Michezo magazetini leo...

Michezo magazetini leo...

Status
Not open for further replies.
Manchester United's Nani contemplates move to Serie A

• Portuguese asks agent to check out options
• Manchester United may join scramble for Villa's Ashley Young




  • Daniel Taylor
  • The Guardian, Tuesday 15 March 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    nani-007.jpg
    Nani celebrates another goal in what has become his best season as a Manchester United player. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images Nani is the latest Manchester United player to contemplate his future at Old Trafford, with the Portugal winger considering the possibility of severing his ties with the club in the summer.
    The 24-year-old is intrigued by the prospect of moving to Italy and has spoken at length with his family and his agent, Jorge Mendes, about whether a move to Serie A would be possible and if it is the right point of his career to try to make it happen.
    His thinking is not based on any serious discontent with his current employers, with Nani relatively settled in Manchester and enjoying his new status as one of Sir Alex Ferguson's more important players, but he is coming to the end of his fourth season in England and has started to believe it might be time for a different challenge, if not this summer then almost certainly next.
    Nani's belief is that he has done as well as anyone could have been expected to filling the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure and that a Premier League or European Cup winners' medal at the end of this season would leave him with little more to achieve at United.
    Ferguson has talked him out of wanting to leave once before, in the 2010 January transfer window, but the player of then and now are vastly different in terms of their worth to the side. Nani's development into a wide player of penetration and confidence has led to him scoring 10 times and accumulating 15 assists this season, in contrast to his earlier days when there were only sporadic flashes of the talent that persuaded United to pay about £18m to sign him from Sporting Lisbon.
    The winger, who has been declared fit for the Champions League tie against Marseille after recovering ahead of schedule from a gashed left leg, is currently playing the best football of his life, to the point where there is a firmly held belief at Old Trafford that he should be a realistic contender for the player of the season shortlist.
    The Guardian broke the story of United signing the then 20-year-old Nani in 2007 and has spoken to the same sources in Portugal to establish that 12 months since signing a new four-year contract at United, he is deliberating over several scenarios depending on what happens before the end of the season. Importantly, he is willing to wait to see what pans out, in contrast to the way Ronaldo made it a personal mission to leave for Real Madrid.
    In that regard similarities can be made with the cases of Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic, who were both tempted by moves to Spain before concluding that they would be better off staying in Manchester and signing new contracts. Wayne Rooney's dispute with the club in October was a more complex issue, but the fact all three decided to remain at Old Trafford is a reflection of the club's standing in the game and Ferguson's powers of persuasion when it comes to convincing players that the only direction after United is down.
    Nani has won the European Cup, the Club World Club, two Premier League titles and two Carling Cups at United, and is someone Ferguson would desperately want to keep.
    Even with Antonio Valencia returning from a broken leg, United are so short of options in wide positions that they are giving serious consideration to bidding for Aston Villa's Ashley Young in the summer. Ryan Giggs, at 37, has to be used sparingly while Gabriel Obertan and Bébé have struggled to impress and Park Ji-sung is not a natural winger.

 
Dogged Manchester United can still fight on three fronts

Sir Alex Ferguson's current squad may not be as glamorous as its predecessors but it is built to cope with all competitions



  • -Sir-Alex-Ferguson-007.jpg
    The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, faces the press ahead of his side's Champions League match with Marseille. Photograph: Jon Super/AP Manchester United can still be underestimated, despite all they have achieved. There is good cause to think the current line-up inferior to many of its predecessors, yet it has prospered. The team's results are better than its reputation. With 63 goals, United have outscored everyone else in the Premier League. As they approach the return with Marseille in the Champions League, the 0-0 draw at the Stade Vélodrome has put them in a reasonably good position.
    There are still risks and the club's own record should at least make people pensive. In their European history under Sir Alex Ferguson, United have returned from the away leg with a goalless draw on half a dozen occasions and gone on to be knocked out three times. The calibre of the opposition is the critical factor and Marseille's status as champions of France tended to meet with only a grudging respect.
    United's quality is also under scrutiny, however, and the going has been hard in Premier League away games. They have won just four of them, a record inferior to those of Blackpool and Newcastle United as well as Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Before long, the clamour will rise for a far-reaching overhaul of the squad. Marvellous as Ryan Giggs, 37, and Paul Scholes, 36, have been, a lack of true alternatives also protects their status.
    The subject is recognised everywhere, but it cannot be a burning issue while United are still blazing a trail in European and domestic competition. So long as Nemanja Vidic is present, the defence will normally be sound even when Rio Ferdinand is missing. In seven Champions League fixtures this season, United have conceded a single goal. It was scored at Old Trafford by Pablo Hernández of Valencia, but Ferguson's team equalised through Anderson and topped group C.
    On occasion, the standing of the club is not reflected by the standard of the play. In days gone by, United would probably have found the net against Marseille, instead of looking as if some sort of non-aggression pact had been struck with Didier Deschamps's team. The deeper truth lies in the dwindling menace of some renowned figures. Scholes has one goal this season, although he has been stifled by injuries as much as opponents.
    By the same token, there is a little less talk at present of Giggs being ageless. The difficulties before United are well-known and the often mediocre results in away games should not come as a great surprise. More attention is paid to precautionary measures than would once have been the case.
    A potential vulnerability in Saturday's FA Cup tie was offset by the vitality of the Da Silva twins, whose deployment in the wide midfield positions both checked Arsenal and also put them under strain. At times Ferguson is compelled to improvise, with uneven outcomes. When he had neither Ferdinand nor Vidic available, the outcome was the 3-1 loss at Liverpool. It followed a defeat to Chelsea, but the focus on the defence has also indicated an insufficient contribution elsewhere.
    At £7m, Javier Hernández is an uncommonly good acquisition, but the bulk of the goals have come against less highly rated opponents and he is still a player under development. So far as United's prospects are concerned it is likely to be the effectiveness or otherwise of Wayne Rooney that is the key factor, although the flair of Nani is also significant. There may have been just nine goals from the Englishman in this campaign, but half a dozen of them have come since the start of February.
    Perhaps Ferguson's patience with Rooney and his seemingly distracted life is being rewarded. There was vitality once more in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal. At the opener, it was his cross that led to Fábio da Silva scoring after Manuel Almunia had parried the header from Hernández. In spells, Rooney seemed to lose himself entirely in the match, as if football was once more at the heart of his existence. There was a hunger to the opportunism when he added the second after a Hernández drive ricocheted off Johan Djourou.
    Ferguson's squad is thinner than it once was and they have still to go to the Emirates in the league, as well as facing Chelsea at Old Trafford, but the obduracy is not to be ignored. While this is not an outstanding United line-up it is one with a capacity to cope. Predecessors have had far more glamour, but the current version has a perseverance that will unsettle the contenders in all competitions.

    Football

    Sport

    More comment


    Related








    's comment


    Comments in chronological order (Total 146 comments)


    Post a comment
    • icons_staff_16.gif
      Staff
    • icons_contributor_16.gif
      Contributor

    • no-user-image.gif
      suitone 14 March 2011 8:17PM

      Van Der Sar was an international goalkeeper of proven class before he joined United. He won the Man of the Match award last Saturday. In how many more games will he be the man of the match?

    • 60x60.png
      matthirty5 14 March 2011 8:21PM

      A treble? Its so unlikely its not worth talking about. Even with a team of the standard United in 99 or Liverpool in 77 not worth talking about.
      One game at a time. There is a quarter-final to qualify for and the tie is on a knifes edge.

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 8:48PM

      I met Jesus this morning. He tapped his nose, gave me a knowing wink, said it was no biggie to have doubted his dad's existence all these years, tucked a roll of &#8356;50 notes into my top pocket and told me to go ahead and knock myself out on birds, booze and Burt Bacharach albums - all past sins were forgiven, the job of lifeguard in the afterworld's all-nude ladies pool was mine when the inevitable happens and I top myself after the next defeat at Upton Park and his unseen role in his arch-enemy's team's shafting at Anfield last weekend was the least he could do. Lovely bloke all round.
      But just when it looked as if today couldn't get any better...this - yet another open invitation for Man U fans of all colours, genders, creeds, species and haircuts to get their unmentionables out and tug along in unison to one of the biggest pud-pulling fests ever seen on the back of an FA cup quarter final win. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 8:48PM

      Are we getting the Arsenal treatment now? It's all gonna end in tears.
      Will be happy with the league and cup double this season.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 8:49PM

      Ferguson's squad is thinner than it once was
      ​
      Do you include Anderson in that statement?

    • 60x60.png
      WarriorAngel 14 March 2011 8:55PM

      Weren't the Guardian praising Arsenal a fortnight ago saying that they were a matured team finally? And that Arsenal were going to win four trophies

    • 60x60.png
      JDKoopa 14 March 2011 8:55PM

      But just when it looked as if today couldn't get any better...this - yet another open invitation for Man U fans of all colours, genders, creeds, species and haircuts to get their unmentionables out and tug along in unison to one of the biggest pud-pulling fests ever seen on the back of an FA cup quarter final win. Thank you, Lord Jesus.
      ​
      I thought it was more an invitation for everyone to bang on about how we're in decline, have no money, are the worst side to ever be top of the league and in the cup semi finals etc etc etc...........

      For the record I'll be shocked and amazed if we win the CL.

    • no-user-image.gif
      Charleysurf 14 March 2011 8:59PM

      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point. It's clear to anyone that this squad is nowhere near the 1999 version.
      it's a bloody interesting squad when you get to see the likes of Hernandez and the Da Silvas play with such joy though.

    • no-user-image.gif
      speaktruth 14 March 2011 8:59PM

      Oops.I've gone all jenniferthompson.
      Anywaz, just got off the phone with Fergie and he says to tell uze how it all came about.
      It dates all the way back to that 2 legged encounter with that tippy tappy Barca team in 2009. Barca went becoming something of force with their tippy tappy and Fergie was looking for a suitable bus to park to try and stem the inevitable tide.
      He spent a week in Carrick's house positioning him in all kinds of bus parking static modes. This on its own goes someway to explain the creation of the worlds most static central midfielder.
      Anyways, over 180mins worth of bus parking later, it dawned on Fergie that you dont really need to waste much needed energy engaging teams in combat when you can just hold and pick their pocket with a Nani or Rooney or Berbatov or Giggs or Scholes.
      Since that game, Fergie has rather taken to parking the bus in league games which come thick and fast it became even more important to conserve energy and only do as much as is needed. If you score 3 goals a game, fine, but 1 goal is just as good. Especially if you have strong Serbian buses that would literally run over little children if needed to stop an attack.
      So to all this present day, not as bucaneering of yore. Its all part of a grand plan to contest quintuplets every season.
      Or is it octuplets??

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 9:03PM

      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point.
      ​
      And the cup, simply because not winning it opens up the strong possibility that City will.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 9:04PM

      and told me to go ahead and knock myself out on birds, booze and Burt Bacharach albums
      ​
      Thats what friends are for
      Sorry, couldn't resist that one

    • no-user-image.gif
      GobbyCharlton 14 March 2011 9:04PM

      I think most Manchester United fans are guarded aginst expecting too much this season. Whilst Ferguson is legendary in his ability to get the best out of a squad; it is a deluded follower in the extreme who would argue that this squad is notable for anything other than its paucity of top talent. It is a durable squad and a relatively deep squad, without being a great squad. There are far too many supporting cast members and not enough leading men. Hope for the future is high though and the less fickle fans still expect greats thing from Anderson; as well as the continuing development of Luis Nani. Moving forward much will depend on whether or not Wayne Rooney can pull his head out of his arse and fulfill the undoubted potential he showed at such a young age. He's done it in fits and starts thus far but lacks a professional focus that the current games top players i.e. Messi and Ronaldo, possess in abundance.
      It wouldn't take much to catapault this United team back to the very top of the game. And by that I mean forging a side that strikes genuine fear into opposing teams and managers. The current iteration surely does not. A replacement for VDS is a must but doesn't improve the team any. A top left winger and a top central midfielder however would. They would also allow United's overwhelming roster of support players, come into their element. Given United's tradition however, it is more than likely that any signings will be of younger developing talent, rather than big name stars. This is a strategy that has served us well in the past.
      A couple of transitional seasons are the least the fans should expect after the giddy success of the last few years. Not even the "greatest team ever" Barcelona managed two back to back CL finals. Ferguson is once again having to reinvent the side. No-one has done it as well, as often in the modern game.
      This season I would take number 19, even if it meant defeat to City in the semi and being knocked out by OM in the CL. But we cannot kid ourselves; this would be one of the poorest title winning Utd sides in living memory, and owes much to the ineptitude of our closest rivals. As long as we don't rest on our laurels and work hard to improve the squad over the summer, then it is a tag most fans will happily accept. For now.

    • 60x60.png
      TheSpider 14 March 2011 9:05PM

      I can see Man Utd winning the league, but not much more (and hey, a major trophy's a maor trophy). Wouldn't surprise me if an amped-up City win the FA Cup semi (and then probably get totalled by Stoke or Bolton). Despite the bluster, I think Fergie's happy - this season - to take the CL as it comes. The squad isn't bad, but has a few too many rough edges, a few too many players out of sorts and a few too many passengers to really push for all three.
      They wouldn't stand much more chance against Barca than Arsenal did, but I don't think they'd get quite so het up about it.

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:08PM

      Since that game, Fergie has rather taken to parking the bus in league games which come thick and fast it
      ​
      Park the bus? Against Barca we did way back then but that's about it. I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.

    • 60x60.png
      donwendyagain 14 March 2011 9:12PM

      The byline says Kevin McCarra but the article has the feel of shedendexile about it. Stop trying to jinx us shed!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:13PM

      I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.
      And that's the very recent trip to Anfield deftly airbrushed from the record.

    • no-user-image.gif
      speaktruth 14 March 2011 9:17PM

      VoodooMagicMan
      Be proud of bus parking.
      Its as much an art as all that fannying around.

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:20PM

      @Patcake
      Eh! Take your bukakke specs off! We conceded 3 goals. Hardly an advertisement for effective bus parking. If we did then it was open top one allowing Dirk Kuyt et al a good sight on goal

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:27PM

      @Zander1983
      Then you hate football and you are a philistine. We're not as attractive as we once were mainly because of the inconsistent season we had and the inconsistent line up. But we're still in it to win it and we're a better side to watch than most.

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:28PM

      @Patcake Eh! Take your bukakke specs off! We conceded 3 goals. Hardly an advertisement for effective bus parking. If we did then it was open top one allowing Dirk Kuyt et al a good sight on goal
      Heh, not bad! Just recommended that post for 'bukkake specs' - brilliant 🙂

    • no-user-image.gif
      SeanBarry 14 March 2011 9:29PM

      [At £7m, Javier Hernandez is an uncommonly good acquisition,]
      but he score against lesser team. I am paraphrasing.
      Who cares. This is an unnecessary thing to say .Meaning ,it doesn't mean anything / Has no value.
      And what if this is true.
      One of his goal [and there have been MANY], meant 3 points for United. PERIOD!
      And this season , when Man U is not playing their best football by a long shot, they are still leading in the last stretch.
      HE did score against Liverpool, and that did not count for anything.
      Rooney and Berbatov are being paid in excess of 80 millions plus between the two of them, and scored shit against Liverpool.
      United won the title last year because of" lesser" player who scored the only goal during games, ( 3Points)
      and this year, it will be the same thing.
      I predict Ferguson will be going after the title to smash Liverpool's record , then he can retire , Happy at last. Hard to see who might beat that new record !
      You ask me what would please him most , a European cup, or the 19the title,
      and there is little doubt concerning the answer.
      He knows deep down, that he has not got the horses to go after FA Cup, EU cup and the EPL title.
      So he will concentrate his resources on holding on to his slim lead.
      PS: on a lighter note, Wenger is ready to resign. Jens Lehmann .
      If anyone was still unsure about the depth of the abyss of Arsenal despair, there should not be any doubt after that bit of news.
      SeanBarry.

    • 60x60.png
      realist81 14 March 2011 9:32PM

      I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.
      And that's the very recent trip to Anfield deftly airbrushed from the record
      ​
      Not at all pat but United were attacking, hence why your lot had so much space to exploit at the back.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 9:33PM

      sean barry
      Do you, sidvicous and ugovin ever go for a drink together after work?

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:37PM

      realistic,
      Not at all pat but United were attacking, hence why your lot had so much space to exploit at the back.
      I must have missed that. In my defence, I did go for two slashes during the match.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 9:38PM

      sean barry
      Do you, sidvicous and ugovin ever go for a drink together after work?

      ​
      "Got any ID lads?"

    • 60x60.png
      monkeydan 14 March 2011 9:38PM

      People who leave comments saying things like 'what was the point of this article?' generally irritate me.
      But I'm really struggling to see the point of this article.

    • 60x60.png
      realist81 14 March 2011 9:40PM

      we did attack, rather despearately by the end ;-) but you can't say united parked the bus in that match.
      and no insult took mate, lord my typing sucks more than Jenna Jameson!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:48PM

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn't abide by our community standards. Replies may also be deleted. For more detail see our FAQs.

    • no-user-image.gif
      PaulLambert 14 March 2011 9:49PM

      Still fancy United for the league, despite their recent slip-ups.
      I think they have a slightly easier run-in than Arsenal, if only because Arsenal still have six away games to play, compared to United's four. While United have five home games, compared to Arsenal's four.
      Arsenal have averaged 2.13 points per game at home this season, and 1.92 points per game away from home. While United have averaged 2.85 points per game at home, and 1.33 points per game away from home.
      If both teams continue along those lines between now and the end of the season, than United should finish on something like 79-81 points, and Arsenal on something like 76-78 points. This isn't an exact science of course, because it fails to take into account future variables, but it's an indicator.
      Arsenal will also be without Vermaelen, Djourou and Sczency for the forseeable, meaning they could start to leak goals that'll cost them points. Meanwhile, United's injured players - Valencia, Park, Evans, Anderson, etc - are starting to trickle back.
      So it'll be tight, but for me all the signs point to United just edging it.
      In Europe, I think United, with everyone fully fit, could give most sides a decent contest, but they'll probably end up coming unstuck somewhere along the line.
      And in the F.A. Cup, it's anyone guess. On the one hand, you could say City are surely due a victory against them, but on the other the fact United have tended to have the edge of late, and probably are still the superior team, could work to their advantage.
      So the prospect of a league/F.A. Cup double for United is a possibility, but certainly nothing like an inevitability. There's a still a lot of football to be played before that happens.
      And the prospect of a treble seems, to be frank, like a typical Abu Diaby effort on goal: a hopeful long shot that will more than likely end up well wide of its intended target.

    • no-user-image.gif
      vahavta 14 March 2011 9:53PM

      Yeah,
      This seems like a bizarre, only-the-guardian-would-think-of-it, tempting fate, piece of an article. I can only assume kevin McCarra actually wants our whole season to go tits up and that is why he has written this clearly, tempting the footballing gods piece.
      Truth is we have the worst squad we have had in years, and it is only because of Chelsea's implosion (which no-one really foresaw) that this is even a title race. We all knew at the beginning of the season that City weren't ready, that Arsenal didn't have the steel and that we (Utd) desperately needed to splash some of the cash still sitting in the bank from the ronaldo deal. So really, Chelsea should have run away with this season. The fact they didn't means the people who were meant to be also-rans have competed for the title as opposed to the best of the rest prize. And all this means that the premier league as a whole is hopelessly weak and will be exposed in Europe eventually. So, yeah maybe we still will beat City in the semi-final of the cup and then whoever we meet in the final, and maybe we will even choke our way over the finishing line in the league, because Arsenal will actually choke, but there is no way on earth Barca, Real and the decent European sides are going to roll over in Europe (and that might now include Chelsea if they have got their act together as it seems they may have done).
      Utd's biggest problem is undoubtedly our complete lack of a midfield. With Fletcher having returned to his bog standard, Carrick continuing to prove the England selectors right in their desire to ignore his existence, Hargreaves actually having paid off an entire mortgage and a half on his own personal physio room, Scholes booking into an old age home and Anderson keeping up his average of 4 good games a season, we are an absolute joke in the center of the park, and the ludicrous O'Dear/ Gibbons partnership we played against the Arse actually looked relatively ok in comparison to previous central midfield performances of ours this season.
      In short - Utd are actually crap - they just are being made to look passable by the dross of the english premier league. Having said that, all it takes is a couple of magical games and the big cup could be ours. And there is no better team in a one-off all-or-nothing high-stakes game than us. Bring on barca in the final!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 10:00PM

      And there is no better team in a one-off all-or-nothing high-stakes game than us. Bring on barca in the final!
      And that's my cue for a wank. G'night all.

    • 60x60.png
      bangkokbob 14 March 2011 10:01PM

      I see that gobshite Nani has made a miracle recovery from his terminal leg graze.

    • 60x60.png
      Raycun 14 March 2011 10:03PM

      Ferguson always expects United to be facing a fixture pile-up at this time of year - it's a rare season when United isn't competing for the league and at least one other competition. That's why he rotates the squad so much. It means some loss of fluency, fewer performances when the whole team seems to be on the same wavelength and can just overwhelm the opposition. BUT it means there is a deep squad of players who can step in as required. Fringe players like O'Shea, young players like Smalling and Hernandez and Fabio (and even Obertan and Bebe) - they get some first-team experience, and they learn their place in the team. When they have to be played, they're ready - not like at Chelsea where younger players only seem to be called on in an emergency, which is the worst time to be introduced into the team. And because the 'first team' players at United aren't playing so many games, they're more likely to be in good condition at this time of year, not exhausted and succumbing to injury.

    • 60x60.png
      Raycun 14 March 2011 10:07PM

      And all this means that the premier league as a whole is hopelessly weak ... there is no way on earth Barca, Real and the decent European sides are going to roll over in Europe
      ​
      Clarify for me. Aside from Barca and Real, who are these decent European sides?
      This hopelessly weak premier league - this is the same one that will probably have three teams in the quarter-finals, more than any other country?

    • no-user-image.gif
      lefthalfback 14 March 2011 10:08PM

      pat cake- I'll go to confession for that too and I am a Prod.
      as for the article? Well, Man U are still in all 3 competitions. Hell, play the lineup you used on Saturday and you might win out. Rooney looked like a new man in that midfield role. Looked like an Argentinian No 10.
      And the twins looked fast, tough and determined.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 10:08PM

      I see that gobshite Nani has made a miracle recovery from his terminal leg graze.
      ​
      Well its been a week and he has access to expensive medical care. No surprise really.

    • no-user-image.gif
      SeanBarry 14 March 2011 10:09PM

      HAHHAHA
      Nope. Don't drink .
      Hence , am not Irish!
      although I Like Mick McCarthy & the wolves, (Hope they stay up !)
      but hate Robbie Keane with a passion.
      So, definitely not Irish.
      Liverpool is fine, lots of work to do , but they seem to be on their way.
      And I am not even a Many U fan, per say . But you have to be respect what Fergie's done there over the years. Wish he'd take on Arsenal for a year or two. 12 months, you would see great changes already.
      I am more of a LEEDS Fan.
      You know that they won the European cup in 1975 , but were robbed blind !
      And their game against United some months ago , was by far the most entertaining 90 minutes of football all year .
      I just thought the article was just bad. LOL . I guess writers have to keep writing.
      And since Arsenal is not in the race any longer , they just had to find another
      pony to advertise.
      SeanBarry.

    • 60x60.png
      exmanc 14 March 2011 10:16PM

      Normally I would be very optimistic when we start getting players back from lengthy injuries. Rio, Park, Valencia and Anderson (and even Hargreaves has started training again), together with the possibilty of getting Nani back sooner than expected and that Rooney and Smalling's form curve seems to be pointing upwards.
      This season, however anything can happen and they can as easily get knocked out of everything as win trophies.
      Has anyone twigged by the way that Jenny Thompson is the name of the sweet thing that took Rooney's money in exchange for special favours...alledgedly.

    • no-user-image.gif
      lefthalfback 14 March 2011 10:19PM

      exmanc- LOL
      mook- LOL- his bone was exposed!!!!!!!
      Mind you-it should have been a straight Red for Carragher.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 10:23PM

      seanbarry
      I am more of a LEEDS Fan
      ​
      Good choice, you probably don't stick out so much there
      dunf2562

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 10:25PM

      Has anyone twigged by the way that Jenny Thompson is the name of the sweet thing that took Rooney's money in exchange for special favours...alledgedly.
      ​
      I only noticed that today. I also noticed that I appear to follow her on twitter. Not sure its really here though.

    • 60x60.png
      shedendexile 14 March 2011 10:26PM

      I am more of a LEEDS Fan.
      You know that they won the European cup in 1975 , but were robbed blind !

      ​
      Bayern beat Leeds fair and square.
      When are your lot going to get back to the PL? I miss the rivalry!

    • no-user-image.gif
      glapots 14 March 2011 10:27PM

      @MookieB
      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point.
      -----------------------------
      And the cup, simply because not winning it opens up the strong possibility that City will.

      ​
      Yeah, God forbid anyone else dare win a trophy. The cheeck of them!


 
Dogged Manchester United can still fight on three fronts

Sir Alex Ferguson's current squad may not be as glamorous as its predecessors but it is built to cope with all competitions



  • -Sir-Alex-Ferguson-007.jpg
    The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, faces the press ahead of his side's Champions League match with Marseille. Photograph: Jon Super/AP Manchester United can still be underestimated, despite all they have achieved. There is good cause to think the current line-up inferior to many of its predecessors, yet it has prospered. The team's results are better than its reputation. With 63 goals, United have outscored everyone else in the Premier League. As they approach the return with Marseille in the Champions League, the 0-0 draw at the Stade Vélodrome has put them in a reasonably good position.
    There are still risks and the club's own record should at least make people pensive. In their European history under Sir Alex Ferguson, United have returned from the away leg with a goalless draw on half a dozen occasions and gone on to be knocked out three times. The calibre of the opposition is the critical factor and Marseille's status as champions of France tended to meet with only a grudging respect.
    United's quality is also under scrutiny, however, and the going has been hard in Premier League away games. They have won just four of them, a record inferior to those of Blackpool and Newcastle United as well as Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Before long, the clamour will rise for a far-reaching overhaul of the squad. Marvellous as Ryan Giggs, 37, and Paul Scholes, 36, have been, a lack of true alternatives also protects their status.
    The subject is recognised everywhere, but it cannot be a burning issue while United are still blazing a trail in European and domestic competition. So long as Nemanja Vidic is present, the defence will normally be sound even when Rio Ferdinand is missing. In seven Champions League fixtures this season, United have conceded a single goal. It was scored at Old Trafford by Pablo Hernández of Valencia, but Ferguson's team equalised through Anderson and topped group C.
    On occasion, the standing of the club is not reflected by the standard of the play. In days gone by, United would probably have found the net against Marseille, instead of looking as if some sort of non-aggression pact had been struck with Didier Deschamps's team. The deeper truth lies in the dwindling menace of some renowned figures. Scholes has one goal this season, although he has been stifled by injuries as much as opponents.
    By the same token, there is a little less talk at present of Giggs being ageless. The difficulties before United are well-known and the often mediocre results in away games should not come as a great surprise. More attention is paid to precautionary measures than would once have been the case.
    A potential vulnerability in Saturday's FA Cup tie was offset by the vitality of the Da Silva twins, whose deployment in the wide midfield positions both checked Arsenal and also put them under strain. At times Ferguson is compelled to improvise, with uneven outcomes. When he had neither Ferdinand nor Vidic available, the outcome was the 3-1 loss at Liverpool. It followed a defeat to Chelsea, but the focus on the defence has also indicated an insufficient contribution elsewhere.
    At £7m, Javier Hernández is an uncommonly good acquisition, but the bulk of the goals have come against less highly rated opponents and he is still a player under development. So far as United's prospects are concerned it is likely to be the effectiveness or otherwise of Wayne Rooney that is the key factor, although the flair of Nani is also significant. There may have been just nine goals from the Englishman in this campaign, but half a dozen of them have come since the start of February.
    Perhaps Ferguson's patience with Rooney and his seemingly distracted life is being rewarded. There was vitality once more in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal. At the opener, it was his cross that led to Fábio da Silva scoring after Manuel Almunia had parried the header from Hernández. In spells, Rooney seemed to lose himself entirely in the match, as if football was once more at the heart of his existence. There was a hunger to the opportunism when he added the second after a Hernández drive ricocheted off Johan Djourou.
    Ferguson's squad is thinner than it once was and they have still to go to the Emirates in the league, as well as facing Chelsea at Old Trafford, but the obduracy is not to be ignored. While this is not an outstanding United line-up it is one with a capacity to cope. Predecessors have had far more glamour, but the current version has a perseverance that will unsettle the contenders in all competitions.

    Football

    Sport

    More comment


    Related








    's comment


    Comments in chronological order (Total 146 comments)


    Post a comment
    • icons_staff_16.gif
      Staff
    • icons_contributor_16.gif
      Contributor

    • no-user-image.gif
      suitone 14 March 2011 8:17PM

      Van Der Sar was an international goalkeeper of proven class before he joined United. He won the Man of the Match award last Saturday. In how many more games will he be the man of the match?

    • 60x60.png
      matthirty5 14 March 2011 8:21PM

      A treble? Its so unlikely its not worth talking about. Even with a team of the standard United in 99 or Liverpool in 77 not worth talking about.
      One game at a time. There is a quarter-final to qualify for and the tie is on a knifes edge.

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 8:48PM

      I met Jesus this morning. He tapped his nose, gave me a knowing wink, said it was no biggie to have doubted his dad's existence all these years, tucked a roll of &#8356;50 notes into my top pocket and told me to go ahead and knock myself out on birds, booze and Burt Bacharach albums - all past sins were forgiven, the job of lifeguard in the afterworld's all-nude ladies pool was mine when the inevitable happens and I top myself after the next defeat at Upton Park and his unseen role in his arch-enemy's team's shafting at Anfield last weekend was the least he could do. Lovely bloke all round.
      But just when it looked as if today couldn't get any better...this - yet another open invitation for Man U fans of all colours, genders, creeds, species and haircuts to get their unmentionables out and tug along in unison to one of the biggest pud-pulling fests ever seen on the back of an FA cup quarter final win. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 8:48PM

      Are we getting the Arsenal treatment now? It's all gonna end in tears.
      Will be happy with the league and cup double this season.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 8:49PM

      Ferguson's squad is thinner than it once was
      ​
      Do you include Anderson in that statement?

    • 60x60.png
      WarriorAngel 14 March 2011 8:55PM

      Weren't the Guardian praising Arsenal a fortnight ago saying that they were a matured team finally? And that Arsenal were going to win four trophies

    • 60x60.png
      JDKoopa 14 March 2011 8:55PM

      But just when it looked as if today couldn't get any better...this - yet another open invitation for Man U fans of all colours, genders, creeds, species and haircuts to get their unmentionables out and tug along in unison to one of the biggest pud-pulling fests ever seen on the back of an FA cup quarter final win. Thank you, Lord Jesus.
      ​
      I thought it was more an invitation for everyone to bang on about how we're in decline, have no money, are the worst side to ever be top of the league and in the cup semi finals etc etc etc...........

      For the record I'll be shocked and amazed if we win the CL.

    • no-user-image.gif
      Charleysurf 14 March 2011 8:59PM

      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point. It's clear to anyone that this squad is nowhere near the 1999 version.
      it's a bloody interesting squad when you get to see the likes of Hernandez and the Da Silvas play with such joy though.

    • no-user-image.gif
      speaktruth 14 March 2011 8:59PM

      Oops.I've gone all jenniferthompson.
      Anywaz, just got off the phone with Fergie and he says to tell uze how it all came about.
      It dates all the way back to that 2 legged encounter with that tippy tappy Barca team in 2009. Barca went becoming something of force with their tippy tappy and Fergie was looking for a suitable bus to park to try and stem the inevitable tide.
      He spent a week in Carrick's house positioning him in all kinds of bus parking static modes. This on its own goes someway to explain the creation of the worlds most static central midfielder.
      Anyways, over 180mins worth of bus parking later, it dawned on Fergie that you dont really need to waste much needed energy engaging teams in combat when you can just hold and pick their pocket with a Nani or Rooney or Berbatov or Giggs or Scholes.
      Since that game, Fergie has rather taken to parking the bus in league games which come thick and fast it became even more important to conserve energy and only do as much as is needed. If you score 3 goals a game, fine, but 1 goal is just as good. Especially if you have strong Serbian buses that would literally run over little children if needed to stop an attack.
      So to all this present day, not as bucaneering of yore. Its all part of a grand plan to contest quintuplets every season.
      Or is it octuplets??

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 9:03PM

      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point.
      ​
      And the cup, simply because not winning it opens up the strong possibility that City will.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 9:04PM

      and told me to go ahead and knock myself out on birds, booze and Burt Bacharach albums
      ​
      Thats what friends are for
      Sorry, couldn't resist that one

    • no-user-image.gif
      GobbyCharlton 14 March 2011 9:04PM

      I think most Manchester United fans are guarded aginst expecting too much this season. Whilst Ferguson is legendary in his ability to get the best out of a squad; it is a deluded follower in the extreme who would argue that this squad is notable for anything other than its paucity of top talent. It is a durable squad and a relatively deep squad, without being a great squad. There are far too many supporting cast members and not enough leading men. Hope for the future is high though and the less fickle fans still expect greats thing from Anderson; as well as the continuing development of Luis Nani. Moving forward much will depend on whether or not Wayne Rooney can pull his head out of his arse and fulfill the undoubted potential he showed at such a young age. He's done it in fits and starts thus far but lacks a professional focus that the current games top players i.e. Messi and Ronaldo, possess in abundance.
      It wouldn't take much to catapault this United team back to the very top of the game. And by that I mean forging a side that strikes genuine fear into opposing teams and managers. The current iteration surely does not. A replacement for VDS is a must but doesn't improve the team any. A top left winger and a top central midfielder however would. They would also allow United's overwhelming roster of support players, come into their element. Given United's tradition however, it is more than likely that any signings will be of younger developing talent, rather than big name stars. This is a strategy that has served us well in the past.
      A couple of transitional seasons are the least the fans should expect after the giddy success of the last few years. Not even the "greatest team ever" Barcelona managed two back to back CL finals. Ferguson is once again having to reinvent the side. No-one has done it as well, as often in the modern game.
      This season I would take number 19, even if it meant defeat to City in the semi and being knocked out by OM in the CL. But we cannot kid ourselves; this would be one of the poorest title winning Utd sides in living memory, and owes much to the ineptitude of our closest rivals. As long as we don't rest on our laurels and work hard to improve the squad over the summer, then it is a tag most fans will happily accept. For now.

    • 60x60.png
      TheSpider 14 March 2011 9:05PM

      I can see Man Utd winning the league, but not much more (and hey, a major trophy's a maor trophy). Wouldn't surprise me if an amped-up City win the FA Cup semi (and then probably get totalled by Stoke or Bolton). Despite the bluster, I think Fergie's happy - this season - to take the CL as it comes. The squad isn't bad, but has a few too many rough edges, a few too many players out of sorts and a few too many passengers to really push for all three.
      They wouldn't stand much more chance against Barca than Arsenal did, but I don't think they'd get quite so het up about it.

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:08PM

      Since that game, Fergie has rather taken to parking the bus in league games which come thick and fast it
      ​
      Park the bus? Against Barca we did way back then but that's about it. I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.

    • 60x60.png
      donwendyagain 14 March 2011 9:12PM

      The byline says Kevin McCarra but the article has the feel of shedendexile about it. Stop trying to jinx us shed!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:13PM

      I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.
      And that's the very recent trip to Anfield deftly airbrushed from the record.

    • no-user-image.gif
      speaktruth 14 March 2011 9:17PM

      VoodooMagicMan
      Be proud of bus parking.
      Its as much an art as all that fannying around.

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:20PM

      @Patcake
      Eh! Take your bukakke specs off! We conceded 3 goals. Hardly an advertisement for effective bus parking. If we did then it was open top one allowing Dirk Kuyt et al a good sight on goal

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:27PM

      @Zander1983
      Then you hate football and you are a philistine. We're not as attractive as we once were mainly because of the inconsistent season we had and the inconsistent line up. But we're still in it to win it and we're a better side to watch than most.

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:28PM

      @Patcake Eh! Take your bukakke specs off! We conceded 3 goals. Hardly an advertisement for effective bus parking. If we did then it was open top one allowing Dirk Kuyt et al a good sight on goal
      Heh, not bad! Just recommended that post for 'bukkake specs' - brilliant 🙂

    • no-user-image.gif
      SeanBarry 14 March 2011 9:29PM

      [At £7m, Javier Hernandez is an uncommonly good acquisition,]
      but he score against lesser team. I am paraphrasing.
      Who cares. This is an unnecessary thing to say .Meaning ,it doesn't mean anything / Has no value.
      And what if this is true.
      One of his goal [and there have been MANY], meant 3 points for United. PERIOD!
      And this season , when Man U is not playing their best football by a long shot, they are still leading in the last stretch.
      HE did score against Liverpool, and that did not count for anything.
      Rooney and Berbatov are being paid in excess of 80 millions plus between the two of them, and scored shit against Liverpool.
      United won the title last year because of" lesser" player who scored the only goal during games, ( 3Points)
      and this year, it will be the same thing.
      I predict Ferguson will be going after the title to smash Liverpool's record , then he can retire , Happy at last. Hard to see who might beat that new record !
      You ask me what would please him most , a European cup, or the 19the title,
      and there is little doubt concerning the answer.
      He knows deep down, that he has not got the horses to go after FA Cup, EU cup and the EPL title.
      So he will concentrate his resources on holding on to his slim lead.
      PS: on a lighter note, Wenger is ready to resign. Jens Lehmann .
      If anyone was still unsure about the depth of the abyss of Arsenal despair, there should not be any doubt after that bit of news.
      SeanBarry.

    • 60x60.png
      realist81 14 March 2011 9:32PM

      I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.
      And that's the very recent trip to Anfield deftly airbrushed from the record
      ​
      Not at all pat but United were attacking, hence why your lot had so much space to exploit at the back.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 9:33PM

      sean barry
      Do you, sidvicous and ugovin ever go for a drink together after work?

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:37PM

      realistic,
      Not at all pat but United were attacking, hence why your lot had so much space to exploit at the back.
      I must have missed that. In my defence, I did go for two slashes during the match.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 9:38PM

      sean barry
      Do you, sidvicous and ugovin ever go for a drink together after work?

      ​
      "Got any ID lads?"

    • 60x60.png
      monkeydan 14 March 2011 9:38PM

      People who leave comments saying things like 'what was the point of this article?' generally irritate me.
      But I'm really struggling to see the point of this article.

    • 60x60.png
      realist81 14 March 2011 9:40PM

      we did attack, rather despearately by the end ;-) but you can't say united parked the bus in that match.
      and no insult took mate, lord my typing sucks more than Jenna Jameson!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:48PM

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn't abide by our community standards. Replies may also be deleted. For more detail see our FAQs.

    • no-user-image.gif
      PaulLambert 14 March 2011 9:49PM

      Still fancy United for the league, despite their recent slip-ups.
      I think they have a slightly easier run-in than Arsenal, if only because Arsenal still have six away games to play, compared to United's four. While United have five home games, compared to Arsenal's four.
      Arsenal have averaged 2.13 points per game at home this season, and 1.92 points per game away from home. While United have averaged 2.85 points per game at home, and 1.33 points per game away from home.
      If both teams continue along those lines between now and the end of the season, than United should finish on something like 79-81 points, and Arsenal on something like 76-78 points. This isn't an exact science of course, because it fails to take into account future variables, but it's an indicator.
      Arsenal will also be without Vermaelen, Djourou and Sczency for the forseeable, meaning they could start to leak goals that'll cost them points. Meanwhile, United's injured players - Valencia, Park, Evans, Anderson, etc - are starting to trickle back.
      So it'll be tight, but for me all the signs point to United just edging it.
      In Europe, I think United, with everyone fully fit, could give most sides a decent contest, but they'll probably end up coming unstuck somewhere along the line.
      And in the F.A. Cup, it's anyone guess. On the one hand, you could say City are surely due a victory against them, but on the other the fact United have tended to have the edge of late, and probably are still the superior team, could work to their advantage.
      So the prospect of a league/F.A. Cup double for United is a possibility, but certainly nothing like an inevitability. There's a still a lot of football to be played before that happens.
      And the prospect of a treble seems, to be frank, like a typical Abu Diaby effort on goal: a hopeful long shot that will more than likely end up well wide of its intended target.

    • no-user-image.gif
      vahavta 14 March 2011 9:53PM

      Yeah,
      This seems like a bizarre, only-the-guardian-would-think-of-it, tempting fate, piece of an article. I can only assume kevin McCarra actually wants our whole season to go tits up and that is why he has written this clearly, tempting the footballing gods piece.
      Truth is we have the worst squad we have had in years, and it is only because of Chelsea's implosion (which no-one really foresaw) that this is even a title race. We all knew at the beginning of the season that City weren't ready, that Arsenal didn't have the steel and that we (Utd) desperately needed to splash some of the cash still sitting in the bank from the ronaldo deal. So really, Chelsea should have run away with this season. The fact they didn't means the people who were meant to be also-rans have competed for the title as opposed to the best of the rest prize. And all this means that the premier league as a whole is hopelessly weak and will be exposed in Europe eventually. So, yeah maybe we still will beat City in the semi-final of the cup and then whoever we meet in the final, and maybe we will even choke our way over the finishing line in the league, because Arsenal will actually choke, but there is no way on earth Barca, Real and the decent European sides are going to roll over in Europe (and that might now include Chelsea if they have got their act together as it seems they may have done).
      Utd's biggest problem is undoubtedly our complete lack of a midfield. With Fletcher having returned to his bog standard, Carrick continuing to prove the England selectors right in their desire to ignore his existence, Hargreaves actually having paid off an entire mortgage and a half on his own personal physio room, Scholes booking into an old age home and Anderson keeping up his average of 4 good games a season, we are an absolute joke in the center of the park, and the ludicrous O'Dear/ Gibbons partnership we played against the Arse actually looked relatively ok in comparison to previous central midfield performances of ours this season.
      In short - Utd are actually crap - they just are being made to look passable by the dross of the english premier league. Having said that, all it takes is a couple of magical games and the big cup could be ours. And there is no better team in a one-off all-or-nothing high-stakes game than us. Bring on barca in the final!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 10:00PM

      And there is no better team in a one-off all-or-nothing high-stakes game than us. Bring on barca in the final!
      And that's my cue for a wank. G'night all.

    • 60x60.png
      bangkokbob 14 March 2011 10:01PM

      I see that gobshite Nani has made a miracle recovery from his terminal leg graze.

    • 60x60.png
      Raycun 14 March 2011 10:03PM

      Ferguson always expects United to be facing a fixture pile-up at this time of year - it's a rare season when United isn't competing for the league and at least one other competition. That's why he rotates the squad so much. It means some loss of fluency, fewer performances when the whole team seems to be on the same wavelength and can just overwhelm the opposition. BUT it means there is a deep squad of players who can step in as required. Fringe players like O'Shea, young players like Smalling and Hernandez and Fabio (and even Obertan and Bebe) - they get some first-team experience, and they learn their place in the team. When they have to be played, they're ready - not like at Chelsea where younger players only seem to be called on in an emergency, which is the worst time to be introduced into the team. And because the 'first team' players at United aren't playing so many games, they're more likely to be in good condition at this time of year, not exhausted and succumbing to injury.

    • 60x60.png
      Raycun 14 March 2011 10:07PM

      And all this means that the premier league as a whole is hopelessly weak ... there is no way on earth Barca, Real and the decent European sides are going to roll over in Europe
      ​
      Clarify for me. Aside from Barca and Real, who are these decent European sides?
      This hopelessly weak premier league - this is the same one that will probably have three teams in the quarter-finals, more than any other country?

    • no-user-image.gif
      lefthalfback 14 March 2011 10:08PM

      pat cake- I'll go to confession for that too and I am a Prod.
      as for the article? Well, Man U are still in all 3 competitions. Hell, play the lineup you used on Saturday and you might win out. Rooney looked like a new man in that midfield role. Looked like an Argentinian No 10.
      And the twins looked fast, tough and determined.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 10:08PM

      I see that gobshite Nani has made a miracle recovery from his terminal leg graze.
      ​
      Well its been a week and he has access to expensive medical care. No surprise really.

    • no-user-image.gif
      SeanBarry 14 March 2011 10:09PM

      HAHHAHA
      Nope. Don't drink .
      Hence , am not Irish!
      although I Like Mick McCarthy & the wolves, (Hope they stay up !)
      but hate Robbie Keane with a passion.
      So, definitely not Irish.
      Liverpool is fine, lots of work to do , but they seem to be on their way.
      And I am not even a Many U fan, per say . But you have to be respect what Fergie's done there over the years. Wish he'd take on Arsenal for a year or two. 12 months, you would see great changes already.
      I am more of a LEEDS Fan.
      You know that they won the European cup in 1975 , but were robbed blind !
      And their game against United some months ago , was by far the most entertaining 90 minutes of football all year .
      I just thought the article was just bad. LOL . I guess writers have to keep writing.
      And since Arsenal is not in the race any longer , they just had to find another
      pony to advertise.
      SeanBarry.

    • 60x60.png
      exmanc 14 March 2011 10:16PM

      Normally I would be very optimistic when we start getting players back from lengthy injuries. Rio, Park, Valencia and Anderson (and even Hargreaves has started training again), together with the possibilty of getting Nani back sooner than expected and that Rooney and Smalling's form curve seems to be pointing upwards.
      This season, however anything can happen and they can as easily get knocked out of everything as win trophies.
      Has anyone twigged by the way that Jenny Thompson is the name of the sweet thing that took Rooney's money in exchange for special favours...alledgedly.

    • no-user-image.gif
      lefthalfback 14 March 2011 10:19PM

      exmanc- LOL
      mook- LOL- his bone was exposed!!!!!!!
      Mind you-it should have been a straight Red for Carragher.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 10:23PM

      seanbarry
      I am more of a LEEDS Fan
      ​
      Good choice, you probably don't stick out so much there
      dunf2562

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 10:25PM

      Has anyone twigged by the way that Jenny Thompson is the name of the sweet thing that took Rooney's money in exchange for special favours...alledgedly.
      ​
      I only noticed that today. I also noticed that I appear to follow her on twitter. Not sure its really here though.

    • 60x60.png
      shedendexile 14 March 2011 10:26PM

      I am more of a LEEDS Fan.
      You know that they won the European cup in 1975 , but were robbed blind !

      ​
      Bayern beat Leeds fair and square.
      When are your lot going to get back to the PL? I miss the rivalry!

    • no-user-image.gif
      glapots 14 March 2011 10:27PM

      @MookieB
      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point.
      -----------------------------
      And the cup, simply because not winning it opens up the strong possibility that City will.

      ​
      Yeah, God forbid anyone else dare win a trophy. The cheeck of them!


 
Dogged Manchester United can still fight on three fronts

Sir Alex Ferguson's current squad may not be as glamorous as its predecessors but it is built to cope with all competitions



  • -Sir-Alex-Ferguson-007.jpg
    The Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, faces the press ahead of his side's Champions League match with Marseille. Photograph: Jon Super/AP Manchester United can still be underestimated, despite all they have achieved. There is good cause to think the current line-up inferior to many of its predecessors, yet it has prospered. The team's results are better than its reputation. With 63 goals, United have outscored everyone else in the Premier League. As they approach the return with Marseille in the Champions League, the 0-0 draw at the Stade Vélodrome has put them in a reasonably good position.
    There are still risks and the club's own record should at least make people pensive. In their European history under Sir Alex Ferguson, United have returned from the away leg with a goalless draw on half a dozen occasions and gone on to be knocked out three times. The calibre of the opposition is the critical factor and Marseille's status as champions of France tended to meet with only a grudging respect.
    United's quality is also under scrutiny, however, and the going has been hard in Premier League away games. They have won just four of them, a record inferior to those of Blackpool and Newcastle United as well as Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Before long, the clamour will rise for a far-reaching overhaul of the squad. Marvellous as Ryan Giggs, 37, and Paul Scholes, 36, have been, a lack of true alternatives also protects their status.
    The subject is recognised everywhere, but it cannot be a burning issue while United are still blazing a trail in European and domestic competition. So long as Nemanja Vidic is present, the defence will normally be sound even when Rio Ferdinand is missing. In seven Champions League fixtures this season, United have conceded a single goal. It was scored at Old Trafford by Pablo Hernández of Valencia, but Ferguson's team equalised through Anderson and topped group C.
    On occasion, the standing of the club is not reflected by the standard of the play. In days gone by, United would probably have found the net against Marseille, instead of looking as if some sort of non-aggression pact had been struck with Didier Deschamps's team. The deeper truth lies in the dwindling menace of some renowned figures. Scholes has one goal this season, although he has been stifled by injuries as much as opponents.
    By the same token, there is a little less talk at present of Giggs being ageless. The difficulties before United are well-known and the often mediocre results in away games should not come as a great surprise. More attention is paid to precautionary measures than would once have been the case.
    A potential vulnerability in Saturday's FA Cup tie was offset by the vitality of the Da Silva twins, whose deployment in the wide midfield positions both checked Arsenal and also put them under strain. At times Ferguson is compelled to improvise, with uneven outcomes. When he had neither Ferdinand nor Vidic available, the outcome was the 3-1 loss at Liverpool. It followed a defeat to Chelsea, but the focus on the defence has also indicated an insufficient contribution elsewhere.
    At £7m, Javier Hernández is an uncommonly good acquisition, but the bulk of the goals have come against less highly rated opponents and he is still a player under development. So far as United's prospects are concerned it is likely to be the effectiveness or otherwise of Wayne Rooney that is the key factor, although the flair of Nani is also significant. There may have been just nine goals from the Englishman in this campaign, but half a dozen of them have come since the start of February.
    Perhaps Ferguson's patience with Rooney and his seemingly distracted life is being rewarded. There was vitality once more in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal. At the opener, it was his cross that led to Fábio da Silva scoring after Manuel Almunia had parried the header from Hernández. In spells, Rooney seemed to lose himself entirely in the match, as if football was once more at the heart of his existence. There was a hunger to the opportunism when he added the second after a Hernández drive ricocheted off Johan Djourou.
    Ferguson's squad is thinner than it once was and they have still to go to the Emirates in the league, as well as facing Chelsea at Old Trafford, but the obduracy is not to be ignored. While this is not an outstanding United line-up it is one with a capacity to cope. Predecessors have had far more glamour, but the current version has a perseverance that will unsettle the contenders in all competitions.

    Football

    Sport

    More comment


    Related








    's comment


    Comments in chronological order (Total 146 comments)


    Post a comment
    • icons_staff_16.gif
      Staff
    • icons_contributor_16.gif
      Contributor

    • no-user-image.gif
      suitone 14 March 2011 8:17PM

      Van Der Sar was an international goalkeeper of proven class before he joined United. He won the Man of the Match award last Saturday. In how many more games will he be the man of the match?

    • 60x60.png
      matthirty5 14 March 2011 8:21PM

      A treble? Its so unlikely its not worth talking about. Even with a team of the standard United in 99 or Liverpool in 77 not worth talking about.
      One game at a time. There is a quarter-final to qualify for and the tie is on a knifes edge.

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 8:48PM

      I met Jesus this morning. He tapped his nose, gave me a knowing wink, said it was no biggie to have doubted his dad's existence all these years, tucked a roll of &#8356;50 notes into my top pocket and told me to go ahead and knock myself out on birds, booze and Burt Bacharach albums - all past sins were forgiven, the job of lifeguard in the afterworld's all-nude ladies pool was mine when the inevitable happens and I top myself after the next defeat at Upton Park and his unseen role in his arch-enemy's team's shafting at Anfield last weekend was the least he could do. Lovely bloke all round.
      But just when it looked as if today couldn't get any better...this - yet another open invitation for Man U fans of all colours, genders, creeds, species and haircuts to get their unmentionables out and tug along in unison to one of the biggest pud-pulling fests ever seen on the back of an FA cup quarter final win. Thank you, Lord Jesus.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 8:48PM

      Are we getting the Arsenal treatment now? It's all gonna end in tears.
      Will be happy with the league and cup double this season.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 8:49PM

      Ferguson's squad is thinner than it once was
      ​
      Do you include Anderson in that statement?

    • 60x60.png
      WarriorAngel 14 March 2011 8:55PM

      Weren't the Guardian praising Arsenal a fortnight ago saying that they were a matured team finally? And that Arsenal were going to win four trophies

    • 60x60.png
      JDKoopa 14 March 2011 8:55PM

      But just when it looked as if today couldn't get any better...this - yet another open invitation for Man U fans of all colours, genders, creeds, species and haircuts to get their unmentionables out and tug along in unison to one of the biggest pud-pulling fests ever seen on the back of an FA cup quarter final win. Thank you, Lord Jesus.
      ​
      I thought it was more an invitation for everyone to bang on about how we're in decline, have no money, are the worst side to ever be top of the league and in the cup semi finals etc etc etc...........

      For the record I'll be shocked and amazed if we win the CL.

    • no-user-image.gif
      Charleysurf 14 March 2011 8:59PM

      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point. It's clear to anyone that this squad is nowhere near the 1999 version.
      it's a bloody interesting squad when you get to see the likes of Hernandez and the Da Silvas play with such joy though.

    • no-user-image.gif
      speaktruth 14 March 2011 8:59PM

      Oops.I've gone all jenniferthompson.
      Anywaz, just got off the phone with Fergie and he says to tell uze how it all came about.
      It dates all the way back to that 2 legged encounter with that tippy tappy Barca team in 2009. Barca went becoming something of force with their tippy tappy and Fergie was looking for a suitable bus to park to try and stem the inevitable tide.
      He spent a week in Carrick's house positioning him in all kinds of bus parking static modes. This on its own goes someway to explain the creation of the worlds most static central midfielder.
      Anyways, over 180mins worth of bus parking later, it dawned on Fergie that you dont really need to waste much needed energy engaging teams in combat when you can just hold and pick their pocket with a Nani or Rooney or Berbatov or Giggs or Scholes.
      Since that game, Fergie has rather taken to parking the bus in league games which come thick and fast it became even more important to conserve energy and only do as much as is needed. If you score 3 goals a game, fine, but 1 goal is just as good. Especially if you have strong Serbian buses that would literally run over little children if needed to stop an attack.
      So to all this present day, not as bucaneering of yore. Its all part of a grand plan to contest quintuplets every season.
      Or is it octuplets??

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 9:03PM

      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point.
      ​
      And the cup, simply because not winning it opens up the strong possibility that City will.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 9:04PM

      and told me to go ahead and knock myself out on birds, booze and Burt Bacharach albums
      ​
      Thats what friends are for
      Sorry, couldn't resist that one

    • no-user-image.gif
      GobbyCharlton 14 March 2011 9:04PM

      I think most Manchester United fans are guarded aginst expecting too much this season. Whilst Ferguson is legendary in his ability to get the best out of a squad; it is a deluded follower in the extreme who would argue that this squad is notable for anything other than its paucity of top talent. It is a durable squad and a relatively deep squad, without being a great squad. There are far too many supporting cast members and not enough leading men. Hope for the future is high though and the less fickle fans still expect greats thing from Anderson; as well as the continuing development of Luis Nani. Moving forward much will depend on whether or not Wayne Rooney can pull his head out of his arse and fulfill the undoubted potential he showed at such a young age. He's done it in fits and starts thus far but lacks a professional focus that the current games top players i.e. Messi and Ronaldo, possess in abundance.
      It wouldn't take much to catapault this United team back to the very top of the game. And by that I mean forging a side that strikes genuine fear into opposing teams and managers. The current iteration surely does not. A replacement for VDS is a must but doesn't improve the team any. A top left winger and a top central midfielder however would. They would also allow United's overwhelming roster of support players, come into their element. Given United's tradition however, it is more than likely that any signings will be of younger developing talent, rather than big name stars. This is a strategy that has served us well in the past.
      A couple of transitional seasons are the least the fans should expect after the giddy success of the last few years. Not even the "greatest team ever" Barcelona managed two back to back CL finals. Ferguson is once again having to reinvent the side. No-one has done it as well, as often in the modern game.
      This season I would take number 19, even if it meant defeat to City in the semi and being knocked out by OM in the CL. But we cannot kid ourselves; this would be one of the poorest title winning Utd sides in living memory, and owes much to the ineptitude of our closest rivals. As long as we don't rest on our laurels and work hard to improve the squad over the summer, then it is a tag most fans will happily accept. For now.

    • 60x60.png
      TheSpider 14 March 2011 9:05PM

      I can see Man Utd winning the league, but not much more (and hey, a major trophy's a maor trophy). Wouldn't surprise me if an amped-up City win the FA Cup semi (and then probably get totalled by Stoke or Bolton). Despite the bluster, I think Fergie's happy - this season - to take the CL as it comes. The squad isn't bad, but has a few too many rough edges, a few too many players out of sorts and a few too many passengers to really push for all three.
      They wouldn't stand much more chance against Barca than Arsenal did, but I don't think they'd get quite so het up about it.

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:08PM

      Since that game, Fergie has rather taken to parking the bus in league games which come thick and fast it
      ​
      Park the bus? Against Barca we did way back then but that's about it. I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.

    • 60x60.png
      donwendyagain 14 March 2011 9:12PM

      The byline says Kevin McCarra but the article has the feel of shedendexile about it. Stop trying to jinx us shed!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:13PM

      I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.
      And that's the very recent trip to Anfield deftly airbrushed from the record.

    • no-user-image.gif
      speaktruth 14 March 2011 9:17PM

      VoodooMagicMan
      Be proud of bus parking.
      Its as much an art as all that fannying around.

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:20PM

      @Patcake
      Eh! Take your bukakke specs off! We conceded 3 goals. Hardly an advertisement for effective bus parking. If we did then it was open top one allowing Dirk Kuyt et al a good sight on goal

    • 60x60.png
      VoodooMagicMan 14 March 2011 9:27PM

      @Zander1983
      Then you hate football and you are a philistine. We're not as attractive as we once were mainly because of the inconsistent season we had and the inconsistent line up. But we're still in it to win it and we're a better side to watch than most.

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:28PM

      @Patcake Eh! Take your bukakke specs off! We conceded 3 goals. Hardly an advertisement for effective bus parking. If we did then it was open top one allowing Dirk Kuyt et al a good sight on goal
      Heh, not bad! Just recommended that post for 'bukkake specs' - brilliant 🙂

    • no-user-image.gif
      SeanBarry 14 March 2011 9:29PM

      [At £7m, Javier Hernandez is an uncommonly good acquisition,]
      but he score against lesser team. I am paraphrasing.
      Who cares. This is an unnecessary thing to say .Meaning ,it doesn't mean anything / Has no value.
      And what if this is true.
      One of his goal [and there have been MANY], meant 3 points for United. PERIOD!
      And this season , when Man U is not playing their best football by a long shot, they are still leading in the last stretch.
      HE did score against Liverpool, and that did not count for anything.
      Rooney and Berbatov are being paid in excess of 80 millions plus between the two of them, and scored shit against Liverpool.
      United won the title last year because of" lesser" player who scored the only goal during games, ( 3Points)
      and this year, it will be the same thing.
      I predict Ferguson will be going after the title to smash Liverpool's record , then he can retire , Happy at last. Hard to see who might beat that new record !
      You ask me what would please him most , a European cup, or the 19the title,
      and there is little doubt concerning the answer.
      He knows deep down, that he has not got the horses to go after FA Cup, EU cup and the EPL title.
      So he will concentrate his resources on holding on to his slim lead.
      PS: on a lighter note, Wenger is ready to resign. Jens Lehmann .
      If anyone was still unsure about the depth of the abyss of Arsenal despair, there should not be any doubt after that bit of news.
      SeanBarry.

    • 60x60.png
      realist81 14 March 2011 9:32PM

      I can't remember any other examples. Solid yes but we always take the game to the opposition in some way or another.
      And that's the very recent trip to Anfield deftly airbrushed from the record
      ​
      Not at all pat but United were attacking, hence why your lot had so much space to exploit at the back.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 9:33PM

      sean barry
      Do you, sidvicous and ugovin ever go for a drink together after work?

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:37PM

      realistic,
      Not at all pat but United were attacking, hence why your lot had so much space to exploit at the back.
      I must have missed that. In my defence, I did go for two slashes during the match.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 9:38PM

      sean barry
      Do you, sidvicous and ugovin ever go for a drink together after work?

      ​
      "Got any ID lads?"

    • 60x60.png
      monkeydan 14 March 2011 9:38PM

      People who leave comments saying things like 'what was the point of this article?' generally irritate me.
      But I'm really struggling to see the point of this article.

    • 60x60.png
      realist81 14 March 2011 9:40PM

      we did attack, rather despearately by the end ;-) but you can't say united parked the bus in that match.
      and no insult took mate, lord my typing sucks more than Jenna Jameson!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 9:48PM

      This comment was removed by a moderator because it didn't abide by our community standards. Replies may also be deleted. For more detail see our FAQs.

    • no-user-image.gif
      PaulLambert 14 March 2011 9:49PM

      Still fancy United for the league, despite their recent slip-ups.
      I think they have a slightly easier run-in than Arsenal, if only because Arsenal still have six away games to play, compared to United's four. While United have five home games, compared to Arsenal's four.
      Arsenal have averaged 2.13 points per game at home this season, and 1.92 points per game away from home. While United have averaged 2.85 points per game at home, and 1.33 points per game away from home.
      If both teams continue along those lines between now and the end of the season, than United should finish on something like 79-81 points, and Arsenal on something like 76-78 points. This isn't an exact science of course, because it fails to take into account future variables, but it's an indicator.
      Arsenal will also be without Vermaelen, Djourou and Sczency for the forseeable, meaning they could start to leak goals that'll cost them points. Meanwhile, United's injured players - Valencia, Park, Evans, Anderson, etc - are starting to trickle back.
      So it'll be tight, but for me all the signs point to United just edging it.
      In Europe, I think United, with everyone fully fit, could give most sides a decent contest, but they'll probably end up coming unstuck somewhere along the line.
      And in the F.A. Cup, it's anyone guess. On the one hand, you could say City are surely due a victory against them, but on the other the fact United have tended to have the edge of late, and probably are still the superior team, could work to their advantage.
      So the prospect of a league/F.A. Cup double for United is a possibility, but certainly nothing like an inevitability. There's a still a lot of football to be played before that happens.
      And the prospect of a treble seems, to be frank, like a typical Abu Diaby effort on goal: a hopeful long shot that will more than likely end up well wide of its intended target.

    • no-user-image.gif
      vahavta 14 March 2011 9:53PM

      Yeah,
      This seems like a bizarre, only-the-guardian-would-think-of-it, tempting fate, piece of an article. I can only assume kevin McCarra actually wants our whole season to go tits up and that is why he has written this clearly, tempting the footballing gods piece.
      Truth is we have the worst squad we have had in years, and it is only because of Chelsea's implosion (which no-one really foresaw) that this is even a title race. We all knew at the beginning of the season that City weren't ready, that Arsenal didn't have the steel and that we (Utd) desperately needed to splash some of the cash still sitting in the bank from the ronaldo deal. So really, Chelsea should have run away with this season. The fact they didn't means the people who were meant to be also-rans have competed for the title as opposed to the best of the rest prize. And all this means that the premier league as a whole is hopelessly weak and will be exposed in Europe eventually. So, yeah maybe we still will beat City in the semi-final of the cup and then whoever we meet in the final, and maybe we will even choke our way over the finishing line in the league, because Arsenal will actually choke, but there is no way on earth Barca, Real and the decent European sides are going to roll over in Europe (and that might now include Chelsea if they have got their act together as it seems they may have done).
      Utd's biggest problem is undoubtedly our complete lack of a midfield. With Fletcher having returned to his bog standard, Carrick continuing to prove the England selectors right in their desire to ignore his existence, Hargreaves actually having paid off an entire mortgage and a half on his own personal physio room, Scholes booking into an old age home and Anderson keeping up his average of 4 good games a season, we are an absolute joke in the center of the park, and the ludicrous O'Dear/ Gibbons partnership we played against the Arse actually looked relatively ok in comparison to previous central midfield performances of ours this season.
      In short - Utd are actually crap - they just are being made to look passable by the dross of the english premier league. Having said that, all it takes is a couple of magical games and the big cup could be ours. And there is no better team in a one-off all-or-nothing high-stakes game than us. Bring on barca in the final!

    • 60x60.png
      PatCake 14 March 2011 10:00PM

      And there is no better team in a one-off all-or-nothing high-stakes game than us. Bring on barca in the final!
      And that's my cue for a wank. G'night all.

    • 60x60.png
      bangkokbob 14 March 2011 10:01PM

      I see that gobshite Nani has made a miracle recovery from his terminal leg graze.

    • 60x60.png
      Raycun 14 March 2011 10:03PM

      Ferguson always expects United to be facing a fixture pile-up at this time of year - it's a rare season when United isn't competing for the league and at least one other competition. That's why he rotates the squad so much. It means some loss of fluency, fewer performances when the whole team seems to be on the same wavelength and can just overwhelm the opposition. BUT it means there is a deep squad of players who can step in as required. Fringe players like O'Shea, young players like Smalling and Hernandez and Fabio (and even Obertan and Bebe) - they get some first-team experience, and they learn their place in the team. When they have to be played, they're ready - not like at Chelsea where younger players only seem to be called on in an emergency, which is the worst time to be introduced into the team. And because the 'first team' players at United aren't playing so many games, they're more likely to be in good condition at this time of year, not exhausted and succumbing to injury.

    • 60x60.png
      Raycun 14 March 2011 10:07PM

      And all this means that the premier league as a whole is hopelessly weak ... there is no way on earth Barca, Real and the decent European sides are going to roll over in Europe
      ​
      Clarify for me. Aside from Barca and Real, who are these decent European sides?
      This hopelessly weak premier league - this is the same one that will probably have three teams in the quarter-finals, more than any other country?

    • no-user-image.gif
      lefthalfback 14 March 2011 10:08PM

      pat cake- I'll go to confession for that too and I am a Prod.
      as for the article? Well, Man U are still in all 3 competitions. Hell, play the lineup you used on Saturday and you might win out. Rooney looked like a new man in that midfield role. Looked like an Argentinian No 10.
      And the twins looked fast, tough and determined.

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 10:08PM

      I see that gobshite Nani has made a miracle recovery from his terminal leg graze.
      ​
      Well its been a week and he has access to expensive medical care. No surprise really.

    • no-user-image.gif
      SeanBarry 14 March 2011 10:09PM

      HAHHAHA
      Nope. Don't drink .
      Hence , am not Irish!
      although I Like Mick McCarthy & the wolves, (Hope they stay up !)
      but hate Robbie Keane with a passion.
      So, definitely not Irish.
      Liverpool is fine, lots of work to do , but they seem to be on their way.
      And I am not even a Many U fan, per say . But you have to be respect what Fergie's done there over the years. Wish he'd take on Arsenal for a year or two. 12 months, you would see great changes already.
      I am more of a LEEDS Fan.
      You know that they won the European cup in 1975 , but were robbed blind !
      And their game against United some months ago , was by far the most entertaining 90 minutes of football all year .
      I just thought the article was just bad. LOL . I guess writers have to keep writing.
      And since Arsenal is not in the race any longer , they just had to find another
      pony to advertise.
      SeanBarry.

    • 60x60.png
      exmanc 14 March 2011 10:16PM

      Normally I would be very optimistic when we start getting players back from lengthy injuries. Rio, Park, Valencia and Anderson (and even Hargreaves has started training again), together with the possibilty of getting Nani back sooner than expected and that Rooney and Smalling's form curve seems to be pointing upwards.
      This season, however anything can happen and they can as easily get knocked out of everything as win trophies.
      Has anyone twigged by the way that Jenny Thompson is the name of the sweet thing that took Rooney's money in exchange for special favours...alledgedly.

    • no-user-image.gif
      lefthalfback 14 March 2011 10:19PM

      exmanc- LOL
      mook- LOL- his bone was exposed!!!!!!!
      Mind you-it should have been a straight Red for Carragher.

    • 60x60.png
      dunf2562 14 March 2011 10:23PM

      seanbarry
      I am more of a LEEDS Fan
      ​
      Good choice, you probably don't stick out so much there
      dunf2562

    • 60x60.png
      MookieB 14 March 2011 10:25PM

      Has anyone twigged by the way that Jenny Thompson is the name of the sweet thing that took Rooney's money in exchange for special favours...alledgedly.
      ​
      I only noticed that today. I also noticed that I appear to follow her on twitter. Not sure its really here though.

    • 60x60.png
      shedendexile 14 March 2011 10:26PM

      I am more of a LEEDS Fan.
      You know that they won the European cup in 1975 , but were robbed blind !

      ​
      Bayern beat Leeds fair and square.
      When are your lot going to get back to the PL? I miss the rivalry!

    • no-user-image.gif
      glapots 14 March 2011 10:27PM

      @MookieB
      Most United fans would happily accept the league alone at this point.
      -----------------------------
      And the cup, simply because not winning it opens up the strong possibility that City will.

      ​
      Yeah, God forbid anyone else dare win a trophy. The cheeck of them!


 

Manchester United worried by Marseille's away goals threat

&#8226; French side will 'try and hit us on the counter' after 0-0 draw
&#8226; Sir Alex Ferguson says United players must 'step up' for run-in




  • Louise Taylor
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 20.33 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Antonio-Valencia-Manchest-007.jpg
    Antonio Valencia's return from serious injury ahead of schedule is 'a great boost' for Manchester United, says Sir Alex Ferguson. Photograph: Fotosports/Robin Parker/EPA Sir Alex Ferguson has owned up to harbouring a certain nervousness about entertaining Marseille at Old Trafford but trusts his team will thrive on this element of fear. "It's nice to have a bit of apprehension about big European ties," said Manchester United's manager. "We're playing an experienced, powerful Marseille and we'll have to play well. We're going to have to get to a good level to win."
    After United drew the first leg 0-0 in France, Ferguson is wary of Didier Deschamps's side utilising the away-goals rule to their advantage in Tuesday's decider. "I must admit I thought they went for a 0-0 in the first game and I think Marseille will sit back and try and hit us on the counterattack," he said. "There are different ways of playing counterattack in modern football but I don't know much about Didier Deschamps as a tactician; it's the first time I've come up against him as a coach."
    Which is not to say United have neglected to do their homework on the one-time Chelsea midfielder's team. "I've watched Marseille twice away from home, against Monaco and Rennes, and they showed the qualities we will be up against," said Ferguson. "We have to recognise their power and experience."
    Despite still being on course for a treble and having just knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, United have sometimes looked less than the sum of their parts this season. "The team needs to step up," Ferguson said. "The team needs to perform to win the league. With being involved in three tournaments it's an important time and the key is to have everyone available. It would be nice to get that; it doesn't matter how many players you have had injured in the past, the important thing is to have them all available for the run-in. If we have that then it will increase our chances."
    United's manager seems to possess a reasonable chance of being granted this wish. If Antonio Valencia's return from serious injury ahead of schedule represents one bonus, Park Ji-sung is also close to full fitness while Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans should reappear following the international break. There is even the prospect, albeit tentative, of Owen Hargreaves partaking in some action before May is out. "Hargreaves started training this morning," Ferguson said. "Hopefully, you never know, we could have him available by the end of the season."
    Valencia could even begin against Marseille following his reintroduction as a substitute against Arsenal. "To get 45 minutes from Antonio was a fantastic bonus," said Ferguson. "A fantastic step forward considering he's been out for so long. The question is whether I can play him from the start or, as I did on Saturday, as a substitute. It's a great selection poser for me and good to have. Antonio's availability is a great boost to us. He and Wayne Rooney are both young and have great energies."
    Indeed the medical bulletins proved so relentlessly upbeat that United's manager was able not only to confirm the fitness for Champions League action of Nani and Michael Carrick but emphasise the problem which caused Nemanja Vidic to miss training on Monday was not serious. "There's a good chance Nani will play against Marseille. He trained on Sunday with Michael Carrick," he said. "Both will be involved and hopefully Vidic will be OK too. He's had a knock but he's tough."
    Ferguson has long believed that this, the "business end" of the season, is the time when the tough get going and he duly dismissed suggestions that a potential fixture backlog including an FA Cup semi- final derby against Mancheter City could prompt burn-out among his squad.
    "We won't be withdrawing from competitions so we have to get on with it," he said. "You have to face that situation with fixtures a million times. It happens, there's nothing you can do about it, we're just glad to be there."
    So much so that staying in treble contention remains the overriding priority. This entails confronting a succession of imposing obstacles one at a time.
    "We're experienced enough to do what we're doing at the moment, taking each game as it comes," said Ferguson. "The focus is on Marseille at the moment. They're a good team but, with these European games at Old Trafford on a midweek night there's a terrific atmosphere. Hopefully that will help us."

 

Manchester United worried by Marseille's away goals threat

• French side will 'try and hit us on the counter' after 0-0 draw
• Sir Alex Ferguson says United players must 'step up' for run-in




  • Louise Taylor
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 20.33 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Antonio-Valencia-Manchest-007.jpg
    Antonio Valencia's return from serious injury ahead of schedule is 'a great boost' for Manchester United, says Sir Alex Ferguson. Photograph: Fotosports/Robin Parker/EPA Sir Alex Ferguson has owned up to harbouring a certain nervousness about entertaining Marseille at Old Trafford but trusts his team will thrive on this element of fear. "It's nice to have a bit of apprehension about big European ties," said Manchester United's manager. "We're playing an experienced, powerful Marseille and we'll have to play well. We're going to have to get to a good level to win."
    After United drew the first leg 0-0 in France, Ferguson is wary of Didier Deschamps's side utilising the away-goals rule to their advantage in Tuesday's decider. "I must admit I thought they went for a 0-0 in the first game and I think Marseille will sit back and try and hit us on the counterattack," he said. "There are different ways of playing counterattack in modern football but I don't know much about Didier Deschamps as a tactician; it's the first time I've come up against him as a coach."
    Which is not to say United have neglected to do their homework on the one-time Chelsea midfielder's team. "I've watched Marseille twice away from home, against Monaco and Rennes, and they showed the qualities we will be up against," said Ferguson. "We have to recognise their power and experience."
    Despite still being on course for a treble and having just knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup, United have sometimes looked less than the sum of their parts this season. "The team needs to step up," Ferguson said. "The team needs to perform to win the league. With being involved in three tournaments it's an important time and the key is to have everyone available. It would be nice to get that; it doesn't matter how many players you have had injured in the past, the important thing is to have them all available for the run-in. If we have that then it will increase our chances."
    United's manager seems to possess a reasonable chance of being granted this wish. If Antonio Valencia's return from serious injury ahead of schedule represents one bonus, Park Ji-sung is also close to full fitness while Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans should reappear following the international break. There is even the prospect, albeit tentative, of Owen Hargreaves partaking in some action before May is out. "Hargreaves started training this morning," Ferguson said. "Hopefully, you never know, we could have him available by the end of the season."
    Valencia could even begin against Marseille following his reintroduction as a substitute against Arsenal. "To get 45 minutes from Antonio was a fantastic bonus," said Ferguson. "A fantastic step forward considering he's been out for so long. The question is whether I can play him from the start or, as I did on Saturday, as a substitute. It's a great selection poser for me and good to have. Antonio's availability is a great boost to us. He and Wayne Rooney are both young and have great energies."
    Indeed the medical bulletins proved so relentlessly upbeat that United's manager was able not only to confirm the fitness for Champions League action of Nani and Michael Carrick but emphasise the problem which caused Nemanja Vidic to miss training on Monday was not serious. "There's a good chance Nani will play against Marseille. He trained on Sunday with Michael Carrick," he said. "Both will be involved and hopefully Vidic will be OK too. He's had a knock but he's tough."
    Ferguson has long believed that this, the "business end" of the season, is the time when the tough get going and he duly dismissed suggestions that a potential fixture backlog including an FA Cup semi- final derby against Mancheter City could prompt burn-out among his squad.
    "We won't be withdrawing from competitions so we have to get on with it," he said. "You have to face that situation with fixtures a million times. It happens, there's nothing you can do about it, we're just glad to be there."
    So much so that staying in treble contention remains the overriding priority. This entails confronting a succession of imposing obstacles one at a time.
    "We're experienced enough to do what we're doing at the moment, taking each game as it comes," said Ferguson. "The focus is on Marseille at the moment. They're a good team but, with these European games at Old Trafford on a midweek night there's a terrific atmosphere. Hopefully that will help us."
 
FA meets police over United and City's Manchester derby Cup semi-final

&#8226; 17 April is date for London Marathon and Arsenal home game
&#8226; FA and police spokesmen say solution will be found




  • Dominic Fifield
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 18.09 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    FA-Cup-trophy-001.jpg
    The FA Cup semi-finals are due to be played at Wembley on 16 and 17 April. Photograph: David Sillitoe/Guardian The Football Association has opened discussions with the Metropolitan police and local authorities over the date for next month's FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Manchester City. The two semi-finals &#8211; Bolton will play Stoke in the other &#8211; are due to be played at Wembley on the weekend of 16-17 April. A decision on which match is played when is expected by the end of this week.
    There are logistical, safety and police issues associated with two sets of rival supporters travelling from Manchester to Wembley by the same routes on the same day. Furthermore, City may have to play a Europa League quarter-final on the Thursday before the FA Cup semi-final. Normally this would allow them a Sunday fixture, but 17 April is the date for the London Marathon and Arsenal's Premier League home game against Liverpool.
    Three such major sporting events on one day could stretch police resources, but the FA and the Metropolitan police are confident they would be able to cope.
    "The fact two teams are coming down from Manchester does pose different circumstances as opposed to one from Newcastle and one from London, for example, but we deal with different issues like this on a regular basis," said an FA spokesman. "There is a lot of sport going on in London that weekend and we will be having conversations with the relevant authorities before we make a decision as to which game gets played when.
    "It is not extraordinary in that sense and we are not expecting huge problems or issues over this. For any Wembley event we would speak to the Metropolitan police, Transport for London [and] Brent council, so this would just be an extension of that. We will deal with this event the same way we will deal with other events. But we will also be talking to rail transport providers who will be bringing fans from Manchester."
    The Metropolitan police said it was confident a satisfactory solution will be found. "We deal with football matches &#8211; whether they be FA Cup semi-finals and finals or internationals &#8211; all the time," said a spokesman. "We obviously have a lot of experience of dealing with these things and an appropriate and flexible policing policy will be in place."

 
FA meets police over United and City's Manchester derby Cup semi-final

• 17 April is date for London Marathon and Arsenal home game
• FA and police spokesmen say solution will be found




  • Dominic Fifield
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 18.09 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    FA-Cup-trophy-001.jpg
    The FA Cup semi-finals are due to be played at Wembley on 16 and 17 April. Photograph: David Sillitoe/Guardian The Football Association has opened discussions with the Metropolitan police and local authorities over the date for next month's FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Manchester City. The two semi-finals – Bolton will play Stoke in the other – are due to be played at Wembley on the weekend of 16-17 April. A decision on which match is played when is expected by the end of this week.
    There are logistical, safety and police issues associated with two sets of rival supporters travelling from Manchester to Wembley by the same routes on the same day. Furthermore, City may have to play a Europa League quarter-final on the Thursday before the FA Cup semi-final. Normally this would allow them a Sunday fixture, but 17 April is the date for the London Marathon and Arsenal's Premier League home game against Liverpool.
    Three such major sporting events on one day could stretch police resources, but the FA and the Metropolitan police are confident they would be able to cope.
    "The fact two teams are coming down from Manchester does pose different circumstances as opposed to one from Newcastle and one from London, for example, but we deal with different issues like this on a regular basis," said an FA spokesman. "There is a lot of sport going on in London that weekend and we will be having conversations with the relevant authorities before we make a decision as to which game gets played when.
    "It is not extraordinary in that sense and we are not expecting huge problems or issues over this. For any Wembley event we would speak to the Metropolitan police, Transport for London [and] Brent council, so this would just be an extension of that. We will deal with this event the same way we will deal with other events. But we will also be talking to rail transport providers who will be bringing fans from Manchester."
    The Metropolitan police said it was confident a satisfactory solution will be found. "We deal with football matches – whether they be FA Cup semi-finals and finals or internationals – all the time," said a spokesman. "We obviously have a lot of experience of dealing with these things and an appropriate and flexible policing policy will be in place."
 
Didier Deschamps: Marseille can shock Manchester United

&#8226; Deschamps: United have an 'armada' of attacking options
&#8226; 'We will have to be 100% on top of our game'




  • Paul Wilson
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 21.42 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Didier-Deschamps--007.jpg
    Marseille's manager, Didier Deschamps, admitted that Nani caused his team 'a few problems' in the first leg. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images The Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has rebutted Alex Ferguson's claims that he deliberately played for a 0-0 draw in the Champions League last 16 first leg, insisting his side are capable of a shock in their clash with Manchester United.
    Deschamps admits the French team are massive underdogs while United possess an "armada" of attacking talent. But he denied suggestions that Marseille were only playing for an away-goal victory.
    "I don't know whether 0-0 in the first leg was a fair result, but it is hardly the ideal result for the home team," he explained. "I wouldn't ask my team to play for that, though at the same time you give yourself more chance to go through if you do not concede. You have to be careful in these games. We want to be as positive as we can but not give anything away, because we know we are playing against a team that will give us absolutely nothing. The strikers I select will have an extremely important role to play, because we might only get three or four chances to score all night, but if we can take one it could make a big difference."
    News that Nani will be fit for at least part of Manchester United's Champions League game came just in time for Deschamps to congratulate him on his performance in the first leg. The goalless draw at the Stade Vélodrome struck most observers as a sterile, unambitious affair but the Marseille coach was impressed by the Portuguese winger's contribution.
    "He caused us a few problems," Deschamps said. "With his pace on the ball he has the ability to speed the game up, but he is only one of United's armada of attacking options. We can't just think about Nani, there is [Wayne] Rooney, [Dimitar] Berbatov and Chicharito [Javier Hernández] to think about as well. They can pose problems for any team."
    During his final season as a Juventus player Deschamps gained a first hand view of United on their way to a treble, though he is too diplomatic to be drawn on whether a treble is on again this season, or whether the present side matches up to the class of 1999. "That was a long time ago, and I was young," he said.
    "I don't like to make comparisons between different eras but I am aware that to win those three trophies was a pretty unique achievement. That's what Manchester United seem to be good at though, making history, doing exceptional things. It is not for me to say what they could win this year, but you know at the start of each season that they are one of just four or five teams that has a chance of winning the Champions League. They have a very good record, quarter-finals, semi-finals, finals. They are usually there or thereabouts."
    En route to the Champions League final in 1994 Deschamps' Monaco accounted for both Chelsea and Real Madrid, though as the coach pointed out they had the home leg second both times. "That usually counts in your favour," he said.
    "The fixtures are reversed this time, and statistics suggest 70% of teams win if they are at home second. So 0-0 in the first leg was a better result for Manchester United than us. On the other hand, in both cases, the key to going through is not to give much too much away in the first leg, and we have managed that part. I think United will try to attack us without taking risks. They are solid at the back and dangerous in attack, but most of all they are familiar with this sort of situation, they know what to do. We have given ourselves a chance, the tie is still open, but United have all the experience and we will have to be 100% on top of our game."

 
Arsenal expected to re-sign 41-year-old Jens Lehmann

&#8226; Arsenal hope to sign goalkeeper in time for West Brom match
&#8226; 41-year-old Lehmann has not played since May 2010




  • Dominic Fifield
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 15.17 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Jens-Lehmann-007.jpg
    Jens Lehmann left Arsenal in 2008 but could be primed for a shock return to the Emirates Stadium. Photograph: Bernd Weissbrod/DPA/Press Association Images Jens Lehmann is to sign a short-term contract at his former club Arsenal before this weekend's Premier League visit to West Bromwich Albion to ease the title challengers' immediate injury concerns and provide cover for Manuel Almunia.
    The former Germany international, who spent five years with Arsenal up to 2008, is a free agent having retired from the game in 2010 after two seasons with Stuttgart back in the Bundesliga. The 41-year-old can be signed outside the transfer window as he is without a club, with Arsenal to assess his fitness in training sessions over the next few days before confirming his return to the Emirates most likely until the end of the season. "Arsenal have a goalkeeping emergency at the moment," he said. "I'm glad I can help."
    Arsène Wenger has been denied Wojciech Szczesny, who dislocated a finger and damaged tendons as Arsenal were eliminated from the Champions League at Barcelona last week, and Lukasz Fabianski (shoulder) in recent weeks. Vito Mannone, on loan at Hull City, is also out by a thigh problem. That had left Almunia as the club's only senior goalkeeper, with the teenager James Shea, a 19-year-old England youth international, recalled from a loan spell at Southampton but considered too inexperienced to be risked as yet in the Premier League.
    Wenger admitted last week that he would seek to sign a back-up &#8211; "We will look for an emergency goalkeeper and I have someone in mind." &#8211; on a short-term basis to provide cover over the run-in, with Lehmann, a player familiar with all things Arsenal and a reminder of past successes, an ideal instant solution.
    The German made 199 appearances for Arsenal after signing from Borussia Dortmund for £1.25m in 2003 as David Seaman's replacement, and was Wenger's No1 over the course of the Invincibles' season of 2003-04, and for the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United when the club gained their last trophy in 2005.
    Lehmann started the 2006 Champions League final against Barcelona in Paris, when he was sent off in the 18th minute and replaced by Almunia, who was effectively first-choice from early in the 2007-08 campaign.
    The goalkeeping pair endured an occasionally fractious relationship, with the Spaniard unhappy with Lehmann's criticisms of his form and ability. Lehmann had described losing his place to the Spaniard as "a humiliation". "To be sitting on the bench behind somebody who only started to play when he was 30 is not funny," he said.
    "I know he hates me," Almunia told this newspaper in April 2008. "I'm an easy going person. I like to treat everyone with respect and I see everyone as equals. I treat people the way I would like to be treated myself. To have someone here who hates me is just amazing."
    Bridges were built to a certain extent at the end of the German's spell at the club, and he will return with his role merely as an understudy to Almunia &#8211; who has lost his position as first choice, first to Fabianski and then to Szczesny &#8211; very clearly defined.
    Lehmann had been due to spend six weeks at Arsenal's London Colney training complex, albeit on a coaching course to gain his badges, but will now prolong his playing career instead.
    He held talks with Wenger on Monday and will now be monitored in training over the next few daysto determine his fitness and capabilities. His last game was for Stuttgart against Hoffenheim on 8 May, 2010, although he is understood to have maintained a good level of health through gym work in the period since.
    The former Germany international has been working in the media since retiring from the game and has attended matches at the Emirates already this season, as a pundit for English and German broadcasters.
    He was at Camp Nou to witness Arsenal's 3-1 Champions League second-leg defeat last week, when Szczesny sustained his finger injury, and is expected on the bench at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

 
John Terry edges closer to regaining the England captaincy

&#8226; Chelsea centre-back may wear armband against Wales
&#8226; England manager Fabio Capello delays captaincy decision




  • Richard Williams
  • The Guardian, Tuesday 15 March 2011 <li class="history">Article history
    John-Terry-007.jpg
    John Terry wearing the Chelsea captain's armband. Will he be wearing the England one in Cardiff? Photograph: Craig Brough/Action Images Barely a year after being stripped of the England captaincy, John Terry may be pulling on the armband for the Euro 2012 qualifying match against Wales in Cardiff next week. If that is indeed Fabio Capello's verdict, then it appears possible that the appointment will be permanent.
    "I'm not sure of my decision yet," Capello said . "I need time." He would announce his choice, he said, the day before the Wales match. But the fact that he is meeting Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, the current captain and vice-captain, over the next two days suggests that he is seriously considering the reinstatement of Terry, who lost the armband following allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge.
    Both the Manchester United defender and the Liverpool midfielder have been ruled out of the trip to the Millennium Stadium. Capello will also have to consider the claims of Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, third and fourth in the pecking order.
    When England beat Denmark 2-1 in a friendly in Copenhagen last month, the absence of Ferdinand and Gerrard led Capello to give the captaincy to Lampard. When Lampard was substituted at half-time, the role was passed to Ashley Cole. And on Cole's withdrawal, Gareth Barry became the third captain of the night. Terry, on the pitch the whole time, watched the passing of the armband with increasing frustration, to which he gave vent afterwards. Nor, it now transpires, was Capello best pleased with what he saw.
    "I was upset about this, really upset, when I saw the players handing it around," Capello said. "People were saying, 'Who's the captain?' I had decided on three, the captain, vice captain and second vice captain. But there was confusion. I think for John Terry it was a bad moment."
    A year, the manager added, is "a good period to understand a mistake". Terry had held the job since his appointment by Steve McClaren in August 2006, had it confirmed by Capello exactly two years later after a set of auditions that included Ferdinand and Gerrard, and lost it during a 10-minute meeting at Wembley Stadium on 5 February 2010.
    Now Capello appears ready to forgive and forget. He described both Terry and Ferdinand as "good captains" but stressed that the former had been his original first choice and may also be swayed by the latter's recurring back problem.
    "First of all I want to know what happened with Rio's back and when he will be fit because he is a really important player for us," said Capello. "After that I will explain to him what really happened and what I am going to do, if I will decide on a new captain or about John Terry or something else. I will explain what happened in Denmark and what I think. I would understand if he is not happy. But I am the manager. I have to take decisions."
    Capello was also keen to stress the importance of Jack Wilshere to his plans. When asked whether Arsenal's 19-year-old was captaincy material, he said: "He needs more caps, but he's a leader on the pitch. I watched him speaking to the referee and the other players during a match. It's difficult to find a player like that, so young, with such a big personality."
    As to Wilshere's role in the team, Capello emphasised his need to be involved as one of two midfield players in front of the back four. "Now we need to find another one. But he's incredible. After the Denmark game I was really happy with his performance. He played with confidence, without fear, trying to do the same things he does usually when he plays with Arsenal."
    That was Wilshere's second cap, the first having come back in August, as an 83rd-minute substitute in a friendly against Egypt at Wembley. "The first time he played, I was not so sure," Capello said. "But since that time he has improved a lot."
    The England manager was particularly impressed by his Champions League performances in Arsenal's defeat over two legs at the hands of Barcelona. "In the game in Spain, against the most difficult team to beat at the moment, he played with the same confidence and attitude that he showed in the match in London," he said. "He was incredible."

 
Chelsea's Fernando Torres makes Champions League his priority

&#8226; Spanish striker to start against Copenhagen
&#8226; 'Champions League is the biggest club prize you can win'




  • Dominic Fifield
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 23.29 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Fernando-Torres-Chelsea-007.jpg
    Fernando Torres is yet to score for Chelsea since his £50m move from Liverpool but has mustered 12 shots and created eight chances for team-mates. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Carlo Ancelotti expects to have a full complement of strikers available for selection when Chelsea's Champions League campaign resumes against Copenhagen on Wednesday with the focus thrust back on Fernando Torres, who will start the tie, to break his goalscoring duck at the club after his £50m move from Liverpool.
    Torres, who has mustered 12 shots and created eight chances for team-mates, showed flashes of form in the first leg in Denmark, and in the victory at Blackpool last week. Didier Drogba hobbled out of that win after sustaining a blow to his hip but should be fit for the game at Stamford Bridge, though Ancelotti may opt to pair Torres with Nicolas Anelka given the Frenchman scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Parken stadium.
    The Spaniard has admitted he is still settling at Chelsea and in London. "The first few weeks are not easy," he said. "You don't just arrive and everything is waiting for you. You have to get to grips with a new city, there's all the paperwork, looking for an apartment ... it takes time to find your feet and there are moments when everything seems a mess."
    Torres is hopeful he can compete for honours consistently at Chelsea. "I'm sure that my best years in the Premier League are still to come," he said. "Now I want to settle down, to focus on football and to enjoy my time here. With Chelsea I can fight for the league title and the Champions League. Only once with Liverpool did I experience that feeling. Just over six weeks ago I wasn't feeling as I am now. Now I feel that I'm closer to what I want to achieve in football.
    "I've spent my life trying to win and looking for titles. I have been lucky enough to win the European Championship and the World Cup with Spain. But as a footballer you also want to win with your club, the team you train with every day, and the reason why you are living and playing abroad. Chelsea are going to give me that chance this year, the next and the next. Over the next 50 years the club will be fighting with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal. Chelsea have an owner who continues to invest in the squad, an owner who has a dream and an owner who will not stop until his dream comes true.
    "There was only one team that could offer what I wanted, especially as I wanted to stay in England. Chelsea confirmed their interest in the January transfer window after having already tried and failed in the summer.
    "I did not fancy a move to Manchester City, or a move to Manchester United out of respect and loyalty to Liverpool. I couldn't let this chance pass me by."
    Asked whether his preference would be to win the Champions League or the Premier League, Torres said: "Definitely the Champions League. After winning the World Cup and the European Championship it is the biggest prize you can win. I would also love to win the Premier League as it's a great competition, and I'm sure that I will win at least one. You can never tell with the Champions League."

 
Chelsea's Fernando Torres makes Champions League his priority

• Spanish striker to start against Copenhagen
• 'Champions League is the biggest club prize you can win'



  • Dominic Fifield
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 14 March 2011 23.29 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    Fernando-Torres-Chelsea-007.jpg
    Fernando Torres is yet to score for Chelsea since his £50m move from Liverpool but has mustered 12 shots and created eight chances for team-mates. Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images Carlo Ancelotti expects to have a full complement of strikers available for selection when Chelsea's Champions League campaign resumes against Copenhagen on Wednesday with the focus thrust back on Fernando Torres, who will start the tie, to break his goalscoring duck at the club after his £50m move from Liverpool.
    Torres, who has mustered 12 shots and created eight chances for team-mates, showed flashes of form in the first leg in Denmark, and in the victory at Blackpool last week. Didier Drogba hobbled out of that win after sustaining a blow to his hip but should be fit for the game at Stamford Bridge, though Ancelotti may opt to pair Torres with Nicolas Anelka given the Frenchman scored both goals in the 2-0 win at Parken stadium.
    The Spaniard has admitted he is still settling at Chelsea and in London. "The first few weeks are not easy," he said. "You don't just arrive and everything is waiting for you. You have to get to grips with a new city, there's all the paperwork, looking for an apartment ... it takes time to find your feet and there are moments when everything seems a mess."
    Torres is hopeful he can compete for honours consistently at Chelsea. "I'm sure that my best years in the Premier League are still to come," he said. "Now I want to settle down, to focus on football and to enjoy my time here. With Chelsea I can fight for the league title and the Champions League. Only once with Liverpool did I experience that feeling. Just over six weeks ago I wasn't feeling as I am now. Now I feel that I'm closer to what I want to achieve in football.
    "I've spent my life trying to win and looking for titles. I have been lucky enough to win the European Championship and the World Cup with Spain. But as a footballer you also want to win with your club, the team you train with every day, and the reason why you are living and playing abroad. Chelsea are going to give me that chance this year, the next and the next. Over the next 50 years the club will be fighting with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal. Chelsea have an owner who continues to invest in the squad, an owner who has a dream and an owner who will not stop until his dream comes true.
    "There was only one team that could offer what I wanted, especially as I wanted to stay in England. Chelsea confirmed their interest in the January transfer window after having already tried and failed in the summer.
    "I did not fancy a move to Manchester City, or a move to Manchester United out of respect and loyalty to Liverpool. I couldn't let this chance pass me by."
    Asked whether his preference would be to win the Champions League or the Premier League, Torres said: "Definitely the Champions League. After winning the World Cup and the European Championship it is the biggest prize you can win. I would also love to win the Premier League as it's a great competition, and I'm sure that I will win at least one. You can never tell with the Champions League."
 
John Terry would be happy to lead England again, says Carlo Ancelotti

&#8226; 'This is the decision of England and he will be happy about this'
&#8226; Ancelotti hints at resting Chelsea players for Copenhagen tie




  • Press Association
  • guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 15 March 2011 14.50 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    John-Terry-and-Carlo-Ance-007.jpg
    John Terry and Carlo Ancelotti in Chelsea training ahead of Wednesday's Champions League second leg against FC Copenhagen. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images The Chelsea manger, Carlo Ancelotti, believes John Terry would be "happy" to captain England again if he was reinstated by Fabio Capello.
    Terry looks set to regain the armband, having been stripped of the honour a year ago following allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge. Capello revealed on Monday he planned to meet the injured Rio Ferdinand to discuss the prospect of a change.
    Ancelotti was tight-lipped on Tuesday about the surprise news, revealing only his belief that Terry would be keen to lead his country again. "I didn't say anything when the England team took away his armband," Ancelotti said. "Obviously, this is the decision of the national team and he will be happy about this."
    Ancelotti did not follow Capello's lead when Terry lost the England captaincy. Indeed, the Italian has repeatedly insisted he is not interested in what his players get up to off the field.
    Asked if he felt Terry had learned his lesson, Ancelotti said: "I don't know. I'm not interested in this. I'm just interested in seeing him train well and play fantastic football."
    But Ancelotti has no doubts about Terry's credentials as captain at Stamford Bridge. "He is a Chelsea man, he is a Chelsea player," he said. "He has fantastic experience, he has personality to be captain here."
    Ancelotti also revealed he would rest players for Wednesday night's Champions League last-16 second leg against FC Copenhagen. Chelsea won the first leg 2-0 and the manager admitted he has one eye on Sunday's Premier League game with Manchester City.
    With David Luiz ineligible to face Copenhagen, Alex (knee) is in line to make his return from long-term injury against City having trained with the first team on Tuesday, while Yossi Benayoun is also close to a comeback.
    Provisional squad: Cech, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Ramires, McEachran, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Turnbull.

 
John Terry would be happy to lead England again, says Carlo Ancelotti

• 'This is the decision of England and he will be happy about this'
• Ancelotti hints at resting Chelsea players for Copenhagen tie



  • Press Association
  • guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 15 March 2011 14.50 GMT <li class="history">Article history
    John-Terry-and-Carlo-Ance-007.jpg
    John Terry and Carlo Ancelotti in Chelsea training ahead of Wednesday's Champions League second leg against FC Copenhagen. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images The Chelsea manger, Carlo Ancelotti, believes John Terry would be "happy" to captain England again if he was reinstated by Fabio Capello.
    Terry looks set to regain the armband, having been stripped of the honour a year ago following allegations of an affair with the former girlfriend of Wayne Bridge. Capello revealed on Monday he planned to meet the injured Rio Ferdinand to discuss the prospect of a change.
    Ancelotti was tight-lipped on Tuesday about the surprise news, revealing only his belief that Terry would be keen to lead his country again. "I didn't say anything when the England team took away his armband," Ancelotti said. "Obviously, this is the decision of the national team and he will be happy about this."
    Ancelotti did not follow Capello's lead when Terry lost the England captaincy. Indeed, the Italian has repeatedly insisted he is not interested in what his players get up to off the field.
    Asked if he felt Terry had learned his lesson, Ancelotti said: "I don't know. I'm not interested in this. I'm just interested in seeing him train well and play fantastic football."
    But Ancelotti has no doubts about Terry's credentials as captain at Stamford Bridge. "He is a Chelsea man, he is a Chelsea player," he said. "He has fantastic experience, he has personality to be captain here."
    Ancelotti also revealed he would rest players for Wednesday night's Champions League last-16 second leg against FC Copenhagen. Chelsea won the first leg 2-0 and the manager admitted he has one eye on Sunday's Premier League game with Manchester City.
    With David Luiz ineligible to face Copenhagen, Alex (knee) is in line to make his return from long-term injury against City having trained with the first team on Tuesday, while Yossi Benayoun is also close to a comeback.
    Provisional squad: Cech, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Terry, Ivanovic, Zhirkov, Cole, Mikel, Essien, Lampard, Ramires, McEachran, Kalou, Malouda, Anelka, Torres, Drogba, Turnbull.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar Discussions

Our Community

Coming Soon

Regional Communities

Coming Soon
Back
Top Bottom
Menu
Forums
New posts
Log in
Register