MANCHESTER UNITED...the RED DEVILS march on !!!

[MarcoVan]

Rooney double inspires United to first win in Milan

AFP - Wednesday, February 17

ROME (AFP) – Wayne Rooney was the hero as Manchester United made AC Milan look old in a 3-2 win in the Champions League last 16 first leg clash here on Tuesday to record their first ever victory in the San Siro.

Rooney scored a brace as Milan's old legs finally caught up with them as United came from behind to win at a canter until some late drama that saw United's Michael Carrick dismissed in injury time for a second booking.

Ronaldinho gave Milan an early lead but after Paul Scholes's fortuitous equaliser Sir Alex Ferguson's side gradually took control and by the end they threatened to run up a cricket score.

Substitute Clarence Seedorf's clever backheel finish from Ronaldinho's cross five minutes from time was the only thing that gives the Italians hope for the second leg at Old Trafford.

"I thought we were coasting at 3-1," said Ferguson.

"But we've given them hope by allowing them to score towards the end.

"We just have to do the job at Old Trafford and win the match."

Ferguson admitted that it hadn't been a great performance by his side in the first-half.

"It was a catalogue of errors," said the Scotsman.

"Once we settled, though, we did a lot better."

His AC Milan counterpart Leonardo could scarcely believe his side had lost.

"We did not deserve to lose this match," said the Brazilian.

"But nothing is finished. We have to win 2-0 in England, which is certainly not beyond us. When we got into our stride, we dominated United.

"Indeed the first-half could have ended 3-0 in our favour."

Rooney for his part was not best pleased with some of his team-mates for the first-half struggles.

"Some people weren't doing their job," said Rooney, who looked frustrated by the service from the flanks of Nani especially.

"We did well to get back in the game and in the second-half we were better and deserved to win. We were the better side."

Milan were off to a dream start, taking the lead after only three minutes and appropriately United old boy David Beckham was involved.

His free-kick into the box was only helped on by Patrice Evra and fell kindly to Ronaldinho at the back post who caught it on the volley and a wicked deflection off Carrick took it past a helpless Edwin van der Sar.

"It took a wicked deflection," was Ferguson's acerbic response to a question about Beckham's contribution to the goal.

United drew level on 36 minutes.

If Milan's opener owed something to luck, United's equaliser was no more lacking in that department.

Darren Fletcher crossed from the right for Scholes arriving in the box but he missed with his swinging right foot and the ball hit his standing left leg, spun beyond Dida and trickled in off the post.

Milan almost caught United napping again three minutes into the second period as Pato stole in unchecked onto Giuseppe Favalli's deep cross but the young Brazilian headed over.

Nani was having one of his more erratic days and Ferguson replaced him with Antonio Valencia halfway through the second period, a move that bore fruit within a minute as the Ecuador flyer got to the byline and crossed for Rooney at the back post to flick a floating header over Dida for his 25th goal of the season.

United were now content to hit Milan on the counter and Rooney flashed a shot just wide on 73 minutes but a minute later he ran onto Fletcher's dink into the box past a static defence to head easily past Dida.

United were cruising until a late lapse allowed in Seedorf, who had replaced Beckham, to lift the crowd and give the visitors a nervous last few minutes.

I seriously don't know what were Milan's defenders doing throughout the match. Macham all like in trance mode! especially Rooney's 2nd goal! in between 2 defenders and Milan right-back still doesnt want to close down on Fletcher before the cross. WTH!

Milan defence sucks! :S

Arsenal Forever,

Marc J.

[kueytoc]

Fergie won't panic despite tired United's defeat

AFP - Sunday, February 21

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - – Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United are showing signs of tiredness as the title race gathers pace but he insists there is no need to panic in the wake of his side's 3-1 defeat at Everton.

United have now lost six Premier League matches in the current campaign and have not been defeated as many times in the league since 2004.

They have also suffered three other defeats in cup competitions - against Besiktas, Leeds and Manchester City.

Yet United manager Ferguson, who saw his side lose an eight-match unbeaten run, maintains he is not worried about his team's defeats in a season of alarming inconsistency.

But the Scot did concede his players, who won 3-2 at AC Milan in the Champions League in midweek, showed indications of fatigue on Saturday.

"We left something in Milan and certainly there was tiredness in the team but we're going for a championship and we expect Manchester United to respond to the importance of the game," Ferguson said.

"They've all been bouncing this week and been great. It's a small possibility we've left something there but certainly we looked very tired.

"We were well beaten, simple as that and I'm disappointed. Of course the players are disappointed. They're human beings but they play for Manchester United and they don't like losing."

Despite his frustration at yet another defeat, Ferguson has no worries about his players' ability to recover as he looked ahead to the home game against West Ham on Tuesday.

He added: "We've been responding for a long time so I don't expect a problem with that.

"It's a bad result for us and at this time of the year you can't afford results like that. We hope others drop points and that can happen because of the way the league is going this season.

"That's the way it has been and hopefully it turns that way again. I don't think we'll panic."

Everton have moved to within seven points of the top four with a run of just one Premier League defeat since November.

They have recovered well from a difficult start to the campaign but Moyes admits they have probably left it too late to mount a sustained challenge for a Champions League place.

He said: "It's a long way off for us but I would rather see us coming from behind and up on the rails and we'll have to. It can change.

"We thought there was a period when we'd pick up points but the Premier league this year is so tight that there isn't a guarantee that you will pick them up wherever you go and whoever you play.

"We can start looking upwards a little more than downwards certainly. We've started a tricky month pretty well. We're delighted."

American forward Landon Donovan, who is on loan from LA Galaxy, produced another outstanding performance against United.

His loan spell runs out next month and Moyes admits that he will be unable to extend the deal.

Moyes added: "I dont think you bring many players from abroad who start the Prmeier League up to speed. In some games there's been a dip but he was always a chance. He always looked as if he had something about him.

"I think Landon would probably like to stay but at the moment it looks as if not and I wouldn't want to show any disrespect to his club or his contract over there."

Dimitar Berbatov gave United an early lead but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov pulled Everton level with a 25-yard drive just two minutes later.

And Everton secured their win thanks to late goals from young substitutes Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell.

[kueytoc]

Goal machine Rooney leads United to victory

Reuters - 2 hours 8 minutes ago

LONDON - Two Wayne Rooney headers led Manchester United to a 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, taking the champions within a point of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League.

Striker Rooney, who also scored two headers when his side beat AC Milan in the Champions League last week, took his tally for the season to 27 -- with 19 of those goals coming in his last 19 matches.

Substitute Michael Owen added the third in the 80th minute, two minutes after replacing goal machine Rooney who executed both headers with real power from crosses by Antonio Valencia after 38 and 55 minutes.

Manchester United are second with 60 points from 28 matches, one behind leaders Chelsea who have a game in hand.

The only blemish for United was revealed when manager Alex Ferguson said afterwards that defender Rio Ferdinand, who missed the game with a twinge in his back, was also out of Sunday's League Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley.

The centre back is also now a doubt for England's friendly against Egypt at the same stadium three days later.

"He felt a twinge in his back this morning... and we couldn't risk it," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "He won't be playing on Sunday."

GOOD ATTITUDE

Ferguson, though, was pleased with United's win which ended 13th-placed West Ham's recent revival. Gianfranco Zola's men had lost once in six matches but were always second best on Tuesday.

"It was a good attitude from the players, they were hungry for the victory and did very well. West Ham have been doing very well recently so it was a good result for us," Ferguson added.

He reshuffled his side after Saturday's 3-1 league defeat at Everton, making five changes including bringing back defender Nemanja Vidic and goalkeeper Ben Foster.

United gradually took control of the game and deservedly went ahead seven minutes before halftime with a brilliantly-executed goal, Valencia providing a cushioned volley cross for Rooney to score.

The hosts went close again 20 seconds into the second half when Park Ji-Sung smashed the ball against the bar.

Nine minutes later Rooney doubled the lead with another fine header and Owen made sure of victory when he opened his body and found the far corner of the net after a through pass from Paul Scholes.

[jackywongto]

exciting race to the finish.....

Rooney is on red hot form..... wonder if he will get burnout when world cup approaches.....

[kueytoc]

Excited Beckham is certain Rooney will play against Milan

Reuters - Tuesday, March 9

MILAN - AC Milan midfielder David Beckham returns to Old Trafford for the first time in seven years on Wednesday and fully expects to face Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

In-form England forward Rooney, who scored twice in United's 3-2 first leg win, is a doubt for the Champions League last-16 return match due to a knee problem.

"I'm sure Rooney will play. I think he's had some problems in the last few days but he had the whole weekend to recover," former United player Beckham told Milan's TV channel on Monday.

"He's a fine player and he'll want to participate in the match. Alex Ferguson will certainly use the best possible formation."

Former England captain Beckham, 34, won the 1999 Champions League with United before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003 amid media reports of tension with manager Ferguson.

"Alex Ferguson gives a lot of advice to players and he's one of the best football coaches. He protected his players but he made me understand when I was making a mistake," said Beckham.

"If I play on Wednesday I won't be frightened but I will be excited because I played in that stadium for many years and I know what it means to be a Manchester United player. I know what it means for opponents to play there."

Beckham, who started the first leg, is not sure of playing on Wednesday as Alexandre Pato, Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso are available again for Milan.

Milan striker Pato included in squad for United game

Reuters - Tuesday, March 9

MILAN - AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato looks to have shaken off a thigh injury after being included in the squad Monday for Wednesday's Champions League last 16 second leg at Manchester United.

The Brazilian missed Saturday's 0-0 draw at AS Roma but a club statement said he would travel to Manchester, where the Serie A side need to overturn a 3-2 first leg deficit.

Pato is the key part of the three-pronged attack favoured by Milan coach Leonardo, who was forced to play strikers Marco Borriello and Klaas Jan Huntelaar as a front two at Roma.

If the Brazilian is fit enough to start on the right of the trio, Dutchman Huntelaar is likely to drop to the bench with Ronaldinho and Borriello filling the other forward positions.

David Beckham would have been a candidate to replace Pato but the 34-year-old is now more likely to play on the right of midfield if Leonardo decides to bring the England man back against his former club.

Midfielder Mathieu Flamini played instead of substitute Beckham against Roma while Gennaro Gattuso is available at Old Trafford after a ban and Clarence Seedorf returns from a knock.

[kueytoc]

Let the MATCH do the BRAGGING !!!

Ferguson lauds Rooney in 4-0 defeat of AC Milan

AFP - 2 hours 58 minutes ago

MANCHESTER (AFP) - – Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney could match the 42 goals that Cristiano Ronaldo provided for Manchester United in 2008 after the England striker reached the 30 mark with a double in the Champions League humbling of AC Milan.

Rooney, who had also scored twice in the 3-2 first leg win, laid the foundations for a 4-0 win on a night that United boss Ferguson described as one of the most satisfying of his illustrious managerial career.

"When I think that we've beaten Milan 4-0 -- not many teams have ever done that, if any," the Scot declared. "It was a fantastic night."

It was the first time United had eliminated their opponents for the first time in five attempts since two of European football's iconic institutions first met, 52 years ago.

Ferguson added: "I said it was a landmark victory when we beat them over there. I regard Milan as a great European example for us and that makes me particularly proud that we managed to beat that great team."

Rooney's early header was followed by a strike in the first minute of the second half which broke Milan's spirit and further goals from Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher ensured it was an unhappy return to Old Trafford for David Beckham.

"I think the second goal was decisive," Ferguson said. "We were able to relax and play good football. Milan were forced to try and attack and left themselves a little bit open. It was a difficult night for them after that."

Ferguson was also delighted to have the luxury of withdrawing Rooney from the fray early, ensuring he did not aggravate a niggling knee injury that had threatened to keep him out of the tie.

"Wayne's performance was just a continuation of his form of the last two or three months. It is sensational. He is unbelievable and I'm very pleased with him."

Asked if he felt Rooney could match Ronaldo's haul in his penultimate season before his departure for Real Madrid, Ferguson replied: "It's a challenge. I was happy with him getting to the 30 mark, to be honest. But he just keeps getting better."

Ronaldo's departure has ensured Rooney has been consistently deployed as an out-and-out centreforward this term, but Ferguson feels his improved return in terms of goals is also a reflection of the work he has done on the training ground.

"The thing that has improved is his movement in the penalty box. Also, he has practised more than he's ever done and you get the rewards when you do that."

Milan's hopes of overturning their first-leg deficit disappeared after Ronaldinho and Klaas Jan Huntelaar failed to take a couple of early chances that could have transformed the complexion of the tie.

"You don't want to lose the first goal in a game like this," Ferguson acknowledged. "It would have encouraged Milan."

With Ronaldo's Real having gone out to Lyon on Wednesday evening, United look well placed to reach the final of the tournament for a third consecutive season and Ferguson said he was relaxed about the draw for the quarter finals.

"When we play at that tempo, we're very hard to beat. It doesn't matter who we play."

That view was endorsed by Milan coach Leonardo, who admitted United had been simply too powerful for his injury-depleted squad.

"I guess we can analyse the game in many ways, but the one thing we cannot deny is the performance of United," the Brazilian said. "They played a truly great game.

"Conceding a goal so early made a comeback even more complicated for us.

"In the first leg we played an equal match. We lost but we dominated for some periods. Today was different. We have some problems but United is a very strong team, they can use your mistakes in the best way. They are very clinical and that is what you have to be in this competition."

[kueytoc]

I luv IT...luv IT...!!!

Mourinho warns Abramovich as Inter beat Chelsea

AFP - Wednesday, March 17

LONDON (AFP) - Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has warned Roman Abramovich that Chelsea may never win the Champions League after the former Blues boss returned to dump his old club out of the competition.

Mourinho masterminded Inter's 1-0 victory in the last 16 second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday which clinched a 3-1 aggregate success and left Chelsea owner Abramovich still waiting to fulfil his dream of winning Europe's elite club event.

Ever since he was sacked by Abramovich in September 2007 following a lengthy power struggle with the Russian billionaire, Mourinho must have dreamed of the moment he would exact his revenge.

Thanks to his inspired game-plan, Inter's resolute defending and a superb goal from Samuel Eto'o, Mourinho was able to prove his point and deny his former employer the trophy he prizes most.

Mourinho resisted the temptation to gloat too much but he made it clear there is no guarantee Chelsea will ever win such a demanding competition.

"I know that Roman is a very intelligent person. And because of this he is not the same person he was one year, three years or five years ago," Mourinho said.

"Probably when he arrived in football he thought it would be easier to do it. It is not easy. The team that wins will have small details that make the difference.

"Roman knows very well how to read, understand and analyse the game. For sure he knows his team lost to a team that deserved to win. Because he is a man of fair play I am sure he accepts that."

Although Mourinho could have been forgiven for taking a very public satisfaction from eliminating his old club, the Portuguese coach insisted it was only Inter's progress to the last eight that pleased him.

"I'm happy because I won. I am not happy my ex-players lost, because Roman lost or because the fans go home unhappy," Mourinho said.

"It is a very important victory for me as a coach but it is not the victory of my life. It was hard to prepare myself to come here as an enemy.

"I exchanged some text messages with John Terry before the game and I told him someone will go home happy and someone sad.

"My people will always be my people. But I was the enemy. And the enemy won. That's life.

"Somebody asked if I would still be special if I didn't win. Now I can say I am not so special to the Chelsea supporters who will probably never forgive me."

For Mourinho there was more satisfaction in a job well done. His decision to play Eto'o and Goran Pandev as wide attackers to take advantage of Chelsea's full-backs worked perfectly and Inter were rarely in danger of surrendering their first leg advantage.

The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Eto'o sprinted onto Wesley Sneijder's superb pass, held off right-back Branislav Ivanovic and drove his shot past Ross Turnbull.

Mourinho's fist-pumping celebration told its own story and Chelsea's frustration at their earliest exit from the competition since 2006 - and their first home European defeat for 22 matches - boiled over when Didier Drogba was sent off for a nasty stamp on Thiago Motta.

While Mourinho returned to Italy well and truely vindicated, Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti admits he has to deliver success in the Premier League to make amends for his European failure.

Brought to the Bridge for his impressive achievements in the Champions League, Ancelotti could have done without such an early exit and now he must focus on ending Manchester United's three-year reign as English champions.

"We are near the top of the league but I'm sure there will be more pressure on the next games. This is normal," he said.

"I have been involved in this sport for a lot of years, I know very well the facts. I will do my best to do a good job for Chelsea.

"We have to be strong and control our emotions. Maybe this defeat could be very good motivation for the next weeks.

"I know what the expectations are in this environment and it is normal a manager will come under more pressure if he loses a few matches.

"We were in three competitions, now we are only in two and we are disappointed by that. But our objective now is to go on and win the FA Cup and Premier League."

[kueytoc]

SHUCKS !!!

Last-minute Bayern stun United in Champions League

AFP - Wednesday, March 31

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - – Bayern Munich stunned Manchester United 2-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg Tuesday, with an injury-time goal by Ivica Olic evoking memories of their famous clash in 1999.

The match was eagerly anticipated as a re-run of the famous thrilling Champions League final in 1999 when two dramatic goals right at the end of the game took the trophy to Old Trafford in a devastating blow to the Germans.

This time round, United struck right at the beginning of the match, with England striker Wayne Rooney latching on to a deflected free-kick and smashing home a close-range volley for his 34th goal of the season with only 66 seconds played.

Bayern were left to rue a golden opportunity half way through the first period as Olic somehow missed from about a yard out completely unmarked in front of goal.

Rooney missed a gilt-edged chance of his own in front of goal before the end of an open and entertaining first half which produced only one goal but could have seen a half-dozen as both teams concentrated on attacking football.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson called on his side to step up their effort in the second half but it was the home side who started the brighter with several shots on goal in the first few minutes of the second period.

And Bayern continued to dominate the second half, fully deserving their equaliser after when a long-range free-kick from the impressive French international Franck Ribery deflected off Rooney past a helpless van der Sar.

During a frantic last 10 minutes, United defender Nemanja Vidic clattered the bar and Gomez forced van der Sar into a last-ditch save during injury time.

But the van der Sar was helpless as Olic weaved his way through the United defence and slotted home in the second minute of injury time.

Ferguson accepted that the better side had prevailed.

"We didn't play well and we kept on giving the ball away," said the Scotsman.

"Bayern were better than us and we can't deny that either.

"They pressed us really hard and we cracked a bit. The last goal was a terrible one to give away.

"However, the game at Old Trafford will be a different one and we will be much better. No doubt about that. We have an away goal and that is an advantage."

As a further blow to Ferguson and England, Rooney hobbled off the pitch at full time after a clash with Gomez.

"He's got a kick in the ankle, we'll just have to see tomorrow. Let's hope it's not too serious," said Ferguson.

Bayern coach Louis van Gaal was delighted with what he described as a "well-deserved win."

After a "shock" first goal, "we needed 10 minutes to recover and afterwards we were the best side.

"We have a good chance in Manchester because we can always score away from home," added the Dutchman.

The English side came into the clash in stunning form, having won their last seven games, including a 4-0 thumping of Italian giants AC Milan and a satisfying 2-1 defeat of fierce rivals Liverpool at home.

Coming in to the quarter-final clash, the Reds were undefeated in their last 17 European encounters, a point made forcefully by coach Sir Alex Ferguson before the game.

In contrast, Bayern's recent form has been poor, with rare back-to-back league defeats knocking them off the top of the Bundesliga.

The four-time European champions have also been less than convincing in Europe, needing a hefty dose of luck to squeeze past Italian outfit Fiorentina.

[jackywongto]

exciting race to the finish.....

Rooney is on red hot form..... wonder if he will get burnout when world cup approaches.....

think this is coming true.....

[kueytoc]

Double WHAMMY !!!

Man Utd 1

Macheda (80)

Chelsea 2

Cole (19), Drogba (78)

3 April 2010, Old Trafford Attendance: 75,217

03/04/2010 13:30, Report by Gemma Thompson

Didier Drogba came off the bench to strike a hammer blow to United’s title chances with a controversial winner which secured a 2-1 victory for Chelsea at Old Trafford.

The Ivorian was clearly offside when he latched onto Salomon Kalou’s pass, but was allowed to carry on and fire what could be a hugely decisive goal in the title race. Joe Cole had earlier put the visitors ahead, before Drogba doubled the advantaged soon after entering the action in the second half. Federico Macheda, who had saved United this time last year with a stunning winner against Aston Villa, gave the Reds hope but his goal was too little too late for United, who lacked a real cutting edge without Wayne Rooney up front.

Sir Alex made three changes to the side that started in Munich with one a well-reported enforced change. In the absence of Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, as expected, occupied the lone striker role with support close behind from Ji-sung Park. Chelsea, meanwhile, opted to leave top scorer Didier Drogba on the bench with Carlo Ancelotti sticking with the 11 that put seven past Aston Villa last weekend.

Chelsea started brightest, with Alex heading wide on four minutes from a Frank Lampard corner. The early exchanges were dominated by the Blues who enjoyed good spells of possession, while United, just as against Bayern, struggled to keep the ball.

Spurred on by a vocal Old Trafford faithful, Sir Alex's men carved out their first opening on nine minutes when Antonio Valencia picked out the unmarked Berbatov in the area after good work down the right. Unfortunately the Bulgarian was unable to direct his header on target. A lot had been made of the responsibility resting on the striker’s shoulders with Rooney out injured, but aside from that cross from Valencia, the Reds struggled to provide him with any real service during the opening 45 minutes. Chelsea, meanwhile, were knocking the ball around well and finding pockets of space all over the pitch.

The in-form Florent Malouda, who impressed throughout, made the most of that room down the left in the 19th minute. After skipping past a challenge from Valencia and shrugging off the attentions of Darren Fletcher, he fired a low cross into the box where Joe Cole, who was under pressure from Patrice Evra, backheeled the ball brilliantly through the legs of Evra and into the far corner. Old Trafford fell silent, while the visiting fans went wild knowing what an important goal that could prove to be in the context of the title race.

Both teams had good shouts for penalties turned down soon after, with Park tripped in the box by Yuri Zhirkov and Gary Neville barging Nicolas Anelka to the ground at the other end. Mike Dean was unmoved on both.

Chelsea ended the half as they had started it – in complete control. It had been a half of huffing and puffing for United who looked short of ideas and adventure in attack without you know who.

Just three minutes into the second period, the visitors went within inches of doubling their advantage when Cole fed the onrushing Paulo Ferreira down the right. The Portuguese full-back burst into the box, but his cross-######-shot trickled wide with Anelka unable to latch onto the loose ball at the back post.

Lying in wait in the same spot at the other end soon after was Patrice Evra who connected brilliantly with Valencia’s deep cross, but he couldn't keep his well-struck first time volley on target.

There was definitely a renewed vigour about United’s play after the restart, but there was still an evident lack of real penetration up front. There was the odd spark though – just before the hour Fletcher fed a lovely ball into the path of Berbatov who cleverly let it run to Park who found himself through on goal. The Korean couldn’t match his great run with a finish though as he skewed his effort wide.

As the fans raised the decibel level inside Old Trafford the players followed suit with their performance level on the pitch as they went in search of that equaliser. Twice in quick succession Berbatov flashed headers just wide and over Petr Cech’s goal.

There was a host of personnel changes as the game entered the final quarter. Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou replaced Anelka and Cole, while Sir Alex introduced Nani and Federico Macheda in place of Park and Scholes.

Chelsea had been largely anonymous as an attacking force in the second half, but the introduction of Drogba gave them a real presence up front. And it didn’t take long for the Ivorian striker to make his mark, even if he shouldn't have been allowed to. Kalou slipped a pass in behind the United defence for Drogba on 78 minutes, who was beyond the final United man, but play carried on and Chelsea’s leading scorer duly lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

The Reds, as we know, never give up and the man who had fired such a vital goal for United this time last year sparked more scenes of celebration. Nani powered down the left flank and his low cross bounced off Cech onto Macheda's chest and into the net. The Italian knew little about it and Chelsea were quick to claim hand ball, but the goal stood and United had a lifeline.

There was still work to be done however and Berbatov had a great chance to fire the equaliser in the final minute of normal time but his volley from Gary Neville’s cross was straight at Cech. That was to be United's last chance as Chelsea held out for a victory which could turn out to be crucial in the race for the title.

[kueytoc]

Boss: Blues have title edge now

03/04/2010 14:22, Report by Adam Bostock

Sir Alex Ferguson says United will bounce back from losing at home to Chelsea for the first time in five years, but admits it may not be enough to keep the title.

“It’s a disappointing result,” said Sir Alex. “I thought we looked leggy in the first half. We took too long to get going. Chelsea were by far the better team.

“But in the second half we did well and we were unfortunate not to get something from the game. We dominated that second period and there’s always that chance we can rescue it. But we just didn’t get there today.”

Unfortunate may be putting it mildly – some might say grossly unlucky, considering Didier Drogba was in an offside position when he made it 2-0 to the Blues.

“What I can’t understand is the linesman was directly in line with it,” said Sir Alex.

“There’s nobody in front of him and he gets it wrong. In a game of that magnitude you really need quality officials. We didn’t get them today and it was a poor, poor performance.

"That's twice we've been undone by refereeing decisions against Chelsea - it was the same down at Stamford Bridge. So we've caught the wrong end of them this season. It's unfortunate but it happens. Sometimes you get the decisions for you, sometimes you don't."

The appointment of referee Mike Dean for this game had been criticised in midweek by another aggrieved manager, Burnley’s Brian Laws, but Sir Alex wouldn’t be drawn on that.

“I don’t know about that. I’m not going into that. When I saw it was Mike Dean, I did worry, I must admit. Plenty of people are criticising him but I’m not going to go down that road.”

Whatever the reasons for United’s defeat, there is no doubt the Barclays Premier League pendulum has now swung in favour of Carlo Ancelotti’s victors.

“Chelsea are favourites now, no question. There are five games left and they are two points ahead and four goals better off in goal difference. They’re in the driving seat, no question about that.

“I’m certain we’ll respond. But we could win our next five games and not win the league. If Chelsea win their five, they’re champions.”

Sir Alex's next task is to raise his troops for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich, when the Reds have to turn around another 2-1 defeat.

"We have to (raise the players), it's important," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"It's a European tie and an opportunity to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League with a final in Madrid beckoning. That's incentive enough."

[kueytoc]

Kiko keen to help

03/04/2010 15:21, Report by Gemma Thompson

This time last year Federic Macheda sent Old Trafford wild with delight after coming off the bench to fire a vital late goal in United's bid for the title.

History repeated itself on Saturday against Chelsea, but unfortunately Macheda's late strike this time round was not enough to prevent the visitors from gaining the upper hand in the race for the Championship crown.

"As a striker, it's always good to score, but it would have been better if we'd have won the game," he told MUTV. "We are very disappointed, but there are still five games left and we are ready to play those games.

"I hope to be involved in the upcoming matches - I've had a few injuries this season and been out for a good few months. But I'm pleased to be back now."

With Wayne Rooney out injured, the Italian striker could be called upon again on Wednesday night with the Reds needing to beat Bayern Munich if they are to make it through to the Champions League semi-finals.

Despite the setback against Chelsea, Macheda says it's vital the players stay positive.

"We must forget the Chelsea game because there are still games left and we must focus on those," he insisted.

"We have to train hard and be focused on the Bayern game now and hopefully we can get the result we need."

Vidic: We're still fighting

03/04/2010 14:50, Report by Gemma Thompson

Despite having lost their last two matches and underperformed in both, Nemanja Vidic insists the Reds must not lose hope and should take heart from their fighting display in the second period against Chelsea.

A poor performance against Bayern Munich on Tuesday was followed by another below-par display against Carlo Ancelotti's men who stole a march in the title race with their 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, albeit thanks to an offside Didier Drogba goal.

Vidic admits tiredness may have played a part during the first half, but says the Reds should be buoyed by their response after the restart.

"We were more aggressive and pressed higher up the pitch after half-time and that had an affect on the game," he told MUTV.

"We had some good half chances and if the final ball had been better we could maybe have been celebrating at the end.

"We still have five games to play and we need to win all of them. It won't be easy, but the second half against Chelsea gives us hope that we can do well."

While disappointed not to have reached their full potential against Chelsea, there was equal frustration at Drogba's controversial winner.

are very disappointed about their second goal. It was offside, but what can you do?" admitted the Serbian.

"We hope there will be more dropped points from our rivals and Chelsea do at least have the FA Cup to think about as well as the league.

"If we win our last five games I think we'll have a good chance."

[kueytoc]

New contract for Neville keeps old guard at United

3 hours 34 mins ago

The third pillar of Manchester United's old guard, Gary Neville, has been given a one-year extension to his contract after battling back from a career-threatening injury.

Manager Alex Ferguson had already rewarded the veteran pairing of 35-year-old Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, 36, new 12-month contracts this season.

"We have agreed a contract with Gary Neville for another year and it is something we have been working on for a couple of weeks," Ferguson told reporters on Friday.

"We are delighted with that and we think he deserves it for his contribution at the club. He has been fantastic.

"You can keep a player with experience and not play him of course, but I don't think Gary would enjoy that. I don't think any of the three would enjoy that."

Scholes, Giggs and 35-year-old Neville will go down in United folklore with an astonishing 2,074 appearances between them. Club captain Neville has made 597 appearances for United since his debut in 1992.

It looked over for Neville in March 2007 when he suffered a serious ankle ligament injury and was out of action for almost 18 months but he has played 27 games this season and been mentioned as a potential member of England's World Cup squad.

"The amazing thing about Gary is that he has come back from a serious injury in his thirties," Ferguson said.

"To get to the level he is playing at today is astonishing. The man is doing it because of his determination and drive within himself not to give in.

"He is getting the rewards for that and his performance levels recently have been outstanding."

Reporting by Chris Brereton. Editing by Alison Wildey

[kueytoc]

Ferguson looks to Liverpool to hold Chelsea back

2 hours 18 mins ago

Alex Ferguson is relying on bitter rivals Liverpool to keep up their fighting spirit against Chelsea on Sunday, even though their own Premier League title hopes are over.

Ferguson's Manchester United could profit if seventh-placed Liverpool beat league leaders Chelsea at Anfield, or hold them to a draw.

"I am confident and I have to be confident that Liverpool will be trying," Ferguson, whose side are one point behind Chelsea with two games to play, told a news conference on Friday.

"Great clubs don't throw their histories away, they don't throw their traditions away for one game. They have been in 10 European finals and won 18 titles and that is a fantastic history and you don't throw that away."

The United manager hopes to have striker Wayne Rooney and defender Rio Ferdinand fit for the trip to Sunderland on Sunday.

The duo have been struggling with groin injuries. Rooney, who also had an ankle problem, picked up a complaint in training last week while Ferdinand aggravated his groin against Blackburn Rovers earlier this month.

"We expect Wayne to join us in training and possibly Rio Ferdinand as well," Ferguson said. "We will see how they do but we have a couple of days.

"Wayne missed last week's game against Tottenham to allow the ankle to settle. We don't have any issues with that now. Hopefully he is okay," he added.

"Groin injuries can be a problem at this time of year when the grounds start to get firm but hopefully if he comes through today it gives us something to think about on Sunday."

Rooney has scored 34 goals in all competitions this season for United.

(Reporting by Chris Brereton; Editing by Clare Fallon)

Chelsea looking to Terry for inspiration

1 hour 38 mins ago

Chelsea need talisman John Terry back for what could be a title-deciding clash at Liverpool on Sunday, coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

Despite the Premier League leaders thrashing Stoke City 7-0 last weekend while their captain was suspended for being sent off in his side's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, the Italian made clear that Terry would slot straight back in.

With two games remaining, and Chelsea just a point ahead of Manchester United, Ancelotti shrugged off the pressure and said he had no qualms about changing a winning team against a Liverpool side chasing fourth place and the final Champions League qualifying slot.

"If we win two games, we will be champions," he said matter-of-factly on Friday.

"John Terry will play because we need to have his character and personality in this game.

"All the players are fit and are able to play. It is difficult to change a team that played very well against Stoke but Terry needs to play."

Liverpool went out of the Europa League to Atletico Madrid after extra time in their semi-final second leg at Anfield on Thursday night but Ancelotti batted aside any suggestion that they might be demoralised or tired.

"We have to play against a strong team. We have to play against fantastic players and in a difficult atmosphere," he added.

"I don't know if it's better for us to play against the Liverpool that lost a chance of the Europa League final.

TOUGH WEEKEND

"They played two hours yesterday, maybe they will be a little bit tired. But I know very well that at Anfield I never see Liverpool tired. They play strong 90 minutes every game and I think they will do the same on Sunday," said the coach.

While Chelsea have a tough weekend ahead, their sole rivals travel to Sunderland who are managed by United's former captain Steve Bruce.

Ancelotti, a title-winning coach with AC Milan in Italy, ruled out any suggestion of Sunderland in any way helping United.

"I don't think about this," he declared. "I think Sunderland will do the best to beat Manchester United and the same Liverpool for us. Every team has respect of this Premier League and every team has to do the best until the end of the matches."

Chelsea stumbled badly at White Hart Lane, allowing United back into the title race, but Ancelotti felt able to laugh at his own expense a week later.

Asked how he would prepare his players for the Liverpool game, he replied with a smile: "I am going to say the opposite to what I said against Tottenham.

"I think it is easy to give my players motivation for this kind of game," he added.

"It's 180 minutes to the end of the season and I think that every minute will stay in focus...and we can be champions.

"I am not worried now," he added. "I am happy. We had a good week here in Cobham without problems. I hope to be happy at the end of this season. I may be worried, but now I have a good feeling."

(Editing by Justin Palmer)

[kueytoc]

Nani: We'll win it next year

09/05/2010 18:16, Report by Ben Hibbs

Nani admitted United felt desperately disappointed after so narrowly missing out on the Barclays Premier League title, but he is adamant that the Reds will be back stronger and even more determined to win the trophy back in 2010/11.

Chelsea finished a point above the Reds this season, but Nani says the Reds rued missed opportunities to overtake the Blues during the run-in.

“We are disappointed,” he told MUTV. “We were so close. We had a lot of chances to win the league [but didn’t take them]. Against Chelsea at home we didn’t win and that was the game that we lost the league.

“We hoped for the best result for us today, but it didn’t happen. Chelsea did so well this season and we were 90 per cent sure that they would win against Wigan. When Chelsea scored the Stoke fans celebrated all their goals and we knew what was going on.”

But despite the disappointment, Nani was not wholly downbeat. “We still have to be confident about next season,” he added. “Next year we will be fantastic because we will show that we are strong and we will work hard. We did so well and it was quite equal between ourselves and Chelsea. You could say we deserved to win the title as well. But we have to forget about this and think about next season.

“We’ll be strong next season. United is a very strong club, we have a very strong mentality. We didn’t win the league this season, but next time we will.”

[kueytoc]

Second feels strange

09/05/2010 18:25

For the first time in his United career, Patrice Evra has played a full campaign without winning the league - and he doesn't like the feeling one bit.

The Frenchman's honours list at Old Trafford is now book-ended by two Carling Cups - the victory in Cardiff just weeks after he joined the club during the January 2006 transfer window and this year's triumph over Aston Villa at Wembley. Naturally he'd much prefer to be looking at a fourth consecutive league title as his latest success.

"It was very painful at half-time when I knew that Chelsea were winning 3-0. It’s hard {to take], it’s a sad day today," Evra told MUTV.

"I can say congratulations to all my team-mates because it was not easy this year and to finish second is good.

"But it’s not my mentality. I’ve always said that if I don’t finish first in the league, I will feel like I didn’t do my job very well for Man United. When you play for Man United, you must always win. I’ve been here four years and this is my first [full] year when I haven’t won the league. I feel strange. Today is a very, very sad day for me."

When asked why United had fallen short of a fourth title in a row, albeit by just one point, Patrice replied:

"We lost too many games this season. We shouldn’t have lost to Chelsea here and then we drew with Blackburn away and dropped some more points.

"There were other games we lost when we shouldn't have, like Burnley at the beginning of the season. I think that was the key, but still I congratulate Chelsea for winning the league."

Evra is vowing to fight win back the title next year, saying: "I want to win every year and next year will be the same. Every year I play for Man United I want to be the best."

[kueytoc]

"]Mourinho to sign for Real Madrid - reports

AFP - Monday, May 24

MADRID (AFP) - Jose Mourinho, fresh from guiding Inter Milan to Champions League glory, will sign a four-year deal with Real Madrid worth 10 million euros a year, Spanish newspapers reported Sunday.

AS claimed the Portuguese coach had come to an agreement with Real president Florentino Perez on Friday, the day before Mourinho's Inter Milan side beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final in Madrid.

Marca, which headlined "Real Madrid recruits a champion", said the new coach of the Spanish giants would be unveiled on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

The two sports dailies concurred that the length of the contract would be four years, with the former Chelsea coach netting 10 million euros a season.

Some Inter players could also follow Mourinho to Madrid, according to the papers, notably Brazilian right-back Maicon and Argentinian striker Diego Milito, the former Zaragoza player who scored a brace against Bayern on Saturday. Related article: Italy's loss to be Spain's gain as Mourinho walks

Mourinho, who also guided Porto to European glory in 2004, follows Ernst Happel and Ottmar Hitzfeld as a member of the select band of coaches to have won the Champions League with two different clubs.

The Portuguese, who joined Inter two years ago, has also won two Serie A titles and an Italian Cup.

And speaking after the Champions League final, he acknowledged to having his eye on making history and confirmed that he would meet Perez on Monday.

"I want to be the only coach to win the Champions League with three different clubs," he said. "It's more likely that I will leave rather than stay.

"Only Real are interested in me but I haven't spoken with anyone and I haven't signed anything," said the Portuguese coach, who has delivered Inter's first European title since 1965.

"When I win I don't stop and in Italy I have won everything. I've won the Champions League with two clubs and I can do it with three.

"There are many things (in Italy) that I haven't liked and for three to four months I've been thinking of going."

He said that only after speaking to Perez will he know if Real can offer him what he wants.

"I don't know their project yet, I need to know it first and that's why I can't (yet) say I'm the coach of Madrid," he said.

[kueytoc]

Football coach Benitez leaves Liverpool by mutual consent

AFP - 45 minutes ago

LIVERPOOL (AFP) - – Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has left Anfield by mutual consent, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.

The 50-year-old's position had been in doubt since it emerged on Wednesday that talks over his future with Reds chairman Martin Broughton and managing director Christian Purslow had broken down.

His departure had looked inevitable after reports emerged that he had fallen out with the Anfield hierarchy over the lack of funds available to him to rebuild a squad which finished seventh in the Premier League last season and failed to get past the group stage of the Champions League.

Benitez had suggested he would require in excess of 50 million pounds to put the club back in contention for the Champions League places and even more to contend for the Premier League title.

But he was reportedly told that only 15 million pounds would be available for signings because Liverpool had failed to qualify for the lucrative Champions League.

Liverpool have agreed a settlement with him over the remainder of his four-year contract, which was said to include a 16 million pounds severance clause.

Benitez, who had been in charge of Liverpool since 2004 and guided them to Champions League glory in 2005, admitted he was disappointed to be leaving.

"It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts," he told the club's website.

"I'll always keep in my heart the good times I've had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool.

"I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.

"Thank you so much once more and always remember: You'll never walk alone."

It has also been suggested that Benitez had lost the support of key players after Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano were all strongly linked with moves away from Merseyside.

With Inter Milan keen on luring Benitez to the San Siro to take over after Jose Mourinho's switch to Real Madrid, the Liverpool boss has no reason to stay where he is not wanted.

Benitez joined Liverpool in 2004 after a successful spell with Valencia and led the club to a famous Champions League final victory over AC Milan in Istanbul in 2005.

But although he won the FA Cup a year later and returned to the Champions League final in 2007, where the Reds were beaten by AC Milan, it is Benitez's failure to end Liverpool's 20-year wait for the league title that started to rankle with fans who had previously been steadfast in their support for him.

He was unable to build on a second-placed finish in 2008-09 and Liverpool ended last season 23 points behind champions Chelsea.

Broughton gave thanks to Benitez for his achievements in Europe but crucially made it clear that his failure to mount a strong challenge for the Premier League title had played a major role in his depature.

He said: "Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned."

Club Ambassador Kenny Dalglish, a former Liverpool player and manager, will assist Broughton in the search for a successor to Benitez.

Roy Hodgson, who led unfashionable Fulham to the UEFA Cup final, Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill and Turkey coach Guus Hiddink are among the leading contenders to take over at Anfield.

[kueytoc]

Manchester United Ready To Move For Real Madrid Hitman Karim Benzema - Report

The French international could be on his way out of the Santigao Bernabeu...

By Stefan Coerts

Jul 2, 2010 7:14:00 AM

French international Karim Benzema appears to be on his way out of La Liga giants Real Madrid following English powerhouse Manchester United's decision to make a move for the highly rated striker, if a report in Marca is to be believed.

Manchester United are desperate to land a new attacker in the summer transfer window and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has supposedly made the capture of Benzema one of his primary objectives ahead of the 2010-11 campaign.

Benzema joined the Blancos from Olympique Lyon in the summer of 2009, but the 22-year-old has failed to live up to expectations in Madrid so far.

With Real pondering a swoop for Arsenal attacker Robin van Persie, Benzema could decide to leave the Spanish titans again after just one season in order to get regular first team football elsewhere.

The report claims that United are preparing a €30 million offer for the former Lyon star and Madrid are likely to cash in on Benzema if an offer in that region comes in. They paid €35m to Lyon last term to add Benzema to their ranks.

[kueytoc]

Scholes regrets turning down WCup chance

AFP - Wednesday, July 28

Manchester United's Paul Scholes has admitted that he may have made a mistake by not taking up England coach Fabio Capello's invitation to play at the World Cup.

Capello attempted to draw Scholes out of international retirement in the warm-up to South Africa 2010, but the midfielder turned down the offer.

England went out at the second-round stage, and Scholes said: "A couple of weeks into it, I thought I maybe should have gone. I am not saying I would have made a difference. I am saying I might have made the wrong decision."

Scholes has made 66 appearances for the national side and scored 14 goals, but has not featured since retiring from international football in 2004.

The 35-year-old midfielder is now determined to win the Premier League title back from Chelsea.

Scholes, 35, is building up his fitness on United's North American tour and looks set to get another run-out on Wednesday against the MLS All-Stars.

Like Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, who has stayed at home because of a calf injury, Scholes concedes he is given more rest now by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: "I know that playing two or three times a week, it is not going to happen any more. So you just have to be ready when needed.

"It is accepted, definitely, given there are that many games and at our age we have to be ready when the manager needs us.

"You train every day and I did not miss a day's training last season, which was good. I managed to avoid injury.

"When you are at a club like this you have to be capable of doing that, especially like last season when we had that many injuries."

United had to be content with the League Cup last year after finishing runners-up to Chelsea and exiting the Champions League at the quarter-final stage when they lost to Bayern Munich.

They finished one point off the pace and Scholes reflected on a spell in December when a number of defenders were sidelined at the same time.

He said: "We didn't win what we wanted to but were not that far off. You do not want to use excuses but the injuries we had were shocking, really.

"Hopefully most of us can stay fit this year and hopefully we can go one step further than last season."

[kueytoc]

Campbell completes Newcastle move

AFP - 59 minutes ago

Campbell on Wednesday completed his move to newly-promoted Premier League side Newcastle on a one-year deal.

The 35-year-old has been a free agent since his short-term deal with Arsenal ran out earlier this summer.

"At this stage of my career I couldn't have wished for a better move," Campbell, who will wear the number five shirt, told the club's official website www.nufc.co.uk.

"To join a club such as Newcastle United, with its proud tradition, heritage and magnificent support is absolutely tremendous for me.

"I'd like to thank (manager) Chris Hughton for putting his faith in me and aim to repay him and the supporters by giving everything I possibly can to help re-establish this great club in the top-tier of English football.

"I just want to play and can't wait to get started.

"There's a real buzz about the place and that's great.

"I've played at St James' Park numerous times and always found it a fantastic place to play, there's always a tremendous atmosphere.

"Chris will focus everyone together and get them ready for the season."

Campbell had been targetted by Newcastle's north-east rivals Sunderland as well as Celtic, but opted for the Magpies wehre he will bolster a defence that has been weakened by Steven Taylor's shoulder injury.

Taylor is set to miss the start of the season, which begins away to Manchester United on August 16, but there are fears he could be sidelined for several months, prompting manager Chris Hughton to make his move for Campbell.

[kueytoc]

Former homeless player gets dream job

Manchester United sign former homeless player

Wed Aug 11 06:00pm PDT

By Brooks Peck

On the advice of former Manchester United assistant coach and current Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz, the club payed £7.4 million ($11.6 million) for Portuguese club Vitoria de Guimaraes striker Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, better known as Bebe. While Queiroz is touting the relatively unknown 20-year-old as a future star, it's not his abilities on the pitch that make this signing so amazing.

According to the Guardian, Bebe was "raised in an orphanage after spending part of his childhood on the streets. But the Telegraph details just how Bebe's story is one that blows away "Goal: The Dream Begins."

“I am very happy. I had the dream of playing, one day, for a major club. That dream has come true,” he said. “Football can change lives, very much.”

It was while living in Casa Do Gaiato, a respected shelter for young people on the outskirts of the Portuguese capital that he was invited with three other boys to play football with CAIS, a partner organisation of the Homeless World Cup, though he never actually played in the competition proper.

He was later spotted by third division Portuguese club Estrela Amadora after impressing for amateur side Loures.

From living on the streets, to growing up in a shelter and playing within the organization that puts together Portugal's Homeless World Cup team and finally, signing with one of the biggest clubs in the world at the age of 20. Surely Disney is already scheduling a release date for his biopic.

The Guardian describes him as "fast, technically gifted ... and strong in the air," which all sounds nice, but doesn't make the signing of a Portuguese third division player completely outside the country's non-homeless international setup any less surprising. But even if he doesn't live up to Queiroz's predictions of greatness, the story alone will make millions.

[kueytoc]

Chicharito scored with his face

Sun Aug 08 10:43pm PDT

By Brooks Peck

Manchester United beat Chelsea 3-1 in the glorified friendly that is the Community Shield on Sunday. Besides giving Man United a piece of silverware to toss behind all their trophies that actually matter, the match also served to further inflate the growing legend of Chicharito.

Not only is he lightning fast, constantly smiling like a porcelain doll and the first Mexican to play for Manchester United, he has also now proven that he can score with his face. Yes, with Man United already up 1-0, Chicharito scored what would prove to be the winner by kicking the ball off his own face and then laughed it off and motioned to his face as he celebrated with his teammates.

Now, he probably didn't do this on purpose (although it would've been even more spectacular if he did). But to prove his quite possibly superhuman greatness beyond any doubt, even when he messes up, he still manages to score. With his face. Consider this your final warning, Premier League.

[kueytoc]

Chelsea, Man United resume Premier League battle

By ROB HARRIS, AP Sports Writer

10 hours, 5 minutes ago

LONDON (AP)—There will be a familiar look to title favorites Chelsea and Manchester United when the Premier League seasons begins this weekend.

After ending Man United’s three-year grip on the trophy in May, Chelsea has made one addition to an aging team, unloading several players ahead of Saturday’s opener against West Bromwich Albion.

United’s effort to get stronger has only amounted to signing a trio of youngsters, who may not start on Monday against Newcastle.

Such lack of investment could backfire if Manchester City’s big spending— almost $500 million in two years—finally turns the underachievers into a force.

While Man City’s outlay this offseason has reached 85 million pounds ($130 million) with more than two weeks left before the transfer window closes, billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has only spent 5 million pounds (less than $8 million) signing Yossi Benayoun from Liverpool.

The Israel captain has replaced 28-year-old midfielder Joe Cole.

Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti and Ricardo Carvalho, all in their 30s, also have left. But manager Carlo Ancelotti still has a far-from-youthful squad, relying heavily on captain John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka and Peter Cech.

Those players bring experience, not tired legs, to the team, Ancelotti says.

“The players will be better this season because they have one year more experience, like me,” Ancelotti said. “I’m not older. I’m more experienced. I am a better manager now. I had more doubt last year, when I started.

“I think we start this season in a different situation because I have more knowledge about players and club and atmosphere in England and the teams.”

Ancelotti’s first season in charge ended with Chelsea denying a record-breaking 19th league title to Manchester United, whose manager Alex Ferguson concedes that it is going to be tougher than ever to regain the trophy.

“Things definitely changed last season—it was a different league altogether compared to what we’d seen before,” Ferguson said. “The top four found it difficult and dropped points in games they wouldn’t have expected to. That’s an indication of the improvement made by other teams, and I think there’ll be a bit of a dogfight for the top four places this season.

“We all have to be aware of the threats from the likes of (Aston) Villa, Everton, Tottenham and Manchester City.”

While Villa, Everton and Tottenham have been as prudent with the number of offseason recruits as Chelsea and United, City’s spending is unrivaled.

The headline signings of the offseason have both joined City for 24 million pounds ($37.4 million): Spain winger David Silva and midfielder Yaya Toure— brother of City captain Kolo.

City’s season begins Saturday at Tottenham, which edged City to claim fourth place in the league last May and the final Champions League spot.

But just breaking into the top four won’t be enough for striker Carlos Tevez. Producing City’s first league championship success since 1968 is the priority.

“We know we must fight for the title,” Tevez said. “We have strengthened and we are stronger. There is no great difference between all the top teams now.”

The eye-catching game on the opening weekend is Arsenal’s trip to Liverpool, which went from runners-up in 2009 to seventh place in May and still doesn’t have the finances to sign more world-class players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

One of the biggest successes for new manager Roy Hodgson was simply persuading the pair not to push for transfers.

Arsenal is chasing its first league title since 2004, with manager Arsene Wenger under pressure to produce the club’s first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

“The most important thing is that we have that belief,” Wenger said. “We finished third last season, so we have two stairs to climb and I am confident that we can do it.”

In the rest of the opening round of matches, Aston Villa attempts to overcome the recent resignation of manager Martin O’Neill when it plays West Ham on Saturday. Also Saturday, Everton is at Blackburn, Fulham travels to Bolton, Sunderland faces Birmingham, newcomer Blackpool makes the short trip to Wigan and Wolverhampton plays Stoke.

[kueytoc]

Premier League - Bebe can't make reserve team

Eurosport - Wed, 25 Aug 12:32:00 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson's new £7m signing Bebe has made so little an impact in training at Manchester United he was not even considered for a reserve team match.

Having failed to impress at the club's Carrington base, the new £7 million summer signing was omitted from the reserves' line-up against neighbours Manchester City on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, whose signing for United was hailed as a fairytale two weeks ago, was a virtual unknown before Ferguson took a punt on him.

Ferguson later admitted he had not even seen Bebe play - nor watched a video of him - but was still willing to take a chance on him after the recommendations of United scouts and his former assistant at Old Trafford Carlos Queiroz.

A deal was pushed through quickly with clubs such as Real Madrid and Benfica also circling with intent, and Ferguson later claimed that "sometimes you just have to go with instinct".

But it appears the Portuguese forward is taking longer to settle in Manchester than expected, with his touch and control reportedly way off the standards United demand, leading reserve team boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer to overlook him for the match in Hyde.

Bebe's rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. An undistinguished spell at Portuguese third tier club Estrala da Amadora was followed by a free transfer to Guimaraes before United picked him up for £7.4m.

While Bebe was absent from Solksjaer's squad of 16, the match saw the return of midfielder Anderson, who has not played since damaging his cruciate ligament six months ago.

Gary Neville, Wes Brown and Michael Carrick also featured in the 3-1 win Ewen Fields hitting one Federico Macheda grabbing a brace.

Former homeless player gets dream job

Manchester United sign former homeless player

Wed Aug 11 06:00pm PDT

By Brooks Peck

On the advice of former Manchester United assistant coach and current Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz, the club payed £7.4 million ($11.6 million) for Portuguese club Vitoria de Guimaraes striker Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, better known as Bebe. While Queiroz is touting the relatively unknown 20-year-old as a future star, it's not his abilities on the pitch that make this signing so amazing.

According to the Guardian, Bebe was "raised in an orphanage after spending part of his childhood on the streets. But the Telegraph details just how Bebe's story is one that blows away "Goal: The Dream Begins."

“I am very happy. I had the dream of playing, one day, for a major club. That dream has come true,” he said. “Football can change lives, very much.”

It was while living in Casa Do Gaiato, a respected shelter for young people on the outskirts of the Portuguese capital that he was invited with three other boys to play football with CAIS, a partner organisation of the Homeless World Cup, though he never actually played in the competition proper.

He was later spotted by third division Portuguese club Estrela Amadora after impressing for amateur side Loures.

From living on the streets, to growing up in a shelter and playing within the organization that puts together Portugal's Homeless World Cup team and finally, signing with one of the biggest clubs in the world at the age of 20. Surely Disney is already scheduling a release date for his biopic.

The Guardian describes him as "fast, technically gifted ... and strong in the air," which all sounds nice, but doesn't make the signing of a Portuguese third division player completely outside the country's non-homeless international setup any less surprising. But even if he doesn't live up to Queiroz's predictions of greatness, the story alone will make millions.