Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

City killed off by United - Hart

Joe Hart admits Manchester City's grip on the Premier League title this season has been loosened by the Manchester United "killing machine".

Hart, currently preparing for England's World Cup qualifiers with San Marino and Montenegro, has seen the Red Devils open up a 15-point lead with just eight games remaining.

The goalkeeper concedes City have been "disappointing" in their defence of the title - although he refuses to throw in the towel - and some of his own performances have been criticised by Roberto Mancini.

But Hart also gives credit to the way the Red Devils have swept aside all challengers to put them on the verge of another championship.

When asked why City have not been at their best, Hart said: "I don't know, I'd love to know. It would have been rectified.

"Maybe we have drawn more games than we would have liked to but it has not been a perfect season - and it needs to be pretty perfect to win this league.

"We have done well but we have been up against a killing machine that have kept turning out results no matter what.

"It is a tough league, it's hard to win games. Unfortunately when we do lose, United stretch that lead and it has been disappointing but we will keep going.

"We worked so hard to get that title we are never going to just give it away. I'd imagine from the outside it looks that way, but that's just not the case."

Regarding Mancini's criticism of himself, Hart said: "You have got to be able to move on. Everyone is going to have their opinion.

"What is said in private, that's for behind the scenes but he (Mancini) is free to do his press conferences as he feels and if he feels you are not up to it ..."

When suggested Sir Alex Ferguson would not criticise his players publicly, Hart said: "All managers have their different way of doing things."

Hart accepts everyone is entitled to praise or criticise him if his standards drop.

"I've tried to stay consistent, prepare and show desire in the games.

"I do everything I can to stop goals; sometimes I can save it, sometimes not. Sometimes the ones that I should be saving, haven't been saved.

"But as long as I've kept my prime focus of doing everything I can, then that's all I can really do.

"Am I a victim of standards? I'm definitely not a victim. I love playing, I love training hard, I love playing hard and I love winning.

"I have to accept when I'm playing that there's going to be another side and you have to take that sometimes.

"People are free to criticise or praise. I'm never going to tell anyone what to say or do about me but at the same time I don't have to listen.

"I'm pretty strong with how I feel about what I should and shouldn't have done.

"That's the beauty of football and that's why it's such a big industry and that's why it gets so many people involved. People are allowed their opinions."

Hart insists there is a good relationship amongst the City and United players when on England duty despite their intense rivalry at club level.

He said: "Do I talk to the United players? Of course, you have got to be able to. It's not personal.

"It's definitely not a personal thing. What they are doing is exactly what I want to be doing right now this year.

"It was vice versa last year. That's just how it is and the same with the Chelsea boys, the same with the Tottenham boys. We are all fighting for something with England.

"We are not fighting each other. We are fighting for our teams and our clubs and you have to be selfish in those terms.

"When you come away with England it has gone, we are playing for England and we are fighting for England, that is what we move forward with."

[mr_missile]

De Gea: Move has improved me

David De Gea believes he has matured as a player and person since his move to Manchester United 18 months ago.

The 22-year-old has nailed down the No.1 shirt at Old Trafford in recent months after sharing the role with Anders Lindegaard.

De Gea has endured some difficult times in England, but the former Atletico Madrid man believes his experiences have improved him as a player.

"I've changed a lot in Manchester. I've spent two years in their football culture and it makes you change," De Gea is quoted as saying in the Daily Star.

"I'm more mature as a person and a player. I'm a very different person from when I arrived in England."

De Gea has been rewarded for his fine form with a call-up to the Spain squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Finland and France

The keeper, who has yet to win a cap for Spain, has been drafted into the squad as cover for the injured Iker Casillas and he is keen to take his chance to impress coach Vicente Del Bosque.

"This is a special moment for me and a big step in my career," added De Gea.

"I want to enjoy this and learn from my team-mates, who are my and many other people's idols.

"It's a pity Iker Casillas is out. We all know he is our captain and a legend but I'm happy to be here, even if it's because of his injury."

[mr_missile]

UEFA punish Nani and Ferguson

Nani has been suspended for one game for his dismissal in Manchester United's Champions League tie with Real Madrid at Old Trafford on March 5.

Sir Alex Ferguson has also been fined £8,500 for non-fulfilment of media obligations after the same match

European football's governing body UEFA confirmed the sanctions on Friday afternoon following a meeting of its control and disciplinary body.

"Manchester United FC midfield player Nani has been suspended for one match by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, following the red card he received at the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid CF at Old Trafford on 5 March," a UEFA statement read.

"Manchester United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined €10,000 for non-fulfilment of the post-match media obligations at the same match."

Nani would have been banned for one match regardless as a result of his red card for a tackle on Alvaro Arbeloa during United's 2-1 defeat which saw them exit the competition.

However, the disciplinary panel decided there were no exceptional circumstances which warranted an increase.

The fine handed out to Ferguson is effectively a slap on the wrist after the Scot failed to attend the mandatory post-match press conference.

His place was taken by assistant Mike Phelan who said Ferguson was too "distraught" to face the media.

Ferguson was furious about Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir's decision to show a red card which he felt swung the tie in Real's favour.

More severe penalties could have included a touchline ban but UEFA did not deem it a serious enough offence to implement that.

[mr_missile]

Fergie: Hernandez going nowhere

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no interest in selling Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

The striker has scored 16 times this season yet still cannot secure himself a regular starting spot for the club's biggest games.

He was not involved in either leg of the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid and with Robin van Persie now installed as Old Trafford's leading marksman, it is difficult to see the situation getting any better for Hernandez.

Little wonder therefore that the Mexican has been linked with a move away from United, who he joined as a virtual unknown from Chivas for just £7million in 2010.

However, Ferguson has told any potential suitors not to waste their time by even making an inquiry.

"He's on a long contract and we won't be entertaining any interest from anyone," said Ferguson.

"As far as we are concerned he is a really important player.

"He does something different from the other strikers and any time he comes into a game he changes it.

"It's not easy for me to leave him out because a 16-goal tally against the number of games he has started is a fantastic record.

"There's no evidence that he has been annoyed or disappointed.

"But it's difficult when you have got a player of Robin van Persie's form, and then you have got (Danny) Welbeck, (Wayne) Rooney, (Shinji) Kagawa.

"That's been the benefit of having a strong squad - it gives us an advantage over the other teams."

[mr_missile]

Bramble break benefits United

An own goal from Sunderland's Titus Bramble handed Manchester United a 1-0 win and an 18-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Fortune has not been smiling on the Black Cats this season and they remain rooted in relegation trouble after seeing their winless run stretched to eight games.

In contrast, United are strolling towards the title and could even afford to leave Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney out of their matchday squad at the Stadium of Light.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side dominated possession from the off in the North East, as they enjoyed a positive return to the scene of their final day heartache from 2011/12.

Robin van Persie nodded an early effort into the hands of Simon Mignolet, before Alexander Buttner took one too many touches after bursting into the box.

The home support were doing all they could to drag an extra ounce of effort from their struggling troops, and they were almost awarded a gift by David de Gea - but he was saved by the assistant's flag after badly scuffing a clearance straight at Danny Graham.

Sunderland were then offered another kick in the teeth on 27 minutes when Van Persie - without a goal in his previous seven outings for United - wriggled past Phil Bardsley and drilled over a cross-shot which flicked off the knee of Bramble and past a helpless Mignolet.

The Dutchman wheeled away in celebration, believing he had notched his 20th Premier League goal of the season, but he will have to wait a little longer before reaching that particular milestone.

United continued to probe for the remainder of the first half, without really threatening, and the only other point of note during the opening 45 minutes was the early exit of Rafael - as he had to be replaced by Jonny Evans just past the half-hour mark.

Alfred N'Diaye fired a cross from a promising position into the stands at the start of the second period, before Van Persie whipped a dangerous free-kick into the face of the brave Danny Rose at the opposite end of the field.

Sunderland were able to offer more of a threat as an attacking force as they grew into the contest, but their final ball, be that from a cross or shot, let them down on too many occasions.

United suffered another injury scare when De Gea was involved in a nasty clash of heads with his captain Nemanja Vidic, but the Spaniard was able to continue and help the Red Devils to a sixth successive clean sheet - and their 11th in 30 league outings.

The game became stretched in the final quarter, with the Black Cats having to go chasing a point, but they were unable to find a way through a dogged visiting defence and United were ultimately happy to settle for one goal in a seventh straight win - with Vidic coming as close as anyone to grabbing a second as he nodded narrowly wide from a corner.

Speaking after the game, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the battling qualities of his side as they edged a step closer to reclaiming the top-flight crown.

He told Sky Sports: "It was a battling performance by the players. We picked up two or three injuries along the way and it was courage that got us through in the second half. It means we will go into the Man City game with at least a 15-point lead.

"I think the players have galvanised themselves - the team spirit, the concentration, the focus in every game. That's 25 wins in 30 league games, which is a record. That's all down to the efforts of the players."

[mr_missile]

FA cup 6th round replay: Chelski 1 United 0

the treble dream is gone.....now the chance of a league and cup double also gone.....

looking forward to winning our 20th league title liao.....

glory glory man utd!

[Rickey]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

FA cup 6th round replay: Chelski 1 United 0

the treble dream is gone.....now the chance of a league and cup double also gone.....

looking forward to winning our 20th league title liao.....

glory glory man utd!

Ya, so sad, like some previous seasons...only the EPL Championship left...whatever happened to their 2 current wonderboys, Rooney & RVP ??

[Rickey]

Originally Posted by Rickey

Ya, so sad, like some previous seasons...only the EPL Championship left...whatever happened to their 2 current wonderboys, Rooney & RVP ??

Let's all hope, they can beat their noisy blue neighbours in a few hours' time...or is Rooney's utterings jus a mere war cry b4 the actual battle ?...

All the best to the Red Devils though !!

[shysaint]

United left to Roo Falcao interest

> Posted by ESPN Staff.

PA PhotosWayne Rooney could end up at PSG next season if Radamel Falcao joins United

Wayne Rooney could find himself looking for a club in the summer if Manchester United's links with Radamel Falcao turn out to be more than speculation. According to the Mirror, United may do a U-turn on their assurance that Rooney isn't going anywhere and could cash in on the demand for the England international. Reports emerged on Wednesday that United have entered the race for Atletico forward Falcao, with Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea also in the frame to sign the Colombian.

His hefty price tag, which is expected to be reduced from the £50 million buy-out clause in his contract, could force the Red Devils to search for funds and free up space in their frontline. It is unlikely that Robin van Persie, Rooney and Falcao would all fit into Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up and it is believed Rooney will pay the price for an overload of talent. PSG will become the frontrunners for Rooney's signature, with the French club already claiming they would be prepared to make a big-money bid for the 27-year-old.

On the managerial front, Neil Warnock emerged as a contender to replace Danny Wilson at Sheffield United just hours after the Blades boss was axed. The Mirror reports Wilson's sacking has paved the way for Warnock to return to Bramall Lane. Despite the links, Warnock insisted he will not be returning to United after being fired by Leeds last week.

[mr_missile]

RVP happy to end goal drought

Robin van Persie admitted he was relieved after ending his goal drought as Manchester United secured a 2-0 win at Stoke to edge them closer to the Premier League title.

The Dutchman had gone 10 domestic games without a goal, but he won and converted a penalty midway through the second half to make the points secure at the Britannia Stadium after Michael Carrick had opened the scoring.

He sprinted down the touchline after slotting the spot-kick past Asmir Begovic and headed straight for Sir Alex Ferguson for a big hug.

"It was an important point in the game. I had to score that one and thankfully it went in, so after that the relief of a couple of weeks came out," he told Sky Sports.

"I wanted to celebrate it with everyone, with the players, with the staff, all the players involved even on the bench because they have been great with me from day one.

"Even when it was sometimes a little bit harder they still believed in me and they still support me and help me wherever they can, so that's why I wanted to join them."

Meanwhile, man of the match Wayne Rooney, who played in a midfield role, said he hoped Van Persie can help fire United to the title.

"As a football player, as a striker and a goalscorer, you think every player in the world has had a few games in a row where they weren't scoring," he said.

"Robin's kept his head down, he's worked hard and thankfully today he's got his goal. Hopefully that'll kick him on because he'll be a massive player in the next few games for us."

[Rickey]

Draw...West Ham 2, Man Utd 2...

sigh, always towards the end of each season they tend to lose steam ....fortunately tis season, they hv the cushion of 12 to 15 points at tis stage ...if not jialat...tat was how they lost the EPL title to their noisy blue neighbours last season, decided by the last goal of the season...so close yet so far...

fortunately for their new wonderboy, RVP, who knocked in a late goal for the equaliser ...if not, dunno how...pls show ur skills n tat u r truly champions, Red Devils, don't hide them...everything is now gone, the treble, the double...only left the League championship... sigh

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by Rickey

Draw...West Ham 2, Man Utd 2...

sigh, always towards the end of each season they tend to lose steam

dont worry too much bro. united always, always makes things hard for themselves.

we now need only 6 points from the remaining 5 games to claim our 20th title. the 6 points needed is provided city wins all of their remaining 6 matches. city will drop some points along the way, probably starting this weekend with their game away at spurs.

[mr_missile]

Six PFA contenders revealed - RVP and Carrick among the 6

United's Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick are in the running for a second PFA Player of the Year award after a six-man shortlist was revealed.

The 2013 winner will be announced at a dinner in London on Sunday April 28, with van Persie's Manchester United team-mate Michael Carrick, Spur's Gareth Bale, Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Juan Mata the other nominees.

Van Persie was honoured last year after his most fruitful campaign for Arsenal but a £24million move to Manchester United has proved no burden, his 21 league goals for the champions-elect decisive in the title race.

Hazard has netted 12 times for Chelsea in his first season since joining from Lille for £32m, while Juan Mata's influence has grown in his second term at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard contributing a league-best 10 assists as well as 18 goals.

Suarez has long courted controversy but Liverpool's talisman has made the back pages for more of the right reasons in Brendan Rodgers' debut campaign at Anfield with a leading 22 goals in the Premier League and 29 in all competitions.

[yinyang]

Carrick shortlisted??

[shysaint]

Full Time : Spurs 3-1 MC

We will BE the 20th Champions with 4 Games to Go IF we BEAT Aston Villa Tomorrow ....

Wa Lah .... Glory Glory Man United ....