retired_tnovo

Wednesday 6th December 2006

Sky Sports

It's not good being John O'Shea at the moment. He was using tonight's final Champions League group match with Anderlecht to gain some match fitness after just coming back from his knee cap injury setback. But the Irishman came off late on in the defeat in Brussels and it has now been confirmed by Manchester United boss Faiz Khan that O'Shea has suffered strained knee ligaments after twisting awkwardly in the match tonight. The club's physio has confirmed to Khan that the injury is likely to keep O'Shea out until the New Year, missing the big Premiership clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Darren Fletcher will most likely continue to cover for O'Shea's absence from the bench.

retired_tnovo

Monday 11th December 2006

premierleague.com

Bolton Wanderers 0 Manchester United 2

A very difficult assignment taken care of. Manchester United battled their way to a hard fought victory over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium tonight. Park Ji-Sung scored two brilliantly taken goals to win the three points for the visitors that keeps United top of the Premiership pile, four points clear of both Liverpool and Arsenal. The match was controlled by Faiz Khan's men for most parts but they had Edwin van der Sar to thank for stopping Bolton getting back into the match with the score at 1-0. Khan brought back several big names that were left out in Europe last Wednesday including Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce made two changes from the side that drew at Everton with El-Hadji Diouf and Kevin Nolan replacing Johann Smith and United old boy Quinton Fortune.

In very wet and ice cold conditions in Lancashire, referee Graham Poll got the proceedings up and running. The match began in a quiet manner as both sides were just cancelling each other out. The first opportunity fell for the visitors after 10 minutes. Park went on a lung busting run down the right wing and he crossed low for Louis Saha but his first time shot was well kept out by Jussi Jaaskelainen and was smothered at the second attempt. A minute later, United had a great opportunity to take the lead. Kieran Richardson and Scholes exchanged passes for the latter to send Rooney through on goal only for the former Everton man to strike the ball well over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Richardson sent Rooney running down the left side and his instant effort was beaten away by Jaaskelainen and the ball was cleared to safety. United had started by far the brighter and they capped off their start with the opening goal on 15 minutes. Park broke onto a loose ball on the halfway line and started running at the Bolton backline and they were punished for backing off as the South Korea international unleashed an unstoppable strike past Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area. Bolton had a great chance to hit back midway through the 1st half. Ricardo Gardner played a cross into the area and when Nemanja Vidic cleared only to Nicolas Anelka in front of goal, the Frenchman miscontrolled the ball and the ball was ran through to Edwin van der Sar. On the counter attack, van der Sar's kick bounced all the way through for Rooney but Jaaskelainen rushed out quickly to block his effort. And a minute later, Rooney had another opportunity to give his side a two goal lead. Richardson swung in a deep cross to give Rooney the simple task of heading home but he got put off by Jaaskelainen coming out to meet him and the England man headed well wide. On 35 minutes, Gardner's inswinger was cleared as far as substitute Abdoulaye Faye but his effort was wild and did not come anywhere van der Sar's goal. That attack gave Bolton a bit of confidence in keeping the ball away from their opponents as United started to chase shadows. In first half injury time, Rooney was penalised for a foul on Ivan Campo and Matthew Etherington sent his freekick sailing just wide of the far corner from 25 yards out. The referee brought the match to a halt with the score from the Reebok reading Bolton Wanderers 0 Manchester United 1.

Khan was very pleased with his side creating chances for fun but not so pleased with missing the majority of them. The second half was underway to a packed and raucous Bolton faithful. From the kickoff, Bolton's comical defending continued as they got away with an error. Mikael Silvestre's searching ball was weakly headed back by Abdoulaye Meite and Rooney's cleverly instinctive lob was tipped over superbly by Jaaskelainen. On 49 minutes, Bolton almost levelled the scores. Etherington's instant ball found Anelka through on goal and although he put the ball in the net, the linesman stuck his flag up for a very marginal offside call. Four minutes later, Anelka came close to equalising. Diouf went on a run at Vidic and when the Serb went into the tackle, the ball broke for Anelka from 12 yards only for his firm effort to be stopped brilliantly by van der Sar's fingertips. From the throw, Campo threw the ball to an untracked Diouf but the Senegalese international's effort was pushed away by van der Sar. United had somehow survived that spell without conceding and almost went up the other end and scored before the hour mark. Superb one touch passing involving Scholes, Michael Carrick and Park sent Saha through on goal but his angled drive went flying over the crossbar. Midway through the 2nd half, van der Sar came to his side's rescue again, this time beating away a deflected Nolan shot from the edge of the area. Two minutes later, Gardner and Etherington exchanged passes at a freekick and the former crossed to the near post where Anelka got just a bit too much on his header and it flew harmlessly over. And after 72 minutes, United extended their lead. Carrick's long ball got substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and when Jaaskelainen came rushing to clear only to Park, the winger unleashing a instant dipping strike that flew in off the underside of the bar - a quite stunning goal! But the goal did not dishearten Bolton as they continued to try and find a way past van der Sar. After 79 minutes, Campo spread the ball beautifully out to Etherington on the left and his cross was met at the near post by a fierce Anelka header but van der Sar produced brilliant reactions once again, tipping it over the crossbar. As the match headed for the end, Park had a great chance to seal a memorable hat-trick. Carrick, with nobody closing him, struck a fearsome drive that cracked the crossbar and the ball fell for Park 6 yards out but Jaaskelainen produced a good stop. The final whistle went at the Reebok Stadium with the final score at Bolton Wanderers 0 Manchester United 2.

Match Verdict - closely fought match at the Reebok ended with the visitors maintaining their lead at the top while Bolton are in 8th place after this defeat.

Bolton - Jaaskelainen 6, Hunt 7 (Faye 31, 6), Gardner 7, Ben-Haim 6, Meite 6 (Fojut 72, 6), Campo 6, Diouf 7, Etherington 7, Nolan 6 (Fortune 72, 6), O'Brien 7, Anelka 7.

Booked - Hunt & Diouf

Injured - Hunt (31)

Man Utd - van der Sar 9, G Neville 9, Silvestre 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 8, Park Ji-Sung 9, Richardson 8, Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (Jones 81, 6), Saha 7 (Solskjaer 68, 7), Rooney 6 (Fletcher 81, 6).

Goals - Park Ji-Sung (15, 72)

Booked - G Neville & Saha

Man of the Match - Park Ji-Sung - caused the Bolton defence all sorts of problems all night and he capped his display off with two spectacular goals.


Other Premiership Results

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

retired_tnovo

Friday 15th December 2006

uefa.com

The draw for the knockout stages of the Champions League have been made at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland this morning and it has thrown up some interesting ties. Faiz Khan's Manchester United have been handed one of the 'easier' ties when they face Italian side Chievo, with the 1st leg in Verona. There are two potential blockbuster ties with Jose Mourinho returning to Barcelona for the third season running and Arsenal face 6 time winners AC Milan. Here is the draw in full:

Werder Bremen v Liverpool
Bayern Munich v Roma
Anderlecht v Porto
AC Milan v Arsenal
Lyon v Real Madrid
Chievo v Man Utd
Barcelona v Chelsea
Valencia v Inter Milan

retired_tnovo

Sunday 17th December 2006

premierleague.com

Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0

Pretty much in control here then. Manchester United put on an efficient performance in seeing over Newcastle United at Old Trafford this afternoon. Wayne Rooney set United on their way late in an evenly contested first half. After the break however, the hosts began to take charge and they sealed the three points midway through through Louis Saha. It was the right result as both sides created several opportunities but United had the extra cutting edge in front of goal. But the saves Shay Given was pulling off suggests the scoreline could have been far worse for Newcastle. Man Utd gaffer Faiz Khan made just one change from the side that won at Bolton with Gabriel Heinze starting in place of Mikael Silvestre. Returning duo Patrice Evra and Cristiano Ronaldo were back among the substitutes. Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder made three alterations from the XI that started against Liverno in Europe with Steven Taylor, Celestine Babayaro and on-loan striker Giuseppe Rossi making way for Stephen Carr, Olivier Bernard and Charles N'Zogbia.

In absolutely blustery and wet conditions at Old Trafford, referee Phil Dowd got the match underway. Early on, Michael Carrick went down after a thunderous but fair challenge from former United man Nicky Butt and the England midfielder had to be treated. On 8 minutes, Newcastle fashioned out a good opportunity to break the deadlock. Kieron Dyer and Butt exchanged passes for the latter to dink a wonderful pass splitting the defence and Obafemi Martin's close range volley was well stopped by Edwin van der Sar. Three minutes later, the hosts made their first opportunity and almost took it. Paul Scholes passed to Kieran Richardson who instantly found Rooney and the England striker unleashed a bullet that was brilliantly beaten away by Given. After 16 minutes, Park Ji-Sung's persistence gave Carrick the ball who played Rooney through and his instant shot on the turn was deflected wide by Given's outstretched right foot. On the counter attack, James Milner's long clearance set Martins away on goal and his angled drive was heading for the top corner until van der Sar produced a wonderful save and the ball was cleared to safety. Midway through the 1st half, the hosts should have taken the lead. The ball broke for Carrick on the halfway line and played an instant through ball for Rooney with only Given to beat but the Irish keeper kept out the tame effort and smothered the ball at the second attempt. Two minutes later, Gary Neville found Park in the area and his low cross on the volley was slammed well over the crossbar by Rooney when it seemed easier to score. On 26 minutes, a super one touch passing move involving Milner, Martins and N'Zogbia teed up Damien Duff from 25 yards out but his drive went just inches over the crossbar. After the halfhour, United were left ruing another missed opportunity. Scholes spread the ball out to Heinze and his low cross found Rooney at the near post but Given blocked his effort with his body. Five minutes later, there was no stopping the home side as they took the lead. Scholes played the ball for Rooney who took the ball past Titus Bramble before sliding the ball under Given's body. The goal took the sting out of the Newcastle attack as the match went for the break at Old Trafford with the score reading Manchester United 1 Newcastle United 0.

Khan was pleased that after a very even half, his players had managed to grab the lead before the break. But he encouraged them to take full control in the second 45 minutes. The 2nd half was well underway at Old Trafford when Given denied United again. Park's deep cross was deflected into the path of Saha and his fierce effort was tipped away smartly by Given. The ball was not properly as Man Utd came back with another attack. Neville's long pass picked out Richardson who volleyed a low cross for Saha to smash home but his deflected effort was fantastically kept out by Given. On 52 minutes, Scholes received the ball 30 yards out and feinted to shoot before playing an inch-perfect ball through for substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only for Given to keep that effort out as well, producing great reactions to deny the Norway international. The hosts had taken full control of the match now and were literally toying with Newcastle, just passing the ball with ease which ended with Carrick's long range shot being easily smothered by Given. On the hour mark, all those missed opportunities were almost punished. Bernard's cross was poorly cleared by Neville and Martins was left with a simple tap in from 6 yards but van der Sar produced a stunning stop to concede a corner. On 69 minutes, the hosts made sure of a two goal lead with a brilliant move. Richardson played a quick one-two with Scholes before sweeping a dangerous cross which Saha produced a glancing header into the far corner. After that goal, the match went into a quiet spell as the hosts kept hold of possession making Newcastle chase them all over the pitch. There was time for one more Man Utd opportunity eight minutes from time. Substitute Ronaldo went running at Carr, stepovers on full show and clipped a perfect cross for fellow substitute Darren Fletcher but the Scot could not keep his header on target. The final whistle went at Old Trafford with the final score at Manchester United 2 Newcastle United 0.

Match Verdict - after an even first half, the hosts took charge of the match after the break and ran out comfortable winners in the end. That Liverpool defeat seems to have been the kick up the backside that the leaders were needing.

Man Utd - van der Sar 8, G Neville 7, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 8, Park Ji-Sung 7, Richardson 7, Carrick 7, Scholes 8 (Fletcher 69, 6), Saha 9 (Ronaldo 69, 7), Rooney 8 (Solskjaer 45, 7).

Goals - Rooney (37), Saha (69)

Newcastle - Given 7, Carr 7, Bernard 7 (Babayaro 77, 6), Bramble 7, Moore 7, Milner 7 (Ameobi 67, 6), Duff 7, Dyer 7, Butt 7 (Parker 77, 7), N'Zogbia 7, Martins 7.

Booked - Carr & Duff

Man of the Match - Louis Saha - did not let the missed opportunities bother him one bit and his persistence paid off with a well-taken header.


Other Premiership Results

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

Premiership Results (13th December)

Chelsea 1 Liverpool 3
Tottenham 1 Arsenal 2


In other news, the Champions of Europe Barcelona continued winning trophies after comfortably defeating 10-man Internacional 2-0 at the Yokohama Stadium in Japan. The decisive goal was scored by explosive Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o midway through the 1st half. This is the first time that the Catalan giants have won the World Club Championship in the club's history.

retired_tnovo

Monday 18th December 2006

premierleague.com

After his committed and no-nonsense display in the victory over Newcastle yesterday afternoon, Manchester United's experienced full-back Gary Neville has been named in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:

Chris Kirkland (Wigan)

Gary Neville (Man Utd)
Gael Clichy (Arsenal)
Mladen Krstajic (West Ham)
Sami Hyypia (Liverpool)

Denny Landzaat (Wigan)
Sanli Tuncay (Tottenham)
Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn)
Stilian Petrov (Aston Villa)

Svetoslav Todorov (Portsmouth)
Luizao (Reading)

retired_venomm

Nice work, looks like you are starting to put together a good run of form. KUTGW with the story, come on United!

retired_tnovo

Thanks for the support paulsgruff, much appreciated. :thup:

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 20th December 2006

The Times

Manchester United 4 Blackburn Rovers 1

Efficiency was the key here tonight. Manchester United sealed their place in the Carling Cup semi-finals after overcoming Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford tonight. First half goals from Rio Ferdinand, Alan Smith and Park Ji-Sung gave United a comfortable lead into the break and a late goal from super-sub Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rounded off a great night for Faiz Khan's men. Steven Reid grabbed a consolation minutes after the Park goal. It was a good and very even game here but it was the hosts' cooler heads in front of goal that made the difference at Old Trafford. Khan made a number of changes from the win over Newcastle with Tomasz Kuszczak, Wes Brown, Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher and Smith replacing Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Gabriel Heinze, Michael Carrick and the injured Wayne Rooney. Blackburn boss and former United legend Mark Hughes named an unchanged side which was beaten by Everton at the weekend.

In conditions that were similar to those on Sunday afternoon here, referee Andrew Sainsbury got this match going. United started well and could have been in front inside seven minutes. Brown played a long freekick into the area where Smith's downward header was tipped away by Brad Friedel. The hosts had quickly imposed themselves on their opponents and they grabbed the lead on 14 minutes. Fletcher laid Ferdinand off from a freekick and the defender finished like a forward, clipping the ball past Friedel into the top corner. Blackburn almost hit back two minutes later. Michael Gray went scampering down the left and swung in a dangerous cross which eluded everyone except Luis Ernesto Perez at the far post but he sent his shot back across goal and wide. On the counter, Park's fierce cross was cleared out to Evra on the edge of the area and his blistering shot was brilliantly tipped over by Friedel. On 20 minutes, Robbie Savage was fouled by Paul Scholes 30 yards out and Guy Demel tried his luck only for the effort go straight into Kuszczak's arms. Four minutes later, a superb flowing move involving Demel, Reid and Savage teed up Benni McCarthy but his shot was very similar to Demel's earlier, easily smothered by Kuszczak. A minute later, United extended their advantage. Evra passed the ball down the line for Kieran Richardson and his fizzing cross was headed in by Smith at the near post. On 29 minutes, the hosts were running riot. Scholes spotted the run of Park and he played him in brilliantly for the South Korea international to strike his effort first time into the far corner - his 5th goal of a very productive season so far! This goal blitz should have shaken Rovers beyond belief but they responded well after the halfhour mark. Savage's long ball was cleared by Kuszczak only to Reid with an empty net to aim at and he scooped the ball over the keeper and into the net from around 40 yards out - a well taken goal! Blackburn were clearly buoyed by the goal and almost added a second on 36 minutes. Gray went running past Brown and sent a beautiful centre which McCarthy got a great connection on but Kuszczak made up for his part in the Rovers goal with a super fingertip stop. Four minutes later, Andre Ooijer gave the ball away to Smith who spotted Friedel off the line and he shot instantly but it flew just inches past the post with Friedel totally stranded. Three minutes of first half stoppage time passed when the whistle went for the interval. The latest score from Old Trafford was Manchester United 3 Blackburn Rovers 1.

Khan was very pleased with the scoreline and also with the relatively controlled first half display from his players. He told his team to go out and make sure of their passage into the next round. The second half was underway as supporters were coming back from a much needed toilet break. Rovers were certainly not disgraced in the first half and they almost pulled a second goal back on 50 minutes. Savage played the ball into substitute John Carew and he span past Nemanja Vidic before unleashing a thunderous effort which Kuszczak did well to keep out. On the hour, Gray swung in the perfect ball, laying it on a plate for Andy Todd to head in but he missed the target by a mile. Three minutes later, Demel unleashed a furious strike from 30 yards which Kuszczak had to punch away to safety such was the power on the shot. After 70 minutes, Saha was fouled by Ryan Nelsen 25 yards from goal and Richardson sent his curling effort into the side-netting. Four minutes later, Rovers should have scored a second goal. Savage spotted a brilliant pass through for Carew and with just Kuszczak to beat, the Norway international spooned his effort well over the crossbar. It was quite an even half up to now and United almost added a fourth goal after 79 minutes. Substitute Solskjaer took the ball past Nelsen on the halfway line and began running down the right flank before crossing into the area where Smith's towering header was superbly stopped by Friedel. But four minutes later, there was no stopping United. Scholes' cross was flicked on by Smith into the path of Solskjaer who provided a customary cool finish into the bottom corner. The match was over now but Rovers kept playing with pride and almost scored with two minutes remaining. Carew was held back by Vidic and Perez stepped up on the edge of the area to send his curler just inches wide of the far corner. The final whistle went after a minute of stoppage time with the final score at Old Trafford reading Manchester United 4 Blackburn Rovers 1.

Match Verdict - it was a great match of football and very even but it was United who took more of their chances and ran out with a flattering margin of victory. Blackburn definitely played their part though.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 7, Brown 8, Evra 8, Ferdinand 7 (Heinze 43, 7), Vidic 8, Park Ji-Sung 8, Richardson 7 (Ronaldo 70, 7), Fletcher 7, Scholes 8, Smith 9 (inj 90), Saha 7 (Solskjaer 70, 7).

Goals - Ferdinand (14), Smith (25), Park Ji-Sung (29), Solskjaer (83)

Injured - Ferdinand & Smith

Blackburn - Friedel 7, Demel 7, Matteo 6, Nelsen 6, Todd 6 (Henchoz 77, 7), Perez 6, Reid 7, Gray 6, Savage 7 (Emerton 77, 6), Ooijer 6, McCarthy 7 (Carew 50, 7).

Goals - Reid (32)

Injured - Savage & McCarthy

Man of the Match - Alan Smith - returning from his domestic suspension, the former Leeds man was back to his best as a well taken header and an assist rounded off a typical hard-working display.


Other Carling Cup Results

Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 0
Charlton 1 Chelsea 0
Man City 4 S'Thorpe 1

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 20th December 2006

manutd.com

Manchester United have announced a double injury blow coming out of the Carling Cup victory against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford tonight. Faiz Khan has learned that Alan Smith has suffered a broken jaw late in the match and the club physio has confirmed that the striker will be missing from action for the next 4 weeks or more. This will be a massive blow for Smith as he has been enjoying some form since returning from his broken leg layoff. United have also confirmed that Rio Ferdinand has suffered a thigh strain after twisting awkwardly while striking the ball. He will be ruled out for the next fortnight or so. The duo join John O'Shea, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney in the treatment room.

retired_tnovo

Friday 22nd December 2006

skysports.com

The draw for the Carling Cup semi-finals was made this afternoon at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square. The draw has thrown up a Manchester derby with the 1st leg coming at Old Trafford. The other semi sees Aston Villa face Charlton, with the 1st leg being played at Villa Park.