Saturday, 14 December 2013

Januzaj eyes long United stay

15:40

By: TBMU Admin On: 15:40   In:   No comments

Januzaj eyes long United stay

Januzaj eyes long United stay

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 01:41 PM PST

The 18-year-old has made his mark at Old Trafford this season, scoring twice in a 2-1 win at Sunderland in October. Januzaj was rewarded with a five-year contract and made his UEFA Champions League debut against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday. And he has set his sights on a long-term stint at the club, telling MUTV: My first opinion (earlier this year) was to sign for Manchester United. It was my first choice and I have signed for them. I am happy here. If I could play all my life at Manchester United, I would do it for the club. The boss (David Moyes) gave me a chance and I couldnt have asked for more than to score two goals on my debut. I was really happy with those goals. Now I have to continue and score more if I can because I have to prove I can play at first-team level. Winning trophies is the only thing I want and to try to be the best player. Januzaj has primarily been used out wide by Moyes, but believes his best position is just behind the striker a role he may get to fill in the continued absence of Robin van Persie (thigh). My best position will (be) behind the striker as a number 10, he added. I always used to play there when I was really young. I can also play on the wings and I always do my best. I would do that even if it was at left-back. It is my job. But number 10 is the position I always wanted to play.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The FourFourTwo Preview: Aston Villa vs Man United

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 09:49 AM PST

Successive home defeats against Everton and Newcastle United have ramped up the pressure on manager David Moyes, with last season's English champions now without a win in four league games. United have slipped to ninth in the table as a result – 13 points behind leaders Arsenal – and will be without a host of key players for their road trip. Robin van Persie (thigh) will miss the next month, Michael Carrick (Achilles) is still absent after surgery and fitness doubts over Marouane Fellaini (back), Chris Smalling (hamstring), Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, who both have knocks, persist. Moyes, who saw his side beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, feels he has the squad depth to cover their absence, though, as United look to extend their outstanding record against Villa. "I am sure we have plenty of players who can cover it (the injuries) and we don't miss them too much," Moyes said. "We want to play well. We've not done as well in the league as we should have. We want to put it right." Since October 1999, United have lost just once to Villa in 33 matches – that defeat coming in December 2009 when Gabril Agbonlahor's header gave the Birmingham outfit a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. With 11 wins and six draws from their last 17 visits to Villa Park, United have history on their side. The match will be the 500th club appearance of Wayne Rooney's career and he is currently on 149 Premier League goals for Manchester United. Without last season's top-scorer Van Persie, who scored a hat-trick against Villa when the two sides met at Old Trafford in April, Rooney will be asked to lead the line up front and is in good form domestically, scoring three in as many matches. Villa lie 11th in the table, just three points behind their opponents, but have been poor in front of their home fans this season. They have won just seven points at Villa Park – only Sunderland have earned fewer at home in the Premier League – and scored just six goals at the venue in seven matches. Despite having just 23 per cent possession at Southampton last week, they produced a great 3-2 win –a result that extended their unbeaten run to five. But a 2-0 defeat at Fulham brought Villa back down to earth and they will be without midfield star Fabian Delph for this match due to suspension. Ron Vlaar (calf) is set to miss out, while Libor Kozak (ankle) and Antonio Luna (groin) remain doubtful. Joe Bennett (back), Charles N'Zogbia (calf) and Jores Okore (knee) remain on Villa's injury list.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Van Persie faces month on sidelines with thigh strain

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 06:15 AM PST

Netherlands international Van Persie has already spent time on the sidelines this season because of a groin strain, but made his first appearance since November 10 in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last Saturday. The former Arsenal striker also featured in the UEFA Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday, but will now be unavailable until January after sustaining the injury in that game. Robin Van Persie is out as well for a month, Moyes said. He picked up a thigh strain in taking a corner kick which led to the goal.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Mourinho rules out a fresh Rooney bid

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 06:08 AM PST

The Stamford Bridge club were the subject of two failed bids for the England international in the close-season before eventually conceding defeat in their pursuit. With Chelseas regular strikers notching just four league goals between them this term, speculation mounted that Mourinho could once again move for the 28-year-old. But Mourinho has refuted those claims and insisted he would not be looking to bolster his forward line in January. When asked about Rooney and the prospect of a new forward, Mourinho answered: I dont think so. I think it is the case (we will not buy a new striker). The Portuguese moved to defend his own attacking players, despite a lack of goals from the likes of Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Etoo. Some strikers they are players with fantastic individual qualities and by themselves can do what the (whole) team is not able to do, he added. Our strikers are not individual players, with this kind of quality or potential, they are more for the team organisation and dynamic and they do other jobs. I dont criticise them because they do other things for the team. The number of goals is quite frustrating not just for me but especially for them. But the contribution is good. Do I expect them to score a bit more? Yes. But I cannot expect Demba Ba, or Fernando to get the ball and dribble past four players and shoot, they are different players. Mourinho also denied fresh claims centre-back David Luiz will join La Liga champions Barcelona and suggested a move for Southamptons left-back Luke Shaw was not in the pipeline. At this moment it is clear, he (Luiz) is our player, he continued. No (we will not bid for Shaw), the market is closed. The market opens in January but I dont think we will be there buying or selling. At the end of the season, of course, normally every club does it (transfer business), Chelsea does it, at the end of the season Chelsea will be analysing the situation. Chelsea face Crystal Palace on Saturday looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League following a 3-2 defeat at Stoke City last weekend.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Pochettino refutes Shaw sale speculation

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 05:24 AM PST

The 18-year-old has risen to prominence with a series of superb displays for Southampton and is being touted as a future England regular. Shaw's performances have reportedly attracted interest from several clubs in England's top flight, with Chelsea and Manchester United thought to be among his suitors. And Pochettino admits he cannot stop clubs from courting his star players, but remains adamant the youngster will not leave the club, who occupy eighth spot in the Premier League. "They can show their interest," he said. "That's not something we control. "But in this individual case he is not a player we are willing to sell. In a sporting manner, he is not for sale." Shaw's team-mate Jay Rodriguez is another Southampton player in top form this term who also harbours long-term England ambitions. And the forward - who earned his maiden international cap in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Chile in November - has set his sights on a spot at the FIFA World Cup in Brazil next year. "Obviously I wasn't happy with my performance in the (Chile) game," he commented. "But the experience was unbelievable for me. "I took a lot of positives from that, but I would have obviously liked it to have gone better and to get the win. It would be a great feeling to go to a World Cup, but I have a lot of hard work to do. "I need to keep trying to improve as a player for Southampton."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Jose sacked! Martinez top! Wenger trophyless! What would happen if other bosses took the Man United job?

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 04:50 AM PST

It's long been suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement would usher in an era of inevitable decline for Manchester United. Sure enough, just six months after Fergie's retirement, United are well adrift of the Champions League places, have lost successive home matches and look a team disjointed. With David Moyes' team off the pace, and seemingly short of confidence and creativity, the questions over the suitability of his handpicked successor grow rather than fade. Now, using the oracle that is Football Manager 2014, FFT have conducted a highly-scientific experiment to determine who should be the true heir to Sir Alex's throne, comparing Moyes' efforts with four other post-Fergie alternatives. Having simulated the 2013/14 season six times, each featuring a different figurehead at United's helm, here is what Sports Interactive's crystal ball unveiled. David Moyes Trophies None (we aren't counting the Community Shield - sorry Davie). Transfers In Summer: Marouane Fellaini (Everton, £27.5m). Transfers Out None. Key Results A 4-1 hammering at Manchester City and a 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. League Finish Sixth at the time of his sacking on December 18 2013. As in reality, Moyes struggled in the summer transfer window with Marouane Fellaini his only recruit. His training methods also saw Robin van Persie side-lined through injury while Javier Hernandez became disillusioned with his role, handing in a transfer request (the little digital Mexican eventually left for Juventus in January). United started the season well, but this success wasn't to last and they soon tumbled towards mid-table. On the plus side, United did top their Champions League group, but Moyes' European exploits weren't enough to ease the pressure. You could be forgiven for thinking this all sounded a little familiar, but th simulation suggests things could get worse for Moyes. A defeat at Selhurst Park was the final nail in his virtual coffin, with the Scot replaced by Marcelo Bielsa on December 18. The Argentine was at least able to drag United back up into the top four by the season's end. It's probably just as well the real Manchester United aren't heading to Selhurst in the next week... Jose Mourinho Trophies None Transfers In Miralem Pjanic (Roma, £13.5m) and Jeremy Menez (Paris Saint-Germain, £4m). Transfers Out Antonio Valencia (Real Madrid, £14.5m), Anderson (Milan, £8m) and Alexander Buttner (PSV Eindhoven, £2.1m). Key Results Sacked after losing five games in late October and November, following defeats to Cardiff City, Manchester City and Liverpool at home. League Finish Sixth at the time of his sacking on November 30 2013. What if, rather than reconciling with Roman Abramovich, Mourinho had taken his unmatched trophy-winning record to Old Trafford? Well, if our simulation is to be believed, it seems his bravado would soon see him come unstuck, with his antagonisms jarring with the realities of the team's performances. The board may have forgiven his war-waging in the press and a touchline ban had he brought results, but key defeats to Liverpool and City in respective home and away derbies soured relations. The Liverpool loss proved to be the final straw with Klopp replacing Mourinho with immediate effect. The German, having made two January signings, lifted the League Cup against Arsenal but failed to win any other competitions, knocked out by Wigan in the sixth round of the FA Cup and bested by Dortmund in the quarterfinal of the Champions League. United's league momentum dwindled, finishing a distant fourth as Marcelo Bielsa masterminded Chelsea to a title-winning points tally of 91 (second placed City finished with 72). Arsene Wenger Trophies None Transfers InYouri Tielemans (Anderlecht, £3m), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia for £17.75m), Mario Pugliese (Atalanta, £375k), Nicolas Nkloulou (Marseille,£11.5m) and Jordan Jones (Middlesbrough, £1.8m). Transfers OutAntonio Valencia (Real Madrid, £14.5m). Key ResultsA slow start and middling form over the festive period gave way to an unbeaten run stretching from February to the end of the season, allowing United to pip Arsenal to third (the Gunners managed by David Moyes, of course...) League FinishThird (Champions: City, Second: Chelsea, Fourth: Arsenal, Fifth: Spurs) How do you replace an institution like Sir Alex Ferguson? Why, by bringing in one of the only managers whose longevity can (almost) match the Scot's: Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman's arrival at Old Trafford may have shocked the pretend footballing world, but he struggled to inspire his new team in the opening months of the season, with a raft of new signings taking their time to settle and meld with the club's existing personnel. United hovered between fifth and sixth for most of the season, with Wenger pleading for patience as he sought to reshape the club's backroom set-up and plan for the future by signing the likes of Youri Tielemans and giving games to Adnan Januzaj and Wilfried Zaha. Despite some promise, the former Arsenal manager was unable to back up his ideas with any silverware, leaving the Old Trafford hierarchy nervous that he would bring the trophy drought of his old team to the once moist Old Trafford. He secured a third placed finish, but the algorithm-based board weren't entirely satisfied... Roberto Martinez Trophies League Cup, Premier League Transfers InMiralem Pjanic (Roma, £13.5m) and Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid, £20m). Transfers OutAlexander Buttner (PSV Eindhoven, £2.1m) and Antonio Valencia (Real Madrid, £14.5m). Key Results Martinez's only two losses in a row didn't come until late April, offering Arsenal a way back into the title race. A nervy season finale was assured by two draws in United's final games against Aston Villa and West Ham. League Finish Champions (Second: Arsenal, Third: Newcastle United, Fourth: Tottenham Hotspur, Fifth: Manchester City) With Everton's strong start to the season in mind, we sent Roberto Martinez to Old Trafford instead of Goodison Park, with Martin O'Neill taking the Toffees job instead of Ireland. The Spaniard led United to a 21st Premier League title, bagging the League Cup along the way yet there were issues. He was beaten at his own game in the Champions League against Ajax as United crashed out in the second round from an away goal in a 1-1 aggregate draw. United's season almost collapsed in the final weeks too, losing two games in a row in April, followed by later defeats to Cardiff and Manchester City. Their last two games were testy draws to Villa and West Ham. Arsenal finished just a point behind: the champions' triumph almost turned to disaster. Harry Redknapp Trophies FA Cup Transfers InClaudio Yacob (West Bromwich Albion, £10m), Antonio Candreva (Lazio, £15.5m) and Radja Nainggolan (Cagliari, £14m). Transfers OutAntonio Valencia (Real Madrid, £14.5m), Anderson (Southampton, £11.25m) and Alexander Buttner (Wigan Athletic, £2.1m). Key Results Won 8 and drew 2 of last 10 league games to snatch second on the final day. League Finish Second (Champions: City, Third: Arsenal, Fourth: Spurs, Fifth: Chelsea) How about if, having decided they needed to replace Fergie's wily experience, United turned to QPR's Harry Redknapp, giving the name who pushed Spurs to an unlikely title tilt one last shot at the big time? To the surprise of many, he almost succeeded. Limiting his transfer dealings to the summer for once, Redknapp brought in some surprising names to renovate United's midfield, eventually finishing second in the league. He also exorcised his demons by beating Villas-Boas' Spurs in the FA Cup final. Unfortunately he struggled elsewhere, knocked out in the third round of the League Cup by West Ham and the second round of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Trophies FA Cup and Premier League Transfers InAdam Campbell (Newcastle United, £4.4m), Remie Streete (Newcastle United, £4.3m), Jonathan Schmid (Freiburg, £11.75m) and Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur, £18m). Transfers OutWilfried Zaha (Newcastle United, loan), Antonio Valencia (Real Madrid, £14.5m), Anderson (Milan, £7.75m) and Alexander Buttner (West Bromwich Albion, £2.1m). Key Results Unbeaten in every derby and clash against United's top four rivals. League Finish Champions (Second: Arsenal, Third: City, Fourth: Spurs, Fifth: Newcastle) Having cut his managerial teeth in his homeland with Molde, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer proved to be a risk worth taking on his return to Old Trafford, leading United to a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season back at the club. Solskjaer secured title No. 21 by winning seven and drawing three of their final 10 games having suffered patchy form in November, December and March. He didn't lose a match to any of United's big rivals. In Europe he struggled, knocked out by Dortmund in the second round while Fulham triumphed in their League Cup semi-final. However the club were delighted with Solskjaer's unexpected double and the potential shown by their new boss. FEATURE The 14 teams FFT wants to play as on Football Manager 2014 Football Manager 2014 is out now

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Newcastle fans nipples still erect from Old Trafford win

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 04:05 AM PST

The Newcastle United supporters who toplessly cheered on their side's victory at Old Trafford last Saturday are yet to experience any softening of their proud, exposed nipples, according to reports from Tyneside. Newcastle were deserved 1-0 victors over Manchester United in a game distinguished by fine individual performances from Fabricio Coloccini and goalscorer Yohan Cabaye, and by their fans' now habitual state of partial nudity. The serried ranks of bare-chested Magpies fans sung their hearts out in support of their team, while their nipples grew ever harder with euphoria. A majority of fans elected to remain triumphantly semi-nude after the final whistle, with up to 35,000 pairs of nipples understood to have experienced no measurable unstiffening in the six days since the famous victory. "When the lads are playing well, you don't feel the cold," said topless Barry Scott, 38. "I'll know it's time to put the shirt back on when these bad boys [his nipples] settle back down again. And there's been no sign of that happening any time soon." His view was echoed by another lifelong Newcastle fan, whose nipples also remain defiantly rigid. "The way the lads are playing now, we could beat anyone," said shirtless Micky Bradshaw, 43. "[Tim] Krul's been immense, so has [Loïc] Remy, and credit to Alan Pardew, he's really turned it round. "But if you ask me, it's really down to these," he added, indicating his firm, pointy nipples. "I haven't worn a shirt since late October, and since then we've won five from six in the league. "Coincidence? You tell me. All I know is that right now, these nipples could cut glass." Experts suggest that this is unlikely to be the last time that Newcastle fans are spotted flaunting their ardent nipples. So far this season, they have held demonstrations of mass toplessness to express their fury at the re-hiring of Joe Kinnear, to express their mourning at the derby defeat to Sunderland, and to express their mild satisfaction at a well-worked corner routine against Hull.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Schmeichel: Moyes must sell underperformers

Posted: 13 Dec 2013 03:17 AM PST

The Scot has endured a frustrating start to his tenure as United boss since replacing Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford in July. Back-to-back 1-0 defeats at home to Everton and Newcastle United followed consecutive 2-2 draws with Cardiff City and Tottenham, a run that has left United in ninth position in the Premier League, some 13 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. With champions United struggling to maintain pace in the race for the title, Moyes has been advised to enter the transfer market when the window re-opens in January. But Schmeichel - who won the Premier League five times in an eight-year stint at Old Trafford - believes that is not necessarily the best way to proceed, urging Moyes to lay down the law by removing players who are not performing to their full potential. Speaking to talkSPORT,he said: "What I think is really important to David Moyes is maybe not bringing players in, but letting players go. "It is very important he stamps his authority on the squad and some of the players that are there are not performing well enough, and it has been going on for a while. "It would be much better for the club if he brings one or two of the younger players through and lets one or two go." United have the opportunity to get their season back on track in Sunday's visit to Aston Villa.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

The FourFourTwo Preview: Aston Villa vs Man United

Posted: 12 Dec 2013 08:08 AM PST

Billed as The perfect chance for David Moyes and Manchester United to turn a corner. The lowdown A couple of years ago, a widely held theory was formed, suggesting that Inter's decline from the 2010/11 season onwards was the cause of Jose Mourinho's departure from the club in the summer of 2010, rather than a result of it. The suggestion was that the wily Portuguese tactician could foresee the problems his ageing squad would face in the months ahead, and jumped ship for Madrid with perfect timing. With a healthy dollop of hindsight, could the same be said of Sir Alex Ferguson's departure from Manchester United and the club's current malaise? United's problems appeared to be mounting over recent years, despite the club winning the league at a canter last season. There have long been calls for more investment in the playing staff, with the midfield cited as an area in need of strengthening since Paul Scholes retired first time round. This current slump isn't entirely Moyes' doing, but the blame was always likely to be laid at his door, particularly with Everton enjoying something of a purple patch under the Scot's successor at Goodison Park, Roberto Martinez. Regardless, he's the man being paid to sort the mess out, and a game away to an Aston Villa side who generally perform better on the road, and who played even worse than United last weekend, could be the perfect tonic. Villa travelled to Fulham on a run of five league games unbeaten, yet their limp showing at Craven Cottage was more befitting of a side bereft of confidence and on a long losing streak. Granted, they found themselves up against an on-song Dimitar Berbatov, a two-goal deficit within 20 minutes and one or two iffy decisions from referee Mike Dean, but Paul Lambert will still surely be raging that his team barely forged an opening against a team who had actuallypreviously lost six on the bounce. The fact a 3-0 victory would be enough to see his side leapfrog United in the league should provide enough motivation this time around, but even in their current state, there's no chance the champions would slump to that. Right…? Team news Villa will again be without defender Ron Vlaar, whose absence was particularly noticeable at Fulham. Libor Kozak (ankle), Antonio Luna (groin), Joe Bennett (back) and Charles N'Zogbia (calf) join the Dutchman on the sidelines. Fabian Delph will be sat on the naughty step for picking up five yellow cards and a one-game ban. For the visitors, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling are all carrying knocks, but should return having been left out of Tuesday's Champions League win over Shakhtar. Marouane Fellaini is a doubt with a back injury, while Shinji Kagawa could again miss out through 'illness'. Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are longer-term absentees, but Wayne Rooney will return from suspension. Key battle: Chris Herd vs Wayne Rooney Villa's Australian utility man made his first appearance since New Year's Day in the defeat at Fulham, filling in at centre-back alongside Ciaran Clark. With Vlaar once again likely to be missing and Nathan Baker required at left-back, Herd is set to take his place in the heart of Villa's back-line for the second game running. The 24-year-old, nominally a midfielder, could have been forgiven for being a little rusty at Fulham, but he performed relatively well, making 4 successful tackles and 14 clearances, winning 6 of his 10 aerial duels. Still, he'll need to perform to a higher standard on Sunday when in-form Rooney will likely be his direct opponent. The managers "It is going to be very hard. He has come to a big club and you aren't going to turn things around right away. It's going to take time. He's got a big job on his hands. No one can come into any job, and especially one as big as this, and expect it to be correct right away." You may think these were words of encouragement for Moyes from fellow Scotsman Paul Lambert, but in fact it's the other way round. This was Moyes' defence of Lambert after his Everton side comfortably won the last Villa Park meeting between the two coaches last August. Perhaps Lambert will return the favour on Sunday... Facts and figures Wayne Rooney has scored eight goals in his last 10 Premier League games against Villa, but they have all come in braces. Aston Villa are the only team in the league this season not to have dropped any points from a match in which they have been leading. If Man United lose this match it would be just the fourth time in the Premier League where have lost three in a row (Nov 1996, May 2001 and Dec 2001). More FFT Stats Zone facts • Find the best odds with Bet Butler FourFourTwo prediction A timely boost for Moyes - Manchester United to win 2-0. Aston Villa vs Man United LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Young unconcerned by diving accusations

Posted: 12 Dec 2013 03:27 AM PST

The 28-year-old winger has been warned by current United manager David Moyes and former boss Alex Ferguson to eradicate simulation from his game, but Young is adamant he does not have to change his style. His recent displays have even attracted criticism from the United fans, with his 63rd-minute substitution against Shakhtar Donetsk at Old Trafford on Tuesday being greeted by ironic applause. Young was booked for diving against Crystal Palace earlier in the season and also appeared to go down softly in winning a penalty away at Real Sociedad, but has defended his conduct. "It's been talked about by the previous manager and the current manager, but that's in-house," the ex-Aston Villa man said. "I'm not going to comment on what's been said. I understand what you're saying (about gaining a reputation) and everyone is going to have their say on it, but the referees are giving decisions and that is where I think it lies. "I remember getting booked against Palace and then won a penalty. Against Sociedad it was another penalty that was given. "Referees have got tough decisions to make, they have a tough time out there making decisions, but they have made the right decisions I think. "I don't take notice of the headlines or the debates. That's obviously for people to have their say on it, and everyone is entitled to have their say on it. For me, the referees have made decisions and that's it." Young has made 11 appearances in all competitions for United this season but has not played for England since March.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Win! Two tickets to watch Hull vs Man United

Posted: 11 Dec 2013 03:50 PM PST

To thank these fans, Barclays has teamed up with FourFourTwo to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to Hull City vs Manchester United on Boxing Day. This competition is open to home fans only. To be in with a chance of winning, answer the question below. If you think someone in football deserves a thank you, share your own stories by visitingFacebookor join the conversation on Twitter through #YouAreFootball Open to all world residents aged 18 and over. Entries close: 11:59am on December 18 2013. Prize is as stated. No cash alternative. Prizes are non-transferable. One entry per person. FourFourTwo terms and conditions apply

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Lucescu laments Donetsk display at Man United

Posted: 10 Dec 2013 05:16 PM PST

A goal to Phil Jones midway through the second half spelled defeat for the Ukrainian visitors and also the end of their UEFA Champions League campaign - with their third-place finish in Group A putting them into the final stages of the UEFA Europa League. Lucescu said his men performed admirably in the first half, but errors allowed a struggling United outfit to earn all three points to comfortably top the group from Bayer Leverkusen. "We played very well in the first half - Manchester United only created opportunities after we made mistakes," Lucescu said. "We had four or five good chances, and I think if we could have opened the scoring, the game would have gone another way. "In the second half we weren't so energetic and you could see the difference between the Ukrainian and English leagues, as United play matches like this twice a week. "That may explain their dominance after the break." Lucescu rued results from earlier in the phase for Shahktar's failure to progress to the knockout stages. "We should have secured qualification for the round of 16 in our home matches against United and Bayer 04 Leverkusen," he said. "We had the advantage, but we were very unlucky." Lucescu said it was too early to discuss their chances in the UEFA Europa League. "It's difficult to talk right now about our prospects in the UEFA Europa League, because there are a lot of strong teams in the competition," he said. "The first games after the winter break will have a big impact (on how we do). "The newcomers are yet to reach the level of the players who have been here two or three years. "Unfortunately we saw that in the second half today. "Bernard and Fred haven't built up their strength yet, they are not yet ready for this level of match."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Moyes: United eyeing Champions League glory

Posted: 10 Dec 2013 03:05 PM PST

United went into Tuesday's tie against Shakhtar Donetsk needing only a draw to secure top spot in Group A, but went one better as Phil Jones struck in the 67th minute to earn a 1-0 win. Moyes is adamant a club of United's size needs to be aiming to win every trophy available and was relieved to overcome Shakhtar following a poor first-half performance. The Scot told ITV: "A club like Manchester United has to be trying to win the trophy, that's their job. You have to get better as the tournament goes on. It's a tough competition, a hard one, but we will take it one game at a time. "As a club we could be considered one of the favourites, but as a team we have to improve if we are going to keep progressing. Hopefully we have given ourselves the best chance by winning the group. "We wanted to top the group and we have. The win helps us, improves our form. We didn't play well for 30 minutes and they (Shakhtar) had two or three opportunities. "In the first half they had the better chances. In the second half it was much better. A loss would have been disappointing. I was tough with them (United's players) at half-time but we needed to be. We need to win games." Jones acknowledged United, who are currently ninth in the Premier League, were lacklustre in the first period, but noticed a big improvement after half-time and praised the impact of the fans at Old Trafford. He added: "We needed to show a bit more desire [in the first half], a bit more belief in our performance and we did that eventually. "In the first half we were shaky and tentative but in the second half we got to grips with things and created more chances. "People have opinions [about the club's start to the season], but the fans were excellent tonight. They stuck by us and hopefully we can start a run and kick on from here."

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

UEFA Champions League: Man United 1 Shakhtar 0

Posted: 10 Dec 2013 01:38 PM PST

Under performing and under fire in the Premier League, David Moyes' men responded to their first consecutive home league defeats since 2002 with a battling display on their return to the top table of European football to progress to the knockout stages on a high. Phil Jones' 67th-minute half volley ultimately proved the difference, but Shakhtar were left to rue what might have been as they controlled the action for long periods. The Ukrainians failed to convert their chances - most notably Brazilian Alex Teixeira - as Bayer Leverkusen's 1-0 win at Real Sociedad sent them out. United started with Robin van Persie on the bench, as Wayne Rooney was asked to lead the line alone. That provided another chance for Shinji Kagawa to stake his claim playing off the front, as he returned from the illness that had bizarrely required him to have his stomach pumped due to over-eating as he missed the Premier League loss to Newcastle. Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu handed returns to Brazilian strike duo Fred and Taison but it was United who started more brightly, as Jones forced goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov to block. The visitors should have taken a 12th-minute lead when a defence-splitting ball from midfield set Teixeira away, but he dragged his shot wide. At the other end, Adnan Januzaj controlled expertly on his chest before spinning and firing goalward, forcing a fine save from Pyatov. Shakhtar were the more dangerous in the final third – Teixeira winding his way past several challenges midway through the half with a run that deserved better than his tame finish. However, Ashley Young wasted two gilt-edged chances to give United an advantage as first he outmuscled Darijo Srna, only to lob beyond the far post, before slicing woefully wide. There was no doubt some strong words from Moyes in the dressing room, but the home side seemed to still be taking them in when a corner across the box missed everyone a minute after the restart and Yaroslav Rakitskiy scuffed a shot against the outside of the post. Finally, United burst into life as Rooney's audacious chip from distance almost caught Pyatov off his line. Reinforcements arrived in the shape of Van Persie and Tom Cleverley, and the Dutchman had not even touched the ball when Rooney's clever pass almost played him in. But it was Jones who stepped up when United needed a hero. After they had pressed Shakhtar to win a 67th-minute corner, Van Persie's flag-kick from the right bounced through everyone in the box where Jones angled his body to drill beyond Pyatov. Srna forced David de Gea into a smart save late on, but United held firm and Van Persie almost added late gloss to the scoreline when a clipped finish flashed wide.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Strootman staying with Roma despite United talk

Posted: 10 Dec 2013 08:57 AM PST

Strootman has frequently been linked with the Premier League club and recent reports have suggested United boss David Moyes will make a bid for the Dutchman in January. However, Chiel Dekker, Strootman's agent, insists the 23-year-old is more than happy to stay where he is, having only joined Roma from PSV in the close season. "Kevin is very happy in Rome and his intention is to stay here for a long time," Dekker told Sky Sports. "They have started a project and a new team and he has adapted well to his new club." Strootman, who boasts 24 caps for the Netherlands, has started all but one of Roma's league games this season, helping the team to second place in Serie A.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Written by TBMU Admin

We are Manchester United Fan located around the World which provides user friendly, effective and easy to browse info regarding our Team. Each support/info is free. Support us by clicking the ads located in this site. Thanks

0 comments :

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )
Click Picture Below for More Info

Popular Posts

Share

 





© 2013 TBMU . All rights resevered. Published by The Best Manchester United Admin Blogger

Back To Top