Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by badboynani17

Man City drew last night! Great! Time for Utd to go 3 points clear!

Originally Posted by machoman

[b]Man Utd go three clear on top with narrow win over Fulham

3 points clear with 8 games to go. let's hope the gap gets bigger by the time we go to the ethihad stadium.

if we can be 6 points ahead by then, a draw there would effectively seal the title. imagine winning the title at the home ground of our noisy neighbours.

[mr_missile]

Luck evens itself out - Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists lucky breaks even themselves out over the course of a season.

On Wednesday, Patrick Vieira suggested that United, along with most major clubs in Spain and Italy, benefited from favourable decisions on home soil - although the Frenchman later claimed his comments were taken out of context.

The argument has been reignited following Michael Oliver's failure to award Fulham a last-minute penalty at Old Trafford on Monday for Michael Carrick's clumsy challenge on Danny Murphy.

Ferguson accepts United - who won the game 1-0 - were lucky with that one.

However, he can cite plenty of other instances where his team were wronged.

"From the referee's position, I can see why he didn't give a penalty when Danny Murphy was brought down," he said.

"The ball moved to the angle as Michael Carrick challenged him. From that position, it wasn't clear.

"It was a good claim but City could have had a penalty against them at Stoke for a foul by Gareth Barry.

"Every club gets breaks here and there, you get good ones and bad ones.

"It evens itself out over the season, that will never change."

Ferguson used United's home game against Newcastle in November as an example of a major decision affecting his team, when Rio Ferdinand conceded a penalty for a perfectly fair challenge on Hatem Ben Arfa.

He also has not forgotten how Mario Balotelli escaped a red card for stamping on Scott Parker during Manchester City's win over Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium in January, then scored the match-winning penalty in injury-time.

"We had a terrible decision earlier this season when Newcastle got a penalty and Tottenham could claim the same when Mario Balotelli wasn't sent off and ended up scoring the winning goal," said Ferguson.

"You could go through millions of things like that.

"Maybe smaller clubs feel that (decisions go against them when they play big clubs) but someone said some years ago that we get lots of penalties. It is only averaging out at three a year.

"You can't say that is a lot when you are attacking teams all the time.

"Most managers believe the breaks even themselves out."

Meanwhile, Ferguson confirmed winger Nani would again be missing when United head to Blackburn on Monday.

The Portugal international has missed four games with an ankle injury and was expected to return to training early this week.

"He won't be back until tomorrow and Monday will come too soon," said the United boss.

[machoman]

Late show sends Man Utd five points clear at the top

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Blackburn Rovers sink into the relegation places on goal difference after a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United who extend their lead at the top of the Premiership to five points over Manchester City.

For 81 minutes it looked as if Blackburn might pick up an unlikely point in their bid to avoid the drop, but United are renowned for their late shows and two goals in the final nine minutes decided the game in favour of the visitor’s.

It is now six games since Rovers defeated Manchester United at home but they battled hard in defence to restrict the league leaders but finally cracked when Antonio Valencia beat keeper Paul Robinson at the far post.

Moments later and the points were secure as United made it ten wins out of their last eleven league games as substitute Ashley Young collected Valencia’s pass to finish with aplomb.

Yet, for all United’s dominance keeper David de Gea made two fine saves at the end of the first half from Grant Hanley and Marcus Olsson to prevent the host’s from taking a shock lead.

City boss Roberto Mancini felt Rovers might nick a point out of this game and he was so close to being proved right but United are relentless and continue their charge for the title.

Referee: Howard Webb

Venue: Ewood Park

Attendance: 26,532

Blackburn scorers: Man Utd scorers: Valencia 81, Young 86

[machoman]

Man Utd's Last 7 Fixtures:

Apr 8 12:30 GMT Manchester United v Queens Park Rangers Old Trafford Premier League

Apr 11 18:45 GMT Wigan Athletic v Manchester United DW Stadium Premier League

Apr 15 15:00 GMT Manchester United v Aston Villa Old Trafford Premier League

Apr 22 11:30 GMT Manchester United v Everton Old Trafford Premier League

Apr 30 19:00 GMT Manchester City v Manchester United Etihad Stadium Premier League

May 6 13:00 GMT Manchester United v Swansea City Old Trafford Premier League

May 13 14:00 GMT Sunderland v Manchester United Stadium of Light Premier League

[mr_missile]

United eight clear after OT win

Manchester United took a huge step towards retaining their Premier League title after disposing of 10-man QPR 2-0 at Old Trafford.

For the second time in 24 hours, a side mired in relegation trouble were the victims of a shocking decision as United's march to the title continued.

QPR's hopes of capitalising on Wigan's misfortune on Saturday were virtually ended after 13 minutes when skipper Shaun Derry was sent off for fouling Ashley Young inside the box.

Contact was minimal to start with, that Young was clearly offside when he received Wayne Rooney's through ball just made the call from referee Lee Mason even more farcical.

United should have run up a huge score, such was their overwhelming dominance thereafter.

Instead, they were forced to rely on a second-half piledriver from Paul Scholes to wrap up a win that keeps them on course to clinch a 20th championship.

Their day was made even better after seeing Arsenal sink title rivals Manchester City 1-0 at The Emirates, where Mikel Arteta scored a late winner and Mario Balotelli saw red in stoppage time.

Yet the recriminations from the Old Trafford blunder will last for some time.

Indeed, after this weekend's events, some bosses would argue what should be a thrilling fight to avoid relegation is in danger of being decided by who ends up with the most incompetent officials. That so much in prestige and finance is being risked seems frankly wrong.

The two abysmal decisions that condemned Wigan to defeat at Chelsea were matched by the appalling conclusion reached when Rooney slid his pass through to Young.

The linesman was in exactly the right position too, making his judgement even more mystifying.

Hughes strode the touchline in utter disbelief just as Roberto Martinez had done at Stamford Bridge 24 hours earlier.

Club officials protested vehemently on Twitter, with chief executive Phil Beard likening Young to British Olympic diving hopeful Tom Daley and owner Tony Fernandes declaring simply: "Awful. Spoilt another game". Fernandes also wrote that the club intended to appeal Derry's red card.

Rooney did not care of course, ramming home the spot-kick for his 29th goal of the season.

Behind, down in numbers and without Joey Barton, who is one booking away from a two-match ban, and Bobby Zamora, left on the bench after a recent head cold, QPR found themselves in an impossible situation.

United effectively set up camp around the visitors' penalty area and the only wonder was they had not increased their advantage by half-time.

Rooney brought a couple of decent saves out of Paddy Kenny, first with a curling free-kick, then a chip that was bound for the top corner.

Antonio Valencia was furious that a far more plausible penalty appeal than the one that had been given was turned down after he had been bundled over by Taye Taiwo.

Patrice Evra lashed a shot wide and Danny Welbeck had an effort charged down by Anton Ferdinand as QPR mounted a brave rearguard action.

Selected ahead of Javier Hernandez, Welbeck was eager to do well but was denied a goal at the start of the second half by an offside decision that was far closer than the earlier one.

Welbeck then fired well over from an acute angle, much to the frustration of Sir Alex Ferguson.

As with their previous home game against Fulham, United were failing to make their pressure tell.

Rooney was the next to waste an opportunity, although it was a half-chance, and Kenny needed to make a save.

Rafael should have scored after being brilliantly picked out by Scholes but the young Brazilian panicked, driving his shot straight at Kenny, who had gone down early, the ball then rising up onto the crossbar and bouncing to safety.

Welbeck was set up by Rooney and despite having two goes, failed to beat Kenny, who repelled the initial shot, then gathered the follow-up as it was stabbed goalwards.

It needed an old head to take control and Scholes duly obliged, drilling home from 25 yards after Abel Taarabt had gifted possession to Rafael.

Michael Carrick's ferocious 35-yard shot came crashing back off a post as United tried to improve their goal difference, which Ferguson continues to insist might be significant.

The return of DJ Campbell after three months out with a hamstring injury, could be just as notable for QPR, although that is of small comfort for Hughes, who just like Martinez, stormed away shaking his head at the injustice of it all.

[shysaint]

ho sei liao ... ho sei liao ...

8 pts CLEAR ....

IF at this period can overtake comeone and then lead by 8 pts .... CONFIRM Champions liao ....

[omnia]

Congrats to the red devils n its fans...

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by omnia

Congrats to the red devils n its fans...

bro omnia, u a bit fast with the congratulations leh. united may be 8 points in the lead with 6 games to play. but we will not be arrogant and jump the gun.

we will keep the champange corked in the cooler until it is confirmed that united has won the league this season. and u are most welcome to join us in the celebrations then! ya?

[omnia]

Did u catch the game at the emirates bro?...gunners deserved the victory...more imptly citeh looked like a spent force n macini appeared to run out of ideas...as usual super mario was being his usual
why always me self which just componded the problems...

just cant see citeh bouncing bk after yesterday...also united hv too much momentum n experience to suddenly collapse at this late stage, not forgetting that the ru in still favours united...

Bookies hv stopped taking bets on united n rtly so i sld add...overall united hv once again shown that it understands wat is necessary to win the epl...hats off to fergie n his boys n men...

Enjoy 20#...

Originally Posted by mr_missile

bro omnia, u a bit fast with the congratulations leh. united may be 8 points in the lead with 6 games to play. but we will not be arrogant and jump the gun.

we will keep the champange corked in the cooler until it is confirmed that united has won the league this season. and u are most welcome to join us in the celebrations then! ya?

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by omnia

Did u catch the game at the emirates bro?...gunners deserved the victory...more imptly citeh looked like a spent force n macini appeared to run out of ideas...as usual super mario was being his usual
why always me self which just componded the problems...

just cant see citeh bouncing bk after yesterday...also united hv too much momentum n experience to suddenly collapse at this late stage, not forgetting that the ru in still favours united...

Bookies hv stopped taking bets on united n rtly so i sld add...overall united hv once again shown that it understands wat is necessary to win the epl...hats off to fergie n his boys n men...

Enjoy 20#...

saw the gunners v citeh game. agree that citeh looked jaded and out of sorts. maybe the pressure of being 8 points behind at the start of the game had really affected them.

but also have to give credit to the gunners for a good game against citeh. player for player, save for RVP, citeh would have won hands down. but the gunners were definitely more spirited and willing to chase a seemingly lost cause.

arteta's goal was superbly taken. at 82 mins, it just took the wind out of our noisy neighbours. i must admit i jumped out of my sofa when the ball flew into the net, knowing that united will then surely be 8 points ahead.

but as the saying goes, never count the chickens before they are hatched. so until it is mathematically impossible for citeh to catch us, i will still put the champange on ice.

[Rated-R]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

saw the gunners v citeh game. agree that citeh looked jaded and out of sorts. maybe the pressure of being 8 points behind at the start of the game had really affected them.

but also have to give credit to the gunners for a good game against citeh. player for player, save for RVP, citeh would have won hands down. but the gunners were definitely more spirited and willing to chase a seemingly lost cause.

arteta's goal was superbly taken. at 82 mins, it just took the wind out of our noisy neighbours. i must admit i jumped out of my sofa when the ball flew into the net, knowing that united will then surely be 8 points ahead.

but as the saying goes, never count the chickens before they are hatched. so until it is mathematically impossible for citeh to catch us, i will still put the champange on ice.

With Man Utd's usual resilient character, they can catch up if rivals are 8-12pts ahead. And now they themselves are 8pts ahead...I doubt they will crumble under pressure.
Many other teams all have crumbled under pressure...but not Man Utd! Go Devils!

[mr_missile]

City close gap on beaten United

Manchester City moved to within five points of Manchester United in the Premier League as they beat West Brom and the Red Devils lost at Wigan.

Reeling from three games without a win which appeared to gift the title to United, City roared to a 4-0 win over the Baggies with Sergio Aguero scoring twice and Carlos Tevez and David Silva adding further goals.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, meanwhile, fell to Shaun Maloney's 50th minute strike in a 1-0 defeat at Wigan, a result which moved Roberto Martinez's men out of the relegation zone.

After their controversial loss at Chelsea on Saturday, the Latics scented more injustice when a first half header from Victor Moses was ruled out for an apparent foul on goalkeeper David De Gea.

But Wigan went ahead when Maloney slammed home left-footed from the edge of the box, and the home side survived a late penalty shout to cling on for three crucial points.

[9tails4ox]

the red devils just lost to wigan in the morning and lead is now dropped to 5 points!

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by Rated-R

With Man Utd's usual resilient character, they can catch up if rivals are 8-12pts ahead. And now they themselves are 8pts ahead...I doubt they will crumble under pressure.
Many other teams all have crumbled under pressure...but not Man Utd! Go Devils!

i am sure united will bounce back after this morning's shock loss to wigan. the gap is now only 5 points with 5 games to play.

we have just left the door a bit ajar and thus given our noisy neighbours a glimmer of hope.

[mr_missile]

Title race is back on - Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that the Premier League title race is back on.

On Sunday evening it seemed to be in the bag for United, who had opened up an eight-point lead with six games remaining over a Manchester City side apparently imploding under Roberto Mancini.

But by Thursday morning there had been a significant shift in fortunes thanks to Wigan's shock win over United at the DW Stadium as the Blues were recording a comfortable victory over West Brom.

As City are in action first this weekend, United's lead could be down to just two points by kick-off of Sunday's encounter with Aston Villa.

And Ferguson concedes his team still has a fight to win.

"The race is back on isn't it?" he said. "They [City] have a chance don't they? They haven't been playing well, they've said that, but a 4-0 win is a good result at this time of the season."

Immediately after that game, City manager Mancini ruled out overhauling United and then continued the reverse psychology ahead of his side's encounter with Norwich by disparaging his own side compared with Ferguson's.

United are not buying it though, with Ferguson electing to stay out of the mind games.

"That doesn't matter to us," he said. "We've all got opportunities to talk about mind games. He [Mancini] has maybe picked the wrong time to say it."

Ferguson faces one of his former players this weekend in old Aberdeen stalwart Alex McLeish.

A series of depressing Villa performances have not done much to soothe relations between McLeish and the club's fans, who were not impressed by the choice of an old Birmingham manager as their new boss last summer.

Along with Blackburn's Steve Kean, McLeish has suffered the most intense in-house abuse in the top flight this term.

Yet it seems everyone is open to scrutiny, including Ferguson, whose decision to rest Paul Scholes for Wednesday night's shock defeat at Wigan was condemned by many supporters on United's own TV channel.

Asked whether the abuse McLeish has received could happen anywhere, Ferguson said: "I think so, yes. It is a change in society.

"I spoke some time ago about the picture of the melee on the pitch between United and Leeds and in the background the fans were completely passive. You wouldn't get that today.

"We did the right thing resting Paul on Wednesday. It may not have looked like that to the fans, but three games in seven days would have been a big ask.

"In games at Old Trafford, well any game really, he controls the tempo of our game and the rhythm of our game.

"We thought with Ryan Giggs' experience in the middle of the pitch that resting Scholesy would have been all right, but as it transpired that didn't show."

The annoyance at one selection by a manager who is trying to win his 13th Premier League title is nothing compared to the anger McLeish's presence has provoked amongst some sections of Villa's support.

During a recent game at Wigan they openly abused the Scot, who, like Kean, has kept his counsel in a dignified manner.

And Ferguson insists if Villa show a bit of patience, they will be rewarded.

"I do have sympathy for Alex," Ferguson added. "I have known him since he was a little kid. When I brought him into the team at Aberdeen he was always a very receptive, intelligent young man.

"He was a great player, has had a good career as a manager and will do a good job at Villa given time, trust and confidence. We all need a pat on the back at times and Alex has done a remarkable job."

Ferguson certainly believes McLeish has been the victim of owner Randy Lerner's demand to reduce the wage bill that built up under Martin O'Neill, coupled with injuries to key men Richard Dunne and Darren Bent.

"There was an imbalance in terms of what is needed in the Premier League," he said.

"You only need a couple of injuries and it is a massive blow. And in Bent you are taking away a goalscorer who gets between 18 and 20 a season. That is a big loss."