Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[alex18122003]

Ronaldo hot streak burns off pack

Manchester United FC forward Cristiano Ronaldo took a giant stride towards winning the ESM Golden Shoe by scoring two more goals against West Ham United FC on Saturday. The Portuguese international struck twice in the opening 24 minutes at Old Trafford to set up a 4-1 victory that moved Sir Alex Ferguson's team to within touching distance of the Premier League title.

'I'm confident'
With his closest challenger Klaas Jan Huntelaar out of contention having already completed the season with AFC Ajax, and neither Emmanuel Adebayor nor Luis Fabiano registering at the weekend, Ronaldo appears certain to add another personal award to his Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year accolade. "It is wonderful to score so many times," said the 23-year-old, who can equal the Premier League record of 31 held by Alan Shearer by scoring once in the final game at Wigan Athletic FC next Sunday. "I have to thank my team-mates as they give me great passes. If they give me an opportunity, I'm confident I can score."

Güiza double
RCD Mallorca striker Daniel Güiza has an outside chance of pipping Ronaldo after the 27-year-old climbed to fourth in the rankings with a double against Athletic Club Bilbao, leaving him six goals shy of the leader with three Primera División matches remaining. Liverpool FC's Fernando Torres joins his fellow Spaniard in the top six after notching his 23rd goal of the campaign to clinch a 1-0 win over Manchester City FC, while Roque Santa Cruz took his tally to 19 with a brace for Blackburn Rovers against Derby County FC.

[alex18122003]

Giggs: We're in charge

Ryan Giggs expects Wigan to provide a stern challenge in Sunday's Premier League title decider, but is delighted that United are masters of their own destiny.

Victory over Steve Bruce's side at the JJB Stadium will see the Reds retain the title, regardless of Chelsea's result against Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Giggs, who will become United's joint all-time appearance maker if he features against the Latics, wants the Reds to focus solely on capping a fine season with victory.

"It's in our hands, which is all you can ask for," he told MUTV. "It's going to be a tough game. Wigan have got some decent players, they showed that when they played Chelsea and got a draw.

[alex18122003]

One win from the title, another from Champions League glory and even the sun is shining in Manchester. The mood in the United camp couldn't be better.

Contrary to a claim from Chelsea’s Michael Ballack that the run-up to Sunday's match at Wigan would be “the longest week of the Reds players’ lives”, the United squad is relishing a ten-day period that could yield a glorious double.

"It’s great to be at training knowing you are working to try and win the title and Champions League," says Mikael Silvestre.

"The thought of playing my part was the main reason I was so keen to get back from my injury. I knew we'd do well this season and go far in both competitions.

“There is a great atmosphere among the players because we're so close [to success]. Everybody is enjoying it, and with the sun outside it is a great time for us!"

There is undoubted pressure on the Reds to deliver in two high-stakes encounters, starting with Sunday’s clash at the JJB, but United’s belief shows no signs of wilting.

“We kept our cool against West Ham,” adds Mikael. “We need to do the same at Wigan. Scoring early would be ideal, but we all believe we'll go on to win the league.”

[Theme1]

Grant (Uncle Fester) calls for title play-off

Chelsea manager Avram Grant believes there should be a play-off to decide the Premier League title if his side and Manchester United are still level on points after Sunday's final round of games.

United have a far superior goal difference going into their 38th and last match of the season at Wigan Athletic while Chelsea face Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.


AVRAM GRANT Grant said: "We've won games 6-0, 6-1, 4-0 and 3-0 this season. When you miss so many players, the first target is to win games, especially in the beginning.

"I must admit that United have played some very good football. They think this is the best season since Sir Alex Ferguson came. But I prefer the system in Italy. You play a play-off if you're level and it is decided on that.

"I have interest now to say that. But I like it anyway. Sometimes, you score more goals against weaker teams. If you have the same points, you are at the same level.

"You can't push a button and change things immediately. We've won many games playing attractive football. We can change it with the players we have here.

"Whatever happens on Sunday I will be very proud of what we have done this season.

"Alex said a few months ago it was the best Manchester United side since he's been coaching. We've given a battle.

"If they take the title, and I'm not sure they will, it will be on goal difference."

Could someone tell him to grow up?

[alex18122003]

United Won't Ease Off - Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand has assured Manchester United supporters no-one at Old Trafford will be resting on their laurels no matter what glory comes their way in the next 10 days.

Victory at Wigan on Sunday , followed by a Champions League triumph over Chelsea in Moscow on May 21 would complete the second most successful campaign for United, eclipsed only by the historic Treble in 1999.

Yet the celebrations will be kept to a bare minimum.

For, as Ferdinand points out, once the trophies are locked away, attention will immediately turn towards the next season and more silverware.

"To win back-to-back titles this weekend would be great," said Ferdinand.

"It is a very hard thing to do and we understand that. But as soon as it was achieved, we would be looking for a third. We would be looking to move on straight away."

It is a quite remarkable attitude, yet it is one shared by Sir Alex Ferguson, through players such as Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes onto Ferdinand and is being picked up by the younger generation, such as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It is hard to sit back when there are 76,000 people watching you every week," he said.

"In any case, the manager does not buy players with that kind of slack imprint in their make-up. He buys players who are hungry and want to do well.

"It is bred into you to want to win every league and cup you are going for. They don't want players here who say they don't mind whether they win the Premier League this year or next.

"People like Giggs, Scholes and Neville who have been here and won countless trophies are the inspiration behind that. We look at them and say if they can do it, why can't we?"

With Neville effectively missing for the entire season and Giggs' recent contributions restricted to late cameos, which will see him equal Sir Bobby Charlton's club appearance record of 758 tomorrow, Ferdinand has had the honour of leading United into battle on a regular basis over the last few weeks.

The chances are Ferdinand will be captain once more at Wigan, accepting the responsibility that comes with being in such a pressurised situation.

Not that the England defender is losing too much sleep over that.

Given United will be champions if they win, while Chelsea could put 10 past Bolton and still finish second, he knows what position he would rather be in.

"It is nice to be in this position," he smiled.

"I would rather be where we are than where they are, relying on us to slip up.

"But we didn't get where we are being in fear of any situation. We got here by attacking teams from the off so that is what we will be aiming to do."

With Ferdinand's regular central defensive partner Nemanja Vidic back after sustaining concussion at Chelsea last month, United's defence looks solid even if the best Rooney can hope for is a place on the bench as he looks to ease his way back from a worrying hip complaint.

As up to 20,000 United fans are expected to make the short journey north, Ferdinand knows he is likely to find out what the situation is at Stamford Bridge whether he wishes to or not.

However, one thing is for certain, both before kick-off and during the match itself, not one drop of energy will be wasted thinking about the Champions League.

"I have not been thinking about what we could achieve in the next 10 days. You don't look that far ahead," said Ferdinand.

"Looking ahead defeats the object really.

"We want to concentrate on the job in hand, which is to win the league and to achieve that we have to beat Wigan. Only when we have achieved that will we move on to the next game."

[Cum_Luver]

Man U is leading 1-0 courtesy of a penalty.
Scholes is very lucky to be still playing after a second bookable offence,was let-off with a warning.
Wigan should have a penalty before conceding the penalty...the ball strucks Ferninand's upper hand.

[LiverPOO]

Originally Posted by Cum_Luver

Man U is leading 1-0 courtesy of a penalty.
Scholes is very lucky to be still playing after a second bookable offence,was let-off with a warning.
Wigan should have a penalty before conceding the penalty...the ball strucks Ferninand's upper hand.

shouldn't you be watching your team's game?

YAWN

[alex18122003]

Premier League - Giggs strike caps United triumph

Manchester United sealed their 10th Premier League title in 16 years with a 2-0 win against Wigan Athletic.

On the day he equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 first-team appearances, Ryan Giggs scored the second goal late on to seal a nervous victory.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave United a first-half lead with a disputed penalty - his 31st league goal of the season.

Bolton's injury-time equaliser against Chelsea meant United ended with a two-point cushion, but the result at Stamford Bridge was rendered irrelevant thanks to the Reds' vastly superior goal difference.

United were the division's top scorers and finished with the best defensive record. Few neutrals - if such people exist - would deny they merited their championship.

Ronaldo's 31 goals equals the record for a 38-game domestic season, with Alan Shearer having set that mark for Blackburn in 1995/96.

Chelsea proved no less efficient at achieving results, but their inability to produce the fantasy football demanded by Roman Abramovich eventually proved fatal to their title hopes - and could also sound the death knell for Avram Grant's reign as manager.

They will regroup ahead of the Champions League final - against United - in Moscow in 10 days' time.

Any talk of a summer stroll in the park for United proved well wide of the mark. Inexperienced left-back Maynor Figueroa was the only non-regular in the Wigan first team while persistent drizzle gradual turned the pitch into a bog.

Wigan tore into their opponents, with strikers Emile Heskey and Marcus Bent providing a muscular, awkward threat up front.

The enigmatic Jason Koumas also started, and soon set about peppering Edwin van der Sar's goal with 30-yard shots.

Sir Alex Ferguson had complained that United would have been champions weeks ago but for bad luck with injuries and refereeing decisions - particularly in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last month.

But the champions certainly got the benefit of Steve Bennett's doubt in a controversial first half.

On 22 minutes Rio Ferdinand blocked a Jason Koumas shot with his upper arm but Bennett said 'no penalty'.

Ten minutes later he had little hesitation in pointing to the spot when Emmerson Boyce brought down Wayne Rooney as the ball pinballed around the Wigan box.

His challenge was more clumsy than malicious, but Ronaldo punished him with a cool spot-kick, sending Chris Kirkland the wrong way and slotting low into the right side of the net.

Bennett found himself in the thick of things on 36 minutes when Paul Scholes shoulder-barged Wilson Palacios.

The midfielder had already been booked for a tackle from behind on Palacios and had the game been less important or the player less illustrious, Bennett may well have flashed the red card. But he kept his cards in his pocket.

The second half saw United playing impossibly nervy football, particularly after news filtered through that Chelsea were beating Bolton.

Chris Kirkland kept Wigan in the game with brilliant saves to deny Rooney - a surprise starter following his hip injury - Carlos Tevez and Ronaldo.

Meanwhile Scholes was denied what looked a clear penalty when Bramble tripped him with a rash sliding tackle.

At the other end Heskey headed narrowly over but Wigan proved unable to capitalise on their opponents' jitters.

It was all over 10 minutes from time when Giggs, a man who has played a part in all of Ferguson's title-winning sides, found himself in acres of space at the edge of the penalty area.

Rooney found him with a simple pass, and the Welshman found the corner of the net. Cue wild celebrations from the away fans.

At 34, Giggs's skills might be on the wane, but he still has an eye for the big occasion and capped off a glorious season in fitting fashion.

[alex18122003]

Ronaldo: We're worthy champions

Cristiano Ronaldo believes United are worthy winners of the Premier League title, and says he knew when his spot-kick nestled in the back of the net that United clinch the trophy.

It may not have been so clear-cut for every United fan watching events unfold at the JJB Stadium but Ronny, as usual, took the ever-confident approach.

“The pressure was high, but we believed in ourselves and we deserved to win the title, definitely,” he said.

Some players may have been nervous stepping up to take the spot-kick midway through the first-half. Not Ronaldo. “I was confident because I felt that if I scored we would win the match. I am very happy to help my team.”

Ronaldo’s 31 league goals in the 34 games played a huge part in delivering United’s 17th league championship crown, but he says praise cannot be heaped on one player.

“This was a team effort and I think we deserved it because we are the best team in the Premier League.”

[alex18122003]

[DatukSeks]

Fergie in market for new striker

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he intends to buy a striker this summer to boost his forward options for next season.

Many feel United's squad is almost flawless - although they do appear to be a striker short with Louis Saha's future looking uncertain.

Ferguson can already boast the likes of Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney - but then there is little else in terms of an out-and-out striker with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs the next best options.

Now Ferguson is scouring the world and assessing his options before making a move.

Michael Owen is the latest name to be linked whilst Dimitar Berbatov, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Luis Fabiano are also said to be under consideration.

"We will buy," Ferguson confirmed.

"Along with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, we may need experience in one forward position, somebody to take over from Ryan Giggs eventually."

[dom01]

tot nani is taking over giggs?

[ZapMePlease]

hope christiano ronaldo will leave man u after this season and join a bigger and more successful club

[LiverPOO]

Originally Posted by dom01

tot nani is taking over giggs?

yes, nani is taking over giggs...on the bench!!!

[alex18122003]

Rooney: United are best in Europe



Wayne Rooney insists Manchester United would be worthy winners of the Champions League because of their record in the competition this season.The England striker points to the team's unbeaten run as to proof they are the best in Europe.

Rooney's theory will be put to the test in Moscow a week on Wednesday when Chelsea provide the opposition in the competition's first all-English final.

United will approach the clash with onfidence after clinching the Premier League title following Sunday's 2-0 victory against Wigan.

With Barcelona and Roma among their victims in the Champions League, Rooney cannot wait for the showdown in Moscow.

He said: "Winning the Champions League would be a great achievement, unbelievable.

"It is a very difficult trophy to win but we are the only unbeaten team in the competition.

"That record speaks for itself and we have played some great football in Europe this season.

"Some people said we did not express ourselves enough against Barcelona but we knew we had a job to do and we got to the final.

"We want to go there and win it as well as the league. I feel we can do it."

Rooney paid tribute to Ryan Giggs and cited the Welsh winger as a shining example to all young players.

Giggs marked a record-equalling 758th appearance for United by scoring the crucial second goal at Wigan.

Cristiano Ronaldo had made the breakthrough from the penalty spot to take his tally for the season to a remarkable 41.

Rooney said: "It's an unbelievable achievement by Giggsy and a perfect moment for him to score.

"I don't think anyone will ever win 10 titles like he has done. He deserves it. Today, more players move around clubs but Giggsy has shown his commitment and loyalty to Manchester United.

"He is a great example for all young players."

Rooney, who has weighed in with 18 goals this season, was delighted with the way United retained their title.

He had missed the previous two games with a hip problem and said: "To win it on the last day makes it even better.

"We did the job at Wigan and deserved a victory. It is a brilliant feeling."