Redknapp Jumps On The Moaners Bandwagon

Every football site I go on today is full of the usual nonsense. People up in arms about how Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson bribe the referees and have the FA in their pocket to the extent that the FA bend over backwards to do everything Sir Alex wants. Hey, maybe he is even bribing them too.

Now Harry Redknapp is blaming Howard Webb, yesterdays referee in United's 5-2 win against Spurs. Apparently, it is down to the referee that United went on a five goal spree. If Webb had not given the penalty decision, then United wouldn't have scored five and won. What a load of old horse excrement.

"The referee made a terrible mistake," said Redknapp. "The players can't believe it because it changed the face of the game."

He added: "United were not going to win unless something like that happened."

Redknapp challenged Webb after the final whistle, although he got nothing better than the offer of an apology if the FA Cup final referee had got it wrong.

"You should have technology," he said. "The fourth official should be watching the TV monitor and talking to the referee.

"The guy has not done it on purpose, it is just a bad decision but it was the turning point."

Where were all these moaners and complainers last week when Manchester United were denied a penalty in the FA Cup Semi Final against Everton. That would have seen them get to Wembley for the Cup Final and the quintuple would still be a target for us. Did you hear me moan and complain endlessly because the decision went against us. No you didn't. Shit happens and you have to live with it. Last week we lost out because of a bad refs decision, this week maybe we got a good decision in our favour. We went from the swings to the roundabout.

For Redknapp to declare "United were NOT going to win unless something like that happened" is just plain madness, how does he know?

Unfortunately, we need to stick to the real world and look at things in an equal light. Sometimes you get good decisions and sometimes you get a bad one. One thing never changes though, and that's the continual bickering against United because they are successful. One day maybe Liverpool will win the Premier League title, what a dreadful thought, but they will then face the venom and criticism of everyone. Succes in Britain isn't celebrated, it is decried and every effort is made to find a reason why these successful teams don't deserve their success. People should try enjoying football instead of getting tangled up in jealousy and constant bizarre ideas of corruption and other such shite.

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Ronaldo Admits Work Is Needed On His Anger

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has come in for no end of criticism for his reaction to opposition defenders on occassions this season and he has now admitted he needs to improve his reaction to challenges following a series of high-profile incidents this season.

So far this year he has had bust ups with Celtic's Scott Brown, Stoke's Andy Wilkinson, Spurs' Micheal Dawson and Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor last week.

"I am a target of course, so it is difficult to avoid certain things, I try to control my anger. Sometimes it's not easy, though, and it is something I have to improve on. Sometimes it is difficult because of the atmosphere in the stadium and the importance of the game. I'm only 24 but I have a lot of experience of big games and that helps because you learn through situations.

"If someone kicks me, I get up and I go again. I am not afraid of being kicked, it is part of the game. I see it as a challenge that they have to kick me to stop me."

“The peak of my career is now. I don’t have a weakness but I do have parts of my game that need work. If you stop trying to improve and think that you are complete, you go backwards — so I am not finished yet.”

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Manchester United Take Carling Cup After Penalty Shoot Out

With the score 0-0 after 120 minutes, Manchester United triumphed 4-1 on penalties over Tottenham in the Carling Cup final. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his team had keeper Ben Foster to thank for the penalty shoot out drama.

Speaking to Sky Sports Ferguson said, "Well they took their penalties very confidently and Ben Foster made a fantastic first save which gave us a big lift."

Carlos Tevez, Vedran Corluka and Cristiano Ronaldo then all converted their kicks before David Bentley missed allowing Anderson to take the decisive spot kick.

The United boss added, "To be honest with you I could have done without the extra time, because we have a tough game on Wednesday (in the Premier League against Newcastle United) and I’ll need to freshen up."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admitted he feared the worst when the match went to penalties. "I thought we were terrific. It was a great performance. It comes down to a lottery in the end with penalties, I've got to be honest, we weren't that confident with our penalty takers. You looked at United and they looked like they had some great, confident penalty takers. That's how it goes. But overall they couldn't beat us in 90 minutes plus extra-time. We fought them. I thought we didn't deserve to lose today. I thought we were better.".....Back To Home Page...

Spurs To Become A Feeder Club For Manchester United

Spurs player Roman Pavlyuchenko has got great timing and his prowess for scoring in the box is exemplary. But his timing was a bit off today as he spoke to The Daily Mail. He has rocked Tottenham on the eve of their Carling Cup final, by admitting he dreams of playing for their Wembley opponents Manchester United.

Pavlyuchenko has explained how deep the bad feeling toward Berbatov and United goes within the Spurs ranks. Berbatov is actually not in the squad to face Spurs as it happens. We all know Berbatov refused to play at the start of the season to try and force through a move to Manchester United.......and now Roman has declared he too would like to follow Berba up North and play for United as well.

"It would be wrong not to dream about this. I have realised the English Premier League is exactly why you should start playing football in the fi rst place. And Manchester United is the leader of it. Once your first dream comes true you must start dreaming of another target."

I bet these revealations have gone down a treat in the Spurs dressing room. As you're preparing for your one single chance of silverware this season, one of the most loved and most talented players says he has his heart set on playing for the opposition.......nice work Roman...Mind you, he does look good in red ;) .....Back To Home Page...

Berbatov Left Out Of Carling Cup Final

Just after I wrote my last piece on here, the news of the likely Manchester United team to face Spurs in the Carling Cup Final on Sunday has been revealed. Though whether this is reliable news or not is yet to be seen.

Dimitar Berbatov will not have the chance to get one over his former club Sir Alex Ferguson left the striker out of his squad to face Tottenham.

Ferguson has named a strong squad for Sunday's showdown at Wembley, with Edwin van der Sar the only other notable absentee alongside Berbatov. Berbatov scored a penalty in last season's final as Tottenham came from behind to beat Chelsea.

Ferguson has promised Darron Gibson and Danny Welbeck they will start at Wembley as the pair have shown plenty of promise for United this term already which is great news. I'm such a big fan of Danny Welbeck and it will be great to see him in action on Sunday.....Back To Home Page...

Let's Win This Carling Cup The Matt Busby Way

I have read the reviews by a few Spurs fans regarding the 49th Carling Cup Final due to be played at Wembley this sunday between Manchester United and Tottenham, Hotspur. They are clinging to a few rather obscure facts to convince themselves they can win this match.

1. Given their glittering first half performance in the San Siro and our gut-wrenching equivalent at the KC it'd be amazing if United weren't feeling cocky and aside from the fact that ref Chris Foy is a Scouser who hopefully hasn't forgotten his roots, that might be our best hope.

2. Still, "it's a two horse race", "anything can happen on the day".

3. Despite being generally crap, in 5 attempts we've not lost to a "big four" side yet this season.

4. United conceded 3 goals to each of Derby and Blackburn in the last two rounds, plus hopefully our lads will be motivated by the desire to put one over on the despised, whining Bulgarian. If that shitey Arsenal team we saw a couple of weeks ago can beat them then why can't we?

5. United actually have a dodgy record in finals, they've been in 6 and lost 4.

6. Our favourite Russian has scored in every round.

7. Redknapp has managed three different sides that have beaten Ferguson teams in cup competitions. So why not a fourth? We're ninety minutes from glory. Come on you Spurs.

That must make grim reading if you're a Spurs fan. Pinning your hopes and dreams on a few stats and things that have happened in the past. Games like this are about the team who turns up on the day, with the ability and desire to win, not the team who turns up with a head full of stats and figures that make them feel like they should win.

I hope with all my heart that Fergie does what Arsene Wenger did and lets the 'kids' have their day at Wembley. The likes of Danny Welbeck, Anderson, Rafael et al. They are the ones who got us to Wembley and they are the ones who deserve their day in the limelight.

It would be easy to put out a team with Ferdinand, Evra, Vidic, Ronaldo, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov etc etc and try to run right over the top of Spurs and crush them in the first 30 minutes. But to me this competition is all about allowing your youngsters to have their time. In the third and fourth rounds all 'big' teams put out makeshift teams full of young guys waiting for their chance to prove they are good enough for the first team, it's a good chance for a manager to get some experience for his future stars.

Having said that, Manchester United's youngsters have proved time and time again this season they are ready, willing and able to step up to the mark and play with confidence, determination and a cohesion you would only expect from seasoned professionals.

So come on Fergie, let's do this the right way. Wellbeck, Rafael, Fabio, Anderson, O'Shea, Fletcher, Park.......we want to see them all. Some of these guys have stuck with United through thick and thin with never a guarantee of first team football. They have also been there when suddenly they are needed.

They may not be needed now, but more importantly they are deserving. Deserving of a chance for glory in their own right. If they get beaten then so be it. The fact they got United to Wembley in itself is a great, great achievement and the future looks rosy for United.

Let's do this the Matt Busby way, with youngsters who have no fear, who have flair and enthusiasm, who are loyal and who do have the ability if given the chance.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Youngster Gibson Should Start Against Spurs At Wembley

Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson put on a great display against Derby County, winning the Man Of The Match according to ITV. Having scored in the FA Cup against them and in an earlier round against Southampton, he is one of a few United youngsters who have stepped up to the mark this season when injuries have given them their chance in the first team. However, Gibson refuses to get carried away by talk of a guaranteed place in the United line up at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final.

Gibson has played in every round of United’s path to the final, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly promised the Republic of Ireland international a place against Tottenham at Wembley on 1 March, however Gibson wont be getting too excited until he is told personally by Fergie this will be happening.

“The Carling Cup has been good for me this year so fingers crossed I will play in the final, but the manager has not told me anything yet,” said Gibson. "I don't mind playing on the right but central midfield is my proper position, I feel more comfortable in there but to be honest, I am just happy to be on the pitch. In training I have been working on trying to get into the box and having a few more shots. I am glad I scored but the main thing is we got through.”

I think players such as Gibson, Danny Welbeck and Rodrigo Possebon along with Nani deserve a tilt at starting the Carling Cup Final. They have been called into action with United's huge injury list at times this season and they have stood tall and shown determination and a great cohesion when needed. This will be a great day for them if they do start, and with United holding the likes of Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez in reserve, they can be called upon if needed.....Back To Home Page...

Pav Is Out To Wreck United's Quadruple

Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko is declaring he is ready to prove himself in the Carling Cup final against Manchester United, after Spurs surrendered a 4-1 lead to Burnley in the semi-final.

The north London misfits almost surrendered a first leg advantage of 4-1 to Championship side Burnley when going 3-0 down in the second leg of the final four, but managed to escape by the skin of their teeth with two late goals and secure their passage to the final.

Pavlyucehnko scored the first of those efforts late in extra time but despite his efforts does not want any credit, as he feels the ultimate stage on which to garner such praise is at Wembley.

“No I'm not a hero, the job is only half done, there is one more step left. We still have a month, I think, to prepare seriously for the final. Hardly anyone would argue that this is not one of the strongest teams, not only in England but in Europe. Therefore it will not be easy.”

Fighting talk from the Russian hit man but I feel this will be United Carling Cup for only the thrid time in their history and Pavlyuchenko will be left red faced.....Back To Home Page...

Three Teams In One Season For Fraizer Campbell, Maybe?

Hull City manager Phil Brown says he would like to bring in another striker and a defender and the club have been linked with a number of names as a result.

The latest of them, intriguingly, is that of striker Fraizer Campbell, despite the player currently being on loan at Tottenham and having also played for Manchester United this season.

Campbell scored 15 goals for Hull during their promotion campaign last year while on loan from United but he would need FIFA clearance to play for a third club in the current season.

Liverpool similarly applied for dispensation to sign Javier Mascherano two years ago and succeeded.

I'm not sure how Fraizer Campbell feels about all this poor guy. To play for three Premiership clubs in one season must be some kind of a record. Or maybe I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel looking for records here. Manchester United seem to be breaking them all this season. Despite his travels Campbell is still keen to be a Manchester United regular and at this rate he should fulfill this dream with the great experience he is picking up.....Back To Home Page...

Spurs Are Sunk By An Old Pal: Manchester United In The Fifth Round Of The Cup

Manchester United knocked Spurs out of the FA Cup albeit by only two goals to one. But to be honest United outplayed them for long periods of time during the whole match.

Goal number one would have been a spectacular effort by Paul Scholes but as it took a deflection from Huddlestone it was marked down as an own goal. Then Carrick played a superb through ball to Berbatov who took it superbly with one touch and fired it home for United's second goal in 90 seconds after Pavlyuchenko had given Spurs a one goal lead after just four minutes.

So, a victory for United and they march onto the fifth round.

For me though, I was particularly impressed with two guys today and they share man of the match in my opinion. First was 17 year old Danny Welbeck. He was amazing. Every pass that was launched at him, he casually brought it under control and played the ball simply and acurately all afternoon. His raw talent is amazing. Even if Scholes fired on of his masterful 60 yard cross field passes to him, Welbeck just seems to stick his foot out and the ball sticks to it. He is also capable of making strong runs into the box and getting the defenders in a right frenzy.

Second man of the match is Carlos Tevez. What can I say about this guy. Along with Ji Sung Park he must be one of the most hard working guys you will ever lay your eyes on in the Premier League. Today he covered a monstrous 15.2 km or ten miles !!! Yes that's right, TEN MILES !!! Considering most of it is in fast bursts of acceleration followed by a slow jog then springting he must be immensely fit to do this. Strong - he is as strong as on ox and today he showed us what hard work is all about.

Manchester United reach the fifth roud but I was more impressed with Welbeck and tevez. Absolutely fantastic performances.....Back To Home Page...

Harry Is After Another Upset

Injury-riddled and out of form, Spurs should have no chance at Old Trafford tonight. Except that Harry Redknapp has a long history of knocking Manchester United out of the FA Cup.

Currently his team Spurs are riddled with injuries and struggling at the foot of the table....

Not that Redknapp will be fazed by that. He has already beaten Manchester United with three different clubs in the FA Cup – Bournemouth, West Ham United and Portsmouth – each time against the odds.

The last victory is understood still to rankle with Sir Alex Ferguson as it denied United another treble.

"Does it?" said Redknapp with mock regret, "I'm sorry he's got upset about it but you can't win everything. I was quite pleased really, to tell you the truth."

Do Spurs have a chance of making it four for Harry or will they get a right good whooping ?

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Fraizer Campbell WILL Return To Manchester United

I hope the Spurs fans are not too attached to Frazier Campbell because Sir Alex has decided that after his loan spell expires he will be returning to Manchester United. The England Under 21 international striker is on a season long loan deal at White Hart Lane although United do have an option to recall the player in January.

"Fraizer will come back here, there is no question about that, the idea for him was to get some experience, so it has been good for him in that respect. He has produced some fantastic performances for Tottenham and I am delighted for the boy because he is going to be a good player. "His future is here."

I for one am happy with this news......Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Draw A Blank And Now It's Off To Japan

FOR once Heurelho Gomes left White Hart Lane a hero as his last-minute save denied Manchester United a vital win at Tottenham. So often he is the clown prince of goalkeepers and for once he actually managed to string together some very good saves without matching them with some gormless errors as is his wont.

As United desperately searched for a winner to ensure they left for Club World Cup duty in happy mood, the Brazilian produced a fingertip save to turn away a Ryan Giggs free-kick that was going to creep in. Man of the match was probably Gomes.

This game has probably left United rueing their failure to take advantage of second-half superiority and opened the door for Chelsea to surge clear in the Barclays Premier League title race by beating West Ham this afternoon.

Dimitar Berbatov had a frustrating time on his return to White Hart Lane and Cristiano Ronaldo had the ball in the net but saw his effort ruled out for handball.....Back To Home Page...

Berbatov Braced For The Abuse

No doubt today Dimitar Berbatov will receive a barrage of abuse and a hostile reception from the Spurs fans. I'm not sure why they would want to do that. It was their club Spurs who chose to sell him to United. It's not unlike the Michael Carrick deal. They sold Carrick to United because they wanted £18m instead. Now they sold Berba to us and pocketed £30.75m and got Frazier Campbell into the deal. They didn't have to do it, so the fans should be channelling their abuse at Daniel Levy who authorised the sales I think.

Sir Alex has been speaking on the subject on the eve of the game: “He’s [Berbatov] going to get the reception we expect in the modern day. I mentioned last week about the change in supporters’ participation in football. So as Berbatov well knows he is going to get a lot of abuse from the fans. I don’t think you will change it. It is modern society. It’s because Berbatov was coming to Manchester United. If he had been going anywhere else there wouldn’t have been so much of a furore. For some reason they still regret selling Michael Carrick to us — that’s their biggest problem. But they wanted to sell him to us. They can’t blame us.”

Daniel Levy did a good job stretching out the Berbatov deal for a full year. Then getting Campbell thrown in too was a good move.

Ferguson said: “They milked it well that last day — they milked it very well and they got Fraizer Campbell into the bargain. They got a good deal. They can’t complain about that.” .....Back To Home Page...

Park Ji-Sung On The Verge Of His Century

Park Ji-sung, who receives very little attention for the great efforts he makes for Manchester United and who also takes quite a lot of criticism, is on the verge of reaching the great milestone of 100 appearances for the team should he make an appearance against Spurs this weekend, which seems likely.

So far this season he has made 16 appearances, his best total yet in a season and despite the strength in depth of Manchester United's midfield, he has managed to force his way into keeping a regular place in the line up.

Personally, I love the guy and his work rate but most of all I admire him for his attitude. He wont ever give up chasing the ball and more often than not he wears down the opposition, continually snapping at their heels. For a defender he must be a complete nightmare to play against, he wont allow anybody time on the ball. In fact, Cristiano Ronaldo might like to take a leaf out of his book and get some work done.

Speaking on MUTV this week he said: "I'm so happy with the way things are going this season. I enjoy playing and I've been involved a lot in the first team, I need to prove what I can do and I'm going to keep doing my best."

That's all we can ask of any player and I hope we see the likes of Ji-Sung Park on many more occasions. I imagine the opposing defenders think the opposite to me, and that's a good thing.....Back To Home Page...

All We Are Saying Is Give Berba A Chance

Some Manchester United fans have been calling Dimitar Berbatov by a new name, "Dimitar Veron" in a rather pathetic reference to £28m misfit Juan Veron. These will be the same pathetic fans who will be there basking in any future glory and declaring Berba a hero when he comes good. They piss me off with their 10-game judgements of a guy who is playing in a new team, in his first season. These so called fans are probably the same sad assholes who booed Capello's first game after a whole 28 minutes !!!

Paddy Crerand has been defending Berba while talking on MUTV: "That's totally unfair, he has not scored many but he's created plenty and that's just as valuable. I have heard the grumbles from the fans but it's too early for that. I think he's a wonderful player. Some players can do with one pass what others can't do with 90 minutes of running around dementedly. People have judged Berbatov against the industry of people like Tevez and that's unfair. They are different players. But Berbatov will come good. Just wait and see."

I couldn't have put it better myself. Give him a chance, even if it takes a whole season, trust me, he will be a legend like Eric Cantona. Us Eastern Europeans have to stick together so I am the biggest Berbatov fan in the whole world right now and I'll stick up for him no matter what !!!!!!

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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...

Manchester United Face Derby In Carling Cup Semi-Final

Burnley have been given the chance to take down a big club when they were drawn against Spurs in the Carling Cup Quarter Final draw. So far, Burnley have knocked out Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal in their quest to win the trophy.

Manchester United were left to play Derby County in the other semi final. Derby did actually claim a Premier League scalp in the shape of Stoke City in the last round as did Manchester United. Derby beating Stoke and United 5-3 victors over Blackburn Rovers.

The matches will be played in the weeks beginning 5 and 19 January 2009. The final takes place at Wembley on Sunday, 1 March.....Back To Home Page...

Sir Alex To Bring Campbell Back From Spurs

Harry Redknapp has made comments about how he would like to make a bid to but Fraizer Campbell on a permanent deal, and 2 days later Sir Alex Ferguson starts rumours of how he may well bring him back to Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old striker moved on loan to Tottenham on deadline day as part of the deal which saw Dimitar Berbatov sign for the Premier League champions.And after scoring twice for Spurs in their 4-2 Carling Cup win over Liverpool and netting another for the England Under-21's, Ferguson admits he may move to bring Campbell back to the club.

"We could pull him back in January, we have to the option and it is a possibility. The boy has been fantastic at Spurs. He is a good player but we needed to get him first-team experience, so we agreed to it so the deal with Berbatov went through."

Sorry Harry, it's not going to happen, well.........unless you want to bid about £20m it seems......
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Harry Wants Campbell On A Permanent Deal

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to make Frazier Campbell's loan deal made permanent. As did Phil Brown at Hull City. Who can blame either of them either, Campbell is a definite star of the future. Campbell joined Spurs for a one season loan deal as part of the deal to bring Dimitar Berbatov to Old Trafford. Since he joined them he has done well I feel. In his last two games he has scored three times and to top that he also got his first international goal, scoring in Tuesdays U21 games against the Czech Republic which England won 2-0.

I remember Phil Brown making his initial offer of £500,000 for Campbell and raising it quite quickly to £7m. Harry will need to find a bit more than £7m to sign him now though I think. I just hope we don't do another Rossi here and sell him, only to see him blossom into a top class player.

Campbell enjoyed a very productive loan spell at Hull in 2007-08. He initially joined them in October 2007 on loan until mid-January 2008, and scored twice on his home debut in a 3-0 victory over Barnsley. Following his match-winning display against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day 2007, in which he scored one goal and set up another, Hull expressed their interest in extending Campbell's loan until the end of the season. The loan extension was completed on 28 December 2007.

Campbell finished the season as Hull City's top scorer, with 15 goals. On 24 May 2008, he played in the Hull City team that achieved promotion to the top flight for the first time in their 104-year history, providing the assist for Dean Windass' goal in a 1–0 win over Bristol City in the Championship Playoff Final at Wembley Stadium. He described the loan move as "the best move of my career", saying "This is exactly why I came out on loan, it's like a fairytale really. You come away on loan and you never really know what to expect but we've done really well, both as a team and on a personal level".

Hull City were very keen to sign him. Hull chairman Paul Duffen had described Campbell as "too good for the Championship", but following their promotion, Hull were hoping to sign him permanently or get another season-long loan, depending on Manchester United's willingness to let him go. However, Campbell repeatedly expressed the desire to return to Old Trafford and try to break into the first team, despite Hull City bidding a club record fee of £7m.

In July 2008, Campbell was selected to tour South Africa with the Manchester United first team, and scored the team's fourth goal in a 4–0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the 2008 Vodacom Challenge. He also scored the winning goal in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's testimonial match against Espanyol on 2 August. After the game, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson indicated that Campbell would remain at the club for the duration of the season, stating "Fraizer's future is here". On 17 August 2008, Campbell started alongside Wayne Rooney for the opening game of the season in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United. 14 days later he was whisked off to Spurs. I hope he returns to United. But if Fergie does choose to seel it should be for no less than £10m !!.....Back To Home Page.....