retired_tnovo

Tuesday 20th February 2007

uefa.com

Chievo 0 Manchester United 4

We're running out of superlatives now. Manchester United produced a vintage performance tonight against Chievo in the first leg of this Champions League tie in Italy. United were three goals to the good by the interval thanks to Louis Saha, Alan Smith and Patrice Evra. The night was complete in the closing stages with captain Gary Neville lashing in a late fourth. The stunned Italian side finished the match with 10 men as Franco Semioli was dismissed for two yellow cards early in the second half. This victory has all but sealed United's place in the Champions League quarter-finals. United manager Faiz Khan made two changes from the XI that were held by Tottenham at Old Trafford with Ryan Giggs and John O'Shea dropping to the bench for Evra and Michael Carrick. Chievo coach Giuseppe Pillon made four changes from the side that drew at Roma at the weekend with Giuseppe Scurto, Andrea Zanchetta, Ibson and Denis Godeas replacing the ineligible Nicolas Burdisso, Kamil Kosowski, Michele Marcolini and Simone Tiribocchi.

On a very cold evening in Verona, referee Florian Meyer got this Champions League knockout tie up and running. After five minutes, Evra sent Saha bursting down the left flank and he crossed back to Evra inside the area but his firm header was well tipped over by Lorenzo Squizzi. Four minutes later, Chievo created their first decent opportunity of the night. Salvatore Lanna played a freekick out to Semioli on the left side of the penalty area and his low cross was met by Ibson at the near post but his shot went straight into Edwin van der Sar's arms. On 11 minutes, United were in the lead. Paul Scholes' searching ball was flicked on by Smith for Saha to run through and slot the ball under Squizzi's body. The visitors were controlling things here and could have gone two goals up after 18 minutes. Carrick played in a corner from the right and Nemanja Vidic's bullet header was brilliantly beaten away by Squizzi. Halfway through the first half, United went two goals up with a piece of brilliance. Scholes played a ball into space for Smith to run onto and unleash an unstoppable strike into the top corner from fully 30 yards out - an extraordianry goal. Three minutes later, United almost added a third goal. Smith's intended pass for Saha deflected luckily back into his path and he went through on goal only for Squizzi to block the shot after rushing out to meet the former Leeds man. On the halfhour, Carrick exchanged passes with Scholes before teeing up Smith on the edge of the area but his vicious shot was superbly tipped away by Squizzi. On 33 minutes, Carrick's long ball was flicked on by Smith into the path of Saha to run clear on goal but Squizzi came out to block the France international's placed effort. Four minutes later, Chievo had a good opportunity to pull a goal back. Semioli swung in a corner from the left to the near post where Godeas' header went well over the crossbar. They were made to rue that missed opportunity when United struck a killer third goal after 42 minutes. Carrick picked up a loose ball and sent Saha clear on goal and although Squizzi stopped his effort, Evra followed up driving the ball in from an acute angle. Just before the break, Smith knocked down a high Vidic ball for Saha to wallop his effort against the crossbar and the ball was cleared to safety. The referee brought the first half to a halt as the boos rang around the Bentegodi Stadium as the score was announced as Chievo 0 Manchester United 3.

Khan was absolutely thrilled with the dominance from his side during the first 45 minutes but told his side not to get complacent after the break. The second half was underway in Italy. Early in the second half, Chievo's night went from bad to worse. Having already been booked, Semioli launched into an ill-disciplined tackle on Scholes and the referee quickly showed the second yellow card followed by the red. From the freekick, Kieran Richardson drove his effort just inches over the crossbar. On 55 minutes, Lanna spread the ball nicely to Zanchetta on the right flank and his cross to the far post was headed at van der Sar by Sergio Pellissier. A minute later, United should have scored a fourth goal. Heinze played the ball brilliantly splitting the Chievo backline wide open for Smith to score but he placed his effort well wide of the far corner. Just past the hour mark, Evra went rampaging down the left side and when his cross was cleared out to Neville on the edge of the area, the full-back's shot went just inches over the crossbar. After 65 minutes, Andrea Mantovani played a super ball down the line for Pellissier and when he got into the area, he pulled the ball back for Ibson to send his fierce effort flying just past the far corner. Midway through the second half, United missed a right sitter. A wonderful sweeping move involving Carrick, Evra and Smith sent Saha in on goal but the striker could only blaze his shot well over the crossbar with just Squizzi to beat. On 72 minutes, Heinze gave the ball to Carrick who took a couple of touches before unleashing a thunderous effort which Squizzi did brilliantly to keep out. United started to just keep hold of possession making the hosts waste every last bit of energy chasing the ball. With five minutes remaining, the visitors should have added a fourth goal. Substitute O'Shea spread the ball out to Evra who stormed into the box and pulled the ball back for Carrick but he hit the ball tamely into Squizzi's arms. Into injury time and United rounded off a fantastic night by scoring a fourth away goal. Richardson got to the byline before crossing to the far post and when Evra's header was blocked by Squizzi, Neville ran onto it in a flash, cracking it past Squizzi into the top corner. Moments later, the match was over with the scoreline of Chievo 0 Manchester United 4.

Match Verdict - in a largely one-sided match in Verona, the visitors sent a major warning to the whole of Europe with a dominant display in front of goal. This tie is as good as over.

Chievo - Squizzi 6, Mandelli 5, Lanna 4, Mantovani 5, Scurto 4, Brighi 4, Semioli 4, Zanchetta 5 (Oubina 75, 6), Ibson 4, Pellissier 5 (Luciano 75, 6), Godeas 6 (Kosowski 52, 6).

Booked - Mandelli, Semioli, Pellissier, Kosowski & Luciano

Sent Off - Semioli (52)

Man Utd - van der Sar 8, G Neville 8, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 8, Richardson 8, Evra 8, Carrick 8, Scholes 8 (O'Shea 62, 7), Smith 10 (Solskjaer 70, 7), Saha 8 (Brown 70, 7).

Goals - Saha (11), Smith (22), Evra (42), G Neville (90)

Booked - Ferdinand, Richardson & Evra

Man of the Match - Alan Smith - been a little off-key since his explosive return but he has certainly come back to life in recent matches and continued here. A wondergoal and an assist capped the striker's night off.


Other Champions League Results

AC Milan 3 Arsenal 1
Anderlecht 0 Porto 2
Barcelona 3 Chelsea 1
Bayern Munich 2 Roma 1
Lyon 2 Real Madrid 3
Valencia 2 Inter Milan 1
Werder Bremen 3 Liverpool 2

retired_tnovo

Friday 23rd February 2007

manutd.com

Manchester United have received an untimely injury setback just before the weekend of the Carling Cup Final with Charlton Athletic at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The club website have revealed that Louis Saha has suffered a twisted knee whilst turning awkwardly during training earlier this morning. The club physio has confirmed to manager Faiz Khan that the France international striker will miss Sunday's showpiece and a further fortnight of action. The injury blow will be softened somewhat with the news that Park Ji-Sung has won his race against time and has recovered from his gashed leg injury suffered in the victory at Portsmouth just less than two weeks ago.

retired_tnovo

Sunday 25th February 2007

bbc.co.uk/football

Charlton Athletic 1 Manchester United 3

The first trophy of the new revolution has arrived. Manchester United secured their 3rd Carling Cup after defeating Charlton Athletic at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon. The underdogs took a shock lead through Darren Bent but were pegged minutes later by Paul Scholes' leveller. Alan Smith grabbed the decisive goal just after halftime and the final was over thanks to Kieran Richardson's goal late in the second half. It was a very even and hard fought cup final but it was United's cooler heads in front of goal which ultimately made the difference. United coach Faiz Khan made one change from the big win in Italy with Park Ji-Sung making his return from injury in place for Patrice Evra, who dropped to the bench. Charlton gaffer Iain Dowie also made just the one change from the side that were beaten at home by Bolton with the injured Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink making way for Chinedu Ede.

As the roof closed due to very wet conditions in Cardiff this morning, referee Barry Knight got the first showpiece of the season underway. From the kickoff, Smith went through on goal and was about to pull the trigger until Cory Gibbs made an important challenge to deny the England striker. After 8 minutes, Matt Holland fed a nice through ball for Darren Bent to run in on goal but Nemanja Vidic got back superbly to make an astonishing tackle when the net was about to ripple. On a quarter of an hour, Charlton had a great opportunity to take the lead. Dennis Rommedahl picked up on a loose ball to send Darren Bent clear with just Edwin van der Sar but the big Dutchman stood tall to block the striker's fierce effort and the ball was cleared to safety. The Addicks had started the stronger side and almost took the lead midway through the first half. Rommedahl sent Darren Bent away down the right side and he crossed across the box where Rene Mihelic's zipping shot was brilliantly tipped aside by van der Sar. Just before the half hour, Charlton did take the lead. Jerome Thomas hit an extraordinary pass on the turn into the path of Darren Bent and the England man bore down on goal before slipping the ball past van der Sar at his near post. The lead lasted only five minutes as United hit back with an equaliser. Richardson played the ball nicely into space for Scholes to shoot on the turn across Scott Carson into the far corner. Five minutes before the interval, United began to wake up more in this match. Rio Ferdinand exchanged passes with Scholes before teeing up Smith from 25 yards out and his firm shot went just inches over the crossbar. United were growing in confidence now and almost completed the turnaround two minutes later. Richardson and Michael Carrick combined for the latter to tee up Scholes from 30 yards out and his fierce strike went just inches wide of the far corner. Following a minute of stoppage time, the half came to an end in Cardiff with the score reading Charlton Athletic 1 Manchester United 1.

Khan was relieved that his side decided to wake up after conceding and encouraged them for the second 45 minutes. The second half was underway in Cardiff. Just four minutes into the second half, United took the lead for the first time this afternoon. Neville played the ball to Park and he picked out Smith with a precise pass which the England striker took wide of Carson before slotting the ball into the far corner. On 54 minutes, United could have extended their lead. Ryan Giggs was fouled by Luke Young and the Wales winger played a freekick into the area where Carrick struck a fearsome volley only for Carson to pull off an outstanding save to keep it out. Just before the hour, Charlton were unfortunate not to level matters. A superb one touch passage of play involving Rommedahl, Holland and Thomas found Ede in the box and his angled drive towards the top corner was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by van der Sar. After 63 minutes, Charlton were very lucky not go two goals behind. Young's header back to Carson was too weak and Giggs pounced on the loose ball but his attempted chip over the keeper drifted inches wide of the far corner. The favourites were in control now and they added a third goal after 71 minutes. Scholes found Giggs and the winger played Richardson running into the penalty area and he arrowed his effort across Carson into the top corner. After the goal, Charlton got hold of possession but could not break down a now strict United defence. With seven minutes remaining, United should have scored a fourth goal. Substitute John O'Shea's long ball sewnt Smith clear on goal and his firm effort was blocked by the onrushing Carson. As the match approached injury time, Thomas went on an enthusiastic run before teeing up substitute Andy Reid from 25 yards and his swerving shot went flying just inches over the crossbar. The final whistle cued wild celebrations on the Millennium Stadium pitch between the United players and staff. The final score in Cardiff was Charlton Athletic 1 Manchester United 3.

Match Verdict - fascinating Carling Cup Final was evenly played out but it was the favourites that took their opportunities more clinically than Charlton. The new revolution has begun.

Charlton - Carson 7, Young 6, Traore 6, Diawara 7, Gibbs 6, Rommedahl 6 (Reid 79, 7), Thomas 7, Holland 6, Mihelic 6 (Ambrose 71, 7), D Bent 7, Ede 7 (M Bent 71, 6).

Goals - D Bent (29)

Man Utd - van der Sar 9, G Neville 8, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 8, Park Ji-Sung 8 (Evra 71, 7), Giggs 9 (Solskjaer 81, 6), Carrick 8, Richardson 9, Scholes 7 (O'Shea 71, 7), Smith 8.

Goals - Scholes (34), Smith (49), Richardson (71)

Booked - Vidic

Man of the Match - Kieran Richardson - this was the game that Richardson had to make his mark and he duly delivered with a thunderous strike. His running and movement was too much for Charlton and laid on the all important equaliser.


Premiership Results

Blackburn 0 Liverpool 0
Chelsea 4 Watford 0
Middlesbrough 1 Fulham 0
Newcastle 3 Man City 1
Reading 0 Bolton 1
Tottenham 1 Aston Villa 0
West Ham 2 Arsenal 1
Wigan 0 Portsmouth 1

retired_tnovo

Sunday 25th February 2007

manutd.com

Following winning the Carling Cup for the 3rd time against Charlton Athletic at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff this afternoon, the plaudits have been coming Manchester United manager Faiz Khan's way.

Having supported their team throughout the final in Cardiff, the Manchester United supporters were understandably delighted with what Khan had just achieved for the club. A spokesperson from the supporters' association had stated that Khan was quickly securing his place in the hearts of the club's supporters.

The club chief executive David Gill stated to the press that the Manchester United board had always expected to win the Carling Cup this season and were pleased that Khan did not let them down. He then stated to Khan that celebrations were kept to a minimum so that the club can focus on further challenges this spring.

Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane also had words of encouragement for Khan. The current Sunderland boss told the press that although many had expected United to win the Carling Cup this afternoon, he was very impressed with the way Khan handled the burden and showed a great deal of determination to guide his players to glory.

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 28th February 2007

TheFA.com

Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester United 2

Again, substitutions make the difference. Manchester United set up a FA Cup 6th Round tie with Everton after snatching a dramatic victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane tonight. Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero as he came on to set up Gabriel Heinze's equaliser and then the Portugal international scored the winning goal himself late in the second half. Steed Malbranque's freekick in the first half looked like sending Spurs into the next round until Ronaldo's introduction on the hour. It was such a big win for Faiz Khan's men as the match could have gone either way but it was United's night tonight. Khan made just one change from the Carling Cup Final victory by bringing in John O'Shea to replace the jaded Kieran Richardson, who dropped among the substitutes. Spurs manager Martin Jol made four alterations from the XI that defeated Aston Villa here at the weekend with Michael Dawson, Didier Zokora, Jermaine Jenas and Teemu Tainio making way for Anthony Gardner, Aaron Lennon, Ledley King and Jermain Defoe.

In very wet and cold conditons in North London, referee Nigel Miller got this FA Cup Replay underway. In the very first minute, the visitors should have been in front. Heinze sent Ryan Giggs steaming down the left wing and his crossed into the area where an unmarked Alan Smith headed over the crossbar from 6 yards out. Five minutes later, Spurs almost scored with their first opportunity. Pascal Chimbonda sent in a deep cross into the area where Defoe's downward header produced a great save from Edwin van der Sar. After 11 minutes, Malbranque spread a freekick wide to Chimbonda who crossed to the near post where Dimitar Berbatov's glancing header was stopped by van der Sar's outstretched fingertips. Three minutes later, Malbranque's set-piece was poorly cleared by Gary Neville to Lennon on the edge of the area but the youngster's fierce effort went flying just inches over the crossbar. A minute later, Spurs almost took advantage of some slack United defending. Heinze's slow clearance was charged down by Defoe and the ball fell for Berbatov with just van der Sar but his attempted chip just missed the far corner by very little. Two minutes later, Heinze's cross was cleared out to O'Shea but his sweet strike drifted just inches wide of the far corner. The hosts were starting to dominate this match and almost took the lead midway through the first half. Defoe went running at Rio Ferdinand and teed up Berbatov from 30 yards and the Bulgarian unleashed a thunderous strike which van der Sar did well to tip around the post. But after 25 minutes, they was nothing van der Sar could do. Nemanja Vidic fouled Defoe around 25 yards from goal and Malbranque punished the Serb with a powerful strike into the top corner leaving van der Sar grasping at thin air. United tried to respond four minutes after the restart. The loose ball broke for Paul Scholes who sent an instant pass through for Smith to run in goal only for his low effort to be beaten away by Paul Robinson. Just after the hour, Tottenham should have added to their lead. Chimbonda sent a high ball from deep into the path of Defoe but the England man shot straight at van der Sar and Sanli Tuncay was flagged for offside before he could get to the rebound. Five minutes later, Leighton Baines crossed the ball into the penalty area where an unmarked Berbatov could only head well over the crossbar with just van der Sar to beat. On 40 minutes, Spurs were so close to adding a second goal. King sent a wonderful pass through for Malbranque and his firm effort across van der Sar was tipped away by the big Dutchman. And when the ball came back to Malbranque 30 yards out, he sent a phenomenal strike towards the top corner which produced a phenomenal stop from van der Sar. The halftime whistle came with United under siege like never before under manager Khan but they were still in this cup tie at White Hart Lane. The scoreline read Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester United 0.

Khan was understandably angry with his outfield players for their show in the first 45 minutes but was more than happy with his keeper for keeping his side in the match. The second half was underway at White Hart Lane. United started the second half much better and began to find their usual passing rhythm. After 52 minutes, Michael Carrick and Scholes combined to tee up Vidic from around 35 yards out but his effort went sailing harmlessly over the crossbar. A minute later, Ferdinand played a short freekick to Giggs on the right wing and he crossed to the far post where O'Shea got a solid header on it but it missed the crossbar by some margin. From the goal kick, United had a good opportunity to get back on level terms. Carrick gave the ball to Scholes who rode a couple of Tottenham challenges to go through on goal only for his effort to go wide off the outside of the post. On 57 minutes, Spurs had a great opportunity to score a second goal. Substitute Robbie Keane played a one-two with Lennon before sending Berbatov through in space but van der Sar came out quickly to block his shot and the ball was cleared to safety. Just after the hour, United made Spurs pay with the equaliser. Park Ji-Sung got to the byline before playing the ball back to Ronaldo who looked up and crossed to the far post where Heinze could not miss from 3 yards out - the substitution had made an immediate impact! After 71 minutes, the visitors were almost in front. Heinze played a slick one-two with Giggs down the left flank and his cross to the near post was headed towards goal by Carrick but Robinson produced a brilliant stop to keep it out. The visitors had suddenly found some confidence from the equaliser and they completed the turnaround after 78 minutes. Substitute Richardson was fouled by Chimbonda and the winger's freekick was headed in by Ronaldo at the near post. The hosts were stunned into action and with five minutes remaining, they could have equalised. Baines threw the ball down for Keane and he crossed to the near post where Berbatov's bullet header was somehow stopped by van der Sar and Neville cleared to safety. Into stoppage time and United should have finished off the match. Ronaldo went on a mazy run through the Spurs defenders and laid the ball across the area for Park to tap in but the South Korea international shot well wide of the mark. The final whistle went shortly after and the final score from White Hart Lane was Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester United 2.

Match Verdict - pulsating cup replay was dominated by the hosts and they should have taken their chances but the visitors rode their luck tonight. Substitutions do make a difference sometimes.

Tottenham - Robinson 7, Chimbonda 6, Baines 6, Perea 6, Gardner 7, Lennon 7 (Zokora 61, 6), Tuncay 7 (Tainio 35, 6), King 7, Malbranque 7, Berbatov 6, Defoe 7 (Keane 45, 6).

Goals - Malbranque (25)

Injured - Tuncay (35)

Man Utd - van der Sar 8, G Neville 8, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 6, Park Ji-Sung 7, Giggs 7 (Richardson 73, 8), O'Shea 7, Carrick 8, Scholes 7 (Ronaldo 59, 8), Smith 6 (Rossi 59, 7).

Goals - Heinze (63), Ronaldo (78)

Booked - Vidic

Man of the Match - Rio Ferdinand - the centre-back was really composed at the back when United needed him to be. His passing was accurate and made countless interceptions tonight.


Other FA Cup Replays

Brentford 1 Sunderland 1 (Sunderland win 4-2 on pens)
Doncaster 2 Burnley 0
Watford 1 Chelsea 0 (after extra time)


Premiership Results

Arsenal 2 Blackburn 1
Everton 3 Charlton 0
Liverpool 2 Newcastle 0

retired_tnovo

Thursday 1st March 2007

premierleague.com

The Premiership Player of the Month was Chelsea's commanding centre-back John Terry as his no-nonsense displays at the heart of the defence was key to Chelsea to rediscovering their league form. He capped the month with a goal.

The Premiership Young Player of the Month was Arsenal's full-back Gael Clichy after his energetic displays down the left flank led to two assists last month. His tireless running was surely recognised.

The Premiership Manager of the Month was Chelsea's Jose Mourinho as he guided his players to a four match unbeaten run in the league last month. This form has seen them establish 5th place in the Premiership standings.

The Premiership Goal of the Month was Rob Hulse's cheeky goal against Chelsea. On the counter-attack, Hulse ran onto a clearance to lob the ball over Petr Cech to net Sheffield United's consolation in their crushing defeat to the London side.

http://img62.imageshack.us/my.php?im...visionfnj5.jpg

retired_tnovo

Saturday 3rd March 2007

premierleague.com

Charlton Athletic 0 Manchester United 1

They just keep going and going. Manchester United moved three points clear at the top of the Premiership with a comfortable win over Charlton Athletic at the Valley this afternoon. The only goal of the game was scored by Michael Carrick in the first half. This victory was never in doubt as the visitors were clearly the better side and could have won this match by more goals. Manager Faiz Khan made one alteration from the FA Cup replay against Tottenham Hotspur with Cristiano Ronaldo coming in for Park Ji-Sung. Charlton boss Iain Dowie made three changes from the side that lost at Everton with Dennis Rommedahl, Amdy Faye and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink replacing Darren Ambrose, Rene Mihelic and injury victim Darren Bent.

On a bright but very cold afternoon in London, referee Peter Walton got this match up and running. Inside two minutes, United had the first opportunity of the match. Ryan Giggs swung in a corner from the right and it was met by Nemanja Vidic's timely jump but his firm header went just inches past Scott Carson's near post. The match started to settle down early on as both sides were concentrating very well and not letting each other take an advantage so early. In the 13th minute, the visitors should have taken the lead. Giggs' corner was cleared out to Gary Neville who lofted the ball back into the goal area where Alan Smith's close range header was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Carson. United had started reasonably well and they opened the scoring after 20 minutes. John O'Shea played a nice ball through to Paul Scholes and when his fierce effort was beaten out by Carson, Carrick followed up by smashing the rebound through the on-loan keeper into the top corner. On 28 minutes, O'Shea whipped in a great cross which Charlton did well to get away and when the ball came back out to O'Shea, the Ireland sent his curler just inches wide of the far corner. On the halfhour, United were running riot and could have extended their lead. O'Shea exchanged passes with Carrick before picking out Scholes in space and the former England midfielder's shot went flashing over the crossbar. Five minutes later, Charlton had their first sight of goal. Rommedahl was fouled by Gary Neville on the edge of the area and Hasselbaink stepped up to send his freekick just inches over the crossbar. From that attack, the hosts grew more in confidence by holding possession of the ball but could not find a way to break down United's two banks of four. Just before the break, United came close to adding to their lead. Giggs placed a corner in from the left where Rio Ferdinand sent his looping header straight into Carson's arms. After two minutes of injury time, it was time for the halftime drinks with the latest score from the Valley reading Charlton Athletic 0 Manchester United 1.

Khan was really pleased with the way his side took control of their opponents early on and pretty much carried it on throughout the first half. The second half had begun as Khan and Dowie were making their way to their respective benches. It took a while for the second period to get in full swing and in the 55th minute, the visitors had a great opportunity to add a second goal. Smith laid the ball off to Ronaldo who returned the pass over the top of the Charlton defence for the England striker to run clear on goal but his low effort was superbly beaten away by Carson. Two minutes later, United should have been two goals to the good. Neville gave the ball to Scholes in turn played in Smith on goal only for his first time shot to crashing into the side-netting. Just after the hour, Carrick went off feeling some pain in his hips and was replaced by Kieran Richardson. After 65 minutes, Cory Gibbs shoved Smith to the ground and Giggs stepped up from 25 yards where his freekick swung just too much and went well wide of Carson's near post. Six minutes later, the visitors were frustrated once again. Ferdinand sent a long ball down the line for Smith who held the ball up and laid the ball on for Ronaldo inside the area but his rocket was somehow tipped over the crossbar by Carson. From the resulting corner, Giggs' centre was headed wide of the post by Rio Ferdinand. On 79 minutes, United were unlucky not score a second goal. Substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was pushed by Souleymane Diawara on the edge of the area and Giggs' shot went past Carson and bounced clear off the inside of the post. Although just one goal clear, the visitors were cruising and almost secured the victory three minutes from time. Giggs teed up Vidic for freekick 25 yards out and his whipped shot was well beaten away by Carson. In the final minute of stoppage time, Charlton missed the opportunity to make United pay. Substitute Andy Reid went running past Neville and his cross eluded everyone apart from fellow substitute Marcus Bent at the far post where he put an open goal into the side-netting. The final whistle went straight after that kick and the final score from the Valley read Charlton Athletic 0 Manchester United 1.

Match Verdict - this encounter was nothing like the very close Carling Cup Final as United dominated this match from start to finish. But missed opportunities could cost them in future big games.

Charlton - Carson 8, Young 6, Traore 7, Diawara 7, Gibbs 7, Rommedahl 6 (Ambrose 79, 6), Thomas 7, Holland 7, Faye 6 (Reid 72, 6), Hasselbaink 7, Ede 6 (M Bent 72, 6).

Booked - Holland

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 6, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 8, Ronaldo 7, Giggs 8, O'Shea 7, Carrick 8 (Richardson 60, 7), Scholes 8 (Park Ji-Sung 73, 6), Smith 8 (Solskjaer 73, 6).

Goals - Carrick (20)

Injured - Carrick (60)

Man of the Match - Rio Ferdinand - the centre-back was brilliant all afternoon not giving any change to the Charlton strikers. His heading, passing and interceptions was the platform for United's victory.


Other Premiership Results

Arsenal 1 Middlesbrough 1
Aston Villa 0 Everton 0
Bolton 1 Newcastle 1
Fulham 3 Chelsea 0
Liverpool 2 West Ham 0
Man City 1 Blackburn 2
Portsmouth 3 Reading 1
Sheff Utd 2 Wigan 1
Watford 1 Tottenham 2

retired_tnovo

Saturday 3rd March 2007

manutd.com

The signs were not good when he came off the pitch and the fears have now been confirmed tonight. Manchester United have announced that Michael Carrick has suffered the exact same injury that Wayne Rooney has still not recovered from. The England midfielder suffered the hip injury in this afternoon's victory against Charlton Athletic at the Valley. The club physio has confirmed that Carrick will be sent to a specialist and will be ruled out of action for the next 2 months, thus pretty much ruling him out for the rest of the season. This news will be devastating for both player and manager as the signing from Tottenham had started to perform brilliantly in recent games. His place in the team will go to either John O'Shea or the returning Darren Fletcher.

retired_tnovo

Monday 5th March 2007

premierleague.com

After playing their part in the comfortable victory over Charlton Athletic at the Valley on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United trio Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Alan Smith were selected in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:

Antti Niemi (Fulham)

Andre Ooijer (Blackburn)
Niclas Jensen (Fulham)
Zat Knight (Fulham)
Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough)

Stelios Giannakopoulos (Bolton)
Ryan Giggs (Man Utd)
Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham)
Paul Scholes (Man Utd)

Alan Smith (Man Utd)
Collins John (Fulham)

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 6th March 2007

uefa.com

Manchester United 2 (6) Chievo 1 (1)

It was all about being professional tonight. Manchester United secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals after finishing the job against Chievo at Old Trafford tonight. Cristiano Ronaldo's early goal calmed any nerves before kick off and an unfortunate own goal from Vincenzo Sicignano made sure of the victory on the night. A late goal from Simone Tiribocchi was scant consolation for the Italian side. It was a fully deserved win over the hosts as they dominated play tonight and should have won by a bigger margin. Faiz Khan left out a few experienced players from his team as Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes dropped to the bench for Tomasz Kuszczak, Wes Brown, Patrice Evra and Park Ji-Sung. Chievo boss Giuseppe Pillon made two changes from the XI that drew at home to Udinese with ineligible Nicolas Burdisso and suspended Franco Semioli being replaced by Andrea Mantovani and Mario Regueiro.

In really miserable and wet conditions in Manchester, referee Massimo Busacca got this second leg up and running. Only four minutes were on the clock when the hosts pretty much finished the tie. Nemanja Vidic's long ball was flicked on by Alan Smith into the path of pacy Ronaldo and he took a couple of touches before sliding the ball underneath Sicignano's body. Two minutes later, United could have doubled the lead. Evra went steaming down the left flank and the cross to the back post was headed just inches wide of the far corner by Brown. And another two minutes later, Smith was shoved by Giuseppe Scurto and Kieran Richardson sent his fizzing freekick crashing into the side-netting. After 14 minutes, United almost doubled their advantage. Evra took the ball past a couple of Chievo challenges before pulling the ball back for Park inside the area and his fierce effort produced a fantastic stop from Sicignano. Four minutes later, Chievo had a good opportunity to equalise on the night. A bright one touch passage of play involving Regueiro, Lanna and Matteo Brighi set up Sergio Pellissier inside the area but he could only blast his shot well over the crossbar. A minute later, United should have doubled their lead. Park sent in a corner from the right and an unmarked Evra headed wide from 6 yards out. Midway through the first half, Ronaldo went on a run through the middle and teed up Smith 30 yards out but the England man could not repeat his goal from the first leg, sending his wayward effort well wide of the far corner. After 28 minutes, Brown played a freekick out to Gabriel Heinze on the left side and he crossed to the far post where Smith's towering downward header trickled just inches wide of the mark. On 37 minutes, Chievo had a lucky escape. Brown sent Ronaldo running down the right side and his dangerous cross was deflected by Mantovani onto the post and Sicignano gratefully gathered up the loose ball. Four minutes later, the hosts were almost two goals up. Evra played a slick one-two with Richardson before sending a great ball into the area where Smith's bullet header was somehow tipped over the crossbar by Sicignano. On the stroke of halftime, United almost went two goals up. Rio Ferdinand's freekick was knocked down by Smith into the path of Richardson whose fierce effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Sicignano. The whistle went for the interval with the scoreline at Old Trafford reading Manchester United 1 Chievo 0.

Khan was very pleased that his side did not think the tie was over and took the match to their opponents. He told his players to go out and enjoy the rest of the game. The proceedings resumed at Old Trafford. On 53 minutes, Richardson played a freekick into the crowded penalty area where substitute David Jones' header went sailing over the crossbar. Four minutes later, Chievo almost levelled on the night. Pellissier played an inch perfect pass through for Tiribocchi but the striker's effort flashed just inches wide of the far corner. It was an even start to the second period but the hosts started to take control once again on the hour. Smith held the ball up well and played in Ronaldo inside the area but his powerful shot went straight into the arms of Sicignano. Five minutes later, Heinze threw the ball long to Ronaldo in the area and his low strike was brilliantly tipped wide by the fingertips of Sicignano. Midway through the second half, Sicignano frustrated United once again. Smith played a nice one-two with substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the England striker's effort was well beaten away by Sicignano and the ball was cleared to safety. But two minutes later, Sicignano was beaten for the second time tonight. Richardson swung in a corner from the right and although Vidic's towering header struck the crossbar, the ball bounced over the line off the unfortunate Sicignano. After the goal, the game sorted of settled down and United stopped attacking in order to keep ball. On 78 minutes, Richardson whipped in a dangerous freekick where Smith's powerful header flashed just inches wide of the far corner. Four minutes later, Chievo grabbed a consolation goal. Substitute Giovanni Marchese went steaming and his cross to the far post was headed in by Tiribocchi at Kuszczak's near post. The goal seemed to give Chievo a bit of confidence. Tiribocchi played a one-two with Michele Marcolini and his effort was easily smothered by Kuszczak. The referee called time on the match following two minutes of injury time and the final score from Old Trafford was Manchester United 2 Chievo 1.

Match Verdict - it was nothing like the first leg but it did'nt have to be as the hosts did a good professional job to finish off the job they started in Italy. No team will want them in the next round.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 7, Brown 7, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 8, Ronaldo 8 (Scholes 70, 6), Evra 7 (Jones 45, 6), O'Shea 7, Richardson 7, Park Ji-Sung 7, Smith 9 (Solskjaer 70, 6).

Goals - Ronaldo (4), Sicignano (og 69)

Chievo - Sicignano 7, Mandelli 7, Lanna 7 (Marchese 78, 7), Mantovani 6, Scurto 7, Brighi 7, Regueiro 6 (Kosowski 78, 6), Ibson 7, Marcolini 6, Pellissier (Moro 45, 7), Tiribocchi 7.

Goals - Tiribocchi (82)

Booked - Brighi, Marcolini & Tiribocchi

Man of the Match - Alan Smith - was a constant threat tonight as his hold-up play and aerial strength helped his players on their way to victory. His brave header early on set up Ronaldo's goal.


Other Champions League Results

Arsenal 8 (9) Milan 2 (5)
Chelsea 3 (4) Barcelona 0 (3)
Inter Milan 0 (1) Valencia 0 (2)
Liverpool 2 (4) Werder Bremen 1 (4) Liverpool win on away goals
Porto 2 (4) Anderlecht 1 (1)
Real Madrid 2 (5) Lyon 2 (4)
Roma 1 (2) Bayern Munich 1 (3)