United can take the advantage as Andrei Arshavin is cup-tied. Arsenal's dangerous players will be Cesc Fabregas, Theo Walcott and Emannuel Adebayor. Ferdinand must not make some unwanted mistakes again. Road to Rome !

The update: Emmannuel Adebayor says that their side will hold more possession to make United players frustrated. "As soon as you keep the ball from Manchester United, they have a problem. Every single time you play against them, they want to take control of the game - if they are in possession more, then you are dead" says Adebayor. This confirms that Arsenal will starve Manchester United of possession.

Prediction : 2-0 win to United

Referee: Claus Bo Larsen (Denmark). The Dane last took charge of the Reds in the 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in last season's group stages. (Source : Manutd.com)

Ferguson vs Wenger, head to head : http://espnstar.com/football/champions-league/news/detail/item255299/Ferguson-vs-Wenger---Head-to-Head/


Previous result against Arsenal this season:
1. Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)
Everyone expects Man United to win this one as Arsenal had a lot of key players missing for this fixture but a double from Samir Nasri condemned United to a second defeat of the season at the Emirates Stadium. Manchester United did not give up and continue to attack Arsenal with full force but was unlucky for not finding the back of the net. However, Rafael Da Silva rifled a consolation goal pass the Arsenal goalkeeper Fabianski in injury time, but it was too little, too late despite six minutes of injury time added. Manchester United played well but they were unable to forge another opening and were left to rue a glut of spurned first half opportunities. (Source : manutd.com)

Previous results against Arsenal last season:
1. Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal (Barclays Premier League)
Adebayor “handed” the ball pass Edwin van der Sar after the restart at Old Trafford but it was United who gets the last laugh at the end of the day. William Gallas conceded a penalty as he was caught hand-ball inside the penalty box and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the penalty to draw level with Arsenal. Minutes later, Owen Hargreaves scored the winning goal from a stunning free kick. It was his second goal for United and Arsenal was ruled out of the title race.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn9rhJUpYZw&feature=related (Arsenal's goals)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfRlniXdQ0I(Rafael Da Silva's performance and goals)

2. Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Sir Alex Ferguson left some experienced players on the bench , fielding some youngsters for this match. However, the youngsters did a brilliant job by trashing Arsenal at Old Trafford. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Luis Nani during the first half (3-0) confirmed the victory to send United to the next round of the FA Cup. During the second half, Eboue was sent off by the referee after tackling Patrice Evra which left Evra in pain. Darren Fletcher then scored the fourth goal pass Arsenal Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to give United a healthy lead.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5XaRvBbF_c&feature=related (Match highlights)

3. Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United (Barclays Premier League)
William Gallas’s late late equalizer rescued a point for Arsenal. Wayne Rooney scored the opener for United at the Emirates Stadium before half time but was canceled out by Fabregas after the restart. Cristiano Ronaldo took the lead again in the 80th minute and it looked that United will get their first win at the Emirates before William Gallas scored the equalizer.