.
|
BLOG: GOLDEN GIGGS
ManUtd.com's Mark Froggatt feels the ovation afforded to Ryan Giggs at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was much deserved...As Madrid-based newspaper Marca wrote, Ryan Giggs is a "living legend who earned a well-deserved tribute when he entered in the second half. Nobody knows if the Welsh eternal will return to the Bernabeu, but do not discard it happening." Even Giggs, who has arguably seen everything throughout a trophy-laden career, was surprised to receive such a reception from a Real Madrid crowd that, at times, has chosen not to support their own team. "It took me by surprise," he admitted. "It was obviously very good - I’ll have to play here more often!" Of course, raise the topic of standing ovations and the mind wanders to Old Trafford, 2003, when the original Ronaldo, then European Footballer of the Year, left the field midway through the second half, his wrecking job accomplished, to receive a lengthy salute from almost everyone within the Theatre of Dreams. This applause was both admirable and begrudged after the Brazilian netted a devastating hat-trick to almost single-handedly knock United out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. However, those sentiments were prompted by his efforts during a glorious 67 minutes, whereas on Wednesday, at the Bernabeu, Giggs was heralded for an entire career. Remarkably, the United legend is three years older than Ronaldo, who at 36, has been retired for two years and is currently taking part in a weight-loss programme on Brazilian television. Fitness has never been an issue for Giggs and with his 40th birthday approaching, he remains as streamlined as the 17-year-old who debuted in 1991. Obviously, questions about when Ryan will retire are repeatedly asked but after a number of virtuoso displays recently, another year looks entirely possible. When quizzed on the topic during a recent ManUtd.com podcast, Giggs said he's yet to make a decision - but had a glint in the eye which suggested otherwise. In truth, his future at Old Trafford is unknown - but to paraphrase from Marca, you should never discard the Welsh eternal. More - De Gea storms fan poll | Trivia: Bernabeu belters | Cristiano Ronaldo: It was emotional |
||
Ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Reading on Monday night, we take a look back at some of the Reds' classic fifth-round ties under Sir Alex Ferguson. Here's our shortlist of five great games... which one was your favourite? 1990 - Newcastle (A) 3-2 On the run to Sir Alex's first trophy as United boss, a trip to Tyneside was a potential banana-skin but after Jim Smith's Magpies found equalisers for Mark Robins' header and Danny Wallace's emphatic near-post finish, the tie was settled by Brian McClair, who ended a 17-game drought with a precious winner. 1994: Wimbledon (A) 3-0 The first Double-winning team were in their pomp for this one. After Eric Cantona's moment of magic to volley past Hans Segers and Paul Ince's header to make it 2-0, a spell of 'Olé' football paved the way for Denis Irwin to jink through and claim a marvellous team goal. 1996: Manchester City (H) 2-1 This cup derby was going City's way when Uwe Rosler chipped Peter Schmeichel. But United ultimately stayed on course for another Double after Eric Cantona converted a disputed penalty and Lee Sharpe volleyed Phil Neville's cross past Eike Immel. 2004: Manchester City (H) 4-2 Ahead through Paul Scholes, the Reds were reduced to 10 men when Gary Neville was sent off. A quickfire double from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo then put the Reds 3-0 up and although Michael Tarnat pulled one back, Ruud's second goal ensured Robbie Fowler's late strike was largely irrelevant. 2008: Arsenal (H) 4-0 The Gunners were outclassed in a one-sided romp that was effectively over before half time with Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Nani all finding the net and Emmanuel Eboue seeing red. Fletcher headed a fourth goal after the break but the margin of victory could - and perhaps should - have been even greater. Vote for Sir Alex's best FA Cup fifth-round tie at manutd.com/polls. More - Podcast - From Real to Reading | Reds to rotate against Royals | Reading tickets |
RAFAEL: ALL ABOUT THE POINTS
Manchester United defender Rafael appreciates Everton will be
tough opponents on Sunday but the Brazilian is fully focused on taking
another step towards regaining the Barclays Premier League crown.The Reds go into the weekend nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City but the gap could be closed following the champions' trip to Southampton on Saturday. Everton famously upset last year's title bid with a dramatic comeback sealing a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford and the players need no reminding of that afternoon. "Right now, I think we have to get the points in all the games," insisted the right-back in an exclusive interview with United Review, the Reds' official match programme. "It’s important to take three points. It doesn’t matter how we get them, we just have to get them. "It’s always difficult when we play against Everton. They have a good team and you can see they are always in the top five, at least, this season. When we play them at Goodison Park and at home, it is a tough game to play and, this time, it will be no different." Rafael feels the team have learned from the bitter experience of last season and is determined the Reds will not face similar frustration this weekend. "We scored a lot of goals but conceded what were maybe silly goals ourselves," admitted the South American. "Of course, we have learned from that. We can’t concede two goals at the end like we did. I remember it was an unbelievable game. It was tough for us because we drew and maybe it cost us the league but we’ll definitely learn from it." More: Boss wary of Everton threat | Young fit for Sunday | Reds mark Lunar New Year  |
||
Shinji Kagawa is hoping to play a key role in United's "inspiring" Champions League matches against Real Madrid. The Reds travel to Spain early next week ahead of Wednesday night's Last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu and Kagawa, like all of Sir Alex's men, is keen to be involved. "I'm looking forward to it," he said. "If I’m picked, I’ll do my best to help the team reach the next stage of the competition." By his own admission, though, the Japanese midfielder lacks Champions League experience. Indeed, he's never played in the competition's knockout stages, having finished bottom of Group F with Borussia Dortmund in 2011/12. "I played in the Champions League with Dortmund last season but unfortunately we couldn’t perform to our potential," Kagawa said. "We were too young, we didn’t have enough experience and got knocked out in the group stage. "However, United has a great history and we finished top of our group this season. The games against Real Madrid are going to be inspiring. It’s tough to play against Real Madrid, though." More: Kagawa room for improvement | Van Persie nets goal award | Video: Ferdinand on Carrington  |
THORPE'S WINNING MENTALITY
Tom Thorpe has graduated from captaining the youngsters to FA
Youth Cup glory to becoming a regular at Under-21 level. He told club
magazine Inside United of his ambitions... Are you relishing the second half of the Under-21 season with United qualifying for the Elite phase of the competition? Definitely. I'm looking forward to the games coming up as it’s a new league so we’re playing some different teams that we don’t always play every week. We had a break but have been getting lots of training in so we’re enjoying getting back into action. Coach Warren Joyce explained it may not have been the be-all and end-all to make the Elite group but was there a determination to qualify? You always want to win. You always want to be top of the table. Warren would have said it’s more of a learning curve, more about performances at this stage and how we play but, obviously, the lads want to win. So we’re going into this new league hoping to win every game. On a personal note, you made more appearances at this level than anybody else at United in the calendar year. Are you pleased to be a permanent fixture in the side and particularly at centre-back more recently? Yes, I’m glad to be playing full stop really. I don’t mind whether it is in midfield or centre-back, I’m just glad to be helping the team out and getting into the team regularly. Is it true, though, that you do prefer to play at the heart of the defence? That’s my preferred position. I do like to play centre-back and hopefully I can play more there in this second half of the season. But, if I’m needed in midfield, I’ll be more than happy to play there as well. Is the aim for 2013 to keep pushing for a first-team debut? Hopefully but I’ll keep training hard and playing well in the Reserves and see what happens. Who knows what will hopefully happen in the future? You only have to look at Jonny Evans and how he’s established himself in the side after coming through the ranks.. The evidence is there that, if you work hard and do well, then you get the chance. If you take that chance then you’re on your way. Most fans want to see youngsters, particularly local lads, making the grade. Is that something you’re aware of? It’s been the history of Manchester United really with lads from young ages who came through the Academy, pushed on into the first team and progressed from there. Hopefully, I can do the same. More: Parker on title chase | Cofie joins County on loan | Latest transfer gossip |
ROONEY EXPECTS STERN TEST
Manchester United made light work of Fulham when the
Cottagers visited Old Trafford last weekend, but Wayne Rooney expects
this Saturday’s league clash in west London to prove more difficult.The Reds won the FA Cup fourth round clash at a canter – thanks to goals from Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Javier Hernandez (2) – but have won just once in the last four league visits to Craven Cottage. And while Martin Jol’s side have taken just 18 points from a possible 36 at home this season, they’ve tasted defeat by the banks of the Thames just once since the beginning of December, hinting at a recent change in fortune in front of their own fans. “At home, Fulham are a different team,” Rooney said. “It’s always a difficult game there. It’s a smaller pitch and a compact stadium. That suits them. They’ve got players who can take the ball between the lines because the pitch isn’t as big and then create chances. It will be a completely different game [to the one at Old Trafford]. They are down near the bottom so they will be fighting to get one or three points. We will need to make sure we are at our best to beat them.” More - Team news for Fulham trip | Rooney's best OT goals | Podcast: Fulham focus |
TALKING REDS: PENALTY TAKERS
Ryan Giggs opened the scoring from the spot in last weekend's
match against Fulham, taking over penalty-taking duties from Wayne
Rooney following a couple of recent misses by the Reds striker.After the match, Sir Alex praised Giggsy's ability to convert from 12 yards but who should take our next one? Here's what some United fans had to say on the subject... Denis Parish, Moston: "This is probably the obvious answer, given his goalscoring form this season, but I think Robin van Persie should be our primary penalty taker. Obviously, he missed one against Southampton but that is irrelevant for me. He perfectly mixes power with accuracy." Sion Jones, Warrington “Personally, I think Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie should take it in turns. Both are equally skilled from 12-yards and splitting the responsibility would ease the burden and enhance both of their goal tallies. If neither is playing, I’d like Giggs or Scholes to volunteer." Scott Halshaw, Ashton “RvP has scored lots of goals in big games, winning the team lots of points this season. I think he has enough confidence to take penalties - he doesn't seem to doubt himself when in front of goal. He also proved that he is capable of scoring from the spot at Anfield.” What do you think? Discuss with other United fans on our Talking Reds message board. More: Boss hopes for Kiko break | Sir Alex's pitch concerns | Busby Babes tribute flag |
Fans put their questions to Patrice Evra via United's official Facebook page... Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck say your dressing room DJ slots are becoming more mellow. Are you slowing down? - Adnam Chandaray They apologised for that. I gave them my evil look and they said, ‘No, Pat. We would never say that about you’. Ask Giggsy, he’s experienced and he will tell you honestly, if I don’t put my iPod on in the dressing room before games then people are not happy. Ashley Young and Welbeck can put their iPods on but I think they’d be thrown away straightaway. I love to pick the music before the game in my room. I don’t just pick my music. I pick the music that everyone will like. If Danny Welbeck only loves hip-hop music, that is his problem. I can’t play Lil Wayne every time! I play lots of different music – that’s the sign of a good DJ [laughs]. Ask 25 players and only two would complain. Everyone else is happy. Lionel Messi won the Ballon d’Or – who do you think is the best player in the world? - Anne-Marie Dunphy I always say Ronaldo. I know how professional he is and how good he is. Messi is an amazing player, but I don’t know him. When Messi plays wide he is not as dangerous. When he’s in the middle of the pitch, that’s where he can kill the game. But Ronny… a lot of people don’t like the attitude. That’s why they don’t vote for him. They say he’s arrogant. Arrogance can be a person’s strength. Many people in France don’t like Cantona. They say he’s arrogant. I love Cantona. That attitude makes Ronaldo. Which trophy would you most like to win this season? -Takumi T The most important is the league. But the one I want to win is the Champions League. More: Vidic's title warning | Boss quashes Jones reports | Smalling in Brazil squad |
FANS REACT TO ZAHA DEAL
United supporters have been busy on the Talking Reds
messageboard discussing the signing of Wilfried Zaha with the England
international set to arrive at the club in July after a move was agreed
with Crystal Palace.General-K: "He's a good, young player with wonderful balance and technique. There's plenty to work with and I pray he gets the opportunity to learn from the best winger to ever wear the Manchester United shirt - Ryan Giggs - for at least a season. I have faith in this acquisition and believe it will be a fruitful future for Mr Zaha at Old Trafford." thomas21: "I am delighted with this signing. I think he will be a great player for us. He's big, strong and committed with loads of talent. He'll become better with great players around him here." FtD: "He's a similar transfer to Ashley Young. Hopefully, he'll perform near the same level." wliucci: "There is a fair bit of technique there and, coupled with a 6ft sprinter's frame, he looks like a beast. Having said that, it's clear he's still a raw talent but I'm sure, with a bit of time, he could be a heck of a player." Moyesy: "I think it would have been a big ask for a 20-year-old kid to move his life from London to Manchester in a matter of days, get right up to speed with the quality, get the intensity, integrate with the squad and then be expected to make an impact. Getting a full pre-season under his belt will help him no end." More: Zaha deal agreed | Video of Zaha in action | Zaha delight at move |
WELBECK: LET'S GET IT RIGHT Danny Welbeck is focused on getting three points from the trip to QPR on Saturday as he hopes Manchester United's tactics will break down the stubborn Londoners. Although it is a case of top versus bottom in the Barclays Premier League, Sir Alex Ferguson's side need no reminders that Harry Redknapp's battlers have taken points off Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City recently. It promises to be an awkward afternoon for the in-form Reds in the capital but the aim remains to pile the pressure onto Manchester City ahead of their encounter with Chelsea on Sunday. "It definitely won't be easy," Welbeck told ManUtd.com. "I think every game in the league now is going to be pretty tough. We’ve got to set out right and make sure we get the three points. That’s the main thing – to keep the pressure on City. "QPR have done well recently. I think they’ve been setting up with two banks of four, making it difficult to break them down. They’re just getting behind the ball and obviously it’s been hard for teams to score goals against them. But hopefully we’ll have our tactics right on the day and we'll try to get some goals." Although Fabio cannot play because of the terms of his loan, there could be a reunion with Old Trafford favourite Ji-sung Park. "It will be good to see Ji again," admitted Welbeck. "We’ve seen him a couple of times as he came to a few of the London games and I’ve seen him at the team hotel once or twice. So it’s good that he’s not been a stranger to us. So, whenever I see him, it’s all good and the same with Fabio. He’s been back at Carrington a few times so it’s nice to see him too." More - Jones misses QPR trip | Scholes sees specialist | Sir Alex: We'll treat QPR like Real  |
RAFAEL ENJOYING BEST SEASON Rafael believes he is having his best campaign since joining United as he continues to impress at right-back. The Brazilian was outstanding in the last Barclays Premier League outing against Everton, picking up the man of the match award, and could be a contender for the club's Player of the Year award. "I think so," replied Rafael, when asked by MUTV if this is his finest season. "I have played many games very consistently so it is probably my best season here. "Of course, I think there are some games where you feel you can do more - I should have done this or should have done that better. I definitely want to improve in every game." The South American sat out the FA Cup tie with Reading on Monday after his exertions in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid when he was stretched in the first half but performed admirably after the break. "I am just rested sometimes," he explained. "We have to rest so I'm happy because we won to stay in the FA Cup. "I always want to play. I think every player wants to play in every single game but, when you're not playing, you can learn from things. I was there watching and can learn a lot. "I think because it was a big game [against Real], sometimes you expect a lot more and think it's a big game so I have to win every ball. But it's not like this. I think I came out for the first half like this and thought I need to win this ball and, if I do something wrong, then the next ball I really have to win. "After half time, the boss came to speak to me and I realised: 'Come on, it's the same as it has been all season. I don't have to win every ball.' So I think I did better in the second half." More - Podcast: Bring on QPR | Smalling savours chances  |
ANDERSON ANSWERS THE FANS Fans on Facebook sent in their questions for Brazilian midfielder Anderson… Who is the best midfielder you’ve seen play the game? James Tweedle I’d say there are two: Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. They're the best I've ever seen. The skill and vision they have is fantastic and they scored great goals too. What do you think of Ryan Giggs’ feat of scoring in 23 seasons as a pro? Taylor Jones It’s amazing, but Giggsy is an amazing football player. I don’t need to say much about him because everyone knows what he has achieved in his career and what he continues to achieve. Giggsy is nearly 40 years old and yet every day in training he wants to win and he helps everyone in the squad. He’s a great person to play with and he is a real legend at the club. Scholesy is the same. The two of them are great examples for all of us. What music do you listen to before a game? Peter Lincoln Pat [Evra] looks after the music in the dressing room before games and puts on some nice songs. He is a good DJ! I just try to relax, enjoy a few jokes with the lads before the game and focus on my job on the pitch. Can Rafael emulate Gary Neville as a great United right-back? Suzie Hodgson Rafa has been unbelievable this season. He's so important for us. I believe 100 per cent he has been our best player this season. He can attack, defend and he’s scored a few goals as well. He is improving all the time. Rafa is already a great player for this club. Like United on Facebook for updates and the chance to ask players your questions.  |
VALENCIA'S AMAZING JOURNEY
Antonio Valencia’s upbringing in a tiny village in Ecuador couldn’t be more contrasting to the life he leads today.. What do you remember about coming to England for the first time? It was amazing. I got here at about seven o’clock in the evening and it was extremely cold. I asked myself: ‘What am I doing here? This is not for me!’ But, over time, I have become accustomed to it. It must have been very different for you? Yes, completely different. I come from a town where it’s very warm, and to come to Manchester, where the weather is really cold, was a big shock. Fortunately, everything turned out perfectly. You come from a small village in a rainforest. How different is your life now, living in a big city? It has changed completely. I proudly come from the east of Ecuador, from a very quiet town, surrounded by nature. You know everyone. Coming to a city as big as Manchester, one that loves football, is very different. Thank God, I have settled just fine and that’s the main thing. What do you like most about Manchester? I like it when United play and when I quietly head home! You’ve become a dad since being at United – has that changed you as a person and, if so, how? My life has changed completely. I am totally dedicated to my daughter, to my family. Everything I do is for her, so she can have everything. Tell us about where you grew up in Ecuador, and what your childhood was like… Even though we led a modest life, we had everything we needed. It was a quiet childhood. My father was a hard-working man and devoted to his six children. My town is very small, we all knew each other. It’s very small, everything revolves around the work in the fields and oil. You have five brothers and a sister. How was it to grow up with so many siblings? It was nice, because when we had a party we didn’t need to invite any friends as we were a big family! The best was when we got home and we all got together and we talked to our father and mother. We were a very close family. Are you still close to your family? Do they still live in Ecuador? Yes. My brothers have their own families and lives now. I am here, and they are in Ecuador, I think we have all made lives for ourselves. Finally, what is a typical day like in the life of Antonio Valencia? I wake up at 8.30am and I come here to Carrington to train. I try to pick up my daughter, at 3pm. We then go out and we might have something to eat before we go home. I used to study, but not so much anymore. I spend time with my family, with my wife. Those are the moments I most enjoy. More: De Gea is Player of the Month | Carrick hails 'Mr Manchester United' | Sharpe tells all |
 |
 |
 |
Memories of Manchester United's 1-0 loss at Norwich City are still fresh in the mind for Chris Smalling, who is wary of lightning striking twice as the Reds host the Canaries at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Reds defender played a full match at Carrow Road in November but could not prevent Anthony Pilkington’s 60th-minute header knocking United off the top of the table at the time and inflicting a third defeat of the Barclays Premier League campaign. Impressively, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not lost in the top flight since and are currently 12 points ahead of title rivals Manchester City. Despite such admirable form, Smalling is taking nothing for granted, although he hopes to make the most of home advantage. “I remember the Norwich away game really well,” Chris told United Review. “We had a lot of chances but couldn’t take them and they took one of their very few chances and punished us for it. “They showed that they’re a very hard-working side and can play a lot of football as well, so we’ll definitely have to be wary. I think losing at their place was a bit of a wake-up call for us, so we’ll be firing when they come to Old Trafford. “We fancy our chances against anybody at home, in the cup competitions or the league. It might be tight in the first half but if we keep moving the ball, most teams tire in the second half as the Old Trafford pitch is so big. We’re used to it, so more often than not we get the result we want.” With the big Champions League game against Real Madrid just days away, Sir Alex is expected to rest a number of players against Norwich. However, any talk of complacency is wide of the mark for Smalling, who is focused and raring to go. “Everybody’s a bit more cautious after last season, when there were only a handful of games left but we threw away eight points. We're determined to maintain the gap this time. I don’t think the manager would be too happy if we didn’t! And we’d be kicking ourselves.” More: Van Persie fit | Fans in the frame at Norwich game | Pre-match podcast |
 |
REDS LEGENDS RELISH MADRID RETURN MATCH
Red View gets an expert take on Tuesday's second leg against Real Madrid, from Treble-winning strike duo Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole...How do you think the tie is poised? AC: For me, it’s on a knife edge. I was at the first game in Madrid and it was a really good game, a tactical battle. I don’t think too many people would have been disappointed if it had been the final, it was a top-quality Champions League tie. In the first 20 minutes I think Real came out to try and put the game to bed - they hit the post and De Gea made a couple of saves. But of course Welbeck got the away goal, Ronaldo equalised and it ended up finishing 1-1. Some people will think the away goal is a big advantage but I think the state of play is still 50/50. I’m looking forward to Tuesday’s game. How should we approach the game? DY: I think the onus is on us now, to really try and take the game to Madrid. Hopefully we’ll be able to do that. We have the home advantage but as Andy says, 1-1 from the first leg is always a precarious scoreline. The tie is really in the balance and I just hope we come out and play the type of football we’re capable of playing and put Madrid on the back foot. We need to do what they did to us, certainly early on, in the first leg. We need to get the crowd behind us and really turn the screw. AC: I think we approach every European game at Old Trafford in exactly the same way. We’re the home team and we should go out to try and win it. I’ve been involved in games like these and we need a good start. If we can keep it tight for the first 15 or 20 minutes and nick ourselves a goal in that period, that would be great. But if it goes the other way, and we have to open up a little bit more, than a team like Real Madrid could exploit the space. Watching their game at Barcelona the other day, they were soaking up pressure and then hitting their hosts on the counter-attack. Before you knew it, they were 1-0 up and then 2-0 up. They can afford to come to Old Trafford and play that way again because they know they’ve got quality players up front. So we can’t afford to go too gung-ho. What do you think the atmosphere will be like? DY: I think it will be electric – it’s a European night at Old Trafford and we know what the fans here bring to such an occasion. Real Madrid are obviously a huge club, we’ve got Ronaldo coming back… we could have probably sold this game out three times over. It’s one of those games that everybody wants to be a part of and the type of game that players live for. These are the games when you really want to express what football is all about. These moments don’t come along very often and when you do, you’ve got to grasp them with both hands. What do you remember of the matches you played against Real Madrid in 2000? AC: I watched the clips two weeks ago actually. We got a draw, 0-0, at the Bernabeu in the first leg and were disappointed not to have won the game. When I watched the clips, I wondered how we didn’t win over there and I’ll never know how we went 3-0 down at home. We ended up losing the home game 3-2 and I was left to think ‘how?’ But things like that can happen in Europe and that’s why you’ve got to be constantly switched on. More on Madrid: First-leg report | Welbeck keeps his cool | Ronaldo 'emotional' |
.
.