Friday, August 29, 2008
Spurs hope to keep Berbatov
Tottenham Hotpsur sporting director Damien Comolli remains hopeful that Dimitar Berbatov will be staying at White Hart Lane.
Berbatov has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United and was left out of the Spurs squad for last weekend's defeat by Sunderland.
He trained with the Spurs squad on Friday, ahead of Sunday's clash with Chelsea, and Comolli says the club are keen for the Bulgarian striker to remain in North London.
When asked if Berbatov would still be at Spurs when the transfer window closes, Comolli told Sky Sports News: "I hope so, of course.
"He's a very good player and, as Juande (Ramos) has said many times, we're delighted he's with us.
"I don't really want to comment about speculation, but we just hope he's going to stay."
Different rumours
Comolli was non-committal on Roman Pavlyuchenko's anticipated arrival at Spurs after the Russian striker landed at Heathrow on Friday morning.
He added: "We will comment and will let you know when we've got news."
Another Russian to have been linked with a move to Spurs is Andrei Arshavin, with the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker having said he no longer expects to join the Premier League club.
"It's difficult for me to comment on different rumours and speculation," continued Comolli. "He plays for another club we respect and they have got a game tonight."
Comolli also played down reports that Spurs are looking to sign veteran Swedish striker Henrik Larsson, saying: "At the moment we've got some targets, but it's news to me about Henrik Larsson."
Man Utd release China star Dong
China striker Dong Fangzhuo has had his contract at Manchester United terminated by mutual consent.
The 23-year-old joined for an initial fee of £500,000 from Dalian Shide in 2004, but made only three first-team appearances at Old Trafford.
He was initially loaned out to Royal Antwerp for two years, scoring 35 goals in 61 games for the Belgian side.
Dong made his competitive United debut against Chelsea in May 2007, but only featured twice last season.
He started the Carling Cup defeat to Coventry in September and came on as a substitute in December's 1-1 Champions League with Roma, before a knee injury ended his season.
Dong, the first Chinese player to play for Man Utd, featured for his country at the Beijing Olympics, scoring a late equaliser against New Zealand as they failed to progress past the group stages.
He has scored two goals in 13 appearances for his country and was one of only two overseas players to feature in China's Olympic Games squad.
Fergie - Owen not fit for England
Sir Alex Ferguson believes it would be 'impossible' for Owen Hargreaves to play in England's World Cup qualifier with Croatia.
Hargreaves is due to make his first appearance of the season for Manchester United on Friday in the Super Cup clash with Zenit St Petersburg.
The midfielder has been struggling with a knee injury and Ferguson is keen for Hargreaves to get some match action under his belt.
However, the United boss does not feel Hargreaves will be ready for England's opening qualifiers against Andorra on 6th September before heading to Croatia four days later.
Too important
"It would be impossible, in my opinion," said Ferguson. "I think it would be very unlikely that Fabio Capello would risk him.
"Okay, anybody could play against Andorra, but England have a very, very difficult match next against Croatia and I think they have to have players who are 100 per cent and spot-on for a game of that nature.
"And we know he is not ready for that. I can't see it. It is too important for Capello and for England."
Ferguson admits Hargreaves will not play 90 minutes against Zenit and concedes the former Bayern Munich man's injury has been 'very irritating'.
He added: "It is not a serious injury, but it is a frustrating one and very irritating for the player.
"Hargreaves has trained for the past 10 days and now I'm giving him the go-ahead to get some time on the field. We feel he has had the right treatment and it is a matter of getting on with it, but I won't be playing him for a full game."
Man Utd to face Celtic in Europe
Champions League holders Manchester United were drawn with Scottish champions Celtic in the group stages of this year's competition.
The British pair will also face Spaniards Villarreal and Danish side Aalborg in Group E.
Chelsea were drawn with Roma, Bordeaux and Romanian minnows CFR Cluj, while Liverpool will meet PSV, Marseille and Atletico Madrid in a tough group.
Arsenal will play Porto, Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kiev in Group G.
The four English sides were guaranteed to be kept apart after being made top seeds, but Celtic could have faced any one of them after being drawn in the third pot of clubs.
They will get their chance to test themselves against the English champions in two mouth-watering clashes.
The fixtures will pit Celtic manager Gordon Strachan against his one-time boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
The pair met in the Champions League group stages in 2006/07, with Celtic winning 1-0 at home but Manchester United edging the fixture 3-2 at Old Trafford.
"It was a great event the last time we played," said United chief executive David Gill. "Both clubs have passionate fans and we're looking forward to it.
"Last time they won (at Celtic) to qualify and we went down to the last game to ensure we went through.
"The players and the fans will already be looking to that fixture on the calendar."
Celtic chairman John Reid added: "It's fabulous for Celtic fans. There are no easy groups, there are no free passes in Europe.
"We're just proud to be Scotland's representative in there and to be playing the European champions."
United star Cristiano Ronaldo was at the draw in Monaco, where he was named Uefa's European Club Footballer of the Year.
Ronaldo scored eight goals in the competition last season and also won the award for the forward of the year.
The other awards went to rivals Chelsea, with Petr Cech (goalkeeper), John Terry (defender) and Frank Lampard (midfielder) all voted the best at their position.
Chelsea, who lost last season's final to United, were the first side out of the hat and look to have been given the easiest task of progressing through to the knockout stages.
Among Chelsea's opponents will be French side Bordeaux, who are managed by former Manchester United defender and World Cup winner with France, Laurent Blanc.
Blues secretary David Barnard said: "It's a mixed bag but any team that reaches the group stages has to be given respect.
"We are totally focused on Champions League, the determination is there and they are completely focused on making the final again this year."
Manchester United will begin the defence of their trophy next month
Both Liverpool and Arsenal, who came through qualifying to make the group stages, face difficult opposition if they are to progress to the last 16 of the competition.
The draw means striker Fernando Torres will play against his former club Atletico for the first time since his move to Anfield in the summer of 2007.
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: "It's not easy but the three teams are fairly close by and there's no challenging trips.
"There are no easy games - you just take it as it comes. We are just delighted to be in it."
Arsenal will have to travel to Turkey and Ukraine and director Danny Fiszman said: "One of the big issues for Arsene is the distances we have to travel. They are long trips and that's the most disappointing aspect of the draw.
"But we're optimistic and confident we will get to the knockout stages."
All five British clubs will be pleased to have avoided the likes of Bayern Munich and Juventus, who were potential opponents in the second pot of teams.
The first set of matches will be played on 16/17 September.
Full Champions League draw:
Group A
CHELSEA
Roma
Bordeaux
CFR Cluj
Group B
Inter Milan
Werder Bremen
Panathinaikos
Anorthosis Famagusta
Group C
Barcelona
Sporting Lisbon
Basel
Shakhtar Donetsk
Group D
LIVERPOOL
PSV Eindhoven
Marseille
Atletico Madrid
Group E
MAN UTD
Villarreal
CELTIC
Aalborg
Group F
Lyon
Bayern Munich
Steaua Bucharest
Fiorentina
Group G
ARSENAL
Porto
Fenerbahce
Dynamo Kiev
Group H
Real Madrid
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
Bate Borisov
Games will be played on the following dates:
16/17 September
30 September/1 October
21/22 October
4/5 November
25/26 November
9/10 December
Saha poised for move to Everton
Saha has played for Newcastle, Fulham and Man Utd in England
Manchester United striker Louis Saha will join Everton for an undisclosed fee, subject to passing a medical.
The 30-year-old France international will become Everton's third signing of the summer after Lars Jacobsen and Segundo Castillo.
Saha, who joined United from Fulham for £12.8m in January 2004, will sign a two-year deal with an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.
The striker scored 42 goals during an injury-plagued career at Old Trafford.
Everton recently failed in a bid to sign former Chelsea playmaker Tiago from Juventus and have also been linked with Nigeria striker Victor Obinna.
Saha, who started his career at Metz, has played for Newcastle and Fulham in addition to United in the Premier League.
United have been heavily linked with Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov and could now make a move for the Bulgaria international before the transfer window closes.
But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said on Thursday that he did not know whether the deal would happen.
"I am less optimistic today than recent days. I have no idea what is going to happen," said Ferguson.
Rooney hungry for more glory
Wayne Rooney is not content with winning the Double - he now wants to make history with Manchester United.
Rooney scored 18 goals last season as United won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
The England star accepts there are big expectations of United again this term and he insists they are hungry for more silverware.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already created one Champions League-winning side, when United won the Treble in 1999, and Rooney has revealed Ferguson's current crop is determined to establish another Old Trafford dynasty.
"Since I came to United they've always been the team everyone wants to beat, so we're all used to that," Rooney told The Sun.
Not satisfied
"Winning the double was a great achievement but we're not satisfied with that.
"It's something we all spoke about when we came back in pre-season - we want more trophies.
"We don't want to be known as a team which won the double and that was it. We want to make history.
"Hopefully in the next few weeks we will, too," he added. "I think we can do great things because we've got experienced players and young lads who can only get better.
"Hopefully we will all keep learning, keep playing well and keep winning trophies.
"In five or six years I hope people are saying what a great team we became."
Ferguson cools Berbatov rumours
Dimitar Berbatov's hopes of a move to Manchester United look to be fading after Sir Alex Ferguson said he was "less optimistic" about new signings.
The United boss, who had a £20.5m bid for the striker rejected, was uncertain whether he would boost his squad before the transfer window shuts on Monday.
"I'm less optimistic so we'll carry on," Ferguson said.
"I've no idea what's going on. It's very hard to get communication with some people in life."
Berbatov has made no secret of his desire to leave White Hart Lane but Tottenham are determined that their £30m price-tag will be met.
United are unlikely to be pushed into paying over the odds and Ferguson may be prepared to miss out on Berbatov.
With just four days until the transfer deadline expires, Berbatov's future at Tottenham remains uncertain.
Spurs manager Juande Ramos left the 27-year-old out of his squad for Saturday's defeat by Sunderland, claiming the player was not focused enough.
After the game, first-team coach Gus Poyet admitted the club had no idea if Berbatov would still be a Spurs player come the end of the transfer window.
He added that the club was "going to try hard to get a couple of replacements" before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Asked if that meant Berbatov was on his way out, Poyet shrugged and said: "What can I say? I think the best thing is to wait to 1 September.
"There is nothing to hide. We talked to him the other day and he was not in the right condition to play - I think you say in England, 'not in the right frame of mind'.
Berbatov's agent Emil Danchev is believed to be in London to hold crisis talks with Tottenham.
It is understood that Danchev hopes to meet Ramos and chairman Daniel Levy in a bid to thrash out the striker's future
Man Utd v Zenit St Petersburg
Uefa Super Cup:
Venue: Stade Louis II, Monaco
Date: Friday, 29 August
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves will play his first game of the season in Friday's Uefa Super Cup after a tendinitis problem.
Gary Neville could also have his first competitive outing of the campaign while Nani returns after a ban.
But Ryan Giggs has a hamstring injury and will miss the game in Monaco.
Unsettled Zenit star Andrei Arshavin is with the squad but not certain to play, but Russia striker Pavel Pogrebnyak and new signing Danni will both feature.
Arshavin, who rose to prominence in Russia's run to the Euro 2008 semi-finals, has continually been linked with a move to Tottenham, and could yet join the London club before Monday's transfer deadline.
"He is with us but I will see tomorrow (Friday) if he plays or not, I have not yet made up my mind," said Zenit boss Dick Advocaat.
Advocaat did confirm striker Pogrebnyak, who missed Euro 2008 with knee problems, will play, as will Daani, who has joined Zenit for a Russian record fee of 30m euros (£24m).
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is competing in his fourth Super Cup - and his third as Red Devils boss - the competition which pits the Champions League winners against the Uefa Cup holders. We want to go out and get the victory as this is a prestigious game and one we want to win
Sir Alex Ferguson
His side lifted the trophy in 1991, when the winners of the old European Cup Winners Cup were the opposition for the European champions, beating FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) 1-0.
But United lost 1-0 to Lazio in Monaco after their Champions League triumph of 1999, a memory Ferguson is determined to erase on Friday.
"I remember the last time we went there I only played half a team," said Ferguson, whose side won the Champions League by defeating Chelsea 6-5 on penalties.
"When I saw Lazio celebrating at the end, it was like they had won the World Cup.
"I was not too pleased. I thought, 'That will not happen again'.
"I will play a much stronger team tomorrow - although there will be some changes - and we will represent the club in the right way.
"The game is extremely important. We did not realise that a few years ago. There are no league games to distract us, so there is no excuse this time.
"We want to go out and get the victory as this is a prestigious game and one we want to win. There is a great incentive for us."
Advocaat, who defeated his former club Rangers 2-0 in the Uefa Cup final to qualify for the Super Cup, hailed Ferguson as the best manager in the world.
He said: "He's not just the top manager in Europe, he's top of the world.
"You can't work at that level and stay with one club for so long if you do not have exceptional qualities, it is so difficult.
"So, for me, he is the best manager in the world and the one everyone else has to look up to."
Liverpool were the last British side to capture the Super Cup, beating CSKA Moscow 3-1 in the 2005 final.
The Anfield side also took the trophy as Uefa Cup winners in 2001, defeating Bayern Munich 3-2.
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, O'Shea, Hargreaves, Anderson, Park, Nani, Scholes, Fletcher, Possebon, Rooney, Tevez, F Da Silva, R Da Silva.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Ronaldo Upset By Injury Battle
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his sadness at being stuck on the sidelines as Manchester United kick off their double defence...
Ronaldo is in the midst of a lengthy recovery period after undergoing surgery on his troublesome ankle at the start of July.
The Portuguese winger struggled against the injury during the latter part of last season, even taking part at EURO 2008 earlier in the summer.
But the 23-year-old is now paying for his determination to play through the pain, as he could be out of action until the middle of November.
Ronaldo has returned to training, however, starting with some light jogging and gym work to regain his strength before rejoining the squad.
And the Seleccao superstar is desperate for a speedy return, as he has become depressed and frustrated at not being able to play the game he loves.
He told The Sun: “I have never experienced a situation like this, being two months without kicking a ball. I just want to be fully recovered.
“I am not used to being sidelined, I feel sad. But the worst moment has already gone and I recognise that I must patient.
“I feel well and the time of kicking a ball is coming. Playing football - this is what makes me happy.”
Edwin in no rush
Edwin van der Sar insists he is in no hurry to decide when he will bring down the curtain on his playing career.
The veteran goalkeeper has said he will review his position at the end of this year before deciding his future, but he insists this is not definitely his last season at United.
"You keep on going but, like I said, (I’ll look at the situation) in December," he said. "That’s what I’ve done for the last two years.
"I feel good with that and at the moment pre-season is almost over, so you can start playing the games week-in, week-out and I’m really looking forward to that. Then we’ll just see how long we keep going.
"I don’t want to put too much of a timeline on it or say too much about it. But as long as you’re fit and you enjoy it and the manager is happy and the players are happy that you’re there, that’s my main focus point."
The Dutchman ended his international career when Holland crashed out of Euro 2008, and he is hopeful that curtailing his Oranje association will prolong his playing days at United.
"Sometimes there’s a moment where you think it’s enough," he said. "I’ve quit the national team now because I gave everything I had for the national team and I can focus completely now on United. Hopefully that’s going to prolong my career this year or the year after."
More To Come From Anderson, States Rio
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson started Anderson in yesterday's visit to Portsmouth despite the young Brazilian playing in six games in 18 days for Brazil at the Beijing Olympics. Captain for the night Rio Ferdinand has been impressed with what he has seen, but believes there is more to come from the stocky wonderkid...
Anderson had an impressive debut season last campaign. Sir Alex Ferguson's faith in the young midfielder was evident when he was constantly picked for key games, indicating the new number 8 does not get intimidated by the big occasion.
Despite only arriving back in England from the Olympics over the weekend, Ferguson fielded the Brazilian in Manchester United's second game of the season, against Portsmouth.
Regarding the return of the Brazilian, Rio Ferdinand is quoted by the club's official website as saying: "Anderson did well until he got to 60 minutes and started blowing! We have a little joke with him about that kind of thing. He's a fantastic footballer with great abilities and we've not seen the best of him yet."
He continued: "His barnet's shocking at the minute. His extensions have come out and he's been in China where he's had nobody with the capability to braid him up. Hopefully now he's back in Manchester he can get hold of the person who normally does it for him!"
Owen aims to move on
Having had his first year as a United player disrupted by injury, Owen Hargreaves is hopeful that his return - perhaps in Friday's UEFA Super Cup final - will be his last injury comeback of the season.
Tendinitis affected the midfielder throughout his debut season at OT but, after some impressive training displays, Hargreaves almost featured in Monday's win at Portsmouth. Now a return in Monaco against Zenit St Petersburg could be on the cards.
"I’ve got a big season ahead - with United and England - and I want to be fit," he said. "Hopefully I’ll be back soon and fit for the remainder of the season. Monaco is a possibility, we’ll just see how training goes. I’m improving every day, so hopefully I’ll be back soon."
Hargreaves admits his knee problems have dogged him since before his arrival in Manchester, but some sterling work from the club's medical staff could end the problem.
"I’ve felt it on and off for 16 months," he revealed. "Sometimes more, sometimes less – it’s something I’ve had to cope with. The staff and I have worked very hard so that I’m fit and when I play I don’t miss out. They’ve done a really good job. I think we’ve got it under control."
Vidic Eager To Leave For Sunny Spain
Manchester United's defensive rock Nemanja Vidic has lambasted life in Mancunia, claiming it always rains and everybody wants to leave. The 26-year old is also keen on a move to Spain...
Serbian centre back Nemanja Vidic, 26, has spoken out about his two and a half year ordeal in miserable Manchester, in Russian magazine Football Weekly.
In a virulent interview he bemoans the bad weather, the British lifestyle, and states that Manchester United is a stepping stone for him, as he wants to test himself in Spain.
In the short time that Vidic has plied his trade at Old Trafford, he has accumulated a commendable array of silverware: back-to-back Premier League titles; the Carling Cup; the Champions League; and back-to-back Community Shields, yet the prospect of winners' medals is not enough to convince Nemanja his future is in the north west of England.
"I will never stay to live in England, that's for sure," Vidic is quoted by Setanta Sports as saying. "You only get a brief glimpse of sunlight before it's cloudy again. The winters are mild, but in summer the temperatures seldom go higher than 20C. And it rains, rains, rains."
He sees his future away from the club, and in particular in a warmer climate. "I would like to test myself in another top league... Spain. At least there will be no reason to complain about the weather. In England, they say that Manchester is the city of rain. Its main attraction is the timetable at the railway station, where trains leave for other, less rainy cities."
Nemanja also bemoaned the British, claiming they are unsociable during the week due to their work-ethic: "It's not only the weather... In Russia and Serbia the people's way of life is similar. In England it's totally different. Here they just don't have time to feel joy."
He added: "Throughout the week they work hard. They only talk to people at lunch. Then in the evening they come home and watch the telly, so they can get up early for work the next day."
"The only time to meet friends is at weekends, but for football players it's the busiest time. It was much easier for me to adapt to Russia than England. In England I had no one to talk to. The first month was hard. I lived alone in a hotel, which I left only for training. I thought I would go crazy inside those four walls," he concluded.
Champions League victors Manchester United face Uefa Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Super Cup on Friday, both teams will travel to Monaco to take part in the competition.
Giggs happy to juggle fixtures
Ryan Giggs feels United's fixture congestion may be a blessing in disguise.
The Reds' involvement in Friday's UEFA Super Cup means that Fulham's visit to Old Trafford - originally pencilled in for this Saturday - needs to be rescheduled.
At a point when the Carrington treatment room is still crowded, however, Giggs feels the trip to Monaco may have come at the right time.
"Hopefully we’ve got all the injuries at the start of the season and we can get everyone back fit, more or less, after the international break," he said.
"In a way it’s fallen nicely for us, having only two league games in the first four or five weeks of the season when we’ve got a few injuries. When we do have to play these games again, maybe we’ll have everyone back fit."
Last season's Champions League success means United will also have to juggle a Premier League fixture against Wigan during December's involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Although the Reds are paying the price of success with this term's extra fixtures, Giggs admits such hurdles are there to be overcome.
"It will be a difficult season because of the game cancelled on Friday, we’re going to Tokyo for a week so we’ll have a game cancelled there, and we do have to cope with that," he said.
"But I always say the best team is always at the top of the table at the end of the season and they deserve it. You make your own luck."
Although he is creeping towards the end of his illustrious career, Giggs admits he is savouring his football more than ever.
"I think I maybe enjoy it more because this season I could be going into games thinking it might be the last time I play in that tournament," he revealed.
"You try and enjoy it. When you’re younger you’ve got another 10-12 years to go and maybe you don’t take it in as much. For example, in Moscow I took in the night a lot more than I did in 1999. It comes with age, so I am enjoying it more than ever – as long as we’re winning!"
Portsmouth 0-1 Man Utd
Darren Fletcher's deflected first-half strike was enough to give Manchester United victory over Portsmouth.
Pompey went close after only 12 seconds when Papa Bouba Diop's shot whistled past the post, before Wayne Rooney shot straight at David James from 12 yards.
United began to look dangerous down the flanks and from Patrice Evra's cross, Fletcher bundled in via Sol Campbell.
Pompey's best efforts came after the break but Jerome Thomas and Papa Bouba Diop saw their shots saved comfortably.
Portsmouth might have lacked any real cut and thrust but boss Harry Redknapp will take some consolation that their performance was better than the one that saw them thumped 4-0 by Chelsea in their opening game of the season last week.
Redknapp brought in on-loan left-back Armand Traore in a move designed to shore up the defence.
But with United restoring striker Carlos Tevez and Anderson to their line-up, Pompey were always likely to be stretched.
Yet it was the hosts who almost struck first when Bouba Diop rode a challenge before cracking a shot from 15 yards which zipped off the wet turf and was inches wide of the post.
Soon, though, United began to dictate the play, pulling Portsmouth - and particularly Bouba Diop - out of position.
Wayne Rooney made space in the box but hit his shot straight at David James, and shortly after the England keeper kept out a swerving Paul Scholes free-kick.
Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch were playing their first game together at Fratton Park and they almost combined to get Crouch in, but Evra nicked the ball of the former Liverpool man's toes when he about to shoot.
Back came United and when they worked the ball inside Diop, for the second time in a few minutes, Evra crossed from the left and Fletcher's effort went scrambled in off Campbell as Sylvain Distin failed to hook it off the line.
United might have led 2-0 at the break, but Rooney fired a shot just wide after he had superbly made space with an excellent first touch and turn on the edge of the box.
An hour of the game had been played before Portsmouth forced Edwin van der Sar into his first save, beating away substitute Thomas's vicious drive.
The slicker passing, more incisive movement and more dangerous play continued to come from United after the break, as it had in the opening 45 minutes.
However, the visitors seemed content to sit on their lead as the half wore on and as Pompey crept forward, Van der Sar had to be alert to keep out Bouba Diop's swirling shot.
But with the game compressed into he middle third, and Pompey short of ideas, chances were few and far between.
Despite playing within themselves United always seemed more likely to add to the scoring but Carlos Tevez shot wide from distance and then lofted a free-kick into the arm of James.
The result leaves Portsmouth rooted to the foot of the table, while United move up to fifth.
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp:
"I thought I was a very even game up until they scored. The way the first half went, I was well pleased.
"We have three or four players who haven't played for a while and missed a pre-season and I had to throw them in and take a chance on them.
"The work rate was much better today and you couldn't fault the effort. I thought we played okay."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"We played some excellent football tonight. This is a difficult place to come, so it is a bonus to come here and win.
"We tried to play a system where the players would be comfortable. We wanted to have Anderson playing centrally, close to Carlos Tevez.
"We let Paul Scholes control the game, and used Darren Fetcher's energy."
Portsmouth: James, Kaboul, Campbell, Distin, Johnson, Diop, Davis (Utaka 66), Diarra, Armand Traore (Thomas 56), Crouch, Defoe.
Subs Not Used: Ashdown, Lauren, Hreidarsson, Mvuemba, Sahar.
Booked: Diop, Defoe.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Fletcher, Anderson (Possebon 76), Scholes, Evra, Rooney, Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Fabio Da Silva, Rafael Da Silva, Gibson, Campbell.
Booked: Brown, Fletcher.
Goals: Fletcher 32.
Att: 20,540
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
Monday, August 25, 2008
Six Reds up for UEFA awards
The Reds' sensational Double success of last season could lead to more honours this week at the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year awards.
United are the best-represented club with no fewer than six players shortlisted as the best performers in their positions for the 2007/08 campaign.
Edwin van der Sar is up for the best goalkeeper award while Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are in contention for the defender gong.
Paul Scholes’ name is in the hat for the midfielder prize while front men Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo will be vying for the forward of the year honour. All six Reds could also win the overall Club Footballer of the Year award.
The shortlists reflect the Premier League’s dominance of the Champions League last season, with 17 of the 20 candidates for the awards plying their trade in England. Added to United's six are five from Chelsea (Peter Cech, John Terry, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba), four from Liverpool (Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres) and two from Arsenal (Manuel Almunia, Cesc Fabregas).
The three nominees from outside the English game are Schalke 04 goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Barcelona defender Carles Puyol and his team-mate, forward Lionel Messi.
Coaches of the 16 teams that reached the knockout phase of the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League were invited to cast their votes. The award winners will be announced at the draw for this season's group stage on Thursday 28 August – the day before United face UEFA Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Super Cup final at Monaco's Stade Louis II.
Ferguson: Victory Is Vital Before The Break
Manchester United visit Portsmouth tonight with manager Sir Alex Ferguson warning his players that a win is vital in what will be their last Premier League encounter for nearly three weeks.
Manchester United are due to fly to Monaco to face Zenit St Petersburg in the Uefa Super Cup on Friday, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson realises that while they are otherwise engaged, their title rivals have an opportunity to open up an early Premiuer League advantage next weekend.
United kicked off their campaign with an undistinguished draw against Newcastle, and Ferguson does not want his side to repeat last season‘s start, when they did not get a win under their belts until the fourth game of the season. Even though they went on to retain their title in style, Ferguson knows that a sluggish start can give them a mountain to climb - especially as Chelsea and Liverpool are already five points ahead, though they‘ve played a game more.
After their game against Portsmouth tonight, United are not in Premier League action again until 13th September, when they visit arch-rivals Liverpool. Then eight days after that they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
"We had a terribly slow start last season," Ferguson said. "Hopefully it's not as bad this time. But they're not going to give any medals out in August or September.
“Everybody wishes are that you win every game and it doesn't happen, and everybody wishes that you don't get injuries, but it happens."
Ryan Giggs was singing from the same hymn sheet as his boss as United and Pompey prepare to do battle for the third time in a month.
United beat Harry Redknapp's side 2-1 in a pre-season friendly in Nigeria before Pompey lost a penalty shoot-out in the Community Shield at Wembley.
"We don't want a massive gap to open up between ourselves and the other teams who are going to be up there," said Giggs.
"The Newcastle result was disappointing, but that has gone. We're looking at Portsmouth and then the Super Cup. Then we've got a two-week break before facing Liverpool away. We want to make sure we go into that break with two wins under our belt."
Giggs has recovered from a hamstring problem and should line up against Pompey tonight, while Carlos Tevez is set to make his first Premier League start of the season. Owen Hargreaves has recovered from a knee injury and could feature, but Park Ji-Sung, back in training after a knee problem, is not yet match-fit.
Vidic ready for 'Little and Large'
Nemanja Vidic admits the Reds will be up against a somewhat unique strike force at Fratton Park on Monday night when they come face-to-face with Portsmouth's version of 'Little and Large.'
Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch will present a difficult challenge to United's backline, particularly at set-pieces, but Vidic remains confident in the Reds' ability to deal with the threat posed by Pompey's front duo.
"We know all about Crouch and Defoe," he told ManUtd.com. "Crouch is very tall and very good in the air, while Defoe is very quick around the area and can cause you lots of problems.
"We know what quality they possess but we’re confident we can deal with it."
Both sides will be looking to post a first victory of the new campaign after disappointing results on the opening day. Pompey suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Chelsea, while United could only manage a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford.
"We started badly and dropped points at home which isn’t what we wanted," admitted Vidic. "But the season is long and we hope we can get the result we want at Portsmouth.
"It’ll be a hard game particularly as Portsmouth lost 4-0 to Chelsea in their first game and will want to prove something against us to the fans.
"But we also need the points and we’re all looking forward to the game and hopefully we can get the result we need."
Hargreaves nears return to action
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves hopes he will be fit to play in England's World Cup qualifiers in September against Andorra and Croatia.
Suffering from tendinitis, Hargreaves may make his return as early as Friday when Manchester United play in the Uefa Super Cup against Zenit St Petersburg.
"Maybe I will be fit for England, but Manchester United come first," he said.
"Monaco is a possibility," added Hargreaves, referring to the venue for Friday's meeting with Russia's Zenit.
Hargreaves has not played since England's friendly international against the USA in May, a week after United's Champions League final victory over Chelsea.
The 27-year-old midfielder took a course of injections rather than joining Sir Alex Ferguson's side on their pre-season tour to South Africa.
"I have felt it the tendinitis for the past 16 months, but hopefully I will be back playing in a week or two."
"Physically I demand a lot of myself. I wish it wasn't the case but I just have to cope with it.
"Obviously I am trying to get better - I do a bit more every day.
"Last season I was fit towards the end. That is the reason the boss brought me here.
"Obviously there is a big season ahead for Manchester United and England and I want to be fit and available."
England begin their 2010 qualifying campaign against the Andorrans on 6 September before facing Croatia in Zagreb four days later.
Hargreaves is very much in the mind of England coach Fabio Capello following his side's disappointing 2-2 draw with Czech Republic in midweek.
"I think there is Hargreaves," said Capello, looking ahead to the challenge posed by Croatia. "I've said before, we suffered on the counter-attack when other teams play a 9-1 formation. If you score a goal it changes completely.
"I noted a lot of things against Czech Republic, the good things and the bad things. It is important for me because the four games we played before, the level of teams were not like this."
Ferguson wanted for GB 2012 role
Sir Alex Ferguson is the best candidate to coach a Great Britain football team at the 2012 Olympics, Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe has said.
Manchester United boss Ferguson has previously said he is unwilling to make a long-term commitment to the Games.
But British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told the BBC he has spoken to fellow Scot Ferguson about the role.
And Sutcliffe said: "Sir Alex's record shows that he would be the ideal choice for manager."
The absence of a British football team at the 2008 Beijing Games marked 48 years since a GB side had competed at an Olympics, partly because of fears it could jeopardise individual national sides.
In July, it emerged London 2012 Organising Committee chairman Lord Coe had spoken to Ferguson about the possibility of coaching a GB side.
Ferguson said: "I will be 70 in 2012. I've not made any commitment to anything like that.
"I would not, in any way, shape or form, try and commit myself to something that is four years ahead."
But Ferguson, who plans to leave his Old Trafford post in the next three years, is still considered the ideal candidate.
Sutcliffe said: "As host nation we get the right to entry in all competitions, so obviously we should be allowed to have a team in 2012.
"What we need to do is make sure that we can reach an agreement to have a British team there and if we have Sir Alex Ferguson as a manager, then that would be fantastic.
"As a Manchester United supporter obviously he'd be my number one choice. I would say that but I'm sure that he'd do a great job."
The prime minister has revealed he has talked to Sepp Blatter, the president of football's governing body Fifa, about the prospect of a British team playing in 2012.
"I have talked to Sir Alex Ferguson about managing the team," Brown told BBC Olympic Breakfast on Sunday.
"He would have to be approached formally by the relevant authorities but he's been one of the names mentioned and he's not turned the job down."
England footballer David Beckham, who played under Ferguson during his 10-year spell at Manchester United, has also indicated he could be involved in the set-up.
"I think it's possible," Beckham, who will be 37 in 2012 and is unlikely to play, was quoted as telling the Sun newspaper.
Beckham is a 2012 ambassador and featured in the Beijing closing ceremony, kicking a football from the top of a red double-decker bus, as China handed over to London.
Sutcliffe said any GB football decisions would be led by the British Olympic Association and the Football Association.
The inclusion of a Great Britain football team at the 2012 Games has sparked huge controversy, with the national governing bodies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland concerned it may compromise their individual status within Fifa.
On Monday, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said the idea was a "massive own goal" and he accused Brown of being "out of touch with Scotland".
Blatter has said it might be better for GB to enter a team featuring players from just England.
But the BOA, which selects teams for the Games, is pressing ahead with plans to include a football team despite the opposition.
Sutcliffe also wants to see a British women's side at the Games.
"There appeared to be a deal between the home nations that the England women's team would be able to play in Beijing but because they got through to the quarter final of the World Cup, they didn't enter the Olympics," he said.
"I think that was a disgrace so I'd love to have both a men's and women's British team at 2012."
Portsmouth v Man Utd
Venue: Fratton Park
Date: Monday, 25 August
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is available after a family bereavement kept him out of the draw with Newcastle on the opening day of the season.
Anderson will be back from the Olympics but may not be rushed into action, while John O'Shea may deputise for Michael Carrick, and Nani is banned.
Portsmouth midfielder Niko Kranjcar is a major doubt after picking up an injury playing for Croatia.
But Lassana Diarra has recovered from a knee injury suffered against Chelsea.
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, R Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, F Da Silva, Fletcher, O'Shea, Scholes, Possebon, Gibson, Giggs, Rooney, Tevez, Campbell, Welbeck.
Portsmouth (from): James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Diop, Diarra, Kranjcar, Little, Defoe, Crouch, Kaboul, Thomas, A Traore, Sahar, Lauren, Mvuemba, Davis, Hughes, Ashdown.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp:
"I always look forward to these games and we have a tremendous record against United at Fratton Park.
"Last season we did not lose at home to any of the big four. The key is to match their work-rate
"Sure, it looks a really big test for us now but I think we are still a very good team at home and we will take some beating. United won't relish coming here. They never do."
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher:
"It might work to my advantage that so many players are out of the team.
"We have a lot of players out just now - and when we are short of numbers, you need to take your opportunities.
"There is so much quality in the squad we all know if you do not perform the manager will have you straight out of the team.
"But, as we have seen plenty of times before, the manager will stick by you if you do the job he needs."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
The European and domestic league champions and the FA Cup winners meet for the second time in a fortnight; both seeking their first Premier League win.
Portsmouth are hoping to avoid a Premier League club record sixth successive defeat; if held, Manchester United would replicate last season by drawing their first two games.
Pompey met the so called 'Big Four' in their first six fixtures last season; the Red Devils must visit two of them in their next two league outings (Liverpool on 13 September and Chelsea on the 21st).
This match brings together the two oldest managers in the Premier League; Sir Alex Ferguson and Harry Redknapp have a combined age of 127, with the Red Devils' boss the senior by five years, at 66 years of age.
The Fratton Park club were seven places and 30 points inferior to the champions last season; United won 11 more matches, scored 32 more goals and conceded 18 fewer.
Portsmouth have won three of the five Premier League matches against Manchester United at Fratton Park and lost just once; that defeat being 1-3 on 11 February 2006 - Ruud van Nistelrooy scored United's first and Cristiano Ronaldo got the other two.
CLUB FORM
PORTSMOUTH
Last season's finishing position: 8th
This season: (going into the weekend) 20th 0 points
1. Kicked off the league campaign with a 4-0 defeat away to Chelsea; the heaviest loss of the nine on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
2. Not scored in two (all comps); the 0-0 draw with Manchester United in the Community Shield, preceded the visit to Stamford Bridge.
3. Lost the last five league games; against Manchester City (a), Blackburn (h), Middlesbrough (a), Fulham (h) and Chelsea (a).
4. On the longest current sequence without a Premier League goal of four matches.
5. Not scored in 426 minutes (seven hours six minutes) of top-flight football since John Utaka's goal against Manchester City on 20 April; their only goal in six outings.
6. Winless in six; drawn one and lost five Premier League matches since prevailing 0-1, away to West Ham on 8 April.
7. A draw would bring their total of points in two spells under Harry Redknapp to 200 in the Premier League, and 300 in the Premier and Football League combined.
8. Only lost their first two fixtures of a Premier League season once; that was in 2005-06, against Tottenham (h) and West Brom (a). It took five games to register a first victory in that campaign.
9. Did not manage to defeat a 'Big Four' club last season (four draws, four defeats). Not beaten a member of the elite quartet of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United since the 2-1 home victory over the Merseysiders on 28 April 2007.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Last season's finishing position: 1st, two points clear
This season: (going into the weekend) 10th 1 point
1. Started the Premier League season with a 1-1 draw, home to Newcastle.
2. It was the seventh time in 17 Premier League seasons they had failed to win their initial fixture.
3. Failed to win one of their first two fixtures just three times in this league in 1992, 1998 and 2007.
4. Now completed the equivalent of an entire league season of 38 matches without a goalless draw; their last no score stalemate was home to Reading on the opening day last term, 12 August 2007.
5. Scored at least one goal in each of the last 25 league matches, since the 1-0 loss, away to Bolton, on 24 November 2007.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
PORTSMOUTH
Jermain DEFOE needs a double to total 100 career league goals (West Ham, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Portsmouth).
If he plays:-
Glen JOHNSON will be playing two days after his 24th birthday.
MANCHESTER UNITED
If selected:-
Wes BROWN will be making his 200th Premier League appearance - all in a Manchester United shirt.
If on the field from the outset:-
Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.
Suspended:-
Luis NANI (one match)
HEAD TO HEAD
Portsmouth and Manchester United met three times last season. United drew at Fratton Park and then won at Old Trafford in the league. But Portsmouth had the upper hand in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. A 78th minute penalty from Sulley Ali Muntari was the difference between the sides as Pompey took another step towards Wembley.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Portsmouth 17 wins, Man United 24, Draws 13
Prem: Portsmouth 3 wins, Man United 6, Draws 1
at Portsmouth only
League (inc PL): League: Portsmth 11 wins, Man United 6, Draws 10
Prem: Portsmouth 3 wins, Man United 1, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Portsmouth 1-1 Manchester United
15 August 2007 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Portsmouth scorer: Mwaruwari 53
Man Utd scorer: Scholes 15
Sent Off: Muntari (Portsmouth) 83, Ronaldo (Man Utd) 85
REFEREE
Chris Foy (St Helens, Merseyside)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Carrick faces three-week absence
Carrick faces three-week absence
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could be out for up to three weeks because of the ankle injury he sustained against Newcastle on Sunday.
"Michael suffered a bad blow to his ankle," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "It was pretty swollen. He will be out for two or three weeks."
Carrick, 27, has already pulled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against the Czech Republic.
He will also miss United's games with Portsmouth and Zenit St Petersburg.
United travel to Fratton Park in the Premier League on 25 August and take on the Russian side in Monaco in the European Super Cup on 29 August.
Carrick, who limped off after 25 minutes of United's 1-1 draw with the Magpies, has been replaced in the England squad by Tottenham's Jermaine Jenas.
United hope he will be fit to return against Liverpool on 13 September.
Ferguson's side, who also lost Ryan Giggs to a hamstring injury during Sunday's game, while young striker Fraizer Campbell also picked up a knock, were already without a long list of players.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha, Park Ji-Sung and Owen Hargreaves are all injured, winger Nani is suspended, midfielder Anderson is on Olympic duty with Brazil and Carlos Tevez missed the game against Newcastle game after flying back to Argentina following a family bereavement.
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could be out for up to three weeks because of the ankle injury he sustained against Newcastle on Sunday.
"Michael suffered a bad blow to his ankle," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. "It was pretty swollen. He will be out for two or three weeks."
Carrick, 27, has already pulled out of the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against the Czech Republic.
He will also miss United's games with Portsmouth and Zenit St Petersburg.
United travel to Fratton Park in the Premier League on 25 August and take on the Russian side in Monaco in the European Super Cup on 29 August.
Carrick, who limped off after 25 minutes of United's 1-1 draw with the Magpies, has been replaced in the England squad by Tottenham's Jermaine Jenas.
United hope he will be fit to return against Liverpool on 13 September.
Ferguson's side, who also lost Ryan Giggs to a hamstring injury during Sunday's game, while young striker Fraizer Campbell also picked up a knock, were already without a long list of players.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha, Park Ji-Sung and Owen Hargreaves are all injured, winger Nani is suspended, midfielder Anderson is on Olympic duty with Brazil and Carlos Tevez missed the game against Newcastle game after flying back to Argentina following a family bereavement.
Man Utd 1-1 Newcastle
Manchester United made an unconvincing start to the defence of their Premier League title as they were held at Old Trafford by an impressive Newcastle.
The hosts were denied a penalty when James Milner appeared to handle, but Newcastle took a first-half lead when Obafemi Martins powered home a header.
Manchester United levelled only two minutes later when Darren Fletcher converted Ryan Giggs' left-wing cross.
Nemanja Vidic headed against the bar, but Newcastle fully deserved a point.
Magpies boss Kevin Keegan will be delighted with their committed performance, while Sir Alex Ferguson will surely now increase his efforts to buy a striker.
His side's preparations were hit by the absence of striker Carlos Tevez, who flew home to Argentina following a family bereavement.
That led to Fraizer Campbell making his first Premier League start for the club, leading the line with Wayne Rooney who had recovered from a virus.
It was a frantic start to the game, proper end-to-end start-of-the-season stuff, with the two Uniteds taking it in turns to launch an attack.
The Red Devils thought they should have had a penalty when Giggs' free-kick struck Milner on the hand, while Shay Given remarkably saved Campbell's point-blank header with his own head.
Given made a magnificent double save too, from Rooney's low right-foot drive and then Paul Scholes' close-range follow-up.
But Newcastle, who were destroyed 6-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, were in no mood to lie down this time and they created a host of chances themselves.
Impressive new signing Jonas Gutierrez should have had a free-kick on the edge of the United box when he was bundled over by Vidic, before they took the lead.
Milner swung over a corner from the right and Martins rose unchallenged to power a header past Edwin van der Sar and into the net.
But with defender Steven Taylor off the pitch receiving treatment, the home team almost immediately got themselves back on level terms.
Giggs found space down the left and sent over a low cross, Fletcher timing his run to perfection to divert the ball past Given and into the net.
It had been a breathless first 25 minutes and as the tempo of the game began to slow, so did the number of chances on offer.
Ferguson's team have been notoriously slow starters for many a year now and their usually precise, swift counter-attacking was a touch off-key on the opening day.
Martins continued to be a threat and shortly after the break he cut in from the left and forced Van der Sar to make a save.
At the other end Campbell was struggling to make an impression, though he did come to life with one run and shot that forced another brilliant low one-handed save from the ever reliable Given.
But they rarely looked like breaking Newcastle down and Vidic's downward header that looped up on to the bar apart, the visitors saw out the game in relative comfort.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson:
"We played well in the first half, and their goalkeeper made several good saves to keep them in the match.
"Our attacking play in the first half was good. But as soon as we lost Ryan Giggs to a hamstring injury and Michael Carrick with an ankle, which is swollen up badly - he'll be out for two to three weeks - we lost a bit of our experience in midfield.
"We had possession of the ball but didn't make it count at times - but in light of the people we had missing, it was a creditable result for us."
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan:
"That was a good, good performance from us and we thoroughly deserved a point.
"Of course you are going to have to ride your luck when you come to a place like this and we did, but no-one can say we got more than we deserved.
"Newcastle fans will go away saying how they witnessed a team playing for the supporters, playing for the badge, playing for the club - and that's what they deserve.
"There were lots of good things for us to build on but we mustn't get carried away as there are a lot of tough games to come."
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick (O'Shea 25), Scholes, Giggs (Possebon 63), Campbell (Rafael Da Silva 80), Rooney.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Evans, Gibson.
Booked: Campbell, Brown, Rooney.
Goals: Fletcher 24.
Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor, Coloccini, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Duff, Martins.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Jose Enrique, Bassong, Smith, Geremi, Edgar, Donaldson.
Goals: Martins 22.
Att: 75,512.
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Man Utd v Newcastle
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will spearhead their attack as they begin the defence of their title.
He has recovered from a virus, but Nani is suspended and Cristiano Ronaldo injured, so Michael Carrick may start.
Newcastle have included new Argentine defender Fabricio Coloccini, but Joey Barton has not been considered.
Skipper Michael Owen, Mark Viduka and Andy Carroll are all injured and Shola Ameobi is talking to Ipswich, but Obafemi Martins is set to feature.
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, R Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, O'Shea, Evans, Evra, Silvestre, F Da Silva, Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Gibson, Possebon, Giggs, Martin, Tevez, Rooney, Campbell.
Newcastle (from): Given, Beye, N'Zogbia, Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique, Cacapa, Bassong, Edgar, Butt, Geremi, Milner, Duff, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Martins, Smith, Edgar, Harper.
Sir Alex Ferguson on speculation Manchester United are poised to sign Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov:
"I cannot give you an answer because there isn't one.
"We have been trying to add to the squad but nothing has changed, I have nothing else to say.
"You might be surprised at what is going to happen over the next two days.
"The challenge is for us to improve.
"You would think with young players like Anderson, Ronaldo, Rooney and Nani we have the capacity to do that.
"There is no doubt this team will win championships long after I have left. There is a good foundation here now."
Newcastle's new signing Jonas Gutierrez on fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez:
"I am friends with Carlos and we will talk before the game.
"He's very good and our defenders will have to pay a lot of attention, because he can score a goal at any moment.
"There are many good players in the United team but Carlos is playing very well and had a great season last time."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Manchester United begin the challenge for a record 11th Premier League title. A second hat-trick of such titles would see Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils crowned champions of England for the 18th time, and put them on a par with Liverpool's 18-year-old record.
Newcastle last won the league championship in 1927, and have not claimed a major piece of silverware for 39 years, since the European Fairs Cup in 1969.
Manchester United ran riot against Newcastle last season. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first hat-trick for the club as they won this corresponding fixture 6-0, three days after the Magpies had parted company with Sam Allardyce, and four days before the arrival of Kevin Keegan.
The Red Devils went on to complete the 'double' over the Magpies with an 11-1 aggregate.
Distance between clubs: 152.9 miles (246 kilometres)
MANCHESTER UNITED
Last season's finishing position: 1st, two points clear
1. One of 10 founder members of the Premier League competing this season.
2. One of seven ever-presents competing in their 17th Premier League campaign. The others are Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham.
3. Never finished outside the Premier League's top three.
4. Last week's Community Shield was the 30th piece of silverware United have claimed in the tenure of Sir Alex Ferguson, which this season moves into its 23rd year.
5. Starting the Premier League campaign at home for the third season running.
6. Held at home to a goalless draw by Reading on the opening day 12 months ago, and failed to win their first three matches, before building an eight-match winning sequence.
7. Lost on the opening day only once in 12 years; that being 1-0, away to Chelsea on 15 August 2004, which was Jose Mourinho's first match in charge of the Blues.
8. Challenging for a sixth successive home league win. Not dropped a point at Old Trafford since the 1-2 loss to Manchester City on 10 February.
9. Not brought in any players during the close season.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Last season's finishing position: 12th
1. This is their 79th season in the top tier, but only their 16th in succession.
2. Twice Premier League runners-up, in 1995-96 and 1996-97, but outside the top 11 for the last two seasons, and only managed one top-half finish in the last four years.
3. Gained 43 points last season, equalling their lowest ever tally in this league of the year before.
4. Average Premier League finish: 8th (7.93)
5. Beat Wigan and Bolton respectively in their last two opening fixtures in the Premier League seasons.
6. Won 25% of their league games in Keegan's current spell (four of 16).
KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED
Ins and Outs
Cristiano RONALDO was Manchester United's top scorer last season with 42 goals.
The Portuguese also won the Barclays Golden Boot as the Premier League' top marksman with 31. He is one of only five different players to score 30 or more goals in a Premier League campaign.
If selected:-
Goalkeeper Edwin VAN DER SAR will be making his 100th Premier League appearance for Manchester United.
Mikael SILVESTRE will be making his 250th Premier League appearance for Manchester United.
If on the field from the outset:-
Gary NEVILLE will be making his 350th Premier League start for Manchester United.
Michael CARRICK will be making his 250th career league start (West Ham, Swindon, Birmingham, Tottenham and Manchester United).
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Ins and Outs
Michael OWEN was Newcastle's top scorer last season with 13 goals, and leading Premier League marksman with 11.
Alan SMITH will be facing former colleagues. The 27 year old England international forward made 93 appearances (61 in the league) and scored 12 goals (seven league) for the Red Devils between May 2004 and his move to Newcastle in August 2007.
HEAD TO HEAD
Manchester United are vying for a fifth successive home league win over Newcastle.
The Magpies have never won a Premier League match at Old Trafford. Their last maximum there was 36 years ago; a 0-2 top-flight triumph on 12 February 1972.
The Toon have not celebrated a victory against the champions in 13 Premier League meetings, since an odd goal in seven victory at St James' Park on 15 September 2001.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 68 wins, Newcastle 38, Draws 34
Prem: Man United 18 wins, Newcastle 3, Draws 9
at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man United 43 wins, Newcastle 9, Draws 18
Prem: Man United 10 wins, Newcastle 0, Draws 5
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 6-0 Newcastle United
12 January 2008 - Ref: Rob Styles
Man Utd scorers: Ronaldo 49, Tevez 55, Ronaldo 70, Ferdinand 85, Ronaldo 88, Tevez 90
Sent Off: Smith (Newcastle) 90
REFEREE
Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Valencia reject Man Utd Silva bid
Valencia have rejected a bid by Manchester United for David Silva, according to the striker's agent.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants a new forward before the transfer window closes on 31 August - but £20m-rated Silva, 22, wants to stay at Valencia.
The Spanish international's agent Julio Llorente said: "United made an offer for David Silva, but this has been turned down by Valencia."
He also said, if Silva had to move, he would prefer Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"Silva doesn't want to play in England because he is happy at Valencia," he said. "His family are settled and if he was to move it would only be to another Spanish club, like Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"David Silva will start the new season at Valencia."
Silva, who plays in an advanced attacking role for both his club and country, has been closely linked with a number of top clubs this summer after helping Spain to win the European Championship in June with a series of inspired displays.
"He doesn't want to play in another country at the moment," said Llorente.
"Valencia have the power in their hands. David Silva can't go to another team because he has a contract for five more years."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Community Shield photos
Community Shield photos
United duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney watch from the stands with several team-mates as the game gets underway
United skipper Gary Neville makes his first start in around 18 months, while Peter Crouch partners Jermain Defoe up front for Pompey
Nani makes a couple of impressive forays forward for United in a largely forgettable opening 45 minutes
United have the best of it but Darren Fletcher misses a sitter and is beaten to the ball by Pompey keeper David James in another attack
There is no extra time, so it is straight to penalties - Diarra replicates his earlier free-kick to hand United the early advantage
Tevez puts United ahead but Defoe levels before Ryan Giggs restores the Red Devils' lead after two penalties apiece
Pompey fall further behind when Edwin van der Sar saves from Arnold Mvuemba and Michael Carrick scores to make it 3-1
All that is left is for Neville to lead his team-mates up the steps to collect the trophy and medals in front of an approving Ferguson
United duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney watch from the stands with several team-mates as the game gets underway
United skipper Gary Neville makes his first start in around 18 months, while Peter Crouch partners Jermain Defoe up front for Pompey
Nani makes a couple of impressive forays forward for United in a largely forgettable opening 45 minutes
United have the best of it but Darren Fletcher misses a sitter and is beaten to the ball by Pompey keeper David James in another attack
There is no extra time, so it is straight to penalties - Diarra replicates his earlier free-kick to hand United the early advantage
Tevez puts United ahead but Defoe levels before Ryan Giggs restores the Red Devils' lead after two penalties apiece
Pompey fall further behind when Edwin van der Sar saves from Arnold Mvuemba and Michael Carrick scores to make it 3-1
All that is left is for Neville to lead his team-mates up the steps to collect the trophy and medals in front of an approving Ferguson
United 0 Pompey 0
United lifted the Community Shield for a record-extending 13th time, after overcoming Portsmouth in a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.
The Reds dominated for long spells against Harry Redknapp's side, but found themselves frustrated by another superb display from Pompey goalkeeper David James, who made fine second-half saves from Darren Fletcher and Carlos Tevez.
The England international was unable to extend his heroics into the shootout, however, as Tevez, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick all found the net, while Pompey missed three of their four kicks.
In normal time, the only clear opening of the first 45 minutes fell to Fletcher after Nani superbly robbed Glenn Johnson and crossed into the box. In sliding to reach the ball, Fletcher ended up stubbing his effort into the ground and effectively blocking his own shot.
United's dominance continued in the second period, with James called upon to superbly tip Fletcher's chip onto the crossbar and then clutch the rebound gratefully as Tevez managed to head an effort goalwards.
James made another stunning fingertip save to turn a Tevez effort wide of his right-hand post shortly afterwards, before Jermain Defoe burst through on goal in a rare Pompey attack, only to be denied by fine tracking back from Vidic.
With 15 minutes remaining, United should have been handed the chance to win the game from the spot when Hermann Hreidarsson inexplicably held onto Tevez's leg inside the area, but referee Peter Walton saw no wrong.
Although John Utaka notched Pompey's first shot on target - after 77 minutes - the pressure was still all United's. Substitute Fraizer Campbell fashioned space for himself but fired over the bar, and the Reds kept pressing until the very end.
Penalties were required though and, having triumphed against Chelsea in last year's Shield and the Champions League final, United had every cause to be confident. Serial spot-kick hero Edwin van der Sar was only required to make one save - from Arnold Mvuemba - as Lassana Diarra and Glenn Johnson both blazed their kicks over.
Johnson's effort sealed a 13th outright Community Shield triumph for the Reds - as well as five shared Shields - and ensured a silver-lined start to the 2008/09 season.
The teams
Manchester United: Van der Sar; Neville (Brown 67), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Fletcher, O'Shea (Carrick 67), Scholes, Nani (Campbell 79); Giggs, Tevez.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, J Evans, Possebon, R da Silva.
Booked: Vidic, Neville
Portsmouth: James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson (Lauren 80); Diop, Mendes (Mvuemba 76), Diarra, Kranjcar (Utaka 60); Crouch, Defoe.
Subs not used: Ashdown, Sahar, Cranie, Traore.
Booked: Distin
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Rooney may be fit to start season
Rooney returned to training on Friday but will miss the Community Shield
Wayne Rooney could return in time for the start of Manchester United's Premier League campaign on 17 August after recovering from a virus.
The 22-year-old contracted the mystery illness on United's tour of Nigeria and returned to training on Friday.
"We've got a big job to do to get Rooney ready," said Sir Alex Ferguson.
"With seven or eight days training we might make it. He is doing much better, the medical reports are good and we feel that he's clear of the virus."
The England international will miss Sunday's Community Shield match against Portsmouth.
Midfielder Michael Carrick, who was suffering from the same unnamed illness, is set to feature in the Wembley fixture.
The United boss revealed Rooney's illness was diagnosed by the club's own laboratory.
He also added that the squad had all taken malaria tablets ahead of the trip to Africa, while the club confirmed that the touring party have all had the required yellow fever vaccinations within the past 10 years.
Rooney's potential absence leaves Ferguson facing a selection dilemma ahead of the opening match of the season at home to Newcastle.
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the first two months of the season following ankle surgery, winger Nani is suspended while midfielder Anderson is on Olympic duty with Brazil.
Rooney's problems could also reignite Ferguson's interest in signing Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov.
As it stands, Ferguson has only Carlos Tevez, untested youngster Fraizer Campbell and Louis Saha to choose from up front.
News conference: Sir Alex Ferguson
"I don't know whether we will have a team ready," said Ferguson. "Nani is suspended, Anderson is in the Olympic Games.
"(Michael) Carrick's come in this morning and he may play a part of the game on Sunday."
Rooney had sat on the sidelines when Manchester United played FA Cup winners Portsmouth in a friendly in Abuja on 27 July.
He then missed his club's two subsequent pre-season fixtures against Espanyol and Peterborough.
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