[bbfan1991]

Preview: Chelsea v United

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...er-United.aspx

[Brother Leon]

Originally Posted by wannashag

their name's Manchester united to their real fan's

Don't belittle me about real fans. I've paid and travelled to see them in places from Amaterdam to Portugal. Acting like I called them Man U or something.



Anyway. So excited to see Ruud again. We were such a one man team is his days.

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has shutdown talk of a move to Real Madrid.

De Gea, 21, has a fight on his hands with United’s No 2 Anders Lindegaard.

But, ahead of today’s crucial trip to Chelsea, De Gea told The Sun: “I am happy at United and not thinking about a return to Spain.

“I’ve accepted the challenge to learn and improve as a professional.

“And fighting for my place gives me a bigger incentive to play well.”

[bbfan1991]

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie cannot split Sir Alex Ferguson and his former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

Van Persie will face his former club for the first time since defecting to Manchester United in the summer when the Gunners go to Old Trafford on Saturday.

RVP said: “I am the only player who can judge what it’s like working with Arsene and Sir Alex.

“It is an absolute privilege to say that in my career I have had both these managers at the clubs I have played for. They are both icons as managers in football. They are both world class, one not more nor less than the other. I purely look at this comparison as a footballer. I look at the way they both work on the pitch, in training, at the club and off the field.”

Van Persie added: “I had a fantastic time with Arsene. I enjoyed training, playing, talking and all the other times I spent with him. I love it that I now experience the same with Sir Alex.

“But what I love about both managers is that they came to their clubs for a good cause.

“They both wanted to be at the club for a really long time.”


He has forgotten Mikael Silvestre.

[bbfan1991]

About time we got a win at Chelsea.

Youtube video

[bbfan1991]

Report: Chelsea 2 United 3

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...ue-report.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Chicha ignores controversy

Javier Hernandez shrugged off the controversial nature of United's victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, focusing instead on the importance of the Reds' thrilling 3-2 triumph.

The Mexican striker was in an offside position when he turned home Rafael's 75th-minute cross-shot, prompting fury among a home support still smarting from seeing their side reduced to nine men.

Chicha was hardly perturbed, however, telling Sky Sports: "We don't care. We win, we have the three points. That was the only thing we had on our mind. Probably for some people it was very controversial, for other people not.

"For us, we won the three points and it is very difficult to come here to Stamford Bridge and take the three points, and we're very lucky and happy with that."

Asked if he had suspected he was offside because he immediately turned to check for an official's flag, the Mexican shrugged: "Probably. I think it's a habit that I have to look to the linesman.

"It was a really difficult game because the final part of the first half they came on, but we were lucky we scored the last goal. Every time we play with our rivals to win the Premier League, every game is tough, so we're very happy we got the three points."

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex: We got a break

Sir Alex Ferguson felt United had a little slice of luck with Javier Hernandez's winner at Chelsea as TV replays showed the substitute was marginally offside when converting Rafael's driven cross.

However, the boss had little sympathy for Fernando Torres after the striker was shown a second yellow card for simulation, leaving the Barclays Premier League leaders down to 10 men.

"It's 10 years since we won here [in the league]," he told Sky Sports after the 3-2 triumph. "I said before the game that we've had some shocking decisions down here. It's very difficult to come here and get all the decisions as it's a very difficult place. The crowd played a part, they were terrific and right behind their team, and we buckled in the minutes before and after half time.

"I think we gathered ourselves well and got back into the game. They said the winning goal could have been offside, so that's a bit of luck we got, but we started the game so well. We were absolutely brilliant but then, 10 minutes from half time, we lost our way a bit. I couldn't wait for half time, to be honest, then they got the second goal and, from that moment, we had to start performing properly and I think we did that."

Sir Alex was asked on his views of the red cards for Branislav Ivanovic, for a blatant trip on Ashley Young, and Torres.

"The sending off of the right-back was the turning point for us," added the manager. "I think we would have won it from that point. I put Chicharito on and he got the winning goal as I think the momentum was with us then.

"Did he [Torres] intend to dive when he could've gone through? I thought he went down. I think Jonny [Evans] may have just caught him a little bit but you can either carry on running, which he could've done, or gone down. He could've carried on and scored that, which I can't understand about goalscorers. I would never have missed that chance - I'd have taken it any time and never gone down. He did go down and had already been booked so it's his own fault.

"You have to give credit to Chelsea, they never gave in and you saw David Luiz running around like a whirling dervish, that's his desire to get back into the game. They gambled - it failed obviously - but they showed great desire to try and win the game. You've got to give them credit for that."

[bbfan1991]

Boss lauds Chicha bravery

Sir Alex Ferguson led the praise for Javier Hernandez after the predatory striker bagged the winner in the 3-2 thriller at Chelsea.

Chicharito nodded the equaliser as the teams shared six goals in last year's fixture at Stamford Bridge and followed up his double strike against SC Braga by converting Rafael's driven cross-shot from close range.

It was an excellent finish, even if he may have been fractionally offside when the ball left the Brazilian defender's foot, and took United back above Manchester City to sit only a point behind Chelsea in the table.

"You want to win the big games and Chelsea hadn't lost a match and are top of the league so it was an important win," Sir Alex told MUTV afterwards.

"We could've been four-up as we had some fantastic football through Rafael and Antonio [Valencia] and we tore them apart on that side. I think they took a long time to get their game going but I was worried in the 15-minute period before half time.

"We could've started the game a bit better in the second half but started to play better when they got their second goal. It was a wake-up call to be honest.

"At that point, I had Chicharito warming up and then they had a man sent off so it consolidated that opinion to bring him on. He's brilliant in there. He took a lot of punishment too. There were a lot of tackles against him but he's such a courageous little lad, such a tough, wee cookie, and he's always going to be a threat to defenders. He's scored the winning goal in an important game."

The Reds' next assignment is also at Stamford Bridge in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night, although both managers are expected to make changes to their teams.

When asked if it could be a lively affair, the boss replied: "Good luck to the referee! But it's a different game with different players. I'm sure they will make changes and we will."

Following the midweek action, the Reds meet another London side in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford.


SAF spot on about Chicharito.

[bbfan1991]

Evans salutes Reds' character

Jonny Evans saluted the character United showed in registering a first domestic win at Stamford Bridge since 2002.

The Reds stormed into a two-goal lead, then won through Javier Hernandez's late tap-in after Chelsea - who also lost two players to red cards - had restored parity.

Now just a point behind the Barclays Premier League leaders, United demonstrated requisite fortitude - particularly as the Blues fought back from two goals down.

"I think that's probably the hardest game we've had this season, especially towards the end of the first half," the defender told Sky Sports. "Chelsea really came at us and put the pressure on us. It was a tough game and we were probably lucky to see it out to 2-1 at half-time.

"Going in 2-1 up was great because it was a bit of an onslaught at that stage, but you've got to show character in games like this. We came out for the second half and you've got to stand up coming here to Stamford Bridge.

"It's a tough game, we knew we were going to be under pressure. They got the equaliser and obviously the sending offs are in-between that, and we managed to finish the game off in the end."

Evans played a central role in the game's second sending off. Fernando Torres, booked for an earlier lunge on Tom Cleverley, tumbled under the defender's challenge and picked up a decisive second caution.

Though Chelsea animatedly protested the decision, Evans concluded that referee Mark Clattenburg had ultimately made the right call - despite admitting he had brushed the Spaniard.

"At the time I didn't feel like I'd made contact," he said. "I've seen it again and there was a bit of contact but I didn't feel like it was enough to bring him down. I think he probably realised he wasn't getting the ball, he's gone down and I think the referee's made the right decision and sent him off."

[bbfan1991]

Class save.

[Brother Leon]

David

[bbfan1991]

He is going to be world class, it will take time but he will prove his critics wrong. Class performance against Chelski.

[Brother Leon]

He gets so much unfair stick it annoys me. You see Hart and Reina do worse things than him this season and hardly a mention.

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Brother Leon

He gets so much unfair stick it annoys me. You see Hart and Reina do worse things than him this season and hardly a mention.

Exactly, although I have noticed that some sensible Liverpool have finally started to notice about Reina and have given him some stick. Joe Hart is being too overhyped by the press but he is a very good GK!

So Chelsea again away in the COC, **** is gonna go down. Arsenal at home in the league after that.

[bbfan1991]

Chicha trolling the Cockney's.

[bbfan1991]

Win delights Carrick

Having seen a string of impressive performances go unrewarded at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, Michael Carrick feels Manchester United's thrilling victory at Chelsea was long overdue.

The Reds edged a game shrouded in controversy as Chicharito turned in a late winner against the nine-man hosts, but the midfielder cared not a jot as the Blues' lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League was trimmed to one point.

"It's a huge three points," Carrick told MUTV. "Not winning here for a long time against our biggest rivals, we wanted to put that right and we wanted to win for that.

"Plus the fact that if we had lost today we would've been well adrift. I know there's a long way to go, but it wouldn't have been a good position for us to be in. So for those two reasons it was a big result.

"Over the last three or four years we've had some really great performances here and not come away with what we deserved, so today it was sweet to get the three points.

"We've really played some great stuff and the performances have been spot on, so to come away with no wins has been disappointing and we felt the next win was close. We have had some decisions not go our way and it's been tough for us here, but maybe that turned around for us today. We'll take what we get!"

Chelsea, United and Manchester City are now separated by a single point at the head of the table and, buoyed by the Reds' impressive form at imposing venues this term, Carrick insists it is key to keep winning such headline-grabbing encounters.

"Especially against your rivals – the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea, Arsenal next week – it's important you take points off them," said the midfielder.

"That's why it was important and next week is just as important. It's a good start to the season. We've obviously had a couple of defeats but we've bounced back and we're still in a good position, so we can be happy."

[bbfan1991]

Loans: Ex-Red inspires Amos


http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Fe...ary-Walsh.aspx

[bbfan1991]

Keane hopes for call-up

Michael Keane is hoping for another first-team chance in the Capital One Cup tie at Chelsea on Wednesday after starring in the victory against Newcastle in the previous round of the competition.

The 19-year-old performed superbly during the 2-1 triumph against the Magpies and also played in last year's win at Aldershot, when he came off the bench for his senior debut.

In an exclusive interview with MUTV, the promising centre-back admits he learned plenty of lessons at Old Trafford in the win on 26 September.

"You play games with more pressure when you get to a higher level," he stated. "Every game you play, you've got more experience of playing for points and playing because it means something rather than just friendlies. When you get called into the first team, you're used to being desperate to win and getting the three points [or getting through].

"I was so tired [after the Newcastle tie]. I've never been that tired after a game. Mentally as well as physically because of the concentration, how the day went building up to it and then the 90 minutes was tough but we did well.

"Obviously it was harder physically being on the big Old Trafford pitch but mentally playing against more experienced players means you have to be concentrating the whole time and not taking any breaks. It does take it out of you but, as long as you concentrate for 90 minutes, you're fine.

"Shola Ameobi has played in the [Barclays] Premier League for years so you know if you're playing against him, you're probably good enough to play in the Premier League. I see it as a challenge to yourself and the whole back four coped reasonably well."

Last year's Reserves Player of the Year has been included in a couple of first-team squads this term and is clearly forcing himself into Sir Alex Ferguson's thoughts.

"I've been training every day," the England Under-19 international continued. "Working hard and getting fitter every day so it's going well.

"When you go on tour and play a few games, it gives you a good taste of first-team football and it just makes you want to play more when you get back. I know there's probably only going to be one or two opportunities because of the players involved but I can't think like that. I've just got to work hard every day in training and prove I'm good enough to play and, hopefully, get picked.

"A lot has happened in the last year but it's been good experience for me. I keep stepping up a level and, hopefully, that will keep happening and I can progress with England and keep getting my chances here in the first team."

[bbfan1991]

Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are on the shortlist of 23 players nominated for the prestigious Ballon d'Or award.

The contenders for FIFA's World Footballer of the Year award were announced on Monday with 11 of the names different from the 2011 list.

Rooney is rewarded for another impressive year at Old Trafford while van Persie's explosive final months at Arsenal contribute to his recognition. Former United favourite Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are expected to battle it out for the award with the Barcelona superstar striving to win it for the fourth consecutive year.

Sir Alex Ferguson is one of 10 managers up for the Coach of the Year prize - alongside fellow Barclays Premier League bosses Roberto Mancini and Roberto Di Matteo.

Ballon d'Or nominees: Sergio Aguero (Man City), Mario Balotelli (Man City), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, now Shanghai Shenhua), Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (ACMilan/PSG), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Neymar (Santos), Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (Man United), Yaya Toure (Man City), Robin van Persie (Arsenal/Man United), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona).

Ballon d'Or Coach nominees: Vicente del Bosque (Spain), Roberto Di Matteo (Chelsea), Sir Alex Ferguson (Man United), Pep Guardiola (ex-Barcelona), Jupp Heynckes (Bayern Munich), Jurgen Klopp (Borussia Dortmund), Joachim Low (Germany), Roberto Mancini (Man City), Jose Mourinho (Real Madrid), Cesare Prandelli (Italy).

[bbfan1991]

Praise for pair


FIFA.com on Wayne Rooney:
With 14 goals between February and May 2012, Wayne Rooney was indispensable for Manchester United, even though his efforts in front of goal were not quite enough for the Red Devils to hold off the challenge of their cross-city rivals in the race for the title. Rooney’s overall tally of 27 was not enough for him to be crowned as the Premier League’s top goalscorer either, an accolade that went to Robin van Persie with 30, and although he also found the back of the net at EURO 2012, England bowed out at the quarter-final stage. An injury sustained at the start of the new Premier League season kept “Wazza” out for a month, but he bounced back to goalscoring ways with a brace against Stoke City on 20 October.

FIFA.com on Robin van Persie:
Although no major team titles came his way in 2012, Robin van Persie was unstoppable in front of goal, finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer with 30 goals for Arsenal. This season, the Dutch striker will be aiming to defend his crown in a Manchester United shirt after his move in August. Since the start of the year, he has scored four braces and two hat-tricks (against Blackburn Rovers for Arsenal in February, and against Southampton for United in September).

[bbfan1991]

De Gea voted star man

David De Gea fended off strong competition from Robin van Persie to earn the ManUtd.com Man of the Match accolade in the superb win at Chelsea.

The Spanish keeper made a string of fine saves, the best of which was a world-class stop to thwart his fellow countryman Fernando Torres in the first half.

By improvising and using his feet to block a couple of difficult attempts by the home side, the youngster again showed his quality after also excelling at Stamford Bridge in last term's 3-3 draw.

Almost 5,500 fans plumped for De Gea, earning the former Atletico Madrid man 52 per cent of the votes with van Persie having to settle for second place.

The Dutch striker's shot crashed off an upright and into the net off David Luiz for the opener before he confidently converted a driven centre by Antonio Valencia to double the lead. After his spin and pass released Ashley Young in the build-up to Branislav Ivanovic's red card, it was also van Persie's shot, touched onto the woodwork by Petr Cech, that ultimately led to Javier Hernandez finishing off Rafael's dangerous ball into the six-yard box.

Wayne Rooney came third in our poll - ahead of defenders Rafael and Rio Ferdinand after another eye-catching performance in a midfield role.

Man of the Match

1st - David De Gea (52 per cent)
2nd - Robin van Persie (34 per cent)
3rd - Wayne Rooney (6 per cent)

Also nominated: Rafael, Rio Ferdinand.


Well done DDG, he deserves it.

[bbfan1991]

Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will return to action within the next week.

Both players have yet to feature this season with Smalling having broken a metatarsal in the summer and Jones struggling with back and knee problems.

Smalling, 22, is back in training and although Wednesday night's Capital One Cup clash with Chelsea will be too soon, Ferguson expects him to return for United's Champions League match with Braga next week.

Meanwhile Jones will return to training on Monday in a major boost for United with Nemanja Vidic currently sidelined after knee surgery.

Ferguson said: "We will try to push Chris on quickly. I don't think he will make Wednesday's game but I am sure he will be ready for the following week.

"There was some hope both he and Phil would be back for this busy schedule.

"Phil will be starting football training next Monday. He still has some running to do. The good news is they are not far away."

[bbfan1991]

Boss: Reds aim for progress

Sir Alex Ferguson has outlined United's aims to follow up the weekend win at Chelsea by knocking the Londoners out of the Capital One Cup.

Although the competition may not be viewed by some as a priority for the Reds, the club have enjoyed an excellent record in recent years and it enables the boss to hand game-time to fringe members of his squad and promising youngsters.

With another huge Barclays Premier League encounter to come in an early kick-off on Saturday, against an Arsenal side buoyed by the remarkable 7-5 win at Reading, there will be changes but the manager is clear on his objective.

"Obviously, we'll make changes for Wednesday," he informed MUTV. "The squad that played against Newcastle will be in place again. I think I will make some changes there but not a lot as we don't want to lose down there anyway. We want to continue in the Cup but there will still be some changes."

The fourth round tie looks like coming too soon for defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.

"Chris has been doing training with us back on the football side of it and we'll try and push him on quickly," added Sir Alex. "But I don't think he'll make the midweek game at Chelsea, although I'm sure he'll be ready for the following week.

"Phil Jones maybe needs another week on the physical part before he can train with us but the good news is he's not far away."

[bbfan1991]

Over yesterdays loss already, although an experience like this will be a benefit for the young lads in order to improve. Focus is on the Arsenal game now.