Signup
LoginRecent Posts by soccerbest
-
-
Originally posted by red_amoeba:
west brom is gonna get pawned. 4-0 i say..its time for Man U to beat the daylights out of a minnow and West Brom is a good one to start.
wow you sei bei accurate sia.
Berba finally gets his first Premier League goal
Haven't see this match but from the others this is the best Rooney has played for a long time.
Hope he keeps it up.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Edited by soccerbest 19 Oct `08, 5:23AM
-
-
-
Criticising Fergie (and not for the first time)
Doing his best to bring up the Ronaldo saga again (which makes him just as bad as Schuster and Calderon). Even Heinze has shut up about it. This is twice in the last week now by Ruud! I reckon its to piss of Fergie personally. Ruud isn't that stupid, he knows how annoyed SAF got with Real Madrid last summer and he knows it will annoy him.
Admitting that he wanted to leave several times, despite saying otherwise when he left and how hard it was to leavehe really should just shut up.<!-- / message -->
-
-
-
Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed Real Madrid tried to lure him out of Manchester United a number of times, and he understands the Spaniards are doing the same with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Nistelrooy claims he was in a similar situation as Ronaldo and finally joined Los Merengues in 2006.
As a consequence he thinks that the Portuguese will be recruited from the Old Trafford outfit next year.
“(When I was at United) I almost signed with Real Madrid several times,” he told a press conference. “I didn’t say it before because it was pretty much similar as Cristiano’s situation.
“I did score 80 goals in 100 games and Madrid planned to sign me, but United said they should wait a bit, and they are now doing the same with Cristiano.
“As far as I’m concerned I believe we will sign him next year. He wants to come down here and when a player wants to leave, keeping him is hard.
“We will be team-mates again. He is a spectacular player at the age of 23.”
The Manchester United legend commented on Sir Alex Ferguson’s character, and he said: “He only speaks Scottish. It becomes difficult when what he expects do not happen.
“He is a nice person, but he can change and send you a boot in the face. He has been at United for 25 years and rules there."
The striker has revealed he plans to carry on playing football for three or four more years, as he still feels capable of showing his best level.
“I am 32, played 15 seasons and I am thinking of retiring at when I turn 35 or 36. I feel good physically, and that is why I retired from international football, in order to be able to rest and be available for Real Madrid.
“This decision was tough to make because my head told me something and my heart the contrary. I still do not feel tired regarding my age.
“At Madrid we work with doctors and make many tests, they control us a lot.”
-
-
-
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has risked another heated row with Sir Alex Ferguson after declaring that the Spanish giants will ‘do everything possible’ to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United next year.
Real spent much of the summer attempting to lure the Portugal star from Old Trafford but it was to no avail, and the overly public nature of their interest provoked United to make an official protest to Fifa in June and Ferguson to accuse the Spanish champions of lacking morals.
Despite openly welcoming Real’s interest, Ronaldo received a warm welcome from United fans when making his first appearance of the season in a Champions League game against Villarreal in September but it appears his loyalty to the club that transformed him into a world star could again be tested in the coming months.
Schuster claims Real are ready to spend big on the Portugal international and that he hopes to see Ronaldo in the famous white shirt in 2009.
“There is hope that next year he could be with us,” Schuster told Marca.
“We must do everything possible because it is worth having this footballer.
“Madrid knows it and this year was already willing to pay a heavy price.
“Maybe next year it will be a little less, but I think we must be prepared in case we need to make this expenditure.”http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/10/12/La-LigaPrem-Schuster-on-Ronaldo/
-
-
-
Bolton Wanderers Reserves 0-3 Manchester United Reserves - - Macheda 45+2 - - Hewson 53 - - Cleverley 65
In hindsight, United’s reserve side probably couldn’t have hand-picked a better fixture in which to make amends for last week’s defeat against Wigan. The Reds had picked up five wins and two draws from their previous seven trips to the County Ground to play Bolton (as well as lifting the Lancashire Senior Cup at the same ground in July of this year) and, after a scrappy first-half had ended with Kiko Macheda putting United ahead, they never looked in any danger of having that unbeaten streak ended. Further goals from Sam Hewson and Tom Cleverley in a massively one-sided second half ensured a first league win of the campaign for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
As mentioned in the preview, a spate of injuries and international call-ups forced Solskjaer to make several changes and name a youthful-looking side. U18 regulars Macheda, Matty James, Cameron Stewart (a first reserve league start) and Oliver Gill (making his reserves debut) were all included in the starting eleven, while the bench was fully comprised of their Academy peers. Elsewhere, Tomasz Kuszczak returned from injury in goal and the lack of a first-team match this week saw the (presumably temporary) return of Rafael da Silva to reserve level.
The less said about the first 45 minutes the better, frankly. To use a terrible cliché, the first half was all perspiration and no inspiration, with the hectic nature of the game not lending itself to attractive or productive football. Both sides had just the one real chance each, Macheda firing straight at keeper Lainton after a neat one-two with Hewson while Kuszczak and Richard Eckersley combined to foil Obadeyi and Woolfe down the other end.Solskjaer and his assistant Warren Joyce will have been preparing a stern team-talk and possible changes when a moment of fortune decisively changed the game seconds before the break. Jimmy Derbyshire, employed in an unfamiliar left-sided midfield role, cut inside onto his favoured right foot and let fly from 25 yards. His strike may well have troubled Lainton anyway but took a wicked deflection off Trotters centre-half Stokes, time seemingly then standing still as it looped goalwards and hit the post. Goalkeeper and defence looked on dumbstruck but Macheda reacted as all good centre-forwards should, comfortably getting to the rebound first and showing great composure to side-foot the ball past the recovering keeper to register his first reserve goal of the season.
The content of the half-time team-talk probably didn’t change much but the mood and confidence of the team improved significantly. An early scare when a Ricardo Vaz Te effort spun narrowly wide aside, the second half saw this United reserve side at its best - fluent, creative, quick to attack and absolutely dominant with possession. The second goal didn’t take long to come, Macheda again at the heart of things as his pinpoint left-wing cross was flicked on by James and then instantly controlled by Hewson before the Bolton-born United midfielder rifled home.
Tom Cleverley - 4 in 3 games at the County Ground
The result was in no doubt at all at that point but a clinching third followed just over ten minutes later, definitely the goal of the game. A slick passing move involving Derbyshire, Rafael and Macheda eventually saw the ball worked to Cleverley 25 yards out, who curled a sublime effort past the motionless Lainton. Cleverley’s only two previous reserve league goals had come in this fixture last season while the midfielder was also on the scoresheet in that LSC Final win over Liverpool in July - there’s clearly something about the County Ground that agrees with him!
Further goals could and probably should have followed. Rafael could easily have had a penalty, Oliver Norwood (on as sub) came close to capping a sensational passing move involving practically the whole side with a curling left-footed strike which dipped just over the bar, and David Gray headed straight at the keeper after another James flick-on. No matter - three goals was enough to secure a very welcome first win of the campaign.
More pleasing than the three points to Solskjaer and Joyce will be the performance. OGS praised the effort and work-rate of his team in his post-match interview, also speaking in glowing tones about the second-half showing as the Reds took control. Ole didn’t want to single out individuals for praise and after such a good team performance I’m loathe to as well, but what the hell…
Macheda produced his best performance of the season so far, despite being somewhat starved of service in the first half. The Italian linked play intelligently, worked hard as the lone striker and took his goal coolly. Tom Cleverley and Sam Hewson looked much more like the players we know they can be, while Matty James was typically unfazed by stepping up a level, perhaps even overshadowing his more experienced midfield colleagues.
Everyone’s interested in how Rafael’s doing so it would be remiss not to mention the young Brazilian. He had one of his quieter games but was extremely solid defensively and got more and more involved going forward as the game wore on and United’s confidence grew. His defensive colleagues deserve praise, ‘makeshift’ centre-halves Gray and Eckersley dealing relatively comfortably with the very real threat posed by Vaz Te while Oliver Gill, after a bit of a mare for the Academy at the weekend, looked far more at home at a higher level - no mean feat.
UNITED
1. Tomasz Kuszczak
2. Rafael da Silva
3. Richard Eckersley
4. David Gray
5. Oliver Gill
6. Matty James
7. Cameron Stewart (12. Oliver Norwood 71)
8. Tom Cleverley
9. Federico Macheda (16. Antonio Bryan 78)
10. Sam Hewson
11. Jimmy Derbyshire (14. Scott Wootton 78)Subs not used
13. Gary Woods
15. Evandro BrandãoBooked: Hewson
http://manunitedyouth.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/second-string-up-and-running-after-convincing-win/
Edited by soccerbest 09 Oct `08, 5:20PM
-
-
-
DANNY SIMPSONBlackburn Rovers loanee Danny Simpson remains confident of securing a long-term future at parent club Manchester United.
The 21-year-old right-back is spending the whole of the current campaign at Ewood Park, having found first-team opportunities limited with the Red Devils.
However, Simpson still has eyes on becoming a star at Old Trafford in the future.
He told the Manchester Evening News: "I saw Rafael's debut against Aalborg on TV and he played really well. But I never looked on it as blocking my way back.
"It's good to see young lads getting a chance. That's what Man United is all about and you don't expect any different. Good luck to him.
"It can all come down to experience in the end and here at Blackburn I'm getting a lot of it in the Premier League every week now.
"If I play 20-30 matches in the Premier League it will make me a better player. I could go back to Old Trafford and the other younger lads then might go out on loan. You just never know. Things change week in week out.
"I don't think the new group of lads emerging shuts the door on the likes of myself. You never know what is around the corner in football.
"When you leave United it could be a case of out of sight out of mind. You might worry about that in the past, but not now."
-
-
-
Ronaldo will join Real, says Ruud
Cristiano Ronaldo will join Real Madrid in the near future, according to Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Dutchman, currently on the books of the Spanish giants, believes his former team-mate will join him at the Santiago Bernabeu next summer or in 2010.
Van Nistelrooy is believed to have had a massive argument with the Portuguese during their time at Old Trafford, but it appears the former Holland international would warmly welcome Ronaldo to the Spanish capital.
“One day Ronaldo will join us,” Van Nistelrooy told Marca. “This could happen next summer, or the one after.”
The Dutch hit-man remains a prolific goalscorer at the age of 32, he has found the back of the net five times so far this season, and he has set his sights on winning the Champions League before his career is over.
“Winning it one day is my dream,” he said. “And Real Madrid can do it with all their great players.”
-
-
-
United will give Tevez his contract. I believe there is a gentleman's agreement between him, the Kia bloke and the club for a permanent deal when they confirmed the loan one, the United accountants must have all that in place even when we signed Berbatov. We let him go, we have to spend another 20m to get a player of his quality unless we can pluck out a Ole which is difficult. Tie him down, and our strikers are sorted out for the next 5 years at least. We can concentrate on other areas to improve the team.
-
-
-
Stars of the future
Fabio da Silva. Defender. Age 18
Rafael da Silva. Defender. Age 18
Jonny Evans. Defender. Age 20
Darron Gibson. Midfielder. Age 20
Rodrigo Possebon. Midfielder. Age 19
Danny Welbeck. Striker. Age 17
View Player Factfiles and Stats
Boss excited by young talent
"We’ve got a group of young players who are doing very well and showing fantastic potential."
- Sir Alex FergusonThe perfect balance
Sir Alex Ferguson feels he now has the perfect balance of youth and experience within his burgeoning squad.
The recent acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov has added both finesse and firepower, but it is the progression of a host of the club's youngsters which have given the United boss much cause for optimism.
"We’ve got a group of young players who are doing very well and showing fantastic potential," he said. "Rafael, his brother Fabio, Possebon, Gibson, Jonny Evans and Welbeck are the type of youngsters we’ve always tried to have here in the last 15 years or so.
"They can take over from the younger lads in the squad who will move into the middle-age section and they, in time, become the older players. That’s what you call managing change."
When asked about the potential of two of his budding defenders, Sir Alex offered a glowing appraisal.
"Evans will be a future United centre-half, there’s no question about that," he declared. "He’s 20-years-old and in a few years time his career is absolutely guaranteed.
"Young Rafael is an outstanding talent - he proved that against Aalborg. He’s an attacking player with great belief in himself."
-
-
-
Budweiser deal renewed
Budweiser and Manchester United have renewed their partnership, extending the beer brand's proud sponsorship of the English and European champions until at least the end of the 2009/2010 season.
Budweiser’s presence at Old Trafford includes exclusive pouring rights at concessions and digital on-field signage displayed in both English and Mandarin, which is seen by United’s massive Chinese fan base.
“Manchester United represents the pinnacle of football and the club’s popularity, like Budweiser, spans the globe,” said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.“Manchester United and Budweiser are a perfect match, both having strong, storied heritages and a commitment to being the best. As Budweiser continues to expand internationally, our connection with Manchester United helps create awareness and excitement for the brand around the world.”
Local activation of the partnership helps reach adult consumers far beyond the 76,000 people who pack Old Trafford for every match. The sponsorship grants Budweiser rights to use United's marks and player images in advertising, point-of-sale materials and packaging in key markets in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, North and South America.
United chief executive David Gill said, “Budweiser is dedicated to football and has been a valuable partner to Manchester United."
“Budweiser’s use of United for marketing activities has brought loyal followers closer than ever to the Club. The Club and, most importantly, our fans are pleased to have Budweiser’s support.”
The sponsorship also provides Budweiser with hospitality packages and match tickets for promotional activities, which the brand uses to offer customers and consumers once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the Theatre of Dreams.
Throughout the 2008/2009 season, Budweiser will launch promotions in the UK, Mexico, Argentina and Vietnam for fans to win trips to United matches.
In 2008, Old Trafford once again played host to the international finals of the Budweiser Cup, a 6-on-6 football tournament comprised of recreational teams from 16 countries. Players qualified through local tournaments throughout Europe and as far away as India, Paraguay, South Korea and South Africa.
In addition to competing on the pitch, Budweiser’s guests enjoyed a dinner with United legends, a tour of Old Trafford, access to training facilities and tickets to a first-team match.
Budweiser has been a proud sponsor of Manchester United since 2002. For more information about the beer brand, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.
-
vs