Saturday, 8 March 2014

Moyes to experiment ahead of Vidic exit

Moyes to experiment ahead of Vidic exit

Moyes to experiment ahead of Vidic exit

Posted: 07 Mar 2014 02:28 PM PST

The United captain is set to join Serie A side Inter when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign, having been at Old Trafford since 2006. Moyes is eager to hand opportunities to young central defenders ahead of Vidic's departure although he conceded this would likely happen closer to the end of the season. "We've got a few games to go (before the end of the season)," Moyes said, before hinting that United may look to promote from within. "I've got young centre-halves to see and I'll be looking to introduce them in the final month or two of the season." The Premier League holders went into the international break off the back of a dismal showing in Greece as they lost 2-0 to Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League. Moyes feels the break denied them the chance to bounce back immediately from the loss in Athens but the Scot was pleased to see the likes of Darren Fletcher, Javier Hernandez and Shinji Kagawa play for their respective countries. "It's allowed some players to get games, but it's also been a hindrance on the back of a bad performance and bad result against Olympiacos," he said. "We wanted to put that right much sooner but the way the fixtures worked out meant we didn't have a game. "We need to get back to creating more opportunities than we have done. We've played quite well in games but not scored and taken our chances. "The introduction of Juan Mata and his interplay with Wayne Rooney and Robin (van Persie) has helped the creativity." "(But) creativity isn't just the key. We also need to keep the back door shut."

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Solskjaer looks pretty much 40, hasn’t killed anyone in ages, worried friends admit

Posted: 07 Mar 2014 08:09 AM PST

Solskjaer took over at Cardiff after owner Vincent Tan sacked previous manager Malky Mackay for refusing to pick a life-sized ice sculpture of the Malaysian tycoon for a game against Southampton. The Norwegian former Manchester United striker was regularly mistaken for a ball boy during his illustrious playing career, but seems to have aged significantly during a tough period in South Wales that has seen the Bluebirds flounder in the relegation zone and Solskjaer's name spelled incorrectly more than 6,000 times. "Ole used to have such youthful looks but management can really age you," a source told FourFourTwo. "What's more, Ole's behaving differently, he's lost touch with the things he loved. He hasn't assassinated anyone for literally weeks. "Used to be a time you'd drop in on him and pretty much know he'd be holding a severed head or shaving his feeble whiskery bum fluff in a vain attempt to make it grow." Scientists are yet to prove a definite link between managing a football club and ageing but anecdotal evidence is widespread with 35-year-old Arsene Wenger often held up as an example of the damage the game can do.

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Moyes condemns Cleverley petition

Posted: 07 Mar 2014 07:25 AM PST

The Manchester United man was included Roy Hodgson's 30-man party for Wednesday's 1-0 friendly victory over Denmark at Wembley, and was named as a matchday substitute. Cleverley did not make an appearance in the fixture, but was booed by sections of the Wembley crowd when his name was read out over the public address system before kick-off. The petition - which has garnered over 17,000 signatures thus far - states that Cleverley has "been regularly selected by Roy Hodgson in his squads without possessing any genuine qualities whatsoever". Hodgson himself condemned the petition, and insisted the 24-year-old has "done an awful lot of good" for England. United manager Moyes has now also leapt to the defence of his player, and says it is "wrong" that the social media campaign has been given so much credence. "First and foremost I am surprised that the media would be picking something up on social media and making a big case out of it because that is wrong," he said. "Tom Cleverley is a fantastic young player who is developing all the time. He is a great trainer and he is someone who is first out and every day does his best in training." Cleverley has made 13 international appearances since making his debut against Italy in August 2012.

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Martinez baffled by Cleverley criticism

Posted: 07 Mar 2014 01:38 AM PST

The 24-year-old is the subject of an online petition calling for him not to be taken to Brazil as part of England's FIFA World Cup squad that has amassed more than 15,000 signatures. However, Martinez, who signed Cleverley on loan while at Wigan Athletic, is at a loss as to why the England international is being targeted. Martinez feels Cleverley has huge talent, but suggested he may be suffering from having to take on too big a role in a struggling United side under former Everton manager David Moyes. "I don't understand it. Tom is part of this new generation of outstanding English talent," he said in quotes reported by the British media. "There are only a few players who look as if they could have been brought up in Holland or Spain or France because of their understanding of the game, their tactical awareness and their technical quality. Tom has got that. "Then as a boy, he has got the perfect temperament. He is a level-headed boy. "I just don't understand this campaign. Tom was maybe given a bigger role than he should have been given but all of a sudden he is being judged like this? He's young." Cleverley's national team manager Roy Hodgson defended the midfielder prior to Wednesday's friendly with Denmark - stating he had been singled out as a result of United's difficult campaign.

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Moyes keen to restore fortress Old Trafford

Posted: 07 Mar 2014 12:58 AM PST

The United manager has reached out to the club's supporter to reassure them that he will work tirelessly to ensure lessons are learnt from a turbulent first season in charge since succeeding Alex Ferguson. United are 12 points adrift of fourth place in the Premier League and appear unlikely to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next term, a stark contrast to when United eased to the title last May. West Brom, Everton, Newcastle United, Tottenham and Swansea City have all won at United in 2013-14 in all competitions, with Fulham, Southampton and Chelsea leaving with draws. And Moyes is determined to make the club feared again on home soil. "Over the years you have seen great winning sides here and, in time, I have absolutely no doubt that we will see great winning sides here again," said Moyes in the letter. "A big step towards that will be transforming Old Trafford back into the fortress it has long been renowned as, and we will do everything in our power to get the positive performances and results to do that, so that we can give you season ticket holders and all of our supporters something to shout about." United start a crucial run of March fixtures at West Brom on Saturday before facing Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League, as well as welcoming Olympiacos to Old Trafford hoping to overturn a 2-0 deficit in their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie. Added Moyes in the letter: "Everywhere we turn people outside the club have a lot to say about Manchester United, but we have all stuck together through some tough times this season and I firmly believe that, in the long run, we will all come out at the other end, stronger for the experiences. "Everything we need have been through will make us a better, stronger team and club in the future."

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The FourFourTwo Preview: West Brom vs Man United

Posted: 07 Mar 2014 12:01 AM PST

Billed as Mel versus Moyes: it's the race to see who can be the bigger managerial disappointment. The lowdown For West Brom, much has changed since the two sides met at Old Trafford earlier this season. Since beating the champions 2-1 in September with goals from Morgan Amalfitano and Saido Berahino, Steve Clarke has been given the heave-ho, Nicolas Anelka has been banned for making an offensive gesture, Shane Long has been sold to a relegation rival (and started scoring straight away), while Pepe Mel has overseen a run of no wins in six games. It's little wonder that Baggies midfielder James Morrison has described their season as a soap opera, "with a load of sh*t going on". But then "a lot of sh*t" sums up the season for both sides facing off at The Hawthorns. After dispatching Crystal Palace 2-0 in their last league game, Manchester United went into the Champions League and stunk out the joint with their display away to Olympiakos. Then followed the latest chapter in their own melodrama, as Robin van Persie complained about team-mates standing on sections of the pitch reserved for him alone. All of this was too much for captain Nemanja Vidic, who had seen enough and announced that he was leaving for Italy and Inter Milan. None of which tells us much about the relative merits of each side as they face off, of course. But then it's all a little difficult to predict. In the Baggies' last six games, they've disappointed against sides in the bottom half (Fulham, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa) but managed credible draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton. United have been similarly erratic, losing to Stoke, drawing at home to Fulham and then impressing away at Arsenal. The only thing we can say with any certainly about this game is that it probably won't be very good. Oh and that one manager will end the match looking more haggard and worry-worn than when it first started. Not a pretty sight. Team news Claudio Yacob (hamstring) and Stephane Sessegnon (groin) could return for West Brom, while Rafael (concussion) and Jonny Evans (calf) could possibly do the same for United. Player to watch: Robin van Persie (Man United) The Dutchman overcame a bout of sickness to play in Holland's 2-0 defeat to France in midweek so will be looking to make up for that disappointment this weekend. And if previous form is anything to go by, he may do just that, having scored four goals in his last six games against West Brom. The problems come about if and when Van Persie doesn't score, with the stats suggesting he doesn't contribute in others ways, as he once did for Arsenal. Against Stoke, RVP only successfully completed 10 passes, 16 away to Palace and 11 versus Arsenal. Wayne Rooney, on the other hand, made 61 successful passes in just the Stoke game alone. One way to read these stats is that Rooney plays in a deeper position so will naturally make more passes. Another way to read them is that when the side is struggling, Rooney will look to get on the ball and make things happen, while Van Persie will remain waiting on receiving a goal-scoring pass in the box, as his movement against Fulham would suggest. It could be argued that if United are going to stand any chance of finishing at least fifth, they're going to need more from their No.20. Either that or he has to continue scoring. The managers For those wanting to be harsh, it could be said this is a battle of two managers; one who should no longer have his job (Moyes) and one who shouldn't have got the job in the first place (Mel). The decision to place Mel in charge at The Hawthorns has looked increasingly strange in the wake of the half-baked backing he recently received from the board, with talk of "frustration" "transition" and "soul searching". A good old fashioned 'vote of confidence' it wasn't. On the other hand, United seem determined to stick by Moyes whatever happens this season, which is commendable because having made the decision to hire him, it makes sense to afford him a little patience. Mel will be hoping to receive a similar courtesy between now and May. Facts and figures United have won 13 of their 17 trips to bottom-six teams since 2011/12. West Brom have drawn 7 of their last 11 home games including six 1-1s. 6 of West Brom's 7 home games this season against teams in the top half have had fewer than 3 goals. United have scored just 1 first-half goals in their last 9 matches. United are unbeaten in their last 12 second halves (W7 D5 L0) and their last 3 away wins have all come after drawing the first half. Best Bet:Correct Score 1-1 @ 6/1 More FFT Stats Zone facts • Find the best odds with Bet Butler FourFourTwo prediction Another top half side and another 1-1 draw from the Baggies. West Brom vs Man United LIVE ANALYSIS with Stats Zone

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The FourFourTwo Preview: West Brom vs Man United

Posted: 06 Mar 2014 10:42 AM PST

United, already crowned Premier League champions, looked set to mark Alex Ferguson's last game in charge with an emphatic victory when they led 5-2 with 10 minutes to play, but the hosts hit back in stunning fashion to level it at five apiece. And West Brom sprung another surprise on the title holders with a 2-1 triumph at Old Trafford in September, but the trend since then has been one of declining fortunes for the Midlanders. The subsequent 21 league games have yielded only two victories and the club have handed the reins to Pepe Mel in a bid to preserve their top-flight status. Just one point separates Mel's men from the bottom three and, worse still, 18th-placed Sunderland have a game in hand. The visitors do not have any relegation issues to concern themselves with, but David Moyes' charges are in unfamiliar territory. Since the advent of the Premier League in 1992, United have finished in the top three every season, and yet this time around they sit seventh, well short of the division's leading sides. It has been a campaign of inconsistency for the Old Trafford outfit, who have at times strung promising runs together - as evidenced by a six-match winning streak in all competitions during December - only to be let down by sporadic dips in form. The last four league games have produced only five points, despite United enjoying a relatively kind run of fixtures that included matches against Stoke City, Fulham and Crystal Palace. Hopes of achieving qualification for Europe now hinge on United securing a spot in the top five, although sixth is likely to be good enough after Manchester City's League Cup success. Moyes' old club Everton occupy sixth at present but have only a slender three-point advantage, with the two set to meet at Goodison Park on April 20. United will have Juan Mata back after he was cup-tied for the UEFA Champions League clash against Olympiacos, but could be without Javier Hernandez after the forward suffered a knee injury while on international duty with Mexico Midfielder Darren Fletcher had a happier midweek outing for his country as he marked his Scotland return with a second-half appearance in the victory over Poland. West Brom, meanwhile, will not be able to call on striker Nicolas Anelka, who is under a club suspension as he awaits the final decision on how long his Football Association-sanctioned ban for his controversial 'quenelle' gesture will be.

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Hernandez to undergo tests on knee injury

Posted: 06 Mar 2014 08:15 AM PST

The 25-year-old was involved in a collision with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama during the goalless draw, and was replaced by Alan Pulido at half-time. And, after the match, Hernandez confirmed he was suffering pain in his right knee. "It really hurts," he is quoted as saying by Univision. "The goalkeeper fell on top of me, I'll wait for the tests." However, Mexico team doctor Jose Guadalupe Vazquez moved to cool concerns of a serious problem, telling ESPN: "It is a bruise, but we have to rule out any ligament strain. "He only has pain and he doesn't have a history of knee instability. "The bruise is in the middle part of the knee. We will have to wait to see whether it is a strain." Hernandez could now miss Manchester United's trip to West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday.

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Olsson: Break came at right time for Baggies

Posted: 06 Mar 2014 02:56 AM PST

With Sunderland in action in the League Cup final on Sunday, West Brom were afforded a free weekend and defender Olsson feels it came at an opportune moment as the Hawthorns outfit continue their fight to stave off the threat of relegation. Mel's side are fourth from bottom in the Premier League, a point outside the drop zone, and, with Manchester United visiting the Midlands on Saturday, West Brom go into the game on the back of an eight-match winless run in all competitions. "Training has been good," he told reporters. "With the gaffer and the coaching staff, we've had time to work on the things we need to do better. "In that respect, the postponed game with Sunderland came at a good time." With the fight to avoid relegation looking likely to go down to the wire, the Swede thinks West Brom's experience could prove key. "It's going to count for a lot," he said. "What we have in this squad is a lot of Premier League experience, and a lot of experience of being in a situation like this. "But there are a lot of teams down there with us also having tough seasons. For example, it is only recently that West Ham have started to pick up. "I think the recent performances have been good for the most part but they haven't been good enough to see us getting three points. "We need to perform over 90 minutes. There are a lot of games where we have played well for one half or for 60 minutes but have switched off a little bit in other spells and got punished. "In the Premier League, you can't do that."

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Verheijen: Van Persie would have never joined Man United knowing of Fergies retirement

Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:30 AM PST

Robin van Persie may have failed to break through Olympiakos' rearguard in 90 minutes of unrelenting misery for Manchester United fans, but the Dutchman wasted little time breaking ranks afterwards in the mixed zone of the Karaiskakis Stadium's bowels. His comments about team-mates often occupying the same areas of the pitch he likes to work in were seized upon by a media pack already scenting the whiff of bad blood in the United dressing room. But while his implied - and subsequently denied - criticism of his team-mates came as a surprise to some, they certainly weren't to a man who has worked closely with the Dutch striker for almost a decade. To Raymond Verheijen, who was a member of the Dutch coaching staff at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, Van Persie's views were merely an indication of the tactical confusion that has engulfed the Premier League champions under the leadership of under-fire David Moyes. "A lot of things are happening right now at United, but the major one is that they're not playing as a team," he tells FFT. "There's no technical structure, and in football that's the most important thing because it is not an individual sport. "You have to develop an understanding between the players – 'if you do this I do that... if you do that I do this'. "This is based on verbal and non-verbal communication between the players but this is only possible if you have a technical teacher. "In the first game against Swansea this season they won, but only because Robin had some great actions. He rescued them in that game, but I could already see that there was no technical foundation. If you don't have a coach with a technical picture then the problem is that even your team-mates become unpredictable." No love lost Verheijen's criticism of Moyes is nothing new. It wasn't so long ago that he was labelling Moyes "a dinosaur" and described United's Carrington training ground as "Jurassic Park". What's different now, though, is that Manchester United are in a tailspin that even two of Europe's finest strikers appear to be unable to shake them out of. Van Persie arrived at United in the summer of 2012 in a four-year deal that he hoped would see him finish his career with a medal haul commensurate to his ability. Now, just 19 months on, Verheijen is in no doubt that the Dutch star would never have moved to Old Trafford if he had known of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. "Robin isn't stupid, he knows exactly how late (in his career) it is," says his compatriot. "For years he was at Arsenal winning nothing, and then he made the move to Man United so at least he could win some things in his career because he was already in his late 20s. "He had a lot of loyalty to Arsenal and it was difficult for him - it was a painful move. Ideally he would have finished his career at Arsenal winning some trophies. "He knew that was not going to happen, so he had to make that move. He made a painful, but brilliant move. He had a very successful first year, wins the title and then thinks 'let's go for the Champions League now'. "Then, all of a sudden, Ferguson retires. How do you think he felt? If he had known that was going to happen he still would have left Arsenal, because staying there would mean zero trophies. He would definitely have moved but would have more than likely gone to Barcelona or Bayern Munich." Brilliant Orange? Away from his woes in the Premier League and in Europe, Van Persie will be acutely aware that a World Cup – conceivably his last – is also looming. Verheijen believes that the contrast between club and country will never have seemed so stark. "Can you imagine, one moment you're working with a tactical mastermind like Louis van Gaal, who is extremely detailed in tactics," he says. "One moment you have Louis van Gaal teaching players to move one metre back to make better triangles, then the next you go back to your club and you're doing all this superficial stuff again. "This transition is very tough. Playing with the Dutch national team, with this technical mastermind, makes his perception of the situation at Man United even worse." It was the goals of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder that inspired the Dutch to within an inch of glory in South Africa four years ago, but Van Gaal's side are likely to be heavily reliant on Van Persie's brilliance if they're to repeat the feat in South America this summer. After being drawn in a group containing Spain, Chile and Australia, they face an uphill task even making it to the knockout phase. And if Van Persie arrives with a face like thunder and his confidence on the floor, qualification will be an impossible ask, says Verheijen. "Without him we will not qualify for the second round," he declares. "With him we might. "As usual in Holland, once the tournament starts everyone gets very excited. What people don't necessarily understand is that they might not be in the group of death, but they're definitely in a group of death. "Spain and Chile are two very good sides. Chile at Wembley were very impressive and they're going to be a huge challenge for Holland. They definitely need Robin this summer and they need him to stay in shape." All eyes would have been on Van Persie for Wednesday's friendly against France, but the 30-year-old fell ill earlier this week, missed training on Tuesday and seems unlikely to feature. In Manchester, meanwhile, Moyes will be glad that the focus has switched – albeit briefly – from club to country. The former Everton boss looked like a man heading for the gallows when he picked over the bones of United's most recent humiliation in Greece. "I'm surprised, I didn't see that level of performance coming," he said. There were plenty who did.

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Flares, fighting and fear: Why Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos is Europes maddest derby

Posted: 05 Mar 2014 08:53 AM PST

"They don't bother us, they are history," proclaimed a group of buoyant Olympiakos fans after one of their finest hours – a comfortable win over a hapless Manchester United in last week's Champions League last 16 first leg. Yet, they weren't talking about the beleaguered Premier League champions they had so easily brushed aside, rather their fierce Athens rivals Panathinaikos, who were up next the following Sunday. But this blasé attitude towards the 'Derby of Eternal Enemies' was anything but a prelude to the game itself. After FFT had witnessed the intimidation firsthand, nothing bothered the Erythrolefkoi's (red-whites) vociferous support more than being humiliated by those they despise the most. Goals from Danijel Pranjic, Marcus Berg and on-loan Newcastle man Mehdi Abeid brought the home side's 27-match unbeaten run to an abrupt halt, as Panathinaikos ensured they would remain the only unbeaten side in a Greek league season with victory at a canter. But they were left running for their lives as a result. After our chance meeting with the fervent young group of Olympiakos fans who were keen to bask in the glory of beating illustrious opposition like United, they invited us to make our second journey to the Karaiskakis stadium, and wouldn't accept no for an answer. As one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, the anticipation was palpable throughout the city on the day of the game. The buzzing tourist haven of Monastiraki was awash with groups of young men dressed in black and doing their best to conceal identities. But rather than drinking and singing like the United fans did just a few days previously, heated conversations spilled out onto the street. "They are making plans," Kyros, one of our match-going companions, told us. So after making ourselves look less like a tourist, dropping our camera back at the hotel, we made the short journey to the port of Piraeus – the third largest municipality in Greece. Police fighting a losing battle Piraeus, part of Athens agglomeration,sits on the Saronic Gulf and is the busiest passenger port in Europe. An integral part of ancient Greek history and the prosperity of Attica, Piraeus saw many immigrants settle there, leading to a diverse population. "They are the rich who are the problem with our society," Kyros explained, getting visibly more agitated as we approach the recently revamped stadium. Hooliganism in England has been very much on the decline, but that's not so much the case here. Although away supporters are banned at derby matches, the violence still goes on and police are often the targets of fan aggression. Olympiakos fans and the authorities have always had a fractious relationship. Predominantly of lower-class backgrounds, they have a contempt for the rich austerity of their rivals Panathinaikos, and feel more connected to the roots of their club as a result. "Your power is your fiery fans, who never let you down," as the Olympiakos anthem goes. They've stuck to that philosophy ever since. But the perception of Panthinaikos couldn't be more ironic in the current climate. Greece itself has been through financial peril in recent years, but Oi Prasinoi (the Greens) have been hit even harder, with the fan-owned club struggling to balance the books. Their crumbling Apostolos Nikolaidis is home once more, after the building of a new ground was halted due to financial problems. Meanwhile, their young and inexperienced squad has slipped down the league as a result, and didn't qualify for European competition for the first time in 16 years last season. "We are too good to be troubled by the rich b*****ds," Kyros confidently declared upon entrance to the ground. Missiles, and feared catastrophe Keeping our mouth firmly shut, and making the odd gesture that Kyros and his friends insisted we joined in on, FFTsoaked up the hostile atmosphere that United supporters were completely oblivious to as their team suffered at the hands of the Greek champions. With no away fans to direct their chants at here, though, the terrace masses joined together in directing their hatred onto the rival players in green instead. The opening exchanges were frustrating to watch; the referee had to pause play to remove objects thrown onto the pitch, and flares were set off out around the stadium. Leaders of the various sets of ultras sat on the fence, orchestrating their choir and rarely turning to watch the match itself. The football was ostensibly poor from both sides, but the Greens simply packed the midfield and hit the unsuspecting champions on the counter-attack – a tactic United boss David Moyes may have had more success deploying. At 0-0, the game was put into perspective as Olympiakos striker Michael Olaitan collapsed on the field and was taken away on a stretcher. The ground fell silent, not knowing what had happened to their man. The moment seemed to affect the players, who looked visibly shaken, but the crowd soon resumed their energetic chanting. After taking the lead just before the break, the Greens increased their lead through Berg after half-time –but the home side had the opportunity to halve the deficit from the penalty spot soon after. While protesting about the decision, Panathinaikos boss Yiannis Anastasiou seemed to have been hit with something, as he lay on the floor clutching his face. The wailing fans around us erupted, insisting the rival coach was making a meal of it. The game was delayed yet further. It turned out that Anastasiou was hit by a plastic cup square in the face. Frustration reached boiling point when Alejandro Dominguez, who United made look like a world-beater, blazed the resulting penalty over the bar, and to make matters worse the visitors grabbed a third in the last minute. Objects rained down onto the pitch as the referee brought the game to a premature end; well within his rights, under the circumstances. Panathinaikos players sprinted to the tunnel for safety, and the coaching staff hurried for cover from the tirade of objects hurtling towards them. Not the first time - or the last Anywhere else in the world, this game could well have been ended even sooner. It's somewhat surprising that football's governing bodies haven't stepped in to intervene, as all of this comes just two years after the clash was abandoned because of Panathinaikos fans setting fire to the scoreboard and stadium seats (in their own stadium, naturally). A five-point deduction and the penalty of having to play four matches behind closed doors – the stiffest punishment in Greek Super League history –hasn't altered things. What's more incredible is how little the match actually meant to either side's league fortunes. With 19 points separating Olympiakos and their nearest challenger with just seven rounds to go, the Red-Whites are well on their way to a 16th title in 18 seasons since 1996/97. Yet the ill feeling was vociferous. FFT insisted on making our exit –the violence was escalating outside the ground, and it was difficult to understand who or what they were fighting. "Without us, Athens would be nothing," Kyros answered, not understanding the question. "We brought everything in from the sea, they built walls around us, yet they take the riches." Citing Piraeus's strategic importance as a trade link throughout history is not something you might commonly associate with football fan disputes. But thanks to Greece's economical problems, class rivalry has once again reared its ugly head. Manchester United fans weren't privy to such an atmosphere, as there is no animosity to foreign visitors, a fact Panathinaikos boss Anastasiou eluded to after the match. "I saw Tuesday's game and marvelled at the fantastic atmosphere," he said. "Now, we have reverted back to our usual culture, where we (away teams) aren't sure if we will leave the field in one piece. What can I say?" Football rivalries rarely gets this intense these days, but until the situation in the Hellenic Republic improves, results will continue to mean the least when the two Athens rivals collide.

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Inter Milan confirm Vidic signing for next season

Posted: 05 Mar 2014 03:00 AM PST

The 32-year-old centre-half confirmed last month that he would leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season, and was strongly linked with a move to San Siro. Inter have now confirmed Vidic's impending arrival, with club president Erick Thohir labelling the Serbian "one of the world's best defenders". A statement on Inter's official website read: "Nemanja Vidic will wear the black and blue of Inter next season. "FC Internazionale is delighted to announce that negotiations to bring the Manchester United captain to the club have reached a successful conclusion." Thohir added: "Vidic is a world-class player. I'm extremely happy to have completed this deal to bring Nemanja to Milan. "He's one of the world's best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree and charisma will be an asset to the team and help bring through our younger players. "He will bring added value to the club and is another piece of the great Inter side we are building. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Manchester United, Nemanja and his entourage for the professional and cooperative approach they have shown throughout the negotiations."

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Hodgson defends Cleverley inclusion

Posted: 05 Mar 2014 01:00 AM PST

Cleverley is part of Hodgson's squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Denmark at Wembley, which represents the final game before England's provisional 30-man selection for the FIFA World Cup is announced. However, an online petition has been set up calling for the 24-year-old to be banned from his country's World Cup squad. Hodgson believes Cleverley has been unfairly singled out as a scapegoat for United's disappointing season to date, which has seen David Moyes' men fail to contend for the Premier League title. "He deserves to be in this 30-man group. He's done an awful lot of good," said Hodgson of Cleverley. "I don't think it's correct people should single out one player for Manchester United's lack of success this season. "I would like to think that I'm not going to have the England team selected in the future by petitions from various people who are holding it against one person for a team's lack of success. "You can't expect a football coach to have any sympathy with it." Hodgson is adamant Cleverley will win over his critics, regardless of whether he makes England's World Cup squad. "Whether he'll make the 23 or not will of course depend on a lot of things, not least of all how he does in the next couple of months," added the England boss. "But that doesn't just apply to Tom Cleverley, that applies to a good many players. "I'm disappointed that Tom, as a sensitive young man, has got to bear that burden (of being subject to a petition criticising his performances). "But I know one thing - he will come through it and when he does come through it and Manchester United start winning again and he's starting to get praise for his performances, he'll be stronger for it."

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Man United lack fight, says keeper Carroll

Posted: 05 Mar 2014 12:03 AM PST

The Northern Ireland veteran is now on the books of Olympiacos and watched his team-mates inflict a 2-0 UEFA Champions League defeat on United last week in the first leg of a last 16 tie. Olympiacos' triumph caused a stir, yet Carroll, who made 68 starts for United in a four-year stint at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2005, insists he was far from surprised. "(The win) was a shock for a lot of press people but the players knew themselves they had a chance," Carroll told Sky Sports. "We watched a lot of Premier League games this season and knew United had not been performing. On the night when I was watching it live from the stands, I've never seen a Manchester United team like it. "They've got good players but they had no hunger, no fight in the team so it was a shock in that way but not a shock the way we played. The goals we got were well deserved. "At the end of the day you can be a good player but you have to give 100 per cent and give everything. "For me Manchester United didn't give that and looked like they had no hunger and fight for the game. "I don't know if they thought they would get an easy game but no professional should go into a football match and think that." United will get a chance to atone for their below-par first-leg display when Olympiacos head to Old Trafford for the second leg on March 19.

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