retired_tnovo

Monday 2nd April 2007

premierleague.com

After fully playing their part in Manchester United's latest Premiership victory over Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon, United quartet Tomasz Kuszczak, John O'Shea, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alan Smith were named in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:

Tomasz Kuszczak (Man Utd)

Guy Demel (Blackburn)
John O'Shea (Man Utd)
Philippe Senderos (Arsenal)
Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough)

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
Damien Francis (Watford)
Julio Baptista (Arsenal)

Alan Smith (Man Utd)
Thierry Henry (Arsenal)


Weekend Premiership Results

Arsenal 3 Tottenham 0
Sheff Utd 1 Reading 1

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 3rd April 2007

uefa.com

Manchester United 2 Real Madrid 0

A big result on a big European night. Manchester United took a major step towards the Champions League semi-finals with a hard fought victory against Real Madrid at Old Trafford tonight. Two goals in three second half minutes from substitute Louis Saha and Alan Smith clinched a memorable victory after a pulsating affair. It was very much an even match here but it was a combination of United's composure in front of goal and Tomasz Kuszczak's inspired goalkeeping that ultimately made the difference tonight. United boss Faiz Khan made two changes from the team that won at Watford as the domestically banned Ryan Giggs and returning Wayne Rooney came in for Kieran Richardson and Saha, who both dropped to the bench. Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello made just one alteration from the side that beat Osasuna at the Bernabeu as Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford for the first time since his exit, replacing Antonio Cassano. There was also a return to Old Trafford for David Beckham.

On a very wet evening in Manchester, referee Carlo Bertolini got this clash of the giants going. Inside three minutes, Gary Neville gave the ball to Paul Scholes who sidestepped Beckham and Emerson before sending his left footed strike sailing inches wide of the far corner. Three minutes later, Smith's cross was deflected into the path of Giggs who cut inside and shot his effort just inches over the crossbar. A minute later, Madrid had a great chance to take the lead. Roberto Carlos sent the ball down the left flank for van Nistelrooy and when his cross was deflected to the far post for Robinho, the Brazilian's shot went wide with the faintest of touches from Kuszczak. The match had started really quickly and the hosts fashioned out an opening after 12 minutes. Nemanja Vidic's high ball sent Smith clear on goal but the England striker took his shot a bit too early and it never looked like troubling Iker Casillas. Three minutes later, the visitors almost took the lead. A wonderful flowing passing move involving Beckham, Raul and Mahamadou Diarra teed up van Nistelrooy from 25 yards out and his fierce curling effort was superbly turned around the post by Kuszczak. A minute later, Beckham and Diarra combined to tee up Robinho from 25 yards out but his dipping shot was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Kuszczak. The game had settled down after a exhilerating beginning to the match. On 25 minutes, Madrid's one touch passing was causing United all sorts of problems and Robinho sent a firm effort flashing inches over the crossbar. Two minutes later, United almost took the lead. Smith laid the ball off to John O'Shea and when his crashing shot was beaten out by Casillas, the keeper did very well to block Smith's rebound with his feet. Just before the half hour, United made another good opportunity. Scholes spread a lovely pass out to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right wing and he crossed to the near post where Smith's header was well tipped over the crossbar by Casillas. And from the resulting corner, Rio Ferdinand's towering header was superbly cleared off the line by Roberto Carlos. After 33 minutes, Emerson exchanged passes with Raul before playing the ball down the line for Robinho and his instant shot on the turn drifted just inches wide of the far corner. Five minutes before the break, some persistance from Beckham won the ball and he set up Robinho on the edge of the area but his weak effort was easily smothered by Kuszczak. The visitors were finishing the first half strongly and Roberto Carlos played the ball into the feet of Robinho who turned Ferdinand before sending his effort crashing into the side-netting. In first half stoppage time, United should have had the lead. Neville's ball was flicked on by Smith to send Rooney clear but he spooned his shot well over the crossbar. It was halftime straight after and the latest score from Old Trafford was Manchester United 0 Real Madrid 0.

Khan was pleased with the side's resilience in the first 45 minutes but he told his players to have a go at winning this first leg in the second period. The second half was up and running in a cauldron like atmosphere inside Old Trafford. Inside the first minute, Gabriel Heinze played a freekick into the area where Smith's towering header flashed just inches wide of Casillas' near post. On 55 minutes, O'Shea found substitute Park Ji-Sung and when his strike was deflected, Casillas made a great fingertip save. The hosts had certainly stepped it up after the break and just before the hour mark, they should have taken the lead. O'Shea played a wonderful pass over the top for Giggs to run through on goal and instead of shooting, he opted to lay the ball on for Smith who could not connect properly and the ball went straight to Casillas. After 66 minutes, Beckham dispossessed O'Shea and fed the ball to Robinho and he sent a viciously swerving effort just inches wide of the far corner. Midway through the second half, O'Shea threw the ball to Park and he cut inside before sending a curling effort into the grateful arms of Casillas. The hosts had controlled this second period and they took the lead after 72 minutes. Ferdinand's long ball was failed to be cleared by Sergio Ramos and when Smith's stabbed effort was palmed away by Casillas, substitute Saha was on hand to bundle in the rebound. The home side were really buzzing from the goal and they stunned Real by adding a quickfire second goal. Park showed great trickery to go past Roberto Carlos before sliding the ball through for Smith who took the ball wide of Casillas and slotted the ball into the far corner. The football was great to watch now as United almost added a third goal. Neville sent Ronaldo steaming down the right side and his cross to the near post was headed into the side-netting by Smith. With ten minutes remaining, the hosts almost added to their advantage. Vidic's long ball was headed on by Smith to send Saha clear on goal and his fierce low effort was brilliantly tipped away by Casillas and the ball was cleared to safety. Four minutes from time, Real almost snatched an away goal. Diarra played a short freekick to Beckham who played in Cicinho from 6 yards out but Kuszczak was quickly out to block the Brazilian's shot. A minute later, Real should have scored an away goal. Cicinho span past Heinze and he crossed the back post where substitute Guti's bullet header was somehow kept out by Kuszczak. There was time for one last chance for the visitors. Cicinho played a long ball which Raul ran onto and his perfect volley was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Kuszczak. The final whistle went shortly after and the final score at Old Trafford was Manchester United 2 Real Madrid 0.

Match Verdict - pulsating European tie at Old Trafford with the hosts taking the all important chances when it mattered. But the ability to create countless opportunities should give Madrid some confidence for the return leg next week.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 10, G Neville 7, Heinze 9, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 7, Giggs 7 (Richardson 69, 7), O'Shea 7, Scholes 7 (Park Ji-Sung 60, 7), Smith 9, Rooney 6 (Saha 45, 7).

Goals - Saha (72), Smith (75)

Real Madrid - Casillas 8, Cicinho 6, Roberto Carlos 6, Sergio Ramos 7, Cannavaro 7, Diarra 6, Emerson 7 (Helguera 72, 6), Beckham 6, Raul 7, Robinho 6 (Guti 75, 7), van Nistelrooy 7 (Ronaldo 72, 6).

Man of the Match - Tomasz Kuszczak - the Poland international was in the biggest match of his life and he delivered the performance of his life. Thanks to him, his team-mates go to Spain with no away goals against them.


Other Champions League Results

Chelsea 1 Valencia 0
Liverpool 2 Bayern Munich 0
Porto 0 Arsenal 1

retired_tnovo

Saturday 7th April 2007

manutd.com

Even though the current season is far from over, it still has'nt stopped Manchester United manager Faiz Khan from planning for next season. Seeing that the squad clearly needs a right-back to back up and eventually replace Gary Neville, Khan has decided to sign up an exciting young full-back. The club have agreed a fee of £4,600,000 with Brazilian outfit Corinthians for 19 year-old Eduardo Ratinho. The youngster has agreed to join United and will a 3 year contract on 1st July 2007. The deal is reportedly worth £5,250 a week and Ratinho stated that he was already relishing the prospect of playing for and further improving the fortunes of such a massive club.

retired_tnovo

Saturday 7th April 2007

premierleague.com

Manchester United 1 Fulham 0

They just keep getting closer and closer. Manchester United increased their lead at the Premiership summit with a somewhat comfortable victory over Fulham at Old Trafford this afternoon. Louis Saha scored the only goal of the game after following up Kieran Richardson's spilled effort early in the match. It was a result fully deserved as although they did'nt dominate their opponents, United always had an element of control throughout the match. Fulham's lack of threat in the game results in them staying in the Premiership drop zone. With the Real Madrid match in mind, Faiz Khan made five changes from the first leg win as Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, John O'Shea, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney making way for Wes Brown, Park Ji-Sung, Darren Fletcher, Kieran Richardson and Saha. Fulham manager Chris Coleman made two changes from the draw against Everton as Papa Bouba Diop and Heidar Helguson replaced Zat Knight and Collins John.

On a breezy Saturday afternoon in Manchester, referee Mark Halsey got this match up and running. The visitors made a bright start and had the first of goal inside three minutes. Stephen Pearson received the ball from Diop and teed up Mihaita Plesan from 25 yards out and his effort was well tipped over the crossbar by Tomasz Kuszczak. From the resulting corner, Fulham should have opened the scoring. Michael Brown played in a corner from the right and an unmarked Pearson headed well wide of the mark from 6 yards out. On the counter-attack, United almost took the lead from their first attack. Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo combined to send Alan Smith away down the right side and his angled drive was kept out superbly by Antti Niemi's mere fingertips and the ball was cleared to safety. On 12 minutes, Richardson played a freekick out to Brown on the right and he cut inside before sending an over-ambitious effort well wide of the far corner. But six minutes later, the hosts opened the scoring. Richardson stole the ball from Jimmy Bullard and started storming towards the penalty area and when his effort was spilled by Niemi, Saha followed up to bundle in the rebound. After 25 minutes, Smith was upended by Diop and Richardson's curling freekick was fierce but Niemi did well to hold the shot. Just past the halfhour, United should have added a second goal. Ronaldo caught Franck Queudrue sleeping on the ball and swept in a dangerous cross to the near post where Smith put an easy header well over the crossbar - just the chance that Smith usually converts! Five minutes later, Fulham almost levelled matters. Diop sent Moritz Volz scampering down the right wing and he sent a dangerous ball into the penalty area which John connected perfectly with only for Kuszczak to pull off an outstanding stop and the ball was cleared to safety. The half eventually petered out as the hosts opted to keep the ball instead of trying to kill the match off before the break. The halftime scoreline from Old Trafford was announced Manchester United 1 Fulham 0.

Khan was satisfied that a pretty uneventful first half ended with his players in the ascendency. He warned them however that Fulham would not go away and need the points. The second half was underway at Old Trafford. Early in the second half, Smith was pushed by Carlos Bocanegra and Richardson's very long range freekick was well pushed away by Niemi and the ball was cleared to safety. After 56 minutes, Nemanja Vidic's high ball was knocked down by Smith for Park and the South Korea international cut inside before sending his long range shot crashing into the side-netting. On the hour, Old Trafford almost witnessed a magical goal. Smith picked the ball up inside his own half and began running. He sped past Diop, Bullard and then Bocanegra and was clear on goal with just Niemi to beat but the former Leeds man blew it all by spooning his tired effort well over the crossbar. The hosts had started the second period really well. Midway through the second half, a fine sweeping passage play involving Pearson, Brown and Plesan teed up Helguson from the edge of the area but his fierce effort was deflected by Brown and the ball trickled harmlessly into the arms of the grateful Kuszczak. Four minutes later, Bocanegra fouled substitute Giuseppe Rossi around 30 yards out and Richardson's swerving effort went straight into the arms of Niemi. On 77 minutes, United should have sealed the three points. Gabriel Heinze sent a ball down the line for Rossi to lay off to Park and he crossed to the far post where Ronaldo sent a free header wide of the far corner from 6 yards out. The match was quietening down now as the hosts were trying to play out time and make sure they keep this winning position. That winning position could have been strentghened two minutes from time. Fletcher played a freekick into the area and Ferdinand controlled the ball before slicing his acrobatic volley well over the crossbar. The final whistle after three nail-biting minutes of injury time and the final score from Old Trafford was Manchester United 1 Fulham 0.

Match Verdict - it was a case of just getting the result and going home for the hosts this afternoon and they achieved just that. The visitors must be really worried as the relegation battle intensifies.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 7, Brown 7, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 8, Park Ji-Sung 7 (Evra 77, 6), Fletcher 7, Richardson 7, Smith 7 (Rossi 71, 6), Saha 7 (Scholes 77, 6).

Goals - Saha (18)

Fulham - Niemi 7, Volz 7, Queudrue 7, Modesto 7, Bocanegra 7, Diop 7 (Routledge 79, 6), Bullard 7, Pearson 7, Brown 7 (C Jensen 79, 6), Plesan 7, Helguson 7 (Runstrom 70, 7).

Booked - Routledge

Man of the Match - Cristiano Ronaldo - the Portgual winger was a constant threat to the Fulham backline this afternoon. His trickery and intelligent passing was too much for the visitors to handle.


Other Premiership Results

Chelsea 1 Man City 1
Everton 1 Arsenal 1
Middlesbrough 2 Bolton 0
Portsmouth 1 Aston Villa 1
Reading 1 Blackburn 1
Sheff Utd 0 Charlton 0
Tottenham 1 Liverpool 0
Wigan 1 Watford 1

retired_tnovo

Monday 9th April 2007

premierleague.com

After his man of the match display in the victory against Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:

Jens Lehmann (Arsenal)

Andre Ooijer (Blackburn)
Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough)
Jonathan Woodgate (Middlesbrough)
Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa)
Abou Diaby (Aston Villa)
Dietmar Hamann (Man City)

Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea)
Yakubu (Middlesbrough)


Afternoon Premiership Results

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

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 10th April 2007

uefa.com

Real Madrid 3 (3) Manchester United 0 (2)

It just was'nt meant to be. Real Madrid overcame their first leg deficit with a dramatic victory to knock Manchester United out of the Champions League in the Santiago Bernabeu tonight. Roberto Carlos' crisp drive set Real on their comeback early on and further dramatic goals in the second half from Cicinho and substitute Ronaldo completed a stunning turnaround for the 9-time winners. The victory was much deserved as the hosts threatened throughout as United rarely looked like adding to their first leg lead. Manager Faiz Khan brought back the big guns after resting for the Fulham match on Saturday as Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, John O'Shea and Paul Scholes came back in for Tomasz Kuszczak, Wes Brown, Park Ji-Sung, Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson. Louis Saha kept his place with Wayne Rooney back among the substitutes. Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello made just the one change from the XI that won at Racing as Michel Salgado made way for Cicinho.

In dry but very cool temperatures in Spain, referee Nicole Petignat got this huge Champions League encounter underway. Inside five minutes, Nemanja Vidic was penalised for a nudge on Robinho and Mahamadou Diarra sent his ambitiously long range freekick wide of the far corner, not troubling van der Sar whatsoever. Three minutes later, United had a golden opportunity to knock the stuffing out of the hosts. Scholes and Alan Smith exchanged passes before the latter sent Saha clear on goal and the France striker blazed his effort well over the crossbar with just Iker Casillas to beat. Two minutes later, Fabio Cannavaro pushed Smith on the edge of the area and Giggs sent his curling effort just inches wide of the far corner. On 11 minutes, the hosts got the breakthrough on the night. van der Sar was beaten to the ball by Ruud van Nistelrooy and instead of shooting, the former United man pulled the ball back for the onrushing Roberto Carlos to sweep the ball into the far corner from around the penalty spot. Five minutes later, Real were almost back in the tie. Cicinho played the ball to David Beckham on the right flank and he crossed to the far post where van Nistelrooy towering header produced a stunning fingertip save from van der Sar over the crossbar. After 24 minutes, Scholes and O'Shea combined effectively to tee up Saha from 25 yards out and his firm effort flashed just inches over the crossbar. Three minutes later, United thought they had grabbed an away goal. O'Shea spread the ball to Cristiano Ronaldo on the right wing and he sent a hanging cross towards goal which Saha climbed to nod in but he was penalised for a foul on Casillas - television replays showed that there was contact and the decision was fair. The visitors looked to have settled after a very rocky start to the match and began to show more composure on the ball. On 37 minutes, Casillas quick thinking set Robinho rampaging down the right wing and he pulled the ball back for Beckham but his effort was weak and wayward and the ball went well wide of the far corner. Just before the break, United could have scored a vital away goal. Giggs sent in a corner from the left and the ball evaded everyone but Ferdinand could only head over, maybe not expecting the ball to come through so many players. The halftime whistle sounded around the Bernabeu with the score delicately poised at Real Madrid 1 Manchester United 0.

Khan was disappointed with his side's very shaky start to this second leg but encouraged his side that they can still put this tie to bed after the interval. The second period was up and running inside an electric Bernabeu. Early on in the second half, Real almost got level in the tie. Cicinho gave the ball to Robinho on the right side and the Brazilian saw van der Sar off his line but his attempted chip drifted just inches over the crossbar. After 51 minutes, Roberto Carlos returned a freekick into the area and the ball broke for Cannavaro only for his effort to go well over the crossbar. Real had started the second period much like the first but they almost conceded an away goal three minutes later. van Nistelrooy came back to trip O'Shea around 35 yards out and Giggs' viciously swerving freekick was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Casillas. On the hour mark, the hosts got away with the referee. As Ronaldo took the ball past Diarra, the midfielder went in dangerously high on the Portuguese international but the referee just gave him a yellow card despite furious protests from the United camp. Midway through the second half, Ronaldo missed the opportunity to punish Real. Gabriel Heinze gave the ball to Scholes who picked out Ronaldo with a brilliant defence-splitter but Ronaldo sent a first time shot well wide of the far corner. And after 74 minutes, Real were back in the tie. Cicinho spread the ball out to Beckham and when he got into the area, the England man pulled the ball back for Cicinho to rocket his effort into the roof of the net. With that, Khan made a change as he brought on Rooney for the ineffective Saha. But that did not change the direction of the match as Real completed the stunning comeback seven minutes from time. Cicinho strode forward with the ball with nobody closing him down and he clipped a ball over the top for substitute Ronaldo to let the ball bounce before slotting the ball past van der Sar into the far corner to send the Bernabeu into an absolute frenzy. The goal shook United into action and they almost stole the tie away from the hosts in injury time. Substitute Richardson sent the perfect freekick into the area and Vidic's bullet header was superbly beaten away by Casillas and the ball was cleared to safety. The final whistle went to a celebrating Bernabeu and the United players were crestfallen on the pitch. The final score was Real Madrid 3 Manchester United 0.

Match Verdict - classic European night in the Bernabeu ended with the Spanish giants turning around the first leg deficit to dump United out of Europe. They should be favourites to become 10-time winners now.

Real Madrid - Casillas 8, Cicinho 8, Roberto Carlos 7, Sergio Ramos 7, Cannavaro 7, Diarra 7, Emerson 7, Beckham 7, Cassano 7 (Raul 35, 8), Robinho 7 (Reyes 73, 7), van Nistelrooy 7 (Ronaldo 73, 7).

Goals - Roberto Carlos (11), Cicinho (74), Ronaldo (83)

Booked - Cicinho & Diarra

Injured - Cassano (35)

Man Utd - van der Sar 6, G Neville 6, Heinze 6, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 7, Giggs 6 (Richardson 84, 6), O'Shea 6, Scholes 7, Smith 6 (Park Ji-Sung 84, 6), Saha 6 (Rooney 74, 6).

Man of the Match - Iker Casillas - was inspirational tonight as he made the important saves that helped his side through in the end. If ot was'nt for him, Real would be out of Europe now.


Other Champions League Results

Arsenal 5 (6) Porto 0 (0)
Bayern Munich 2 (2) Liverpool 1 (3)
Valencia 2 (2) Chelsea 0 (1)

retired_tnovo

Thursday 12th April 2007

uefa.com

The draw for the Champions League semi-finals were made the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon and it threw up the certainty of a England v Spain final in Athens. Arsenal will face Premiership rivals Liverpool, with the first leg to be played at the Emirates Stadium. The other semi-final will see Manchester United's conquerors Real Madrid entertain La Liga side Valencia, with the first leg coming at the Santiago Bernabeu. Here is the draw in full:

Arsenal v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Valencia

In other news, Manchester United have announced an injury blow to their squad. Faiz Khan has learned that left-back Patrice Evra has suffered a twisted knee after taking a very heavy fall during training earlier this morning. It has been left for the physio to take treat this injury. The physio has confirmed that Evra will be ruled out for between 4 weeks to a month. This is almost certainly going to rule him for the rest of the season as United go for the domestic treble. His place in the pecking order is likely to go to fellow Frenchman Mikael Silvestre.

retired_tnovo

Saturday 14th April 2007

TheFA.com

Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 3

Mistakes gift goals and eventually costs matches. Aston Villa caused a surprise upset by reaching the FA Cup Final to knock Manchester United out of a second cup competition in a row at the new Wembley this afternoon. Juan Pablo Angel levelled the match in the second half cancelling out Ryan Giggs' freekick in the first half and two second half goals from Milan Baros settled this semi-final. Giggs set up a tense final few minutes for Villa with a second freekick but Martin O'Neill's men had already done the damage. It was just about a deserved victory as Villa edged out their more illustrious opponents on both shots and possession. Villa will now face Blackburn Rovers in the final next month. United gaffer Faiz Khan made one change from the team that went out in Spain with Wayne Rooney replacing Louis Saha. Villa boss O'Neill made four alterations from the win over Sheffield United as Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, Steven Davis and Baros came in for Jonathan Zebina, Gary Cahill, Abou Diaby and Luke Moore.

On a very wet Saturday afternoon in London, referee Barry Knight got this FA Cup semi-final underway. Villa threatened inside two minutes. Stelios Giannakopoulos played in a corner from the right and Laursen outjumped John O'Shea to head just inches wide of the far corner. After 8 minutes, United had their first sight of goal. Gabriel Heinze fed a high ball into the area and Alan Smith's towering leap produced a smart header which Thomas Sorensen smothered easily. Three minutes later, Barry and Olivier Thomert combined to send Angel away down the left side and his fierce effort flashed just inches over the crossbar. On 14 minutes, United fashioned out a decent opportunity to open the scoring. Gary Neville's hurried clearance sent Smith clear down the right wing and instead of passing, Smith sent his shot well over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Villa had a good opportunity to take the lead. Wilfred Bouma played a short freekick to Thomert on the left and he crossed to the far post where unmarked Giannakopoulos headed just inches over the crossbar. After 26 minutes, a superb piece of defending prevented United breaking the deadlock. Neville's high ball sent Smith clear on goal and just as he was about to pull the trigger, Bouma produced a brilliant tackle from the position he was in and he took the ball away to safety. The underdogs were playing very well and almost had the lead after 35 minutes. A slick one touch passage of play involving Thomert, Barry and Angel teed up Davis from the edge of the area and his curling low effort was superbly tipped away by Edwin van der Sar and the ball was cleared to safety. And that save proved crucial as United opened the scoring just a minute later. Hedwiges Maduro shoved Smith on the edge of the area and Giggs ran up to curl the freekick into the top corner. Four minutes from halftime, Wembley almost witnessed a wondergoal. Heinze's long freekick was flicked on by Smith and the ball was met by a stunning volley from Rooney which flashed just inches past the far corner. Just on halftime, United almost scored a second goal. Giggs sent Heinze scampering down the left wing and his cross to the far post found Cristiano Ronaldo and his half volley was well stopped at his near post by Sorensen and the ball was cleared to safety. The referee called for the interval shortly after and the latest from Wembley was Manchester United 1 Aston Villa 0.

Khan was somewhat satisfied with his side's performance in the first half, with taking the lead a real bonus. But he warned his players that this is an FA Cup semi-final and Villa would not go away quietly. The second half was up and running at Wembley. After 52 minutes, Villa scored a great equaliser. O'Shea was caught on the ball by Angel who laid the ball off to Baros and the striker returned the pass for Angel to unleash a thunderous strike from the edge of the area past van der Sar into the far corner. Three minutes later, United gifted Villa the lead. O'Shea was caught sleeping on the ball again as Angel sent an instant pass through the middle for Baros to go clear on goal and slot his shot into the bottom corner - his 15th goal of the season and definitely his most important this season! United were clearly stung by this extraordinary turnaround and almost hit back on the hour mark. Neville sent a ball into the crowded area and the ball broke for Smith but his snapshot was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Sorensen. Four minutes later, Villa should have increased their lead. Barry sent Baros running down the left side and he crossed to the near post where Angel sent a routine header wide of the far corner. The favourites started to throw caution to the wind now and should have equalised after 71 minutes. Giggs went rampaging past two Villa defenders on the left flank and he sent a dangerous low cross to the near post where Smith sent a tame shot straight into Sorensen's arms from 6 yards out. Five minutes later, Barry stole the ball from Ronaldo and gave the ball to Baros who teed up Angel from 25 yards out and his effort went trickling inches wide of the far corner. The attacking left United vulnerable to the counter-attack and they were punished eight minutes from time. O'Shea gave the ball away to Davis who passed to substitute Moore and the striker instantly sent Baros through on goal and the Czech international showed great composure, slipping the ball through van der Sar's legs to spark wild celebrations on the Villa bench. There was time for a little scare for Villa as United pulled a goal back before injury time. Substitute Kieran Richardson was pushed by Moore on the edge of the area and Giggs stepped up to send a magical curler past a stranded Sorensen. The match passed through four long minutes of stoppage time and the final whistle sounded around Wembley to the final score of Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 3.

Match Verdict - a real turn up for the books this afternoon as Villa capitalised on some shocking defensive errors from John O'Shea to reach the FA Cup Final. Khan had better get his side tuned up for the league now.

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

Goals - Giggs (36, 90)

Booked - Saha

Aston Villa - Sorensen 7, Mellberg 7, Bouma 7, Maduro 7, Laursen 7 (McCann 76, 7), Giannakopoulos 8, Thomert 7 (Zebina 55, 7), Barry 8, Davis 8, Baros 9, Angel 7 (Moore 76, 7).

Goals - Angel (53), Baros (55, 82)

Booked - Thomert

Man of the Match - Milan Baros - the Czech international striker was the menace to United this afternoon as his composure was so vital to Villa's victory. The former Liverpool man is certainly stepping up his form late in the season.


Other FA Cup Result

Fulham 0 Blackburn 1


Premiership Results

Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0
Everton 1 Man City 0
Reading 1 West Ham 1
Sheff Utd 0 Watford 2
Tottenham 2 Bolton 0
Wigan 0 Arsenal 3

retired_tnovo

Monday 16th April 2007

bbc.co.uk/football

Ahead of tomorrow night's big Premiership showdown at Old Trafford, Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez stoked up the mind games. He stated that for Faiz Khan's Manchester United, it was a case of having to win in order to continue their challenge for the Premiership title this season. He told Khan that he should'nt expect any favours from the Merseysiders as they had every intention of taking all three points away from Old Trafford tomorrow night. He also added that he would not lose any sleep if a Liverpool win would harm United's chances at the title.

After hearing about Benitez's words, Khan released a brief statement. As the season gets closer and closer to ending, Khan said that a win for his side tomorrow night would go a long way to securing the Premiership title next month. He also stated that although Liverpool will do everything in their power to make life difficult for United, he fully believes that his side can grab three more points to add to their tally for their title challenge.

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 17th April 2007

premierleague.com

Manchester United 2 Liverpool 2

The title race got interesting again. Manchester United squandered a two goal lead to eventually settle for a point against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford tonight. Two splended freekicks from Ryan Giggs in the first quarter of the match gave United control on the match. But Craig Bellamy's wondergoal goal before halftime and Sami Hyypia's header in the second half denied the hosts in a pulsating Premiership affair. It was a game that was controlled by United but they could not get enough shots to test Jose Reina in the Liverpool goal. United manager Faiz Khan made just one change to the side that lost to Aston Villa as Wayne Rooney dropped to the bench, making way for Louis Saha. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez kept faith with the same XI that knocked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League 10 days ago.

On a dry but very cool April evening at Old Trafford, referee Dermot Gallagher got this Premiership showdown going. Inside two minutes, the hosts had a great opportunity to draw first blood. Paul Scholes fed the ball through perfectly for Alan Smith and his low effort was superbly tipped away by Reina and the ball was cleared to safety. Three minutes later, Xabi Alonso pushed Saha 25 yards from goal and Giggs sent his freekick sailing over the crossbar. The visitors took a while to get going but they could have opened the scoring on 10 minutes. Alonso's freekick was cleared into the path of Daniel Agger but his fierce strike was somehow kept out by Edwin van der Sar's fingetips and the ball was cleared to safety. Three minutes later, the hosts capped off their bright start by taking the lead. Agger was penalised for tripping Smith on the edge of the area and Giggs stepped up to bend his freekick beautifully past Reina at his near post into the top corner - his 5th goal of the season! After 16 minutes, United should have doubled their lead. Scholes played the ball to Giggs on the left wing and he got to the byline before sending a dangerous low cross where Saha struck against Reina from right infront of goal. Midway through the first half, the hosts were in control. Agger pushed Smith to the fury of the United fans and Giggs stepped up from 25 yards and fierce freekick flew into the top corner at Reina's near post. Two minutes later, Giggs almost completed a freekick hat-trick. Jamie Carragher was booked for pulling back Saha and Giggs sent his curling freekick just inches over the crossbar. On 28 minutes, Liverpool had a good opportunity to get back into the match. Mohamed Sissoko's long ball sent Bellamy clear down the right flank and when the Welsh international got into the area, his low shot was well tipped wide by van der Sar. Just past the halfhour, Bellamy laid the ball off brilliantly down the line for John Arne Riise to cross into the area where Sissoko's towering header went just inches over the crossbar. After 35 minutes, United should have added a third goal. Cristiano Ronaldo went running through the Liverpool defenders down the middle and fed in an intricate through ball for Smith but he could only shoot into the side-netting with just Reina to beat. And that missed opportunity enabled Liverpool to pull a goal back. On the counter-attack, Steven Gerrard played the perfect ball down the side for Bellamy to take one touch before sending a viciously swerving shot into the far corner, leaving van der Sar to dive at thin air. The half came to an end after one minute of injury time at a feverish Old Trafford and the latest score was Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1.

Khan was pleased with his side's performance in the first half but was a little disappointed that their loss of concentration allowed Liverpool a way back into the game. The second half was underway with Khan and Benitez walking silently side by side to the dugouts. Five minutes into the second half, United were almost three goals to the good. Smith held the ball up well and sent Giggs through on goal but just as he was about to shoot, Carragher denied him with a splended challenge, considering he was already on a yellow card. On 57 minutes, Liverpool almost levelled the scores. Sissoko played the ball to Luis Garcia who strode forward unchallenged and unleashed a thunderous long range strike which van der Sar did very well to see and fist away to safety. Just after the hour mark, Sissoko was penalised for holding Saha and Giggs sent his curling freekick well over the crossbar from around 30 yards out. Midway through the second half, Giggs played a superb freekick into the penalty area and Smith's towering downward header produced a stunning fingertip stop from Reina and the ball was cleared to safety. And that save was to prove all so crucial as Liverpool levelled matters after 73 minutes. Carragher sent a high freekick into a crowded penalty area and Gerrard knocked the ball down for Hyypia to lash his effort past van der Sar and in off the underside of the crossbar. The game was pretty even after this goal and the visitors had a sight of goal ten minutes from time. Substitute Harry Kewell laid the ball off to Garcia who in turn teed up Gerrard from 30 yards out and his fierce drive went harmlessly over the crossbar. A minute later, United could have gone ahead again. Substitute Kieran Richardson played a freekick out to Gary Neville and he crossed into the area where Smith sent a very difficult header just inches wide of the far corner with Reina just standing and admiring too much. The match eventually petered out as both sets of players were visibly exhausted from an exhilerating match. The final score from Old Trafford read Manchester United 2 Liverpool 2.

Match Verdict - in a match controlled by the hosts, it ended in a draw as Liverpool's brilliant attitude after going two goals behind was rewarded. The title race is far from over after this and Khan certainly knows it.

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 6, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 4 (Brown 70, 6), Ronaldo 7, Giggs 8 (Park Ji-Sung 70, 6), O'Shea 7, Scholes 7 (Richardson 70, 6), Smith 7, Saha 7.

Goals - Giggs (13, 23)

Liverpool - Reina 7, Carragher 7, Riise 7 (Aurelio 81, 7), Hyypia 7, Agger 7, Alonso 7, Sissoko 7 (Kewell 69, 7), Gerrard 7, Luis Garcia 7, Warnock 7 (Kuyt 69, 7).

Goals - Bellamy (41), Hyypia (73)

Booked - Carragher, Agger & Gerrard

Man of the Match - Ryan Giggs - the Wales international is absolutely flying at the moment as two more brilliant freekicks gave his team-mates a lead. He was a threat all afternoon with his clever movement and shooting.


Other Premiership Results

Bolton 0 Chelsea 1
Charlton 0 Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 2 Blackburn 0
Newcastle 0 Arsenal 0
Portsmouth 0 Fulham 1