Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

Saturday 23rd April 2011
Manchester United v Everton

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea

Saturday 14th May 2011
Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Manchester United v Blackpool

Originally Posted by mr_missile

Arsenal's title run-in games

Sunday 24th April 2011
Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal

Sunday 01st May 2011
Arsenal v Manchester United

Saturday 07th May 2011
Stoke City v Arsenal

Saturday 14th May 2011
Arsenal v Aston Villa

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Fulham v Arsenal

chelsea has leapfrogged over arsenal after last nite's games. their run-in games :

Saturday 23rd April 2011
Chelsea v West Ham United

Saturday 30th April 2011
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

Sunday 08th May 2011
Manchester United v Chelsea

Sunday 15th May 2011
Chelsea v Newcastle United

Sunday 22nd May 2011
Everton v Chelsea


United must avoid defeats against both Chelsea and Arsenal to prevent them from closing the gap of 6 points between us and them now. if can avoid defeat, the 19th title is surely coming back home to OT.

[machoman]

United leave it late to sink Everton

Sunday, April 24, 2011, 00:24:20 HRS

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (L) clashes with Everton's Sylvain Distin during the English Premier League football match at Old Trafford in Manchester. United moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Hernandez's late goal clinched a crucial 1-0 win.

Manchester United closed in on a record 19th league title after Javier Hernandez struck in the final minutes to earn a vital 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday.

Tim Howard looked to have earned Everton a hard-earned point after a string of fine saves against his former club at Old Trafford.

But Everton could not stop Mexican striker Hernandez heading home in the 83rd minute as United opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

United will now win the title if they win their next two matches against Arsenal and Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson clearly had one eye on next week's Champions League game in Germany as Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic sat out the game ahead of the semi-final first leg at Schalke.

Everton's last win at Old Trafford was back in 1992, but the Merseyside club arrived at Old Trafford with an outside chance of finishing fifth in the table after winning five of their previous seven games.

And despite the absence of key players Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta from the starting line-up, the visitors settled quickly.

Leon Osman was allowed space on the edge of the area to test Edwin van der Sar in the eighth minute, but it was Van der Sar's opposite number who was responsible for Everton going in goalless at half time.

The United States international produced two fine saves to deny Hernandez in the space of six minutes.

Hernandez looked certain to increase his goal tally to 19 from an acute angle before the Everton stopper turned the ball behind in the 25th minute.

And Howard again frustrated the United forward by keeping out his first time shot after the move of the game involving Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney.

Everton's bright start was a distant memory as United continued to dominate yet the hosts struggled to find the all important breakthrough.

Hernandez went from being his side's most dangerous attacking threat to becoming Everton's 38th minute saviour.

After Valencia had got the better of left-back Leighton Baines, the United winger teed up Nani, whose low drive was heading for the corner of the net before it was deflected wide by Hernandez.

Everton manager David Moyes responded to his team's first half showing by making a double change at the start of the second-half.

Cahill, who has been struggling with injury, was introduced along with striker Victor Anichebe in place of the ineffective Jermaine Beckford and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.

And the substitutions seemed to have an immediate impact. Anichebe went sprawling after a nudge by Ferdinand inside the United penalty area but referee Peter Walton waved away Everton's shouts for a penalty.

And Jack Rodwell showed why Manchester United are monitoring his progress as the young midfielder forced a great 69th minute save from Van der Sar with a low 20-yard drive which took a slight deflection.

But after Sylvain Distin almost put through his own net, United took a huge stride towards claiming another Premier League crown double when Hernandez pounced from close range after connecting with Valencia's cross.

- AFP

[mr_missile]

6 point lead with 4 games to go.

the gunners in all probability have blown their title challenge with the loss last nite agst bolton which sees them 9 points behind.

that leaves chelski providing the only obstacle to united and the 19th league title.

united's next game is on 1 may vs the gunners while chelski will play spurs a day earlier on 30 april.

will the title race be over by then with a chelski loss followed by a united win?

i will join my mates to cheer the spurs on this sat!

[jitlong69]

Originally Posted by jitlong69

That is my predictions too. MU has 2 tricky games. The first one is Bolton. Bolton has always been a boo boo team for all the top 4. The edge is with MU playing at home. Dont bang too much on a MU win cause it could likely be a draw. Currently MU right back is weak with the ultility man O'Shea out and also Rafael

Nexy tricky game is with Everton on the 23rd. Again MU is at home so the edge on MU again but MU never has an easy game with Everton.
luckily mu got the 3 points. once more "little green pea" did the job

Arsenal will be out for revenge for their FA exit when they meet MU. Hopefully MU will score first because Arsenal back line is weak.
arsenal has little to fight for except pride. they could go all out to win at home which means their back will be expose even bigger and could be something good for mu

Arsenal also have to meet Bolton at Reebok on 24th so this will be an important game for Arsenal and MU.
as i said, bolton always a booboo team for the big boys. mu almost kenna if not for berbetov last minute goal

Spurs should win at White Hart on the 20th when they meet Arsenal.
i dont know what is wrong with harry, their backside is so exposed lately, but a draw is still better than nothing though they could have won. spurs were the better side later in the second half

So everything points towards MU for their 19th League cup or maybe another treble. MU is on course anyway. Lets sit back and enjoy the game.
win at emirate on the 1st may, and thats it.

Chelsea, best is a 3rd position.
i could still be right, depending on their game with spurs and everton

4th place will be very interesting between Spur and M city that everyone knows.
looks like spurs will not be in the champion league next year but i am keeping my fingers crossed

Mu next 2 games in the EPL will be very interesting especially the game with Arsenal which has more significant.

[yinyang]

One down, just Chelskis to bit the dust at OT

[machoman]

Man Utd wary of German jinx ahead of Schalke test

Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:13:23 HRS

Manchester United's Scottish manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite his squad having memorably beaten Bayern Munich to win the final of the 1999 Champions League, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are yet to win in four two-legged ties against German teams.

If Manchester United are to reach a third Champions League final in four years, they must overcome both surprise package Schalke 04 and a dismal record against German teams.

United visit Schalke in their semi-final first leg on Tuesday, bidding to reach the final at Wembley 43 years after they beat Benfica there to become the first English champions of Europe.

Schalke stunned holders Inter Milan 7-3 on aggregate in the quarter-finals though, and they have little to lose ahead of United's trip to the Veltins Arena.

It is the first time the Gelsenkirchen club have appeared in the last four of Europe's premier cup competition, but they will take heart from United's historic struggles against German opposition.

Despite having memorably beaten Bayern Munich to win the final of the 1999 tournament, Sir Alex Ferguson's men are yet to win in four two-legged ties against German teams.

Bayern accounted for United at the quarter-final stage in both 2001 and 2010, but more appropriate comparisons can be made with their semi-final defeats by Borussia Dortmund, in 1997, and Bayer Leverkusen, in 2002.

On both occasions United were strongly tipped to progress, only to lose 2-0 on aggregate to eventual champions Dortmund in 1997 and go out on away goals against Leverkusen five years later.

Ferguson will be acutely aware of the similarities and he will also be wary of the dangerous have-a-go mentality forged in the Schalke ranks during their astonishing 5-2 first-leg success at Inter in the previous round.

"The German teams have always had that resilience and determination about them and that will be exactly the same on Tuesday night," said Ferguson.

"We're going into this game with far more experience than we have in previous years and our record away from home in the last few years has been terrific."

Whatever happens on Tuesday, something will have to give, as Schalke have a 100 percent home record in this season's competition while United are yet to concede a goal on their travels.

Manuel Neuer will be the man seeking to keep United at bay and Ferguson is thought to be an admirer of the Germany goalkeeper, who has announced that he will not extend his Schalke contract when it expires in 2012.

An 83rd-minute header from Javier Hernandez earned United a 1-0 win at home to Everton on Saturday that preserved their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

It was their fourth win in five top-flight games, taking the club to within seven points of a record 19th English title.

Schalke's coach Ralf Rangnick. The football team head is expected to restore midfielders Jose Jurado, Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Alexander Baumjohann to the starting XI in their upcoming Champions League match.

In stark contrast, Schalke's 1-0 loss at home to Kaiserslautern left the Royal Blues in mid-table anonymity in the Bundesliga -- 11 points above the relegation zone and 17 points shy of the Champions League places in 10th.

Coach Ralf Rangnick shuffled his pack in a bid to keep key players fresh and he is expected to restore midfielders Jose Jurado, Kyriakos Papadopoulos and Alexander Baumjohann to the starting XI.

Centre-back Benedikt Howedes, who crashed home the winner in the 2-1 second-leg defeat of Inter, is also set to return from injury.

"I selected the team in such a way because I wanted to win both of our games (against Kaiserslautern and United)," explained Rangnick, who took over from Felix Magath last month.

"In the Champions League, we will select a different starting 11 again."

United also made wholesale changes against Everton and captain Nemanja Vidic will return to the heart of the defence after being rested for the Merseysiders' visit.

Right-back Rafael could start after returning to the squad following a hamstring injury sustained in the first leg of the 3-1 aggregate quarter-final win over Chelsea, but striker Dimitar Berbatov (groin) is a slight doubt.

- AFP

[mr_missile]

MAN UNITED ON BRINK OF CL FINAL

Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney fired Manchester United to the brink of the Champions League final with a 2-0 victory at Schalke in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Giggs finally broke the outstanding Manuel Neuer's one-man resistance in the Arena AufSchalke clash in the 67th minute with a cool finish through the goalkeeper's legs after superb play from Rooney.

And just two minutes later the England international added his name to the scoresheet, slotting home from just inside the area after more weak defending from the home side allowed Javier Hernandez to set up his strike partner.

The Red Devils had contrived to create and miss a host of chances in the opening 45 minutes with Hernandez, Giggs, Rooney and Park all left wondering how they had failed to beat Schalke's highly-rated number one.

The Germany international, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar, produced a series of top-drawer stops to keep his side in the tie.

Ralf Rangnick's men, so poor in the Bundesliga but previously excellent in Europe, elected to bring their dismal domestic form to their biggest game of the season and rarely troubled Van der Sar.

The winner of this tie will face either Real Madrid or Barcelona in the final at Wembley on May 28.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed United were prevented from taking an unassailable lead by the best goalkeeping performance against the club since he became manager.

"In my time at United, it is probably the finest display of goalkeeping against us," said Ferguson on Neuer's superb performance.

"I am sure there have been other feats but tonight I saw a very good one."

Schalke coach Rangnick could only reflect on a disastrous night for his team, with only Neuer emerging with any real credit.

"We started quite well. Then it all went wrong," he said.

"We gave them too much space and could have been behind by three goals at half-time if it had not been for Manuel Neuer.

"He is the best goalkeeper in the world but you don't need this performance to confirm that.

"If you see his development over the last few years he is absolutely top class.

"But for the goals, we just stood around and watched. You can't do that.

"We are not going to capitulate though. Manchester United have a better chance to reach the final but strange things happen in football.

"However, we do need to improve."

[machoman]

United beat Schalke 2-0 in Champions League semi first leg

Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 05:01:13 HRS

Manchester's English forward Wayne Rooney celebrates after scoring during the Champions League semi-final, first-leg match of Schalke 04 against Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. Manchester won 2-0.

Manchester United produced a devastating attacking performance to record a 2-0 win over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.

Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, a reported United target, kept the three-time champions at bay almost single-handedly before quick-fire second-half goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney brought United a deserved victory.

The result puts Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly in the driving seat ahead of next week's return leg at Old Trafford, when they will seek to book their place in the Champions League final for the third time in four seasons.

"We're delighted but a bit disappointed in terms of not scoring more," said Rooney.

"We have done very well. We have to be professional for the second leg as Schalke can't be taken lightly. They went to Inter and won 5-2 (in the first leg of their quarter-final)."

Giggs was always confident of victory.

"I thought if we kept creating chances then they would go in," said the Welshman who, at 37, became the oldest player to score a Champions League goal.

"We could have been four or five up at half-time. Before the match we would have taken 2-0 but it's quite disappointing in terms of the final result now."

Schalke upset defending champions Inter Milan in the previous round but the visitors' onslaught meant they were unable to cause Edwin van der Sar any real problems as the United goalkeeper kept his 50th clean sheet in the competition.

Schalke's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) jumps for the ball during the Champions League semi-final, first-leg match of Schalke 04 against Manchester United in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. Manchester won 2-0.

Neuer has been the subject of intense speculation since he announced he was not going to extend his contract but the Schalke captain demonstrated why he is so highly sought after with a string of world-class stops in the first half.

The first, on three minutes, saw him brilliantly palm away a Rooney curler, before he plunged to his right to keep out a low Park Ji-Sung drive two minutes later.

United's best early chance fell to Javier Hernandez but, having beaten the offside trap from Park's pass, the Mexican international found his route to goal blocked by the imposing frame of the Germany number one.

Hernandez ruffled the side netting and flashed a shot across the face of goal before a stunning one-handed stop from Neuer prevented Giggs heading United in front.

It seemed only a matter of time before semi-final debutants Schalke buckled and Atsuto Uchida had to produce a tremendous block to deny Park after Neuer's save from Hernandez left the Korean with an open goal.

Neuer was at it again seconds from half-time, boldly racing from his line to deny Giggs, after Schalke had seen a penalty appeal rejected when Antonio Valencia nudged Alexander Baumjohann in the back beneath a high ball.

A Rooney header from a Giggs free-kick prompted more acrobatics from Neuer early in the second half, while Giggs should have done better than blaze wide moments later after flummoxing three defenders with a cunning feint.

A rare sight of goal at the other end saw Jose Manuel Jurado slice a volley wide, before the breakthrough that United's first-half dominance merited finally materialised in the 67th minute.

Rooney bought himself space on the edge of the box by shaping to shoot and as the Schalke defence advanced to close him down, he slipped a pass through for Giggs to roll the ball between Neuer's legs.

The deadlock finally broken, United required just two minutes to stretch their lead.

Hernandez drove infield from the right flank before stabbing the ball to Rooney, who beat the exposed Neuer with a first-time shot into the bottom-left corner.

Victory could even have been more handsome, had Patrice Evra's low shot two minutes from time not whistled narrowly wide of the right-hand upright.

- AFP

[CKee]

Originally Posted by mr_missile

no treble nevermind lah. the 19th league title, followed by the champions league are given more priority.

Treble is a one off which may never happen again. First team players must be steer clear of injuries and be mentally tough, and luck plays an impt part. Of course Man Utd achieve this 1st.

In terms of priority and not belittling the EPL, I think Man Utd would prefer to win the Champions League. I prefer Man Utd meeting Real in the final because Barca may prove tougher opponents and I believe SAF has never beaten any of Jose's teams before.

[mr_missile]

Originally Posted by CKee

Treble is a one off which may never happen again. First team players must be steer clear of injuries and be mentally tough, and luck plays an impt part. Of course Man Utd achieve this 1st.

In terms of priority and not belittling the EPL, I think Man Utd would prefer to win the Champions League. I prefer Man Utd meeting Real in the final because Barca may prove tougher opponents and I believe SAF has never beaten any of Jose's teams before.

agree with u on the treble part.

the 1st time united did the treble in 1999, i remember the journey to achieving it was incredible to say the least.

the FA cup semi-final vs Ars? United were down to 10 men and 2 individuals' brilliance took United to the final - Schmeichel saving a penalty and then Giggs' amazing solo run from the halfway line to score the winning goal.

the CL semi-final vs Juve? 2 nil down away and United came roaring back with 3 goals from cole, yorke and captain keane.

the CL final vs Bayern? who can forget the 2 late late strikes by Sheringham and Solksjaer to steal the Cup right from under the noses of the germans?

the BPL league game vs Everton? again United were again 2 goals down and came back to win. that massive win gave the team the belief and momentum needed to carry the team over the finish line.

with Barca winning 2-0 agst Real in the semi-final 1st leg at the Bernabeu last nite, it seems likely that a repeat of the CL final betw United and Barca is on the cards.

[Rooney Strike]

Arsenal 1 United 0
United slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, setting up a virtual title decider with Chelsea next Sunday at Old Trafford.

Aaron Ramsey, who chose to join the North Londoners ahead of the Reds, scored the only goal of the game to inflict a fourth defeat of the Barclays Premier League campaign on the leaders.

Substitute Michael Owen was denied a late penalty when being brought down inside the box with a couple of minutes remaining after Nemanja Vidic appeared to escape conceding a spot-kick for a handball in the first half.

But the Reds were not at their best and rarely replicated the sort of form displayed against Schalke in midweek.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Fabio at right-back and Nani in preference to Antonio Valencia with Anderson drafted into the midfield while the Gunners were without Cesc Fabregas, who injured a thigh in training.

Even without their captain, the hosts started brightly in the sunshine and dominated early possession - although Edwin van der Sar wasn't called into action.

Jack Wilshere lashed a great opportunity wide after a rare slip by Vidic, who cleared straight to the young Englishman, but the Reds' skipper was at his best to pressure Theo Walcott into firing a Robin van Persie cross over the bar soon afterwards.

Patrice Evra was on the top of his game to stretch to divert a van Persie centre away from Walcott and it took some time for United to fashion a threatening move. When it came, Fabio burst onto a Nani pass and stayed on his feet despite a risky challenge inside the box, only to be unable to pick out Javier Hernandez in the middle.

There was a nervous moment on 32 minutes when Vidic appeared to get a feint touch with his fingertips to a Walcott cross with van Persie lurking behind him. Only the Dutchman really appealed but, no doubt, it was a talking point and it did seem to be a moment of madness from Vidic.

Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Rooney traded off-target shots before the Reds striker was harshly booked by Chris Foy for a nudge on Wilshere. Wojciech Szczesny was finally brought into action before half time when gathering Anderson's tame attempt following a more encouraging move which involved Nani and Evra.

United carried more threat after the break with Rooney forcing a save out of Szczesny with a free-kick and Evra ramming the rebound into the side-netting while Nani delivered a great cross that just evaded Hernandez before sending his own set-piece effort bouncing wide.

But Arsenal broke through on 56 minutes, seconds after Antonio Valencia replaced Anderson in midfield and the players were still reorganising.



Wilshere fed van Persie on the right and the striker was afforded too much time to pick out the unmarked Ramsey, who guided his shot past van der Sar's right hand and into the corner of the net.

United needed to muster a response and Vidic headed wide from a Nani corner before the manager replaced Hernandez with the league's top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov.

The visitors finally started building up a head of steam as Ramsey handled a Michael Carrick cross on the edge of the box, arguably inside, but Rooney's free-kick was comfortable for Szczesny.

Rooney did well to find Nani during one smart break but the Portuguese winger's shot was beaten out by Szczesny, although the Gunners still looked dangerous themselves with van Persie a constant threat.

Owen joined the Reds' attack, in place of Carrick, but was denied what looked a blatant penalty with a couple of minutes left when turning Clichy inside the area. Referee Foy waved away the appeals and there was to be no late drama with the team needing to pick themselves up for two huge games in the coming week

[mr_missile]

united always like to make it tough for themselves.

chelski has been given the chance to come to old trafford next week to win and go above united in the league.

will united crumble under pressure? i sure hope not.

old trafford is a fortress this season. let's hope united can put chelski in it's place by winning this coming weekend and virtually wrap up the title.

[mr_missile]

United crush Schalke to reach final

Manchester United will face Barcelona in the Champions League final at Wembley after a 4-1 win over Schalke secured a 6-1 aggregate victory. First-half goals from Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson ensured there was no way back for Schalke, who were already two goals down from the first leg, and a late double from Anderson completed a handsome victory.

For Gibson in particular it represented a fitting riposte to the critics who forced him off Twitter last week after spending barely two hours exposed to a demanding public.

And Ferguson got exactly what he wanted too, namely the chance of revenge over Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who was watching from the stands, for that one-sided encounter in Rome.

But crucially, he also kept all his main players fresh for the visit of Carlo Ancelotti's side, who will seize top spot with two games left if they win.

Eight changes from the weekend defeat at Arsenal was not so much a calculated gamble as a starting line-up born out of necessity from a manager who simply could not afford to risk injury.

As a result, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand found themselves in the unusual position of not being required at all for a semi-final decider in club football's biggest competition, while four more key men started on the bench.

Ferguson must have factored into his thinking that the Germans simply could not be as bad as they were on home soil eight days ago.

They were certainly more solid in the opening stages, as was Gibson's stomach as he took an accidental kick from Jefferson Farfan.

United had an early chance to settle the tie when Dimitar Berbatov wriggled into space with some deft skill by the dead ball line, only to allow Manuel Neuer to intercept his cross as Antonio Valencia waited for a tap-in.

Chris Smalling was similarly frustrated the next time Berbatov found himself with a crossing opportunity.

The nervousness soon disappeared though as Anderson quickly switched a stray pass into Gibson's path.

He picked out Valencia and, unlike last week, United did not need 11 chances before finding the net as the Ecuadorian sent his precise effort through Neuer's legs.

Ferguson celebrated with the gusto of a man who felt the tie was over, his total confidence in a squad so many have doubted vindicated once more.

Within five minutes United had their second. The same three players were involved again too as Anderson used his strength to provide Valencia with a return pass.

He rolled the ball into Gibson's path, although the Irishman would be the first to admit he benefited from a huge slice of good fortune as Neuer inexplicably fumbled, proving he is not perfect after all given last week's heroics.

It was simply unthinkable that United might lose a four-goal advantage, but Jose Jurado gave them something to ponder almost immediately when he profited from back-to-back errors by Smalling and Rafael.

To follow the burst of goals, three yellow cards were dished out with even greater speed, condemning United's entire central midfield trio to walk a disciplinary tightrope for the remainder of the game.

The most vulnerable of the three was obviously Paul Scholes, who collected his caution for failing to retreat at a free-kick rather than one of his trademark wild tackles.

But tonight there was never any danger of the 36-year-old overstepping the mark.

Gibson had already made a positive impact, as had Anderson. The Brazilian is still bedevilled by inconsistent performances, but this was a good one.

He even managed to do something he has never managed during his entire time at United, score twice in a game.

His first was due to his persistence, firing home with a shot on the turn after he had been crowded out of his first attempt to finish Nani's low cross.

The second was a tap-in thanks to Berbatov's unselfish square ball.

With Darren Fletcher returning after two months out and no-one suspended for the final, everything had gone right for Ferguson and his team.

But the true test this week will come from another team in blue, desperate to retain their title and thirsting for revenge at being eliminated from this very competition at the quarter-final stage.

[A Red Devils]

one down and this coming Sunday,we will own the record for the most english championship by ourselves.

[Ole Ole Ole]

Glory Glory Glory

Final Score : Red Devils 2 : 1 Chelsea