Manchester United Soccer Fun Club

Result- Manchester United Vs Tottenhem 13 Dec 08

2008-12-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

Result- Manchester United Vs Tottenhem 13 Dec 08

Result- Manchester United Vs Tottenhem 13 Dec 08

EPL - Manchester United Vs Tottenhem 13 Dec 08

2008-12-13T06:51:00.000-08:00

EPL - Manchester United Vs Tottenhem 13 Dec 08

"Dimitar is a great player" said the United boss Sir Alex

2008-12-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

sir Alex Ferguson is confident Dimitar Berbatov will eventually prove what a class act he is at Manchester United, as he prepares to face his old side Tottenham on Saturday night.

Ferguson eventually splashed out a club record £30.75million on Berbatov after some hard bargaining by Spurs on transfer deadline day.

Yet, despite flashes of obvious brilliance, consistency has so far eluded the 27-year-old during his stay at Old Trafford.

Indeed, some cruel pundits have likened Berbatov to another player of immense talent, Juan Sebastian Veron, who joined United for a vast sum accompanied by a major fanfare from Inter Milan, but failed to do himself justice and was offloaded to Chelsea as the Red Devils struggled to emulate past glories.

"Dimitar is a great player," said the United boss. Manchester United Soccer Fun Club.

EPL - Manchester United Vs Manchester City 30 Nov 08

2008-11-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

manchester united soccer. Despite last season's double for the Blues, the Reds still hold the upper hand in Premier League derby clashes with 12 wins out of 22 and only five defeats. Sir Alex Ferguson's men go into the game on the back of two goalless draws, so let's hope that old derby-day cliche about form books and windows rings true. Especially as Mark Hughes' side have registered two victories to nil this week - putting three past Arsenal and then winning impressively in the UEFA Cup, 2-0 at Schalke.manchester united soccer.

manchester united soccer. Dimitar Berbatov is in contention after recovering from a hamstring strain. Skipper Gary Neville is also back in the frame after a groin injury, but Wes Brown (ankle), Owen Hargreaves (knee) and Paul Scholes (knee) are all unavailable. Scholesy, however, could return within a week or two. City, meanwhile, are without long term injured pair Martin Petrov (knee) and Valeri Bojinov (Achilles), while the clash is likely to come too soon for midfielder Michael Johnson who has been sidelined .EPL - Manchester United Vs Manchester City 30 Nov 08

EPL - Manchester United Vs Aston Villa 22 Nov 08

2008-11-22T03:52:00.000-08:00

manchester united soccer

EPL - Manchester United Vs Aston Villa 22 Nov 08
manchester united soccer.

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss Saturday's Premier League match at Aston Villa and Tuesday's Champions League game at Villarreal

2008-11-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov will miss Saturday's Premier League match at Aston Villa and Tuesday's Champions League game at Villarreal with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with Bulgaria, manager Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday. soccer.

Also, defender Wes Brown faces four or five weeks out of action after undergoing an exploratory operation on an ankle injury. Dimitar Berbatov .manchester united soccer.

Berbatov was substituted after 30 minutes with cramp during Bulgaria's 6-1 defeat by neighbours Serbia in a friendly on Wednesday.manchester united soccer.

"It's not a tear. It's a slight strain but with hamstrings you don't take any chances. There's no point in making it worse," Ferguson said.manchester united soccer.

EPL - Manchester United Vs Arsenal 08 Nov 08

2008-11-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

manchester united vs arsenal 4-0 FA CUP

EPL - Manchester United Vs Arsenal 08 Nov 08

Berbatov:The Stats Are Good

2008-11-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

manchester united soccer.The United boss said on Friday: “His stats don’t show that [he doesn't work hard]. The stats are good.

“Like a lot of talented players, he’s economic with his running. His movement and ability to find space is fantastic; he pops up where defenders don’t want him to pop up.manchester united soccer.

“That’s what I always thought when he played against us. I used to think ‘Why has nobody picked him up?’ He’s got great awareness and finds good space in the box."manchester united soccer.

The Bulgarian has netted five goals for the Reds so far and set up several others, notably Cristiano Ronaldo's second against West Ham.manchester united soccer. by Jamie Renton.

Roney Must Be Created Star Goal In Everton

2008-10-25T03:25:00.000-07:00

Soccer Manchester United.
Roney Must Be Created Star Goal In Everton

Soccer Manchester United.

Manchester Vs Everton : Ronaldo And Roney Are Super Hero

2008-10-25T03:13:00.000-07:00

Soccer Manchester United.
Manchester Vs Everton : Ronaldo And Roney Are Super Hero.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return To Full Match

2008-10-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

soccer.Sir Alex Ferguson will not rush Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to full match sharpness, so much so that he is considering whether to leave the Portuguese winger on the bench against Celtic on Tuesday.

The Reds boss paid tribute to Ronaldo’s personal characteristics and his athletic attributes, saying that he is capable of raising his game on demand. But his ability to recover from a Saturday game for a Tuesday Champions League tie are perhaps not yet at their usual superhuman levels – the after effects of a summer without training due to an ankle surgery.

“He’s coming along terrifically well,” said the United manager. “It’s almost there. With 20 minutes to go on Saturday when Gary Neville went on, I said to Gary, ‘ask Ronaldo how he is’. I thought he was showing signs of tiring. soccer.by Ben Hibbs.

United : The Reds' performance

2008-10-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Celtic, Everton and West Ham beware... Wayne Rooney has scored in every match he's played in October this year and last and he's in the right mood to continue.

The striker's latest goal opened the floodgates for United against West Brom and capped a seven-day period in which he also scored four for England. Soccer.
by Adam Bostock

Manchester Beat west Brom

2008-10-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Four second-half goals helped a fluent United see off West Bromwich Albion’s gallant challenge at Old Trafford.

The Reds had been frustrated by the visitors – in particular keeper Scott Carson – for nearly an hour but finally made the breakthrough when Wayne Rooney finished neatly for his fourth goal in as many games.

Cristiano Ronaldo made the game safe with a left-footed shot before Dimitar Berbatov prodded home and substitute Nani added gloss to the scoreline in injury-time. soccer.
by James Tuck

Wayne Rooney Says For United

2008-10-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney, playing as a deep-lying centre forward, found the net four times for England last week, but that’s no guarantee the 23-year-old will lead the Reds’ line on Saturday afternoon.

While United boss Sir Alex Ferguson usually pairs Rooney with either Carlos Tevez or Dimitar Berbatov, he's also used him in wide positions. soccer.
by Nick Coppack

Video Best Skill Ronaldo vs Gerrard

2008-10-16T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ji sung Park Scored Again

2008-10-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

Ji-sung Park led by example when he netted in Korea Republic's 4-1 rout of United Arab Emirates today (Wednesday).

Captaining his country for the full 90 minutes, Park scored the second goal with a powerful shot into the top corner and created the third for Lee-Keun Ho with a neat through-ball. Lee-Keun Ho had earlier given the South Koreans the lead. The fourth and final goal was scored by Kwak Tae-hee.

The comprehensive victory in Seoul puts Korea Republic top of their World Cup qualifying group after two games, the first of which was a draw with rivals Korea DPR.
by Adam Bostock

Captain Gary Neville

2008-10-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

United have to string together a series of home wins, continuing with this Saturday's match against West Bromwich Albion.

That's the message from club captain Gary Neville, who counts an Old Trafford draw back in August as the campaign's biggest blip so far.

"The most disappointing result for us was probably Newcastle at home," Neville told MUTV.

"You can always go to Liverpool and lose... even in seasons gone by when we've won the league, we've sometimes lost there. You never really accept it and you're always disappointed but those games you can lose, away to Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

"It's the game at home against Newcastle where we're probably drifting behind a little bit on the two points dropped but I'm sure we've got time to make that up."

United are in the unusual position of drifting behind Liverpool but does Neville think the Merseysiders will be a serious threat in the title race this season?

"I hope not, but we don't know yet, do we? They've started well. They've had some good results - they beat us which was obviously disappointing and gave them some confidence.soccer.
by Adam Bostock

Story About Ronaldo

2008-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

Just when Sir Alex Ferguson must have thought he had heard the last of Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible transfer to Real Madrid for this year, the Spanish side’s coach, Bernd Schuster, has claimed the Manchester United winger still wants to join the Primera Liga champions.

Real’s pursuit of Ronaldo this summer was one of the most protracted and high-profile transfer sagas of recent years, and it infuriated United so much that they threatened to complain to UEFA.

It ended in disappointment for Madrid, with the Portugal winger opting to remain at Old Trafford. However, the 23-year-old Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to play for Madrid one day and Schuster believes a deal could be struck in 2009.
“I think there is a chance [of Ronaldo joining Real next season]. He really wants to,” said Schuster. “I think it will be a little more complicated for his club to retain him. There is hope that next year he could be with us. You need to do everything possible [to sign Ronaldo] because this player is worth it. Since the start I thought it was possible though difficult. Possible because the player really showed an interest.

“The information I had said him coming was a real possibility, the meetings were very positive. But after his face to face with Ferguson I knew he wasn’t coming.”soccer.
The Telegraph, Charles Carrick
Round up by Nick Coppack

Brown strong

2008-10-14T00:39:00.000-07:00

Brown carved out a niche for himself at right-back during Gary Neville's injury-enforced absence between March 2007 and the start of the current campaign, making the position his own for club and country.

But Longsight-born Wes, who turned 29 today, hasn't given up on reverting to his more natural central defensive role, even if the position is now the stronghold of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"I wouldn't have thought I was settled at right back for good," he said. "With Gary being out I was the main contender for that position. Now Gary's back, the gaffer can easily change it. If Vida or Rio are out, then he can put me at centre back."

Brown did occupy the position alongside Ferdinand on a handful of occasions last term when Vidic was out injured. "Against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final it was a really tight game and the gaffer put me there hoping I could use a bit of my experience. It turned out well and we got the result we needed."soccer.
by Ben Hibbs

Striker Of Dimitar Berbatov

2008-10-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney believes he will become a better player in the presence of Dimitar Berbatov - but he says the strength of United's attack means he is not guaranteed a place in the side.

The 22-year-old striker hopes his new £30million team-mate will bring continuity to his role up front, where he says playing alongside a player of Berbatov's experience will help him improve.

"The mere fact he is at Old Trafford should take me onto a different level," he says. "I am not guaranteed my place in the side anymore."
by Ben Hibbs

Wayne Rooney : Goal Shy

2008-10-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney was labelled "goal-shy" by some sections of the English press during the week but the United striker found the net twice as England ran out 5-1 winners against Kazakhstan at Wembley.

Rooney wasn't the only Red on target, either: Rio Ferdinand broke the deadlock on 52 minutes after an unconvincing first half that saw the Three Lions booed into the break.

Wayne played a big part in pressuring his marker to concede an own goal 12 minutes later, before getting on the scoresheet himself with a neat downward header from Wes Brown's cross. His second, a poacher's goal from close-range, arrived just moments before he was substituted.
by Nick Coppack

United Need Explain For The Champions League

2008-10-10T01:31:00.000-07:00

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United could face exclusion from the Champions League - on the grounds that they hold excessive debt - under plans being drawn up by Uefa next week. The European game's governing body has set up a working group which will meet in Geneva on Monday to discuss how to extend its licensing system and restrict the levels of debt that clubs are permitted to operate with. Currently the financial stipulations in Uefa's system are limited to bans on clubs who have outstanding debts on transfer payments.

It also states that staff should be paid on time. But the proposals being drawn up by Uefa's general secretary, David Taylor, and its president, Michel Platini, would see the system delve far deeper into the financial workings of clubs. "The ultimate sanction is not to be in our competitions," Taylor said yesterday. He explained that debts fixed against assets, for stadium building, are considered more acceptable than those run up in the acquisition of players or for takeovers. He confirmed that this would affect clubs such as last season's Champions League finalists, United and Chelsea, and one of the semi-finalists, Liverpool, unless they significantly reduced their debts.
Matt Scott, The Guardian

Liverpool's Fernando Torres will be hoping such reports don't come to fruition after the striker said he dreams of helping Liverpool thrash United in Champions League final. Meanwhile, UEFA president Michel Platini claims English clubs under foreign ownership are in danger of losing their identities.
Round up by Gemma Thompson

The Academy Of Manchester United

2008-10-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

United’s Academy complex, which stands opposite the main building, was officially opened by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton in December 2002 and cost £8m to build.

Split over two levels, it was unveiled nearly three years after the main building was completed. The ground floor comprises 12 dressing rooms (one of which is for match officials), as well as a full-size indoor artificial pitch. Aside from being used for football activity - the first team will during times of inclement weather train there - the pitch is also the setting for various commercial events such as kit photo-shoots and interviews during the season. It is also used by Manchester United Soccer Schools and other club departments who hold one-off football clinics.

On most evenings, the facilities – which also include a full-size outdoor artificial pitch - are used by the club’s youth teams from Under 11’s onwards. High above the pitch is a balcony from which proud parents can watch on. Also, on the first floor is a classroom which is used for educational sessions with United’s young scholars, as well as a main reception room which is the location for Sir Alex’s weekly press conference. The building is adorned throughout with visual reminders of the players who have worn the well-trodden path through United’s ranks, while a plaque on the balcony reads: ‘Our responsibility to the future of this game is to give budding talent the very best opportunity to flourish. The Academy is just such a place, a proving ground for tomorrow’s heroes.’
Report by Gemma Thompson

United Must Win

2008-10-10T01:24:00.000-07:00

Darren Fletcher admits there is a sense of bad timing about the international break, but insists he still relishes leading out Scotland this weekend.

After playing an important role in United's three wins over Bolton, Aalborg and Blackburn, the 24 year-old is hoping to take his club form into Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Norway, his 40th match for Scotland.

"Of course, we’d like to keep going with United because you want to keep up the momentum that we have built up recently, especially so for the fans, who have a two-week break now without a game," Fletcher told MUTV.

“But all players love representing their country, and I’m no different. I’m looking forward to the Scotland game and to playing my part. We lost our first World Cup qualifier but we picked up points in Iceland and now we’ve got Norway at home. It's a must-win match.”
Round up by Gemma Thompson

Roney Hope Beat Again

2008-10-10T01:17:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney says he hasn’t changed his approach after scoring his third goal in three games to help United to an impressive 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

The 22-year-old Reds forward has been in fine form recently, scoring against Bolton Wanderers, Aalborg and now Blackburn. But Rooney defended his form at the start of the season by saying the only difference now is that he is finding the back of the net.

“Once you get your first goal of the season your confidence is sky-high. I’ve not really been doing anything differently,” he said after scoring the goal that clinched victory over Paul Ince's men.

Pick Foster Says

2008-10-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

I’m sorry, what? If the first part of that sentence doesn’t bother you, then the second part should. In my humble opinion.

Unlike some people, I actually don’t have any issues with our national team boss hailing from overseas. The practice is rife across the world today and while prevalence doesn’t mean it’s perfect, the results of broadening one’s approach by bringing in a foreign coach are there for all to see. A German coached Greece to glory at Euro 2004, just pipping a Portuguese side managed by a Brazilian (okay, so they speak the same tongue). And a certain Swede actually fared quite well as Capello’s predecessor if you look at his results on the pitch with England instead of his scores in the FA's corridors.
by Adam Bostock

Rio Ferdinand Talking with Fans

2008-10-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

I’d like to know how you managed to succeed in becoming a professional footballer and what inspired you to play football. (Zach, Malta)
My inspiration to play football was probably Diego Maradona. He’s the first memory I have of someone doing something really great. I remember in the 1986 World Cup he took on the whole England team and scored. Obviously I wasn’t happy that he scored against England but you had to admire the skill and say, ‘I’d love to be able to do that one day’. I tried my hardest but never really reached that level and obviously I’m a defender now. I think you just have to work hard and always be confident, strive towards your dreams.

If you hadn’t made it as a professional footballer, what type of job do you think you’d be doing now? (Stephen, Sale)
I’d probably be working in the communities in Peckham, where I grew up. I think I’d be helping out in the youth centres or doing football coaching with kids.

Carlos Queiroz

2008-10-07T23:33:00.000-07:00

"It's impossible to be at United for five years and forget the things that I experienced," Queiroz tells MUTV. "I'll never forget that period of my life working with the players, the staff, the manager, and especially the fans."

The job offer to work with Portugal naturally played on Queiroz's sense of national duty, but also presented the chance to return to some home comforts.
by Ben Hibbs

The United Boss Talking

2008-10-07T03:35:00.000-07:00

The recent acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov has added both finesse and firepower, but it is the progression of a host of the club's youngsters which have given the United boss much cause for optimism.

"We’ve got a group of young players who are doing very well and showing fantastic potential," he said. "Rafael, his brother Fabio, Possebon, Gibson, Jonny Evans and Welbeck are the type of youngsters we’ve always tried to have here in the last 15 years or so.

Sir Alex Ferguson feels he now has the perfect balance of youth and experience within his burgeoning squad.soccer

Darren Fletcher Praised United’s

2008-10-06T01:55:00.000-07:00

Darren Fletcher praised United’s 7,000-strong army of supporters who took over Ewood Park on Saturday.

Blackburn might not be everyone’s idea of a Saturday night out, but United’s fans were in fine voice, and Fletcher says the support doesn’t go unnoticed.

“It was a great boost,” he told MUTV. “Our fans always fill that end of the stadium. They are fantastic. Our away fans are the best in the country. They get behind you and make it a great atmosphere. It was an away game, but our fans made so much noise that it felt like a neutral venue.”

There was plenty to cheer about as the Reds turned in an outstanding show of attacking verve in the second half. “It was as comfortable as it’s been here for a long time,” added the Scot. “We’ve always struggled here, it’s never easy. But we were on top of our game. We created a lot of chances and scored twice, but it could have been more.”

It wasn’t always plain-sailing. The Reds missed numerous chances to put the game out of reach before Rooney’s 64th-minute sealer. “It’s a dangerous scoreline, 1-0,” said Fletch. “Even though you’re in control of the game you have to find that second goal because anything can happen. Blackburn always put pressure on you. It just takes one mistake or a bit of brilliance and it’s 1-1 and game on.

Rovers 0 United 2

2008-10-05T03:49:00.000-07:00

Goals from Wes Brown and Wayne Rooney sealed an impressive away victory as United totally dominated Blackburn Rovers on their own patch.

The Reds called the tune from start to finish at Ewood Park and, although Blackburn protested long and loud about the award of Brown's first-half goal, there was no question that Sir Alex Ferguson's side were deserved winners.

Rovers goalkeeper Jason Brown claimed that he was fouled as Brown headed in a Wayne Rooney corner, but the rookie stopper was otherwise kept busy restricting United to a respectable scoreline.

After a slow, stop-start beginning to the season, there have been signs in recent weeks that the Reds have been creeping towards top form, and this latest display is the clearest indication yet that the champions have hit their stride.

Sir Alex opted for an attacking line-up as he sought to extend a three-game winning streak, with Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo selected upfront alongside Rooney, who overcame an ankle injury sustained in Tuesday's win over Aalborg.

United vs Bolton : Penalty Award

2008-09-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

"Rob Styles has dropped a massive clanger. It was one of the worst refereeing decisions ever," said Reds legend Lou Macari, speaking on MUTV.

Bolton boss Gary Megson complained in his press conference, "It was a nonsense decision. After all the talk about technology being used to help referees, what did we come up with this summer? A campaign to show more respect to referees. How ironic."

Sir Alex Ferguson empathised with his opposite number but was naturally delighted to take the "lucky break" that enabled Cristiano Ronaldo to score the breakthrough goal from the spot after being tackled by Jloyd Samuel.

"I was surprised (by the decision)," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"I haven't seen it again (on TV yet) but it looked to me as if the Bolton player (Samuel) got a foot on the ball.

"But Rob Styles turned down four or five for us last season, so maybe we're getting payback now. But he still owes us four!

Dimitar Berbatov Wish Fans Must Be Patient

2008-09-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

It seems that some Reds are writing off Dimitar Berbatov already, despite the fact he's still trying to achieve full match fitness, having joined a new club playing a new style, while coping with the off-field upheaval of living in a hotel, plus the new experience of shouldering the weight of expectancy that comes with playing for the world's biggest club!

The criticism is quite ludicrous. Presumably these are the same Reds that didn’t have a good word to say about the best left-back in the world Patrice Evra during his first season. And those who also initially saw in Nemanja Vidic a slow and cumbersome centre-half rather than one of Europe’s finest defenders. All that Evra and Vida needed was time to adjust to their new surroundings, and the same is true of Berbatov.

From listening to some recent callers on MUTV and reading posts on Talking Reds, it would seem that some fans have already formed their opinion on the Bulgarian. Alan Hansen certainly hasn’t helped - his comments on BBC's Match of the Day 2 merely perpetuate the myth that Berbatov has been a flop so far. A quite ridiculous assertion given he's been here less than a month.

Manchester United Fans’

2008-09-26T03:13:00.000-07:00

The Manchester United Fans’ Forum is looking for seven match-going supporters to join the regular debate on club policies and discuss ways to improve them.

The Forum is chaired by United chief executive David Gill and meets three times a season, usually on the Friday before a weekend home fixture. The club pays reasonable travel expenses to help forum members attend.

To reflect the varied sections of the club's fanbase, 14 representatives are drawn from Season Ticket holders (3), One United Members (3), supporters' club branches (3), box / executive members (1), 16-21 year olds (1), over 65s (1), adult Family Stand Season Ticket holders (1) and a resident of Manchester, Salford or Trafford. One seat is also reserved for a member of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters' association.

Latest New : Cristiano Ronaldo and Nereida Gallardo

2008-09-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

The 23 year old Manchester united and Portuguese winger who has been in scintillating form for Manchester united in the season that just ended, scoring 42 goals in all competitions and helping Manchester united to back to back Barclays premier league titles and the coveted Champions league title. He has been seen blowing kisses on many occasion after scoring, most noticeable being his 37th goal which he scored against Middlesbrough. When asked about the blowing kisses the Portuguese winger replied by saying he had a new girlfriend.

So who is she? No doubt the Manchester United midfield sensation would be trying relentlessly to keep aspects of his personal life private but the Cristiano Ronaldo appears to be head over heels in love with his new girlfriend; 24 year old Spanish supermodel Nereida Gallardo. Gallardo has been spotted at many of his games with his cousin Nuno. The midfield maestro who once dated Gemma Atkinson, an English actress, television personality, glamour and lingerie model has been seeing the Spanish supermodel since January 2008 and the couple has been seen together on many occasions.

Every successful man needs a successful woman behind him, because
at the end of the day; with the all the player's fame and accolades,
if he has no one to share it with it will all be in vain. Hopefully the Spanish supermodel will inspire the world's best player to produce another season of phenomenal football at Old Trafford. The player reported turned down a historic deal worth £90million from Spanish giants Real Madrid which would make his transfer the highest in history.

Ronney Come Back !

2008-09-23T02:55:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson will chuck Cristiano Ronaldo in with the Carling Cup kids tonight for his first start of the season. Ronaldo made his long a waited comeback from the bench in Manchester United's last two games - against Villarreal and Chelsea - after undergoing the summer ankle surgery which forced him to miss the start of the new campaign.

United's star performer would not normally feature in the Carling Cup. The competition is last on Fergie's list of priorities, the one he uses to give fringe players and emerging youngsters a rare taste of first-team action. But Fergie, mindful that Ronaldo needs valuable time in competitive games to get back to full fitness, is ready to start with him in tonight's third-round tie against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford.

David McDonnell, Daily Mirror

The Guardian has uncovered a team-building document that Arsene Wenger gives to his players before matches. Team play is also the theme as the paper's Kevin McCarra writes that Sir Alex Ferguson still has to find the right balance to his United side.

The Daily Express picks up on MUTV's quotes from Wayne Rooney that appeared on ManUtd.com on Sunday

Ferguson’s Dilemma Over Ronaldo

2008-09-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

Ferguson’s dilemma over Ronaldo

[Against Villarreal] United did show a marked improvement on their display when beaten at Anfield at the weekend, but only after Cristiano Ronaldo arrived from the bench at the hour mark did they play with the verve and intensity likely to be required to beat a Chelsea team brimming with confidence at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

That presents a problem for Ferguson as Ronaldo, returning from ankle surgery in July, had not played at all, even in the Reserves, prior to Wednesday.
"He did very well for his first game but it would be a big ask to start him on Sunday," Ferguson said.
Glenn Moore, The Independent

Ronaldo also makes headlines in The Sun, this time for saying he’s a “tough guy” and that he can take whatever his opponents dish out. “I’ll be booted again but I will not kick out when it happens,” he vowed.

We Support Ronaldo

2008-09-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

"These supporters have enjoyed Ronaldo for five years at this club and he’s showed great loyalty and commitment every time he puts that jersey on."

- Sir Alex

You could have been forgiven for thinking United had scored, such was the noise when Cristiano Ronaldo stripped off his tracksuit and entered the fray against Villarreal on Wednesday evening.

After a summer dominated by question marks over the no.7’s future, the Portuguese winger pulled on a red shirt for the first time since May’s Champions League final.

Some press reports predicted Cristiano would be booed by the United faithful, but Sir Alex says he was always confident the 23-year-old would get a warm welcome.

“Don’t forget, these supporters have enjoyed Ronaldo for five years at this club and he’s showed great loyalty and commitment every time he puts that jersey on,” the United boss told MUTV.

“I wasn’t surprised by the cheers but I think it would have been a great encouragement to the boy.

“I imagine he’ll have been relieved a little bit – perhaps he was a little apprehensive before the match, wondering what kind of reception he was going to get. Deep down I knew he’d be welcomed back.”

Ronaldo didn’t disappoint, even if his trademark trickery couldn't conjure the goal United craved.

Manchester United Soccer vs Chelsea Result

2008-09-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

THE BOOKIE – 1-1 draw (5/1)
Betfred chairman Fred Done
United rarely lose two league games on the trot. The loss of Vidic is a blow but one point wouldn’t be a bad result.

THE LEGEND – Rooney last scorer (15/2)
Ex-United player Lou Macari
Wayne looked sharp on Wednesday and I can definitely see him scoring again at Chelsea this season.

THE JOURNO – Ronaldo last goal (7/1)
ManUtd.com writer Steve Bartram
Ronaldo caught the eye as a sub against Villarreal, and I fancy him to have the final word at Chelsea on Sunday.

THE STAT MAN – Chelsea to win (5/4)
United Review's Nick Coppack
Sorry, but I can’t ignore the stats. We’ve won just once in our last 10 visits to Stamford Bridge.

Magazine Manchester united

2008-09-07T20:45:00.001-07:00

On sale now, the official mag's cover features the new blue third kit, which will be worn in selected away games during the 2008/09 season. It's modelled by Cristiano Ronaldo, whose seven reasons for staying at United are detailed inside.

With no home league match until late September, the fun of seeing United play away is celebrated with memories of the Red Army from the '60s through to Moscow in May 2008. There's also a feature on the toughest European trips, away stats galore and a preview of the games at Liverpool and Chelsea with Bryan Robson and Mickey Thomas.

Dimitar Berbatov sign for manchester United

2008-09-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

Fans were on tenterhooks on transfer deadline day waiting to see if Dimitar Berbatov would sign for United. But for Sir Alex Ferguson the wait had been even longer, admitting that he came close to signing the player in 2006.

Tottenham had already made their bid for the striker and United's last-minute intervention was too late to secure the Bulgarian's services from Bayer Leverkusen.

Berbatov went to White Hart Lane for a reported £10.9million fee. United have paid significantly more than that for a player who has shone in the intervening two years. But Sir Alex believes the fee is money well spent.

Cristiano Ronaldo's and Gemma Atkinson

2008-03-14T05:02:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's sexy girlfriend Gemma Atkinson has been accused of being unfaithful to the Manchester United midfielder after being caught flirting with another man live on TV, much to the delight of women all around the world, desperate to fantasize about a hopefully-single Portugese star.

Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson was appearing on the reality TV show Soapstar Superstar when she was accused of flirting with Home And Away actor Mark Furze. Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend Gemma Atkinson was seen to be touching and overly enjoying the company of the sexy actor Mark Furze. Mark is seen to be a bit of a hunk by adoring Australian fans, and he made his name as being an actor in the popular Australian TV series Home And Away which is still shown on UK television.

These relationship claims have been angrily denied by Ronaldo's girlfriend Gemma, who claims some clever editing made it appear that she was flirting with the Australian actor. She claims that it was just a stunt to boost the shows ratings, and that she only has romantic feelings for Cristiano. It wouldn't be the first time that Atkinson has been involved with a celebrity after apparently dating another footballer, Charlton Athletic star Darren Bent.

Ronaldo's girlfriend reportedly told a friend that Ronaldo is gorgeous in every way and that things are going really well together. Cristiano Ronaldo apparently agreed that things between the couple are going really well, and that he has been constantly texting her during the TV show recordings and that he has been voting for Gemma constantly during the show. According to a friend he would love to go to the studio and show his support for Gemma Atkinson personally, but was worried that it could cause a stir due to the apparent fling between Gemma and Mark.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Tutt

info for Manchester United Football Club Fans

2008-03-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

Manchester United supporters are England's Sexiest Football Fans, according to new research. Female followers of Fergie's boys, who boast Corrie star Kym Ryder and telly presenter Zoe Ball among their number, were voted the country's best looking by 1,500 male fans.
Second place in the poll were Chelsea fans, who include Sienna Miller, Danni Minogue and Isla Fisher - followed by the attractive followers of Liverpool.

Arsenal may be riding high at the top of the Premiership, but they could only manage fourth place, despite having singer Rachel Stevens and ex-Page 3 model Jo Guest as supporters.
The survey found over half of guys (53 per cent) spend time checking out how fit the girls at football matches are and two thirds of blokes reckon there's something sexy about girls in footie shirts.

Carl Christensen, MD of http://www.thepeoplesclub.com/, which commissioned the poll, said: "Football is changing. You see more and more girls at games these days. It's like a fashion parade at times at Stamford Bridge, with some of the totty treating the stadium concourse like a catwalk."
"The sexy style of football is having an influence on the make up of fans attending the games too. I believe that Manchester United's free flowing football and Manchester City's cavalier spirit is rubbing off on the female fans."

Sexy female fans of struggling Newcastle United finished off the top five. Tottenham came sixth in the poll while Derby were at number seven. Eighth place went to West Ham United. Rampant romeo Sven Goran Eriksson's Manchester City were voted in at number nine followed by Aston Villa at ten.

The survey also named Swansea City supporter Catherine Zeta Jones as the sexiest celebrity football fan, beating second placed TV presenter Cat Deeley, a West Bromwich Albion fan. Arsenal fan Rachel Stevens came third while actress and Everton supporter Jennifer Ellison is at four. Finishing off the top five is Titanic actress and Reading follower, Kate Winslet.
At the other end of the scale Crystal Palace supporter Jo Brand was named the ugliest celebrity supporter followed by Norwich City director, Delia Smith.

Carl, added: "Everyone would agree there is something about girls in footy shirts which is downright sexy - it is the beautiful game after all."
England's Sexiest Football Fans
1. Manchester United
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
5. Newcastle
6. Tottenham
7. Derby
8. West Ham
9. Man City
10. Aston Villa
11. Cardiff
12. Middlesbrough
13. Sunderland
14. Charlton
15. Everton
16. Blackpool
17. Birmingham
18. Coventry
19. Southampton
20. Leeds

Sexiest Celebrity Football Fans
1. Catherine Zeta Jones (Swansea City)
2. Cat Deeley (West Brom)
3. Rachel Stevens (Arsenal)
4. Jennifer Ellison (Everton)
5. Kate Winslet (Reading)
6. Kirsty Gallager (Liverpool)
7. Emma Bunton (Tottenham)
8. Lucy Pinder (Southampton)
9. Kim Marsh (Manchester United)
10. Helen Chamberlain (Torquay United)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Lassam

to improve energy for soccer

2008-03-14T04:43:00.000-07:00

Soccer players require both strength and endurance.
The proper soccer exercises will give you stamina to out-perform your opposition in a 90-minute soccer game. It is a game of constant movement. But you need more than just endurance.

To become a talented soccer player there are 4 types of soccer exercises that you should perform regularly:

Endurance training

- get the wind you need to last 90 minutes. You know that you hate being taken off the field before.

Sprint training -

to allow you to get to the ball faster than your opponents.
Strength training for soccer - so when you must battle an opponent for the ball, you can get position, and win the ball in the air, or on the ground.

Flexibility training
- to stretch and strengthen your muscles to prevent injury and encourage muscle growth.

Endurance Training

As a soccer player we hate to hear "SUBSTITUTION". So to keep this from happening, try these endurance-training tips:

Always warm up before any endurance training run.
50% training will give you 50% during a game. Keep your long distance pace as high as possible. 2 miles in 12 minutes is a good target.
Work hard enough to get out of your comfort zone. And continue to expand your comfort zone as you improve.

Give your body time to recover. If you train hard every day there will be no juice left in your tank, and your body can only take so much.
Sprint (speed) Training

There are times when we just need to work on our speed. Sure we all want to get as much time on the ball as we can, but we cannot always have the ball. Work without the ball! Although it is a good idea to practice speed drills with the ball, doing both types of soccer exercises will be of greater benefit in the long term.

Here are a few exercises to help improve your speed:
Tuck your head down and get into position for exploding after the ball or your opponent. This will give you more control over your body than if your head is flying around up there somewhere. Just keep your eyes open.

Move your arms forward and backward parallel to your body. Not across the body. This increases your momentum, and gets everything moving in the same direction.

Lead with your toes. Starting off on your heels will not give you the balance or acceleration that you need.
Get your feet hitting the ground as many times and as fast as you can. The more you do this, the faster you will become.

Strength Training

Weight training for soccer is an excellent way to improve your strength to win challenges for the ball. In the air, and on the ground. It's about improving your overall strength, not becoming muscle-bound. I suggest you visit my weight training for soccer page for more information.

Flexibility Training

To improve the flexibility of your muscles it is important to understand the following:
Warm up for 5 - 10 minutes before stretching. Light jogging will work.
Hold each stretch for 15 - 20 seconds.
2 - 3 stretches per body part.
Do not bounce. Hold the stretch in place.
Start at the bottom and work your way up. Ankles, calves, hamstrings, quads, waist and hips, arms, chest, shoulders, neck and head.
Don't hold a painful stretch. You should feel a tightness in the muscle, but not pain.
Breathe! Do not hold your breath.
If you combine those facts with these great stretching exercises you will be a step ahead of your opponents.

Always allow yourself RECOVERY TIME. Recovering from any of the soccer exercises that you perform will allow to continue to improve. This will improve your overall conditioning for the long-term.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_MacLean