King Eric, Twelve Years On

He swaggered into Old Trafford like someone who thought he had a God given right to be loved and hero worshipped, and he was right. He was an artist, a poet, an enigma, a philosopher, a genius. He could play football on the right, on the left, down the centre. Stick him in goal and he would probably save four penalties in a shoot out.

I used to watch him as a kid with my mouth wide open, I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing from this guy. Even now, twelve years after he retired, a clip will come on TV, an advertisement might appear with him in it or I see a clip from his movie “Looking For Eric” and I can still feel the excitement in my stomach, the butterflies that used to fill me with anticipation, it’s all brought back by just hearing Cantona’s voice, just seeing him is enough for me to have a head full of memories of him playing for United. He had such a presence on the field and in so many of our hearts.

After a nomadic career in France involving six clubs in eight years,Eric Cantona made a shock move to England, ‘L’Enfant Terrible’ signed for Leeds United in 1992 – and helped the Yorkshire club to the title Fergie then announced he had signed Cantona for £1.2 million and I was dumbstruck, what a bargain, maybe the best bargain in the history of football.

In five seasons at Old Trafford, Cantona won four Premiership winners’ medals and the FA Cup twice, scoring the winner in the 1996 final against Liverpool. His only season with no medals was in 1994-95, during much of which he was suspended after his most infamous act – a karate kick at a Crystal Palace supporter who taunted him as he left the field after being sent off.

True to form, the eccentric Cantona told a press conference afterwards: ‘When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea’ After being persuaded to carry on playing by Fergie who flew over to Paris to see Cantona, he led United to yet another title in 1996-97 before retiring abruptly aged just 30. His final match for United was against West Ham on May 11, 1997.

He lived football as it is supposed to be lived. Like a game you have to play honestly. The first thing is to work hard, without losing the notion of pleasure. That is what he did. More players need to do the same. There is the ‘football’ Manchester United and the ‘merchandising’ Manchester United, these two worlds coexist, but for Cantona Manchester United is the club, it is football. A culture of the “beau jeu”, a philosophy that has been existing for years.

Manchester United always show us how to win with class, with fire in their bellies, with attacking, fast football that sweeps sides aside with ease. Eric Cantona revived all of these things in Manchester United, and then some. He was so convinced of his own abilities and talents that he would score an outrageously difficult goal, then just stand there hands on hips and wait for the crowd to explode in ecstasy at his brilliance.

Even the other players would run up to him and stop, waiting for him to allow them to mob him, but only after he had milked the applause from the supporters.Twelve years on they still sing his name loud and clear from the terraces! He was the catalyst that finally dragged United over the finishing line in first place after a long 26 year wait for the title. Down the years there have been some truly great United players…

…I could list 50 of them right here, right now. But for me the best of the best is Eric Cantona, ‘L’Enfant Terrible, Le Roi du Monde’.

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Ryan Giggs: From The 'Fledglings To Moscow And Beyond

Two years ago I was foolish enough to make the suggestion that Ryan Giggs might like to consider retirement as an option. That he was too slow, his dribbling skills and his endurance had left him, he was finished as we had younger players who could do his job.

Since then he scored the winner against Wigan last year to secure the Premier League win for Manchester United. He then scored the winning penalty in Moscow against Chel$ki to secure the Champions League.

Last week against Chel$ki again, he was immense, he was awesome and add to this a further 100 superlatives. HE OWNED CHELSEA BIG TIME.

So I apologise Mr Giggs, even at his age he has a lot more to offer than players 12 years younger than him.

Micheal Carrick said of him recently:

Ryan is as motivated as anyone in the dressing room, that is why he has been here for so long and achieved so much. If you win a league title, a lot of players might think 'that is not bad, I will settle for that.' But you can't get away with that here and Ryan is the obvious example of that.

"As players coming in you look at Ryan, see how motivated and determined he is and realise that is the way to be. He commands the respect of everyone in the dressing room. People look up to him. It is not so much asking his advice, it is to see what it takes to be a success in the game."

How much longer can he go on?

I'm saying nothing this time......Back To Home Page...

A 2-2 Draw With Aalborg That Sees Manchester United Top Their Group But Rooney Faces A UEFA Ban

Wayne Rooney is in line to miss both legs of United's last 16 knockout tie in the Champions League if Uefa decide to investigate allegations that he stamped on an Aalborg player in midweek.

Kasper Risgard claims that Rooney jumped on his chest on Wednesday night and UEFA have responded with the following statement from Rob Faulkner, a UEFA spokesman: "The normal procedure is that we look at the reports from the referee and the match delegate and decide whether to open a disciplinary case, if it is seen to be blatant, if we decide it's a case of serious foul play and the referee has completely missed it, it will be considered by our disciplinary committee."

Uefa's control and disciplinary body next meets on February 13. If Rooney is charged then he is expected to receive an immediate two-match ban.....Back To Home Page...

Michel Platini Plans To Stop Debt And Child Trafficking

I've written before about Michel Platini and his rather bizarre ideas on how he intends to 'improve' the game. To me it sounds more like his 'plan to stop English clubs dominating Europe'. But we all have our own opinions I guess.

The UEFA president did have the grace to say he has no plans to interfere with the domestic league set ups which is amusing, as he has no powers to do so and it is not part of his jurisdiction, but thanks for that anyway Michel.

Platini is complaining about the financial set ups at clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, surprise, surprise. If Platini gets his way it would mean the 'Big Four', who regularly qualify for the Champions Leagues, having to satisfy UEFA rules on debts and even how much they spend on wages. The Premier League are fiercely opposing the proposals.

Platini said: "What UEFA can do - and we are thinking seriously about doing it - is to reinforce and improve our system for granting licences for our own club competitions. 'It is in this way that we wish to contribute to financial fair play, and start responding to the expectations of the various parties involved in our sport. Fiscal rules in Europe are extremely diverse...and the systems of licensing, control and financial management of football clubs involve myriad concepts and different regulations. UEFA is not going to charge itself with the task of harmonising European fiscal issues. UEFA is not going to impose its licensing system on national associations for their own competitions."

Platini has also shown a desire to ban the tansfer of players under the age of 18 within the EU. The Premier League also opposes the latter proposal. He's as good as calling these transfers 'Child Trafficking' which is absolutely ludicrous!

Platini said: "Today, in the world and in Europe, there is trafficking of children. I will not mince my words because the situation is serious. What else do you call a phenomenon whereby children aged 12 or 13 are torn away from their environment and culture to join a business in return for payment? This is what is happening in football. Together with FIFA, we are studying remedies, but measures can already be taken to ban the international transfer of minors, even within the European Union. In numerous European states, strict rules exist which prevent clubs - on threat of sporting sanctions - poaching young players - from their rivals' training centres. However, these rules do not exist at European Union level. It is in this context that we would like to be able to ban international transfers of players under the age of 18 within the EU. This is not to create an obstacle to the free movement of labour - it is an urgent matter relating to helping youngsters in danger."

So if a youngster aged 13 from my country, Romania, who has dreamed of being a footballer since he was 4 or 5 years old and has worked so hard practising and developing his skills is then told his career must go on hold for 5 years until he is 18, this will make it better for everyone involved I guess. No child is 'torn away from their family'. When handling these very young, potential future superstars, I am sure Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and every other team handles it in a very caring manner and offers assistance for families to be with the young boys if and when they become part of the Academy.

Some of these children grow up in extreme poverty, Dimitar Berbatov is a very good example of this. His one and only chance of wealth and a good life was to go down the footballing route and he made it, against all the odds he actually made it. Now Berbatov gives back a great deal to his country by means of helping orphanages and setting up football schools using his own cash.

Mr Platini, I suggest you go and ask Dimitar Berbatov if he felt he was trafficked and torn away from his family and you will hear the truth. Don't try and take away the one chance these kids have of fame and fortune, just to stop English clubs dominating Europe......again!.....Back To Home Page...

Ronaldo Kicked Off The Park, Wayne Dives And Manchester United Draw

Villarreal's coach Manuel Pellegrini took time out to deny any allegations that his team had targetted Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo for some rough treatment last night in the Champions League clash. Which I find highly amusing. Two players were booked for challenges on him and one received a straight red card when he slid in, studs showing and slammed into the side of Ronnie's knee. Camera close ups clearly showed the stud marks on his leg, but because it's Ronaldo that doesn't seem to matter and the crowd booed Ronaldo for getting fouled, amazing! Watch the highlights here and judge for yourself.

"It was not a rough game, and you have to challenge Ronaldo." Pelligrini said after the game.

Sir Alex was pleased with the way the referee Roberto Rosetti handled the match. He mentioned how he thought Ronaldo needs protecting from this kind of treatment and last night he got it, so well done to this ref. It's nice to see a referee getting some praise and actually having the conviction to punish things that he saw were wrong, leaving Sir Alex happy for once.

"The systematic fouling on him is what is happening in our game now. That is a tactic. Someone fouls him, then someone else has another foul. The referee thinks he is diving all the time, and the crowd are screaming. So that is the problem. The referee was very fair and strict with both teams. Capdevila may not have got that red card in England - so there is different interpretation of the physical aspect of the game in European matches."

Wayne Rooney apologised to Sir Alex and then apologised publicly in the newspapers for his 'dive', believing he had won a penalty. The striker's action incensed the crowd, but Rosetti did not book him. Ferguson said: "I think Wayne anticipated the challenge, because he was expecting a penalty kick. It is unusual for him to do that. I have seen it, and he has apologised to me. I think he has been watching Pires too much. At least Wayne apologised to the Villarreal players. You would never see Pires do that."

This match was the fourth consecutive game these two teams have played now. 360 minutes and not a goal between them. Let's all pray now they don't meet in the final. If they do, let's hope we get the same referee. It's such a pleasure to see someone with an attitude like him and the conviction to stand by what is right for once....More Cristiano Ronaldo Videos Here .......Back To Home Page...

Villareal 0 - 0 Manchester United Highlights

Pitch Invader At Celtic Park Gets Jailed For 6 Months

John Murphy aged 18 from Glenavon Road in Glasgow has been thrown in jail for 6 months after he did a one man pitch invasion during the Celtic 'v'Manchester United Champions League clash at Celtic Park on November 5th. Quite right too. What on earth happens inside these drunkards minds when they have a drink ? They seem to think they can take on the world or do as they please. I've known guys who are so nice when sober, then they have a drink and they say some disgusting things and I just completely disown them then. This guy is a complete and utter clown who has probably consumed four cans of lager and then thinks it is OK to do just as he pleases and run onto the pitch, bloody asshole should be locked up for longer if you ask me.

John Murphy was also banned from attending national or international football matches for five years, one of the longest such banning orders imposed in Scotland. Play had to actually be stopped because of him. He also admitted charges of breaching the peace and being drunk in a sports ground when he appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court earlier this month. Celtic were also fined £42,430 by UEFA for the invasion and for the late start to the game, which ended 1-1.

Sheriff Linda Ruxton who seemed a bit non-plussed by this behaviour said his actions were "dangerous and irresponsible". Also adding: "Not only did you create a situation in which there were fears for the safety of the players on the pitch, but you interrupted a high profile match and created a situation which might easily have provoked serious public disorder. Furthermore, you brought Scottish football generally and Celtic Football Club in particular into disrepute and your behaviour caused the club to be fined a substantial amount."

She was actually going to lock him away for nine months but reduced this as he pleaded guilty. Though what that has to do with it is beyond me as the TV cameras showed he was guilty anyway ! After sentencing she also added: "Such a sentence is particularly designed to have a deterrent effect on others who need to appreciate that such behaviour at football matches will not be tolerated by the courts." She did let him off with the charge of drunkeness which I found rather amusing, I doubt he does though.......
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Stoke's Tony Pulis Full Of Praise For Fergie

Stoke manager Tony Pulis has been paying Sir Alex Ferguson a few high accolades indeed. He believes the scale of Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements will only be widely recognised when the Scot leaves the club. How very true !! Even the poxy BBC still fail to mention all the hard work United do for charity ever since Fergie stopped talking to them after they accused his brother of accepting 'bungs'. Ferguson has won 20 trophies, including two European Cups and 10 Premier League titles, during his 22-year stint at Manchester United.

United face a resurgent Stoke side on Saturday and Pulis said: "The manager is a living legend but I do not think people will give Alex real credit until he has left Manchester United. You look at their success and the way he changed things around. Perhaps he was fortunate because he was given the opportunity at the time to clear everything out. It took him three or four years to do that and then he built a base. The club has gone from strength to strength. Along with Matt Busby, they are the two greatest managers in its history."

Stoke are riding high after coming up from the Coca-Cola Championship, gaining an unexpected victory against Arsenal in the process. They are currently 12th in the table and clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup last Tuesday. Pulis is relishing the challenge of facing United and has promised they will not change their approach at Old Trafford.

"This is one of games you pick when you get promoted. We know it will be a tough game but we have got to enjoy it. We are on a good run and confidence is high." .....Back To Home Page

Give Us A Break

Sir Alex Ferguson's idea of a winter break and extending the end of the season has been shot down by FIFA. The Manchester United manager wants to stagger one round of 10 matches throughout January.

He said: "Last season the league finished on May 11. Why can't we extend it until the end of that month and take two weeks off in January ?".

That is not possible because before World Cup finals FIFA insist on an early end to domestic seasons.

That means the English season finishing on May 16 at the end of 2009/10. A FIFA spokesman said: 'It was agreed by the executive committee that to help the well-being of the players, the last club matches will be disputed on May 16 of 2010 and after that, there will be an obligatory rest period from May 17 to May 23. The final of the Champions League - set for May 22 - constitutes the only exception to the rule."

A Premier League source said that any change in the domestic calendar would have to be on a permanent basis and not three years out of four. So it would seem Fergie's dream of a mid winter break have been scuppered by FIFA. Not surprising really, when do FIFA or UEFA ever listen to reason ? .....Back To Home Page

The Premier League Fixture List Is A Farce !

I would have thought the FA or whoever makes the fixture list would take into account the Champions League fixtures of the teams involved before they "throw together" their fixture list for the season. Last season was mystifying when they put Manchester United at home against Manchester City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Munich. Common sense tells you that was not wise. As it happens it turned out OK but not by good judgement, it was more by luck.

So when the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool represent this country in the Champions League why oh why don't the FA help them out, encourage them and at least try and eleviate some of the travelling problems ? Take this season for example - All six of United’s six Champions League group matches have been or will be followed by tough away assignments – against Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur – and Ferguson believes that the situation is unfair, even though he said that fatigue did not appear to be a contributing factor on Saturday.

“They say the league is not handicapped, but I’m not so sure,” Ferguson said. “Having every game away from home following a European tie is not easy. Going from Celtic on Wednesday to play at Arsenal the following Saturday lunchtime is hard, although, funnily enough, I didn’t think it was a problem on this occasion.”

Chelsea have four nice cushy home games after their Champions League games and Liverpool find themselves at home for five of their games - it's hard enough to win the Premier League and Champions League in one season, United being the only team to have done it in the Premiership, so why do the FA try to make it even harder ? .....Back To Home Page

Do Or Die Time For The Arse

Arsenal could drop right out of the race for the Premier League title unless they get a result from the game against Manchester United. If they lose at home to Manchester United on Saturday I don't rate their chances of getting back into the thick of things personally. Half the problem is that Arse Wenger is too busy complaining that his players are being unfairly treated by referees and opponents.

A loss at Emirates Stadium would leave the Gunners four points behind the defending champions, with Chelsea and Liverpool both possibly moving nine points ahead.

"It's a massive game of massive importance for us," Wenger said. "Manchester United-Arsenal is always a special one. It's important for us that we do well in the big games in this league now."

Arsenal have failed to win their last three matches - drawing 4-4 with Tottenham after leading 4-2 in the final minute, losing 2-1 at Stoke and then being held 0-0 at home by Fenerbahce in the Champions League - and Wenger says his players are receiving lots of unfair challenges. "In the second half, we dropped physically and were less dangerous from then on, we were not sharp enough to put our strikers into good positions. You expect us to make chances in the last 20 minutes and this didn't come because physically we didn't have the resources."

Wenger said Stoke injured three of his players yet referees are penalising his team by being too quick to give yellow cards. "Look at the fair play table. Who is top? Arsenal," he said. "Look at the team that makes less fouls. Arsenal. (Yet) who gets more yellow cards after four or five fouls Arsenal. Some teams get their first yellow cards after 15 fouls." A glance at the head-to-heads between the big four rivals suggests the early advantage lies with Liverpool. Rafa Benitez' team, with an apparently easy home game against next-to-last West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, have beaten Man United at home and Chelsea away this season. Chelsea have drawn 1-1 at home with Man United, but this is Arsenal's first game against any of the other three and they can't afford to lose otherwise they will lose touch with them all.

With the game at Arsenal in mind, United started with strikers Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov on the bench, but both were needed in the second half of a 1-1 draw at Celtic in the Champions League as the Red Devils required a late equaliser by Ryan Giggs. Cristiano Ronaldo, whose 42 goals for us helped capture the Premier League and Champions League titles last year, is gunning for a third championship in a row and sees a victory at Arsenal as a big step forward.

"We want to win the title so we have to get three points there, I don't know if it is tough for them at the moment but they will still have 11 players, the same as us, and I know it will be difficult because it always is."

Leading Liverpool on goal difference, Chelsea visit Blackburn on Sunday hoping to recover from Tuesday's 3-1 Champions League loss at AS Roma. Luiz Felipe Scolari's stars have won all five Premier League games on the road with 14 goals scored and only one conceded. Liverpool needed a disputed injury-time penalty by Steven Gerrard to salvage a 1-1 Champions League draw at home to Atletico Madrid. Their last Premier League game was a 2-1 loss at Tottenham after going ahead. The dippers could have striker Fernando Torres back to play West Brom, however, and maintain the pressure on the Blues.....Back To Home Page

Manchester United 'v' Celtic

Go to Glasgow, beat Celtic and qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League !! Easy !!! It's not easy though, not when you take into account the 12th man of Celtic. Their fanatical and passionate supporters. But Sir Alex is well aware the European champions will face a hostile reception at Celtic Park and he says they must deal with that and a likely attacking approach from the SPL giants.

Celtic managed a 1-0 home win over United in the competition two years ago and Ferguson knows that could boost Gordon Strachan's men ahead of the game.

"There is no question about how they are going to set out and the crowd will help them with that. We have to control that, Celtic will be chastened by the result last time; but obviously with their support they will be very, very determined, and that's one of the issues we will have to deal with. I thought we did that last time at Celtic Park, but then the lad scores a wonder goal." ..... Back To Home Page

United Have Plenty Of Motivation According To Carrick

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick believes there's great motivation inside the dressing room to successfully defend their Champions League crown.

"No-one has won the Champions League twice in a row before but that is the goal," said Carrick. "We set ourselves high standards and we have done it once. Why not again ? There is no doubt the possibility of winning it again will drive us on this season. I have been at United for a couple of years now and know that winning things just makes you want to win more. It is not a case of thinking we have won the Champions League or I have done the Premier League, I will settle for that at the end of my career. I want to do it again and again. Moscow seems to pop up wherever you go now but in some ways you want to put it at the back of your mind because it doesn't really count for much now. It is nice to reflect on because it was such a special night but all that matters is being there in Rome at the end of May." .....Back To Home Page

Rio Wants Champions League Back-To-Back Wins

Rio Ferdinand, as you would expect, has voiced his desire to be a part of the first team to ever win back-to-back Champions League titles. Of course, in it's old guise as the 'European Cup' a few teams achieved this, but since it's rebirth as 'The Champions League', it has never been done.

United became champions of Europe for the third time last season after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Premier League rivals Chelsea in Moscow, courtesy of John Terry "lying down on the job" as it were ! However, Ferdinand is eager to be a European champion again and also hopes United can complete a hat-trick of domestic titles this season.

"The gauntlet is laid down for us because we want to make history, the Champions League is something we would really like to retain as it has never been done. We want to win the Premier League three times on the bounce because it would give us a shot at number four, which no-one has ever done either. People who think we have won enough don't know this group of players. We want to win and we have a squad good enough to give us a realistic chance."

Ferdinand is also confident that he is approaching his peak as a player, saying: "I would say the best is still to come. A lot of people said my peak time would be after I was 30 because of the position I play in. I am beginning to feel that way now."

Ferdinand, who turns 30 next month, is also in no mood to start reflecting on his career, adding: "I am not going to start looking back yet. But if I get to the end of my career and have only won the trophies I currently have, I would be disappointed. I want to win more. I am greedy. You have to be in this sport to achieve anything." .....Back To Home Page

How Refreshing To Have A Referee Like This !!

OFFICIALS in charge of Celtic's 3-0 Champions League loss to Manchester United on Tuesday have apologised to the Parkhead club for errors in their handling of key incidents during the match. The Belgian referee Frank De Bleeckere and his assistants Peter Hermans and Alex Verstraeten came under fire after Dimitar Berbatov netted the opening two goals despite being offside each time. They also ruled out a legitimate Wayne Rooney strike as the SPL champions were out-classed by the Champions League holders.

It takes a big man to admit you got things wrong, despite the fact the offside offences were very difficult to spot. It's easy for us to watch TV and see 10 slow motion replays and then pour scorn on the ref who sees it just once in real time and from an entirely different perspective to us. Rob Styles might like to take note of this guy and what he said.

De Bleeckere said: "At the moment itself, we were not aware of the error. There was no protest. I walked off the field with a good feeling. But when you see the images, it's a shame. The officials are a team. We must help each other and see it as a learning curve."

Assistant referee Verstraeten yesterday admitted that he had been stung by a wave of criticism which followed the Group E encounter.

"This is the first time that we have made a mistake in 52 international matches. I admit to the mistakes, but we also ask for understanding. Offside decisions are the hardest to judge. We are only human. It is our bad luck that the mistakes came at goals. We made mistakes and that should not happen. It is no consolation that Manchester United would have won without these decisions. Some players argue their case in front of us, but no Celtic player protested. That proves that the offside decisions were very tight. At the end of the match I was surprised when I saw the television images."

Meanwhile, John Hartson has insisted Celtic can still qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League despite damaging defeats to Manchester United and Villarreal and a disappointing home draw with Aalborg that has left them sitting third in Group E, six points adrift of the La Liga side.

Former Celtic striker Hartson said: "I think you have to keep believing and the amazing thing about Celtic is that they have a fantastic home record, and Celtic are capable of winning their next three games. Now they can finish on ten points, so they are capable of beating Manchester United in two weeks' time and Villarreal and Aalborg. While it is still mathematically possible I think Celtic fans should keep believing they can do it." .....Back To Home Page

Champions League Round Up - Wednesday 22 October 2008

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Brilliant Barça brush Basel aside

FC Basel 1893 0-5 FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana totally outclassed their Group C rivals to equal their best result in this tournament and march ever closer to the knockout stage.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Simão strike spares Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Liverpool FC
An 83rd-minute equaliser from Simão cancelled out Robbie Keane's early effort to keep the Spanish side ahead of their rivals at the top of Group D.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Terry header ends Roma resistance

Chelsea FC 1-0 AS Roma
Captain John Terry flicked in a second-half winner to settle a tight game and allow last season's runners-up extend their lead at the top of Group A.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Adriano sends Inter clear of the pack

FC Internazionale Milano 1-0 Anorthosis Famagusta FC
Adriano's header right on half-time moved a dominant Inter three points clear at the Group B summit as Anorthosis slipped to a maiden defeat.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Bordeaux profit from CFR slip

FC Girondins de Bordeaux 1-0 CFR 1907 Cluj
Cadú's own goal nine minutes after half-time earned the French side their first points in Group A as the Romanian titleholders lost for the first time.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Koevermans helps PSV prosper

PSV Eindhoven 2-0 Olympique de Marseille
Two headers from Danny Koevermans in the final 20 minutes gave the Dutch champions a first victory that revived their Group D challenge.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Panathinaikos held up by Hugo Almeida

Panathinaikos FC 2-2 Werder Bremen
Two fine headers by Vangelis Mantzios were not enough to earn the hosts a first win in Group B after Hugo Almeida nodded a late equaliser for Bremen.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Liedson returns to secure Sporting win

FC Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Sporting Clube de Portugal
Only recently returned from a five-month injury absence, Liedson struck with 14 minutes left to edge a game the home side had dominated in Donetsk....Back To Home Page>

Gordon Strachan: "United The Best Club Side In The World"

Gordon Strachan watched his Celtic side
get taken apart by Manchester United and
then declared United are better than ANY
international team and are probably the
best club side in the world. Dimitar Berbatov
grabbed a brace and Wayne Rooney was on
the score sheet, again, in a 3-0 win.

"That's the best side we've played," Strachan told
ITV "and we've played AC Milan, Juventus, Madrid,
all the top teams, and they are the best. Physically
we couldn't match them and that told the longer the
game went on. The first two goals were offside but
I'm not going to speak about them. I'm a football
man and I know when we're well beaten. They have
strength, experience, speed, skill, discipline, they
have it all." .....Back To Home Page

Celtic Trounced As Manchester United Cruise On !!

Dimitar Berbatov struck twice to put Manchester United firmly in charge of their 'Battle of Britain' Champions League clash with Celtic and guess what, yes you got it Rooney scored too, that's now 9 goals in his last seven games for club and country, just incredible !!

Berbatov netted after 28 minutes to put United 1-0 ahead at Old Trafford, but he appeared to be offside when he scored. A Nani corner was only partly cleared and John O'Shea put the ball back back in the danger area for Berbatov to divert it home. However, TV replays suggested he was actually offside when the ball was played through. His second goal early in the second half was also hotly disputed. Celtic keeper Artur Boruc parried a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick into the path of Berbatov, who fired into an empty net. Celtic protested the Bulgarian had been in off-side when the free-kick was taken.

From the side that beat West Brom 4-0 on Saturday, out went the injured defender Patrice Evra and Rafael, Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung dropped to the bench. In came O'Shea to left-back and Gary Neville to right-back with Nani and Anderson starting in midfield.

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell passed a late fitness test on an ankle injury but was deployed in a sitting midfield role for the first time this season at the expense of the injured Marc Crosas.
Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, who scored in both games against United two seasons ago, came in for Shaun Maloney who started as substitute.

Rooney's goal in the second half was typical United. Van Der Sar rolled the ball to Fletcher who ran to the halfway line before passing wide left to Nani who let it roll on to Tevez who squared for Rooney to bury it.

One thing to note was the bright, flashy start by Ronaldo. But as Berbatov got his two goals and Rooney scored again Ronnie seemed to get moody. As I said 12 months ago, and was slated for it, he doesn't like it when he isn't in the limelight !!!!!

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Evans, Vidic, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov, Rooney.

Celtic: Boruc, Wilson, Loovens, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, Scott Brown, Caldwell, Robson, McGeady, McDonald .....Back To Home Page

Just Ignore The Crowd ?

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic says they must take out the crowd factor against Celtic tonight.

"The champion team of Scotland will be desperate to beat the champions of England, the atmospheres I experienced two years ago were the best I have known in my career and there will be more tension in the ground. But it is not good for the players to be too passionate. We need to be focused. If we put too much aggression into it or pay too much attention to the crowd, we could find it difficult. We need to stay calm and concentrate."

Easy to say isn't it but watch this video, they do tend to make their presence felt !! .....Back To Home Page

Rafael Gives Fergie A Selection Headache

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Brazilian teenager Rafael Da Silva is now an integral part of his Manchester United first-team squad.

The 18-year-old has been handed starts against Aalborg and West Brom in recent weeks and Ferguson now accepts he has another selection dilemma on his hands at right-back with club captain Gary Neville and Wes Brown also vying for the position.

"In football, when a guy turns the corner you cannot do anything about it," he said. "Rafael is a great talent and his performances are telling me I have another problem at right-back."

At Champions League level, Aalborg did not offer much of a threat, leaving Rafael to attack down the right flank at will. Saturday's clash with West Brom was somewhat different. While the result was eventually quite one-sided, the Baggies gave a decent account of themselves during the first half. The pace and power of West Brom winger Chris Brunt provided Rafael with a tough examination of his talent, which is just what Ferguson wanted to see; a reminder of the task a similarly-aged Brown faced against Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink when he encountered Leeds a decade ago.

"Wes himself came in at 18, played against Hasselbaink in his first game against Leeds and he was superb," said Ferguson. It is a learning process playing against that power and experience. Premier League football is not easy. I didn't realise how big Brunt was and what a nice left foot he had, so that presented a challenge for Rafael. For periods in the game he was finding his way and it was only when I was going to take him off that he started to play the way we know he can." .....Back To Home Page