Manchester United V: English Premier League Defending Champions!

[afbug]

I think they will try to create history by having unbeaten 100% runs in CL!

Veloso should be another good buy snice he can play left back! Hopefully SAF add on another striker ....but who is available? Anelka?:think::devil:

Anelka is putting the 'on sale' tag on himself but I dunno if Fergie wants him or not.

 

[melvin]

United are the team for me

John O'Shea didn't need asking twice when the club approached him with a contract extension that will keep the Irishman at Old Trafford until 2012.

Although O'Shea, 26, has appeared more often as a substitute than in Sir Alex's starting XI this season, he was never tempted to seek regular football elsewhere and committed his future to the Reds on 23 November.

"The club approached me [about a contract extension] just after the start of the season," O'Shea told Manchester United Radio. "It didn't take long for me to say yes. It's a fantastic place to be, I've enjoyed the success we've had and I want to be involved in more of that in the future."

Top of the list, he says, is success in Europe. O'Shea's currently involved in his seventh Champions League campaign and has already appeared in both the Reds' midfield and the back four this season.

"The versatility tag always comes up when people talk about me but being versatile may have helped me play more games for United, so I'm grateful for that. Being part of Manchester United is all about working hard and if you do that then you get the rewards. Hard work is appreciated at this club and I'm looking forward to challenging for more trophies."

:devil:

 

[melvin]

Papers: Eric talk flatters Ron

Ron Flattered By Eric Tag
Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday told how he was flattered at being compared to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona. The Portugal winger earned the plaudit for Tuesday's Champions League display - capped by a superb 30-yard free-kick - which clinched a 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon and confirmed United as Group F winners. He even celebrated in a manner reminiscent of the enigmatic Frenchman, reacting with mock arrogance and a shrug of the shoulders, as if the sublime goal was nothing out of the ordinary. "Cantona was a fantastic player," said Ronaldo. "I've seen a tapes of him playing for United and I enjoyed watching him because he was such a great player. I know what he meant to United and what he helped achieve in his time at the club. It's great to be compared with a player of his reputation."
David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

Freshly-appointed Birmingham manager Alex McLeish reveals that he took advice from friend and mentor Sir Alex Ferguson before deciding to leave Scotland and take up the St Andrews post.

The Sun, meanwhile, runs aggrieved reaction from Sporting Lisbon President Filipe Soares Franco. After Carlos Queiroz's admission that United are monitoring the progress of Sporting star Miguel Veloso, Franco said: "It is necessary everyone realises Veloso is a Sporting player. He has a contract and he’s going to honour it."

Round up by Steve Bartram

:devil:

 

[afbug]

Now Fergie not only have to content with the 3 ex Man Utd players, Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane going against him as managers, got another Alex McLeish from his Aberdeen days. :bsmilie:

O'Shea tok cok la, he said took not long to decide but he said he was offered a contract extension at the start of the season but he only recently just sign it. Its like 4 months?! lol But its great he stays, we need him to score more winners against Liverpool! :bsmilie:

Ronaldo acting like Cantona? :think:

 

[melvin]

Now Fergie not only have to content with the 3 ex Man Utd players, Mark Hughes, Steve Bruce and Roy Keane going against him as managers, got another Alex McLeish from his Aberdeen days. :bsmilie:

O'Shea tok cok la, he said took not long to decide but he said he was offered a contract extension at the start of the season but he only recently just sign it. Its like 4 months?! lol But its great he stays, we need him to score more winners against Liverpool! :bsmilie:

Ronaldo acting like Cantona? :think:

Feel that McLeish not a bad manager Scotland should have kept him! Under his guidance they have perform quite well!

O'Shea better score on 16 dec in OT some more!

Actually Ronaldo n Cantona are of different leauge! One on the wing the other command from midfield! R dun orchastrate attack from the back to the front like Contona, he only take on defenders!
Cantona turn on the game single handedly! Ronaldo score curcial goals!

Err.... what else between the 2?:sweat::devil:

 

[melvin]

Reserves: United 2 Sunderland 0

Chris Eagles and Febian Brandy struck fine second half goals to give United’s Reserves a narrow, but highly-deserved victory over league leaders Sunderland.

The Reds missed a hatful of chances during the 90 minutes, but Eagles struck just before the hour mark with a curling 20 yard effort, before an injury time breakaway strike from Brandy sealed victory for the hosts.

Black Cats goalkeeper Trevor Carson pulled off a string of superb saves to keep his side in the match, while opposite number Tom Heaton was also in fine form on the rare occasions he was called upon.

United went into the match knowing a fifth successive victory would take them second in the Barclays Premier Reserve League (North), and their lightning start displayed a real intent to do just that.

Brandy and strike partner Dong Fangzhuo were in scintillating form from the off. Dong shot just wide from distance after eight minutes, before Brandy turned Dong’s cross goalwards – only for Carson to save well with his legs.

The pair combined again just after the half hour as Brandy directed Dong’s cross just over the bar, before Dong arced a shot just wide of Carson’s post from distance.

The Sunderland stopper was left well beaten by a Michael Barnes volley which bounced down into the ground and up onto the crossbar, but he was more than equal to Brandy when the diminutive striker raced clear on goal.

There was still time for Dong to come close with two more powerful efforts, one blocked, another just off target, before the half-time whistle. Quite how United had failed to score was a mystery.

When Eagles was thwarted in another one-on-one after the break, it seemed like a frustrating evening was on the cards for United. The 21-year-old, however, had other ideas.

With 59 minutes gone, Eagles picked the ball up on the left edge of the area, cut infield past two Sunderland defenders and passed a precise curling effort inside Carson’s far post.

It was always going to take something special to beat an in-form opposing goalkeeper, and Eagles’ strike was just that. He almost repeated the feat twice shortly afterwards, but his dipping volley crashed off the top of the crossbar before a lovely free kick grazed the side netting.

Tom Heaton, a virtual spectator for much of the match, had to be alert with 20 minutes remaining, however, as his fingertip save brilliantly tipped Roy O’Donovan’s long-distance half volley onto the post and away.

United continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession and chances, however, and it was no more than they deserved when Brandy raced onto a long punt forward in the final minute to coolly slot home a second.

United: Heaton; Simpson, Chester, J Evans, Cleverley; Barnes, Hewson, Lee, Eagles; Dong (Welbeck, 76), Brandy.

Good to seeDong playing n Eagle scoring again!:devil:

 

[afbug]

Err.... what else between the 2?:sweat::devil:

Got 4 main difference!

1. Ronaldo no turn up collar.
2. Ronaldo more handsome.
3. Ronaldo is no captain
4. Ronaldo no kungfu kick!

Ulitmately, Cantona is a legend at Man Utd and he turned the club around when it was struggling. Ronaldo at the moment, stengthens the team a lot but not quite influential or charismatic as Cantona. Not a legend yet. He have to stay at Man Utd for long and prove himself if he wanna be like Cantona. :devil:

 

[afbug]

Reserves: United 2 Sunderland 0



Good to seeDong playing n Eagle scoring again!:devil:

Chris Eagles quite poor thing and will be very tough for him to break into Man Utd 1st team as even Fletcher and O'Shea are infront of him. But he is young and has time.

 

[afbug]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7110968.stm

Rooney ready for Man Utd return

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to return to face Fulham after recovering from his ankle injury.

Rooney will link up with Carlos Tevez up front and United could give recalls to Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Edwin van der Sar and Wes Brown too.

Fulham full-back Moritz Volz will not play despite a reserve outing after his shoulder, groin and foot problems.

Phillipe Christanval, Kasey Keller, Lee Cook, Ian Pearce, Brian McBride, Simon Elliot and Jimmy Bullard are also out.

Rooney hands United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a major boost after they slipped up with a 1-0 defeat at Bolton last weekend in the Premier League.

The England striker has missed three United matches and two England games since suffering the freak injury in training.

 

[afbug]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7121175.stm

Ronaldo on world player shortlist

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is on a three-man shortlist for Fifa's world player of the year award.
The 22-year-old Portugal winger is up against AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka, who is the favourite, and Argentine Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona.

It is the first time any of the trio have been shortlisted for the award, which was won by Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

The award will be made at Fifa's world player gala in Zurich on 17 December.

If Ronaldo wins he will be the first player from an English club to claim the award.

French midfielder Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian striker Ronaldo are both three-time winners, while Ronaldinho has won it twice.

Kaka has already picked up one prestigious award this year, having been named FIFPro world player of the year, voted for by 45,000 of his fellow professionals, in October.

In the women's award, Brazilian duo Cristiane and current holder Marta have both been shortlisted along with Germany's three-time winner Birgit Prinz.

The award is voted for by the managers and captains of the national teams of Fifa's member countries.

An LFC fan commented:
606: DEBATE
The fact Ronaldo is based in the English Premiership leads me to believe he actually has zero chance of scooping the award and is there only on merit

LFC

Which is quite true as EPL players dun win.

 

[melvin]

Chris Eagles quite poor thing and will be very tough for him to break into Man Utd 1st team as even Fletcher and O'Shea are infront of him. But he is young and has time.

I think on and off SAF might give him some chances! youngster with :devil: must have patience if not very difficult, it is a good thing they have the reserve leauge to keep them going if not they will not be match fit! :devil:

 

[melvin]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/7110968.stm

Rooney ready for Man Utd return

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is set to return to face Fulham after recovering from his ankle injury.

Rooney will link up with Carlos Tevez up front and United could give recalls to Ryan Giggs, Owen Hargreaves, Edwin van der Sar and Wes Brown too.

Fulham full-back Moritz Volz will not play despite a reserve outing after his shoulder, groin and foot problems.

Phillipe Christanval, Kasey Keller, Lee Cook, Ian Pearce, Brian McBride, Simon Elliot and Jimmy Bullard are also out.

Rooney hands United boss Sir Alex Ferguson a major boost after they slipped up with a 1-0 defeat at Bolton last weekend in the Premier League.

The England striker has missed three United matches and two England games since suffering the freak injury in training.

Hope he really recover then come back against fulham, if not i feel no need to rush him i rather rest him for the coming matches against Roma n Liverpool!:devil:

 

[melvin]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/7121175.stm

Ronaldo on world player shortlist

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is on a three-man shortlist for Fifa's world player of the year award.
The 22-year-old Portugal winger is up against AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka, who is the favourite, and Argentine Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona.

It is the first time any of the trio have been shortlisted for the award, which was won by Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

The award will be made at Fifa's world player gala in Zurich on 17 December.

If Ronaldo wins he will be the first player from an English club to claim the award.

French midfielder Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian striker Ronaldo are both three-time winners, while Ronaldinho has won it twice.

Kaka has already picked up one prestigious award this year, having been named FIFPro world player of the year, voted for by 45,000 of his fellow professionals, in October.

In the women's award, Brazilian duo Cristiane and current holder Marta have both been shortlisted along with Germany's three-time winner Birgit Prinz.

The award is voted for by the managers and captains of the national teams of Fifa's member countries.

An LFC fan commented:
606: DEBATE
The fact Ronaldo is based in the English Premiership leads me to believe he actually has zero chance of scooping the award and is there only on merit

LFC

Which is quite true as EPL players dun win.

Although i also think that KAKA will win the award! but no harm surpporting our Ronaldo:bsmilie::devil:

 

[melvin]

Skipper may make Roma trip

Club captain Gary Neville may make his first team return to action in United's final Champions League Group F clash against Roma.

Having missed eight months of action, the Reds' skipper had been expected to take part in two or three Reserves games before making a senior return.

Neville missed Thursday's Reserve League victory over Sunderland but United boss Sir Alex allayed any fears of a further setback at his press conference on Friday.

"Obviously it begs the question when he didn't play in the Reserves game on Thursday night," the manager admitted, "but at the moment he prefers to keep training with us.

"He could have played in the Reserves but he wants to get to a good level of fitness. We concur with that because it's important he gets plenty of good training sessions before he starts playing in games.

"There's a possibility that, if he comes through next week okay, I'll take him to Rome and play him in the Roma game. He's coming along well and I don't think he's far away now."

Neville has been out of action since suffering ankle ligament damage against Bolton last March, and a series of subsequent setbacks have derailed his recuperation.

With United travelling to Rome assured of topping Group F, however, it seems Sir Alex will take advantage of the chance to ease Neville back into senior action on a bigger stage.

Our good 'old' skipper is coming back!
:devil:

 

[melvin]

Come tues 4 dec 4am match against Draw specialists. then follow by 4days interval of 4 matchs then 1week rest follow by 3days interval of 4 matches till New Year's day:bigeyes: Siong Man!!!
Hope the guys rest enough!!!

Match Pack: Fulham

Fulham arrive at Old Trafford with a reputation for giving leads away, but, with the Reds' defence in frugal mood at home this season, simply getting in front may prove difficult for Lawrie Sanchez's men.

Form guide: The Cottagers are the top flight's draw specialists, with seven of their last 10 matches ending with spoils shared. Away from home they're yet to win in the league this season, while the Reds are unbeaten at Old Trafford in the same competition. Sir Alex's men aren't infallible, however. Bolton proved that much in the Reds' last league outing...

Ins and outs: Fulham have struggled with injuries recently, but could welcome back Moritz Volz (shoulder), Phillipe Christanval (knee) and Ian Pearce (ankle). The Londoners will be hoping Wayne Rooney doesn't win his race against time to return from an ankle injury that's kept him out of United's last three league matches.

Star men: Patrice Evra enjoyed a terrific November and will undoubtedly look to cause Fulham problems down the left flank on Monday night. The visitors, meanwhile, will rely on goalkeeper Antti Niemi to keep out a United side who have scored an average of two goals per league game at Old Trafford this season .

:devil:

 

[afbug]

Hope he really recover then come back against fulham, if not i feel no need to rush him i rather rest him for the coming matches against Roma n Liverpool!:devil:

Against Roma and Liverpool dun need Rooney lah! :bsmilie: For Roma, can just field all younsters as they will likely to field reserves as well because the group already finalised already. Win lose or draw, Roma will still be in 2nd spot.

As for Liverpool, we only need John O'Shea! :bsmilie:

 

[afbug]

Come tues 4 dec 4am match against Draw specialists. then follow by 4days interval of 4 matchs then 1week rest follow by 3days interval of 4 matches till New Year's day:bigeyes: Siong Man!!!
Hope the guys rest enough!!!

Match Pack: Fulham


:devil:

Yeah Dec period is crunch time. Hope the squad can cope with the demands. The Eng FA is really crazy to have such punishing schedule when other leagues are having their winter holidays break.

 

[Galdor]

Ronaldo has helped put us back in the 2nd place after scoring 2 solid goals against Fulham. :thumbsup:

 

[iskofil]

wish he would win the FIFA player of the year award..... this guy is soooo goooddd that sometimes people just hate him......

 

[melvin]

Boss: Ronaldo was robbed

Sir Alex believes Cristiano Ronaldo was denied a clear penalty against Fulham because of an unjust reputation as a "diver".

Ronaldo went down under a challenge from Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi in the 79th minute but referee Rob Styles booked the Portuguese winger for simulation.

Unlike similar incidents where strikers go to ground after pushing the ball too far in front, Ronaldo never looked in danger of losing control. Had Niemi not clipped his heels, Ronaldo would undoubtedly have gone on to tap in his third of the night.

"The penalty incident is a result of the referee's perceived idea that Ronaldo dives," Sir Alex told Setanta Sports. "There's no question about that. Why would he want to dive? Ronaldo was going full pelt, he was past the goalkeeper, he's on a hat-trick… it was a ridiculous decision."

The United boss also said Fulham stopper Niemi had "conned" the referee.

"I think all goalkeepers will try that [to claim they didn't touch the attacker] but it's up to the referee to interpret that. It was the wrong decision – it's as simple as that."

:devil: