Arsenal 1 - Manchester United 3

Manchester United showed more character and deserved disciplined performance to completely outplay overconfident Arsenal in their Premier League tie at Emirates on Sunday. It was best team performance so far in this season. With this win, Manchester United has made a very strong chance of winning the league for the fourth time in a row. All they need to do is to continue their disciplined performance.

The pace and movement in the 1st half was exceptional from United Players and the gunners just could keep up. The crisp passing, and especially the early one, had them stretching the whole time.

The 5 man midfield strategy worked again for the red devils and good defensive work was shown by Carrick, Scholes and Fletcher in the midfield. Nani and Park were good at wings and now Sir Alex must consider that Nani can be a very strong weapon if used properly. In short, Nani has been a revelation the last couple of games and it helped United so much!

Rooney is on a different world right now. He is in form of his career. He is playing at such a high level, you wonder just how long this streak will last. His work rate, his anticipation and most importantly, his finishing was as good as one can expect. His 100th goal in the Premier League came at the perfect time. Now Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy with one striker strategy.

Park scored third time against Arsenal and showed a much disciplined role and never tried to do something extraordinary.

Man Utd came up again with second choice centre backs. Sir Alex was forced to sideline United’s first choice centre backs Rio Ferdinand (suspended) and Nemanja Vidic (injured), but the combination of Evans and Brown looked sufficient for Arsenal. Evra and Rafael also ensured to cancel out all threats from Clichy and Sagna from wings.

For Arsenal, Fabregas looked in decent touch as usual. Rosicky and Nasri looked under prepared for this crunch tie. Rest was done by overconfident Arshavin who missed at least four or five chances. Denilson was low on confidence and he almost scored an own goal in the first half. Song came back to team from AFCON and did good tackles to stop any attack from central midfield.

Arsenal came into the game with their first choice defense line up. Thomas Vermaelen’s injury in the mid week tie against Aston Villa didn’t proved to be a major one and he came up for the game. Clichy was stunned by great runs from Nani. After the first goal Gallas started to move upfront all the time. Consequently United’s counter attack provided two more goals to finish the game. Vermaelen scored a consolation goal for Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger’s planning was to attack with Arshavin didn’t proved to be result oriented for Arsenal. He lacked confidence to play with Bendtner for full 90 minutes. Although the weakest part of United’s composition was central defense, but Wenger played with one striker (in fact an attacking midfielder in Strikers position).

Fabregas’ crosses and moves were sometimes more demanding from Walcott and Rosicky. Almunia gain failed to handle the pressure of big game and scored an own goal, failing to clear Nani’s cross. In the second half he gave a direct ball to Nani to give him another easy chance to score more. Arsenal will have to rethink on the capability of Almunia.

In the next week Man Utd has an easy game against Portsmouth, while Chelsea and Arsenal will battle it out for the Capital spoils. Wenger knows that it is important to win against Chelsea to keep their hopes alive for winning the League.

Starting Line Up:

Arsenal

Almunia

Sagna – Gallas – Vermaelen - Clichy
Song - Denilson
Nasri – Fabregas - Rosicky
Arshavin

Manchester United

Van Der Sar

Rafael – Brown – Evans – Evra

Nani – Fletcher- Scholes – Carrick – Park

Rooney

Final Score:

Arsenal 1

(Vermaelen)

Manchester United 3

(Almunia (own goal), Rooney, Park)

Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Men to Watch

Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Men to Watch

For Arsenal: Cesc Fabregas - Fabregas's role is instrumental behind the success of Arsenal in this season. His performance against Aston Villa (3-0 win at Emirates) was stunning. He can turn things around at his own.

For Manchester United: Wayne Rooney!! Who else? Arsenal's Sol Campbell has recently said that Arsenal will have to plan to stop Rooney. Rooney is scoring at a good rate and can take away the game in a blink of an eye.

Rio Ferdinand to miss Arsenal game

Rio Ferdinand will miss the game against Arsenal due to a four game ban for violent conduct. Consequently he will miss games against Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Everton. Nemanja Vidic is almost sure to come back and join Jonny Evans at centre back position against Arsenal.

Ferdinand came back from three months injury to take part in game against Hull and he was found appeared to catch Hull's Craig Fagan in the face with a swinging arm. Normally this type of offense results in a three-match ban. But in this case the disciplinary panel of FA examined the appeal and an extra match suspension was added.

Although Manchester United are considering filing an appeal after Rio Ferdinand received a four-game ban for violent conduct, this may lead his ban to extend for one more game. This will cause him to miss the final of Carling Cup.

Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Preview

Manchester United will take on Arsenal in the Premier League tie at Emirates on 31st Jan. Both teams will go with lots of injuries into this much awaited clash. Arsenal vs Manchester United is a match of great importance in the history of Premier League. This tie was considered as the league decider 4-5 seasons ago.

Arsenal’s Team News

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has recently said that ten players of his team are injured. Eduardo and Arsenal’s best signing of the season Thomas Vermaelen got injured in their previous game against Aston Villa. Sol Campbell did a good job as a substitute for Vermaelen. Nicolas Bendtner came back from injury and replaced Eduardo. Van Persie, Merida, Djourou, Gibbs and Diaby are among other players who will not be available for this crunch game due to injuries.

For Arsenal Eboue and Song have come back from AFCON and may take part in the game.

Manchester United Team News

Manchester United is fully spirited with a win over Man City n the Carling Cup Semi Final. Team’s success depends upon Wayne Rooney. He is in great form and has shown great displays in recent games.

Manchester United is also lots of injured players in their team. Berbatov is not fully fit and it will be difficult for him to play for 90 minutes. Recently returned Rio Ferdinand will be out from this game because of four match ban imposed by FA. Vidic may come back and join Evans at centre back position. Rafael and Evra will be on their full back positions.

In the midfield Sir Alex will go with the same combination that played in the carling cup game. Again Rooney will play as a lone striker.

Probable Line Up:

Manchester United

Van der Sar
Rafael Da Silva - Vidic - Evans - Evra
Giggs - Carrick - Scholes - Nani
Fletcher
Rooney

Arsenal

Almunia
Sagna - Gallas - Campbell - Clichy
Denilson
Nasri - Fabregas - Ramsey - Rosicky
Arshavin

Manchester United 3 – Manchester City 1: Match Review

Finally Manchester United sealed a position in the Carling cup final after a dramatic game at Old Trafford against their arc rivals Manchester City. United’s superstar striker Wayne Rooney headed a cross from Ryan Giggs to send Manchester United into the Carling Cup final in the stoppage time of second half. At the end Manchester City did not looked very comfortable in handling the pressure of big game.

The result was an expected one but the way it came was not expected. After a goalless first half, Scholes scored in 52^nd minute to bring United equal on aggregate. Carrick made it 2-0 with just about 20 minutes left in the game. Carlos Tevez made it 2-1 and looked to have sent the semi-final into extra-time. But the final goal from Rooney sealed the game for Manchester United in the stoppage time.

Earlier in the Premier league Man City have faced similar situation when Owen scored in the stoppage time for United to win the game 4-3. Yesterday it was similar situation and City lost it 4-3 on aggregate.

For Manchester City Richards and Tevez came close to score but Van Der Sar denied them in doing so at both occasions. The game started in tight security and Man City showed great composure in both attack and defense. But games first goal came from 35 years old Paul Scholes when he stroked from 18 yards early in the second half.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson started the game with Rooney as a lone striker with Nani and Giggs on wings. Rooney’s dream form continued and he scored the most important goal of the game for United.

Teams:

Manchester United

Van der Sar

Rafael Da Silva - Ferdinand - Evans - Evra

Giggs - Carrick - Scholes - Nani

Fletcher

Rooney

Manchester City

Given

Richards - Zabaleta - Kompany - Garrido

Wright-Phillips - Barry - De Jong - Boyata

Tevez Bellamy

Final Score:

Manchester United 3 (Scholes, Carrick, Rooney) – Manchester City 1 (Tevez)

Facts of the game:

• All the three goals came from English players for Manchester United
• Garry Neville and Berbatov did not appear in the game. Neville was not even on the bench.
• Sir Alex Ferguson preferred to play with single striker.
• Carlos Tevez scored third time in two games against United.

Manchester United v Manchester City: match preview

England ace striker Wayne Rooney will have to continue his form for his club Manchester United against rivals Manchester City in the second leg of Carling cup semi final. Rooney who has scored four goals in the game against Hull will be the key man for the home team. City showed a display of much disciplined performance in the first leg and won the game. Now the pressure is on United and it will be a game of attack and defense.

Manchester United Tactics
Team boss Sir Alex knows it very well that his team needs to score in this game, so he will give preference to Berbatov upfront with Rooney. Nani also showed great moves in the game against Hull and will get a chance to play in this game. Ferdinand will be available for this game and this will certainly boost the defense of the home team.

Manchester City Tactics
Manchester City’s strategy will be focused on to stop Rooney. They will depend upon their centre back Victor Kompany. Newly appointed coach Roberto Mancini is working on the defense of the team and City is becoming more difficult to concede a goal.

Probable Teams

Manchester United

Van der Sar

Raeaef Ferdinand Evans Evra

Nani Fletcher Scholes Giggs

Rooney Berbatov

Manchester City

Given

Richards Boyata Kompany Garrido

Wright-Phillips De Jong Barry Petrov

Bellamy Tevez

Score Predication

Manchester United 3 - Manchester City 1

Manchester United vs Hull City Preview

Manchester United is set to go top of the premier league with a win at Old Trafford against Hull on Saturday.

In the last season Hull City 4-3 lost at Old Trafford. It was a great game where United won three points but Hull won hearts with their enthusiastic performance. Hull boss Phil Brown believes that his side can shock United at Old Trafford. Last time when Hull visited Manchester they drew with Manchester City in November. Phil Brown is spirited after the draw against Spurs at White Hart Lane.

In spite of Phil Brown’s positive mentality it is still very difficult to win at Old Trafford. Sir Alex knows that this win is important for United, because it will help them to go top in the table.

Team News
Manchester United's defeat at the City of Manchester Stadium in the Carling Cup semi-final, epitomizes a run of erratic results in the last two months were United's lack of depth has been found out. Wayne Rooney is having a dip in form and this has affected United rather adversely. The lack of options upfront with Berbatov and Owen showing very little consistency has Sir Alex scratching his head. The blossoming of Mame Biram Diouf though is a brilliant sign for United's future.

United have looked vulnerable against the top teams throughout the campaign. The Red Devils seem incapable of matching the quality on the ball of the two London sides, something that is absolutely essential to win the Premier League title.

Injuries
Manchester United
John O'Shea is out of the rest of the season with a major leg injury. Owen Hargreaves will remain absent. Rio Ferdinand will have to pass a fitness test on Friday, and may play in the game. Dimitar Berbatov is already suffering from his leg and may not play in order to keep him fresh for the second leg of Carling Cup.

In the coming week United have two huge games to play, first the derby clash and then a trip to Emirates to play high-flying Arsenal. Sir Alex may opt to rest few of his first team regulars this week to ensure that he has a fully fit squad for those two more crucial games. In this situation Sir Alex should try Owen Rooney combination upfront. He may also go for Mame Diouf along with Rooney upfront with Berbatov and Owen on bench.

Hull City
Hull will miss their most creative player Jimmy Bullard (out with knee ligament tear) and their skipper Ian Ashbee (out for the season). They will also miss the services of Seyi Olofinjana and Daniel Cousin who are at the African Cup of Nations.

Probable Line Up

Manchester United
Van Der Sar
Neville Brown Evans Rafael
Valencia Scholes Anderson Giggs
Owen Rooney

Hull City
Myhill
Zayatte Gardner McShane Dawson
Hunt Boateng Geovanni Barmby
Garcia Zaki

Score Prediction
Manchester United 3
Hull City 1

Man to Watch
Wayne Rooney
Boaz Myhill

Manchester United - after City defeat

Manchester United still has great respect as an attacking team among the top analysts and managers. Roberto Mancini, once the successful manager of Internazionale, showed them every respect on Tuesday night in the first leg of Carling Cup Semi Final. His defensive policy, for the most part, shows that people are still terrorized by Manchester United’s attacking forces. This policy of containment worked very well and was enough to leave his Manchester City side with a 2-1 lead to take into the second leg.

Giggs goal helped United to take 1-0 lead. They should have scored more goals, but the opposition's goalkeeper, Shay Given, stood between the poles and denied every attempt. All he did was keeping his cool. He was asked simply to be his usual impressive self and had no need to be superhuman. Tevez looked enough for the rest and scored twice for the needful.

No one needs to tell United and Sir Alex about the unreliability of their squad. This was their seventh defeat in all competitions in this season. Seeing the left fixtures one can easily think of this number going into double figures.

Although, it would be no shock if United recover to eliminate City in the second leg. But the question is why United are giving so many unexpected results this season? Defeat against Burnley, Aston Villa (home game) and Fulham were shocking. In fact the way United lost these games was a matter of concern. 3-0 is a great margin for Fulham to prove that they are becoming a great force.

United qualified for the second stage of Champions league by finishing at the top of their group, but they lost their home game against Besiktas. The young guns failed o deliver when needed. It shows the lack of depth in the squad. Now United will face AC Milan in the second round of Champions League. This game will provide great entertainment. Last time when these two teams met was in 2006-07 season. At that time it was Milan who won 3-0 at Milan and qualified for the finals and eventually won the trophy.

Now the question is what will be the future of this team. The team must primarily be concerned about the medium and long-term prospects. Nobody has to tell Ferguson that key men are getting old. On Tuesday, Gary Neville had to confine his provocative ­gesturing to the sidelines, since he was an unused substitute. Paul Scholes, 35, was not introduced until the 88th minute and Ryan Giggs, 36, looked ­ageless in the autumn and may have other sprightly spells to come, but his impact was limited at Eastlands even if he was in ­position to knock home the opener. Edwin van der Sar, 39, had nothing to apologies for, but the veteran understandably does not dominate the goalmouth.

Some additions such as Anderson and Nani have still to convince and show their importance and worth. But, renewing the squad is a thorny topic in this financial climate. Sir Alex badly need to see Rio Ferdinand returning to the line-up, but at the centre-half's age a back condition will probably have to be managed anxiously rather than cured. Amid the various difficulties in the squad, Wayne Rooney can not make up for every deficiency in the team. He can not compensate for others fault every time. Also one must think on this that should Rooney be injured, jaded or disillusioned, United's niggling problems could turn into agonies of despair.

Man Utd 3 – Burnley 0

As expected Manchester United took three points in the game against Burnley and retained their second position in the league. Spirited Burnley showed some great moves in goalless first half. Van der Sar returned to United and made some good saves in the first half. David Nugent came very close to scoring in the first half. For United Nani showed some good acrobatic stuff and made few attempts on goal.

After goalless first hour, Berbatov made Burnley pay on 64 minutes with a deflected effort before Wayne Rooney dispatched a low drive after Berbatov's shot was saved.

Substitute Mame Diouf headed Antonio Valencia's cross over the onrushing Brian Jensen to seal the game for home side. So the most satisfactory part was the last quarter of the game for Sir Alex Ferguson.

Starting Line Up:

Van der Sar

Neville Brown Evans Evra

Nani Carrick Scholes Valencia

Berbatov Rooney

Overall its always satisfactory if you win a game with such margin, and this was much needed result. More importantly the game brought good stats as Rooney became the highest goal scorer in this season with 15 goals. The other two strikers Berbatov and Mame Diouf scored goals. Nani and Valencia were good at wings and delivered great crosses and some attempts too. Carrick and Scholes did exactly what was needed from them. Van der Sar returned to squad and made good impact on game to add one more clean sheet to his name. Stand in centre backs Brown and Evans were also good in their defensive roles. Neville came upfront at times and as usual Evra gave his best to the game.

Final Score:

Manchester United 3

(Berbatov 64, Rooney 69, Diouf 90+1)

Burnley 0

In another game league leader Chelsea hammered Sunderland 7-2 and remained at the top of the table. Arsenal also won at Reebok stadium.

Manchester United v Burnley: Match Preview

Manchester United will face Burnley in the Premier League match on Saturday. United will be without Darren Fletcher because the Scot was sent-off in last week’s 1-1 draw at Birmingham. Nemanja Vidic, who was suffering from a calf strain could be available.

In normal conditions United is expected to take all three points from this game but seeing the current form anything can happen. On the other hand Burnley have gone nine games without a win in the Premier League. But Burnley is the team who shocked United with a 1-0 win in August at Turf Moor. Still last time when Burnley won at Old Trafford was in 1962 and since then they have visited 10 times in the League, losing six and drawing four.

Probable Lineup for the game:

Manchester United (probable, 4-4-2)

Kuszczak
Rafael Brown Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Scholes Giggs
Owen Rooney

Burnley (probable, 4-4-2)

Jensen
Mears Carlisle Bikey Jordan
Elliott Alexander McDonald Eagles
Blake Fletcher

Sir Alex to sign Sebastian Frey

According to Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastian Frey’s agent Giovanni Branchini Manchester United is willing to sign Seba in near future. Giovanni Branchini said that Frey is on United’s wish list, but Fiorentina is not in a mood of selling him till May.

It seems that Sir Alex Ferguson has started to think about signing an option for Edwin Van Der Sar. The 39 year Dutch goal keeper returned to training on Tuesday and joined the team on four day winter camp.

Sebastian Frey is currently playing for Fiorentina and his performance has helped his club to get into next stage of Champions League. Previously Frey has played for Parma and Inter.

In spite of his good reputation as a goalkeeper, Frey has only been capped twice by France and decided to retire from international football in 2008.

Seeing the current situation Sir Alex Ferguson must sign a goal keeper because Van Der Sar may retire after this season and Tomasz Kuszczak cant be considered as a long-term option. The speculations are high on this transfer but not in this window because Fiorentina don't want to discuss the issue until May.

It will be a good move for 29 years old Frey because it is great to play for Manchester United for any player from any part of world.

Van Der Sar return to training at United

Edwin Van Der Sar has rejoined United for the first time after his wife's illness just before christmas. Van Der Sar's wife Annemarie van Kesteren suffered brain hemorrhage on 23rd December.

39 years old Dutch Van Der Sar went to see his wife in December end. According to reports latest medical tests have shown that his wife she has suffered no permanent damage and Van der Sar has flown to Qatar to be with the rest of his team-mates at their four-day winter training camp. Last time when Van Der Sar played for United was in November against Everton. United won that game 3-0.

Now when Van Der Sar is available Sir Alex may want him to play in the home game against Burnley. This game is very important because United have lost their away tie at Burnley.

Man United announce annual profit of 48.2 millions pounds

The Champions of English Premier League have announced a profit of 48.2 millions pound in the financial year ended on 30^th June 2009. This was revealed on the club website. Red Football Ltd - the holding company of Manchester United Ltd have published the summary which says that the Group turnover for the year was 278.5 million pounds, seeing a rise of 22.3 million pounds.

Manchester United’s home stadium Old Trafford has staged 34 major events in this year. These events include 19 Premier League home games and six UEFA Champions League matches. Also red devils have secured a new sponsor – Aon. Aon will succeed AIG from the commencement of the 2010-2011 season. Manchester United also welcome back Audi as their car partner.

Manchester United, won the premier league title for the consecutive season in 2008-09. They were also crowned World Club Champions for the first time in December, 2008.

Man Utd failed to go on top of EPL table

Man Utd drew with Birmingham 1-1 and missed an opportunity to go top in the league. On saturday when majority of the games were called off due to bad weather, Man United drew with Birmingham and Arsenal shared points with Everton.

Jerome gave his team lead in the first half and Dann scored an own goal to bring Manchester United on level.

Rooney to captain United after Neville

Superstar Wayne Rooney is almost set to take on the captaincy from Garry Neville after this season. Neville is set to hang his boot after this season. Neville is playing from last 18 years and it is unlikely fro him to join any other club.

Rooney is with United from last six seasons and has scored 112 goals in 261 appearances.

Birmingham City v Manchester United Preview

Manchester United is looking all set to take on Birmingham City on Saturday. United will definitely look to come back from 1-0 defeat at home in their FA Cup tie against Leeds.

Stats and history of this fixture is very much with the red devils but seeing the current form, Birmingham City can’t be underestimated. They haven’t lost in their last 11 games in EPL. Last time Birmingham lost in EPL was in October when Arsenal have defeated them 3-1. Birmingham has shared points with Chelsea, Liverpool (at Anfield) and Manchester City during these eleven games. They have won against Fulham, Wigan, West Ham, Stoke and Wolves.

Manchester United have shown mixed form during their last six games (all comptitions). They have won three and lost three. Although Man Utd is on second position in the English Premier League Table, they will have to fight hard to gain all three points from this game.

Probable Line Up for Birmingham game:

Kuszczak
Rafael Evans Vidic Evra
Anderson Scholes Carrick
Valencia Giggs
Rooney

Quick Facts about this fixture:

• The Red Devils have won 1-0 on last three occasions in their last three meetings with Birmingham.
• United striker Wayne Rooney has scored four goals in five Premier League starts against Birmingham.
• Birmingham have scored just twice in their last 11 Premier League meetings with Man Utd.
• Manchester United have won just once in their last five Premier League games with Mark Clattenburg as the referee.

Carling Cup Update:

Recently postponed Carling Cup tie between Man Utd and Man City is rescheduled on 19^th January and the second leg will be played on 27^th January.

Manchester United Transfers Rumours

It is very uncharacteristic for Sir Alex Ferguson to do big business in January transfer window. This time it seems that there may be some exceptions in terms of signing. We have already heard speculations about Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben. But, seeing the financial position of the club it would be very difficult to sign any of these without selling any player from current squad.

Sir Alex may sign Serbian defender Uros Cosic who is regarded as new Nemanja Vidic. Uros Cosic is currently playing for CSKA Moscow. Another one who could come to Old Trafford is Cardiff teenager Adam Matthews. Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger is also eyeing him. Cardiff has already lost some good talents to senior league clubs. Although team boss Peter Ridsdale has said that the club want Adam to stay with Cardiff and that's what they are hoping will happen.

Giorgio Chiellini, who is currently playing for Juventus is another probable name who can come to join United. Rivals Manchester City is also in the race for signing Chiellini.

Ferguson could also try to sign French international goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. In fact this transfer is much required to make a replacement for Edwin Van der Sar.

Players who may leave United are Nani and Macheda. Nani is almost set to leave the club whereas Macheda could go to Real Zaragoza on loan.

Nani could be used as part of an exchange deal for Benfica winger Angel di Maria. The 21-year-old Argentine is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Europe.

Veron rejected an offer from Manchester City.

Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron has confirmed that he has turned down an offer from Manchester City.
The 34-year-old Argentine midfielder has also played for Chelsea. Currently he is playing for Estudiantes. He was awarded as South American Player of the Year last year.
Veron has scored 7 goals in 51 appearances for Manchester United. Veron has already played under Roberto Mancini, current City manger, during his career with Internazionale from 2004 to 2006.
He said “It's not a fact of money. First of all is the family, and second, I have made a decision and I want to respect it, that is what I feel and Estudiantes is the place where I feel comfortable.”