Saturday, 30 November 2013

The FourFourTwo Preview: Tottenham vs Man United

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The FourFourTwo Preview: Tottenham vs Man United

The FourFourTwo Preview: Tottenham vs Man United

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 08:33 AM PST

It was United's rivals Manchester City who sent Andre Villas-Boas' men to a 6-0 defeat last weekend - their worst result in the Premier League since a 7-1 loss to Newcastle United in December 1996 - destroying the best defensive record in the English top flight in the process. A UEFA Europa League triumph over Tromso did little to distract from Tottenham's domestic struggles, with consecutive defeats compounded by a persistent inability to find the net. Tottenham have netted just nine goals in 12 league games - only bottom two Sunderland and Crystal Palace have scored fewer - while United have rediscovered their scoring touch to net that many in their last four league outings. But it is not all doom and gloom at White Hart Lane, with Tottenham still very much in touch with the top four and, despite their Etihad Stadium capitulation, Villas-Boas' charges still boast more clean sheets (seven) than any other team in the division. Matches against Manchester United rarely provide cause for cheer among the Tottenham ranks, though - the London club have not enjoyed a victory on home soil over the Old Trafford outfit since 2001. The opportunity to achieve that feat twice in a calendar year passed them by when, in September of the following season, Spurs threw away a three-goal half-time lead to lose 5-3. Ryan Giggs is one United player who appears to particularly enjoy games against Tottenham, with the Welshman having scored 10 times in matches with them - more than against any other opponent. The winger turned 40 on Friday and has his sights set on securing a 14th Premier League winners' medal. Manager David Moyes has paid tribute to the one-club veteran, who has made 953 club appearances since his debut in 1991. "To be playing so well at his age is terrific and a great example to young players," the Scot said. "We don't look at his age. We look at his experience. He's the right player for this stage." Moyes' side have turned a corner after a slow start to the campaign with an 11-game unbeaten run, which includes strong form in the UEFA Champions League, lifting their spirits. The hosts, who made nine changes for Thursday's triumph in Norway, could be without Emmanuel Adebayor (groin), while fellow striker Harry Kane (knee), defender Danny Rose (foot) and midfielder Christian Eriksen (ankle) are all sidelined. Moyes is hopeful that Dutchman Robin van Persie (groin) and defenderNemanja Vidic (head) will return, but midfielder Michael Carrick (Achilles) will miss out.

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Competition: HTC Fan Photographer summary

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 08:00 AM PST

- The HTC Fan Photographer will consist of 1 winner and 1 HTC chaperone. The HTC Fan Photographer programme offers a unique opportunity for the selected winner to experience UEFA Champions League matches from a unique perspective. - The Fan Photographer is appointed by HTC and is able to take pictures of the warm-up and pre-match ceremony with the HTC One device. - The Fan Photographer will be able to access the official locations at the stadium designated for use by accredited photographers, to be determined by UEFA, and must remain at all times in these designated locations for the duration of time that they are pitchside. - After the pre-match ceremony, the Fan Photographer and the chaperone will leave the pitchside position and proceed to their ticketed seats. The quickest route to the seats will be identified but, depending on the length of that route, it is possible that the participants may only be in their seats shortly after kick-off. - The Fan Photographer must be a minimum of 18 years of age. - Winner will be notified on Monday December 9 before 11am, otherwise an alternative winner will be picked. - Winner will also receive up to £200 worth of travel expenses WIN Fan Photographer experience at Man United vs Shakhtar Donetsk with HTC

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No new contract for Giggs until end of season

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 07:36 AM PST

The midfielder, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Friday, has taken on a coaching role under Moyes, but his future as a player remains unclear. And Moyes claimed the delay was down to Giggs' age. "When you get to his age, any decision about carrying on is left until the end of the season," he said. "Don't forget, he's on the coaching staff anyway, but if he feels he wants to continue next season I'll be more than happy with that. "Ryan is undoubtedly at the top of any list of Premier League legends, for all sorts of reasons. "Because of his longevity, playing his entire career at a club like Manchester United, the amount of games he has played in Europe and the Premier League and the fact that he has provided so many outstanding memories every single season. "It is terrific to be doing it at his age, and it is an example to young players everywhere to see how far you can go with the right dedication. "It is also an example to players in their mid-30s, who may be wondering whether they are coming to the end of the road, to see that if you keep training well and looking after yourself, you can carry on longer." And Moyes revealed the squad had bought Giggs a number of gifts to mark the occasion. "There were a few surprises for him in the dressing room to mark his birthday," he said. "A coach's watch was one, so maybe they are trying to send him a message. "I think he was beginning to think they were pushing him out of the dressing room. "They're very good. He's respected by everyone in the dressing-room because of what he's done and what he's achieved in football." Manchester United travel to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

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Win! HTC Fan Photographer Experience in the UEFA Champions League

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 07:30 AM PST

Here's what our previous winner (pictured above) had to say about the experience: "It was like getting that one present that you asked for every birthday and Christmas but knew you could never get. As the Champions League music starts all those cameras flash at the side of the pitch that I've seen so many times, but this time one of those flashes is from me." The winner of this fantastic prize will be granted sacred access pitchside to capture all the build-up at Old Trafford on Tuesday December 10. You will be close enough to see David Moyes take his seat in the dugout and watch the players to the sound of that famous music as it roars around the ground, sending shivers down the spine. HTC's Fan Photographer will be there, a stone's throw away from the players. Armed with an awarding-winning HTC One, simply press the shutter and the phone automatically takes up to 20 photos and a 3-second video, and adds that living moment to a gallery that's filled not just with pictures, but with life. In HTC Zoe™ mode, before you take an HTC Zoe™ photo, the camera's buffering the action so you can capture photos a second before you press the shutter! To stand a chance of winning, LOG IN first and answer the question. Open to all world residents aged 18 and over. Entries close: 8am on December 9 2013. Prize is as stated. No cash alternative. Prizes are non-transferable. One entry per person. FourFourTwo terms and conditions apply Read more on HTC Fan Photographer experience

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Paul Pogba – Fergie’s biggest mistake in 26 years?

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 07:27 AM PST

There is not a single mention of Paul Pogba in 350 pages of Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography. This is revealing, because it likely means one of two things: either Pogba didn't register in the former Manchester United gaffer's mind, the circumstances around the 20-year-old's departure from Old Trafford deemed not worth dwelling on or explaining. Or, alternatively, Ferguson made a specific and conscious decision not to mention it. To this day, the circumstances surrounding Pogba's departure from United remain unclear. Did he jump or was he pushed? Did an agent purr sweetly in his ear or was the prospect of a sack full of money lure enough? The general feeling is Ferguson can take no blame here. Negotiations took place but nothing happened. "From what I've heard a situation was cooked up and I'm not sure that we could have done anything different to how we played our cards," says United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in the new United We Stand fanzine. "It was a stacked deck." That Pogba is hungry for the spotlight is obvious. The blond highlights in his extravagant hairstyle give it away as much as the sheer restlessness of his career to date, from Torcy to Le Havre to Manchester United and now Juventus. But does Pogba want the money and the fame as a means in itself, or is there a bigger picture here, a purer desire? The clearest answer to that came in one of his earliest interviews in Turin. "Juve can help me to realise my dream of becoming the best player in the world," a 19-year-old Pogba told RMC, barely a few months after joining. It's an ambition he has repeated many times since, a burning desire that has become virtually a staple feature of any media appearance. "My wish, my dream, the fixed objective since Roissy-en-Brie (his first club) is to be the best." In his own mind, Pogba has a date with destiny. And he plans to get there early. Ferguson had a plan to integrate Pogba into United's first team, but you can only keep a Kalahari leopard caged for so long. Pogba escaped. But his departure from United is, ultimately, by the by. United fans can weep all they like, lamenting what might have been. Pogba wears the white and black of Juventus now. And he wears it with consummate style. It's difficult to know where to begin when describing Pogba's precocious talent. Scouts often say that when you see a great player for the first time, you don't base it on any rational analysis. You just know. Ferguson touched on this unique thrill in his autobiography when he discussed seeing Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time. "One night I was watching a movie, White Fang, the Jack London book about going to Klondike in search of gold. That's what it must be like for a scout. You're standing watching a game on Saturday morning and you see a George Best, a Ryan Giggs or a Bobby Charlton. That's what I felt that day in Lisbon. A revelation." A tall, rangy midfielder with a peacock-like strut, Pogba possesses perhaps the rarest quality in football. You watch him and you can already see the future. All the game's greats have it: that element of untold promise, a sort of suspended anticipation, an excitement at the many years of joy to come. Frank Rijkaard experienced it with Lionel Messi. "From the moment Messi was introduced, we all knew he was a unique talent," he told Sport. "I remember Deco and Ronaldinho immediately realised how special he was, and they took him under their wing." Maradona tells the story of how his youth team, Los Cebollitas, lost the final of the Nacional championship to a team from Pinto, managed by a man called Elias Ganem. "When his son, Cesar, saw how upset I was he came up to me and said: 'Don't cry, brother, you're going to be the best in the world.'" Watching Paul Pogba provides that same feeling. Some of the game's greatest midfielders have said it. "He is a warrior with a good spirit," said France boss Didier Deschamps (a distinguished midfielder himself) of the man he handed a first senior cap earlier this year. "He has everything it takes." Antonio Conte knows a thing or two about playing in midfield. He won five Scudettos and the Champions League playing at the heart of Juventus' midfield, and he's another who is certain of Pogba's immeasurable promise. "Pogba is a modern player, as he is strong, fast and has stamina," Conte raved in August. "He's also humble, so listens to the advice given by me and by his team-mates. I saw his interviews in which he said he wanted to become the best in the world. I am happy with that, because in my view he can be the best." Patrick Vieira is another to bow at the altar of Pogba love. The former Arsenal man won 107 caps for France, but told L'Equipe that the man dubbed his heir in the French midfield is "more offensive than me and perhaps better technically. I saw him play for Manchester United. That Manchester City did not take him when he left was a mistake because he is an extraordinary player." Such high praise is not without merit. There are countless examples of the ability of the 6ft3in starlet nicknamed 'Il Polpo Paul' (Paul the Octopus). It was obvious at youth level when the teenager helped guide France to the 2009 Aegean Cup with a goal in the final. It was obvious at Under-20 level, when Pogba captained a talented new generation of French players to the Under-20 World Cup final, where they won on penalties. He played within himself, in fairness, with a casual nonchalance that suggested he knew he was too good for that level but wanted to be there anyway. In a way that was what made his performances so impressive. He won player of the tournament. It was obvious, too, when he came on wearing the number 42 shirt for Manchester United on his Premier League debut, in a 2-0 win over Stoke in 2012. Immediately, Pogba demanded the ball from Paul Scholes. In 18 minutes he whipped in three dangerous crosses and bamboozled Dean Whitehead with a wonderful turn and shimmy down the right hand side. The Old Trafford crowd applauded the skinny teenager standing before them, strutting around with the chest-out confidence of his compatriot Eric Cantona. They knew. Pogba's beautiful technique, athletic presence and charisma on the ball hint at a player who could be at the top of his game for years to come. He can play as an offensive midfielder or in a withdrawn, more defensive role, although he doesn't quite have the discipline needed to play in that position at the highest level yet. His shooting is exceptional, as demonstrated by an array of brilliant goals for Juve, and he can either build or destroy, with strength in the tackle and a great eye for a pass. He's also clearly a leader, the man France's U-20s looked to time and again as he cajoled, instructed and geed his players, leading the goal celebration dance routines with glee. His vast well of self-confidence and willingness to assume responsibility screams captain material. Of course, as with any 20-year-old, there is a way to go before Pogba can truly be considered one of the best players in the world. But with every single-minded interview he gives about wanting to be the best and every 20-yard thunderbolt he rifles into the net of an unsuspecting Serie A keeper, the conviction grows. It is almost impossible to watch Manchester United labour in midfield and not conclude that the man they really need in there is the one they let go. Paul Pogba may have made the FFT Top 100 for the first time, but you suspect seeing his name at number 64 will not satisfy him. The caged leopard is free. And he wants to rule.

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How can Man United fill the void left by Carrick injury?

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 05:43 AM PST

Despite his nomination for PFA Player of the Year, and being named Manchester United's Player of the Year last season, Michael Carrick continues to divide opinion. Some insist he's one of the finest defensive midfielders around, winning the ball intelligently and calmly without diving into tackles, while others claim he lacks the power and fighting spirit needed for that position, and doesn't compare to his predecessor in the number 16 shirt, Roy Keane. It seems Carrick is one of those reliable, understated characters whose importance only becomes clear to the doubters when he's absent from the side. Last weekend, in a 2-2 draw at Cardiff City, United conceded when Jordon Mutch found space between the lines, and sent a wonderful through-ball into the path of Fraizer Campbell, who finished smartly. It was a genuinely superb goal, but there was one obvious piece of analysis from a United perspective – had Carrick been in the side, he probably would have been in a position to stop Mutch. Carrick probably wouldn't have tackled Mutch – he makes only 1.9 tackles per game, which puts him on the fringes of the Premier League's top 80 tacklers so far this season. He might, however, have made an interception. With four interceptions per game, he's the joint leader in that category – Crystal Palace's energetic midfielder Mile Jedinak is alongside him in that respect, but given Crystal Palace spend much longer periods without the ball, Carrick's tally is more impressive. His star performances in the league this season have been against Swansea and Crystal Palace, which have proved how he intercepts more frequently than he tackles. Without Carrick, who is reported to be sidelined for another two or three weeks with an Achilles injury, Manchester United don't have an obvious replacement in that zone. This is probably the time for Marouane Fellaini to step up and dominate the centre of the pitch, but so far he's been underwhelming in a Manchester United shirt. In the draw at Cardiff, Fellaini demonstrated that he's more of a forceful tackler than an interceptor, but of greater interest was the positions of both – it's notable that he was often dragged away from the central zone, whereas Carrick stays solidly in position, between the width of the penalty boxes. In that same game, Tom Cleverley was also dragged out to the left frequently – both his interceptions were in wide positions. He failed with his only attempted tackle, and it was also interesting that he committed four fouls in the centre of the pitch – Carrick, in stark contrast, has committed just nine fouls in 13 games. Another option, Anderson, hasn't impressed under Moyes. His last league appearance was in the shock 2-1 defeat to West Brom, and while the Brazilian was playing alongside Carrick and therefore not primarily in a defensive role, his lack of contribution without the ball was amazing. He made one tackle, no interceptions, only recovered the ball once and committed two fouls. Anderson also appears to be unable to last 90 minutes in the Premier League – rarely playing for more than an hour. With those options not promising, Phil Jones is probably the most obvious replacement for Carrick. Although a completely different sort of player – an energetic battler rather than a cool interceptor – when fielded in central midfield he's often performed impressively. Against Arsenal, for example, he made interceptions in central midfield, but also brought his own style of defending to the side – making three crucial blocks on the edge of the box. The positions of his ball recoveries and clearances, meanwhile, show that he remains in central positions, and helps to protect his centre-backs. With Ryan Giggs unable to play every week, a combination of Jones and Fellaini is probably the best bet for Moyes throughout Carrick's absence – neither have his positional skill, but Jones is a more intelligent holding midfielder than often given credit for, while Fellaini deserves a chance to demonstrate his ability in that position, following his summer move. Most United fans, however, will be praying Carrick returns to action as quickly as possible – Moyes simply doesn't have an adequate replacement.

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Giggs toughened by Old Trafford apprenticeship

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 01:16 AM PST

The veteran winger, who clocked up the milestone on Friday, is the Premier Leagues most decorated player and was a member of the fabled Old Trafford Class of 92, which also produced players such as David Beckham and Gary Neville. But the Welshman - the fourth oldest player in Premier League history - believes that times have changed since he was coming through the academy system as a young player. And he would like to see youth prospects go through a similar process to the one he did as he worked his way through the United ranks. I think if you asked most players of my era, that is something they would like to see come back, he told the Daily Mail. It gave you discipline, that sort of ethos of working hard and the desire to be a success. You worked hard to make the most of yourself. The Cliff (former United training ground) is crawling with history. We would get there at 8am, stay until 5pm or 6pm. Youd train morning and afternoon; then you would do your jobs, pumping balls up, cleaning dressing rooms, polishing boots or whatever. All those things have gone, like sweeping the dressing room and making sure the boots were done. If they werent, you got told. The aim was to get into the first-team dressing room. We had a lot of fiery characters (Peter) Schmeichel, (Paul) Ince, (Roy) Keane. They would let you know if you let them down. But they always pulled in the right direction, doing things for the right reason. It was a tough school but it was one you knew if you got through it, you could face anything. You didnt forget what you learned there. Giggs, who made his debut in 1991, has no plans to celebrate his birthday too much, as he settles into his new role at Old Trafford. The Welshman was promoted to the clubs coaching staff following the arrival of new boss David Moyes in the close-season, and he says it is an experience he is relishing. Im sure I will get a bit of stick off the lads (on his birthday). I tried to keep it quiet but that has been impossible, he continued. Am I dreading it? Ive just got to attack it, havent I? I cant worry about it too much. Nothing has changed for me. I still enjoy it. I still enjoy training. As soon as that stops, I will finish. It will be as simple as that. Obviously the change with Sir Alex (Ferguson) going was massive, but I am enjoying it. I am enjoying the coaching role. David is a great manager and a great coach. This is a landmark birthday but its not something I will dwell upon. There wont be any mad celebrations. I am always someone who tries to look forward.

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Roma president wants Garcia to follow Ferguson

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 01:01 AM PST

Ferguson retired in May this year after an outstanding 27-year stay at English giants Manchester United, during which time he led the club to 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup successes and two UEFA Champions League crowns. Garcia, meanwhile, was lured to the Italian capital in the close-season after five years in charge of Lille, and the 49-year-old Frenchman has seen his side make an exceptional start to the campaign. Roma won their first 10 Serie A matches, a new Italian record, and although they have since drawn their last three, losing top spot in the process, they are undefeated and have conceded just three goals in their 13 league fixtures. Pallotta has taken credit for the decision to hire Garcia, and hopes that he will be a long-term fixture at the club going forward. "Rudi Garcia was obviously my decision," Pallotta told Football Italia. "I asked sporting director Walter Sabatini what other coaches were around, not just the coaches who have gone through the system in Italy and are the same old – even though there are respectable coaches. "But we wanted to do something different and have someone that we thought could be at Roma for 10 years, looking at the Alex Ferguson type model at Manchester United." Pallotta also expressed his delight with Roma's style of football under Garcia, and he believes his side are exciting to watch. "I just love the way we're playing," he added. "I could see it in July at the MLS All-Star game the kind of team we were going to have. "I said all through August we had a great team this year and nobody believed me, least of all the media in Rome. "I love the way the team plays now. Forget the wins, I mean the style we're playing."

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AVB ready for Man United after Tromso triumph

Posted: 29 Nov 2013 12:41 AM PST

The Portuguese has come under pressure of late after Tottenham's slump in form, which culminated in a disastrous 6-0 Premier League loss to Manchester City last weekend. However, Tottenham responded in fine style from their European excursion to Norway on Thursday, beating Tromso 2-0 on their way to topping Group K. An own goal from Tromso defender Adnan Causevic along with a second for Mousa Dembele gave the Londoners the win. Tottenham will host United when they return to domestic action on Sunday,having slipped to ninth in the table after back-to-back league defeats against Newcastle United and City either side of the international break. And Villas-Boas admits that it was important to get back to winning ways quickly ahead of that clash. "Obviously the opponent we have on Sunday is the biggest that we can have," he said. "But to prepare for that game, it was important to get back to winning ways here, and we did it in a fashion where we looked solid and created lots of chances. "I am extremely happy with the performance and result."

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