Roy Keane back at Old Trafford

Tomorrow see’s the return of the legend that is “Roy Keane”

Bringing with him Sunderland, who have not had that good a start this season, hoping for a result against his old boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

He will be welcomed as one of the old United legends, his service to United was never in doubt,a totally loyal and committed player, who has been hard to replace.

Should be a good day at Old Trafford, the first time “Keano” has been back since he left, so you can hear those chants now “there’s only one Keano”, a mixed day of emotions for all concerned, Keano thinking and remembering what he left and wishing he could beat us tomorrow to set himself up for the season at Sunderland and of course United fans wishing him well but also wanting to beat his team for the much needed points.

Also on the same day we say goodbye to another United great, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, so I guess tomorow is a day of goodbyes and welcomes at the same time, we shall miss him as a player but he will at least be staying on as an Ambassador for United, taking on some of the responsibilties of Sir Bobby Charlton and also teaching some of the new guys how to find that goal on the training field.

Whatever your reason for visiting Old Trafford tomorrow, whether you are a United fan or Sunderland, you can definitely say, it was a day to remember.

United Having To Hold Back Wayne Rooney

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney’s recovery from a broken metatarsal is going very well and that the England international even wanted to play against Tottenham at the weekend.

Rooney suffered the injury in the first match of the season, the third time in his career that he’s broken a bone in his foot, but he could be back in action as early as the middle of September in a match with Everton.

Ferguson said: “Rooney’s fine. He’s jogging and he even wanted to play against Spurs!

“Typical Rooney, he wanted to play with an injection. It’s quite possible he’ll be back in three weeks.”

The United manager confirmed reports that the club are working with Nike in an attempt to create a new boot for Rooney, who will miss next months England qualifiers, to stop what has become a worryingly frequent problem.

He explained: “We’re looking at his running style. It is very powerful and he comes down heavily on the ground.

“I went across the whole range of issues involved with Nike and they are not slow in getting solutions to make sure everyone’s happy, particularly their players.”

Farewell to the Legend that is Ole Gunnar Solksjaer

Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to announce his retirement from football on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Norwegian has been plagued by a series of knee injuries. Solskjaer, who scored the winner in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999, made several comebacks in the past four years. Solskjaer joined United from Molde for £1.5m in 1996 and has the former Norway international has made 366 appearances for United, scoring 126 goals. The striker scored 11 goals as the Red Devils reclaimed their Premier League crown last season. Solskjaer’s last game for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side was the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on 19 May 19 when he came on as an extra-time substitute at Wembley. He has already spent time at United coaching young players and was appointed a club ambassador last year. The retirement of Solskjaer leaves Ferguson with only three strikers – Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez – the latter being the only one presently fully fit. Ferguson has been linked with a move for Bolton’s Nicolas Anelka and Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, although the latter has insisted his immediate future lies at White Hart Lane. United have sold fellow strikers Alan Smith to Newcastle and Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal. Tevez has also been included in Argentina’s squad for the friendly against Australia in Melbourne next month, which could further stretch Ferguson’s resources. Saha, whose own United career has been dogged by injury, had hoped to make his return against Spurs at the weekend but his comeback was aborted. He is expected to be fit to face Sunderland at the weekend, but his persistent knee problems have proved a major cause of concern. Solskjaer returned to fitness last term, and was hopeful of playing a meaningful role this season, despite undergoing minor knee surgery in June. But he has had problems during his rehabilitation and recently admitted he fully expected this to be his last season. Now the announcement that one of Old Trafford’s most popular figures is quitting the game has been brought forward.

Just Thoughts

Please remember these are my thoughts only, doesn’t mean they are written in stone, just allows for discussion whether you agree or not.

Van Der Sar – Nothing really new here, he still doesn’t look like the old confident Edwin to me.

Brown – Again nothing new,when Gary Neville is fit, his place is very doubtful, although in recent seasons he has done really well, in Rio’s role but just
lately, doubtful.

Rio – I am having big problems with Rio right now, he is either absolutely brilliant or completely crap, some of his decisions in defence, make me feel very nervous, just lately I find myself heaving a sigh of relief once he has got rid of the ball away from him.

Vidic – This guy has got the potential to be one of the best defenders in the business, he aerial ability is excellent, not much gets past him but at passing the ball he is shit, he only knows one pass and thats to Rio, too predictable for attackers to read his play, he needs more practice on his passing, to make him the complete defender.

Evra – Such speed, such skill, he has improved so much this past season, alot of play seems to be going his way at the moment, especially with the absence of Neville on the opposite wing, real asset to United, just hope he stays clear of injury.

Carrick – I like this man but he really seems to have lost faith in his own ability, his passing of the ball is second only to Scholes but lately his passes seem to be going sideways more than forward, hope he sorts that out, maybe he his worried about his place now Hargreaves has arrived and he has lost that central role to Hargreaves also, so that might have made a difference.

Hargreaves – Good work horse,totally committed, he seems to pop up everywhere on the field, I dont think it will be too long before he scores a few as well.

Scholes – What can you say about Scholes, that hasn’t been said already, always trying to find the front men, with his long passing and also the link up of short one-two’s is brilliant, always racing back to defend as much as possible.

Giggs – Ryan worries me so much, he has lost that edge right now, he looks like he has lots of problems weighing down on his shoulders, haven’t seen him smile in weeks, maybe its the pressure of not winning, or quite simply maybe it’s his age now taking its toll, I really hope he can bounce back and finish what might be his last season in style.

Nani – A couple of games in and he is proving he was worth the money, today he was everywhere also, back defending one minute, launching an attack the next, he really unnverves defences just like Ronaldo, give it a few more games and he will shine even more and dont be surprised if he doesn’t finish the season with a good tally of goals.

Tevez – A right handful of a player but this man needs a partner to play off, he will come on in leeps and bounds once he links up with someone regular
upfront, he needs that extra person to take the pressure off him and allow him some freedom to do what he does best, Tevez and Rooney playing together I still think, are gonna scare the shit out of many many teams.

Eagles – I have to say, I really am not so sure he has the class to succeed at United, yes he has scored a couple of goals but look at the opposition he was up against, again his place is still not guaranteed, when we are back at full strength.
Some will probably say yes we want more from him but he does ok and does what Fergie asks of him ……guess the jury is still out on him for most people.

Todays game was never going to be an easy one, Tottenham needing points just as much as we did, so it was going to be a fight all the way,I do think with the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney missing, other teams have seen their chance to gain a few points from us,knowing we would not be at full strength and thinking we were vunerable in certain areas, that is about to change, in the next few weeks, with some players returning, Ronaldo after the next match, Saha will be ready for the Sunderland game, Gary Neville in 2 weeks time and now they are saying Wayne will be back in 3 weeks(lets hope so uh?).

So dont base any result on todays game, it was a much needed 3 points definitely and gratefully accepted but it was no where like the United yet to come in the next few weeks, all in all we have lost only one game and thats without having our best players taking part, so my warning to the premiership,watch this space, you aint seen nothing yet, the best is still to come.

AND FINALLY
to all the Tottenham fans —- fuck off it wasn’t a penalty.

Bobby Charlton lifts the lid on feud with brother Jack

 Bobby Charlton broke a long silence over the reasons for a bitter family rift with his brother Jack, in an interview before next month’s release of his autobiography.

The Charlton brothers, team mates when England won the World Cup in 1966, have been estranged for many years but in an interview published in The Times magazine on Saturday, Bobby said he was stung by his older brother’s criticism of his wife a decade ago, calling it disgraceful.

Passing acquaintance: Bobby Charlton and brother Jack

He said when he sees him at reunions of England players they do talk, but he is not looking for a reconcillation – and they don’t meet up at Christmas.

“Jack came out in the newspapers saying things about my wife that were absolutely disgraceful,” Charlton, 69, said ahead of the publication from Monday of extracts from his book “My Manchester United Years”.

“Ask anyone that ever met my wife: “hoity-toity” is not a word they’d use.”

Bobby, who won 106 caps and holds the scoring records for both England (49) and Manchester United (198) added: “My brother made a big mistake. I don’t understand why he did it. He couldn’t have possibly known her and said what he said. I was astonished.”

Jack, who won 35 caps for England and later coached Ireland, had publicly criticised his brother’s wife Norma after she and the Charltons’ mother Cissie had a falling out.

Bobby said his wife had tried to get along with his mother.

“(My mother) was a strong character. My wife is also a very strong character … There was a clash and it just never went away really. We stopped seeing each other. At the end of the day you have to have your priorities and mine was my wife.”

Charlton said he felt no sorrow over the estrangement with his brother and said no one else should either.

Opposite sides: Bobby Charlton and Jack in their playing days

“I don’t think anyone should feel sad about it. He’s a big lad, I’m a big lad and you move on. I’m not going to ruin the rest of my life worrying about my brother and I’ve no doubt he’s the same. If we see each other we’ll say hello.

“I’m sorry it happened but life goes on.”

In the book, Charlton also said he is still haunted by the 1958 Munich air crash in which 23 passengers died including eight Manchester United players. He survived with minor injuries.

“It still reaches down and touches me every day,” Charlton writes. “Sometimes I feel it quite lightly, a mere brushstroke across an otherwise happy mood. Sometimes it engulfs me with terrible regret and sadness.”

United v Spurs Preview

Manchester Evening News

24/ 8/2007
UNITED skipper Gary Neville has been ruled out for two more weeks after picking up a thigh injury in training.

Neville, who has spent the summer recovering from ankle and calf problems, had trained all week and might have played some part in Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Tottenham until he suffered his latest setback.

The injury seems certain to rule Neville out of England’s Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Russia next month, although he should be fit for United’s trip to Everton on September 15.

There is some good news on the fitness front for Sir Alex Ferguson though as Louis Saha is likely to be on the bench against Spurs.

Saha was a key figure in United’s blistering start to the season last term but has been plagued by injury problems throughout 2007 so far.

Like Neville, the Frenchman has been in full training this week and Ferguson is hopeful he will be involved.

Edwin van der Sar is available too after scans revealed the veteran Dutchman suffered no major damage to his foot in a training ground collision with Dirk Kuyt on Tuesday which caused the keeper to miss his country’s friendly defeat to Switzerland.

Brazil international Anderson is also set to make his competitive bow after overcoming a hamstring strain, although Wayne Rooney (broken foot) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (knee) are still missing and Cristiano Ronaldo is serving the second match of a three-game ban.

Convinced

Michael Carrick, meanwhile, is convinced former club Tottenham will be pushing for a Champions League spot at the end of the season.

The United midfielder retains a soft spot for the White Hart Lane outfit, who have been in turmoil this week as speculation swirled around current boss Martin Jol.

Carrick can only hope the frenzy has a destabilising effect on Spurs as he knows it is imperative United collect their first three points of the campaign when the two sides meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But, having spent two years at Tottenham before his £18million move to United last summer, Carrick still wants them to do well.

And, while he wants their season to get worse before it gets better, the England star – who won his 14th cap against Germany on Wednesday – believes it is only a matter of time before Spurs turn their season around.

“Tottenham will be alright,” he told MUTV.

“They were a great club for me. I really enjoyed my time there and I still want them to do well.

“They have finished fifth in the last two seasons and now they probably have the players to challenge for a top four spot.

“Whether they get it or not remains to be seen but I am sure they will be just as close, if not closer. I certainly don’t think they should get too dispirited about things just now.”

The same is also true at United, although Sir Alex Ferguson has already acknowledged his side face ‘an uphill task’ to retain their Premier League title.

Tottenham left-back Gareth Bale could make his club debut in the clash after resuming full training following thigh and knee problems in pre-season.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Michael Dawson (ankle), Younes Kaboul (hamstring), Ledley King (knee) and Aaron Lennon (knee) are all out of the Old Trafford visit.

Darren Bent (thigh) is a doubt but Dimitar Berbatov (groin) is a possibility. Teemu Tainio is in contention.

Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Heaton, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O’Shea, Evra, Silvestre, Fletcher, Eagles, Carrick, Scholes, Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Saha, Tevez.

Tottenham Hotspur (from): Robinson, Cerny, Chimbonda, Bale, Lee, Stalteri, Gardner, Rocha, Zokora, Tainio, Jenas, Routledge, Malbranque, Boateng, Huddlestone, Ghaly, Murphy, Taarabt, Berbatov, Bent, Keane, Defoe.

Last season: United 1 Tottenham 0

Key opponent: Dimitar Berbatov – Bulgarian striker – who has been linked with United – is one of the most intelligent footballers in the league

Prediction: United 2 Tottenham 0 – Surely the Reds will record their first victory of the new season

Rafa throws his dummy out of the pram.

The simmering tension between Liverpool and Manchester United over the Gabriel Heinze saga became verbal warfare today as Anfield boss Rafael Benitez launched a staggering attack on the Premier League and the Old Trafford club.

Heinze has had his attempts to join Liverpool blocked by a Premier League hearing, that sided with United over who they could sell the player to once their £6.8million valuation had been met.

But not only has Benitez attacked the Premier League decision, which could leave Heinze’s career in limbo until his contract ends, he has also directed his fury at the Old Trafford hierarchy.

In a Liverpool Echo interview, Benitez claims decisions are being taken which favour Liverpool’s old rivals with yesterday’s dismissal of Heinze’s bid to move to Anfield the latest setback.

Benitez said: “I would like to ask the Premier League a number of questions. How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this?

“He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?”

And broadening his attack from the Heinze issue, Benitez said: “Then I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

“We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season.

“Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?”

Mascherano joined Liverpool from West Ham in the January transfer window and the deal took weeks to clear as the row over third party ownership of players at Upton Park raged on.

The Tevez move to Old Trafford took less time to approve, with the Argentina star’s representatives paying West Ham £2m to release his registration in time to beat the transfer deadline.

Benitez added: “It’s going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but I want our supporters to know that despite the disadvantages we have, we will fight all the way.

“We will fight to cope with our more difficult kick-off times and all the other decisions which are going against us.”

But it is the Heinze decision, stopping Liverpool buying the defender who believed he had a letter clearing his exit for a set sum, that has upset Benitez most.

He now must consider contingency plans knowing that any appeal by Heinze may not be concluded by the time the transfer window shuts at the end of August.

An appeal panel on the Premier League’s decision will include a PFA representative and a high ranking member of the legal profession.

Heinze remains optimistic an appeal will be accepted and is in no mood to give up on his hopes of moving to Liverpool.

His solicitor, Richard Green said: “We are extremely disappointed with the result and we will be appealing.”

It is being suggested that United would be happy for Heinze to be loaned out to a mid-table Premier League side or agree to a transfer overseas, with Lyon at the front of the queue while Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the Argentinian.

The Premier League are disappointed by Benitez’s comments.

A spokesman said: “The Premier League tried to make sure that our dealings with all our member clubs, including the scheduling of fixtures, are as fair as possible.

“We are disappointed to read Rafael Benitez’s comments in the press, especially when channels exist for every member club to raise any issues directly with the league.”

Thoughts on todays game Man City 1-0 Man Utd

How can a team that had so much possession, not score a goal?

Its really sad and frustrating as a fan watching them play.

We played really well, just always lacked that finishing ability, this is now going to open up all the arguments and cries of we need a striker again!!!

Football is like anything a percentage of skill and luck and the right management decisions.

Today I question a couple of those decisions.

Why was Nani replaced with Eagles?

Why was Tevez up front on his own most of the match?

What the fuck is wrong with Ryan Giggs? He just doesn’t seem himself right now.

Nani did really well for only his third premiership game, he had a couple of chances but missed them, just lack of experience yet but it will come.

Tevez was out bullied many many times by Richards (definitely man of the match) and Dunne, as for not heading the ball into the net, watch the replays and you will see why he didnt, he couldnt see the ball until the last second.

Hargreaves first full game and personally I thought he did fucking excellent.

We are definitely missing Rooney and Ronaldo, he’s the fighter all defences fear and Ronaldo the trickster keeping them guessing.

We can come up with 100’s of reasons, excuses call it what you like, just wasn’t our day at the council house again, not the first time we have lost there or probably the last, bad karma at city always has been.

No I am not very happy about the result but this is the team I have been following all my life and I certainly aint gonna stop now, good times or bad, United are still the best for me.

Time to take stock and pick ourselves up again and be ready for the next match.

Its a long long season yet and you cant keep a team like United down for long, write them off at your peril.

Fergie “results will come”

CHAMPIONS United can blast back from their sticky opening to the season insists manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

A year ago at the same stage, the Reds were in the box seat with six points and eight goals scored.

But now they are already four points behind title rivals Chelsea, and neighbours City have the same cushion.

The Reds boss believes, however, that patience is called for. He said: “I am looking at the form of the team and I am saying to them: ‘Well done’. But we have dropped points.

“That is frustrating because the performance level has been very good. But the important thing is to be patient and rely on the experience of us, the staff. Then the players will come right.

“The position is recoverable, of course. There are a lot of ways of looking at football. We dropped two points at Reading last season and we lost three at Portsmouth, but won the title.

“It would be nice to have the striker situation much more comfortable, but Carlos Tevez was absolutely fantastic at Portsmouth.

“We know that he is needing more games and more training but his start was fantastic. I’d hate to play against him.”

The tone of City’s approach last May was set with Michael Ball’s early, outrageous stamp on Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ferguson is expecting it to be as tough at Eastlands tomorrow, but hopes that referee Mark Clattenburg will protect his players from derby fever.

“I think it will be the same as the last derby,” continued Sir Alex. “It is up to the referee to be strong. City have a point to prove. Their fans get them up.

“Last May they had all these scarves provided by the club. They spent a fortune trying to get things going but they never had a shot at goal!

“They never tried to beat us. It was amazing. We went there trying to win the league and they were quite happy!

Biggest game of the season

“But the rivalry is still intense. City look at it as their biggest game of the season, whereas we will have more challenges ahead.

“Nevertheless, you want to win derby games, because for supporters it is a big moment to get the bragging rights until we meet again.

“You won’t change the derby feeling in the city. It is a big, big game.”

United’s summer recruits Owen Hargreaves and Anderson are still not fit for their Premier League debuts.

The £35m-plus pair from Bayern Munich and Porto respectively both had outings in United’s pre-season matches after the Asia tour, but neither has featured in the Reds’ start in the top flight.

England midfield ace Hargreaves is still struggling with tendonitis of the knee, and Brazilian Anderson has a hamstring problem.

United’s medical staff want Hargreaves to let nature take its course, and have ruled out surgery.

Added the United manager: “Owen is still feeling the problem. He is doing some bits of training. which is encouraging.

“We think we are on the right road to sorting it. The better way is to do it naturally. He has been training reasonably well. He hasn’t been full out but it’s not bad.

“We are prepared to stay on this course unless it deteriorates in any way.

“If it does in any way, shape or form then we will have to consider an injection.

“Anderson is training. It’s not full out but hopefully he is getting a bit better.”

Captain Gary Neville is also doing bits of work at Carrington but is not ready for a return.

And Fergie is hoping to pencil in a match for Louis Saha to make progress towards match fitness after his knee operation in the summer.

Tevez: I’ve Joined The Best Team In The World

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez has revealed that he’s enjoying life at the club and is looking forward to getting more games under his belt.

The Argentina international made a surprise debut for United at Portsmouth on Wednesday night, following the injury of Wayne Rooney at the weekend.

Having made his first start for the club, the former West Ham star is looking to recreate the form that helped the Hammers avoid relegation last term.

“First and foremost I want to get games under my belt so I’m physically strong,” he told MUTV. “From then on I want to be part of this great team and hopefully begin to produce the kind of football I played last season to help the team be successful.”

The 23-year-old also reiterated that he does not regret his decision to join Manchester United and thinks that all the controversy surrounding the transfer this summer was worth it

“I feel very happy – I’ve joined the best club in the world with the best players in the world. It’s not difficult to see the qualities every one of them has,” he said.