Manchester United's Headliners, Articles and Rumours

[asiancigar]

Neville expects same top four

Manchester United skipper Gary Neville is confident it will be the same old faces scrapping it out for the Premier League title next spring.

Liverpool top the table coming out of the international break, both United and Chelsea have lost games already, while Everton, Manchester City, Blackburn and Newcastle have all made excellent starts in a league where only three points separate the top 12 teams.

Neville's manager Sir Alex Ferguson is among those who feel it will not take 90 points to win the championship this term due to the improvement most of United's mid-table rivals have been made.

But, while the Red Devils captain - who is nearing full fitness after a series of injuries that have ruled him out since March - is not willing to set a title-winning target for his team-mates, he does not expect an unfamiliar name to be at the top in May either.

"It will all settle down in the next couple of months and I am sure it is going to be the same four battling for the championship again," he told MUTV.

"We have only had four or five games so far and it is too early to start making assessments.

"Over the next couple of months, once the big teams start to play each other, it will start to pan out where we will all go.

"We just need to make sure we are in amongst it because we proved last season if we get up there we are difficult to knock off the top."

Having collected just two points from their opening three matches, United have turned their campaign around with successive home wins over Tottenham and Sunderland.

However briefly, Ferguson's men would top the table if they repeat last season's win over Everton when they visit Goodison Park tomorrow.

And, while it is inevitable United will not still be at the summit by the end of this weekend, Neville is convinced they are near enough to strike.

"The big thing in previous seasons was that we were too far behind," he said.

"We need to make sure that we don't fall more than a couple of points behind the leaders.

"At this stage of the season it's in our hands. In two or three months we can get closer to them and that's what we need to do."

Although Wayne Rooney appears unlikely to play against his old club, despite his speedy recovery from a broken foot, Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for the trip to Merseyside after completing his three-match suspension.

Cheerz
AC

[asiancigar]

Champions League Group Stages: Analysis and Predictions
By: Adam | September 14th, 2007

As soon as any competition is about to begin, there are torrents of analysis and predictions by various fans. And since I’m no different than genuine fan of the beautiful game, here are my two pennies. When it comes to analysis and predictions, I’m not Nostradamus and I’m not Alan Hansen as well as Andy Gray too. Here’s the “Champions League Offside’s” season preview.

I have given the verdict on which teams in given group will be clearing Group Stages. Acc. to rules 2 teams in each groups can proceed to Knockout stages.

Group A: Liverpool, Porto, Marseille, Besiktas
Marseille return to Champions League action after long time. But they have got some significant challenge to clear the first hurdle. Liverpool have enjoyed immense success in Europe in past couple of seasons. Last year’s runner’s up have ameliorated their squad by some young prospects like Torres and Babel. They are favorites to win this group and I don’t see any difficulty in that. Porto always have enough quality to go into knockout stages. Besiktas are new boys and they will have hard life out here. Marseille have good squad and could give some surprises.
Verdict: Liverpool, Porto

Group B: Chelsea, Valencia, Schalke 04, Rosenborg
Chelsea and Valencia meet once again after quarter final rendezvous in last year’s CL. Champions League is one trophy that is eluding Chelsea especially after their successful crusades in England in recent past. I’m sure, of all the trophies, Champions League lies at number 1 for Jose. Valencia on the other hand have an excellent squad of some young flair as well as players with experience. Schalke can produce some shocking results but they need to be at their best to disrupt teams like Chelsea and Valencia. Rosenborg are too small compared to big boys of this group.
Verdict: Chelsea, Valencia

Group C: Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, Lazio, Olympiacos
Both Champions League and Real Madrid are synonymous. Real have been the biggest spenders across the Europe this season and all the signings look promising. Even though Klose has been sold, Bremen have enough gunpowder in their arsenal to produce good results. Bremen are extremely strong on home front and even teams like Barca and Chelsea couldnt produce positive result Weserstadion in previous CL. S.S. Lazio had a good season in last year’s Serie A. But they have to work their socks off to win here. Olympiacos are the weak link of this group.
Verdict: Real Madrid, Werder Bremen

Group D: AC Milan, Benfica, Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk
I will call this group as “Group of Death”. AC Milan should go thru in any case given the quality and experience they have. Last season Celtic were able to outperform Benfica in group stages but tables can easily turn in Benfica’s way. Shakhtar have spent heavily this summer and have promising group of players. They should give some hard time to big guys in this group. It will be interesting to see 3 horse race between Benfcia, Celtic and Shakhtar.
Verdict: AC Milan, Celtic

Group E: Barcelona, Lyon, Stuttgart, Rangers
Barca look threatening with their “fabulous 4″. Barca have added some extra cream to existing Crème de la Crème of their squad in this summer transfer window. Stuttgart are current German Champions but they didn’t have great start to their Bundesliga campaign. Lyon have sold some of their best players this season. They have won 6 titles in a row in France and I’m sure this time they will give the highest priority to Europe. Rangers must be cursing their luck after finding themselves in company of these teams. In my opinion Barca will have no problems in clearing this hurdle. Whichever team wins all of their home legs should qualify as second team since Barca will be doing rest of their job.
Verdict: Barcelona, Lyon

Group F: Manchester United, Roma, Sporting, Dynamo Kiev
Aahh…old memoirs of Old Trafford will be haunting Roma supporters right now. Whereas Man Utd fans must have savored every bit of this draw. Last year united came extremely close to big ears with some fantastic results in the run but in the end they were mauled by rejuvenated Milan. Man Utd’s strike force is second only to Barca in whole of Europe. They are certainly favorites to win this group. Roma are unpredictable team in Europe. Still they are good enough against teams like Sporting and Dynamo Kiev.
Verdict: Manchester United, Roma

Group G: Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbache
I find this group as the most unique group. 4 teams from totally different corners of Europe and this is what Champions League is all about. Inter are lucky to find themselves in relatively easy group this year. They seem to be the best amongst all the other teams if we consider “experience” as only parameter. Eindhoven had good time last year and were able to bring shock result when they defeated Arsenal. Koeman who is manager of PSV is the protege of “King Guus” and has won European Cup in 1988 as a player with PSV. Both CSKA and Fenerbache will provide hostile environment for visiting teams in their home. It will be interesting to see who grabs the 2nd spot in this group.
Verdict: Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven

Group H: Arsenal, Sevilla, Steaua Bucharest, Slavia Prague
This one is the most predictable group in my opinion. Wenger has been the one of the most successful manager in Arsenal history. But one jewel is missing in his crown which is Champions League. Arsenal won’t be having any problems in group stages with their young squad. But as they will progress it will take toll on their young and inexperienced players. After winning UEFA cup back to back, Sevilla must be eager to taste the Champions League success and they have perfect group to build their confidence in their first season. Unfortunately for Steaua and Slavia I don’t see any future beyond group stages.
Verdict: Sevilla, Arsenal

[asiancigar]

Rooney back to face Everton
September 15, 2007 - 12:04AM

Striker Wayne Rooney has been included in Manchester United's squad to play at Everton on Saturday after more than a month out with a broken bone in his foot.

The England international has missed United's last four games after sustaining the injury in a goalless draw with Reading on August 12.

Manager Alex Ferguson will now decide what role to give Rooney against his former club, or whether to hold him back for the start of United's Champions League campaign against Sporting in Lisbon on Wednesday.

"He will travel with us. Whether I start him, put him on the bench, or the other option is to keep him until Wednesday, is something I have to decide," Ferguson told reporters.

"We also have to take the medical advice from our doctor but he has trained very well."

United will also be strengthened by the return from a three-match suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo as they look for a third straight win following their stuttering start to the season.

"It's a big plus for us," Ferguson added. "You miss players who make a difference and can change the pattern of a game and create opportunities for you. Also, his goalscoring form from last year is something we have missed."

France striker Louis Saha looks likely to start his first game of the season after a goal-scoring return from injury as a substitute in United's 1-0 win over Sunderland a fortnight ago, while Ferguson can also call on Carlos Tevez as he looks to increase a goal tally of just four from United's opening six games.

"I think we have enough, for the first time, forward power to improve our chances of scoring," said the United manager.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher has been ruled out for six weeks with a knee injury sustained on international duty with Scotland on Wednesday.

John O'Shea is also out for a "number of weeks" with a knee problem but midfield anchorman Owen Hargreaves is close to fitness after missing England's European Championship qualifying wins over Israel and Russia with a thigh strain.

"There is not a lot wrong with him. He has trained quite well today. I don't know whether we'll risk that tomorrow. It's more likely he'll play on Wednesday against Sporting Lisbon," Ferguson added.

[asiancigar]

Ronaldo's return
By Angus MacKinnon
September 15, 2007

CRISTIANO Ronaldo's return from suspension will provide Manchester United with a badly-needed injection of firepower for a testing trip to Everton.

Sir Alex Ferguson's champions have started the defence of their Premier League title sluggishly and have found goals hard to come by in the opening month of the season.

But captain Gary Neville believes that, with Louis Saha having returned from injury with a goal against Sunderland two weeks ago, Ronaldo free to play once more and Wayne Rooney's return imminent, normal service is about to be resumed from the Old Trafford forward ranks.

"Carlos Tevez has been up there on his own. He's come over from the Copa America and been thrown in at the deep end," said Neville, who is nearing his own return from injury but is unlikely to feature at Goodison Park, where Rooney could be on the bench against his former club.

"It's been difficult for us not having three of our forwards available. But you could see in the win over Sunderland the difference Louis made when he came on and I think with Wayne coming back soon we'll get even stronger."

With unbeaten Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of them in the table, Everton have started the season looking the most likely candidate to break into the top four.

But David Moyes' side may have to do without former United keeper Tim Howard, who has been in superb form but dislocated a finger in the USA's friendly defeat by Brazil last weekend.

Liverpool and Arsenal both face testing encounters at the end of a week in which most of their first-team squads have been on international duty.

Manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping to celebrate his new $9.6m-a-year contract at Arsenal with victory over Spurs in the north London derby at White Hart Lane.

In contrast, Martin Jol's grip on his job is looking sufficiently tenuous for him to be concerned that a home defeat tonight could trigger a move towards dismissal by a disgruntled board.

It is eight years since Spurs beat their neighbours and Jol knows how much kudos he could gain from a win.

"It's not only getting above Arsenal, it's beating them," the Dutchman said. "The main thing for us is getting points on the board. We have to change things. We're in a position we don't like and we have to improve on that."

Reds boss Rafael Benitez will take his squad to Portsmouth and the Spaniard is unhappy that a lunchtime kick-off has squeezed his internationals' recovery time.

"The players arrive back on Thursday evening and the only thing you can do with some of them is just to run a little bit and send them home," he said.

"For me it's impossible to prepare the team properly, you can prepare small details but to prepare the team physically and mentally for the game will be difficult." Chelsea have an early evening kick-off but visitors Blackburn have a habit of making life difficult for Jose Mourinho's men.

[asiancigar]

Devils on turbo now

LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo’s return for suspension will provide Manchester United with a badly-needed injection of firepower for a testing trip to Everton today.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s champions have started the defence of their English Premier League title sluggishly and have found goals hard to come by in the opening month of the season.

But club captain Gary Neville believes that, with Louis Saha having returned from injury with a goal against Sunderland two weeks ago, Ronaldo free to play once more and Wayne Rooney’s return imminent, normal service is about to be resumed from the Old Trafford forward ranks.

“Carlos Tevez has been up there on his own. He’s come over from the Copa America and been thrown in at the deep end,” said Neville, who is nearing his own return from injury but is unlikely to feature at Goodison Park, where Rooney could be on the bench against his former club.

“It’s been difficult for us not having three of our forwards available. But you could see in the win over Sunderland the difference Louis made when he came on, and I think with Wayne coming back soon we’ll get even stronger.”

Unbeaten Arsenal and Liverpool already have a two-point advantage and a game in hand on United and Neville admitted: “We have to make sure we don’t fall too far behind the leaders at this stage.

“Cristiano getting suspended obviously added to our problems but I think it will all come together in the next few weeks.”

With only Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of them in the table, Everton have started the season looking the most likely candidate to break into the top four.

But David Moyes’ side may have to do without former United goalkeeper Tim Howard, who has been in superb form but dislocated a finger in the United States’ friendly defeat by Brazil last weekend.

Liverpool and Arsenal both face testing encounters at the end of a week in which most of their first-team squads have been on international duty.

Arsene Wenger will be hoping to celebrate his new £4mil-a-year contract at Arsenal with victory over Spurs in the north London derby at White Hart Lane.

In contrast, Martin Jol’s grip on his job is looking sufficiently tenuous for him to be concerned that a home defeat today could trigger a dismissal move by a disgruntled board.

It is eight years since Spurs beat their neighbours and Jol knows how much kudos he could gain from delivering a victory this weekend.

“It’s not only getting above Arsenal it’s beating them,” the Dutchman said. “The main thing for us is getting points on the board. We have to change things. We’re in a position we don’t like and we have to improve on that.”

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will take his squad to Portsmouth and the Spaniard is deeply unhappy that a lunchtime kick-off has squeezed his internationals’ recovery time.

“The players arrive back on Thursday evening and the only thing you can do with some of them is just to run a little bit and send them home,” he said.

“For me it’s impossible to prepare the team properly, you can prepare small details but to prepare the team physically and mentally for the game will be difficult.”

Benitez expects to have Jamie Carragher back in action after a two-match absence caused by a rib injury and was relieved that Steven Gerrard had come through two England matches without aggravating his broken toe.

“He was a hero for England and it had been a very positive week for him and us in that sense,” he said.

Chelsea have the most relaxed schedule of last season’s top four, courtesy of an early evening kick-off, but their visitors, Blackburn, have a habit of making life anything but relaxed for Jose Mourinho’s men. – AFP

[asiancigar]

Ronaldo pledges to cool it when provoked

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed not to react to provocation as he returns to Premier League action with Manchester United.

Click here
The 22-year-old has served a three-match ban following his dismissal at Portsmouth, where Sir Alex Ferguson criticised the Portugal international for being provoked.

And Ronaldo has insisted he will no longer retaliate on the pitch.

He told the Daily Mail: 'I've learned a lot from this punishment.

'Now I am mentally prepared to tolerate anything my rivals throw at me. They cannot provoke me any more.

'This is a promise I've made to the manager. It will never happen. I wouldn't wish the experience of the past few weeks on anybody and I know I'm of no use to the club if I'm not on the field.

'I live for football and during the last few weeks I've suffered more than at any time in the past three years.

'It has been an incredible feeling not to be able to help the team.'

[asiancigar]

UNITED FAVOURITES AFTER WIN

Sky Bet now make Manchester United 2/1 favourites to win the Barclays Premier League following their 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have yet to show the form which saw them wrest the title from Chelsea last year, were heading for a goalless draw when Nemanja Vidic climbed highest to meet Nani's corner and break the deadlock in the 83rd minute.

Chelsea are 9/4 second favourites after they could only draw 0-0 at home to Blackburn to sit fourth in the table while Liverpool, who lead both United and the Blues in second place on goal difference, are 5/2 having also stuttered to a stalemate against Portsmouth.

All three trail Arsenal by two points, who sit proudly at the top of the league after two stunning long-range strikes from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor saw Arsenal brush aside north London rivals Tottenham 3-1 at White Hart Lane.

The Gunners are now 11/2 fourth favourites while Martin Jol's Spurs remain the favourites to win without the 'Big Four' at 5/2.

Following this most recent defeat, Jol has been made a 4/7 chance by William Hill to leave his job before the end of the season, while the firm also shortened the Dutchman's odds to 6/4 from 7/4 to be the first Premier League boss of the season to leave his club, marginally ahead of 2/1 second favourite Sammy Lee.

The Bolton manager saw his side go down 1-0 at Birmingham on Saturday and they can now be backed at 7/4 with Sky Bet to be relegated to the Championship.

[asiancigar]

Ronaldo: We can win title with Rooney back!

Manchester United wing wizard Christiano Ronaldo has spoken of his delight at the 'sensational' return of Wayne Rooney.

United are well placed in 3rd place in the league and hope that Rooney's return will see them regain the top spot.

Ronaldo said: "The return of Rooney is sensational news for us. His injury has effected our game but when he is back we will have far more power in attack.
"With players like Rooney, Louis Saha and Tevez, we will have a sensational front line. People have still not seen the real Manchester United this season.
"With injuries and red cards this is already different to last season but we still have time to win the title again. The points difference is not that great.
"I believe the League will be more open but we have the confidence to repeat our title win and go on to win many more."

[asiancigar]

Nemanja Vidic has final say as United dig deep
By Simon Hart, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 1:17am BST 16/09/2007

Everton (0) 0 Manchester United (0) 1

It was hardly the kind of flamboyant attacking display that swept Manchester United to the title last season, but Sir Alex Ferguson was a happy man after his side's third successive 1-0 victory. For 45 brief minutes yesterday United even found themselves back in familiar territory on top of the table. Slowly but surely, normal service is being restored.

That it took a goal by a defender from a set-piece seven minutes from time sums up United's problems this term. Although they could not be faulted for effort against an Everton side who were never allowed to get a grip of the midfield, a breakthrough was looking more and more elusive until a lapse of concentration by defender Joseph Yobo let Nemanja Vidic drift in unchallenged and get his head to a Nani corner, squeezing it home at the near post.

Until then, United had posed little in the way of attacking threat, despite their overwhelming possession and the tireless work of their most creative player, Carlos Tevez.

Vidic shot wide from close range and Paul Scholes spooned a volley over the bar. But they were isolated efforts, not the tidal wave of attacking dynamism that characterised United last season. Not even the return of Cristiano Ronaldo after a three-game ban could galvanise them. The Portuguese, well policed by the excellent Leighton Baines, was anonymous until he achieved instant infamy in the eyes of the Goodison Park fans when he was booked by referee Alan Wiley for diving for a penalty in the second half. It was the cue for the familiar pained, hands-on-head expression, but TV replays indicated no contact from Leon Osman.

Wayne Rooney, the other missing link in United's unconvincing start to the season, was not risked yesterday despite reports of his rapid recovery from a broken foot, though Ferguson confirmed that he would be fit for the Champions League trip to Sporting Lisbon in midweek. His return cannot come quickly enough for United.

In his absence, it was left to Ryan Giggs to continue as the main striker - a role that he patently finds uncomfortable, for it was only when he ventured to the comfort zone of the flanks that he came to life. After an hour, he was replaced by a Louis Saha, who was similarly anodyne.

Ayegbeni Yakubu, Everton's record signing making his home debut, struck up an instant rapport with Andy Johnson up front. The pace of both men caused early alarm to United and Everton were unfortunate when Yakubu won what looked like a perfectly legal high-ball challenge with Wes Brown, but was adjudged by Wiley to have fouled him. Yakubu was through with a clear run on goal with Johnson in support.

If that decision did not exactly endear Wiley to the home supporters, the Staffordshire official was booed like a pantomime villain shortly before half-time. Scholes had just been booked for his lamentable immaturity in hurling the ball away after being penalised for handball. Then the United midfielder clattered into the back of the legs of Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta. It looked a certain second yellow card, but Wiley gave him the benefit of the doubt.

The significance of the decision was underlined when, shortly after the break, Scholes saved United by clearing off the line as Johnson got a headed flick to an Arteta corner.

It was Everton's best chance, though James McFadden went close to crowning his week of heroics for Scotland by coming off the substitutes' bench and drilling a shot from the edge of the penalty area that forced Edwin van der Sar into an excellent save after 87 minutes.

Ferguson was in a combative mood afterwards, accusing the crowd of getting Scholes booked and describing the Ronaldo booking as a "ridiculous decision", though he was delighted with the victory. "It was a great result. There was some quality showing through. We all know we have not got our strongest side out due to injuries, but there is a good togetherness in the squad."

United's injury list worsened when Mikael Silvestre left on a stretcher after appearing to twist his knee as he fell awkwardly trying to tackle Arteta. He was sent to hospital for a scan.

Everton manager David Moyes took some comfort from his side's spirited display. "I don't think we deserved to lose all three points," he said. "It was disappointing to concede from a set-piece, but if we continue to produce performances like that we'll win more games than we'll lose."

[asiancigar]

Rooney to return against Sporting

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney will be ready to play in Manchester United's Champions League tie away to Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.

The England forward was not risked against his former club when United beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park with a late goal from Nemanja Vidic.

Rooney was not even on the bench after his recovery from a broken foot.

But Ferguson said: "He will be fit for Wednesday, we have taken medical advice and he only started training on Monday.

"And after only five days he is a bit short of fitness, he trained today and will train again tomorrow and through until Wednesday."

And on the last-ditch win, Fergie said: "It was a great result, there was some quality showing through. We all know we have not got our strongest side out at the moment due to injuries, but there is a good togetherness in the squad and it was a strong team effort.

"We defended right, they had one chance at 1-0. Edwin van der Sar made a terrific save, and Rio Ferdinand made a fantastic block from the rebound.

"When we get our forward players back from injury we will be all right."

The United chief was furious with referee Alan Wiley for the yellow card on Paul Scholes and the caution for Cristiano Ronaldo for diving.

Ferguson said: "The crowd got Scholes that yellow card, the referee's view was blocked but he heard the crowd and showed him a card.

"And on the Ronaldo incident, Carlos Queiroz (assistant manager) has watched the video, and it was outside the box but he was definitely caught by the Everton player.

"To get a yellow card for that was ridiculous. The referee thought he might have to give a penalty kick, so he booked Ronaldo instead, it was a bad decision."

Ferguson confirmed that defender Mikael Silvestre has been taken to hospital for a scan on the knee injury that forced him to be carried off in the second-half.

[qbdp]

Originally Posted by tomvoyeur

I dun know abt u guys but as an Everton fan, I really fancy seeing him in the Man Utd starting line up.....

I like Brown as well. But damn scared everytime he attempts to block shots. Coz he was jinxed. Many times the ball will ricochet off him into the net.

[qbdp]

UNITED HEINZE TAP-UP STORM

MANCHESTER UNITED'S war with Liverpool over the Gabriel Heinze transfer will erupt again this week.

United chief executive David Gill has written to the Premier League over accusations their rivals tapped up Heinze this summer. League chiefs will discuss the case this week which could lead to a formal complaint from Old Trafford and leave Liverpool facing a Premier League charge.

And in a separate probe, the League will investigate claims Crystal Palace were asked to sign Heinze from United before selling him on to Liverpool.

If they are satisfied that happened, the case will be handed to the FA for them to take disciplinary action.

That could land Liverpool with two huge fines and add more fuel to the simmering feud between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez (right). Liverpool's bid to sign Heinze was blocked by United, who claimed that a letter promising the player he could leave for £6.8million only applied to a move abroad.

A League tribunal ruled in favour of United and also heard evidence from Palace chief executive Phil Alexander that he was approached by Heinze's representatives with a plan for him to join the London club before being sold on to Liverpool.

The defender eventually joined Real Madrid but this latest confrontation heightens the growing tension between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez.

The Anfield boss said this week: "I have a lot of respect for Alex Ferguson but I have to focus on my club."

Rafa aims swipe at Fergie

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says he is not worried about Sir Alex Ferguson's criticism of him.

Ferguson and Benitez have been at loggerheads this season over the transfer saga involving Gabriel Heinze.

United manager Ferguson accused Benitez of having a chip on his shoulder when the Spaniard lost out in the bitter battle to take Heinze to Anfield and Ferguson also laughed off Benitez's complaints over fixture congestion.

Benitez cannot understand why Ferguson is getting involved in Liverpool's business and believes maybe the Scot is scared of the threat posed by Liverpool this season.

"I want to be clear. I have a lot of respect for Sir Alex Ferguson, because he is a great manager," said Benitez.

"But I have to think about my club and maybe now we have a better squad he knows we can become contenders.

"It is good people are talking about Liverpool as an option for the title this year. At this moment, I think we have a squad big enough and good enough to compete in every competition.

"So while the League is a priority because we haven't won it for so long, we also have ideas for the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. We will be fighting for everything - every single competition.

"I don't know what Ferguson is thinking when he speaks about us.

"The only thing I know is that Gabriel Heinze is not here and we need to manage with the situation we have."

[qbdp]

Injured Silvestre out for season

Manchester United have suffered a blow after learning that Mikael Silvestre will miss the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Silvestre, 30, was stretchered off just before half-time in Saturday's 1-0 win at Everton after collapsing in pain.

Defender Silvestre's appearances have been limited this season because of Patrice Evra's good form.

But his injury leaves United short of defensive cover at left-back following Gabriel Heinze's move to Real Madrid.

It is also the latest in a series of knee injuries to hit the Old Trafford camp.

Park Ji-Sung and England keeper Ben Foster are both at different stages of recovery from cruciate ligament surgery, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer announced his retirement this month after failing to recover from a long-term knee complaint.

John O'Shea is also out after sustaining an injury on Republic of Ireland duty last week, while youngsters Gerard Pique and Johnny Evans are likely to be among Ferguson's squad when United open their Champions League campaign against Sporting Lisbon in Portugal on Wednesday.

[windbeat]

Anybody knows when Jee is coming back? I know his comeback won't happen so soon but surely is during this season. I think he is one of unsung heroes of MU and will be a great add up for the team if he return.

[yinyang]

Sporting v Man Utd

Champions League, Group F match
Date: Wednesday, 19 September
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade

Owen Hargreaves has all but ruled himself out of Manchester United's Champions League tie away to Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old missed England's recent double-header and also United's Premier League win at Everton with a thigh strain and has still not yet recovered.

"I've never really had this injury before so this is new territory," said the midfielder.

"It looks as though I won't be ready for Wednesday as I've not trained."

Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped he would be fit, but it now seems he is set to join an already long injury list.

John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher are both out after suffering knee injuries on international duty, Park Ji Sung and Ben Foster have ligament problems and Mikael Silvestre is out for the rest of the season.

On the plus side, Wayne Rooney hopes to be involved after recovering from fracturing his foot on the opening day of the season.

BIG MATCH STATS
Definitions of terms used:-
Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93.
Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches.
European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League).
Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded.

Head-to-heads
Sporting CP and Manchester United have met each other twice in European Cup football.

In the 1963-64 Cup Winners' Cup, Sporting eliminated the Old Trafford club in the quarter-finals. After United won their home leg 4-1, Sporting bounced back big by them United 5-0 in the return, and went on to win the Cup, their only European trophy ever.

European history
Sporting CP beat MTK Budapest in the final of the 1963-64 Cup Winners' Cup. They are participating in the Champions League for the fourth time, and have never survived the group phase.

Manchester United have won the Champions Cup/Champions League twice (1968, 1999), the Cup Winners' Cup once (1991), the European Super Cup (1991) and the Intercontinental Club Cup (1999). They're about to embark on their 13th Champions League campaign, which makes them joint record holders with FC Porto. It is also their 12th successive CL campaign, which is the best streak ever.

Current European form
Sporting have not won any of their last five CL matches, losing the last two.

Manchester United have lost their last two CL away matches.

Player and disciplinary info
Carlos Paredes and Marat Izmailov are the most experienced CL players in the Sporting squad with 16 Champions League matches each. Derlei is the CL top scorer at Sporting with three career goals.

Gary Neville (98), Ryan Giggs (95) and Paul Scholes (95) are three Manchester United players that are ranked amongst the 10 players with most CL appearances. Giggs is the CL top scorer in Manchester United's squad with 23 CL goals.

Other miscellaneous facts
Manchester United are seeking their 100th victory in the Champions Cup/Champions League.

Sporting are in third place, three points behind leaders FC Porto in their domestic league; United are fourth in the Premier League, having taken 11 points from six matches