Tevez sorry for dismissal

Tevez sorry for dismissal



Argentina forward Carlos Tevez has been left 'upset' after receiving his second red card in three international appearances.

The 24-year-old was dismissed in the 31st minute of Saturday's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Paraguay for a challenge on Dario Veron.

Tevez will now sit out Thursday's encounter against Peru - a match which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 - and has vowed to make amends in the future after he was also handed his marching orders in November's 2-1 loss in Colombia.

"It cannot happen to me again," the Manchester United attacker told TV station TyC Sports.

"I apologised to my team-mates but they didn't accept it because they believe it's not necessary.

Anfield fixture
"It really calmed me down because they know me very well and they know I don't do things to get sent off on purpose. It affects me.

"The match was so calm, I felt it was the match for me. I am quite upset but this situation makes me stronger.

"I feel the coach trusts me. When we talked, I told him what I was feeling and also apologised."

The South American Football Confederation has yet to decide on the length of Tevez's ban but with the striker not travelling with the squad to Peru he will instead return to England ahead of Saturday's clash at Liverpool

Fergie reflects on toughest call

Fergie reflects on toughest call


Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the one decision which caused him the biggest dilemma of his career.

The veteran Manchester United boss has been involved in management for almost 25 years, but insists the hardest call he has ever had to make came last May.

The Red Devils were preparing to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final and Ferguson had to choose which members of his squad would face European heartache.

Of those that failed to make the cut on that memorable night, Park Ji-sung was perhaps the most unfortunate.

The South Korea international had featured heavily in crucial contests en route to the final, but failed to even make the bench in Moscow.

Ferguson insists that for all he has been through during an illustrious career, choosing between so many talented players that night gave him the biggest headache.

Impact
"It was a terrible decision to have to take," he said.

"In many ways it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make because Ji-sung had played such a great part in the previous games against Roma and Barcelona.

"But I had Owen Hargreaves for that game in Moscow and I felt he was the right one for that specific game.

"Then I had the decision of choosing our seven substitutes and which players could have an impact on the game.

"You look for a mix of defenders, midfielders and attackers and I opted to go with Nani ahead of Ji-sung, simply because I think Nani has got a goal in him. That was the only distinction and why I finally chose to go with Nani."

Evans expects minor role

Evans expects minor role



Jonny Evans has admitted that he does not expect to break into the Manchester United side in the near future.

The 20-year-old defender made his debut for United last season before being allowed to join Sunderland for a second loan spell in January.

Black Cats boss Roy Keane tried to secure a permanent deal for Evans over the summer but United were not willing to sell following the departure of Gerard Pique to Barcelona.

However, Evans accepts that at the moment he is just providing cover for some of the more senior players and he does not anticipate a busy season with the first team.

"I don't think I am going to play as much as I did last year," Evans told Sky Sports News.

"I think, being at Manchester United, I am probably going to have to wait on injuries and see how it goes.

"There are a lot of players who have been there for years and still haven't managed to get a regular place, but it's a great club and it's very hard to leave."

Northern Ireland aim
Evans is set to line up for Northern Ireland as they take on Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park on Wednesday.

Northern Ireland lost 2-1 in Slovakia in their opening game and Evans realises the importance of winning at home, regardless of the opposition, if they are to have any chance of making it through to the tournament in South Africa.

"It's still very early in the campaign but whenever you play at home you want to get a good result," he explained.

"People are saying a draw but it would still be nice to get three points."

Neville Lauds 'Dangerous' Saha

Neville Lauds 'Dangerous' Saha



The Toffees completed a transfer deadline day swoop for the French hitman, who has agreed a two year-deal at Goodison Park.

His new captain Phil Neville has welcomed the arrival of Saha, with whom he played at Old Trafford during his time at Manchester United.

Neville is confident that the 30-year-old forward can make an impact with the Merseyside outfit.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "In terms of the quality of player that has moved this summer, Louis would be up there with the best of them.

"We need to keep him fit but, if we can do that, we'll have a real player on our hands. He is one of the best strikers that I have trained or played with. He has got everything.

"He can play up front on his own, he is as strong as an ox, quick and scores goals. He'll also be able to play alongside Yak [Yakubu Aiyegbeni], Vaughany [James Vaughan] or Victor [Anichebe] without any problem either.

"He is a team player with presence and experience and he is one of those strikers who, when you see his name on the team sheet, you know you are going to be in for a difficult time because he is so dangerous.

"He isn't nice to play against and I'm glad we'll have him on our side."

Saha has had an injury ravaged spell over the past two seasons, but Neville is confident that when he is fit, the French international is a threatening prospect.

Zidane: Ronaldo Is World's Best

Zidane: Ronaldo Is World's Best



French legend Zinedine Zidane has hailed the talent of Manchester United's number 7 Cristiano Ronaldo...

Holder of the world's largest transfer fee Zinedine Zidane picked up plentiful individual awards during his playing days and believes Cristiano Ronaldo is set to do the same.

Zidane, who was awarded the Fifa World Player of the Year on three separate occasions, has backed Ronaldo to pick up the first of his this year for his 42-goal return last season.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is in a good position to win it," Zidane is quoted by Setanta Sports as saying.

"Then, it’s a question of feeling. When I was playing, some preferred Zidane to Ronaldo and vice-versa... As far as I’m concerned, Cristiano Ronaldo has an edge regarding the whole season," he concluded.

Ronaldo was recently rewarded with the Uefa Player of the Year award for his performances in last season's Champions League. He also scored the opening goal in the European final in Moscow.

Advantage United As Gerrard Rules Himself Out Of Clash

Advantage United As Gerrard Rules Himself Out Of Clash



Liverpool's influential leader Steven Gerrard had been a doubt for the key Premier League visit of League champions Manchester United, but his recent admission limits his chances further...

The international window was seen as the ideal time for Rafa Benitez to sanction a double groin operation for Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool chiefs had hoped their captain would be back to full fitness though in time for Saturday's crucial clash with Manchester United - the new season's first meeting between the 'top four' - but Gerrard has ruled himself out of fixture.

Gerrard is quoted by the Post as saying: "The United game is too soon... I've a decent chance for the Champions League game in Marseille but I've spoken to the manager and told him I'd like to do a certain amount of training before I come back."

"I don't want to go into a big game only having had one session with the boys," he concluded.

Fernando Torres is also a doubt for the United tie due to a hamstring tear. A club spokesperson confirmed one week ago: "A scan confirmed a hamstring tear in Fernando's right leg. He is expected to be out for between two and three weeks."

Rooney unconcerned by critics

Rooney unconcerned by critics


England striker Wayne Rooney insists he does not have a problem with his international goalscoring record.

The Manchester United star has netted only five goals for England since scoring twice against Croatia at Euro 2004.

Critics have begun to voice their concerns over Rooney's shortcomings in front of goal, but the 22-year-old is not worried.

"I've no problem with it," Rooney said. "It's a new campaign, a new start, and hopefully we can do well in this campaign."

Pay the price
Rooney is again expected to take his place in England's first XI against Croatia on Wednesday as the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign continues and the forward is well aware of the significance of the fixture.

"Croatia are a good footballing team and we know we'll have to be at the top of our game," added Rooney.

"We'll have to defend well, first of all, and create opportunities going forward. Hopefully we can do that."

Meanwhile, another England player who has come in for criticism at international level, Steven Gerrard, fears he is paying the price for his versatility.


Suffer
Gerrard told the Sunday Times: "I've paid the price for being able to do a decent job in other positions.

"Other players don't get shunted around because they can't do it. I can't go and play on the right or the left and become Kaka or Robinho, I just go out there, give 100 per cent and do a steady job.

"I'll work hard, do my bit defensively and help the team. That's why managers do it to me, but it is affecting me.

"My game suffers when my position is changed. I'm a central midfielder and in the big games I want to play in the middle and show that I'm one of the very best in that position."