Champions League Highlight - Man United vs Barcelona ( 1 - 0 )

Manchester United make sure their final spot when winning the match with Barcelona at Old Trafford early this morning with aggregate 1-0. Man United start with an excellent attacking mode. Since early match, they never let any room for Barcelona player to mingle around with the ball and keep the possession until they found the net on 14th minutes with Scholes scoring his "trademark" scoring way.

United without key player Rooney and Vidic due to their injury at Stamford Brigde last saturday, playing their excellent form every second of the match. With the best defensive side ever, they wont let Barcelona to score an away goal and blew the chance to go to Final.

The first goal came when Ronaldo dribbled the ball pass some Barca players until Puyol cut out the ball and made a silly and weak pass to the Deco but has been detected by Paul Scholes ( the person who missed the historical treble achievement on 1999 ). He shot the ball from 25-yards from the goal and struck an absolutely brilliant goal when it curls to the right top corner of the goal passing the Barca goalkeeper, Victor Valdes.



Barca launched their attacking side lead by Messi when he got through Brown and Ferdinand and made a shot go the right post of United, but Van der Sar keep the goal tight and the ball cleared by Hargreaves.



Tevez could double up the scored when he got pass through the Barcelona defender and made chip shot towards Victor Valdes, but the goalkeeper clear the ball for the corner. Valdes performance had a bit inconsistent and made a few silly error.



Until the 90th minute of the match, Barca keep on pushing United and searching the precious away goal but they couldnt get through the United Strong Hold and United repeat their 1999 history with going to Final of UEFA Champions League.

thanx to theplaya

EPL Highlight - Manchester United vs Arsenal ( 2-1 )

Manchester United goes 6 points clear from the arch rival, Chelsea after they defeated the second biggest challenge, Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford last night. Both team need a win to strengthen their title challenge but for Arsenal they must win to make sure they still on track. But, it was a nightmare for them, when they almost had more ball possession starting the early minute of the match, but still they cant deny the Champions fighting spirit and end up losing to the home side.

Arsenal started the match with a very strong and "Arsenal way" of playing. Their pass and through pass has been improved since the young gunners took in charge the team. In the first half, a lot of chances goes begging. Starting with a great cross from Eboue and found unmarked Adebayor but the ball hit Ferdinand leg and Ferdinand conceded the corner.

The first chance came to United when Scholes managed to pass the ball to the Arsenal penalty box and Ronaldo came through and passed Arsenal's defenders and made a very nice low cross to Rooney, but Rooney's shot has been saved by Lehmann at the side post of Arsenal's goal.



After that on the first half, United manage to get some golden chances caused by young Arsenal defender, Song when he missed to control the ball and Rooney run to get the ball but his shot has been saved by Lehmann's left leg. What a chance..



When the players entered the field for the second half of the match, Arsenal continue their well-played football until Adebayor's hand scored the first goal of the match. Fabregas put a decent cross pass Rio Ferdinand and Adebayor ( referee saw he head the ball ) head pass the goalkeeper. From the video it was clearly a hand goal. What a controversial goal. ( see Adebayor's hand when the ball hit his hand ) ..



But it was been a "hand" match when United awarded a penalty kick when Arsenal skipper hand ball while trying to block United's shot. The penalty has been retaken because of Park Ji Sung encroached to the penalty box before Ronaldo kicked the ball. But he calmly took the the spot with a great low shot at the right side of Lehmann.



United start to get a morale boost when they draw the level to 1-1. At 72th minutes, again, the Gunners defender conceded a free kick just in front of the penalty box. And Owen Hargreaves stepped up to take the free kick. He knew that he need to take the kick although he didnt ask Ronaldo about it. At last, he made an exquisite curly free kick, passed the wall and passed the goalkeeper. What a very nice kick. Lehmann stood at his place without moved an inch. It was a relief for Sir Alex Ferguson who really need this match end with a win.



So with this win, there are 4 more games to be played but their opponent is tough. First is Blackburn, Chelsea and West Ham ( who win the first met ). Hope United can become this season champions. See ya.

thanx to Marumaro and White_Pheonix

Manchester United - Pique looks forward to Barca reunion

Gerard Pique whose belong to Barcelona Youth Team before joining United are looking forward and happy towards the Champions League Semi Final match between MU and Barcelona at the Nou Camp. He joined United in 2004 and has played several key role in this season for his current team. He scores his first goal this season when they played with Roma in the league round.

He said, "It means a lot for me to go back to the Nou Camp,".. "I grew up there and it will be a great feeling to return. I hope we go through. We are very confident even though they are one of the best teams in Europe.

"I think a lot of people want a Barcelona v United final but this isn’t possible. Instead, we’ll play in the semi-finals and it will be a great tie. I think the fans will really enjoy it."

In the absence of Vidic, United's strong centre back who picked up injury since last week, Pique seemingly the right choice for fill the place. Pique stress his confidence about United go through to the Final.

"I think we have a great chance of making the final," he said. "The injury situation is good and everybody is doing a job when they come into the side. I think we can do it and I hope we’ll be in Moscow.

"It’s easy to come into the side and play because everyone’s playing well and we all know our roles. It’s easy to step into this team and enjoy your football when you’re on the pitch."

The Interview extracted from ManUtd.com - The official website for Manchester United.

Champions League Highlight - Manchester Utd vs Roma ( 1 - 0 )

Its look like Manchester United has continue their winning form to 11 win in all competition after beating Roma at Old Trafford this morning. They pass through Roma with 3-0 aggregate. With, Sir Alex Ferguson resting his key players at the bench, but still Man Utd show their teamwork and great form to their manager to go through to the semi final.

Sir Alex Ferguson give his trust to the team to play and win without Ronaldo and Rooney ( both scored in the past match ) and the team shown their skill to start ripping off Roma's defender.

The attacks started in the early minute of the match with Owen Hargreaves and Park Ji Sung show their own ability. They lead the team with outstanding pass and cross to feed lone striker Carlos Tevez.

But on the 30th minutes, Roma has been given a penalty when Mancini brought down by Brown. But from the replay show there was no contact between these two players. De Rossi stepped up to take the penalty but his penalty gone wild. And he was very frustated.



The nightmare for Roma came on the 70th minutes when United plays the ball through the right flank, with Owen Hargreaves dribble the ball and Tevez run to the penalty box and Owen give a really outstanding cross and found Tevez flying header. Tevez headed the ball crossed the goalkeeper and went to the right side of the goal.



But the biggest things happen this morning was Gary Neville has been given chances to play in the last 10 minute time. The Manchester United skipper had a long injury and today he was confident that he can play for the season finale for Manchester United.

Thanx to kehl1

EPL Injuries - Man United patience with Rio Ferdinand medical result

This latest news brought to you by 4thegame.com

What The Fak said : vidic + ferdinand = Manchester United loose control..

Manchester United's defensive problems have deteriorated after Rio Ferdinand limped out of Sunday's 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough.

United are already without Nemanja Vidic for at least the next two weeks and Sir Alex Ferguson opted to play with John O'Shea alongside Ferdinand at the Riverside Stadium while Wes Brown started at right-back.

RIO FERDINAND

Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website: "We got a few bumps and bruises, but we'll assess things on Monday.

"Hopefully Rio's injury isn't serious. He was limping for quite a while and the danger with carrying on with him was we weren't going to get a full performance level from him."

Meanwhile, the veteran Scot thought his side's exciting draw on Teesside was a point won rather than two points lost as the battle for the Premier League title intensified.

"We could have lost the game," he admitted. "They had some chances and our defending was a bit haphazard at times.

"But on the other side of it, we could have won the game. Some of our football was terrific and we looked very strong and in control when we took the lead.

"Wayne Rooney was wrongly flagged offside when he was clean through just after that and when they got their equaliser it became a great game of football.

"It was end-to-end and both teams deserve great credit for producing a performance like that at this stage of the season.

"It could turn out to be an important point and our goal difference is very good as well. But we can't take anything granted.

"I said some weeks ago that the most consistent team will win it and hopefully it turns out to be us."

EPL Highlight - Middlesbrough vs Manchester United ( 2-2 )

Sir Alex Ferguson's boys chose the hard way to end this season's title chase after a battling draw with Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium just now. They start with a great possession and draw the first blood to the visitor. Unfortunately, two goals from Afonso Alves denied the Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal. Until, Rooney found the net in the last 15 minutes.


The first goal came when Ronaldo made a great shot 5 yards from the goal, after a panic situation at the Middlesbrough's penalty area.



But on the 35th minute of the match, Alves found the way to score pass the Man United veteran goalkeeper, Edwin Van der Sar.



Alves got through Man United defenders, who lost Vidic with a superb second goal for himself and for Boro. Alves shown a great form after 8 matches without scoring any goals.



The visitor side survived at least one point after substitute Park Ji Sung delivering a lucky low cross that found Wayne Rooney and took a deflection from a Boro player before the ball pass Schwarzer.



After this draw, Manchester United still at the top of the league and just 3 points adrift from the in-form Chelsea. The title league is still open to the top 3 club. If, Manchester United have to beat all their opponent that reduce to 5 more matches including Arsenal and Chelsea. Stay put while we see the EPL title chase become more fun and breathtaking.

Thanx to simaofcp

Champions League - Roma vs Manchester United ( 0 - 2 )

On Wednesday Morning ( Malaysia Time ), Manchester United had continue their unbeaten run between Roma since they lose to Roma last year Champions League Quarter Final. Since then, they keep on winning and have something I can call it as a strategy of "How to win against Roma". Win at Roma's home ground will make MU become the favorites to move to the Semi Final on the end on this month.

Two goals from R & R combination make Sir Alex Ferguson can shift his focus back to Premier League match on Sunday night. With Rooney has find his scoring form back again, it means R & R combination will be a vital weapon for MU.

The first goal is from Ronaldo's Torpedo header. Scholes dribbled the ball to the right side of Roma and sent a great cross and he found Ronaldo. Ronaldo run to the penalty area and head the ball pass Doni ( Roma's goalkeeper ). He got injured after scored the goal, but he raised up back again.



Credits to kehl1

Roma's defensive side make an error on the second half that gives the room for Rooney to score for MU. Rooney took the advantage from a critical situation in front of the Roma's goal.


Credits to kehl1

The next leg will be play on 9th April at Old Trafford Stadium.

United near to title cup

This post is extracted from 4thegame.com ...

What The Fak said : MU become the most favorite to win the EPL Title this season. With the strong win 4-0 to Aston Villa, Sir Alex Ferguson's team must focus until the big match at Stamford Bridge. Let see who can survive..

In a game dominated by the three Rs - Ronaldo, Rooney and the rain - Manchester United chalked up their 700th win under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Torrential rain poured down from the heavens for much of the match and Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and the rest of United's stars made it sheer hell for Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa side.

This was the Red Devils' 14th straight League and Cup win over Villa and it was executed by current champions who look odds-on favourites to retain their title.

It looked ominous for Villa as early as the 11th minute when Ronaldo's sprint across the edge of the box ended with his shot being turned behind for a corner by goalkeeper Scott Carson.

Six minutes later, their Portuguese star pulled another gem from his mine of outstanding goals.

Ryan Giggs' corner into the heart of the Villa box spun off Wilfred Bouma to Ronaldo, ten yards out, and he scored with the most audacious of right-foot back-flicks - the ball going through Martin Laursen's legs on its way into the net.

United made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute from a glorious move.

It was started and finished by Carlos Tevez when he found Paul Scholes in the centre.

Scholes blasted his pass to Ronaldo coming up on the right side of the Villa penalty area and his pinpoint cross to the far post saw the flying Tevez score with a free header from six yards.

If the first half had been good in atrocious conditions the second proved magnificent with the weather deteriorating rapidly.

United's third goal came eight minutes after the restart.

It followed another United chance when Ronaldo's close-range effort had been turned over via the bar by Carson's legs.

Villa never really recovered with Giggs' pass being brilliantly flicked into Rooney's path by Ronaldo and the England man turned home his left-foot shot from ten yards out.

Rooney hit the Villa post in the 68th minute when another incisive United move involving Giggs and Tevez created the opening for the United striker.

But, two minutes later, it was 4-0 as Giggs found Anderson, who turned the ball onto Ronaldo and his pass to Rooney, on the left-side of the box, was side-footed home right-footed by the England man from 12 yards.

Villa's last chance of the game came in the 56th minute when Shaun Maloney's rasping drive from the left side of the United penalty area was turned onto the bar and over by goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "The title doesn't feel that close for us, but there is great confidence in the way the team is playing and that's always great at this time of the year.

"The players reached a peak last week and we continued that today. They realise now it's a race to the line, we need consistency and real focus and we showed fantastic energy, which is a very pleasing aspect considering some of them have been away for internationals."

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill added: "If you could ever try to set the benchmark, that's it.

"We came up against a team on top of their game and we have to admit they were splendid.

"There were things there to give us heart. The scoreline was pretty strong, but we had one or two chances that could have made it more respectable."

Manchester United - Anderson aiming high

This interview extracted from Manchester United Official Site.

Brazilian midfielder Anderson could already lay claim to an unforgettable debut season. But, as he told United Review, there's more he can do to make it even better...

How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?

I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.

Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?
If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!

You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?
I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.

The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?
I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure the manager will play me wherever he feels I will be most effective.

Are you pleased to have avoided Liverpool in the Champions League draw and how much are you looking forward to facing Roma again?
To be honest I didn’t really have a preference as to who we were drawn with in the quarter-finals because at this stage of the competition every game is a tough one, no matter who you play. It’ll be a little strange to play Roma again so soon after the group matches, but I’m really looking forward to the tie. We all want to win the trophy and we know we’ll have to fight very hard to do that. But we have a great chance.

Aside from helping the team win trophies, presumably you’re looking to add goals to your game sometime soon…
I’m literally praying for goals [laughs]! I’m hopeful that when I start scoring I will score some important goals in important games. I’ve certainly got some good celebrations planned!

The fixture schedule is going to be very busy between now and the end of the season – are you looking forward to the challenge?
It’s a beautiful thing to be involved in a finale to a season such as this one. We’re in a good position in the Premier League and the Champions League and we are focused on winning both trophies. Do I get nervous? [Puts on his sunglasses and reclines in his chair, grinning] No, never. I’m always happy! And I hope I will be even happier come the end of the season.