Manchester United Injury List Joy

Manchester United's current run of good fortune and good results as well as their record breaking exploits continues today with news that their lengthy injury list is shrinking faster than the Bishop's nether regions after he had been with the actress.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand returned at West Brom on Tuesday after a back injury as United trounced WBA and Edwin Van Der Super Star became the new record holder as he reached 1032 minutes without conceding a goal. All of which helped the champions move three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 5-0 victory. They now have the best goal difference in the league too.

Midfielder Park Ji-Sung and defender Wes Brown also took part at The Hawthorns and manager Alex Ferguson hopes to have Patrice Evra and Nani fit to face Everton at Old Trafford this Saturday.

"Things are looking up and players are starting to come back," Ferguson said, "Patrice may have a chance for Saturday against Everton. If the game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But he's still got a chance of making it. Nani should also be fit for Saturday as well".

Wayne Rooney is still recovering from a hamstring and Jonny Evans, Rafael, Fabio and Anderson are also sidelined.

"Wayne has never had a hamstring injury before and there is no way we will bring him back early, he's doing terrific work in the gym and, in terms of his rehabilitation, he is on the mend. But we said at the time he was injured that it would be three or four weeks before he would be fit and there is no change there."

United's home clash with Everton was brought forward to Saturday because the visitors are involved in an FA Cup replay against Liverpool next week.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United "Primed To Take The Premier League Title" Claims Sir Alex

SIR Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are on course for another surge towards the Barclays Premier League title. Manchester United are, after all, renowned for their form once the Xmas and New Year celebrations are out of the way.

United's win against Stoke City was a gritty performance on Boxing Day, despite leaving it late to take all three points from the Britannia Stadium as Carlos Tevez converted Dimitar Berbatov's cross with seven minutes to play. The win kept Ferguson's reigning champions hot on the heels of Chelsea and Liverpool and the United boss expects his team to be much stronger in the New Year.

"If we could get to New Year's Day a couple of points adrift of the leaders we would be very happy, we expect to kick on. We'll give ourselves a great chance if we get into that position."

Ferguson was impressed with the way his players coped with the demands of playing a fired-up Stoke team just days after returning from winning the Club World Cup in Japan.

"Coming back from Japan we were worried about how it would affect the team but you could see their energy was good. There was no problem with that and they handled it very well,".

Ferguson admitted he was about to replace Tevez with South Korean winger Park Ji-Sung when the Argentine forward made the breakthrough.

"At that point I was saying to myself this could be a draw so I wanted Park on for some width. But Carlos scores important goals and he's come up trumps again."

The only downside of United's day was the absence of Rio Ferdinand. The England defender was forced to pull out just before kick-off with a recurrence of a long-term back injury.

"We have to get to the root of this because he has had this back problem too many times," Ferguson added. He'll be out against Middlesbrough on Monday. I think in maybe 10 days he should be OK.".....Back To Home Page...

Sir Alex Stressed About His Injury List Ahead Of Spurs Game

Sir Fergie has announced he is not a happy chappy with regard to injuries etc etc in the days before Manchester United's trip to White Hart Lane. Their last Premier League game before jetting off to Tokyo for the World Club Championship.

He was seen to be shuffling his team around for the midweek draw with Aalborg on account of injuries and just to add insult to injury, Rio Ferdinand suffered a setback. Former Tottenham stars Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov are doubts too for the game. However, Sir Alex is hopeful he has the squad to contend with the issues.

Speaking to Setanta Sports News Sir Alex said: "Berbatov is still a problem, Michael Carrick has a thigh injury and we are hoping he will be alright, that’s why I wasn’t prepared to risk Fletcher tonight. The plan was always to play Ryan for 45 minutes because I don’t know what my midfield options are going to be on Saturday. I brought Scholes on at half-time to give him 45, I don’t think he is ready to play 90 minutes at the moment. I had these issues about the midfield area as I don’t know if Carrick is going to be fit, I don’t know if Berbatov is going to be fit. Rio Ferdinand picked up a back spasm again, so that is a concern for us too. With the squad we’ve got I hope we can cope but I’d rather not have them.”.....Back To Home Page...

Come Fly With United

Some football fans may laugh, others cry, but there will surely be a glint of pride in the eyes of at least a few Manchester United fans, when they see 'their' latest plane. They actually entered service in 2006 but I think they're pretty impressive so I added them here for those who haven't seen them.

Low cost airline, AirAsia has honored Manchester United, one of the most popular football clubs in
the world, by having one of its aircraft painted in the colors of the club.

The 9MAFC, otherwise known as the Red Devil Airbus A320,arrived at the KL International Airport from Toulouse, France. The 180 seater Airbus A320 is emblazoned in signature red, and adorned with images of the club's elite players on both sides of the aircraft's fuselage. The tail and aircraft engines also feature the Manchester United Football Club's
Crest.

"Manchester United has one of the biggest following in Asia. As the official low fare airline for Manchester United, AirAsia hopes to create opportunities and exciting avenues to reach out and connect with Manchester United's loyal fan base in Asia. As such, it is only befitting that we dedicate the aircraft to all the Manchester United Fans in Asia." said Dato' Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia Berhad.

"We are delighted to be the first football club in the world to own our very own aircraft livery. The AirAsia Red Devil Airbus is an epitome of how a dynamic sponsor like AirAsia, can creatively blend art and function into their everyday business. The plane will certainly ensure we're the most well traveled team in Asia" said Peter Draper, Marketing Director, Manchester United Football Club.

The Red Devil Airbus A320 is AirAsia's 3rd Airbus delivery within 2 months. The aircraft will commence servicing Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Surabaya, Indonesia.

Featured on the Red Devil Airbus A320 are:

Sir Alex Ferguson
Park Ji Sung
Wayne Rooney
Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Cristiano Ronaldo
Alan Smith
Rio Ferdinand

Back To Home Page...

How Can Tevez Possibly Stay Now ?

Carlos Tevez has clearly been relegated to 4th choice at Manchester United so is it really worth Manchester United spending £30 million on making his move permanent ? After starting just one of the last six Premier League games he is clearly fourth in the striking pecking order behind Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov.

The deal to turn his loan into a £30million permanent move was supposed to have been completed by now but so far all we have heard is excuses after excuse from Fergie about how the cash is available but the deal will be done in December, January, February etc etc. If they reached the summer and said "No thanks" it would not be a big surprise to any of us really.

While his penalty finally ended QPR’s resistance in the recent Carling Cup game, his all-round play hardly suggested he was grasping this opportunity with both hands. His finishing was awful, which is why United needed a late penalty to sink the Championship outfit and make it to the Carling Cup quarter-finals.

Right now Alex Ferguson has been linked with bids for Karim Benzema. He has also mentioned the possibility of recalling Frazier Campbell from Spurs in the January transfer window and we have Danny Welbeck impressing everyone too. Add to this the talk of the buy back clause for Guisseppe Rossi from Villareal and to me it seems Fergie isn't placing much emphasis on a United future for Tevez.

Alex Ferguson has spent big, big money to get his team back to the top - £29 million on Wayne Rooney, £32 for million Dimitar Berbatov, £19 million on Anderson, £29 million on Rio Ferdinand, the list goes on. With all these expensive signings some might argue what is one more? But with the credit crunch biting even Chelsea, Manchester United will need to make cutbacks. Can they really justify spending £30 million on a 4th choice striker ? That puts them in the leagues of Chelsea in terms of profligacy – so will the fans appreciate the success as much when it has clearly been bought ? .....
Back To Home Page...

Rio Praises Jonny Evans

Sir Alex has frequently been heard singing the praises of Jonny Evans, even declaring him as a future replacement for Rio Ferdinand despite his young age and his relative inexperience with first team action. Now Rio Ferdinand himself has spoken out in favour of him.

The 20-year-old Northern Ireland defender impressed while on loan at Sunderland last season and has been a regular member of the United matchday squad this term.

Ferdinand told the club's official website: "Jonny is a top, top player. A few managers wanted to buy him in the summer, so that tells you what a good prospect he is. At Sunderland last season he was probably one of their better players. He's good with both feet, he's playing for Northern Ireland and he'll probably be their captain in the near future. You can see why the manager fought so hard to keep him and to make sure Jonny realises his future is here at Old Trafford. He'll have a major part to play in the coming years. The manager will just make sure Jonny trains hard and takes the best bits from all the players he works with and brings it to his own game. He's looked assured each time he's been called upon this season and I'm sure that will continue." .....Back To Home Page

Charity Begins At....................Old Trafford !

Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra have joined forces with UNICEF to front a new AIDS awareness advertising campaign in Sierra Leone.

The trio have teamed up to promote HIV and AIDS prevention amongst the country’s three million young people, many of whom are at increasing risk of HIV and AIDS. Recent figures suggest there has been a 75% increase in new HIV infections in Sierra Leone, while few youngsters understand how to protect themselves against the virus. With low awareness of the dangers, and infection rates rapidly rising, the need to reach young people with accurate information to encourage them to change their sexual behaviour is vital.

In Sierra Leone, United’s players enjoy an unrivalled high profile and are instantly recognised as role models. Realising this popularity and the power of football to reach the country’s young people, the advertising campaign features each player delivering a unique HIV and AIDS prevention message. The messages focus on three key themes: stigma, encouraging safe sexual practice and getting tested.

This campaign marks the latest stage in Manchester United’s commitment to combating HIV and AIDS through the United for UNICEF partnership......Back To Home Page

Jonny Evans Will Be As Good As Rio !!

Paddy Crerand is the latest Manchester United legend to sing the praises of Belfast starlet Jonny Evans. Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed with the Northern Ireland international’s progress and has tipped the 20-year-old to captain his country in the future.

Evans made his league debut for United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, filling in for Nemanja Vidic who was suspended, and he produced an assured performance in the 1-1 draw. The centre-back was also cool and composed against Celtic at Old Trafford in the Champions League. Ferguson has been reminded that the youngster who came through the United Academy can be relied upon when Rio Ferdinand or Vidic are not available for selection.

Crerand, who helped United to league championship glory in 1965 and 1967 and won winners' medals in the 1963 FA Cup and 1968 European Cup finals, said:

“Young Jonny was outstanding against Celtic, said Crerand. Some fans may have been a little nervous when they heard Rio Ferdinand was injured, but I’ve seen Evans play a lot for the Reserves over the years and he’s always looked a terrific prospect. He’s not fazed by the big occasions and hasn’t once looked out of place. Everybody at Old Trafford has high hopes for him and he has a bright future at United.” .....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

Footballer's Worst Haircuts

Down through the years we have seen some whacky
hairstyles from footballers. Ranging from those with
no hair at all to those with long, whispy locks with some
bizarre arrangements included. Alan Smith with his
peroxide mania, Rio with his plaits, George Best with his
unkempt, unshaven look, Bobby Charlton with errrrrmmm
well let's just say his whispy bits. David Beckham's hair could
change overnight as we all know but the best one here has got
to be Sir Alex down below, if only it were true !!

Back To Home Page

Rio Derides The Boo Boys

England's stand-in captain, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, believes the supporters that booed Ashley Cole at Wembley on Saturday should feel 'ashamed' by their actions. I agree with him too. Just a single mistake from Cashley Cole and they were on him like a pack of dogs !! What is wrong with these people ??

Cole was victim of a chorus of boos from sections of the home fans after his error allowed the visitors to pull a goal back in the Group 6 World Cup qualifier. Although I am no fan of the Chelsea full-back I don't think he deserved this and I don't think it served any purpose but the England fans obviously think differently. Zhambyl Kukeyev pounced on his error and scored on 68 minutes, before England regained their focus and made sure of the three points in the latter stages.

Ferdinand, who skippered the side in the absence of John Terry and opened the scoring, was disappointed by the verbal criticism directed at Cole, and hopes that it will not happen again in the future. He told Sky Sports: "It leaves a sour taste in your mouth, but I would like to think the majority of fans were the ones applauding him and trying to boost his confidence. I am sure the people who booed him will probably go home and, on reflection, maybe feel a little bit ashamed of themselves and hopefully won't do it again."

Frank Lampard defended him, obviously, being team mates: "It is a negative because, if I am honest, at the moment I think Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the world." Dream on Frank, what about Evra ?

Portsmouth striker Jermain Defoe, who came off the bench to score England's fifth, also leapt to the defence of Cole: "I was very surprised. Ashley for me is one of the best full-backs in the world. He has been so consistent for a number of years. It was a little bit harsh."

This is the England fans for you though !! Back To Home Page

Rio On MUTV Being Asked Questions About Manchester United, Life, etc etc

Rio Ferdinand appeared on MUTV this week, chatting and answering questions from children and from viewers on the phone.

It was quite interesting really to hear his views but they limited it to 5 or 6 questions that's all, which was a bit annoying to say the least.

Here is what they showed but I'm sure there was more.

If you weren’t a footballer, what job would you be doing now? (Stephen, Sale)
I’d probably be working in the communities in Peckham, where I grew up. I’d be helping out in youth centres or football coaching for kids.

What do you say to your team-mates when they score? (Lee, Gateshead)
I can’t really say because there are normally swear words involved! Usually it’s along the lines of ‘well done’.

What’s it like to walk out at a packed Old Trafford before a big match? (Mark)
When you walk out and the crowd’s going crazy, it’s an amazing feeling - the best.

Did you ever imagine captaining United in a Champions League final?
(Steve, Manchester)
Never. I thought we’d have a chance of making the final but to lead the side out was like a dream. And to go on and win it and get our hands on the trophy was brilliant.

Which team-mates have you played against at international level?
(Paula, Runcorn)
I’ve played against Giggsy, Ronaldo and Nani. Ronny’s quite competitive and Portugal have been lucky to beat us on penalties twice. He’s always got that to throw at us when there are arguments about England and penalties. Next I’d like to play against Sheasy or Fletch.