Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[alex18122003]

Cech plans to make United sweat for the title

Manchester United are within touching distance of the Premier League title but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is relishing the chance to make the leaders sweat on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side will effectively wrap up their 17th English title with a win at Stamford Bridge. United would be six points clear of second-placed Chelsea with only two games to play and their vastly superior goal difference makes it virtually impossible for Chelsea to overhaul them.

Even a Chelsea victory won't leave Avram Grant's side in control of their own destiny as United's goal difference is guaranteed to keep them in pole position.

But Cech believes United could still crack if the Blues beat them this weekend. It is a tantalising prospect for the Czech international, who said: "Every game now is like a final. Personally I play football to play in the big games and this is an exciting time for everyone.

"The Premier League is getting towards the end and after Saturday we can be neck-and-neck with Man United."

Grant's side have no reason to fear United at the Bridge, where they are unbeaten in the league for 80 matches - a run stretching back to February 2004.

Even so, Cech admits the key to Chelsea's hopes of inflicting United's first league defeat since February rest on their ability to subdue the visitors' attacking trinity.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez have proved too hot to handle for most Premier League defences this season, but Cech is convinced the Blues will be able to keep the trio in check.

"Of course, United score the most goals in the league - they have got the attacking threat. But we have got a pretty good record at Stamford Bridge, so we hope to keep that going," Cech said.

"I always like playing against United with their top players - you know you will have some work to do. When you keep a clean sheet against such an attacking team it is great."

A shadow was cast over Chelsea's preparations on Thursday when Frank Lampard's mother Pat died after a short battle with pneumonia.

Lampard played at Liverpool in midweek because the England midfielder thought his mother was recovering but could be missing as he mourns her death.

While losing Lampard would be a big blow to Chelsea, Ferguson is also facing a nervous wait to see if Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic recovers from the stomach bug which sidelined him against Barcelona.

United's surge towards the title has spluttered in the last two weeks after draws against Middlesbrough and Blackburn allowed Chelsea to close the gap.

Chelsea will take further encouragement from their lucky escape against Liverpool, when John Arne Riise's last-gasp own goal gave them a morale-boosting Champions League semi-final first leg draw.

Ferguson is well aware that result could give Chelsea a massive lift and the Scot cautioned his team to expect fired-up opponents.

"As far as the second leg is concerned, there is no doubt Chelsea's morale will have been boosted," he said. "It was a great result for them, particularly the time of the equaliser."

If United do retain the title they will owe a huge debt of gratitude to Ronaldo. The Portugal winger has an incredible 28 league goals this season and even his penalty miss against Barcelona couldn't shake his confidence ahead of the trip to west London.

"It will be a tough game but we have a great chance as the team is very confident," he said. "We do not want to drop any points at Chelsea, so it is important we go for the victory."

[dom01]

The match was so disappointing. WE never looked like beating them... duh... Sigh...

[bigassman]

Man Utd lost cos of the kuku ref and linesman lor

It was a lame decision... Tv replay oso hard to see lor... That linesman so

sure straight away say penalty.... COCK !

[dc7176]

Chelsea vs Manchester United

Barclays Premier League Match Day 36
Chelsea (2nd EPL, 78/105 pts) v Manchester Utd (1st EPL, 81/105 pts)
Saturday, 26 April 2008 , 12:45 GMT
Stamford Bridge, SW London


Videos of The Match


Goals

First Goal for Chelsea by Ballack , Great Header 46
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Rooney Draws for Manchester United 56
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Ballack Scores second goal from a PK 86
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Extras

Great Report About the match : Chelsea vs Manchester United
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Joe Cole hits the post 21
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Nice Attack by Joe Cole
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[alex18122003]

Ballack celebrates his opening goal.

Chelsea's Michael Ballack kept his cool to keep the Barclays Premier League title race alive with a late penalty winner against Manchester United.

Ballack struck from the spot six minutes from time at Stamford Bridge - his second goal of the afternoon - to secure a 2-1 win after a handball by Michael Carrick.

The win puts Chelsea level on points with the champions at the top but United, who had equalised through Wayne Rooney, retain a significant advantage on goal difference with just two games remaining.

[joew2005]

i would think that manu would still retain the EPL at the end of tis season.
The red devils' last 2 games r against Wigan & West Ham,whereas the blues needs to play against Newcastle & Bolton.
manu hv a far superior GD then chelsea,which is 53 against 37.

[dom01]

West ham is always banana skin for us. Damm... makes me more worried, that we would not have any trophies in our cabinet this season.

Is Stamford Bridge a fortress? I cannot believe that the Arsenal, Liverpool and Man U lost at this bloody plc. Deja vu?

Praying Liv to beat Chelsea. haha...

[alex18122003]

Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic are doubtful for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona on Tuesday after picking up injuries in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

Vidic had to be stretchered off after Didier Drogba caught him in the face with his knee during the first half and required stitches beneath his bottom lip after losing a tooth in the incident.

Rooney aggravated a hip injury originally sustained in the 1-1 draw at Blackburn and appeared to be in considerable discomfort before being substituted for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both players missed training on Monday, and United will give them as much time as possible to prove their fitness.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's a difficult one. We think both could make it but I can't be certain about that."

Ronaldo, Owen Hargreaves and Carlos Tevez all started on the bench for the game at Stamford Bridge, while Paul Scholes and Patrice Evra were left out of the squad altogether.

All will hope to start against Frank Rijkaard's side, with Hargreaves a contender for the right-back position if Wes Brown is moved to centre-half to deputise for Vidic.

Ferguson has tended to field a defensive 4-5-1 formation for home games in the knockout stages of the Champions League, meaning Scholes, Hargreaves, Carrick, Anderson and Darren Fletcher will compete for the three central midfield berths.

Winger Ryan Giggs, meanwhile, is under pressure from Nani and Park Ji-sung after an uninspiring performance against Chelsea saw him substituted at half-time.

Barcelona welcome back Carles Puyol from suspension, and he will slot into the centre of defence in place of Rafael Marquez, who is himself suspended after being booked in the 0-0 first leg draw at the Nou Camp.

Midfielder Yaya Toure is a doubt with an ankle injury, meaning Edmilson may be in line for a start in front of the back four.

With Ronaldinho out for the season, Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o could make up the visitors' front three, although young striker Bojan Krkic will hope to be involved after starting in the first leg.

[alex18122003]

Home Comforts Boost Fergie's United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects his side's proud Champions League record to be tested to the full on Tuesday night.

While United's away form in the league has dipped there is no disputing at Old Trafford it is a different story, especially in Europe.

And Ferguson is looking for his side to make it 12 straight home wins in the competition when they face Barcelona.

That would see them progress to the final in Moscow - and an all Premier League showdown against either Liverpool or Chelsea - following the 0-0 draw at the Nou Camp.

United go into the match on the back of a controversial 2-1 defeat by Chelsea that has opened up the title race.

Ferguson is certainly not taking anything for granted despite his team's great home form in Europe.

He said: "It is a marvellous record, I cannot dispute that. We are proud of it.

"It does not change the aspect of this game, however.

"It will be a very balanced game, an open game, a fascinating game.

"It will be tactical at times and given nights like this, the fans can have an impact on our team.

"But our home record does not matter in this instance. It is just a good record, that's all."

United went out at the semi-final stage last season to AC Milan but Ferguson is quietly confident they will not trip up this time.

He said: "We have a very good team and some big-game players. We have a chance, a marvellous chance.

"While we have been unlucky in some semi-finals, Milan were much better prepared than us last season. We now have a bigger squad and that helps us."

United will be more adventurous than they were at the Nou Camp but Ferguson is not expecting any surprises from Barcelona.

The Spanish side are desperate to lift the trophy as they are off the pace in La Liga.

Ferguson said: "They play the same system, the same way. They try and get you on that passing carousel and hope you get dizzy.

"I enjoy watching Barcelona. You have to be patient and on your guard when you play them."

Ferguson questioned referee Alan Wiley's decision to award Chelsea a penalty with four minutes remaining on Saturday.

Michael Ballack kept his cool to score the winner - his second goal of the game - and leave United fuming.

Top German official Herbert Fandel will be in charge on Tuesday night, and Ferguson said: "The referee's performance is always important.

"They have a big part to play in football matches, particularly major matches.

"This referee has experience of big games, so it is a big responsibility."

Wayne Rooney (hip) and Nemanja Vidic (face) are doubtful for the match after missing training on Monday having picked up injuries at Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson added: "It is an important game, so we have got to give them every chance.

"It is a difficult one. Both of them could make it but I cannot be dead certain about that."

[alex18122003]

Red Devils 1-0 Barcelona (HT : 1-0)

Glory Glory 45 mins marching to Moscow liao

[alex18122003]

Before the game the message was to believe. Now you can. United are going to Moscow

And what sweet irony it is that Paul Scholes, the man who along with Roy Keane missed the Champions League final in 1999, scored the goal to take United there.

United were dealt a real blow when Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney were ruled out before kick-off. Vidic hadn’t recovered after losing a tooth in a challenge with Didier Drogba against Chelsea on Saturday, while Rooney was kept out with a persistent hip problem. Fortunately, Wes Brown had slotted in seamlessly in the Nou Camp last week when Vidic was ill. And Rooney’s replacement, Carlos Tevez, has scored important goals in big games this season – notably Chelsea, Liverpool, Lyon and, recently, Blackburn.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are considered a club in crisis in Catalonia. But Frank Rijkaard was able to rest several key players in their weekend defeat to Deportivo la Coruna, so they arrived at Old Trafford fresh and with the Champions League representing their only chance of silverware this season.

Before kick-off, United’s fans held up cards in the Stretford End and the old schoreboard end. Behind one goal, a picture of the European Cup and the years 68 and 99, at the other end the simple message: Believe. After press claims that Sir Alex’s side had cracked under pressure, it was exactly what United had to do.

Old Trafford buzzed with anticipation and the atmosphere was as electric as it has been for years. But hearts were in mouths when, after barely a minute, Lionel Messi went

[alex18122003]

Paul Scholes's stunning first-half strike earned Manchester United a nervy 1-0 win over Barcelona at Old Trafford that sent them through to the Champions League final.

Scholes put United ahead with a superb long-range effort after a quarter of an hour before Ji-sung Park, Nani and Carlos Tevez all went close.

Lionel Messi proved a constant threat with his daring running from deep, but as in the goalless first leg he was unable to provide the spark Barcelona needed.

Instead United held firm in a frantic last 10 minutes of constant Barcelona attacks to secure a place in the final in Moscow on May 21 and ensure that the winner of the 2007-2008 Champions League will definitely be an English side.

United had been dealt a sizeable blow prior to kick-off when it emerged that Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney would not be able to feature due to the injuries they sustained in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea at the weekend, so Wes Brown continued to deputise for the Serbian at centre-half, with Owen Hargreaves starting at right-back and Nani coming into the side in place of Rooney.

The home side got off to a nervy start, with Scholes conceding a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area for a trip on Messi inside the first minute and Samuel Eto'o having a low cross cleared after Edwin van der Sar had sliced a clearance straight to him.

Barcelona settled quickly by comparison and looked typically comfortable in possession until a loose pass from Gianluca Zambrotta gave Scholes the chance to test his shooting boots from 25 yards, and he made no mistake with an unstoppable right-footed effot that soared into the top-right corner.

Visiting keeper Victor Valdes then spilled a free-kick from Nani as the home side, emboldened by the roars of the crowd, threatened to over-run them, before Messi reminded them of the unique danger he poses with a run and shot that forced van der Sar into a save.

The shackles of the first leg cast off, chances were exchanged by both sides, with Park slotting narrowly wide from Cristiano Ronaldo's lay-off and Deco twice going close from the edge of the United penalty area.

As the first half drew to a close United found themselves increasingly penned back, and they were lucky to escape when van der Sar dropped Messi's cross right in front of Eto'o, only for Patrice Evra to intervene at the vital moment.

Nani flashed a header wide of Valdes's left-hand post minutes before the break and United went close again just before the hour when Tevez stang the Barca keeper's palms with a rising left-footed effort after a lovely exchange of passes with Ronaldo.

Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard responded to the growing need for a goal by introducing Thierry Henry with half an hour to go, and the Frenchman put a header straight at van der Sar with just over 10 minutes remaining.

United's defenders came to the fore in the game's dramatic closing stages, with Brown first tackling substitute Bojan Krkic as he prepared to shoot before sliding in to cut out Carles Puyol's centre from the left.

A head injury to Evra - who had to be replaced by Mikael Silvestre - prompted six minutes of added time, but with Ferguson anxiously checking his watch referee Herbert Fandel blew his whistle to send United through to the first all-English final in the competition's history.

[alex18122003]

Rijkaard: Final won't be pretty

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has applauded English football for its first Champions League final - but he does not expect a classic showdown.Paul Scholes' goal at Old Trafford on Tuesday gave Manchester United a 1-0 victory over the two legs against Barca to set up a final in Moscow with either Liverpool or Chelsea.

Despite calls for him to resign in the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Rijkaard intends to remain in his job, at least until the end of the season.

The former Holland star was magnanimous enough to say English clubs deserve their success but Rijkaard, tipped as a potential successor to Chelsea coach Avram Grant, is not a great lover of the way they play.

"The level of English teams is high," he said.

"It is very difficult to beat them because they are very strong. They are very organised and all get behind the ball. It is very tough to beat an English team.

"The type of football they play is only in the Premier League. They defend as though their lives depend on it. And they are very successful.

"If they didn't play each other, they could easily have had four English teams in the semi-finals.

"But I do feel English teams have a lot more to give. I just feel it is a great pity it is not the most beautiful kind of football to watch."

Rijkaard claimed he was happy with his side's performance, bemoaning only their failure to score over the two legs.

And, rather than attack his players for their failure, he feels they should be backed by ultra-critical supporters as they bid to at least secure an automatic path to next year's competition.

"We did everything but score," he said.

"We gave everything and had the better of the play but the rules of the game are that the team who scores goes through - and they scored.

"It is a difficult defeat to stomach, a tough one to take. But the players require help and support and they need to show character and courage."

Rijkaard insists he will stay at the club, even though it seems certain his tenure at the Nou Camp will end this summer.

"Leaving has not entered my head. I have no intention of leaving," he said.

"It would be a different thing if the players were saying it's time for me to go but that's not the case.

"Barcelona is a massive club with plenty of people capable of making decisions at the end of the season if decisions need to be taken.

"It will be time to draw conclusions at the end of the season. but it would be overplaying it to say the season has been a failure."

[yinyang]

Bro Alex, great stuff (your updates on our beloved red devils)

[dc7176]

vs

Manchester United vs FC Barcelona
UEFA Champions League
Semi Final 2nd Leg
April 29 2008


1st Goal for Man United - Scholes
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A shot from Messi is saved by van der Sar
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A ground shot from Deco passes by the right post
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A one two play between Ronaldo and Tevez whose shot is saved by Valdes
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