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

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Gerrard accused of hitting man 'like a boxer'

AFP - Wednesday, July 22

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard lashed out at a man "with the style and speed of a professional boxer" after losing his cool in a bar brawl, a court heard Tuesday.

The 29-year-old England midfielder is accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport near Liverpool, northwest England, in December last year.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 win at Newcastle United at the time. He denies the charge of affray. An initial charge of assault was dropped at a court hearing in March.

The row erupted after Gerrard asked McGee for a card controlling the CD player, saying: "Give me that, lad," the court heard.

"Mr. McGee took offence at his attitude and the expression 'lad' and he refused. Not many people on Merseyside, or indeed anywhere else, would refuse a request from Steven Gerrard but Mr. McGee did," said prosecutor David Turner.

Gerrard was left fuming by the exchange, and six minutes later came back over to Mr. McGee, swearing and squaring up to him "in the sort of hostile confrontation that is often seen between professional footballers."

"Steven Gerrard had clearly lost his cool: he was angry with Marcus McGee," said Turner.

Gerrard's friends came over to help, and one of them, John Doran, pushed McGee away and "could not resist following through with his right elbow into Mr McGee's face", said Turner.

"We say at this stage Gerrard totally lost it.

"Within seconds, Steven Gerrard joined in the attack with a succession of well aimed uppercut punches delivered with the style and speed of a professional boxer rather than a professional footballer."

Turner said the key question was whether Gerrard was acting in self-defence.

"Steven Gerrard is a world class footballer. He has the honour to be captain of Liverpool FC and to play for England. He is a star. He is Liverpool born and bred and here on Merseyside is a hero," he said.

"We do not say that Mr. Gerrard is normally an arrogant man, we don't say that he is a bully.

"What we do say is that that night he just lost his self control and joined in an attack which should never have taken place. He let himself down."

Gerrard is facing trial alone, after five co-defendants admitted affray, and one admitted a lesser charge of threatening behaviour.

Gerrard in dock over nightclub brawl

20 July 2009 08:33

England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard appeared in court here on Monday ahead of his trial on charges of being involved in a nightclub brawl.

The 29-year-old Liverpool captain is accused of being part of a group that injured businessman Marcus McGee, 34, at the Lounge Inn nightclub in Southport near Liverpool, in December last year.

Gerrard was celebrating Liverpool's 5-1 defeat of Newcastle United at the time. He denies the charge of affray. An initial charge of assault was dropped at a court hearing in March.

The midfielder appeared in the dock alongside his six co-accused at Liverpool Crown Court wearing a dark grey suit and black suede shoes, as jurors waited to be called in for the start of the trial.

However, there were a number of procedural delays and the case was eventually adjourned until 10.30am on Tuesday.

Gerrard's absence from the Liverpool squad has put helped put a dampener on the club's current much-hyped Asian swing.

His court date was set before the trip to Asia was announced although Gerrard featured in promotional adverts aired on television in the region.

Liverpool matches against Thailand on Wednesday and Singapore four days later were heavily promoted with both games likely to play in front of sell-out crowds.

But loyal Asian fans of the Premier League runners-up will be disappointed that Gerrard did not make the trip while Spanish stars Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso, a transfer target of big spenders Real Madrid, are unlikely to play much part in the games.

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Ronaldo might play for United again: Fergie

AFP - Wednesday, July 22

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - - Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo could play for the club again one day, as he praised the Portugese star's commitment during his six-year spell at Old Trafford.

"He may come back, you never know," Ferguson told the Press Association in Kuala Lumpur where the team are on a pre-season Asian tour.

"Sometimes it happens that way. He loved United. If you look back at the six years he had with us, he never missed training."

Ronaldo became the world's most expensive player when he moved to Real Madrid on a six-year deal worth around 94 million euros (81 million pounds) and he made a low-key debut against Shamrock Rovers in Ireland on Monday.

Still just 24, Ferguson was quoted as saying Ronaldo's best was yet to come, describing him as the top player in the world by a long shot.

"His best is yet to come. He's only 24. He came to the right club at the right part of his career," he said.

"He could have gone to Real Madrid, Barcelona or other clubs. But he came to the right one and appreciates that. It was always his intention to make his move.

"There's no doubt he's a huge loss and I think it's a challenge for us. It won't be the same without Ronaldo, it can't be.

"He's the best player in this world by absolutely miles, streets ahead of Lionel Messi, and Kaka," Ferguson added.

Madrid courted Ronaldo all through last summer but he decided to stay and try to help United defend their 2008 Champions League title, featuring in their final loss in May to Barcelona.

Although United retained their English Premier League title, Ronaldo has said he made up his mind to leave in May 2007.

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Rafa facing difficult period at Liverpool

AFP - Thursday, July 23

SINGAPORE (AFP) - - Rafael Benitez is facing a mini crisis at Liverpool with no wins in three pre-season games, a captain on trial for affray and his top midfield duo looking to leave the club.

It is not ideal preparation for a team that senses its best chance to win the League title in 20 years.

They arrived in Singapore Thursday after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Thailand on Wednesday evening following a 0-0 draw with St Gallen of Switzerland and a 1-0 loss to Rapid Vienna.

In the Thailand match a second-half strike by Sutee Suksomkit cancelled out an early opener from Ryan Babel but there was little goalmouth action to excite the crowd, with Liverpool looking decidedly rusty.

They are clearly missing the talismanic Steven Gerrard, who is in court back home on charges of affray stemming from a nightclub incident last December.

It didn't get any better for manager Benitez, with defender Martin Skrtel (hamstring) and young Moroccan forward Nabil El Zhar (knee) injured in the Thailand match, with medical staff assessing how badly they have been hurt.

"They were not the best conditions in Bangkok and the worst thing was to lose Skrtel and El Zhar," said Benitez.

"The idea of the game was to improve match fitness. So to lose two players is bad news."

The unsettled Xabi Alonso sat out the game with an ankle injury.

The Spanish international has not failed to hide his desire to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka at Real Madrid while Chelsea have also expressed an interest in signing him.

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano's agent has been quoted by South American media as saying the player was fed up with life in England and wanted to move to Barcelona.

Benitez has made clear he wants both to stay but it is unsettling for the team. Vice-captain Jamie Carragher is hoping for a swift end to the Alonso saga at least.

"The feeling within the squad is that he is a top player and you do not want to lose your top players, and hopefully it can be sorted out as soon as possible," said Carragher.

"If the club thinks it is in their best interests (for him to move) sometimes you have to do what they think is best.

"We all go through these situations -- well, hopefully not me -- and as I said, I just hope it gets sorted out."

A consolation for Benitez is that striker Fernando Torres is settled.

He came on for the last 10 minutes against Thailand and almost scored, having been rested after his exploits for Spain at the recent Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Torres enjoyed the experience in Bangkok.

"It was fantastic to hear them singing and chanting for me when I came on," he told the club website.

"Liverpool are a massive club all over the world and it has been proved again this week in Thailand.

"It is a wonderful experience to come away to places like Asia with Liverpool and see the fans so pleased to see us."

Liverpool have a series of promotional events in Singapore over the next few days before playing the national team in their bid to finally get a victory under their belts.

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Man Utd eye commerical opportunities in Asia

AFP - Friday, July 24

SEOUL (AFP) - - Manchester United chief executive David Gill said Thursday that his team's ongoing Asian tour was crucial to reinforce their brand in an increasingly important commercial region.

The club, one of the richest in the world, are in South Korea on the second lag of their pre-season tour following two friendlies in Kuala Lumpur. They also visit China.

For United, the trip is as much about business as preparing the players for another assault on the Premier League title and chief executive David Gill acknowledged there was a lot of commercial work involved.

"A lot of work has gone into this tour ... We've got a lot of commercial activity around games as well charity activity," he said.

"They are all very important markets to us," he added, referring to the massive enthusiasm for football in South Korea and other Asian countries.

As well as United, Liverpool are also in Asia to tap the region's business opportunities, with their commercial director Ian Ayre denying earlier this week that the team simply wanted to cash in.

United boss Alex Ferguson said the team wanted to entertain their hordes of South Korean fans in their match against FC Seoul on Friday, with iconic home-grown hero Park Ji-Sung expected to play at least some of the match.

"The game against Seoul on Friday will be ideal because the last time (in Korea in 2007) we played a very, very interesting, hard, tough game," Ferguson said.

United goalkeeper Edwin Van De Saar added that he expected a high quality affair on Friday.

"We are ready to play and make a great result, and enjoy the game," said the Dutch star.

United routed FC Seoul, currently top of the K-League, 4-0 when they last met in 2007.

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Football: English Premier League guide

AFP - Friday, July 24

LONDON, July 24, 2009 (AFP) - Team by team guide to the new English Premier League season which kicks-off on August 15. All transfer fees are listed in pounds:

MANCHESTER UNITED

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson

Last season: Premier League champions, Champions League runners-up, FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup winners, FIFA Club World Cup winners

In: Antonio Valencia (Wigan) 16m, Gabriel Obertan (Bordeaux) 3m, Michael Owen (Newcastle) free

Out: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 80m, Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland) 3.5m, Richard Eckersley (Burnley) undisclosed, Lee Martin (Ipswich) undisclosed, Carlos Tevez (Manchester City) loan expired, Rodrigo Possebon (Sporting Braga) season-loan

Outlook: Losing one world-class player would have been enough to raise doubts about United's ability to win a record fourth consecutive Premier League title, but when Carlos Tevez followed Cristiano Ronaldo through the Old Trafford exit door the alarm bells really started ringing.

Ronaldo's long-anticipated move to Real Madrid at least brought the consolation of a world record transfer fee. It was the defection of cult hero Tevez to despised neighbours Manchester City which especially pained the United faithful.

The Stretford End angst was enhanced by the knowledge that Ronaldo and Tevez scored more than 100 goals between them over the last two seasons.

Yet United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who made a surprise swoop for Michael Owen to replace Tevez, has coped with the departures of stars like Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy in the past and the motivation of passing Liverpool's record of 18 league titles will drive him on.

LIVERPOOL

Manager: Rafael Benitez

Last season: Premier League runners-up, Champions League quarter-finals, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth) 17.5m, Aaron King (Rushden and Diamonds) undisclosed, Chris Mavinga (Paris Saint Germain), undisclosed

Out: Paul Anderson (Nottingham Forest) 250,000, Jack Hobbs (Leicester) undisclosed, Sebastian Leto (Panathinaikos) undisclosed, Jermaine Pennant (Real Zaragoza) free, Sami Hyypia (Bayer Leverkusen) free, Astrit Ajdarevic (Leicester) free

Outlook: A powerful sense of unfinished business has infused every utterance from Liverpool during a frustrating close season for Rafa Benitez's team.

Allowing bitter rivals Manchester United to snatch the Premier League title from their grasp has left Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and company more desperate than ever to end the club's 19-year wait to be crowned kings of English football.

The Reds have nothing to fear from United after beating the champions twice last season, including a stunning 4-1 rout at Old Trafford, and, with United weakened by key departures, Benitez knows they have to seize the moment.

He invested a large slice of his transfer budget on Portsmouth's Glen Johnson and the England right-back should add pace and poise to a team often hamstrung by Benitez's defensive mindset.

CHELSEA

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti

Last season: 3rd in Premier League, Champions League semi-finals, FA Cup winners, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow) 18m, Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City) undisclosed, Ross Turnbull (Middlesbrough) free

Out: Ben Sahar (Espanyol) undisclosed, Lee Sawyer (Southend) six month-loan, Jimmy Smith (Leyton Orient) free

Outlook: Manchester City's determined pursuit of Chelsea captain John Terry has cast a shadow over Carlo Ancelotti's reign before the Italian has even taken charge of his first competitive match.

City have made two massive offers for Terry and surprisingly the England defender has yet to completely rule out the possibility of a shock switch to Eastlands.

It seems likely Chelsea will raise his salary to persuade Terry to stay but his reticence is hardly a ringing endorsement for Ancelotti, who replaced popular interim manager Guus Hiddink in July.

Ancelotti arrives from AC Milan boasting a CV that includes two Champions League triumphs, but he has a major task on his hands to win over a squad and supporters who grew to love Hiddink's down to earth demeanour.

ARSENAL

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Last season: 4th in Premier League, Champions League semi-finals, FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup quarter-finals

In: Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax) undisclosed

Out: Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City) 25m, Amaury Bischoff (released), Rui Fonte (released)

Outlook: Rarely has a star player left Arsenal to such little dissent as Emmanuel Adebayor, but the Togo striker's move to Manchester City has left a substantial hole in the Gunners' armoury.

Whereas Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole, Alexander Hleb and others departed north London to a soundtrack of grumbling from frustrated fans, Adebayor won't be missed by many at the Emirates Stadium after a series of lacklustre displays last season.

Yet Adebayor was a formidable force at his best and his most likely replacements in the starting line-up - Croatia forward Eduardo and England's Theo Walcott - are both are worryingly fragile and prone to lengthy spells on the sidelines.

It is imperative that Wenger finds the answer quickly. After four years without a trophy, the Frenchman came under fire from fans for the first time last season and the criticism will only get stronger if Arsenal make another spluttering start.

EVERTON

Manager: David Moyes

Last season: 5th in Premier League, FA Cup runners-up, League Cup 3rd rnd, UEFA Cup 1st rnd

In: Luke Garbutt (Leeds) undisclosed), Shkodran Mustafi (Hamburg) undisclosed), Anton Peterlin (free agent), Jo (Manchester City) season-loan

Out: Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn) free, Nuno Valente (released), Andy van der Meyde (released)

Outlook: David Moyes believes last season's FA Cup final defeat against Chelsea was a valuable experience on the journey towards the Premier League's top four.

Whether Everton have absorbed the lessons of Chelsea's ruthless Wembley victory remains to be seen because the Toffees are in danger of standing still while other leapfrog them in the race for those precious Champions League places.

With Arsenal seemingly on a downward spiral, Everton could be one or two big signings away from making the breakthrough, but Moyes has been frustrated by the club's parsimonious ways.

He must be growing tired of shopping in the bargain basement for a series of untried prospects and, to add insult to injury, Manchester City have made up ground on the top four with a lavish spending spree, with Everton defender Joleon Lescott next in their sights.

ASTON VILLA

Manager: Martin O'Neill

Last season: 6th in Premier League, FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup 3rd rnd, UEFA Cup last 32

In: Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) 12m

Out: Gareth Barry (Manchester City) 12m, Stuart Taylor (Manchester City) undisclosed, Martin Laursen (retired)

Outlook: After a season that promised so much but ultimately delivered so little, Villa boss Martin O'Neill will have to work wonders to keep his team on an upwards curve.

With the home stretch in sight, Villa were firmly established in the top four and could have gone eight points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal with a win over Stoke.

Instead O'Neill's team conceded two late goals to draw. They never recovered and eventually slumped so badly that they finished sixth.

The close-season has reflected the atmosphere of despondency that hung heavily over Villa Park in May. Gareth Barry quickly bolted for Manchester City, although the signing of England winger Stewart Downing from Middlesbrough showed O'Neill's intent to go for the top four again.

FULHAM

Manager: Roy Hodgson

Last season: 7th in Premier League, FA Cup quarter-finals, League Cup 3rd rnd

In: Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom) undisclosed, Stephen Kelly (Birmingham) free

Out: Collins John (released), Moritz Volz (released)

Outlook: After exceeding all expectations by leading Fulham into the Europa League, Cottagers manager Roy Hodgson has to find a way to emulate his club's most successful Premier League campaign.

Hodgson will never earn the headlines that his colleagues at more glamourous English teams garner on a regular basis, but in his methodical way the former Inter Milan coach has fashioned one of the best value for money squads in the top flight.

For just a minimal outlay in the transfer market, Hodgson built a team capable of beating Manchester United and Arsenal and drawing with Liverpool and Chelsea.

It will hard to do the same again as Fulham are now less of an unknown quantity but bids for the likes of England striker Peter Crouch in the close-season emphasises Hodgson's determination to build on that success.

TOTTENHAM

Manager: Harry Redknapp

Last season: 8th in Premier League, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup runners-up, UEFA Cup last 32

In: Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker (Sheffield United) joint 10m fee

Out: Didier Zokora (Sevilla) undisclosed, Danny Hutchins (Yeovil) undisclosed, David Hutton (released), Ricardo Rocha (released), Simon Dawkins (released)

Outlook: Harry Redknapp can finally take aim at the Premier League's big guns after making a perfect start to his dream job.

Redknapp, who has always been desperate to manage one of the game's traditional powers, found a club in crisis when he took charge at White Hart Lane early last season, but quickly guided Spurs away from the relegation zone and only narrowly missed out on a European place.

Signing the likes of Robbie Keane, Jermain Defoe and Wilson Palacios in the January transfer window greatly improved Redknapp's squad, but one of the game's shrewdest transfer operators is always on the look-out for another deal and continues to be linked with a host of new faces including England stars Peter Crouch and Ashley Young.

Avoiding Manchester United in the Cups would also greatly improve Tottenham's chances of success. United defeated Redknapp's team in the FA Cup fourth round and then rubbed salt into the wounds by beating them in the League Cup final.

WEST HAM

Manager: Gianfranco Zola

Last season: 9th in Premier League, FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup 3rd rnd

In: Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan) season-loan, Peter Kurucz (Ujpest) undisclosed, Jack Lampe (Harlow Town) undisclosed, Frank Nouble (Chelsea) undisclosed

Out: Lee Bowyer (Birmingham) free, Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace) season-loan, Walter Lopez (released), Lucas Neill (released), Kyel Reid released), Tony Stokes (released), Diego Tristan (released), Jimmy Walker (released)

Outlook: Gianfranco Zola performed a miracle to keep West Ham in mid-table safety despite battling against a backdrop of financial uncertainty last season and the Italian plans to work more magic this term.

Zola's first managerial role looked to have turned into a poisoned chalice when the Hammers' Icelandic owners were badly affected by the global credit crunch.

Yet the former Chelsea star proved quite the alchemist as he produced an eye-catching and winning team from the slenderest materials.

Zola's hopes of enduring success in east London lie with the club's latest crop of thrusting youngsters, with Jack Collison and James Tomkins to the fore, and a self-styled 'magician' from Chile - Luis Jimenez, who has joined on loan from Inter Milan.

MANCHESTER CITY

Manager: Mark Hughes

Last season: 10th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd, UEFA Cup quarter-finals

In: Carlos Tevez (Manchester United) 25m, Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) 25m, Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn) 17m, Gareth Barry (Aston Villa) 12m), Nils Zander (Schalke) undisclosed, Stuart Taylor (Aston Villa) undisclosed

Out: Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea) undisclosed, Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne) undisclosed, Jo (Everton) season-loan, Joe Hart (Birmingham) season-loan, Michael Ball (released), Glauber Berti (released), Dietmar Hamann (released), Danny Mills (released), Darius Vassell (released)

Outlook: For the first time in over 30 years, Manchester City head into a new season as the talk of the town thanks to a spending spree which threatens to catapult them into the Premier League's elite.

After decades in the shadow of Manchester United, it is City's turn in the limelight. The club's Abu Dhabi-based backers have handed manager Mark Hughes a seemingly bottomless transfer fund, which has already helped snatch Carlos Tevez from United's clutches.

Add big-money swoops for Emmanuel Adebayor, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry and an audacious bid for Chelsea captain John Terry into the mix and it becomes clear that City's owners are desperate to make their mark sooner rather than later.

Whether such a frenzy of transfer activity will produce a cohesive unit come the opening day of the season remains to be seen and doubts persist over Hughes's hording of so many strikers when the defence has been a bigger problem. Whatever happens, City's time in the shadows is well and truly over.

WIGAN

Manager: Roberto Martinez

Last season: 11th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Jason Scotland (Swansea) 2m, Jordi Gomez (Espanyol) undisclosed, Hendry Thomas (Deportivo Olimpia) undisclosed, James McCarthy (Hamilton) undisclosed

Out: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United) 16m

Outlook: Roberto Martinez arrives at Wigan with impressive credentials after leading Swansea from the depths of League One to the brink of the Premier League in just two seasons.

The Spaniard's reign at the Championship club persuaded Wigan chairman Dave Whelan to turn to the former Latics player when Steve Bruce quit to take over at Sunderland.

But Martinez won't find it easy to replicate Bruce's success. Bruce only left because of Wigan's failure to hold onto their best players and Antonio Valencia's July move to Manchester United continued the trend.

Martinez has so far focused on signing players he worked with at Swansea, with powerful striker Jason Scotland and Spanish playmaker Jordi Gomez following their old boss to the DW Stadium.

STOKE

Manager: Tony Pulis

Last season: 12th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup quarter-finals

In: Matthew Lund (Crewe) free, Ben Marshall (Crewe) free

Out: Vincent Pericard (released)

Outlook: Just 12 months after being written off as relegation certainties, Stoke are looking forward to their second season in the Premier League.

Tony Pulis's side defied the odds to finish well clear of the bottom three and it was no more than they deserved.

Superbly organised by Pulis, Stoke's unfashionable collection of journeymen were able to turn the Britannia Stadium into a fortress, which Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa, amongst others, were unable to breach.

Now they have to avoid falling victim to the second season syndrome that has often found teams happy to rest on their laurels after peforming above expectations.

BOLTON

Manager: Gary Megson

Last season: 13th in Premier League, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Sean Davis (Portsmouth) free, Paul Robinson (West Brom) season-loan

Out: Blerim Dzemaili (Torino) undisclosed

Outlook: Gary Megson may never emulate the hero status enjoyed by Sam Allardyce, but the Bolton boss is beginning to make an equally impressive impact at the Reebok Stadium.

Megson's dour personality and safety-first tactics have earned criticism from Bolton fans, yet he has put pride to one side and responded by leading Wanderers to safety two years in a row.

Now he needs to lift Bolton to the top ten finishes enjoyed during Allardyce's reign to continue the comparison.

Solid signings like Sean Davis and Paul Robinson should guarantee Megson remains a Premier League boss, but he needs more quality up front to make the next step forward.

PORTSMOUTH

Manager: Paul Hart

Last season: 14th in Premier League, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 3rd rnd, UEFA Cup group stage

In: Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn) free

Out: Glen Johnson (Liverpool) 17.5m, Djimi Traore (Monaco) undisclosed, Sean Davis (Bolton) free, Lauren (released), Glen Little (released), Noe Pamarot (released), Jerome Thomas (released)

Outlook: Following a tumultuous close-season at Fratton Park, Portsmouth manager Paul Hart has to make up for lost time as he tries to build on last season's rescue act.

By the time Hart was finally handed the job on a permanent basis in mid-July following the takeover by Arab tycoon Sulaiman Al-Fahim, Portsmouth were in danger of losing several key players.

Glen Johnson had already left for Liverpool, while Peter Crouch was involved in a transfer tug-of-war between Tottenham and Sunderland. French defender Sylvain Distin was also the target of several clubs, while only South Africa's Aaron Mokoena had arrived.

Hart was rightly rewarded for hauling Portsmouth to safety after Tony Adams' disastrous reign but he faces another fight for survival this season.

BLACKBURN

Manager: Sam Allardyce

Last season: 15th in Premier League, FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup quarter-finals

In: Nikos Giannakopoulos (Asteras Tripolis) 52,000, Gael Givet (Marseille) undisclosed), Steven N'Zonzi (Amiens SC) undisclosed, Lars Jacobsen (Everton) free, Elrio van Heerden (Club Brugge) free

Out: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City) 17m, Matt Derbyshire (Olympiakos) undisclosed, Bjorn Bussmann (1860 Munich) undisclosed, Andreas Arestidou (Shrewsbury) free, Tony Kane (Carlisle) free, Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth) free, Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven) free, Tugay (released)

Outlook: Blackburn fans should have spent the close-season thanking their lucky stars that Newcastle treated Sam Allardyce with such disdain.

Allardyce returned to management in December almost a year after being sacked by Newcastle and he was determined to prove a point to his former employers.

He succeeded in some style as Rovers climbed out of the relegation zone and Newcastle eventually crashed into the Championship.

Allardyce has lost star striker Roque Santa Cruz to Manchester City, but the Paraguayan was missing for much of the relegation run-in and Rovers, bolstered by their manager's passion, will be looking upwards this year.

SUNDERLAND

Manager: Steve Bruce

Last season: 16th in Premier League, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 4th rnd

In: Fraizer Campbell (Manchester United) 3.5m, Paulo da Silva (Toluca) undisclosed

Out: Michael Chopra (Cardiff) 4m, Greg Halford (Wolverhampton) undisclosed, Peter Hartley (released), Niall McArdle (released), Arnau Riera (released), Darren Ward (retired), Dwight Yorke (released), Nick Colgan (released), David Connolly (released)

Outlook: Steve Bruce is finally back in his native north-east England but not with the club he always believed he was destined to manage.

While Bruce often hankered after the chance to take charge at Newcastle, his boyhood club's relegation to the Championship last season made that job much less attractive.

So instead, with Wigan struggling to hold onto their best players, Bruce opted to leave the DW Stadium and head to Sunderland during the close-season for his biggest challenge yet.

The Black Cats' huge fanbase encourages the club to dream of great achievements but the reality is staying in the top-flight will be the limit of their ambitions.

HULL

Manager: Phil Brown

Last season: 17th in Premier League, FA Cup quarter-finals, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Steven Mouyokolo (Boulogne) undisclosed

Out: Wayne Brown (Leicester) undisclosed, John Welsh (Tranmere) free, Dean Windass (Darlington) free, Michael Bridges (released), Ryan France (released)

Outlook: As Phil Brown rode off into the sunset after Hull's narrow escape from relegation he must have reflected on the gamble that backfired.

At the half-way point of last season, Hull were on course for a remarkable debut in the Premier League, but the Tigers lost their bite after Brown's very public dressing-down of his players when they trailed 4-0 at half-time at Manchester City.

Suddenly morale dipped and Brown's men just avoided relegation on the last day despite winning only one of their last 19 matches.

Brown, who spent some of the close-season riding around France on his motorbike, should take a more low-key approach to team-talks this season as Hull try to recapture the form that saw them rock England's top teams for six months.

WOLVERHAMPTON

Manager: Mick McCarthy

Last season: Championship winners, FA Cup 4th rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Kevin Doyle (Reading) 6.5m, Andrew Surman (Southampton) 1.2m, Greg Halford (Sunderland) undisclosed, Nenad Milijas (Red Star Belgrade) undisclosed, Ronald Zubar (Marseille) undisclosed, Marcus Hahnemann (Reading) free)

Out: Stephen Gleeson (Milton Keynes Dons) undisclosed, Darren Potter (Sheffield Wednesday) undisclosed

Outlook: "I'll spend money on a load of over-priced players, win two of the first 15 matches and get sacked by Christmas".

If Mick McCarthy's verdict on the lot of a Premier League manager seems a little brutal, the Wolves boss can be forgiven for he has tasted the harsh end of life among the elite.

During his reign at Sunderland, McCarthy won promotion to the Premier League in 2005, only to be sacked less than a year later because he hadn't been able to build on that achievement immediately.

He should be given more time at Molineux and bolstering his talented young team with Ireland striker Kevin Doyle means Wolves at least have a chance of staying up.

BIRMINGHAM

Manager: Alex McLeish

Last season: Championship runners-up, FA Cup 3rd rnd, League Cup 2nd rnd

In: Christian Benitez (Santos Laguna) 7.7m, Roger Johnson (Cardiff) 5m, Barry Ferguson (Rangers) 1.25m, Scott Dann (Coventry) undisclosed, Giovanny Espinoza (Barcelona Sporting Club) undisclosed, Lee Bowyer (West Ham) free, Joe Hart (Manchester City) season-loan

Out: Stephen Kelly (Fulham) free, Radhi Jaidi (released), Mehdi Nafti (released) Krystian Pearce (Peterborough) season-loan

Outlook: Few managers can have greeted promotion to the Premier League with more relief than Alex McLeish.

The former Scotland coach spent most of last season under intense pressure from Birmingham's owners and fans after a spluttering Championship campaign, but he finally delivered a top two finish with victory at Reading on the final day.

With the demands for Premier League football satisfied, McLeish has started to spend big in an attempt to avoid yet another short stay in the top-flight.

His swoops for Scott Dann and Roger Johnson, two defenders who excelled in the Championship, adds youth to his aging defence, while the seven million pound move for Ecuador striker Christian Benitez looks like a boom or bust gamble.

BURNLEY

Manager: Owen Coyle

Last season: 5th in Championship (promoted via play-offs), FA Cup 5th rnd, League Cup semi-finals

In: Steven Fletcher (Hibernian) 3m, Brian Easton (Hamilton) 350,000, Richard Eckersley (Manchester United) undisclosed, David Edgar (Newcastle) undisclosed, Tyrone Mears (Derby) undisclosed

Out: Alex MacDonald (Falkirk) six month-loan, Steve Jones (released), Gabor Kiraly (released), Alan Mahon (released)

Outlook: For the first time in 33 years, unglamourous Turf Moor will host the English game's rich and famous but Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest shouldn't expect a red carpet welcome.

Owen Coyle's team were the most romantic story of last season as they ended years in football's backwaters by clinching promotion via the Championship play-offs.

The Clarets, champions of England way back in 1960, have no intention of letting the fairytale end with that Wembley victory over Sheffield United however.

Wins over Chelsea, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham in cup competitions last term proved Burnley can compete with the best and Coyle is convinced they can emulate Stoke and Hull's survival.

[kueytoc]

Maradona eyes Portsmouth role - report

AFP - Friday, July 24

DUBAI (AFP) - - Diego Maradona is ready to quit his job as Argentina manager and join English Premier League side Portsmouth, a report citing the footballing legend's lawyer claimed here on Thursday.

Maradona, according to an article in Arabian Business, has already lined up four international stars to help new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim's Fratton Park revolution.

Al Fahim, who is close friends with Maradona's cousin Remigio, is said to want to appoint the 48-year-old as the club's global ambassador.

Maradona's lawyer, Angel Oscar Moyano, in a confidential e-mail published in the magazine, claimed: "He (Maradona) has got top players ready and he is even ready to leave the Argentine national team."

According to the Dubai publication, an Al Fahim advisor has confirmed that talks between the club and the Argentine manager's cousin have taken place about a possible role.

In his e-mail Moyano suggested Maradona had Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, Valencia duo David Villa and David Silva, and Kun Aguero of Atletico Madrid, lined up for the south coast side.

However, Eto'o was on the verge of tying up a move to Inter Milan on Thursday.

Al Fahim has said he believes Maradona has the ability to transform Portsmouth's fortunes.

"I do not know if Maradona is a good coach," he conceded.

"What I think is that he should be president of a club and have the right to buy and choose players.

"At Napoli he started from scratch and built a club. He has the power to transform football teams."

[kueytoc]

Evra in awe of 'Korea's Beckham'

AFP - Friday, July 24

SEOUL (AFP) - - Patrice Evra counts Park Ji-Sung as a close friend but even he has been amazed at the fanatical support the midfielder gets on home turf, calling him "the David Beckham of Korea".

The France left-back has accompanied Park on some promotional events on the Korean leg of their pre-season tour of Asia and said he was in awe.

"When Ji first arrived in Manchester he never talked and people didn't know much about him. But when we arrive in Seoul you can see he is the King of Korea," he told the club website.

"They shake, they cry, they scream when they see him. It's amazing. He's like the David Beckham of Korea.

"I'm very happy for him because he's a really good friend and on the pitch he always gives 100 percent for the team. That's why people love him."

Park's enthusiasm and ability have endeared him to Sir Alex Ferguson with the club to offer him a new contract.

Britain's Daily Express said it would see Park's current 30,000 pounds (49,500 dollars) a week deal doubled to 60,000 pounds.

Ferguson, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the welcome the team have received in Asia, saying the support they have in the region never ceases to amaze him.

"I'm still amazed sometimes when we arrive at hotels and there are thousands of fans hanging about. Then they're in the corridors and in the lifts," he said.

"You have to admire that love of the club. We experienced it here in Seoul two years ago and it's just as good this time.

"In fact, it's typical of the whole Far East -- we have a terrific fan base and there's a great fanaticism here."

United play FC Seoul later Friday before heading to China to take on Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday.

Neville injured and out of Asian tour

AFP - Saturday, July 25

SEOUL (AFP) - - Manchester United captain Gary Neville has suffered a groin strain and will take no further part in the current Asian tour, the club said on Friday.

The injury-prone 34-year-old defender has already left Seoul for Manchester to undergo treatment on what was described as a minor injury.

Neville trained at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday but departed Friday ahead of the match against FC Seoul. He will also miss the game in China on Sunday against Hangzhou Greentown.

The England international was an unused substitute in United's first tour game against a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur before getting 62 minutes under his belt against the same side earlier this week.

[kueytoc]

Heh Heh Heh....waste $$$.

Gerrard not playing in Liverpool’s friendly match in Singapore

Channel NewsAsia - Sunday, July 26

SINGAPORE: Captain Steven Gerrard will not be joining his Liverpool football team in Singapore.

Coach Rafa Benitez confirmed this ahead of the team’s pre—season friendly against Singapore on Sunday.

Gerrard has been cleared of his affray charges in Britain. But his coach said in Singapore that Gerrard will not travel to play in the team’s match against the Lions.

Benitez said: "The plan is to rest him a little bit and then start next week. So he cannot come. Sorry, but I think it is very, very important for him....(Gerrard’s being cleared of his affray charges) has been very good news for us and all the fans, but we have to take care of him."

But Gerrard’s fans in Singapore were disappointed. "I felt that it was a pity that he could not postpone the court case, just to come here and see us," said a Liverpool fan.

However Benitez assured that he will field the big names in Sunday’s match.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s Lions have had two days of training and are hoping to score against the Reds.

Team Singapore coach, Raddy Avramovic, said: "If you go in a game and don’t try to score goal, then something is wrong and that will be the same approach for this game, because I don’t think players will play this fashion, go in penalty box and defend 90 minutes."

As for the fans, they were lapping up all the time they could spend with their stars. Hundreds were at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay to pay tribute to their heroes, who took a cruise down the Singapore River.

With the huge fan base that Liverpool has in Singapore, it’s no surprise the support its players have gotten since their arrival on Thursday.

And, fans can expect no less than a full house at the National Stadium when Liverpool take on the Singapore national team on Sunday night.

Organisers say tickets will still be on sale on the day of the match which will kick off at 7pm Singapore time.

CNA/ir

[kueytoc]

Torres not playing more than 15 mins in Sunday’s match

Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, July 25

SINGAPORE: With captain Steven Gerrard absent, all the attention is on Liverpool’s Fernando Torres while they are in Singapore.

But the Spanish star confirmed he will not be on the field for more than 15 minutes during Sunday’s match.

Fans made a mad rush for the Liverpool stars at a promotional event at Velocity.

The targets were Jamie Carragher and everyone’s current favourite, Fernando Torres. Unfortunately for the fans, he will not be on the pitch much when Liverpool play Singapore on Sunday.

Torres said: "Normally in the first game of the season, it is important to play step by step. Maybe if I played 10 minutes the last game, I don’t want to play no more than 15 minutes for this one. So the way we have to follow is the main thing now."

Pleased with the fan support, Torres plans to return to Singapore with his family for a better look at the city. But the modest striker refused to talk about his private life, including the recent birth of his daughter.

But playing a bigger role will be Jamie Carragher, who was with the team in Singapore in 2001.

Carragher said Liverpool is not 100 per cent fit now, but the team will be ready for the new season when he expects competition from Manchester City in addition to their traditional big rivals.

He said: "We have to be aware of Man City. They have got a fantastic player, so I think they could be knocking around the top four this season or maybe even better chance of trophies."

For the fans, Sunday’s match is special as they will get to see the stars in the flesh.

Liverpool so far has not registered a win in all the three pre—season friendlies that it has played, so fans will be hoping that the Reds redeem themselves by beating Singapore this Sunday at the National Stadium.

Fans saw more players — including Albert Riera and Dirk Kuyt — at VivoCity, where they helped raise awareness for the Hope Worldwide charity.

CNA/vm

Liverpool's Benitez wowed by Singapore fans' adulation

Reuters - Sunday, July 26

By Yaw Yan Chong

SINGAPORE - Even Liverpool's normally impassive manager Rafa Benitez could not fail to be moved by the adulation and adoration of the club's local fans during a boat ride along the Singapore River on Saturday.

Benitez, who started the cruise inside the boat politely acknowledging fans through the window, ended up standing at the bow smiling and waving as enthusiastic fans cheered his name, sang songs and waved banners written in his honour.

The Spaniard, whose team are in the city-state for Sunday's friendly against Singapore, stayed outside the boat's sheltered comfort for about 15 minutes despite the crippling heat.

He was joined by former Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish, who has recently returned to the Premier League club as an ambassador and director of the youth academy.

Other ex-Liverppol players in attendance were Sammy Lee, assistant coach to Benitez, and Steve McMahon, whose company the Profitable Group was responsible for bringing the 18-time English champions to Singapore for the second time in 10 years.

In another boat, carrying most of the players, goalkeeper Pepe Reina was the main livewire, engaging in good-natured banter with the hundreds of fans that thronged the riverbank.

When one supporter exhorted him to win the league title, which the club has not done since 1990, the Spanish goalkeeper replied: "Jump into the water and we'll do it for you!"

However, not all the players were as enthusiastic as Reina. Spain striker Fernando Torres, the obvious crowd favourite, waved politely several times but mostly stayed inside.

MORE ELUSIVE

Other players were even more elusive, such as pony-tailed Andriy Voronin, recently returned from a season-long loan spell at Hertha Berlin, who kept his headphones over his ears.

Liverpool, Premier League runners-up last season, are in Asia for a two-match tour of Thailand and Singapore. They drew 1-1 with Thailand's national side on Wednesday.

The boat ride was part of the team's promotional events that have seen the players showing up at the country's many suburban shopping malls, signing autographs and holding clinics.

The team was divided into three vessels, decked with banners proclaiming "The Kop Comes to Asia," which sailed down the Singapore River into the heart of the city.

They meandered through the Central Business District, past entertainment centres Boat and Clarke Quay and the Esplanade.

However, the man most Liverpool fans wanted to see -- captain and inspiration Steven Gerrard -- was absent due to a court case for affray. He was acquitted in Liverpool on Friday.

"I'm sorry for the fans that he can't come. We have to protect the player and the best thing for him to do is to rest at home," Benitez had told an earlier news conference.

Hundreds of fans lined the riverbank, dressed in the club's famous red shirts and waving banners professing loyalty to the Merseyside team and lauding their achievements.

Some supporters ran along the two km stretch of the river screaming at their favourite players.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see them in the flesh and to get this close," gushed secretary Stacey Lee, 22. "And they even responded to me when I called out their names."

[kueytoc]

SuperStars Club !!!

Real Madrid coach mulls over final squad

AFP - Sunday, July 26

MADRID (AFP) - - Real Madrid still has still not determined what its final squad and its starting 11 will be for the upcoming season, new coach Manuel Pellegrini said Saturday.

The Spanish giants spent over 200 million euros on new players in the pre-season, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka, and earlier this month Pellegrini said he hoped to have the final squad ironed out by July 27 when all of the club's internationals returned from holidays.

"I said that, but I added that it was important not to make mistakes, that we should make the right decisions. We'll wait longer if we must," the Chilean coach told a news conference ahead of Real's friendly at home Sunday against Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.

"I wish the squad was tighter by now, but it isn't a big deal. We train normally and there is a good atmosphere in the team. Every player tries to do his best. Our duty is to do the same job with every footballer we have and we'll keep on doing so," he added.

Real's spending spree has left it with an overcrowded dressing room as the club has been less successful at offloading players than it has been at recruiting new ones.

Pellegrini repeated Real's desire to sell its Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has been linked with a move to Stuttgart and more recently with Tottenham.

"I've spoken to every player and Huntelaar knows what I want. We have many strikers on the team and they can't all stay. Everybody knows how good he is. We have an excess of strikers right now and he knows there is no place for him," he said.

Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze is also on the "for sale" list, but the size of his wage packet is proving an obstacle. Marseille were interested in the player but cooled off when confronted with a 4.2 million euro price tag.

Pellegrini included Ronaldo and Benzema in his 20-man squad for the match on Sunday against Al-Ittihad.

If Ronaldo is sent on the pitch it will be the first time that he plays for Real at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium since his record-setting transfer from Manchester United last month.

"We haven't started to try out a defined starting 11 yet. Ronaldo will sometimes play down the wing and will sometimes be positioned as a striker. He is comfortable anywhere in attack," said Pellegrini.

"These are friendly games in which we aren't looking for a starting lineup," he added.

Ronaldo made his debut for Real last week as they eked out a 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in Ireland. Benzema scored the winner.

The 24-year-old Portuguese winger was taken off at half-time having failed to sparkle against some muscular defending.

[kueytoc]

Owen out to reward Ferguson's faith

Sun 02 Aug, 09:10 AM

Manchester United striker Michael Owen insists he has nothing to prove - but believes recent critics Sam Allardyce and Dave Whelan may end up "embarrassed" about snubbing him publicly.

The former Liverpool forward was left kicking his heels for a while this summer after leaving Newcastle and appeared likely to end up at Hull or Stoke until Sir Alex Ferguson took him to Old Trafford. Blackburn boss Allardyce and Wigan owner Whelan distanced themselves from a move for the England striker - and Owen, 29, believes they will realise they were wrong.

"If that was how they were perceiving me, fine, because the greatest accolade I could have is that Sir Alex Ferguson didn't think about that," Owen told FourFourTwo magazine.

"I can quietly sit here and and look around where I am now - and if anyone else wants to look at what they've said, then they might feel embarrassed. I don't feel I have to impress these people.

"I only need to prove things to people who believe in me. I want to show Sir Alex was right to believe in me."

Owen is unfazed about the challenge of filling the gap left by the departures of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The team has lost two players - Tevez, who scored a few, and Ronaldo who got lots over the last two seasons," he said.

"There's a big hole to fill, and I hope I can help plug it in terms of goals. I can't do it on my own - but I will help out.

"When you sign for United you get excited about a lot of things. One of them, I hope, is scoring a lot of goals - because I am going to get a lot more chances here than at other teams."

[kueytoc]

Carragher wary of Owen threat

Sun 02 Aug, 11:11 PM

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is pleased to see former Red Michael Owen back at a top-four club, but hopes his friend finds life at Manchester United tough going.

Carragher predicted United's latest signing could prove a masterstroke for Sir Alex Ferguson, but is crossing his fingers the England striker struggles for goals in the Premier League title race.

"For me, Michael Owen is still a great player and great role model and I have this feeling he'll be good for United." Carragher told the Sunday Mirror. "But he plays for our biggest rivals now so he'll know I won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts."

He added: "In a way I'm pleased he's got a big move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle.

"Why? What did he do wrong up there?

"He's scored a lot of goals in the first few games for United and I hope he scores a few more pre-season because I want him to do well.

"But as soon as the season starts I hope he has a drought."

Despite his respect for Owen's talents, Carragher believes Liverpool's forward pairing of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard could not be bettered.

"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres. There is no better partnership in the world at the moment.

"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker, but that's what he has become and, for me, in that position behind the main forward there is no one better. When he's playing alongside Torres they have the ability to tear defences wide open in a split second."

[kueytoc]

Fergie keeps cool despite United's shock defeat

AFP - Thursday, August 20

BURNLEY, England (AFP) - - Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is not concerned about Manchester United's goal-scoring problems despite managing just one goal in their first two Premier League matches.

The champions beat Birmingham 1-0 on Sunday but slipped to an embarrassing 1-0 defeat at Burnley in their second match of the season on Wednesday.

Ferguson is still getting to grips with life without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez as United have failed to convince at the start of the campaign.

The United manager felt his side still created plenty of chances against the Clarets and thinks they could run riot at Wigan on Saturday if they come up with a similar number of opportunities.

Ferguson, who saw Michael Carrick's penalty saved at Turf Moor, insists his team will quickly bounce back from losing their second match of the season.

He said: "I'm sure we'll get a response on Saturday. We're all disappointed it was a bad result.

"It was a terrific pitch so that's no excuse. We just should have done better with it.

"We usually take our time to get going. Sometimes it's October before we get into our best form. But we shouldn't be losing these games.

"You have to give credit to Burnley. It's a great night for them. Their fans were fantastic and the pitch was magnificent. Everyone was here for a great night of football.

"It's not a concern at this stage when you see the chances we've had. Two or three players had chances. Michael Owen missed one first half, Ryan Giggs in the second.

"Michael Carrick had the best chance, the ball was squared to him and he lost the opportunity. Hopefully we get as many chances on a Saturday."

Burnley manager Owen Coyle hopes the victory, which followed Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Stoke, will give his side, who are favourites for an immediate return to the Championship, the belief they belong in the top flight.

Robbie Blake scored the only goal before Brian Jensen came up with a fine penalty save from Carrick.

The Clarets manager believes his side can continue to pick up points despite their next three matches being against Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool.

And he insists that getting off the mark in such style will be just what his team need if they are to avoid relegation.

He said: "I've told them to have the belief and confidence and now we've got a massive game against Everton on Sunday.

"After we lost on Saturday people felt we would still be bottom of the league with no points after the United game so it was nice to prove them wrong, but we have to continue to do it over the course of the season.

"If you look at it financially then Burnley against United is a total mis-match but what we do have is belief and quality and we have an unbelievable work-ethic.

"We're going to have to produce that in each and every game in the campaign. It's a terrific boost and a timely boost because in whatever league you operate in, you want points on the board or the pressure builds on the team.

"It's great to have that under our belt and we'll have to try to get more to go with it.

"My group of players, financially again, will be nowhere near the earnings of some other players in the Premier League but they're an honest group of players prepared to do everything they can to get points."

Champions United stunned by promoted Burnley

AFP - Thursday, August 20

LONDON (AFP) - - Manchester United's defence of the Premier League title suffered an early blow as the champions slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat at promoted Burnley on Wednesday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team were beaten for the first time this season as Robbie Blake scored the first half winner for Burnley, who were indebted to goalkeeper Brian Jensen for saving Michael Carrick's second half penalty.

Burnley were playing their first home match as a top-flight club for 33 years and marked the occasion with a dynamic display that was too much for the champions.

"We're disappointed and it wasn't a great performance by us but maybe it was Burnley's night, so many things happened in their box I don't know how we didn't score. With the chances we had, we should have won," Ferguson said.

Ferguson made three changes to the team that beat Birmingham on Sunday with Michael Owen handed a first start after his close-season move from Newcastle.

But it was Burnley, promoted via the Championship play-offs last season, who seized the initiative in the 19th minute at Turf Moor when Blake pounced on a half-cleared cross and lashed a ferocious volley past Ben Foster.

United had a chance to level when Blake hauled down Patrice Evra, but Jensen, the giant Burnley keeper nicknamed "the beast" by fans, kept his side ahead by turning away Carrick's penalty.

Ferguson sent on Dimitar Berbatov for Owen, who is still waiting for his first goal since January - a drought stretching over 12 hours of playing time - but United were unable to avoid their first defeat against the Clarets since 1968.

"I thought we gave an awful lot to the game in terms of attacking play," said Burnley manager Owen Coyle, whose team lost their first match at Stoke on Saturday. "Our players went toe-to-toe and tried to match up with them.

"The goal was terrific and it was fitting to win any game. We're delighted to have points on the board."

Liverpool gave the perfect response to Sunday's defeat at Tottenham as Rafael Benitez's team claimed a 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield.

Fernando Torres opened the scoring early on and Glen Johnson's first goal for Liverpool made it two before Dirk Kuyt and David Ngog struck late on.

Torres took just four minutes to put Liverpool ahead as he met Steven Gerrard's cross with a fine finish.

Benitez's team took complete control in the 45th minute when James Beattie cleared Kuyt's header off the line and the ball fell for Johnson, who volleyed home from close-range.

Kuyt added the third in the 78th minute before Ngog's stoppage time strike sealed the rout.

"We have plenty of room for improvement. Some players are still short of full fitness," Benitez said. "We are working hard to see if we can announce good new signings."

Tottenham maintained their impressive start to the campaign as England striker Jermain Defoe scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win at Hull.

Harry Redknapp's team caught the eye with victory over Liverpool on Sunday and they showed that was no flash in the pan by moving to the top of the table.

Defoe and Wilson Palacios gave them a two-goal lead before Stephen Hunt got one back, but Defoe completed his hat-trick either side of a goal from Robbie Keane.

Redknapp's team took the lead in the 10th minute when Defoe, who scored twice in England's friendly against Holland last week, took Tom Huddlestone's pass on the edge of the penalty area and worked space to drive home a fine finish.

Honduras midfielder Palacios increased Tottenham's lead four minutes later when he finished Keane's pass for his first goal in English football.

Hull winger Hunt reduced the deficit when he curled in a long-range free-kick in the 25th minute.

But Defoe restored Tottenham's two-goal advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Keane got on the scoresheet in the 78th minute and Defoe's treble arrived in the 90th minute.

Birmingham claimed their first win of the season as James McFadden's stoppage time penalty sealed a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth at St Andrews.

Alex McLeish's side, promoted as Championship runners-up last season, were awarded the spot-kick when Portsmouth goalkeeper David James collided with Sebastian Larsson.

[kueytoc]

PHEW !...Five-star Man U demolition. EPL champs Man U crush Wigan 5-0

Fergie expects 100-goal Rooney to get even better

AFP - Sunday, August 23

WIGAN, England (AFP) - - Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney will score "many more" for Manchester United after he joined a select band of players to net 100 goals for the club.

Rooney reached the milestone after opening the scoring during his side's 5-0 victory at Wigan on Saturday.

The England striker ended the match with two goals as United's season exploded into life after a low key start, which included a surprise 1-0 defeat at newly-promoted Burnley.

"It's great for Wayne," said Ferguson after United made it two wins from their first three Premier League games.

"He's still a young lad and some players are at a club for many years and don't reach that total.

"Because of his age I'm sure he'll go on and score many more goals for us. He's a very important player for us."

United paid Everton 20 million pounds for Rooney in 2004 ago but the 23-year-old has easily repaid that fee over the years.

He has shone from the moment he opened his United goal account with a hat-trick against Fenerbahce in the Champions League at Old Trafford.

Rooney could have left the DW Stadium with four goals but for two fine saves from Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland.

Ferguson also singled out Michael Owen for praise after the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal in a United shirt.

Owen, a free signing from Newcastle, produced a fine finish for his side's fourth goal which will have done his chances of earning an England recall no harm at all.

"Strikers have to score and when they don't they think it's the end of the world," added Ferguson.

"Michael needed a goal. It was a fantastic goal. He has proved over the last decade that he is one of the best strikers in England."

United looked set for a frustrating afternoon after failing to score in the first half at Wigan.

But they moved up a gear in the second half, with Dimitar Berbatov's well-taken effort and a Nani strike adding to the goals from Rooney and Owen.

It was the perfect response after the embarrassment of losing to Burnley four days earlier.

"It was a really good result and performance," added Ferguson.

"The reality is Wednesday was disappointing. But we're not going to kill ourselves because of it.

"We've got to be prepared for setbacks. It shouldn't have happened but it did happen. But we've done something about it."

This was Wigan's ninth top-flight game against United and they were still searching for a first win over over their north west neighbours after eight straight defeats.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez admitted his side had been taught a lesson.

"The big difference for me was conceding the first goal," said Martinez. "That was a bit too sloppy for my liking.

"Mentally we left ourselves a bit too exposed. We've got to make sure we learn our lesson."

Martinez believes Mohamed Diame will make a big impact at Wigan. The French midfielder made his debut after joining from Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.

"Mohamed's been training with us a few days," added Martinez. "He's going to be a big player for us."

[kueytoc]

Rooney looks forward

22/08/2009 17:02, Report by Steve Bartram

Wayne Rooney shrugged off reaching the milestone of 101 United goals, and quickly set his sights on plundering plenty more for the Reds.

The England striker attained a century - reached over 242 games - by heading United's opener at Wigan, then scored again to set the ball rolling towards the next hundred.

"Of course it's nice to score 100 goals for anyone, especially a team like United, so obviously I'm pleased with that," he said. "But the most important thing is the three points.

"It's nice but it's something I'll look back on really when I've finished playing. I've still got a lot of games and a lot of goals left in me, so it's not something I'm really too concerned with at the minute."

The Reds' five-goal romp at the DW Stadium marked a welcome return to form after Wednesday's lacklustre defeat at Burnley, and Rooney took heart from the swaggering nature of the display.

"We played some great football today," he said. "The first half was a bit frustrating. We had chances to score and never took them. In the second half we came out really fast, took the game to Wigan and they couldn't live with us.

"Everyone's delighted that Berba and especially Michael scored. It's a great feeling for the three of us to score today, and Nani at the end, and scoring five goals away from home is difficult in the Premier League, thankfully we've done that."

Roo 101

Wayne Rooney becomes the 20th player to have scored 100 or more goals for United. Here's how the 22-year-old reached his century...

2004/05: 43 appearances, 17 goals

2005/06: 48 appearances, 19 goals

2006/07: 55 appearances, 23 goals

2007/08: 43 appearances, 18 goals

2008/09: 49 appearances, 20 goals

2009/10: 4 appearances, 4 goals

Total: 242 appearances, 101 goals

[kueytoc]

Boss lauds on-song strikers

22/08/2009 17:40, Report by Steve Bartram

Elated enough at a five-goal away victory, Sir Alex Ferguson took extra satisfaction from seeing all three of his senior strikers on the scoresheet in the Reds' romp at Wigan.

Wayne Rooney's brace, allied to strikes from Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and Nani sealed a stunning victory over the Latics, and has the Reds' three most experienced forwards off and running for the season.

"Our strikers have scored the goals today, that's the important thing," Sir Alex told MUTV. "That can only do us the power of good, because you know what strikers are like - when they're not scoring they're not the same people.

"It's important for strikers (to be off the mark). If Dimitar and Michael can weigh in with the goals that we expect of Wayne Rooney, then it will make a difference to our game."

Owen and Rooney had particular cause to celebrate their goals; the former registering his first goal in a United shirt, the latter reaching and passing a century - and Sir Alex was delighted for them both.

"It's terrific for a young lad like Wayne to reach that total at that age," he said. "With the years in front of him, it's going to be great for him. We've had players over the years who've taken many years to get to the hundred. For a young lad to do it, it's great.

"Michael's was a fantastic goal. Great run and excellent movement, and a good pass from Nani. Michael Owen has proved himself over the last 10 years to be the best goalscorer in England in that decade, today he showed that again.

"I think it will do him the world of good. Obviously coming to the club and after all the discussion around him joining United after being at Liverpool - it was important to get a goal like that, and the crowd were great with him and that was fantastic."

The United boss also reserved praise for a player at the opposite end of the pitch - goalkeeper Ben Foster, who made two crucial saves before the Reds had run up a huge lead.

"He made two great saves," said Sir Alex. "In the first half from Jason Koumas he made a marvellous save with his left hand. In the second half he was in a position where he had to be agile (to save Hugo Rodallega's header). He managed to knock it out of the way and get the second ball, which was a terrific save.

"Overall I thought they played very well. We had six good chances in the first half, and you'd like to take one or two of them, but the important thing was to be patient, and keep playing the way they were playing."

Owen joy at first strike

22/08/2009 17:03, Report by Gemma Thompson

Michael Owen was over the moon to break his United duck after firing the Reds' fourth goal in the 5-0 hammering of Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

The 29-year-old striker came off the bench on 71 minutes and, after being put through by Nani, produced a vintage finish in front of United's 5000-strong travelling support five minutes from time.

Having failed to put away a handful of chances on his previous two appearances against Birmingham and Burnley, Owen was relieved to finally get off the mark.

"I probably scored the hardest chance I've had!" he joked during an exclusive interview with MUTV. "I had two chances at Burnley and one against Birmingham, but this was the fourth real opportunity I've had.

"I don't think I missed a chance in pre-season, but I've missed a couple since the season started and as ever everyone is quick to write you off. It was as if I hadn't scored for a couple of years! That's something I've had to deal with for ten odd years now and I don't think that will change until I hang up my boots.

"It was certainly a great feeling to score. I'd got a few in pre-season but there's nothing quite like doing it in a competitive game."

With his first goal now under his belt, Owen is confident more will follow.

"I'd be disappointed if people didn't think I could go on from here," he insists. "I obviously believe I can as I have done throughout my career and I certainly expect to score more goals in the red shirt."

[kueytoc]

GONE WITH THE WIND !...EPL: Aston Villa rock sorry Liverpool 3-1

Liverpool's Benitez defends squad after Villa loss

AFP - Tuesday, August 25

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - - Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has jumped to the defence of his players and his system despite losing two of his opening three matches of the season.

The Reds were beaten 2-1 at Tottenham on the opening day of the campaign and were defeated 3-1 by Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday night.

Benitez lost key midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid in the summer and has only managed to bring in Glen Johnson, Alberto Aquilani, who is out injured for at least six weeks, and back-up defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Tight finances at Anfield mean Benitez, whose only points came from a 4-0 win over Stoke last week, is unlikely to be able to bring in any more new players before next week's transfer deadline.

The Spaniard has stuck with the same system, despite Alonso's departure, and, having finished second last season, maintains his side can still mount a challenge, even though they have just three points from three matches.

"Our target is to win against Bolton and that's it. We're not thinking about anything else," he said.

"Everything could change. The first game against Tottenham, if we had a penalty and in this game to score early like against Stoke could be a difference.

"Anyway, we weren't playing well and we were giving the ball away against a team that is good on the counter attack and that was the difference."

Despite being unable to strengthen in the transfer market, Benitez maintains his current squad is good enough.

"With this squad we were winning a lot of games in the last year and we have to do the same this year.

"I think that when you are losing you want to change and have to win. We lost against Tottenham and won against Stoke and we have to try to do the same against Bolton. It's the only way.

"We were playing for one year (with the same formation) and took 86 points and now could be the same. It's a question of being more precise and scoring when we have chances."

Villa picked up three points at Anfield thanks to a Lucas own goal and Curtis Davies header and, after Fernando Torres scored for Liverpool, Ashley Young scored a third from the penalty spot.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is still hoping to add a number of new defenders before Tuesday's deadline.

O'Neill's side fell away from a challenge for the Champions League places with a poor run from February last season.

But O'Neill is also confident in his team's chances, and still angry at the reaction from his own fans during the 2-0 defeat to Wigan on the opening day.

"The run is there but we did actually finish sixth in the league, we did actually qualify for Europe and against Wigan we got booed off at the end of the game and that's fine," he said.

"We got beaten in the match, but we also got booed off 45 minutes competitively after we qualified for Europe so maybe we should have a look at that.

"I was disconcerted and everyone to their own but this is a young side, they will take criticism from me when it's deserved and they'll take the praise if they can and we've got some outstanding players."

O'Neill hopes to sign Blackburn defender Stephen Warnock, as well as a number of other targets before the transfer window closes.

He added: "There are goals in the team and that will give them a bit more belief which is very important.

"The side is very young and we need a little bit more experience and I'm going to try to do something about that in the coming few days."

[kueytoc]

Champions League - English sides avoid big guns

Eurosport - Thu, 27 Aug 20:36:00 2009

English sides managed to avoid the top European teams in the draw for the group stage of the 2009-10 Champions League.

Last season's runners-up Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal each avoided being grouped with the big guns in pot two, namely Real Madrid and Internazionale.

Last season's beaten finalists United (managed by Alex Ferguson, pictured) face three clubs for the first time in Group B where they have been drawn alongside CSKA Moscow, Besiktas and German champions Wolfsburg.

United chief executive David Gill said: "We cannot complain about that, apart perhaps from the long distances involved, but we will be looking forward to going back to Moscow, we have good memories there winning the trophy in 2008."

Chelsea, bidding to win the competition for the first time under new coach Carlo Ancelotti - a previous winner as player and coach with Milan - will meet Porto, Atletico Madrid and APOEL Nicosia, who are taking part for the first time.

Liverpool have been drawn to face Lyon, Fiorentina and Debreceni in Group E.

Rafael Benitez's side will be looking to improve on last season's performance in Europe when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Chelsea.

Arsenal, on paper at least, have the most favourable draw among their Premier League rivals as they square up against Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar, Olympiacos and Standard Liege in Group H.

Defending champions Barcelona will quickly renew acquaintances with their former striker Samuel Eto'o when they begin the defence of their trophy at Internazionale in their opening match.

The draw also brought together Milan and nine-time European champions Real Madrid in another mouthwatering Italian versus Spanish clash with Brazil forward Kaka facing his old club at his new Bernabeu home on Matchday Three.

Eto'o left Barca for Inter in the close season in a swap deal worth 66 million euros (£52m) with Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving in the opposite direction.

The Cameroon forward scored for Barcelona in the Champions League finals of 2006 and last May when they won the trophy for the third time and, just like his Swedish counterpart, will now be looking to put one over on his former team mates.

"It will be emotional having Samuel Eto'o back at the Nou Camp Nou and Ibrahimovic at the San Siro," Barcelona president Joan Laporta said. "That's football. It was destiny.

"We know we have a complicated group. We are very proud of last year but it's over and we are starting again. We must show the same motivation as last year. Dream and work hard."

Kaka, the subject of another seismic transfer in the close season when he left Milan to join Real for £59m will also relish facing his former club.

Kaka won the European Cup with Milan in 2007, but is now set on bringing Real a 10th European title in their own Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the venue for this season's final on May 22.

Real host Milan on October 21 with the return leg in Madrid two weeks later.

Inter, managed by Jose Mourinho who worked under the late Bobby Robson as a coach at the Nou Camp in the 1990s, have met Barcelona six times in European competition with the Spaniards winning three times and Inter once.

Their only previous Champions League duels came in the second stage in 2002-03 when Barca won 3-0 at home and drew 0-0 away.

The clash between Milan and Real is another meeting of European club aristocracy and renews a rivalry that began in the first session of the European Cup when Real beat Milan in the 1955-56 semi-finals.

They have met 11 times in all, including the 1958 final when Real beat Milan 3-2 after extra time in Brussels.

The last three times Milan met Madrid, the Italian side went on to win the title (1989, 1990 and 2003) while the first two times they met Real won the Cup in 1956 and 1958. The two clubs have won the European Cup 16 times between them.

Their only previous meeting in the Champions League was in 2002-03 second group stage when Milan won 1-0 at home and lost 3-1 away.

"It's an interesting group," Milan's organisation director Umberto Gandini said. "We have 16 European champions' titles between us. It's a stellar encounter against Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, the encounter the football world was waiting for."

Drawn alongside Milan and Madrid in Group C are former European Cup winners Marseille, who beat the Italian side in the 1993 final, and FC Zurich, back in the elite competition for the first time in 28 years.

Barcelona and Inter will also face Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine and Russian newcomers Rubin Kazan in Group F.

Another intriguing battle will take place in Group A with former winners Bayern Munich taking on Juventus while Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa complete the group.

Despite their successes in Europe, Bayern and Juve have only clashed four times, all in the Champions League group stage, with their last meeting coming in 2005-06 when both teams won 2-1 at home in the group stage.

The competition starts with Matchday One on September 15-16.

The Draw

Group A: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa

Group B: Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Besiktas, Wolfsburg

Group C: Milan, Real Madrid, Marseille, FC Zurich

Group D: Chelsea, Porto, Atletico Madrid, APOEL Nicosi

Group E: Liverpool, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debrecen

Group F: Barcelona, Internazionale, Dinamo Kiev, Rubin Kazan

Group G: Sevilla, Rangers, Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni

Group H: Arsenal, AZ Alkmaar, Olympiacos, Standard Liege

PA Sport / Reuters

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We're even better than last year, says Mourinho

AFP - 2 hours 6 minutes ago

ROME (AFP) - - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho claimed his Serie A champions are even better than before as he revelled in the emphatic 4-0 derby victory against bitter rivals AC Milan.

After an even first half hour, Inter ran away with the match as Milan's Gennaro Gattuso was sent-off during a disasterous final quarter of an hour in the first period for the hosts at the San Siro.

They gave away three goals, a penalty and lost a man in that crazy spell as goals from Thiago Motta, Diego Milito, Maicon and Dejan Stankovic in the second half underlined Inter's supriority over their neighbours.

"We have changed men and mentality. I like winning and I like controlling the game because we manage to dominate the ball," said Mourinho.

"(Saturday) night I saw ball possession that I never saw last season.

"We were the picture of what we want to be in the future and of the project we need to continue working on.

"We never thought about not winning this match, we took to the pitch with the right ideas and character and we won.

"The result speaks for itself, there's no discussion. Now we have to go home, have a rest and then start working on the next match.

"I didn't leave this stadium last week crying after the draw with Bari and I'm not leaving with a bottle of champagne after this win. We're going forward calmly."

Inter captain Javier Zanetti claimed this win would send a message to the rest of the division.

"It was a great game against a great team. Our first and third goals were perfect team moves," he said.

"We have to keep going in this vein because it's only the beginning of the season but this result sends out an important signal."

Milan's players were agreed that the first goal and Gattuso's dismisal, for two bookings, changed the course of the game.

"Honestly I was expecting things to turn out differently. We were well prepared for this game and I think we lost it in those 10 minutes in which there was the penalty and Gattuso's sending off," said goalkeeper Marco Storari.

Milan matched their rivals for half an hour until Motta's goal following a brilliant team move involving Samuel Eto'o and Milito.

But just six minutes later Gattuso hauled down Eto'o in the box to give away a penalty.

He was somewhat fortunate to receive only a yellow card for a clear professional foul but Milito exerted punishment by dispatching the spot-kick.

Gattuso, who had injured his ankle even before giving away the penalty, wanted to come off but replacement Clarence Seedorf wasn't ready.

Before he was, Gattuso had hacked down Wesley Sneijder and got a second yellow card.

Rookie Milan coach Leonardo said his captain should have known better.

"When a player is injured it's only natural that he behaves in a certain way but an expert like Rino (Gattuso) should know how to manage such moments," he said.

"Clarence wasn't ready, we couldn't make the substitution."

[kueytoc]

Hargreaves close to return

28/08/2009 08:41, Report by Ben Hibbs

United have been boosted by news that Owen Hargreaves will return to the club on 23 September as he hopefully nears the end of a year-long injury hell.

The midfielder hasn't played for a year, during which time he's had operations on both knees to solve his tendonitis problems, so that return date is not his playing comeback.

He's been doing rehabilitation work in America this summer and United first must assess at what stage he is at in terms of his recovery. Nevertheless, Sir Alex says his impending return is "a great addition to us".

"We're in dialogue all the time with Owen and the physio who's conducting his rehabilitation in America," the boss said on Friday. "He'll come with Owen for a week for the change-over so we can jointly understand the treatment and rehabilitation he's been doing. That's straightforward.

"The difficulty is getting him back into football work. I say difficult because we've not seen him all this time. We're relying on information we get from the States. We're certain that his fitness work will be good, we just have to guage the right time to bring him into football training. You don't have a player out for a year and then just throw him straight into the fire.

"The important thing is to get him back playing to his level, which is a very good level, because he'll be a great addition to us."

[kueytoc]

29/08/2009 19:10 Report by Nick Coppack

Old Trafford 75,095

Man United 2

Rooney (59), Diaby (OG 64)

Arsenal 1

Arshavin (40)

United came from a goal down to beat Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday and keep pace with league leaders Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

The victory – gained via a Wayne Rooney penalty and an Abou Diaby own goal – means Sir Alex’s men sit three points behind the London clubs in third place.

Rooney’s goal was his fourth in as many league games this season and restored parity after Andrey Arshavin had earlier given the Gunners the lead with a ferocious strike from distance. But United rallied, equalised and then took the lead just five minutes later when Diaby headed into his own net.

The Reds began the match with only seven of the 11 that started in last Saturday’s 5-0 win at Wigan. At the back, John O’Shea and Wes Brown came in for Gary Neville and Jonny Evans, while Sir Alex’s three-man midfield – Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick – meant Paul Scholes had to settle for a spot on the bench. Wayne Rooney spearheaded the Reds’ attack, with Antonio Valencia and Nani flanking the Englishman.

And after an early spell of Arsenal possession, it was Rooney who fashioned United’s first chance, chipping cleverly over the Gunners’ defence to find Fletcher inside the area. The ball didn’t quite drop for the Scot, however, and his volley flashed over the bar.

Sir Alex's men soon settled and Valencia and Nani saw plenty of the ball. Indeed, it was from wide areas United looked most threatening, especially down Arsenal’s right side. Alexandre Song must have realised the same thing and did his best to curtail Valencia’s involvement with a crude challenge on 23 minutes before Arsenal almost took the lead through Robin van Persie and then Arshavin.

From certain angles it looked like Rooney had put the Reds in front on 33 minutes but his free-kick, which left Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia rooted to the spot, actually curled agonisingly wide of the right-hand post. Chances from open play were few and far between, with both teams uncharacteristically misplacing passes in midfield.

Hardly a classic encounter, then, although the game did spark into life on 40 minutes when Arshavin found space 25 yards from goal, looked up and lashed a blistering right-footed shot goalwards. Foster got both hands to the ball but the pace of the strike proved too much and the Gunners rocketed into the lead.

Nemanja Vidic wasted a chance to equalise on the stroke of half-time when he scuffed an effort from close range, so it was Arsene Wenger who was the happier manager as the teams trotted down the tunnel at the break.

Sir Alex can’t have been too displeased with the performance, as United – like Arsenal – emerged for the second period with the same starting XI. Things almost got worse for the Reds, though – only Foster’s sharp reflexes prevented van Persie from doubling the visitors' advantage. It could have so easily been 2-0, and again a minute later when Emmanuel Eboue’s poor first touch let him down at the far post.

Sloppy passing continued to plague the Reds… until Ryan Giggs threaded an inviting pass into the penalty area from just inside the Arsenal half. Rooney reached the ball slightly ahead of Gunners goalkeeper Almunia, whose momentum brought down the England striker for a penalty. The Reds’ no.10 – after declining the chance to score from the spot at Burnley earlier this season – stepped up himself to slot home calmly from 12 yards and silence the visitors’ hitherto vocal support.

Sensationally, United were ahead five minutes later, and in the most bizarre fashion. A wide free-kick from Ryan Giggs appeared to pose no danger as it arrived into the area, yet Abou Diaby inexplicably headed past Almunia and into his own net. It was as welcome a gift as Old Trafford has seen for some time, especially given how close Arsenal came to extending their lead just after the break. But you have to take your chances in football and sometimes, as United discovered today, a little bit of luck can make all the difference.

The Gunners rarely threatened after Diaby’s clanger, while United could have gone further ahead in the closing minutes through Dimitar Berbatov and Nani.The Bulgarian will no doubt claim he was the unlucky victim of an untimely bobble. Nani, however, blazed over from eight yards after testing Almunia with a strong initial shot.

There was a late scare for United fans in the sixth minute of injury time when Robin van Persie found the net but the referee's assistant correctly ruled William Gallas had been offside in the build-up. The decision infuriated Arsene Wenger, who was subsequently sent to the stands for his protests. His comical attempts to leave the dugout was the icing on the cake for United fans, who left the ground with smiles as big as the Stretford End.

Tireless Fletcher 'outstanding'

29/08/2009 18:47, Report by Ben Hibbs

Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson praised Darren Fletcher’s inspirational display during United’s enthralling 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Scottish midfielder covered every blade of grass, blocked passes and shots with just about every part of his anatomy and was at the foundation of most of United’s moves attacking moves.

Fletcher’s performances this season, and last, point to a maturing player reaching his footballing peak. Still underrated by some outside Old Trafford, United fans know the Scot’s value and regularly showed their appreciation at his every lung-bursting run.

Surprisingly, Sky gave the Man of the Match award to Rooney, who Sir Alex thinks will gladly hand over the bottle of champagne.

“I think Wayne will give it to him!†the manager said with a smile. “Darren was the outstanding performer on the field. He really was outstanding. He always does well on these big occasions because he’s a big-game player.â€

Rooney added: “I’ve said many times, forwards score goals and tend to get the man of the match award,†said Wayne. “But Fletch was head and shoulders above anyone else on the pitch.â€

[kueytoc]

Five-star England head for South Africa in style

AFP - Thursday, September 10

LONDON (AFP) - - Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard grabbed two goals each as England booked their place in next year's World Cup in style with a convincing 5-1 win over Croatia at Wembley on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney's ninth goal of the qualifying campaign completed the humiliation of a Croatian side that was a pale shadow of the one that had denied England a place at Euro 2008 with a famous victory here two years ago.

Ukraine's goalless draw in Belarus earlier in the evening had ensured Fabio Capello's men kicked off knowing a draw would be enough to send them to South Africa.

Deprived by injury of both their principal playmaker, Luka Modric, and their main defensive organiser, Vedran Corluka, Croatia would probably have been glad to settle for such an outcome.

That was quickly rendered a remote prospect however as a combination of Aaron Lennon's penetration and some slipshod defending helped England seize control in little over quarter of an hour.

Having survived one good penalty shout for handball by centreback Ivica Krizanac, Croatia found themselves behind after Lennon, cutting into the box at speed but going away from goal, was felled by Josip Simunic. No argument was possible and Lampard's spot-kick was swept low past Vedran Runje's right hand.

Promoted to the starting line-up at the expense of Shaun Wright-Phillips, Lennon was clearly in the mood to establish himself as Capello's first-choice option on the right flank, a fine cutback allowing Gareth Barry to force Runje into the first of a string of fine, first-half saves.

An isolated half-chance for the Croatians saw Mario Mandzukic's shot on the turn float comfortably over Robert Green's bar and England responded immediately by sweeping upfield to double their lead.

Lennon got clear on the right and, with the visitors having failed to pick up Gerrard's run to the back post, presented the Liverpool midfielder with the simplest of headed finishes.

The Croatians' body language suggested that was game over and, but for the excellence of Runje, England would have been out of sight by half-time.

Having beaten out Lampard's 40-yard free kick, the Lens goalkeeper denied Lennon and Emile Heskey twice in one-on-ones to prevent what could, and with better finishing would have been, an even more embarrassing rout.

It would have been scarcely deserved, but Croatia might have been handed a lifeline ten minutes into the second period, when Glen Johnson appeared to hold down Arsenal forward Eduardo in an aerial challenge inside the six-yard box.

Three minutes later, England killed the contest after Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco's good decision to allow play to carry on after Lennon had been crudely cut down handed Johnson the chance to wriggle his way to the byline.

The Liverpool defender's cross was tailor-made for Lampard to nod in his sixth goal in his last seven outings for his country.

Not to be outdone by his midfield rival, Gerrard was soon sending Rooney to the byline before advancing into the box to head home the forward's chip for England's fourth.

In keeping with the tone of the evening, even Croatia's consolation goal had a positive aspect to it for England with Green making a fine save to keep out Eduardo's header before, after a follow-up effort had been blocked, the Arsenal striker stabbed home from close range.

A miserable night for Croatia was compounded with 12 minutes left when the otherwise blameless Runje wildly sliced an attempted clearance from a backpass, presenting Rooney with an open goal for England's fifth.

[kueytoc]

Man Utd crush Spurs 3-1. Ferguson backs United to sustain title bid

AFP - Sunday, September 13

LONDON (AFP) - - Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Manchester United to defy their critics and secure a fourth consecutive English Premier League title this season.

United were widely seen as being severely weakened by the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer and the doubts mushroomed after an unconvincing start to the season, which included a defeat at newly-promoted Burnley.

But Ferguson's side are now finding an ominous rhythm and, two weeks after crushing Wigan 5-0 at the DW Stadium, they chalked up another impressive victory on Saturday, ending Tottenham's unbeaten start to the new campaign with a 3-1 victory.

"It's early in the season and too early to say, but I think we will be in the shake-up," Ferguson said.

"We said before the season that we have the players here, we're improving all the time.

"Look at Darren Fletcher now and the way he is playing. You've got the experience of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. There is no reason why we can't win the league with these players. I've got confidence in them but obviously it's going to be tight."

Ferguson admitted that United's display was their best of the new season, and all the more impressive as it was gained in adversity.

Spurs had forged ahead after just 52 seconds when Jermain Defoe fired a spectacular overhead kick into the bottom corner, but United's response was emphatic.

Giggs curled in a superb free-kick in the 24th minute and then Anderson slammed the visitors ahead just before half-time.

Hope flared again for the hosts mid-way through the second half when Scholes was dismissed for two bookable offences but it was snuffed out when Wayne Rooney tucked in a late third.

Ferguson was thrilled with the performance, although the dismissal of Scholes - after a collision with Tom Huddlestone - left a sour taste.

"It was a terrible sending off and the referee got it wrong," he said.

"He lifted his leg above the other player and, in fact, the Tottenham player has done him.

"He (Huddlestone) should have been punished. It was a bad sending-off and, having looked at the tape, I think he has been sent off because his name is Paul Scholes.

"Even so, it was probably the best we have seen of us this season, given the fact that we were a goal down after one minute. We had to gather our game and show composure.

"Our football in the first half was fantastic - our one-touch play carved them open time and time again. It was a surprise that we had to wait for a free-kick to score. It was a very good performance."

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was philosophical in defeat and maintained his side are still exceding expectations.

"I have never got carried away. We've still had a great start, with 12 points from five games," he said.

"I fancied us to get something today. We had a fantastic start and we were seeing three points again.

"But we knew they would come back - that's why they win titles and European titles. They have outstanding players."

Chelsea pull clear in Premiership as United cut down Spurs

AFP - Sunday, September 13

LONDON (AFP) - - Chelsea pulled clear at the top of the English Premier League on Saturday after Manchester United ended Tottenham's winning start to the season with a 3-1 win at White Hart Lane.

On a day that saw Manchester City's hopes of breaking into the top four bolstered by a 4-2 win over Arsenal, Chelsea scored a stoppage time winner at Stoke to notch up a fifth straight win under new boss Carlo Ancelotti.

But Spurs, who like Chelsea had won their opening four games, were given a reality check by ten-man United, despite taking the lead with the fastest goal of the season so far -- an overhead kick by Jermain Defoe after only 47 seconds.

The champions hit back with a superb Ryan Giggs free-kick, Brazilian midfielder Anderson's first goal for the club and a late strike from Wayne Rooney ensured there was to be no comeback from Spurs after Paul Scholes had been ordered off for a second yellow card offence.

A performance that was described as "fantastic" by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson lifted the champions into second place, three points adrift of Chelsea and ahead of neighbours City on goal difference heading into next weekend's Manchester derby.

Arsenal's visit to the City of Manchester stadium provided the first significant test of the season for Mark Hughes's expensively assembled squad.

They passed it with flying colours but an impressive performance was overshadowed by controversy centred on former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who appeared to stamp on the face of former team-mate Robin van Persie and then provocatively celebrated scoring City's third goal in front of the visiting supporters.

City had claimed a first-half lead when a Micah Richards shot spun off Manuel Almunia into the net for what was recorded as an own goal by the Gunners goalkeeper.

Van Persie equalised just after the hour mark but City responded superbly with a Craig Bellamy strike and a header from Adebayor effectively killing the contest.

Shaun Wright-Phillips added a fourth for City before Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky, making his first appearance for Arsenal since January 2008, claimed a late consolation.

Afterwards Adebayor issued a public apology for his conduct, which was triggered by unhappy memories of his final months at Arsenal in which a section of the club's support turned against him.

City boss Mark Hughes urged the Football Association not to come down too hard on the 25-million-pound striker.

"You need to cut him a bit of slack, given what he has been through the last 18 months or so," Hughes argued.

Chelsea had looked destined to drop their first points of the season before Florent Malouda popped up deep into injury time.

Stoke had been gifted a 32nd-minute lead by an uncharacteristic misjudgement from Petr Cech, who was caught out of position and beaten by Abdoulaye Faye's looping header.

Didier Drogba equalised on the stroke of half-time and Chelsea's pressure finally told at the death.

Yossi Benayoun capped a superb all-round display with a hat-trick as Liverpool overran Burnley in a 4-0 win at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt was also on the mark as Rafael Benitez's side continued their recovery from a stuttering start to the campaign.

Blackburn claimed their first win of the season and climbed out of the relegation zone with an impressive 3-1 win over top-flight newcomers Wolves.

El Hadji Diouf gave Rovers a first-half lead and two goals in eight second-half minutes, from Jason Roberts and David Dunn, killed off Mick McCarthy's side.

Austrian striker Stefan Maierhofer marked his Wolves debut with a late consolation effort for the visitors.

Centre-back Gary Cahill scored an 89th-minute winner as Bolton claimed their first points of the season with a 3-2 win at Portsmouth, who are still pointless after five games.

A strike from Bolton's Israeli midfielder Tamir Cohen was cancelled out by Younes Kaboul's 25th-minute equaliser before former Pompey star Matt Taylor put Bolton ahead again from the penalty spot four minutes before the break.

Kevin Prince-Boateng marked his debut for Portsmouth with a second equaliser but Cahill finally sealed the points for Gary Megson's side a minute from time.

Sunderland's strong start to the season continued with a 4-1 win over Hull.

Kamil Zayatte had cancelled out Darren Bent's early penalty to ensure Hull were still on level terms at the break.

But Steve Bruce's side were too strong after the restart with an Andy Reid strike and a Zayatte own goal sandwiched around Bent's second of the afternoon.

Colombian striker Hugo Radallego claimed the only goal of the game as Wigan took the points against West Ham.

[kueytoc]

Kenyon to step down as Chelsea CEO

AFP - Thursday, September 17

LONDON (AFP) - - Peter Kenyon is to step down as Chief Executive of Chelsea from the end of next month, the English Premier League club said in a surprise announcement on Wednesday.

Kenyon will continue as a non-executive director and will represent the club in various committees of UEFA and the European Clubs' Association but his move from the senior executive position at the club will inevitably trigger speculation about possible differences with the club's owner Roman Abramovich.

In a statement announcing the switch, Kenyon confirmed that he would be looking for a new job, saying he felt he had "at least one major challenge left in me."

Kenyon, who controversially left the chief executive's job at Manchester United before joining Chelsea in February 2004, said: "I have been in football for 15 years and I can say with great certainty and pleasure the experience at Chelsea is one of the best I have had.

"When I joined Chelsea it was an incredible challenge and together with all the staff, the players, the board and Roman, I think we have really built a club, in a relatively short space of time, that can be in the forefront of European football for many years to come. That is a major achievement."

Kenyon added: "I intend to take a little time off before considering what I do next but I am certain I have at least one major challenge left in me."

Chelsea Chairman Bruce Buck implied Kenyon's decision to leave had been his own.

"When Peter first joined us we knew we were recruiting a top executive from business generally, not just football," Buck said.

"With that always came a certain inevitability he would eventually want to seek a new challenge and I am sure that is what he will do."

Kenyon's time at Stamford Bridge has been one of unprecedented success for Chelsea, with the club's emergence as a leading force in European football enabling the chief executive to negotiate record deals with sponsors including Samsung and adidas.

But the running of the club has not all been plain-sailing with Chelsea embroiled in a seris of 'tapping-up' scandals and the club's youth programme having conspicuously failed to provide a stream of talent to the first-team squad.

Edited September 16, 2009 by kueytoc

[kueytoc]

Manchester City face United on level terms

Reuters - Thursday, September 17

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON

Since winning the league in 1968 and giving United a farewell shove out of the old first division in 1974, City fans have been forced to dine on meagre derby rations.

Even the 5-1 thrashing of 1989, a 4-1 win in 2004 and their first home and away double for four decades in the 2007/08 season have been achieved against a backdrop of total United dominance.

City's brief spell in the limelight when they won the league, FA, League and Cup Winners' cups from 1968-70 has been totally obliterated by United's groaning honours collection.

Instead, City fans satisfied themselves with supporting a cash-poor but charismatic club which they considered the heart and soul of Manchester unlike their wealthy Salford-based rivals, whose support base encompassed the whole country and much of the world.

However, since the arrival of owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the millions he has pumped into the club, the fans have drawn a line under smilingly writing off failure as "typical City" and are starting to believe they can challenge again for honours.

They go into the game level with United on 12 points, from one game less, having won their first four of the season.

Last weekend's 4-2 home success over Arsenal was widely seen as the new team's "coming of age" and they would dearly love to build on that with the biggest of all top-four scalps.

"We played well against Arsenal, now we have to go to Old Trafford and show our credentials," Kolo Toure told Sky Sports. "Man City will be a force this season."

Midfielder Stephen Ireland told the club's website : "I can't wait for the match, derby matches are great occasions and everyone is looking forward to it, especially after the win over Arsenal.

"There will be an extra edge to this game, there is no doubt about that. Carlos Tevez coming here and some of the things that have been said this summer may even sharpen that edge."

Tevez's move did not go down too well with everyone at Old Trafford but the Argentine striker is doubtful for Sunday because of the knee injury he picked up playing for Argentina.

Robinho and Roque Santa Cruz are also out injured and Emmanuel Adebayor looks likely to be suspended after his clash with Robin van Persie last weekend.

United, who were superb at Tottenham despite going 1-0 down after a minute and having Paul Scholes sent off, warmed up with a 1- 0 Champions League win at Besiktas.

The Old Trafford game is not the only table-topping derby on Sunday as leaders Chelsea take on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge .

Tottenham lost their 100 percent start with a 3-1 home defeat by United last week while Chelsea's last-minute 2-1 win over Stoke City gave them five wins out of five.

Chelsea added a further victory with a 1-0 home success over Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday and will be pleased to welcome back striker Didier Drogba who was suspended for that match.

Tottenham have not won at Stamford Bridge for almost 20 years.

Liverpool visit West Ham United on Saturday, when Arsenal are also in action, at home to Wigan Athletic.