4 Reds nominated for 2008 European Footballer of the Year award
October 20, 2008
The 2008 European Footballer of the Year award nominees were announced last night with United having four players nominated; Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic and Edwin van der Sar.
Other Premier League club’s with players nominated are predictably Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool but none have as many nominations as United. Chelsea have three players up for the award; Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba whilst Liverpool and Arsenal have two nominees each in Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, and Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor respectively. The only club with more is Real Madrid with 5 but one of them, Rafael van der Vaart, earned his nomination whilst playing for Hamburg.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a big favourite to lift the prestigious Ballon d’Or award with the chances of any of the other Reds scooping the prize being slim (if you’re Wayne Rooney) to non-existent (for Vidic and Van der Sar - sorry). Simply being nominated is a big achievement and as pointed out by Gemma Thompson over at manutd.com, where on earth is Ferdie’s nomination? He had a fantastic season for us last year and his consistency over the last couple of years has been spot on.
I know I may be biased but I seriously can’t see past Ronaldo for the award. Messi might run him close but overall, there was noone doing what he was doing last year, he really was in a class of his own.
The full list of nominations
Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Togo
Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Spain
Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Argentina
Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Argentina
Samuel Eto’o (Barcelona), Cameroon
Xavi (Barcelona), Spain
Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Italy
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), France
Michael Ballack (Chelsea), Germany
Frank Lampard (Chelsea), England
Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Ivory Coast
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan), Sweden
Youri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Russia
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Italy
Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Spain
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), England
Karim Benzema (Lyon), France
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Portugal
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), England
Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Serbia
Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United), Netherlands
Kaka (Milan AC), Brazil
Pepe (Real Madrid), Portugal
Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Netherland
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Spain
Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Netherlands
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Spain
David Villa (Valence CF), Spain
Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Spain
Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Russia
England hit five as boo boys switch from Lampard to Ashley Cole
October 12, 2008
England made it three wins from three in their World Cup qualification campaign by beating Kazakhstan (ranked 131 in the world) 5 – 1 at Wembley last night.
When you see the score line 5 – 1, you may be wondering how the England boo boys were out at all but the score line doesn’t reflect what was fast becoming a typical England display. Passing was slow, energy levels were low and the final ball was poor. England stuttered their way to half time with the scores level and Wembley crowd made their feelings clear as the home side were booed down the tunnel.
Capello made changes at half time and England came out in the preferred 4-4-2 formation having played the first half with what was supposed to be an attacking 4-3-3. After all the hype surrounding Theo Walcott, it was a game the young Arsenal forward will want to forget. His passing started off bad and got progressively worse as the game went on. He did at times show glimpses of talent but not nearly often enough and usually it ended with a misplaced pass anyway.
The breakthrough came early in the second half as Rio Ferdinand scored his third England goal thanks to some sloppy defending from a corner. The United defender barely had to move to nod the ball in at the back post. Wayne Rooney sheepishly claimed the second 13 minutes later when Frank Lampard put the ball into the box from a deep free kick and the ball was headed into the net. Rooney may have well have looked sheepish as replays clearly show the goal was put in by Kazakhstan’s Aleksandr Kuchma.
At two nil, the game looked done and dusted until a lethargic pass from Ashley Cole split the England defence allowing the lively Zhambyl Kukeyev to dart in a shoot past a rooted David James.
The crowd at Wembley could not believe it and Cole became the focus of their attention from then on.
There was to be no comeback for Kazakhstan and in the 77th minute, Wes Brown picked the ball up from Walcott and hit a perfect ball into the unmarked Rooney. Rooney, who was named of the match, headed home for his 16th England goal which was shortly followed by his 17th as the United striker made it 5 goals in his last 4 appearances for club and country.
Substitute Jermaine Defoe completed the scoring in the last minute when Heskey put him through and the Portsmouth striker coolly slotted the ball home. Game over, England win 5 – 1. Happy days right? Wrong.
Before the game, Fabio Capello had urged fans not to boo the team but I think the ITV commentary team got it spot on when they said “it’s up to the team to excite the fans”. Instead of telling us not to boo the team, perhaps he should spend more time telling his team to play football.
Inevitably, England proved too strong for Kazakhstan but the result was never the issue in this game; it was the performance. Sadly for English football this performance was not good enough by a long way. Capello, Ferdinand, Lampard and Defoe (amongst others) have leapt to the defence of Cole and even gone so far as to criticise the fans for lambasting him for his “mistake”.
What Mr Capello and co need to remember is that fans are passionate and for too long have been asked to pay money to cheer and support a team which consistently under performs and regularly looks lacklustre. Cole’s mistake came shortly after England had been gifted a 2 goal lead despite putting in such a half arsed effort and the almost lazy way he went about it speaks volumes as to his commitment to the game. At 2 nil was he ready to go to sleep?
Does Ashley Cole deserve to be booed for one mistake? Of course not. Was Ashley Cole booed because of his one mistake? Again, of course not. Cole has demonstrated over the years pretty much everything people despise about modern day footballers; arrogance (his booking with Mike Riley), greed (when he realised he wasn’t a top earner at Arsenal) and disloyalty (courting Chelsea whilst at Arsenal, plus he cheated on his lovely and popular wife Cheryl Cole). With the state of the modern game and the continued disappointments of the national team, unfortunately for him, he will always be a target.
United’s attacking options: accommodating Berbatov
September 4, 2008
With the signing of Berbatov and Manucho receiving his work permit, Sir Alex Ferguson has finally bagged himself the four strikers he loves to operate with. Ever since the striking quartet of Yorke, Cole, Solskjaer and Sheringham helped bring home the treble in 1999, Ferguson has focussed on bringing the same fire power back to United.
Manucho is a relatively unknown quantity and out of the four strikers, is surely fourth choice. That is not to say the Angolan striker won’t play his part this season; the season is long and injuries will happen (as will the Carling Cup). The pecking order of the top three is a little more difficult to predict and beggars the question, who will be first choice in leading the attack for United?
Dimitar Berbatov will bring a new dimension to the United line-up and he seems a far more suited partner for either Wayne Rooney or Carlos Tevez than they are for each other. Rooney and Tevez’s partnership has never quite hit the heights it could have done even though at times the link up play between the two has been nothing short of magnificent. Both players have a tendency to come deep for the ball and despite a phenomenal work rate, isn’t always in the best interest of the team.
If utilised in a 4-4-2 formation, a strike pairing of Berbatov and Rooney or Tevez looks frightening. Both Rooney and Tevez would have far more to offer playing off a striker with the quality of Berbatov. But that does mean a space on the bench opening up for either Tevez or Rooney and with the way Tevez has started the new campaign, you just cannot drop him. He has been arguably our best player so far this season.
Last season the team played a lot of 4-3-3 (or 4-5-1 depending who you ask). With this formation, Berbatov would suit the central striker’s role but it wouldn’t be guaranteed. The interchangeability of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo proved such a success last term that you wouldn’t bet against them teaming up and devastating defences once again. With Berbatov now at his disposal, Ferguson would be able to rest any of the front three or cope with an injury without really batting an eyelid.
Of course Ferguson could opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation accommodating Berbatov in the striker’s role with Tevez or Rooney playing just behind , the other on the left and Ronaldo on the right. United used this formation in the 7-1 win over Roma and from what we saw that night, it worked a treat. Back then, the front four consisted of Smith, Rooney, Ronaldo and Giggs so replacing Smith for Berbatov and Giggs for Tevez will only strengthen the attack.
Whatever Ferguson opts for, the selection process will surely cause him a few headaches over the coming months. The likes of Nani and Anderson will both be looking to establish themselves and improve on impressive debut seasons. Veterans Scholes and Giggs are out for one last hurrah (maybe two). Hargreaves will be hoping he can shrug off his injuries and get a good run in the team and they will all face competition from Carrick, Park, Fletcher and Possebon. All that without even considering the defence!
UEFA Club Football of the Year nominees 2007/08 sees 6 reds up for award
August 23, 2008
The nominees for UEFA’s club footballer of the year were announced yesterday and the Red’s lead the way with a total of 6 players nominated. The strength of the premier league is demonstrated with 17 of the 20 nominees playing their football in England. United have nominees in each category (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forwards) and our prediction is that United players will take 3 out of the 4 awards on offer.
Edwin van der Sar is nominated for the best goalkeeper award alongside Manuel Almunia of Arsenal, Petr Cech of Chelsea, Manuel Neuer of FC Shalke and Pepe Reina of Liverpool. There is no way Van der Sar is not going to win this one; he was instrumental in our domestic success and it was his penalty save in the Champions League final which won us the trophy. One down.
Wrong: Petr Cech won it again.
Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have been shortlisted for the club defender of the year award alongside Jamie Carragher of Liverpool, Carles Puyol of Barcelona and John Terry of Chelsea. Vidic has had an outstanding season but Rio is sure to take this one. His displays last season were nothing short of immense and he has silenced any critics who thought he was overrated with dominant displays at the back. It used to be said that Rio was a great player on his day. After last season’s performances, I think it’s safe to say every day is his day. 2 out of 2.
Wrong: 0 for 2. John Terry won. Did they miss that penalty? Robbed.
The only United player to be nominated in midfield is Paul Scholes and I just don’t see him winning this one. His goal against Barcelona was a truly memorable moment but will it be enough to secure him the title of UEFA’s best midfielder of the year? Scholes is up against Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool. I think Fabregas’ performance against AC Milan in the competition may be enough to win him this one.
Wrong: Frank Lampard won this and that’s 0 for 3 in my predictions.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will do battle for the best forward of the year along with Lionel Messi of Barcelona, Didier Drogba of Chelsea and Fernando Torres of Liverpool. It is surely not even worth considering anyone for this award other than the Portuguese trickster Ronaldo. He finished the competition’s top scorer with 8 goals, more than both Torres and Drogba who came in a close second with 6 each and double the 4 goals Rooney managed. Drogba finished the season’s top fouler with 37 offences and his red card against United in the final will surely rule him out of the award. Torres also clocked up a fair number of fouls committing an average of one foul every 35 minutes. Torres did have a good debut season but Ronaldo was out of this world. Another award for the forwards cabinet.
Correct: Well done Cristiano Ronaldo. This was a no brainer….
You can see more information on last season’s Champions League in our top performers list comiled at the end of the 07/08 campaign.
Rooney returns to training and may be fit for start of season
August 9, 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his has not given up hope of Wayne Rooney being available for the start of the season. Despite fears a virus the striker picked up on the club’s recent pre-season tour of Africa would keep him out, the forward returned to training yesterday and Ferguson hopes Rooney will be fit enough for the big opener at Newcastle next week.
Speaking to Sky Sports News yesterday, Ferguson said: “Rooney is starting training today but as I said earlier in the week, we have a big job to get him ready for next week, but with seven or eight days’ training we may just make it.”
Wayne Rooney “doubtful” for season opener
August 6, 2008
Wayne Rooney is the latest United player to be ruled “doubtful” for the Premiership opener against Newcastle as it has been revealed the striker contracted a virus whilst in Nigeria on the recent pre-season tour of Africa.
Ferguson told Sky Sports News: “He picked it up in Nigeria - it’s not nice. It’s twelve days to the season starts and he’s not been able to train.”
With the start of the season looming, United find themselves with a growing list of unavailable players with the suspension of Nani, Anderson being at the Olympics and various injuries throughout the squad including those to Ronaldo and Hargreaves.
It is being reported the club will now step up their bid to sign Dimitar Berbatov.
Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker: Applications being taken now
July 27, 2008
Auditions for the new Sky One Show: Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker, will take place over the next 5 days. 5 trial venues around the UK (Middlesbrough, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol & Hayes) will be open to all UK residents aged between 14 and 18 in possession of a valid UK passport.
If you think you have what it takes, you can apply at www.coca-cola.co.uk/waynerooney.
Wayne Rooney lands Sky One TV show
June 27, 2008
Wayne Rooney and a team of judges will take to the streets to unearth some of England’s unfound talent.
The new show, Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker, will be broadcast in three 1 hour episodes and will also offer an insight into family life with Wayne and his new wife Coleen. Auditions are currently taking place around the country and Wayne and his fellow judges will select the best 50 to progress to the show. The 50 contestants will then display their street skills in a bid not to be eliminated. Two players will make it to the final show where they will compete head to head.
The prize for the show is yet to be disclosed but we are told it will be ‘fantastic’.
The show is based on the annual Coca-Cola Street Striker competition but show organisers are keen to stress the show will be “beautifully shot’ and it won’t just be ‘kids doing keepie uppies in the park”.
I’m not sure if these guys are too old, but if they turn up, I know I’ll tune in for sure.
Insane Street Football
Rooney to pay Moyes as it turns out there was never a breach of trust
June 3, 2008
Wayne Rooney today agreed to pay a substantional amount of money to his former manager David Moyes.
Moyes was Rooneys manager at Everton before his big money switch to Manchester United and in his book of 2006, the striker accused Moyes of a serious breach of trust towards a young player under his management. This all followed leaked transcripts of what Rooney believed to be private discussions.
Edward Parladorio, Moyes Solicitor, has always claimed the accusation was false and in a statement relseased today, Moyes said I am glad that these issues have now been resolved and that my name has been fully cleared in this matter.
The actual amount is undisclosed and it must be paid by Rooney, Harper Collins (book publisher) and Hunter Davis (co-author).
Wayne Rooney: A Perfect Hit
August 1, 2007
Wayne Rooney takes out the camera with pin point accuracy from all of 30 yards.
