Tuesday, 11 March 2014

Carrick relishing United clash with Liverpool

Carrick relishing United clash with Liverpool

Carrick relishing United clash with Liverpool

Posted: 10 Mar 2014 08:34 AM PDT

Despite their stuttering form under David Moyes this season, Carrick believes United can still spring a surprise when they meet their fierce rivals. United's 3-0 win over West Brom on Saturday moved them back up to sixth in the table but they remain nine points behind Manchester City in fourth and 11 behind second-placed Liverpool. And midfielder Carrick recognises the importance of Sunday's meeting between two historic rivals. "It's Liverpool next and that's a big one," he told the club's official website. "Regardless of where both teams are in the league it's an important fixture. "In recent times, with this rivalry, we've been on top of them in the league and it's the other way around at the moment. "But I don't think league places affect the game. We'd say it if we're top of the table that form goes out of the window against Liverpool, it counts for very little, and that's the case now. "It should be a good game and we're all looking forward to it." Liverpool, who won the reverse fixture 1-0 in September, have not finished above United since the 2001-02 season and lost at Old Trafford in this season's League Cup.

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Mel sack speculation is crazy, says Foster

Posted: 10 Mar 2014 03:35 AM PDT

Mel has yet to win since taking charge of the Premier League club in January, and West Brom have dropped from 14th in the table to 17th with only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone. The 51-year-old has only collected four points from his seven games in charge, and talk of his possible departure has increased in the wake of Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester United. However, Foster believes that rumours of Mel going the same way as Steve Clarke and leaving the Hawthorns are unfounded. "It's incredible (the speculation) isn't it?" the 30-year-old said. "But that's the way the game has gone. It's gone mad, completely crazy. "It seems now that every new manager that comes in – unless they start winning straight away – is going to be in trouble. "The players don't pay attention to the speculation about Pepe. "I really like him, I think most of the guys do. "I'm still confident we will be alright because we don't have any fancy Dans or individuals in this team. "When it comes to the nitty-gritty we've got lads who are prepared to roll their sleeves up." West Brom have only won twice in their last 22 league matches as their top-flight status has come under threat with 10 games remaining.

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Mata optimistic ahead of key Man United clashes

Posted: 09 Mar 2014 09:46 AM PDT

Victory over West Brom on Saturday moved United into sixth place in the table, and extended their unbeaten run in the league to four games. David Moyes' side have fixtures against fierce rivals Liverpool and Manchester City before the end of the month, and they will also aim to overturn a two-goal deficit in their UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg clash with Olympiacos. Mata, who moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in January, is confident United can carry momentum through their upcoming fixtures. "It is a crucial month for us and, to be honest, I am very positive about it," he told MUTV. "I can feel it (confidence) in the players that we have and the things that we can do. "We know that we have to win as many games as we can until the end of the season and we have to start with this month. "We play against very big teams like Liverpool and Manchester City and we will try to win as many points as we can."

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Mel: Van Persie should have been sent off

Posted: 08 Mar 2014 09:37 AM PST

Van Persie appeared fortunate to escape a dismissal early in the second half of United's 3-0 victory, as he followed up a reckless challenge on Morgan Amalfitano - for which he was booked - with another late tackle on Steven Reid shortly after. Despite vehement protests from the hosts, referee Moss opted to give the Dutchman a stern warning instead of a second booking. Mel's United counterpart David Moyes, seemingly aware of Van Persie's fortune, substituted the striker soon after, with his replacement Danny Welbeck securing the three points with a late goal. And Mel - who is still awaiting his first win as West Brom boss after seven games in charge - was left to rue Van Persie's reprieve, which came when his side were only one goal down. "Yes I think Van Persie should have been sent off - it was a clear second yellow card," the Spaniard said. "If Van Persie had received a red card the game would have been completely different. "I haven't spoken to the referee about it - what would have been the point? Once the referee's blown there is no going back on it." Mel was forced to make three substitutions due to injuries before the 65-minute mark on Saturday, with Claudio Yacob, Chris Brunt and Reid all picking up knocks. And the former Real Betis boss said such "bad luck" meant his hands were tied when it came to attempting to change the flow of the match. "We weren't able to do anything else despite the fact the game required it," he added. "Due to the changes we couldn't do anything else." Following Cardiff City's victory over Fulham later on Saturday, West Brom sit outside the Premier League bottom three solely by virtue of goal difference. The Midlanders, who have won just two of their last 22 top-flight games, now face a crucial run of fixtures against relegation rivals Swansea City, Hull City, Cardiff and Norwich City. And Mel believes those upcoming matches could define their season. "I hope the players respond well to playing under pressure," he said. "I'm still confident I can keep West Brom up - the next four matches are very important for us."

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