Is it time for Manchester United to Show Dimitar Berbatov the Door?
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
The warning signs have long been there and now the writing appears to be on the wall for Dimitar Berbatov's Manchester United future.
Now a fringe figure after falling down the pecking order and still no new contract offer on the tabe, the odds of seeing the Bulgarian striker in a Manchester United shirt next season are shortening by the day.
In fact, you could put some money on his departure coming sooner than that, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The MEN claim Berbatov will be offered an escape route by La Liga side Valencia in January.
And Sir Alex Ferguson may decide to cash in now on Berbatov, who at 30 he might well see as his best days being behind him.
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Berbatov has just started the Carling Cup clash at Leeds and against Stoke in the Premier League this season while his other four appearances have been as a late substitute.
Significantly, it was Danny Welbeck, rather than Berbatov, who the Manchester United manager turned to against Norwich on Saturday.
With Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez off colour, it was Welbeck who was called on and he responded by scoring late on in their 2-0 win.
For Berbatov, it's all a stark contrast to this time last season - when he had already scored seven goals and was lauded for his hat-trick against Liverpool.
But the emergence of Hernandez, who was a regular from January, saw Berbatov lose his place and he didn't even make the substitutes bench against Barcelona in the Champions League final.
He remained as the club's top scorer, but he was left in no uncertain terms he faced a fight for his future having been overlooked. So, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the last thing Berbatov needed was to see Welbeck edge him ahead of him following his return from a loan spell at Sunderland.
With summer signing Ashley Young, who can also play in attack, and Michael Owen waiting in the wings it was clear a shift in style was going to be counted against the former Tottenham favourite.
Ferguson, especially in away games, wants pace in his side - something his £30 million signing from three years ago lacks. Berbatov also has not been helped by his barren run in Europe.
He has gone three years without finding the net for Manchester United - and that wouldn't have gone unnoticed as Ferguson continues to give him the cold shoulder in that competition as well as on the domestic front.
Valencia won't be the only admirers of Berbatov.
But with his price tag falling with every passing week it may be time for the champions to sell sooner rather than later as they continue to keep a player, believed to be on £100,000-a-week, on the sidelines.
Manchester United 2 Norwich 0: Anderson and Welbeck Strike in Lacklustre Win
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Manchester United, Norwich, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Anderson and Danny Welbeck struck second-half goals as Manchester United laboured to a win over Norwich to remain top of the Premier League.
Anderson headed home in the 68th minute before substitute Welbeck turned home Ji Sung Park's cross late on.
But it didn't tell the full story as Norwich were worthy of at least a point.
Anthony Pilkington struck a post and missed other glorious chances as the champions rode their luck.
THE GOALS:
68mins: Anderson is given the freedom of the penalty area to head home from close-range. (1-0).
87mins: Welbeck slides home to wrap up the win. (2-0).
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
2mins: Wayne Rooney sees his low shot gathered by John Ruddy.
9mins: Kyle Naughton bursts through but delays his cross and the opportunity is lost.
35mins: Rooney climbs highest but heads Nani's corner over.
44mins: Nani dances his way into a shooting position but fires well wide from 25-yards out.
49mins: Rooney feeds Anderson but the Brazilian midfielder loses his footing at the crucial time.
54mins: Steve Morison shrugs off Jonny Evans but delays his cross as Phil Jones rescues the home side.
56mins: Pilkington is the next to threaten on the counter-atttack, but his shot is deflected into Anders Lindegaard's hands.
65mins: Pilkington misses a glorious chance as he shoots wide with the goal at his mercy after Antonio Valencia's error.
74mins: Pilkington's deflected shot rattles the post.
REACTION:
Sir Alex Ferguson praised his Manchester United players after watching his side enter the record books following their 19th successive home win:
"That record of home wins is fantastic, it's a great record.
"The players deserved all the credit for that. They have shown quality, grit and determination to remain at home. We never give in and that's a fantastic quality to have."
On the result:
"You can't say it a good performance. It took time to do what we wanted to do and we found it hard to break them down.
"It's always difficult when teams pack their defence. We've had that before.
"They kept us under pressure but we withstood that. It's always good to win matches when you are not at your best and that's what we have once again done."
On Ashley Young's absence:
"It wasn't worth risking him with the Liverpool game looming and the internationals. It's been a busy period for him and team. But he should be okay for England."
Norwich manager Paul Lambert claimed his players deserved more for their efforts:
"We created chances but one thing is, if you create chances you have to score. Anthony will know that but there's no blame attached. That's a lesson we must learn but we are adapting to this level. The fact we have come here and are disappointed to lose by two goals is proof of the progress we have made."
On his tactics:
"Two years ago we were in League One. People must remember that. But we never come thinking damage limitation and we won't throughout the rest of the season."
On the rest of the season:
"I think we've started the season really well for a team that has just come up. We are playing with enough to pick up points. Each game we seem to be getting better."
WHAT IT MEANS: Manchester United rode their luck and it wasn't a performance of champions. But it was a result of champions. They know how to win games when not playing well. Norwich deserved more but if they perform like this for the rest of the season they will survive.
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 (Anderson 68, Welbeck 87) NORWICH 0
PLAYER MARKING:
Manchester United (4-4-2): Lindegaard 6; Valencia 6, Jones 8, Evans 7, Evra 6; Nani 6 (Giggs 65, 6), Anderson 6 (Ferdinand 76, 6), Fletcher 7, Park 5; Rooney 7, Hernandez 5 (Welbeck 65, 6).
Subs not used: De Gea, Owen, Berbatov, Carrick.
Norwich (4-5-1): Ruddy 7; Naughton 7, Martin 7, Barnett 7, Tierney 7; Bennett 6 (Jackson 74, 6), Fox 6 (Crofts 74, 6), Johnson 6, Hoolahan 6 (Martin 86, 5), Pilkington 6; Morison 6.
Subs (not used): Rudd, Drury, Holt, Surman.
REFEREE: Stuart Atwell
ATTENDANCE: 75, 514
NEXT UP:
- Manchester United V Liverpool (away), Oct 15, 1245 BST
- Norwich v Swansea (home), Premier League, Oct 15, 1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Phil Jones (Manchester United): Rescued his side on more than one occasion.
Michael Owen Reminds Everyone of What They Have Been Missing
by Jon WestFiled under: Manchester United, Leeds, Carling Cup, Champions League, Premier League, Football
Followers of Michael Owen's Twitter account will know the former England striker spends more time helping his daughter with jigsaws than he does on the pitch for Manchester United these days.
And yet when he does pull on a red shirt he is more than capable of winning a match, as Leeds found to their cost in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night. Owen scored two in a comfortable 3-0 win.
"The pressure is on," he revealed. "You don't get many chances and when you do, it's like you have to perform or it could be another couple of months before you see a pitch again.
"So it's nice to prove to yourself and everyone that you can still contribute and play well.
"I'm 31, but I've still got a few years left in me. There are different roles you have throughout your career and I'm doing that.
"One goal was a bit of a mishit and then one was as sweet as I hit them really. It's always nice to score. That's what my game has been about all these years. You also try to contribute in other areas, but I was pleased with my goals.
"We're coming into a good part of the season now. The games are coming thick and fast so hopefully the games will be shared round a bit."
Or perhaps they won't. When it comes to the important games Owen knows Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are nailed on as starters, Dimitar Berbatov is still ahead of him (unless he makes his Elland Road switch to centre back permanent...) and Danny Welbeck has emerged as the man who could be the next big thing at Old Trafford.
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"He was fantastic," Sir Alex Ferguson said of Owen. "His ratio of goals per games is unbelievable. His second goal in particular was fantastic. I was really pleased for him.
"He's still one of England's best finishers. Unfortunately for us, he's had one or two injuries and with Welbeck, Hernandez, Berbatov and Rooney, he's not getting the games he deserves.
"It's just unfortunate for him. Nevertheless, he's a fantastic player to have around."
Michael Owen, the manager's dream. Fair enough but does it say something about Owen's own ambitions that he is prepared to be such a peripheral character at a big club when he could be a vital cog in a smaller machine?
True, he was bought by Newcastle to be just that and didn't enjoy it at all and it's his career after all. But the other side of that coin seems to be that Owen has admitted that Fabio Capello was right to decide he was a spent force at international level rather than busting a gut to prove him wrong.
Of course, the young Michael Owen's success was based on his ability to out-pace defenders, an attribute that was denuded by injury and age, so perhaps he knows better than anyone how many games he can manage in a season, and at what level.
But one start since January? It still seems a waste to most England fans, if not those at Manchester United. For the former it would probably be better if they never saw Michael Owen at all. For it is just too painful recalling what he had before and what then never came to pass after 2006.
Video: Fernando Torres Needs to Recover Quickly From Nightmare Moment
by John PercyFiled under: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Premier League, Football
Fernando Torres woke up on Sunday morning with headlines proclaiming that Chelsea were considering the possibility of sending him out on loan in January if he fails to emerge from his personal crisis.
But those headlines are probably more favourable, and certainly less embarrassing, than the ones he will read on Monday after a quite bizarre afternoon at Old Trafford.
It went from the sublime to the ridiculous for Torres in the capricious encounter with Manchester United, as the previous 83 minutes were washed away following a dreadful miss that will have had Ronny Rosenthal breathing a huge sigh of relief.
After appearing on a mission to salvage his career at Stamford Bridge with a performance of menace, movement and skill he is now back to square one and destined for inclusion on every football blooper DVD for this year's Christmas stocking fillers.
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Even after such an appalling miss, it was difficult not to feel sympathy for him as he trudged off the field disconsolate, with his already brittle confidence shot to pieces again.
Just as he had done on the opening day of the season at Stoke, he displayed glimpses of returning to the old Torres, the striker that became one of the most feared in Europe during his spell at Liverpool.
The pace and trickery was back and perhaps the memories of his excellent display for Liverpool in the 4-1 rout over United in March 2009 helped provide him with a lift.
His goal early in the second half was a sublime finish almost out of nothing while shortly after he almost added a second by dancing past a string of United challenges outside the area.
But after rounding David De Gea with the goal at his mercy seven minutes from the end of an absorbing encounter, his world came crashing down around him again and manager Andre Villas-Boas must now be wondering how he responds.
He said: "You have to be fair. We have seen two of the world's best strikers miss crazy opportunities, Fernando with his miss and Wayne Rooney with his penalty. This is nothing dramatic but sometimes it becomes something."
Villas-Boas is already growing tired of answering constant questions on Chelsea's British record signing but even he must realise the "obsession", as he calls it, after such a nightmare moment.
Chelsea will return to action on Wednesday with a Carling Cup tie against West London rivals Fulham. Will Villas-Boas keep Torres in the team in a bid to boost his confidence or take him out of the firing line?
Manchester United v Chelsea Preview: Ferguson Versus Villas-Boas, Round One
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: OLD TRAFFORD, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1600 BST
The youngest Premier League manager pits his wits against the oldest - but don't expect there to be a similar mismatch on the pitch.
Because what Andre Villas-Boas, 33, may lack in age compared to Sir Alex Ferguson, his Chelsea side will make up in experience in matches that have frequently been too close to call in recent years.
While Ferguson has rebuilt by introducing younger players, Chelsea have largley kept faith with the tried and tested as they seek to rediscover the winning formula and wrestle the title back from Old Trafford.
There's no question Manchester United have had it all their own way so far this season, but they face their biggest test yet when Chelsea visit.
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While they dismantled a struggling Arsenal side by eight goals and saw off Bolton in a five-star display, they won't find it so easy against the Blues.
But how Villas-Boas now needs Fernando Torres to shine.
The Spaniard has a good goalscoring record against Manchester United but he doesn't look close to repeating those past exploits at the moment.
Bereft of confidence, and short of goals, his starting place would be under more threat if Didier Drogba were fit. This, though, could be the game that may just kick-start his career at Chelsea into life.
And if he can replicate the form that gave Ferguson's men such a torrid time in 2008, then it will serve as a reminder that London will have as much of a say in the title race as Manchester.
Key Match-Up: Wayne Rooney v John Terry: These two have enjoyed various battles down the years and it will be business as usual here. Rooney is the league's form player and has hit back-to-back hat-tricks in the Premier League. He won't have it so easy against Terry, but the defender will have to use all his experience and knowhow on Rooney to keep him quiet.
Form Guide: Manchester United are flying and have scored goals for fun. They have won four league games on the bounce, scoring 18 times in the process. Chelsea have also made a strong start and have collected three wins and a draw.
Odds: Manchester United 4/5, Chelsea 7/2, Draw 5/2
MANCHESTER UNITED:
Ferguson refuses to dismiss Chelsea's title threat and claims he won't let them slip under the radar.
The spotlight has been off Chelsea and firmly on rivals Manchester City following their eye-catching start to the new season.
But the Manchester United manager says you write off Chelsea, who have been his side's main rivals during the last seven years, at your peril.
He said: "They will be there at the end of the season, there is no doubt about that.
"At the moment the two Manchester teams are enjoying the publicity that comes from the predictions that they are going to be involved in the winning the league.
"But in the background lurks Chelsea. They will be enjoying being out of the profile at the moment.
"And they are a team with great experience and they will always be a challenge to us."
Ferguson, who expects this to be another tight game, reserved praise for opposite number Villas-Boas as he comes to terms with leading one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
He added: "He has started very well.
"For a young man who has come in at Chelsea, it's a great challenge.
"It's a hard challenge at his age but when you go to a new club, you hope you get an immediate response. He has got that."
Strategy: In every game this season, Manchester United have come surging out of the blocks and don't expect any different here. In the resulting fixture last season, they scored early on which set the tone. After resting several players in Europe, Ferguson will recall the likes of Javier Hernandez, Rio Ferdinand and Anderson.
Injury Update: Nemanja Vidic remains out. The captain is joined on the sidelines by Rafael (shoulder), Tom Cleverley (ankle) and Danny Welbeck (hamstring).
CHELSEA:
Chelsea manager Villas-Boas has attempted to play down the notion that this game could shape the title race.
Chelsea trail Manchester neighbours United and City by two points after four games, but Villas-Boas points to the fact that there are still 34 games to go.
He said: "It's early doors. In my small experience in this life, and observing the behaviour of the Premier League table, it won't be determinate for the Premier League table.
"Whatever happens in the game is not decisive because of the 'pattern'. If you focus on statistics and you can see how many points United were behind Newcastle 10 or 15 years ago, or Chelsea were last season.
"It's the fifth game of the season, and it's still early.
"Any manager who is judged after five games of a season, there's not something wrong with the manager but something wrong with the people who run clubs."
Villas-Boas added he is pleased with Chelsea's start, and said: "We have made a good, strong start in the Premier League.
"This game comes at a good time for us. Both teams feel very motivated and strong, so hopefully this will be enough for the spectacle to be excellent, which all of us should hope for.
"Anything that comes out of this game won't mean anything in the long-term.
"It might play to the motivation to the team who wins, or both if we draw, but let's wait and see."
Strategy: Villas-Boas has a couple of dilemmas - namely whether to recall defender David Luiz to the starting line-up and which of his strikers to employ. He claims to have faith in the hopelessly out-of-form Torres, but concedes that Daniel Sturridge and Nicolas Anelka have also impressed.
Injury update: Didier Drogba will miss out once again as he recovers from the blow to the head he took last week. Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull is struggling with a knock, as is fellow stopper Hilario, although Villas-Boas said one would make the Chelsea bench.
Bolton 0 Manchester United 5: Wayne Rooney Leads Rout With Hat-trick
by FanHouse UKFiled under: Bolton, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Manchester United blew Bolton away at the Reebok Stadium and reclaimed top spot in the Premier League after losing it to Manchester City for just a few hours.
Wayne Rooney's second consecutive hat-trick and a double from strike-partner Javier Hernandez took United's goal tally to 18 in just four games, as the champions signalled their intent to claim a record 20th league title.
THE GOALS:
5 mins: Wayne Rooney finds Nani on the right and the Portuguese's cross was met by the in-rushing Javier Hernandez, who beats Jussi Jaaskelainen at the near post. (0-1)
20 mins: Phil Jones exchanges passes with Nani after throw-in and Rooney finishes the cross after reaching the ball ahead of Cahill and Boyata. (0-2)
25 mins: Jones races through home defence unchallenged. His shot is saved by Jaaskelainen's legs but Rooney taps in his second of the game from the rebound. (0-3)
59 mins: Nani's dribble into the box works an opening for Michael Carrick, whose shot is blocked, only for Hernandez to knock in his side's fourth. (0-4)
68 mins: Nani works his creative magic again by pulling the ball back for Rooney to complete his hat-trick with a right-footed effort from 20-yards. (0-5)
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
7 mins: Chris Eagles is denied a certain equaliser when his effort is cleared off the line by Rooney.
8 mins: Carrick introduced to the game in place of injured Tom Cleverley, who was hurt in a challenge from Kevin Davies moments before first goal.
13 mins: Kevin Davies finally finds his way into Andre Marriner's notebook after a reckless tackle on United defender Patrice Evra.
27 mins: Hernandez thought he had added United's fourth until the referee's assistant correctly adjudged him to be offside.
32 mins: In-form Ivan Klasnic should have made more of a chance at the far post.
43 mins: Nani injured in a clash of heads with team-mate Jones and needs treatment.
53 mins: Nigel Reo-Coker hits the crossbar with long-range strike from acute angle.
67 mins: David De Gea's long kick not dealt with by Jaaskelainen and Hernandez almost scores from the loose ball. His goalbound effort is blocked by Zat Knight.
69 mins: Rooney tees up Hernandez for his hat-trick but the Mexican can't quite make contact with his strike-partner's inviting cross.
WHAT IT MEANS: Whatever City can do, it seems that United will thrive in at least emulating and the old rivals have already managed 33 goals between them in four matches each. United ripped Bolton apart at the Reebok and it is sure to be a thrilling title race. Rooney is in superb form, while Hernandez continued where he left off last season. Owen Coyle may argue that his team contributed to their own downfall but they will be glad of some respite with a home game against Norwich this week, after conceding 10 goals in three defeats against Manchester City, Liverpool and United.
REACTION:
Rooney felt United could have won by an even wider margin:
"It could have been a lot more. I'm delighted to score a hat trick again. It was my first start with Chichi (Javier Hernandez) and we both scored.
On his flying start to the season:
"I had a lot of time to rest and get a good pre-season under my belt. I've stayed clear of injuries and started off well.
"The win was a bit easier than we thought."
Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for Rooney after he equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's tally of seven United hat-tricks:
"That's a tremendous level to talk about, but it's a fantastic achievement considering he's only 25 and has many years in front of him. I'm sure he will break it."
On Bolton's approach:
"We kept playing our football. We're better at that. We withstood the challenges."
On Phil Jones
"He's an exceptionally good young player. He's improving all the time. He can play anywhere really."
On being top:
"We've got the big names coming up, with Chelsea next Sunday. It's a hectic time and if we can come out of it, we'll have done well."
Coyle insisted Bolton only had themselves to blame for the manner of their defeat:
"They were ruthless and clinical and took their chances very well but without the goals, Jussi had two saves in the game.
"Ultimately there are the goals and the margin of victory but I thought that the margin of victory was harsh on us on the balance of the game.
"We had double the shots and treble the crosses and everything else. David De Gea made some great saves in the game and Manchester United were clinical with the chances that came their way.
"If you allow easy crosses to come into your box like we did with Hernandez and Rooney, world-class operators, then you're going to be punished.
"To allow that to happen after four minutes, you're on the back-foot. As good as Manchester United were, we shot ourselves in the foot against the ball.
"With the ball we created lots chances but we can't allow easy balls in the box without putting people under pressure and it was too easy."
On being beaten by United and City:
"They're both terrific teams. City have spent £300 million since they came in, United spent enormous sums of money in the summer as well to bring in good players to the club so there's no doubt when you have that wealth at your disposal it makes it easier to get world-class players in your team and the form their in just now, both sides, they're pleasing on the eye and scoring lots of goals so it's going to be a fantastic title race this year again, no doubt about it.
On his team's approach:
"Kevin Davies picked up a yellow card so that's what the referee is there to deal with."
BOLTON 0 MANCHESTER UNITED 5 (Hernandez 5, 59, Rooney 20, 25, 68)
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PLAYER MARKING:
Bolton (4-4-2): Jaaskelainen 4; Boyata 5, Cahill 5, Knight 5, Robinson 4; Eagles 6 (Pratley 61, 6), Reo-Coker 6, M Davies 5, Petrov 6; Klasnic 6 (Tuncay 74, 6), K Davies 5 (Ngog 65, 6)
Subs (not used): Bogdan, Muamba, Kakuta, Wheater
Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea 7; Jones 8, Ferdinand 7, Evans 7 (Smalling 61, 6), Evra 6; Nani 8, Cleverley 6 (Carrick 8, 7), Anderson 7, Young 6 (Giggs 61, 6); Rooney 9, Hernandez 8
Subs (not used): Berbatov, Park, Fabio, Lindegaard
Bolton v Manchester United Preview: David De Gea Faces Another Test
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Bolton, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: REEBOK STADIUM, SATUDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1730 BST
Having just been on the receiving end of clinical finishing from Manchester City and Liverpool, Owen Coyle must have wanted to shut his eyes and hope it was all a bad dream as he watched their next opponents in action.
Coyle witnessed Manchester United blow away Arsenal in emphatic style last time out, scoring eight goals, in the rout.
Now the Bolton manager will be praying his side don't become the latest team to come a cropper against the free-scoring Red Devils.
The only saving grace for Bolton, who could have the biggest attendance at the Reebok in five years, is that the international break may have halted Manchester United's rampaging start.
Otherwise, there is likely to be only one winner given the form Sir Alex Ferguson side's have already shown.
But Ferguson will realise this is no walkover.
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Bolton have a good record against the big guns, especially on home soil, and will take heart from their draw in the resulting fixture last season. Given the start Manchester United have made, Coyle would certainly take a repeat result now.
Key Match-Up: Gary Cahill v Wayne Rooney: Just days ago, these two were England team-mates. Now they are direct rivals - and whoever comes out on top could go a long way to earning a positive result for their respective sides. Rooney has started the season in style, scoring seven goals already for club and country. But with Cahill remaining at the Reebok until at least January, he will have to be switched on and at the top of his game here.
Form Guide: Bolton, who made a winning start to the season at QPR, have since fallen to successive defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool. Manchester United have set the pace following a 100 per cent start - after scoring 13 goals in just three games.
Odds: Bolton 8/1, Manchester United 2/5, Draw 7/2
BOLTON:
Kevin Davies has set his sights on bringing new Manchester United defender Phil Jones back down to earth after his meteoric rise.
Jones, 19, has caught the eye since joining Man United from Blackburn in an £16.5million deal this summer.
He has stepped in to replace injured defenders Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and has also been rewarded with an England call-up.
But Bolton striker Davies wants to give the young star a torrid time at the Reebok.
He said: "He's a big strong boy, so it's the kind of game I'll look forward to.
"I relish these kind of challenges. He's coming on as a player but he's still young, so I'll be looking to give him a going over.
Bolton team-mate Stuart Holden took another step towards a first-team comeback after starring for the reserves in midweek.
Ironically, the USA international midfielder has been out since suffering a knee injury in Bolton's last game against Manchester United six months ago.
Bolton manager Coyle added: "It's great to have him back.
"I think he has probably been getting a little bit frustrated because he thinks he can click his fingers after being out for six months and get back at the level he was at.
"It takes time to build up that fitness and your decision-making in a game, but he is getting there."
Strategy: Bolton collected one point from their two league games against Manchester United last season, But they will feel it should have been many more. They missed golden late chances and were denied at the death at Old Trafford. Coyle packed his midfield on those occasions and expect him to do the same here as he looks to keep the in-form Red Devils quiet.
Injury Update: Holden could make his return after being sidelined since March. Sam Ricketts, Sean Davis, Chung-Yong Lee and Tyrone Mears are all long-term absentees.
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Smells Like Team Spirit at Sunderland? Maybe not if you ask Steed Malbranque
by Jason MellorFiled under: Sunderland, Premier League, Football
The next time a Sunderland player waxes lyrical about the unbelievable spirit in the camp, it might be worth asking him a question. How many children does Steed Malbranque have?
No-one has particularly come out of the Malbranque affair with any credit - the media, social network site users, certain Sunderland players and, it can be argued, the Frenchman himself.
The story, should you need reminding, goes a little something like this.
After a decade in the Premier League, the midfielder returns to France from Sunderland, where a player who racked up over 300 Premier League appearances lasts a whole 26 minutes at St Etienne, before making the quite perplexing decision to severe links with his new club barely before the ink is dry on his contract.
The immediate reasons appear unclear. Malbranque is still only 31 and, it would seem having looked after himself well at his three English clubs - he was at Fulham and Tottenham prior to joining the Black Cats under Roy Keane in 2008 - with plenty more miles left to put on the clock.
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Not so, and when it emerged from several websites and newspapers that he had retired from the game to care for his son who had been diagnosed with cancer, the motives for his move became emphatically clear.
Fans and players alike, including at least three of his former Sunderland team-mates, rallied round with messages of support, taking to Twitter and other social networking sites to wish Malbranque and his family all the best. Nothing wrong with that at all.
Wayne Rooney’s Return to Form Will Worry Manchester United’s Rivals
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
What a difference 12 months make. This time last year Wayne Rooney, fresh from England's nightmare World Cup showing in South Africa, looked a tortured soul and on his way out of Old Trafford.
Not only could he not find the net, aside from penalties, there were some doubting whether he could ever return to his best as his performances nosedived spectacularly.
Off-field distractions, which were not helped by a breakdown in contract talks with the United hierarchy, clearly played a big part in his standards dropping to a new low.
As the season developed, Rooney looked stronger, fitter and showed fleeting glimpses of his old self, even if mixed in with moments of madness such as his F-word rant into the TV camera at West Ham.
But after his role in Manchester United's 8-2 rout of sorry Arsenal, there are few out there who can argue he is now back at the peak of his powers.
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He was at the heart of everything as he helped humiliate the Gunners - netting a hat-trick as well as playing his part in two other goals against Arsene Wenger's beleaguered side.
Rooney wasn't finished there as only the post stopped his deft lob from adding to his treble.
While the emergence of Sir Alex Ferguson's youngsters such as Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley has grabbed the headlines in the early stages of the season, Rooney had somewhat slipped under the radar.
Not any longer.
Now after leaping into Manchester United's top 10 of all-time goalscorers after taking his tally to 152 goals, he has got number one scorer Sir Bobby Charlton in his sights.
He is still way behind Charlton's record haul of 249, but at the age of 25 there's plenty of time for him to enter the Old Trafford Hall of Fame.
Rooney told Sky Sports: "I was aware before the game that I could make it 150 goals. I knew I was one off.
"I asked how many Bobby Charlton had scored and Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) said I needed another 100.
"That is a target for me now. Hopefully, in the next few years I will be able to do that.
"It is always a great feeling to score and to score over 150 for a club like United is great. Hopefully there are many more to come."
Rooney's sixth hat-trick of his Old Trafford career sent out a clear message that his woes are a thing of the past.
The Scouser has already scored five times in the Premier League this season - a feat that took him six months to achieve last season.
There is no doubting Manchester United's marquee player was a pale shadow of his former self last term.
His contribution may have been minimal compared to recent times, but Ferguson's side still possessed enough quality in their ranks to become league champions for a record 19th time.
Now with Rooney back to his glorious best, adding the priceless touch of a master craftsman to a side bristling with quality and strength in every position, it certainly bodes well for Manchester United's title defence.
And for their rivals looking to knock them off their perch, it's probably the last thing they needed to see.
Team of the Week: Manchester…so Much to Answer for
by Jason MellorFiled under: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle, Sunderland, Premier League, Football, Team Of The Week
So, let's have a look, shall we? Contenders for the latest FanHouse Team of the Week.
Hmm, well there's probably room for a couple of Arsenal players in there, right? After all, it's not every week you go to Old Trafford and score twice is it? Hang on a minute. What's that? They conceded HOW many.
Okay, scrub that. It's pretty safe to say the Gunners are gonners on this occasion.
That's especially seeing as their combined merit marks as a team barely scraped past that earned by Wayne Rooney for his stunning hat-trick, which in the process took the England forward, impressive new hairline and all, past 150 goals for Manchester United.
Given City's ruthless demolition of Tottenham at White Hart Lane, we can confidently predict that, as Morrissey almost once said, Manchester has so much to answer for when it comes to providing more than half of this week's outstanding individuals.
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Honourable mentions must go to Leon Best and Franco Di Santo, who each scored twice in victories for Newcastle and Wigan respectively, but joining Rooney up front is Edin Dzeko, the Bosnian finally making up for a slow start at City with a sumptuous display of forward play to help himself to four of City's five against hapless Spurs.
The 6ft 3in forward's first goal was set up by Samir Nasri, who enjoyed a fruitful debut following his £24m move from Arsenal - Arsene Wenger at least given some vicarious satisfaction from seeing one of his 'finds' recognised by us this time, even though we've had to shift him over to central midfield in our line-up, when all his good work came down the left at the weekend. We're sure he won't mind.
Sebastian Coates Deal Imminent as Slick Liverpool Shout to the Top
by Neil JohnstonFiled under: Liverpool, Premier League, Football
The points were in the bag thanks to goals by Jordan Henderson, Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam, and Liverpool were heading to the top of the Premier League table, albeit for only 20 hours or so.
Suddenly, a stoppage time mistake from Jamie Carragher allowed Ivan Klasnic to grab a Bolton consolation to make it 3-1.
What happened next illustrated the difference between the sloppy Liverpool of a few months ago and the slick, improved Liverpool of now.
Annoyed at failing to follow up his clean sheet at Arsenal with another against Owen Coyle's side, keeper Pepe Reina screamed in frustration and repeatedly kicked his post.
Last season Liverpool raged at losing games to the likes of Blackpool, Wolves, Blackburn and West Ham. Now it is at losing goals.
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That along with an injury to Martin Kelly were the only setbacks on an otherwise upbeat day as Liverpool equalled their best start to a Premier League campaign for 17 years.
Yet Kenny Dalglish's team have even discovered the art of turning a negative into a positive as Kelly's replacement, Skrtel, sealed victory with a powerful header, the third successive game a Liverpool player has climbed off the substitutes bench to score.
Uruguay defender Sebastian Coates, who was at Anfield ahead of a £7 million move from Nacional, must have wondered how he is going to cement a regular starting place.
So too captain Steven Gerrard, who has not played since undergoing groin surgery but is now edging back to fitness.
"We've got more competition for places," said Carragher as he reflected on a victory in which Luis Suarez was again pivotal and Lucas produced another midfield masterclass.
"People are actually saying 'I wonder what the team will be'. If we don't know then the opposition don't either.
"When you look at some of the players that we have brought in, Stewart Downing looks like he's going to be a great addition for us and he's started really well.
"But Suarez is as good as anything in the league. He's what Wayne Rooney is at Manchester United and what Carlos Tevez is at Manchester City.
"Stevie is the player we look to in tough times but he's out, so now we have Luis who can be the one who can maybe get us out of trouble."
Stoke are next up for Dalglish's men. In many respects the result in the Potteries will provide a more accurate account of the team's progress under Dalglish than any league table at the end of August.
Manchester United 8 Arsenal 2: Wayne Rooney Hat-Trick Means New Low For Arsene Wenger
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Arsenal, Manchester United, Premier League, Football, Match Reports
Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick as Manchester United piled on the misery for Arsenal following their biggest ever win over their great rivals.
Rooney inspired this rout as a shell-shocked Arsene Wenger suffered one of the most humiliating defeats of his Arsenal tenure, the first time the Gunners have conceded eight league goals in a game since 1896.
Danny Welbeck opened the scoring before David De Gea saved Robin van Persie's penalty.
And 60 seconds later Ashley Young scored before Rooney found the net for the first time.
Theo Walcott responded on the stroke of half time, but that was as good as it got as the floodgates opened.
Nani, Rooney and Ji Sung Park extended the home side's lead before van Persie fired home.
But it only got worse as Rooney's penalty was followed by Carl Jenkinson's red card, before Young's late second only added to the Gunners' torment.
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THE GOALS:
22mins: Welbeck opens the scoring when he uses his strength to head in from close-range.
28mins: Young scores his first goal at Old Trafford when he curls a fine shot home from 25-yards out.
41mins: Rooney gets in on the act as he lifts a free-kick over the wall and beyond Wojciech Szczensy.
45mins: Walcott gives Arsenal a glimmer of hope when he collects Tomas Rosicky's pass and fires through David De Gea's legs.
64mins: Rooney scores his second of the afternoon, once again with a curling free-kick.
67mins: Nani chips home after Rooney's pass split open the Arsenal defence.
70mins: Park gets on the scoresheet, shooting low past Szczesny.
74mins: Van Persie drives home after finding room in the Manchester United penalty area.
82mins: Evra is tripped by Walcott, with Rooney completing his treble from the spot.
90mins: Young's curling shot completes the scoring.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
3mins: Tom Cleverley drags his shot wide after good work from Chris Smallling.
6mins: Welbeck springs the offside trap but fires wide.
19mins: Smalling drags his shot wide after Rooney's fine pass slips open the Arsenal defence.
27mins: Arsenal blow a golden chance to level after Walcott is pulled down by Patrice Evra, only for Van Persie to be foiled from the penalty spot.
30mins: Andrey Arshavin and Van Persie are denied in quick succession by De Gea.
35mins: Welbeck limps off with a hamstring injury that is sure to rule him out of England's World Cup qualifiers.
47mins: Young's low shot is pushed out Szczesny.
52mins: Van Persie sees his volley expertly kept out by De Gea's quick reflexes.
55mins: Arshavin can only shoot wide after breaking into the visitors' penalty area.
59mins: Cleverly's strong run ends with a tame shot from 12 yards out.
69mins: Rooney's chip bounces back off the post.
75mins: Jenkinson hauls down Javier Hernandez and collects his second yellow card.
REACTION:
Sir Alex Ferguson refused to use Arsenal's makeshift side as the catalyst behind Manchester United's thumping win:
"You look at the Arsenal team and it was very weakened but you still have to win these games. We did the job, even though we got a bit careless at times, and Arsenal had a few chances of their own because they still have the quality up front. But it was good to get the points. It was a satisfying result."
On the pressure mounting on Wenger:
"I think the criticism is unfair. I think the job he has done for Arsenal over the years, by keeping his philosophy, has given the team some fantastic players. He has sold well which has always helped the Arsenal coffers. Maybe people forget that. But we live in a terrible, cynical world now and when you lose a few games the judge is out and you see managers going early in the season many, many times over the past few seasons - unfairly. But it keeps on happening."
On Welbeck's injury that is certain to rule him out of England's Euro 2012 qualifiers:
"He has a hamstring, unfortunately, and he was feeling it before and I couldn't get him off quickly enough, to be honest with you. It is unfortunate for England too."
Rooney's hat-trick saw him take his Premier League tally to over 150 goals for Manchester United:
"I was aware of the statistics before the game and many of my milestones have come against Arsenal. My first ever goal for Everton was against them and so was my first Premier League goal for Manchester United and now the 150th has come against them."
Wenger blamed fatigue and injuries for Arsenal's humiliating defeat:
"It's humiliating and it hurts. But you could see we had not recovered physically from Wednesday (their Champions League win in Udinese). They had class and they punished us. We had too many players out. It was too much. We were poor defensively but, I just felt we collapsed more physically than anything. At the moment we have not found the solutions to our problems."
On attempts to make new signings:
"We are working hard to sign players. If we find the right players, we sign them. We have the money to sign them if they strengthen our team. We have 20 people to work on that. We have as well plenty of players out at the moment. Wages wise of course we are behind the other teams. But we are close to signing a striker but we still look for a defender or a midfielder as well."
On question marks over his future:
"It's difficult to find excuses after a game like that. But this game was played under special circumstances. But I am in a public job and I have to accept that. I have to make the right decision for the club and I will continue to that. We have played three games and I think you should give me more time to say if I have got it completely wrong."
WHAT IT MEANS: Manchester United appear an unstoppable force at the moment. Whatever Manchester City do, they seem to do better. But for Arsenal they have to lick their wounds over the international break following this drubbing. This result will hurt Wenger at a ground where he saw his side concede six goals in 2001. But it only highlighted what everyone had been fearing all along, they need new players - and fast.
MANCHESTER UNITED 8 (Welbeck 22, Young 28, 90, Rooney 41, 64, 82 Nani 67, Park 70) ARSENAL 2 (Walcott 45, Van Persie 74)
PLAYER MARKING:
Manchester United (4-4-2): De Gea 7; Smalling 7, Jones 7, Evans 7, Evra 6; Nani 7 (Park 68, 7), Cleverley 7, Anderson 7 (Giggs 68, 7), Young 9, Rooney 9, Welbeck 8 (Hernandez 35, 6)
Subs not used: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Fabio
Arsenal (4-5-1): Szczesny 4; Jenkinson 3, Djourou 4, Koscielny 4, Traore 3; Walcott 6, Coquelin 6 (Oxlade-Chamberlain 62, 5), Ramsey 5, Rosicky 6, Arshavin 6; van Persie 6
Subs not used: Fabianksi, Lansbury, Miquel, Ozyakup, Sunu, Chamakh
REFEREE: Howard Webb
ATTENDANCE: 75,448
NEXT UP:
- Manchester United v Bolton (away), Premier League, 10/09, 1730 BST
- Arsenal v Swansea (home), Premier League, 10/9, 1500 BST
MAN OF THE MATCH:
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) Tore Arsenal apart, scoring three and creating countless other chances.
Sir Alex Ferguson Critical of Football Association’s Treatment of United
by Graham ChaseFiled under: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
The Premier League may be just two weeks old but Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted little time in complaining of what he perceives as the Football Association's unfair treatment of Manchester United with some colourful language.
During his press conference to preview Sunday's game against Arsenal, Ferguson was discussing the prospect of as many as eight of his United squad being called up for England duty by Fabio Capello and could not resist at dig at the game's governing body.
"The FA may realise who has produced more players for their country than any club in the world," Ferguson said.
"Maybe we'll get some joy from them for once in their lives, maybe they will realise how important we are to England instead of treating us like s***.
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"(The call-ups are) not a problem, it's fantastic. Maybe they will realise how important we are to England. I am pleased for the players. They are outstanding."
It is not just his choice of language that suggests that the United manager is still clearly aggrieved at the punishments handed out to United last season.
Ferguson has regularly found himself drawn into conflict with the FA but rarely have relations been as bad as they were earlier this year.
The United manager was still reeling after being given a five-match touchline ban for criticising the performance of referee Martin Atkinson following his team's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in March.
Two matches of that ban were a suspended punishment from Ferguson's previous criticism of referee Alan Wiley but he found himself drawn into another row just weeks later when Wayne Rooney was also banned for swearing into a television camera.
In the end Ferguson was forced to accept those judgements but rarely missed the chance to express his bewilderment.
Sir Alex Ferguson Critical of Football Association’s Treatment of United
by Graham ChaseFiled under: Manchester United, Premier League, Football
The Premier League may be just two weeks old but Sir Alex Ferguson has wasted little time in complaining of what he perceives as the Football Association's unfair treatment of Manchester United with some colourful language.
During his press conference to preview Sunday's game against Arsenal, Ferguson was discussing the prospect of as many as eight of his United squad being called up for England duty by Fabio Capello and could not resist at dig at the game's governing body.
"The FA may realise who has produced more players for their country than any club in the world," Ferguson said.
"Maybe we'll get some joy from them for once in their lives, maybe they will realise how important we are to England instead of treating us like s***.
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"(The call-ups are) not a problem, it's fantastic. Maybe they will realise how important we are to England. I am pleased for the players. They are outstanding."
It is not just his choice of language that suggests that the United manager is still clearly aggrieved at the punishments handed out to United last season.
Ferguson has regularly found himself drawn into conflict with the FA but rarely have relations been as bad as they were earlier this year.
The United manager was still reeling after being given a five-match touchline ban for criticising the performance of referee Martin Atkinson following his team's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea in March.
Two matches of that ban were a suspended punishment from Ferguson's previous criticism of referee Alan Wiley but he found himself drawn into another row just weeks later when Wayne Rooney was also banned for swearing into a television camera.
In the end Ferguson was forced to accept those judgements but rarely missed the chance to express his bewilderment.
Man United v Tottenham Preview: Sir Alex Ferguson Puts His Faith in Youth
by Darren WitcoopFiled under: Manchester United, Tottenham, Premier League, Football, Match Previews
PREMIER LEAGUE: OLD TRAFFORD, MONDAY AUGUST 22, 2011. KICK-OFF: 2000 GMT.
Having ground out a victory at West Brom in a tough opening game, Manchester United will look to demonstrate their championship potential against one of the contenders for a top-four spot.
There's no doubt Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking for home rule once again.
His side did not lose a single league game at Old Trafford last season and the Scot will demand the same this time.
Having fallen below their usual high standards on their travels, that home record proved crucial in their title success and the Manchester United manager will be keen to ensure Tottenham return down south unhappy again.
Tottenham, whose opening-game was postponed due to the riots, were boosted by scoring five against Hearts in the Europa League.
But this match-up will be somewhat different test as they look to end their miserable record against Manchester United.
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They have a poor recent record against Ferguson's side, with their last win coming back in 2001.
But with the defending champions suffering a defensive injury crisis, Harry Redknapp will see this as a great opportunity to end the club's long hoodoo - and secure their first win at Old Trafford for 22 years.
Key Match-Up: Wayne Rooney v Michael Dawson: Rooney showed his class and clinical touch when opening his goal account at West Brom and already looks to be in the mood for a lot more this season. His England team-mate Dawson will have his hands full and, with fitness doubts over Rio Ferdinand, the defender gets the perfect chance to press his international claims for next month's internationals.
Form Guide: Manchester United opened their title defence with a battling win at West Brom while Spurs had their game with Everton postponed due to the London riots.
Odds: Man Utd 4/6, Spurs 11/4, Draw 9/2
MANCHESTER UNITED:
Ferguson will send out his young guns with no fears as he predicts they will be stars of today and not just tomorrow.
At 30, the fit-again Patrice Evra is likely to be the most senior player in the hosts' starting line up at Old Trafford.
Injuries to Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand mean the Red Devils will have a new centre-back pairing of Phil Jones and Jonny Evans with Chris Smalling and 20-year-old goalkeeper David De Gea making up the inexperienced backline.
But Ferguson said: "I'm not worried about the young players filling in at the back.
"Evans has ample experience and has been at the club since he was 12.
"He's played plenty of first-team games. Jones has the experience of playing for Blackburn last season in the Premier League.
"I thought he and Smalling were the stars for the England Under-21s in the summer. Chris had a fantastic first season with us, and he's continued his progress this year.
"So I have absolutely no issues whatsoever with playing those guys.
"De Gea will learn from the experience of the games he has had so far. There's Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck too and it's a very young team at the moment, but a team full of energy and a team with great ability.
"I'm enjoying watching them at the moment."
Ferguson hopes to enjoy watching more of his rising rookies in the future as he shapes a new-look side following the retirement of Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar.
He added: "We were always aware we had players who were coming to the end of their careers. That has been on the horizon for us for quite a few years.
"We knew it was going to happen, you don't want it to, but it does and there's nothing you can do about it. Age catches up with us all.
"So we've replaced the players who have left us, and we've still players at the club in their 30s, which is a lot of experience.
"At some point when the young players may hit a pocket there will be enough experience to augment the challenge we're after this year."
Ferguson may have had the wood over the north Londoners in recent years, but he insists the visitors have the quality to end their barren run.
Ferguson said: "They had too much class for Hearts. Class tells no matter the fitness of teams.
"Tottenham did fantastic last year, got to the quarter final of the Champions League and maybe the thing that caught them in the Premier League was that they got as far as they did in the Champions League.
"Maybe it drained their resources in terms of size of the squad. But they've got a terrific squad and it will be a hard game."
Strategy: Ferguson likes the energy and exuberance of his young side, but with Vidic and Ferdinand absent in defence, he may turn to Michael Carrick for some experience and a steadying influence in midfield against his former club, or maybe the guile of Ryan Giggs. Cleverley is likely to make way despite the promising start to his United career and Welbeck also faces competition up front from another ex-Spur Dimitar Berbatov. But it is the wings where the game could be won or lost as United will hope Nani and Ashley Young can outshine the Spurs pair of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon.
Injury Update: United have three of their first-choice defenders missing with Vidic (calf) and Ferdinand (hamstring) out and Rafael facing 10 weeks on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder. Darren Fletcher (virus), Antonio Valencia (ankle) and Javier Hernandez (concussion) are all closing in on a return while Michael Owen is troubled by a back problem.