Ronny Injury Update

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be sidelined for around three weeks due to an ankle injury, the Primera Division club have confirmed.


Ronaldo, 25, sustained the injury during Sunday's La Liga opener against Real Mallorca and tests on Monday revealed the extent of the injury.
With an estimated recovery time of approximately three weeks, Ronaldo is now set to miss Portugal's upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Cyprus and Norway, as well as Real's next league match against Osasuna and first Champions League outing with Ajax.
Though losing Ronaldo is an undoubted blow to Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho - he has an embarassment at riches at his disposal when it comes to bringing in a replacement, with both Karim Benzema and new signing Mesut Ozil available to step into the breach.

Benzema and Ozil to replace Ronny? hahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahaha...that's hilarious.  I could score more goals than Benzema swinging my purse at the ball!

Mallorca 0-0 R. Madrid; Rough Day for Ronny

As if a humiliating draw for your first match of the season wasn't enough, pile on an injury as well.  Mallorca held off the high-priced Galacticos with superb defense and a phenomenal keeper.  Madrid, who boasted another summer of over-priced signings, looked like a Chinese firedrill for most of the match. 
New "wonderkid" Sergio Canales was clueless, although AS.com voted him the best player in the match!!
Tired of his ineptitude, J-Mo took him off early in the second half and brought in another worthless player, Karim Benzema.  The new number 9 still has trouble finding the net, a disease which he suffered from last season as well.
During the scoreless match Ronny hobbled over to the sideline after a seemingly innocuous challenge and was attended to by a trainer.  He returned to the pitch and finished out the match.  RM's website had this notice last night:
"Cristiano Ronaldo has a contusion on his right ankle and is being monitored by the Club's medical staff."
It was suggested that he might miss two weeks (the international break is here) and that he is having a scan today.  The alarm bells are sounding because it's the same ankle he had surgery on two years ago and reinjured last year during the Champions League match with Marseilles...the "wizard incident."
Whether this is a real injury or just an excuse to miss the two international friendlies with Portugal remains to be seen.
Injury or no injury his play was uninspiring.  In typical fashion he lost possession and then walked.  Or lost possession, threw up his arms, then walked.  You can't have it your way all the time, Ronny.  He seems so Hell-bent on being the star and scoring the winner that he doesn't track back after losing the possession...last night it almost cost them the match as Mallorca took the ball and very nearly scored.

If RM want to challenge Barcelona (3-0 winners) for the title, then they are going to have to stuff the egos and forget about the Pichichi.  Playing selfishly and holding on to the ball only to launch a ridiculous shot in hopes of upping the personal score tallies will not win matches...or titles.

Another missed shot

Missed chance?  Or painful ankle?

United 3-0 West Ham; J-Mo at Old Trafford?

Yesterday the Reds took three points and three goals off of West Ham United.  It was a boring match, in that West Ham rarely made it into their final third.  United, who had so many chances to score, could have made it 10-0.  With fantastic goals from Nani and Berbatov, the former made good for his horrible penalty miss that dropped two points last week.  Berbatov's strike, which was assisted by Man of the Match Nani, was a mid-air shot that gave the Hammers' keeper no chance at all.  The first goal, and the most important, was a penalty converted by Wayne Rooney.  It's the first time he's scored a goal since March.  Hampered by injury at the end of United's season, Wazza also limped into the World Cup where he and his compatriots had a disastrous run.  His penalty in the 33' minute on Saturday will hopefully be the medicine he needs!

Wazza converts from the spot

Scholesy, Jonny, and Vidic give congratulations

Ol' Man Giggsy hasn't lost a step

Nani launches a cracker and atones for his miss last week

And who better to congratulate you, than Capt. Giggs?

Nani set up Berba for this volley, United 3-0

A little stripshow and kudos from Roo

An interesting tidbit from former Real Madrid player and current Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder:

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder claims that there is only one man who can replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United: his former boss Jose Mourinho.
Ferguson has spent 24 glory-laden years at Old Trafford but is coming to the end of his tenure, and Sneijder says that Real Madrid's new boss wants to take charge of the Red Devils when Ferguson does decide to call it a day.
"I know Alex Ferguson will have a big say in who takes over from him - and, even though they have their differences, there is a big mutual respect."

''I have had many deep and long conversations with Jose and I would put money on him taking over from Ferguson,'' Sneijder told the Daily Star Sunday. ''I know the job he would want is to be Manchester United manager.
"To be honest, he is probably the only coach in the world who is capable of taking over from Alex Ferguson. When Ferguson retires, in my mind, it's a deal already done in people's heads. One world-class manager leaves and another one takes over.

Mourinho has said in the past that he is keen to return to England and the Dutch midfielder confirmed his desire to manage in the Premier League is still strong.
"I know how excited he is to get back to the Premier League. When he talked about it, he was like a little kid. He was so excited. It really turns him on," he added.

Champions League Draw

The Red Devils of Manchester United learned their fate today in the Champions League draw.
Heading up Group C, United will come up against two knowns, and unknown.  Valencia, from La Liga, have played the Reds before in CL play in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. 
The Rangers are no stranger to the Mancs as well.  Manager Sir Alex Ferguson played for Rangers.
The unknown is Turkish champion Bursaspor.  Named the Green Crocodiles (awesome!), this is their first time in the CL.
Here is the schedule:
Champions League Fixtures


Tue 14 Sep - Rangers H
Wed 29 Sep - Valencia A
Wed 20 Oct - Bursaspor H
Tue 2 Nov - Bursaspor A
Wed 24 Nov - Rangers A
Tue 7 Dec - Valencia

The Reds will be looking for maximum points to win the group.

Here is the complete draw:
Full draw


Group A - Internazionale, Werder Bremen, Tottenham, FC Twente

Group B - Lyon, Benfica, Schalke, Hapoel Tel-Aviv

Group C - United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor

Group D - Barcelona, Panathinaikos, FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan

Group E - Bayern Munich, AS Roma, FC Basel, CFR Cluj

Group F - Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina

Group G - AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre

Group H - Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk, Braga, FK Partizan

United's Reserves Thump City

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Reserve team thumped the pitiful Blues of City.  Here is a rundown:

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6651630

SHOCKER: Lashes to Lyon

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=817057&sec=transfers&cc=5901

Just read this on soccernet, and have to say that I am bummed.  I thought that he would go to a team in the Premier League.  I knew Arsenal wouldn't buy him as long as Fabregas stayed, but it would have been nice to see the Chamcuff pairing again!

C'est la vie!

Ughhhhhhhh! Dropped Points

We didn't play poorly today, but we didn't put away a pesky Fulham either.  For some reason we are cursed when playing at Craven Cottage. 
Some will say a draw is not bad.  But we are now two points behind Chelscum, who were the only club to score a perfect six points in the first two matches of the season.  They also have a goal differential of 12.  Now granted they played two powder puffs in the league, while United had to play Newcastle (who won their match today 6-0 against Aston Villa), and Fulham away.  We'll say how well the Blues do when they have to play a real team.
Scholesy's goal today in the 10' was a rocket!  It was not only an incendiary missile, but also his 150th Prem League goal!
The Cottagers equalized in the 56' with a well-struck ball by Simon Davies, who converted from a cross by Damien Duff.  Van der Sar got a hand on it but it was not enough to keep it out.
Our second goal in the 81' was actually an own goal by Brede Hangeland, who turned to knock a ball out of the box after a cross by Nani, but knocked it in instead.
Nani had a chance to put the game away when a penalty was called minutes later for a handball in the box.  He stepped up, and it was palmed away.  This was a massive blow for us and Sir Alex will certainly not be happy. 
Hangeland had a chance to redeem himself and did in the 90' when he headed in a ball.  Again, Van der Sar caught a hand on it and just missed keeping it out.
No need to panic though.  There are still 36 more games until we hoist the Barclay's Trophy again!!!

BOOOOOOM!

150, Baby!!!

Scholes and Owen congratulate Nani on his corner that caused the own goal.

Missed penalty, missed points

Premier League Roundup: August 21

Unlike the first week of the Premier League, the second week didn't have many surprises.  The bottomfeeders, newly promoted or not, always seem to make a statement early on and then slide to the bottom by the first quarter of the season.
Today, they began their slide early.

ARSENAL V BLACKPOOL  6-0
The Gunners, who narrowly drew with another "Pool" last week (Liverpool), had no problem with the Black variety today.  The Seasiders were probably a bit seasick after this match.  Hammered by the London club for 6 goals, they began the day with a +4 goal differential and ended it with a -2.  Not a great outing, although they showed some promise before Ian Evatt was sent off in the 30' after hauling down Marouane Chamakh at the edge of the box...last man, so penalty and red.  For a complete rundown of the match with photos and video of the goals, click here.

STOKE CITY V SPURS  1-2
New signing from Man City, Gareth Bale, scored both goals for Tottenham.  One a ricochet off his face, and the other a nice finish.  Last season Stoke had internal problems (with a reported nude manager having a bust-up in the team showers with a player), and Spurs were enigmatic.  Stoke can produce when they want to, but rarely seem to want to.  Spurs on the other hand can be brilliant one week and absolute poo the next.

EVERTON V WOLVES  1-1
I predict that both of these clubs will struggle this year.  Wolverhampton clawed their way out of relegation danger at the end of last season, but they have difficulty putting in consistent performances.  Winners last week, they managed a point against a lackluster Everton side.  The Merseysiders are missing their last-season talisman, Landon Donovan, plus a few key players who were sold this summer.  Their saving grace?  Tim Howard in goal.  He did have a clanger last week, but made up for it with a valiant display today.  The Wolves' equalizer in the 74' was class so he had no chance.  Ironically, both keepers today were Americans.  Marcus Hahnemann for Wolves also proved to be the star, and Cahill's goal just before the half was untouchable.
Everton was clobbered last week and only managed a point today.  Wolves did well last week and couldn't muster anything today.  I'm sure David Moyes (Everton) is begging to get Donovan back.

BIRMINGHAM CITY V BLACKBURN ROVERS  2-1
This kind of match is almost impossible to predict.  I know MINE was wrong.  I figured the Rovers might pull off an upset, but I was wrong.  Neither one of these teams piques my interest whatsoever...so let's move on.

WEST HAM UNITED V BOLTON WANDERERS  1-3
The Hammers are hurtin' all around.  The offpitch drama swirling around their front office and their business dealings has taken it's toll on the pitch.  And today Captain Matthew Upson almost lost his head as Kevin Davies punted his nose instead of the ball into the net.  As if his day-ending bloody nose weren't enough, he was credited with the own goal. 
As noted above, this isn't the first struggle for the Hammers.  After they lost a court tussle involving the transfer of Argentinian Troll Carlos Tevez, they have struggled to recover financially.  If they don't have the worst home record in the Prem League, they would have to be in the top three. 
Matthew Upson and old man Carlton Cole can't do it all themselves.  New-hire manager Avram Grant (formerly of Chelscum) can't either.  With Cole's missed penalty in the first half, one could hear the air being sucked completely out of Upton Park.  The precarious position of their bottom line will prevent them from acquiring any class talent that they need to be successful.  I predict that their stadium will be called "Downton Park" when they drop this year.
As for Bolton, they have spunk occasionally.  After drawing with an upper-midlister, Fulham, last week they "upped" (no pun intended) their play this week.  Hard to tell whether they can do this week-in and week-out.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION V SUNDERLAND  1-0
In a rather even match for both sides, the winner finally came in the 81' by an unexpected deliverer.  Completing his move from Lokomotiv Moscow fewer than 24 hours before, Peter Odemwingie broke his duck and left no doubt in the fans' minds that he was a great find!
West Brom, who are the perennial rollercoasters of the Prem League; we're promoted, we're relegated...etc.  had a few chances but couldn't capitalize.  The Baggies will find a tough time of it this year in the Prem League, as the difference between Top Four and Midlisters has lessened.  What this means for bottom-feeders like West Brom is that their season could be over by mid-season.

WIGAN V UNIDENTIFIED TEAM FROM LONDON
The Latics were busted for four goals last week vs Wolves, and today, they added to their goal differential.... -6.  They're sitting at the bottom with 0 points and a goal diff of -10.  -10 could also be the wind chill blowing through manager Roberto Martinez' trousers at the end of the season, if he lasts that long.  Making up one point in the Prem League can be impossible, making up 6 with a miserable goal diff is...well...somewhere in the odds range of 1,000-1.  The longshots of Cheshire are favored to drop this year.  Their performances (or lack thereof) in the past two weeks would give me no indication that the punters are incorrect.
Martinez can put stock in the fact that he did a fantastic job as an ESPN analyst for the World Cup this year.  That may be his permanent job in a few months.

Marouane Chamakh shows why he was HIGHLY-regarded by Arsene Wenger.

Bebe Aspires to be Ronaldo

Manchester United's unexpected summer arrival Bebe says he is aiming to emulate his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo and become a global star at Old Trafford.
Bebe signed for United in a £7 million deal from Vitoria Guimaraes last week, despite having only joined the Portuguese club on a free transfer from a third-tier side five weeks previously. Little was known about the 20-year-old but it quickly came to light that he had a fascinating story, having previously spent time on the streets.
But while United signed Ronaldo after he impressed in a friendly against the club in 2003, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted on Tuesday he has never seen Bebe in action on a football pitch and instead relied on glowing recommendations from his Portuguese coaching staff.
The forward's first participation in the Premier League will be eagerly awaited and he has increased expectation somewhat by declaring he hopes to follow in Ronaldo's footsteps.
"To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," Bebe said. "The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.

"You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club. I want to become like then and I will work hard to become a top quality player."

Smalling Spurred On by Teammates

Chris Smalling is more than happy to place his burgeoning career in the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson, and says that he’ll take the chance to impress him whenever it arises.

"To have a manager who has faith in youngsters here is very positive,” Smalling said at a press conference to unveil United’s three summer signings, alongside Javier Hernandez and latest recruit Bebe.
Smalling joins a contingent of emerging talents at Old Trafford who are all trying to grab Sir Alex’s attention. "There's a crop of youngsters who are looking to have the manager's faith as the season goes on," he said. "There are many games and if we all work hard from day to day we can take that chance when it comes. I think the chances are there if you're working hard.”
Chris was playing non-league football only two years ago before being given his chance to step up to the big-time with Fulham in summer 2008. But this latest step is an equally lengthy leap. He has the likes of Rio Ferdinand (to whom he seems to be the natural successor) and Nemanja Vidic to learn his centre-half trade. He’s full of admiration but not overawed by his new team-mates.

"When you go out on the training field there's a bunch of players who have played the game at the highest level and I think that spurs you on," he says. "I'm just starting out in my career, and seeing the players here who’ve established themselves and had the consistency to play at this level for many years, that's obviously an aim for myself."

Chris at his first presser with United, alongside Bebe and Chicharito

Chicharito Living a Dream

by Ben Hibbs, manutd.com


Javier Hernandez says he is living out his boyhood dream at United.
Normally that’s that sort of remark you’d get from a local boy made good, but this exciting 22-year-old from Guadalajara in Mexico certainly isn’t playing down his enthusiasm to have made the move to Old Trafford.
Hernandez, who was unveiled to the media on Tuesday, is as eager and quick-talking at press conferences as he is keen and rapid on the pitch.
“It is like a dream,” he said, a broad grin spread across his face. “I am living the dream that I had when I was 10 years old when I loved this team and these players like Giggs and Scholes. All the players at United were heroes to me, from Cantona to Ronaldo. I liked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a lot as well. They are all good players. I wanted to be like them.

"I am here now and I want to enjoy it and take this opportunity and to grow up as a human and as a player. Most importantly, I want to win things.”

He sat on the press conference top table, sleeves rolled up ready for business, holding court with confidence at his Old Trafford unveiling – although officially that had happened the night before against Newcastle when, as a second-half substitute, he was given a rapturous welcome at his new home.
“It was wonderful on Monday night to play at Old Trafford for United in this league. It was unbelievable,” he added. “When I was young I always liked this league. I always wanted to play here. I’m very happy I have this opportunity.

"I also want to open doors to players in Mexico to allow the important teams over here might look at other players from my country. To all the fans in my country and over here I want to say thank you for all the support. I can promise I will work hard and do my best.”

Chicharito’s signing is a credit to United’s scouting network, particularly signing him before an impressive World Cup raised his profile just as much as his move to Manchester.
“The World Cup was important to me,” says Hernandez. “All my experience I have had in my short career has been important. The World Cup was great for my family because my father and grand father played also in a World Cup. It was a dream for all the family.”
But now his mind is focused on United and earning his place in the team. And Chicharito will throw himself into the task with seemingly typical gusto.
“In football you know you have competition for places,” he says. “You have it when you are in the reserves and when you are young - you can only play 11 players. In my head, I just want to learn and grow up and do my best for the team.”

Javier at his first press conference with United

Game 1: Manchester United 3-0 Newcastle

Nani chased by Joey Barton  (good thing he's faster, as Barton might have punched him)

The Reds’ quest to regain the Barclays Premier League title began at Old Trafford on Monday night with a commanding win over newly-promoted Newcastle United.

Goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher gave the home side a deserved lead at the break before substitute Ryan Giggs volleyed home a third to underline United’s dominance. By then, though, it was academic: the result never looked in doubt against a Magpies outfit that struggled to take flight, despite an encouraging opening 10 minutes.
There was interest than normal in the pre-match television build-up, as fans waited to see what sort of side Sir Alex would name for this season opener. It soon transpired there was no room for United's summer signings, as both Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez started on the bench. Berbatov and Wayne Rooney were given the nod to lead the attack, while Patrice Evra, despite not featuring in any of United’s pre-season preparations, took up his familiar left-back position.
Fletcher and Paul Scholes, the latter taking part in his 15th consecutive opening-day fixture, were charged with bossing the centre of midfield and in former Red Alan Smith and bad-boy Joey Barton found themselves up against formidable and physical foes.
Newcastle, promoted with six games to spare last season, may have won the Championship at a canter playing stylish, attacking football, but this season they’ll rely as much on brawn to retain top-flight status. But while the Magpies had to weather an expected early spell of sustained pressure, it was Chris Hughton’s side who fashioned the first real opportunity.
Andy Carroll had done well to win a corner off Vidic and it was the young centre-forward who rose highest to meet Joey Barton’s corner on 10 minutes; he’ll certainly feel he should have done better than head wide from six yards out.

At the other end, Sir Alex’s men were restricted to speculative shots from distance. Smith bravely blocked from O’Shea while neither Nani nor Rooney could bend free-kicks around the Newcastle wall. Worryingly for the vocal visiting support, Newcastle's stubborn defending appeared to be accompanied by a desire to self-destruct, as James Perch and Fabricio Coloccini both gifted possession to the Reds in dangerous areas of the pitch. But Sir Alex's men did themselves no favours, either: Scholes uncharacteristically picked the wrong pass when United had the Magpies on the back foot before Rooney unwittingly nicked a volley off Berbatov's toes and then blasted over from 12 yards.
United's perseverance and patience paid off on 33 minutes, though, when Berbatov latched onto Scholes' pass to fire the Reds into the lead. Jose Enrique managed the merest of touches on Scholes' defence-splitting ball but couldn't divert it away from Berbatov, who finished low and hard into the far corner.
The Magpies hinted at an immediate equaliser but United soon took the reins again, monopolising possession and asserting dominance. And it wasn't long before the second goal arrived. Good link-up play from Nani and Evra on the left flank released the Frenchman into the penalty area. From there, his drilled cross bounced off Rooney and up, tantalisingly, for Fletcher to hit on the spin and send United into United into the break with a deserved two-goal cushion.

The interval provided welcome respite for the visitors, but within minutes of the restart the Reds were terrorising the Newcastle back four again. In fact, United could easily have been four goals to the good by the hour mark. Scholes was denied what looked a decent shout for a penalty under a rash challenge by Coloccini before a delicious move involving five one-touch passes ended with Berbatov poking the ball just wide of Steve Harper’s left-hand upright.
Rooney’s frustrating evening – little came off for the England striker, who’s still without a club goal since March – came to an end on 63 minutes when Sir Alex introduced Javier Hernandez for his Old Trafford bow. The 22-year-old's every touch was cheered by the home crowd and Scholes and Nani wasted no time in playing balls in behind the Newcastle defence for the speedy Mexican to chase.
Berbatov thrice produced clever skill close to goal that was exciting yet ultimately fruitless, while Newcastle substitute Shola Ameobi came closest for the visitors in the second half when he headed Barton’s corner well wide of the mark on 80 minutes.
In truth, though, the contest had been over after 45 minutes. It was clear then where the three points were heading; Ryan Giggs’ superb third – a volley with the outside of the foot after he’d been found by Scholes’ dinked cross – was little more than icing on the cake.

Berba taking on three

Javier, Vidic, and Berba congratulate Giggsy on his goal

Yep...you da man!

Ryan Giggs to Manage?

Ryan Giggs has set his sights on managing Manchester United or Wales when he calls time on his illustrious playing career.

Giggsy scoring from a freekick

The 36-year-old winger has won every major club honour on offer in his 20 years at Old Trafford and has already started taking his coaching badges with a view to following former United team-mates including Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes, Roy Keane and Bryan Robson into management when he hangs up his boots.
"My aim would be to manage either Manchester United or Wales," he told the News of the World. "I don't think I'll know whether I'll cope with the aggravation until I've finished playing and say 'what do I do now?'
"Football is such a massive part of my life and to just stop in your late 30s and do nothing is tough. Even though there is so much stress involved, I think a lot of players become managers and really enjoy it. I think Roy Keane really enjoys it."

Chicharito Impresses Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains one of the most ruthless finishers to have represented United, so comparisons with the Norwegian striker betray the magnitude of Chicharito's early impact at Old Trafford.

Now manager of the Reds' reserve team, Solskjaer is quick to play down stylistic similarities, but appreciates that United's newest signing is blessed with enough attributes to terrorise defenders.
"We're all different," Ole told ManUtd.com. "But Chicharito's come in as a breath of fresh air. You see a player who's hungry to show what he can do. He's a great mover off the ball, his physique is very sharp, he's clever with his runs and his finishing is very good.

"He threatens space in behind defenders, and that's the hardest thing to defend against - players who know when to run, how to time their run and always think about scoring goals. He'll have to link play as well, but the way he moves off the ball gives us an option to play that direct way."

Having scored in four successive pre-season friendlies - including the opening goal against United for Chivas - Chicharito's impact has raised expectations among supporters.
Solskjaer scored on his debut against Blackburn Rovers in 1996, and concedes that first impressions are hugely important in becoming a major player at Old Trafford.
"I came to United halfway through the Norwegian season, so I was lucky enough that I was in top shape, players got injured and I got a chance," said Ole. "Hopefully he'll get a chance and he'll take it.

"Since the World Cup he's probably not had a proper rest, and his mind will have been on making a good first impression - which is very important to do. He's managed that, on and off the pitch. He's a great lad as well. He'll need time to settle in the Premier League, of course, everyone does, but I'm sure the gaffer is looking forward to testing him regularly against Premier League players."

Ole (right) celebrates one of Ronny's goals

The great finisher scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League Final

Chicharito celebrating his first goal with United against the MLS All-Stars

Manchester United Confirm Player Numbers; Team Photo

Report by Steve Bartram, manutd.com
United's squad numbers for the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League campaign have been confirmed.


New signings Chris Smalling and Chicharito will wear 12 and 14 respectively - as vacated by summer sales Ben Foster and Zoran Tosic - while there has been no movement in existing squad numbers. Prospective new arrival Bebe will be allocated a shirt upon completing his transfer to Old Trafford.

While shirt numbers have been determined, the Reds' final 25-man squad - as per the league's new Home Grown Player rules - will not be confirmed until the deadline on Wednesday 1 September.

2010/11 Barclays Premier League squad numbers

1. Van der Sar, 2. Neville, 3. Evra, 4. Hargreaves, 5. Ferdinand, 6. Brown, 7. Owen, 8. Anderson, 9. Berbatov, 10. Rooney, 11. Giggs, 12. Smalling, 13. Park, 14. Chicharito, 15. Vidic, 16. Carrick, 17. Nani, 18. Scholes, 20. Fabio, 21. Rafael, 22. O'Shea, 23. J Evans, 24. Fletcher, 25. Valencia, 26. Obertan, 27. Macheda, 28. Gibson, 29. Kuszczak, 30. De Laet, 31. C Evans, 35. Cleverley, 40. Amos, 42. Eikrem, 44. Dudgeon, 45. Gill.

Back row (L to R) Berbatov, J. Evans, O'Shea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Obertan, Vidic, Carrick, Fletcher, Macheda

Second row:  Valencia, Anderson, Nani, Brown, Amos, Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Gibson, Cleverley, Fabio

Front row: De Laet, Park, Owen, Rafael, (Rene Meulensteen), Giggs, (Sir Alex), Neville, (Mike Phelan), Evra, Rooney, Chicharito, Scholes

Real Madrid Top Bayern Munich with Penalties

MUNICH--

Bayern Munich (BM) took the opportunity of honoring the career of Franz Beckenbauer, the iconic German footballer, for their pre-season match with Real Madrid (RM).  Before the match, Beckenbauer was the honorary starter for the match, choosing to knock it to Cristiano Ronaldo (much to the surprise of CR7).

Vying for the Beckenbauer Trophy the two teams started off in a very different way.  BM held a quick pace, battering RM keeper Iker Casillas, still chuffed from his WC win this summer.  RM had very few chances in the first half, with the best two chances provided to Higuain.  In the 2' he had a wonderful ball to easily head in, but chose to put it over the bar.  In the 35' CR put a nice ball in for him but he couldn't put his foot on it.
BM dominated the first half (and the entire match really) and in the 7' minute they had an opportunity to go ahead when Sergio Ramos brought down Franck Ribery in the box.  Badstuber took the penalty and it was blocked out by Casillas, but it came right back in and Casillas once again parried.  It wasn't long before BM had another golden chance with Ribery.  His freekick hit the wall, but bounced into his own path...but Casillas didn't allow it in.
It is no secret that I'm not a fan of Franck Ribery but he outplayed himself today.  He was by far the star on the pitch until he was subbed off (much to his dislike) in the latter half of the second.
BM had too many wonderful chances in the first half on which they just couldn't capitalize.

Jose Mourinho's choice of clientele was curious to me.  He started with Ricardo Carvalho (who just signed his name to RM papers two days ago).  Was he really fit to be playing?  I guess not, because he had absolutely no impact on the backline (like the other swiss cheese members of the RM "defense"), and Ribery made mincemeat of him, as did Klose, on too many occasions.  Their disorganized back four were responsible for the beating Casillas took in the first half, while Jorg Butt on the other end was having a pedicure while waiting for an RM scoring chance.
The frontline of RM was even more disorganized.  CR and Higuain were up front with Canales.  The latter, who made his debut against Club America in San Francisco, looked outclassed by the Champions League runners-up.  He had done well against Club America, and so-so against the LA Galaxy, but tonight he truly showed his lack of pitch awareness and naivete.
Cristiano was frustrated by the lack of service he was getting, and chose to do the work himself.  He set up Higuain several time, and Di Maria when he came on, and then Benzema as well.  All of them were not worthy of the ball, and CR seemed reticent to go forward himself.  Has he been told by Mourinho that he's to play a classical winger position?  If so, I'm not sure how long that will work if they're not going to score with the others.  Benzema was poor again.  He doesn't seem capable of following a fast-paced match.  When Cristiano was screaming down the wing, he was ten paces behind...so when the cross or pass came in, Benzema was nowhere to be found and the ball just rolled haplessly in front of the goal box.  The flailing arms and histrionics of Cristiano seemed to match my disbelief in Benzema's lack of awareness.  I'm sure CR was thinking, "Rooney would have been there."  And he's right.

Many changes were made in the second half and RM had a bit more life to them, but still disorganized in the back, middle, and up front!!!  They were fortunate that BM did not connect on their chances or this match could easily have been 6-0.
At the end of 90, the score was still 0-0, so they went to penalties.  BM  missed two and RM made all of theirs so they won the match.  They didn't celebrate much, and the scowl on Mourinho's face seemed to indicate that they will pay in training for their lack of shine on the pitch.

One comical moment happened when the announcer said that Cristiano looks very small on the pitch but is "actually a giant...I saw him in the tunnel before a match at Old Trafford and he is a hulking, large man...6' 4'' or 6' 5''!"  What?  Cristiano is 6' 1'' with heels on...and he is a narrow-bodied thinman...yes, he has muscles, but he is certainly not a hulking man!!!  Why do all the announcers have to be knobs?

What does this mean for both teams?  Who knows!!!!  Someone will still be leaving RM before their season starts...my bet is Drenthe, and maybe a few defenders.  It wouldn't matter because all of them are worthless.

In short...Cristiano's talents are still wasted in Madrid.

Javier Hernandez Scores One Against World Champs

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, the new talisman for Manchester United, scored a goal for the Mexico NT to put el Tri up a goal on the newly-crowned World Cup champs, Spain.
David Villa equalized late on to save Spain the embarrassment.
Take a look at Javier's goal

Found this on youtube...a Chicharito chant:

Chicharitos fast as lightning

Chicharito red and white
he'll get the ball
and score a goal
Chicharitos dynamite

Manchester United Welcomes a New "Bebe"

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Vitoria de Guimaraes striker Bebe, a relatively unknown 20-year-old from Portuguese football, for reported fee of £ 7.4 million.


Bebe, full name Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, has agreed personal terms and will become the eighth striker on the books at Old Trafford, subject to passing a medical.
The forward was recommended to United by Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistant Carlos Queiroz, now manager of the Portugal national team, and had also been closely linked with Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.
The Guardian reports that Bebe was raised in an orphanage after spending part of his childhood on the streets and has represented Portugal in the homeless World Cup.
The 6'2" striker made a name for himself at Vitoria after joining from Estrela da Amadora and, despite his tender years, has a strong physical presence as well as technical aptitude, vision and good passing skills.

United Financial Director, David Gill, welcomes new signee "Bebe"

Two thumbs up for his new club

Bebe and his new badge

United States v. Brasil, Aug. 10, 2010

This game started out in an absolute run!!!  The United States, who lost to Brasil in the Confed Cup Final last year, was on fire...having several chances to score.  Landon Donovan was bumped in the area, which should have resulted in a penalty.  To his credit he stayed on his feet, which masked the foul.
Several of the Brasilian defenders were outclassed by the spirited American wingers and found themselves on their heels very early on.
The Brasilians were down in the Confed final by two goals and stormed back, so it's obvious they wouldn't take the USA lightly for this match.
In the 29' Neymar beat his mark to a header and scored for the Brasilians. Just two minutes later a bungling Pato scored after knocking over Tim Howard, but it was denied as the flag had already been raised for a foul in the box. Of course, the ultimate tool, Robinho, argued...to no avail. Still 0-1.


Just before the half, Pato was given a run without anyone marking him whatsoever...there was nothing Tim Howard could do...0-2.
The rest of the match was zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. USA actually scored with a Bradley header but it was called back for offside.
The score didn't change, although it could have. The USA keepers were fantastic tonight. They kept the score from being 0-8.

It's strange to look at the bright colors of the Brasileiros and not see the likes of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and other non-R Brasilian stars of old; the ones who gave the Brasilians their mojo and Samba Stars nickname.
New coach Menezes, who takes the place of outgoing and much-maligned Dunga, promises to bring back that South American flavor to a team that has struggled under the international pressure.
The stars of old, like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, were bright stars and set the tone for international and club ball, but their personal demons off the pitch threatened their reputations and consequently their playing time for the National Team.  Alexandre Pato found himself in disfavor with Dunga this year when it emerged that his AC Milan teammate, Ronaldinho, had taken him under his wing on the party circuit.  Dunga dropped Pato from the WC squad, which also coincided with his divorce (his wife was tired of her hard-partying husband too).  They have a long way to go to recover their Samba Stars title.

Are You Kidding? FIFA Makes No Sense!

This weekend the English Premier League kicks off its new season.  Serie A, La Liga, and Bundesliga will all start soon.  The French Ligue 1 has just begun, and many others around the world are gearing up for their seasons.  So WHY ARE WE HAVING INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES TODAY AND TOMORROW?
The World's largest friendly just happened in a month-long celebration in June and July.  Yes, I know, not every team was represented, but 32 of them were.

I think I understand why club managers drink heavily.
Just when their World Cup players have finally made their way back to the club after their extra vacation time, now they are shipped off again THE VERY WEEK that the club seasons begin.  STUPID!

Why am I making a big deal of this?  It's very simple.  These players are paid (very well) by these club teams to perform during the season.  Their international experiences are not paid that well and it's mainly for love of country that they do it.  Last year alone, Manchester United lost 10 players to injury...at one time.  We had to call up two players from the Reserves just to fill a normal team at a Champions League away match.  Vidic, Berba, O'Shea, and others were injured during friendlies and WC qualifiers.  Rio Ferdinand is still on the injury list after he pulled up lame during his first practice in South Africa!
But we're not the only team dealing with this problem.
The doctor who performed meniscus surgery on Brasil star Kaka last week stated that "he had no business playing in the World Cup...he could have ended his career."  Tell that to Real Madrid who paid 65 million for him just last summer, and will be without his services for another four months.  The clubs invest gazillions to keep their stars healthy and fit to play, only to lose them to worthless friendlies and international competitions. 
It isn't that I'm anti-international play, but we just finished the World Cup!  The players are just now recovering from it, so is it necessary that we play at this time?  The end of September would be better, when the teams are into their season.  I can't imagine being a manager and sending off my best only to lose them for the first match of the season because they are injured from a match that has no bearing on any competition whatsoever.
I'm praying very hard that we don't lose anyone before our first match.  At least Wes Brown was smart enough to announce this week his retirement from international play.  Berbatov has done the same, and Vidic hinted that this summer's WC was probably his last.  We can't afford to drop points like we did last year because of useless injuries.
FIFA has shown that they don't care one iota for the plight of clubs.  Adding these worthless matches on top of the grueling schedule these teams keep, is just plain...well...FIFAesque.

Little Pea is One of the Gang!

from mantud.com
by James Tuck

Vidic is impressed by the way Javier Hernandez has adapted to life at United, while Paul Scholes has likened Chicharito's clinical finishing to former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (now United's Reserves coach).

Hernandez scored on his competitive debut in Sunday’s Community Shield win over Chelsea, having already hit two goals for the Reds in pre-season.
"He looks sharp," Vidic told MUTV. "He likes the ball played in behind the defence, he has pace and has scored already, which will be great for his confidence. He seems like he's enjoying himself, he speaks English well and that’s helped him to settle more quickly. It's like he's been here for three years!"
And when Scholes is almost effusive with his praise, you know the recipient must be worthy of it. "He looks like an out-and-out goalscorer," says Scholes. "That’s not to say he can’t play outside the box as well, because when the ball comes up to him his touch is good as well. But he's a threat in behind defenders, and hopefully he’ll score a lot of goals this year.

"People say he's like Ole, and I thought that the first time I saw him in training. We did a finishing session and everything was in the bottom corner. He scores whenever he gets a chance.
He comes on and looks lively. He’s adapted to the pace of the game already. He's capable of scoring goals and if he’s anything like Ole, we’ll take that."

Vidic, who was captain for the day at Wembley, was also pleased to see Dimitar Berbatov get on the scoresheet with an exquisite chip in stoppage-time. "Everything Dimi does on the pitch is brilliant, but for him it's important to score goals too," the Serbian said. "I hope he gets a few this year to help us win trophies."
Vida’s happy to have ended speculation about his future by agreeing a new long-term deal at the end of last month. "I'm happy everyone is behind me," he added. "In my head I was clear, but now all the talk off the pitch will stop and that's helpful for me and the fans."

For those who need a reminder of Ole's famous finishing skills, here is a video of his championship-winning goal in the 1999 Champions League (Sheringham's goal is first, then Ole's).

from Guadalajara to Manchester

2010 Community Shield Photos

I found so many good photos from the Community Shield match that I had to make a separate blog entry just for them.  Enjoy.

Haha...VDS towers over Michael, Javier, and Fabio

The EPL is the most physical league in the world

Javier and Giggsy celebrate Berba's goal

Javier and Berba after the latter's goal

Javi shows appreciation for his new badge

Golllllllllllllllllllllll!

Que lindo

Capt. Vida raises the booty with Scholesy, Evans, Smalling, Park, Fabio, Tomasz, and Berba (with Sir Bobby behind Scholesy)

I like this scene...let's do it again many times this year!

Hopefully a portent of things to come...

Oops...this guy didn't win any trophies yesterday...

WINNERSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

Manchester United: 2010 Community Shield Winners!

This match was a tale of two halves.  United dominated in the first half, although Valencia's goal in the 40' was the only score.  United had several great chances that were just off the mark.  Valencia played very strongly in the first half, helped along by midfield marshal Paul Scholes, who in my book was the Man of the Match.  Who cares how old he is!!  If he continues to play this well, he shouldn't retire!
Our cute "little pea" was a breath of fresh air in the second half.  Javier Hernandez came close a few times, but then finally scored in the 74' minute when Scholes fed a beauty to Valencia, who in turn saw an open Chicharito on the far side of the goal.  He swung wildly, knocking the ball in...OFF HIS FACE!  It was quite possibly the ugliest goal I've seen United score in a long while, but...IT COUNTED!!  Chicha immediately ran to the corner, kissed the United badge, and officially announced his allegiance to the horde of Reds fans.  Hopefully he will continue to progress and give us some much-needed firepower up front alongside Berba, Roo, and Owen.
In the second half Chelscum made a surge and were denied each time, until the 84' when Kalou jumped on a parried ball from Van der Sar (after a brilliant save).  With the score now 2-1, the Blues thought they had a sniff of a chance, but were finally buried when Berbatov floated a winner over a wrong-footed and hardcharging Hilario.  3-1.  Game over.
I try hard not to think about C-Scum and their band of misfits, but it was evident today that they were not prepared for this match.  Last year their tongue-tied, heavily-accented new manager declared that the aging backline and frontline would not be a problem.  They managed to cheat their way to a title with a crap penalty and offside goal, but that won't be enough this year.  John Terry was given the runaround by anyone within bootlength of him.  He was caught off so many times, that if Hilario hadn't parried, or the shot hadn't gone wide, the score would have been much different.  Their aging "captain" is past his expiration date.
Enough about them.  Enjoy the photos, match highlights, Chicharito highlights, and trophy presentation!

Off his game, as usual, JT couldn't hang with Roo and Owen

Valencia scores a beauty on Hilario

 

Celebrations ensued

Owen gives JT the runaround

It was UGLY, but it counted!!

Number 14 makes his mark for the Reds Fans

Yep, Javier, it feels good!  Let's do it 30 more times this season!

Number 14 has fit in well...awww a hug from Capt. Vida!

Javier in action

That's right, Michael Owen, do not touch JT at any cost!

I think they like these trophy ceremonies!