Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.
Sunday 30 March 2008
Thursday 27 March 2008
Carrick Not Complacent
The midfielder believes the fixture list still looks difficult, telling MUTV: "We’re playing well at the moment but we’ve still got a tough run-in and it’s not going to be easy.
"We’re not getting carried away by any means but we’re happy with our position. Three or four weeks ago we were a few points behind Arsenal and aware that we needed to get points on the board fairly quickly.
"We’ve managed to do that and obviously Arsenal have slipped up a little bit and opened the door for us."
When United opened the door against Liverpool, the identity of the first scorer caught Carrick by surprise.
"It was mad to see Wes (Brown) up there, I was a bit shocked it was him when the goal went in," he laughed.
"It means a lot to Wes to score against Liverpool, being a local lad, and his goal got us up and running. We played some good football after that."
Anderson Aiming High
How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?
I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.
Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?
If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!
You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?
I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.
The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?
I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure the manager
Important Date
| March 2008 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Mar | UEFA Champions League | United Vs Olympique Lyonnais | 19:45 | H | 1 - 0 | ||||||
| 08 Mar | FA Cup | United Vs Portsmouth | 12:45 | H | 0 - 1 | ||||||
| 15 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Derby County | 15:00 | A | 1 - 0 | ||||||
| 19 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Bolton | 20:00 | H | 2 - 0 | ||||||
| 23 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Liverpool | 13:30 | H | 3 - 0 | ||||||
| 29 Mar | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Aston Villa | 17:15 | H | |||||||
April 2008 | |||||||||||
| 01 Apr | UEFA Champions League | United Vs Roma | 19:45 | A | |||||||
| 06 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Middlsbro | 13:30 | A | |||||||
| 09 Apr | UEFA Champions League | United Vs Roma | 19:45 | H | |||||||
| 13 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Arsenal | 16:00 | H | |||||||
| 19 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Blackburn | 17:15 | A | |||||||
| 26 Apr | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Chelsea | 12:45 | A | |||||||
May 2008 | |||||||||||
| 03 May | Barclays Premier League | United Vs West Ham | 15:00 | H | |||||||
| 11 May | Barclays Premier League | United Vs Wigan | 15:00 | A | |||||||
Blues Are Title Threat
Sir Alex Ferguson will take great comfort in United's five-point lead after a potentially decisive weekend in the title race, but he remains alert to the threat posed the Reds' now closest challeners Chelsea.
Avram Grant's men leapfrogged Arsenal with a 2-1 win over the Gunners on Sunday, hours after United defeated Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford.
The Reds go to Stamford Bridge on 26 April, which Sir Alex feels will be crucial. "I think Chelsea hold the key," he said, "especially as we go to their place where they've got a formidable record.
"We've established a good lead but we're not taking anything for granted, we have to carry on playing the way we have been. I've said all along, the team who shows real consistency between now and the end of the season will win the league."
The dominant performance against Liverpool has given the United boss plenty of confidence and belief going into the final seven league games of the season.
"We've developed this season and I think you saw that maturity reach its peak in our win over Liverpool," he said. "We've retained last season's consistency, we're challenging for the league and we're in the quarter-finals of Europe."
Rio Delight at England Armband
The 29-year-old United defender is the latest player (after Steven Gerrard) to be chosen to skipper his country as new England manager Fabio Capello attempts to find the right man for the job ahead of this year's World Cup qualifiers.
Many had expected Chelsea skipper John Terry to be given the armband for the Stade de France friendly. But Ferdinand, who has captained United in the absence of Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, will earn his 66th England cap as the team's leader.
"As a kid I grew up wanting to play for England and to lead my country. Now I have been given the honour to fulfil that dream, so I am very happy," says Rio.
"I have done it for United in the past, I lead by example and if something needs to be said I'm not afraid to say it, it is just a matter of going out there and doing what I do for Manchester United and bring it up to international level."
Ferdinand says he will take inspiration from one of Old Trafford's greatest leaders of recent times.
"Roy Keane was a fantastic captain," he said at a press conference on Tuesday evening. "He led by example and got marks of seven, eight or nine out of 10 every game.
"If questions need to be answered, he was normally the first to do it. He was a great captain and symbolic of Manchester United. Now for me to get the captaincy for my country is a dream come true and this is the biggest honour I've ever had."
Final Stories
Fraizer Campbell and Tom Heaton made their international debuts for England U21s on Tuesday evening, but were unable to prevent a frustrating goalless draw with Poland.
The United duo were introduced as second half substitutes, replacing Cameron Jerome and Joe Hart respectively, and both caught the eye in the friendly stalemate.
Goalkeeper Heaton made a spectacular save from Radoslaw Majewski’s dipping shot to keep England's clean sheet, while the lively Campbell, who has excelled on loan at Hull this season, came close to winning the match with a late header which was scrambled clear.
Manager Stuart Pearce was philosophical after the match, but was particularly impressed with Heaton's contribution on his international bow.
"We didn't do enough to win the game, and a draw was probably a fair result," he said. "Once again we've been very difficult to score against and when we needed, the goalkeepers have helped us out.
"I know what Joe Hart can do, so when Tom Heaton came on to make his debut he looked assured, pulling off a good save, which would have given him confidence, too.
"We've got another friendly against Wales on 15 May in Wrexham and that game, and tonight, could be invaluable to us as we look to the final stages of qualifying for next summer's European Championship."
Transfer Speculation
The transfer window may have long since slammed shut but still the rumour mill touts players for a future move to Manchester.
A link with Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni follows the more-publicised speculation surrounding Lyon striker Karim Benzema and his team-mate in midfield Hatem Ben Arfa.
Watch this space for more rumours as the season enters its final phase...
ARRIVALS
| Player Name | Current Club | Position | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Kameni | RCD Espanyol | Goalkeeper | Not stated | |
| Hatem Ben Arfa | Olympique Lyonnais | Midfielder | Not stated | |
| Karim Benzema | Olympique Lyonnais | Striker | £30million |
DEPARTURES
| Player Name | Linked With | Position | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Barcelona | Winger | £40million |
Boss: Shades of Best
The Portuguese winger rewrote Best’s club record for goals in a season from midfield when he notched his second against Bolton last Wednesday.
It took Ronaldo’s 07/08 tally to 33, a figure he added to on Easter Sunday in United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool.
“There are certainly similarities [between Ronaldo and Best], “ Sir Alex told Manchester United Radio.
“When George played as a winger I don’t think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side – he played on the right, the left and through the middle.
“I’ve looked at Best’s goals and a lot of Cristiano’s are similar. He starts from wide positions before cutting inside. The boy’s in tremendous form right now."
Ronaldo may have eclipsed Best’s tally, but United’s club record for goals in a season still belongs to Denis Law. In the 1963/64 campaign, Law found the net an incredible 46 times.
“Denis was a fantastic player – he was my hero – but I didn’t know that,” Sir Alex said. “That even beats my record! I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965/66.”
Good News
International Reds
A first-half Frank Ribery penalty was enough to hand the home side victory in a match that also saw David Beckham win his 100th England cap.
Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves completed 90 minutes in Paris, while Wayne Rooney (45 minutes) and Wes Brown (63 minutes) also turned out for England. Patrice Evra was an unused substitute for the French side.
In London, Reds midfielder Anderson came on for the last half-an-hour as Brazil beat Sweden 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. A large section of the crowd, presumably Arsenal fans, booed Anderson’s every touch.
Darren Fletcher was also involved in international action, with Scotland coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.
Elsewhere, Tomasz Kuszczak was an unused substitute as the USA ran out 3-0 winners in Poland, while Nemanja Vidic played 74 minutes in Serbia’s 2-0 defeat at the hands of Ukraine.
Ji-sung Park played in South Korea's World Cup Qualifier against Korea DPR, which ended 0-0
Hot News
Papers: Foster stays put
Foster Bid Blocked
Ben Foster's bid to go out on loan to the Championship has been blocked by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The once-capped England keeper asked if he could drop down a level and sign on loan for the rest of the season, but Fergie has refused despite Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuzszack being fit. Foster had been given the go-ahead to leave before making a shock debut at Derby County but now Fergie has told him to wait for his chance.
Staff reporter, Daily Mirror
In other loan news, The Times claims Sir Alex Ferguson has told Hull City to forget about trying to sign 13-goal striker Fraizer Campbell permanently, insisting that he has a future at United.
Meanwhile, widespread coverage is handed to Gary Neville's interview with Manchester United Radio, in which the club captain admits he faces a battle to break back into the Reds' senior team at such an important stage of the season.
Round up by Steve Bartram