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Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Lets Go On Celebrate-Manchester United







Manchester United Celebration of the Premier League season 2008/2009

Messi vs. Ronaldo clash captivates Ferguson




Sir Alex Ferguson has picked out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - rivals in next week's Champions League final - as the two most gifted players in the game.



The Manchester United manager believes the two stars' work ethic allied to their natural ability sets them apart.


Ferguson, who rates the quality in the Champions League as even higher than in the World Cup, also rates AC Milan's Kaka to an extent ''although he has never really taken my breath away''.



He told the latest issue of UEFA publication The Technician: ''There are some players, such as Kaka, Messi and Ronaldo who are innately gifted.


''But this is not enough, and there is a practice element which becomes very important.



''If you watch Cristiano Ronaldo, he practises after every squad training session, and quite a few others do the same.



''As a coach, we dedicate parts of the training to improving touch, movement, passing and speed of play, but the special quality, the detail, depends on the player being willing to sacrifice himself after training - this is a hallmark of the great players.



''If the big talents only rely on their natural ability, they won't have that extra edge. They must do something extra on their own.''


Asked which opposition players he rated highest, Ferguson replied: ''When I think of the current generation, Lionel Messi is top level and, although he has never really taken my breath away, Kaka has impressed.''



Messi and Ronaldo will come face to face in the Olympic Stadium in Rome, and Ferguson believes the Champions League is hard to beat when it comes to drama - even compared to the World Cup.



The United manager added: ''There are many good games at the World Cup, but in general the quality in the big UEFA Champions League games is, in my view, higher.



''I think that, overall, the UEFA Champions League is hard to beat when it comes to consistency, quality and drama.



''The World Cup, of course, is every four years, and big changes always take place with the departure of many players and coaches and continuity then suffers.''



Ferguson also picked out AC Milan's Paolo Maldini as his favourite opposition player during his time as a Champions League coach.



''He has a wonderful presence, competitive spirit, athleticism, and although not the world's greatest technically, he has influenced all the AC Milan teams during his wonderfully successful era - a truly marvellous player,'' said Ferguson.

Rio in fitness race for Champions League final



Rio Ferdinand could miss out on a starting place in the Champions League final unless the Manchester United defender can prove his fitness to Sir Alex Ferguson before the weekend.



A persistent calf injury sustained in the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Arsenal at the Emirates on May 5 has ruled the England centre-back out of United's last three matches.


Although Ferguson is optimistic the 30-year-old will be available for Sunday's final Premier League match of the season at Hull City he has admitted that he would be uncomfortable picking Ferdinand to face Barcelona in Rome next Wednesday without a game under his belt since the injury.


''I am hoping he will be fit for Sunday, if not he is doubtful for Wednesday that is for sure,'' said the United manager. ''I think he needs a game going into the Champions League final because him having not played for three weeks is too much.


''The plan is for him to start training with us tomorrow and once we get football training we will have a better idea of his availability for Sunday.

''I think he is probably fit to play Wednesday but whether I would start him without a game is another matter.''


Ferguson also revealed utility man John O'Shea will start next week's final.


The Republic of Ireland international has filled in at right-back because of injuries to Wes Brown and Gary Neville and the United manager boss said he was keen to reward the 28-year-old's unstinting service.


''He can play anywhere for me: all along the back four, midfield - he's even played in goal for a short period - and because of injuries to Gary and Wes he's been a permanent fixture,'' said Ferguson.


''He takes his place in Rome because he deserves it, because he is ahead of everyone now. He is a fantastic, top professional.''


United boast a proud record of having won all three finals they have contested.


However, Ferguson's desire is for much more, with another win putting the Red Devils level with Ajax and Bayern Munich on four tournament victories. ''I have said so many times and I repeat it, we should have won more trophies in Europe,'' said Ferguson. ''It is a genuine criticism as far as I am concerned.


''There have been opportunities to do better. Sometimes we have been unlucky and sometimes we have been disappointing.


''It is an opportunity to get to four. Hopefully we take that because in terms of our history and placing ourselves in the pantheon of teams who have won it four or more times it would be fantastic for us.''

Anderson Expects Ronaldo & Man Utd To Dominate Barcelona



The young midfielder is hopeful ahead of the Rome showpiece.


Manchester United midfielder Anderson has been speaking to the Brazilian press about the impending Champions League final between the Red Devils and Barcelona, and in particular the battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.



"It will be a duel between the two best players in the world," he is quoted as saying. "The big winner will be the fan, because there should be many dribbles, nice moves and goals.



"Still, I believe it will be known afterwards as Cristiano Ronaldo's final."



Anderson was one of the happiest looking members of the squad as the Premier League title win was celebrated at Old Trafford last weekend. Now, he hopes to build on a positive start to
become a United great.


"This is only the beginning of my career in Manchester, I'm sure," he said. "I have everything available to me to make history here, and will not waste this chance.



"In the future, I want to be remembered as 'Anderson of Manchester United'. I'll follow the lead of players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville in order to achieve this."



Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com

High hopes for fantasy final



Sir Alex Ferguson expects “an outstanding final” as two of Europe’s finest attacking teams go head to head in the Champions League’s showpiece in Rome next week.



The Reds boss faced the massed media ranks at Carrington on Wednesday to look ahead to the final, and he expects it to be one to remember. “The profile of the final is very good, I hope it lives up to its billing,” he said. “When you see the players Manchester United and Barcelona have got, it suggests a great match. There’s a strong possibility of an outstanding final.”



The boss admires Barcelona’s footballing traditions and recognises many similar traits in his own team. “Every club has their style,” he added. “And to win a tournament you have to express that. We have the players to do it.




“We’re playing a team with a fantastic philosophy of football. I watched their game against Real Madrid (which Barcelona won 6-2) and thought, ‘christ, we’re going to have to play them’. But Chelsea showed that they can be beaten. I take encouragement from that.”



However, just because the final is contested by talents like Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez, and Messi, Iniesta, Eto’o and Henry; it doesn’t guarantee a great spectacle. “European finals can disappoint,” admits the boss. “But I have a feeling it won’t be that way.”



Ryan Giggs wants a match to remember, but he's more focused on United doing well and winning. “I hope it’s free-flowing with lots of goals. But sometimes good teams cancel each other out. I hope that’s not the case, but we just hope to keep their dangermen quiet while our match-winners perform.”

Berba: My dream season


After playing a major role in United's title success, Dimitar Berbatov admits his debut campaign couldn't have gone much better.


The Reds' number nine has netted 14 goals in all competitions, including nine towards the title-race triumph, but the Bulgarian knows he can't rest on his first-season laurels.



"It's a dream come true to be at United," Dimitar told MUTV. "But I know I must keep playing and training at the highest level possible because that is what life at this club is about - playing every game 100 per cent, training 100 per cent and of course, winning things."



Comparisons have been drawn between the playing styles of Berba and Reds' legend Eric Cantona and Dimitar revealed that, like the French maestro, he is a bit of a perfectionist.



"I know when I play well and when I play badly," he added. "When I go home I stare at the TV and watch so when the next match comes I try to learn from my mistakes and do better. And I have Sir Alex telling me what I do wrong and how I can improve."



Berbatov was also keen to pay tribute to his team-mates for helping him settle in so quickly to life at Old Trafford.



"I don’t have the words to say how much I appreciate the help the players have given me, from my first day here until now. They've made me feel like I have been here for ten years!"

Monday, May 18, 2009

Vidic surprised by United player of the year award


Nemanja Vidic admitted he was shocked to be named Manchester United's players' and fans' player of the year.



The Serbian took home both awards for his impressive performances alongside Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the Red Devils' defence.



The 27-year-old has been instrumental in United's Premier League triumph and their run to the Champions League final.



"It's a great night for me," Vidic, who moved to Old Trafford from Spartak Moscow three years ago, said on MUTV. "It has been a really good year. I am surprised I got it but I have really enjoyed it."



Vidic has also made his presence felt at the other end of the field, notably scoring the opening goal in their 2-0 second-round second-leg win over Inter Milan in the Champions League.



It was, though, his performances in defence which earned him the accolade from his team-mates and Vidic admitted it was rare for a defender to take home the award.



"To be honest I don't have so many individual awards," he added. "That's why I am a bit confused and my speech is not the best. Next time my speech will be a bit better."



Ryan Giggs, the PFA Player of the Year this season, was full of praise for Vidic.



"Consistently throughout the season he's been brilliant," said the Welshman.



Cristiano Ronaldo took the goal of the year award for his 40-yard strike away to Porto in the Champions League.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Manchester United Celebration Premier League Winner

Eleven Moments That Won ManU Their Second EPL Hat-Trick

Their eleventh Prem crown and one achieved with as much finesse and fight as any other. Goal.com's Greg Ptolomey looks back at the moments that won the title.








1) Warning Shots




Following an average pre-season, which culminated in lifting the Community Shield by beating Portsmouth, and losing the UEFA Super Cup showdown with Zenit St. Petersburg, Manchester United started the season slowly. This was nothing new – they often take time to settle into a rhythm – but this season their rivals looked ready to challenge their dominance.



On September 13, Liverpool, whose Spanish contingent were fresh from Euro 2008 glory, beat them in the league for the first time since 2002. Making his debut, €33 million signing Dimitar Berbatov assisted Carlos Tevez's early opener, but a Wes Brown own goal and Ryan Babel's strike gave the Reds three points at Anfield. Chelsea followed, and Salomon Kalou cancelled out Park Ji-Sung's opener to steal a point.


He Sung The Blues | A point against Chelsea doesn't quite start the season off right


2) Tame The Tigers




United continued to stutter and, come November 1, they welcomed Premier League newcomers Hull City to Old Trafford, shockingly trailing the Tigers by two points. A thrilling game ensued.



Cristiano Ronaldo combined with Dimitar Berbatov before opening the scoring after just three minutes, yet Hull managed to equalise. The Red Devils then raced into a three goal lead, but the visitors gave them a fright at the end, and the match finished 4-3 in favour of the giants. Sir Alex Ferguson's men had seen off the challenge of a group of plucky upstarts, but losing to Arsenal the next week left question marks all over United and their title defence.


Score Early, Score Often | Dimitar Berbatov puts United on course for a 4-3 win over Hull City


3) Golden Boy



On December 2, Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d'Or for his performances in 2008. The Portuguese powerhouse was often struggling to reach the high standards he'd set during the previous season, so the Golden Ball came as a welcome boost.



With the January transfer window fast approaching, this recognition perhaps helped 'CR7' to put thoughts of Real Madrid out of his head. It had looked as though the winger would start the season at the Bernabeu, but now he was officially the best player in the world, and he'd done it as a Man Utd player.


Golden Boy | Cristiano Ronaldo gets ready to regain his form after lifting the 2008 Ballon d'Or


4) Post-Christmas Blues




Hard-fought wins over Stoke City and Middesbrough followed an untimely, but successful, Club World Cup jaunt to Japan. The ability to gain these points despite a harsh schedule would stand United in good stead later in the season.



Ferguson had been predicting a massive post-Christmas improvement from his side, and they certainly started 2009 with a bang. Veteran Ryan Giggs started to come to the fore during a 3-0 pounding of Chelsea, although it was Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Berbatov who bagged the goals.



This performance, as well as being full of creativity and authority, pulled United to within a point of Chelsea and five behind Liverpool, with two games in hand.


Not For The First Time | Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney combine yet again as the face Chelsea


5) Back On Top




On January 17, after Berbatov's late winner at Bolton Wanderers, Man Utd went to the top of the Premier League pile for the first time during the campaign. It was the defence, and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who were earning all the plaudits, however: the 1-0 win was their tenth clean-sheet in a row.


Veteran Form | Edwin van der Sar and his back line were in fine fettle over the winter


6) Nothing Lasts Forever




Newcastle United forward Peter Lovenkrands finally put the ball into Van der Sar's net on March 4, ending the Dutchman's stunning 1310 minute stretch without conceding. Centre-backs Vidic and Jonny Evans, who was usually covering for the injured Rio Ferdinand, took a massive amount of credit, but it was ultimately the strength of the entire team which made them unbreakable.



Nevertheless, United would respond instantly at St. James Park, with Rooney and Berbatov dragging their team back from the brink of defeat to win.


Let The Good Times Roll | No more clean sheet, but plenty of goals at the other end for on-fire United


7) The Dip




The middle of March was a disastrous time for Manchester United. If there was to be no happy ending come May, then these two games against Liverpool and Fulham would have been considered the point at which it all went wrong.



Liverpool absolutely trounced them at Old Trafford, winning 4-1 after Vidic had been sent off amid an error-strewn display. The red mist descended again at Craven Cottage, where Paul Scholes and Rooney were dismissed en route to a shock 2-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham.


Red Missed | An otherwise excellent season for Nemanja Vidic was marred by a red card against Liverpool


8) Introducing : Federico Macheda




Sir Alex Ferguson needed to find something special from somewhere if his troops were to fight their way to the title. Enter unknown 17-year-old Federico Macheda, who came off the bench to grab the winner against Aston Villa. The visitors had led with ten minutes remaining, but Ronaldo and Macheda secured a dramatic 3-2 victory.



They say lightning doesn't strike twice, but try telling that to Sunderland. Macheda took mere seconds to lift the Red Devils to a 2-1 win, when the three points had looked beyond them.


Meet The New Hero | Young Federico Macheda doesn't need long to make his mark for the Red Devils


9) Showing Character




April 25 is a date that will likely stick in the memories of all who attended Old Trafford to watch United take on Tottenham Hotspur. Goals from Darren Bent and Luka Modric stunned the home crowd, but they responded to roar their side to a compelling second-half turnaround. Doubles from Ronaldo, Rooney and a final goal from Berbatov completed a stunning eventual 5-2 rout, although Spurs were aggrieved by some of the referee's decisions.


No Doubt | Manchester United come back to thrash Spurs and take a step closer to silverware


10) On The Brink




By May 13, Man Utd had shown that they were more than capable of winning ugly, winning spectacularly... winning by whatever means necessary. As they visited Wigan Athletic's JJB Stadium, they were four points from a third-successive title, and the nerves were evident. The hosts led at the break, and again United would have to do it the hard way to crush Liverpool's hopes of pipping them to first place.



Tevez – his future still hanging in the balance – became the latest inspired substitution as he skilfully flicked the leveller into the Wigan net, before Michael Carrick gracefully fired into the top corner with time running out. Another three points snatched from the jaws of failure, and now just one point away from getting their hands on the trophy...


Closer And Closer | United inched past Wigan and the title seemed a foregone conclusion

11) Three-In-A-Row



Manchester United hosted Arsenal on May 16, kicking off the penultimate weekend of the season. With Rio Ferdinand injured, Ryan Giggs – previously awarded with the PFA Player of the Year gong – lead out the side, although it would be club captain Gary Neville who'd lift the famous trophy.



In truth it was a dour game, filled with broken-down attacks and scrappy play, but United fans couldn't care one jot as the 0-0 draw handed them their third successive title.




United thus equal Liverpool's record of 18 top-flight titles, and win an astonishing second Premier League hat-trick. For the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, it's eleven wins as the legend continues to be written.


Champions | Manchester United lift their third Premier League trophy in a row



Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com

Gill backs Sir Alex to go on and on at United






Sir Alex Ferguson will continue as manager of Manchester United for "a number of years'', according to chief executive David Gill.




The 67-year-old sealed his 11th Premier League title in 23 years at the Old Trafford helm with yesterday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal.



That drew the club level with Liverpool on 18 top-flight titles, leading to speculation Ferguson could retire if they usurp their great rivals next season.



Gill, though, does not see an end to the Ferguson era in sight.


He told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "He's still very motivated to go on and win things with Manchester United.



"He loves the game, he loves everything associated with the game, he's very well supported by his staff and by the players. He's very much still 100% working at Manchester United.



"I don't think you could read (much into) beating Liverpool - everyone makes great play of that.



"Equalling their record, which is a fantastic record, is obviously wonderful for the club but who's to say what will happen next year?


"What we've done this year in terms of the number of games we've had to play and what we've achieved is testament to everyone and he recognises there's a lot more to come from the squad and hopefully, as I say, it will go on for many years.



"What Alex has done quite correctly is understand how to structure the club and he just takes the big decisions, and he delegates very well to a very experienced staff, a highly motivated staff, and he's got a great team around him so it all works.



"As long as Alex continues to do that, which I'm sure he will, he'll want to stay involved with Manchester United and run the team.



"I envisage him being manager certainly for a number of years, but I'm not going to put a timeline on it.''



Liverpool have been United's fiercest challengers this season before finally having to concede defeat yesterday, leaving them still without a title in the Premier League era.



Boss Rafael Benitez pointed to the amount of money United have spent on players as the key difference between the pair - a view swiftly countered by Gill today.



"That's a nonsense,'' he continued. "Analysis was done that shows we're broadly in line with them over the last few years in terms of net spend on players.


"I think there's a lot of factors in it. We've not only got great players and a great manager but we've got a great off-the-field team as well.



"We've got a fantastic stadium, 76,000, which gives us a competitive advantage, our commercial team are doing fantastic deals, which we then put back into the club.



"We've got many advantages through our current structure, which keeps us apart.



"Benitez would say they've had a very good season, they've run us close and I'm sure they'll be even more motivated next season.''



Asked about the secret of United's continued success, Gill, who does not envisage major changes in the squad over the summer, said: "I think it's the very fact that everybody at the club understands you can't take things for granted. If you win one year we want to go on and improve and we've done that.



"Alex has revamped the squad continually over the past 10-15 years and that's what we will aim to do going forward.



"Special mention for Ryan Giggs, an amazing 11th title, I'm sure we'll never see that beaten. He personifies the club and what we're trying to achieve.''



United's trophy-laden season, which has already brought the Carling Cup and Club World Cup to Old Trafford along with the Premier League title, could yet get better still with the Champions League final against Barcelona to come on May 27.



"It has been a wonderful season,'' reflected Gill. "Obviously Japan and the Carling Cup and the league but it's not finished yet. We've got the little matter of a game in Rome in 10 days' time.



"It's wonderful, it's mouthwatering - two of the best footballing teams in Europe will be in it.



"The final is a day after (legendary late manager) Sir Matt Busby's 100th birthday and we're obviously hoping for a repeat of the Cup Winners' Cup final in Rotterdam in 1991 (when they beat Barcelona 2-1).''

United stars buoyant after landing another title

United stars buoyant after landing another title





Their latest Premier League triumph is Giggs' 11th and number nine for Neville.



During that time they have played with plenty of big-name players and won enough additional silverware to leave even the strongest trophy cabinet begging for mercy.



However, at no time have they been accompanied by such a vast number of experienced and talented team-mates.


Sir Alex Ferguson does not just have two players for every position, in some cases it is three.



In others, like Neville's right-back berth for instance, the number is even greater, given John O'Shea is likely to claim the spot for the Champions League final against Barcelona and the Irishman was not even third choice for that role when the season began.



"Without a doubt this squad is the strongest we have ever had,'' said Neville. "The strength in depth is incredible. You cannot begin to compare this squad with the rest. You cannot name a side now.



"You could have one lot of 11 players one week and an entirely different team for the next game.''



Giggs goes even further. Whatever team Ferguson picks, although maybe not including the one likely to tackle Hull at the KC Stadium next Sunday, the veteran Welshman is convinced it is better than any that have previously represented United during their current manager's illustrious reign.



"Squad wise, this is the strongest I have been part of,'' said Giggs. "Team wise, it is the best partly because of what we have already achieved but also what we could do in the future as well.



"We have been there and done it. We have won leagues and we have won a Champions League. Hopefully we can win another.''


The meeting with Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico will now dominate Ferguson's thinking, which is why United's team to face Hull may resemble the one that turned out for the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Everton.



While United will want to do the right thing by Newcastle and Sunderland, their manager's priority clearly has to be getting his best team onto the pitch in Rome, which presumably does not involve them putting their fitness at risk against fully-revved up opponents battling for survival on their own soil.



"It is a 50-50 game,'' said Neville. "We are playing Barcelona in a Champions League final. We can't say we are just going to win.



"Anything can happen in those games, although we hope this is not the last trophy we win this season because the European Cup would cap off a brilliant year.''



When the analysis of United's season is completed during the early summer months, yesterday's goalless draw with Arsenal will not figure very prominently - other than what it actually meant.



Far more important was the victory at Stoke on Boxing Day, only four days after United returned from their successful quest to become world champions in Japan.



Last month's home win over Aston Villa and the five-goal second half against Tottenham, at a time when any further slips would have fuelled Liverpool's belief they were going to end a drought dating back to 1990, were equally crucial.



Those backs-to-the-wall successes only add further credence to a belief this was a championship that owed as much to United's sheer will and refusal to give in than any free-flowing football.



Twenty-two clean sheets in a 37-match programme that has yielded only five wins by a margin of three goals or more seems to bear that feeling out.



"Every title is special,'' said Neville. "To win it three years on the trot is a fantastic achievement.



"This season has been about digging in and fighting for results rather than producing brilliant football all the time. We have had a lot of injuries and had to change the team quite regularly.



"This title is as good as any because we have used so many players.''

Manchester United !9th Title

The United squad celebrate the spoils of success




The full squad celebrate winning the league for the third year in a row





Carlos Tevez holds the trophy aloft




Wayne Rooney's glee is plain to see - congratulations Wazza!




Cristiano Ronaldo kisses the hard-won silverware





Rio Ferdinand lifts the 2008/09 Premier League trophy




Ji-sung Park made a big contribution to United's title success




Club captain Gary Neville lifts the Barclays Premier League trophy

Manchester United Secure Title With Arsenal Draw



They had to hold on as Arsenal dominated possession and had their chances, but Manchester United have secured the Premier League title following an Old Trafford stalemate.







His future may be up in the air, but Sir Alex Ferguson nevertheless opted to start Carlos Tevez up front in place of Dimitar Berbatov. Rio Ferdinand remains sidelined, leaving Jonny Evans at the back and Ryan Giggs as captain. Darren Fletcher also started in midfield as Manchester United lined up in something of a 4-3-3 formation.




Arsenal were without injured goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, so Lukasz Fabianski started between the sticks, while further depletion meant that midfielder Alex Song played at centre-back. Emmanuel Adebayor was also missing, but Andrey Arshavin was healthy enough to return.



First Half




Manchester United flew out of the traps quickly, but there was some hesitation from Cristiano Ronaldo as he passed up a chance to pull the trigger.




Gradually, after a couple of broken-down forays into United territory, Arsenal started to monopolise possession and looked, for all intents and purposes, like the home side.




Thus, United were keen to hit on the break, which they did to good effect through Ronaldo. He left Song trailing and picked out Rooney, but the onrushing forward scuffed his running shot.




An otherwise tentative first ten minutes out of the way, the sides then each created a good chance. First, Arshavin clipped a glorious ball over the top which Robin van Persie didn't know what to do with; he headed tamely over in the end. Still, the Russian playmaker was getting warmed up, causing trouble with his direct approach.




At the other end, Rooney peeled off Bacary Sagna and headed Michael Carrick's fine flighted ball down and past Fabianski's near post.




During the second part of the first half, chances were few and far between, and the patterns of the early stages repeated themselves. Samir Nasri's drive deflected into the arms of Edwin van der Sar on the half-hour mark; Van Persie sent a looping header into the arms of the 'keeper soon after.



Nasri then blasted goal-wards from 10 yards out, but his off-target shot hit Van Persie with too much velocity for the Dutchman to flick for goal.



United went closest through Ryan Giggs, who ballooned over after being teed up by Rooney, and Ronaldo, who hit a free-kick wide just before the break.



Second Half




The opening minutes of the second period had some needle to them: Fabregas and Nasri were booked, adding to Van Persie and Arshavin's first-half cautions. Then the rain came on, and the game opened up significantly.



Nevertheless, it took until just before the hour-mark before a couple of chances occurred. For the Gunners, Kieran Gibbs rifled into the side netting after some great build-up play. Soon after, United's Fletcher centred the ball from the right and Tevez spun superbly, shrugging off Kolo Toure in the process. However, Fabianski was quick off his line and slid in to repel the Argentine, before Ronaldo hit Row Z.



On 66 minutes, Sir Alex Ferguson made a brave, and unpopular, change as his side continued to struggle. Park Ji-Sung replaced Tevez, who proceeded to wave to the crowd on would could prove to be his last ever home game for the Red Devils.



Arsene Wenger raised the stakes further, sending Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott on for Nasri and Arshavin.



One of the new boys, Park, actually did have the ball in the net shortly after his introduction. Ronaldo surged through the middle and, after teasing Fabianski, squared for the South Korean to roll home. However, they didn't get the benefit of the doubt and the Portuguese was flagged offside.



On 78 minutes, following some extended Arsenal pressure, Ronaldo went agonisingly close with a 20-yard free-kick effort which wouldn't quite curl inside the right-hand post.



The final ten minutes would be nervy for the home faithful. On 83', Song imitated a battering ram and charged through the home rearguard, before Fabregas' shot was touched wide by Van der Sar.



In injury time, Michael Carrick got his head on Van Persie's free-kick, for the second time in the game, but there was to be no late drama.



Thus it finished. It wasn't exactly pretty on the day, though Manchester United are the Premier League Champions 2008/09, completing their second top-flight hat-trick!



Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Fearsome United






Heroes. Every single last one of them. Do not for a second underestimate the significance of this result. United are in only the fourth European Cup final of the club's history and what is more, we are there with a bit of swagger too.



Welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo, with this guy and Rooney in such blistering form I shouldn't imagine anybody wants to play us right now. Having lived so much of my life watching United not get this far, to be in a second final, in such quick succession, is simply dizzying.

Thankfully, the men on the pitch had no trouble keeping their heads. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the way Arsenal go about their football but they were embarrassingly limp. With the gritted-teeth exception of Steven Gerrard, the game seems to lack real characters at the moment.



Arsenal’s heads dropped as soon as the first goal went in and I couldn’t help but think this didn’t happen in the days of Tony Adams or Patrick Vieira. Certainly, Ronaldo was unplayable but Arsenal’s lack of fight left United pretty much untested.

It is truly awful for Fletcher. The guy has been outstanding for the last two years and with Hargreaves still injured I would have expected him to start the final. Find a bookmaker who offers odds on Anderson being in the starting 11 in Rome and take him up on the offer.



Compare Fletch’s reaction to that of the Chelsea players at their final whistle. Then look up the word dignity in a dictionary. I am sorry Chelsea fans, but if you cannot protect a lead against ten men then you don’t deserve to win. Conspiracy my pint glass.


After our month of doom I have stopped tearing my hair out and the team are striding confidently once more. I struggle to remember a time when United have been so consistently impressive across the board. When Ferguson said this was his best ever assembled squad eyebrows raised. More fool you now. We go marching on.



Thoughts on the Ribery bid:



In recent weeks it has emerged in the press that United have held talks with Kaka and lodged an official bid for one kersquillion pounds to buy Frank Ribery. Personally, I don’t buy it. Usually our transfer dealings have a whiff of subtlety about them and in my opinion, the Old Trafford hierarchy are trying to force the hand of one Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo.


After last Saturday’s clasico the boy wonder must surely know that the current Real Madrid team are rather pants. He should win more trophies with United but has made no secret of his desire to leave. I think Ferguson has had enough of last summer’s speculation and is getting his own version of it in early. The result, pleasingly, seems to be to motivate the player.



Whatever you say about Ronaldo the guy can respond positively to adversity and he can sure as hell play. At the moment he is majestic. If we want to sell him to Madrid they will, I am sure, pay the sum we ask for. Now it is simply a question of who blinks first. Good luck Cristiano, it is a matter of record that Ferguson has not blinked since 1987.

Tevez plays his part in United surge



Positioning himself a matter of metres from the technical area, both hands cupped to his ears, Carlos Tevez prepared himself for the inevitable entreaty, the latest and loudest of the hundreds of pleas on his behalf. It duly arrived. While Sir Alex Ferguson was unused to having his decisions queried by so many within Old Trafford, the dissent has become commonplace.


The chorus of "Fergie, sign him up" was predictable. Tevez knew as much. Unlike the preening, posturing footballers who often play to the galleries, he was demonstrating an appeal to the masses right in front of the manager who is reluctant to purchase him.


"The fans love tryers," said Ferguson, understanding Tevez's bond with the support. "That's the great thing about football. A lad who tries all the time can be forgiven many a thing." Not that there was much to forgive. Tevez's competitive nature equips him well for local skirmishes; players who seem to regard standing still as a crime can prosper in such matches and this was an occasion to suit Tevez.


Inches away from a hat-trick, he played a considerable part in winning the Manchester derby and, in the process, helping secure a third consecutive title. A wonderful strike crashed in off the far post on the stroke of half-time to double United's lead. Coupled with his terrier-like display against Arsenal 11 days before, it provided proof he possesses a big-game temperament.


Before today, however, he did not possess a Premier League goal at Old Trafford this season. His only previous strikes occurred away at Liverpool, Stoke and West Brom. Had a curling shot and a late close-range header, both rebounding off the woodwork, been marginally better directed, he would have doubled that tally today.


Nevertheless, his departure grows ever more likely. "I'm not getting into that," growled Ferguson, though the continued impasse explains Tevez's admission that he expects to leave. If Manchester United, as Tevez claims, do not respect him as footballer, Manchester City do. They are among his many alleged suitors and Mark Hughes commented: "He was a thorn in our side today. I thought he played exceptionally well and it was an exceptional strike."



Judging by the reaction of the United support, Tevez is an eloquent ambassador for his own cause. Nevertheless, his representative Kia Joorabchian was in the crowd, muttering conspiratorially on his mobile phone, while covering his mouth with his hand.



While one third of United's original Holy Trinity, Sir Bobby Charlton, deemed the current vintage the greatest in the club's history, another trio had a blend of invention and inspiration City could not rival. Even with Wayne Rooney confined to the bench for an hour, the combination of Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov prospered.



The Portuguese broke the deadlock, with a free kick that City both disputed and deflected. Awarded for Stephen Ireland's challenge on Berbatov, Ronaldo's shot clipped Nigel de Jong and wrong-footed Shay Given before nestling in the bottom corner. With the winger pursuing a second successive Golden Boot, his substitution provoked a moment of petulance as he snatched his training top and glowered to anyone who was looking on the bench.



His manager, though, was in forgiving mood. Ferguson said: "He wanted to stay on. He's in great form, but I've got to look at the big picture. He ran his socks off at Arsenal."



That is rarely an accusation levelled at Berbatov, but the Bulgarian was instrumental. Navigating his way out of the tightest of situations, pirouetting balletically on the ball and locating team-mates with enviable easy, he was the conductor of United's orchestra in that way Ferguson presumably always imagined he would be.



By plucking Darren Fletcher's long pass nonchalantly out of the sky, he supplied Tevez for his goal. "He's very, very good at that, taking the ball out of the air," added Ferguson. "He's got good balance."



While Berbatov invariably appears to be strolling, he formed a contrast with a fellow flair player who had a negligible impact. Following his match-winning display at Everton, a genuinely anaemic Robinho reverted to his habit of hindering City on their travels. One glaring miss, following a beautiful pass from Elano, ensured they did not get back into the game.



"There was not much of an end product, unfortunately," admitted Hughes. "We didn't ask enough questions of them."



They didn't. While City did a derby double last season, since then, United have delighted in proving the world's richest club the poor relations in their own backyard. In the people's republic of Mancunia, as a banner at the Stretford End used to call it, the champions of England, Europe and the world, as United like to pronounce themselves, are very much back in the ascendant.



MAN OF THE MATCH: Dimitar Berbatov - There are occasions when it is difficult to query his £30.75m fee, or Ferguson's faith in the striker. This was one of them.



MANCHESTER UNITED VERDICT: Ferguson made five changes, yet United were not disrupted. It helped that two of those introduced, Tevez and Berbatov, were in such form. Fletcher retained his place and produced another diligent display. While many would have welcomed his absence in previous years, he is now being cherished after his unlucky dismissal at the Emirates Stadium. The unsung hero's name was sung regularly.



MANCHESTER CITY VERDICT: In both derbies this season, United have illustrated how far their rivals need to progress, despite their immense wealth and huge ambitions. At the moment, the biggest gulf is in the final third. Despite suspicions he will leave at the end of the season, it was notable Elano produced more than Robinho again.



BERTI WHO? Manchester City's vocal supporters surely managed the chant of the match. Spotting their little-used, fourth-choice left-back, they launched into a rare rendition of: "There's only one Glauber Berti." That's probably just as well. City hardly need a second.

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