Cristiano Ronaldo feels he is not given enough protection from referees and fears suffering a serious injury.The winger was denied a clear penalty against Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter final defeat at Old Trafford. That incident, coupled with persistent fouling throughout the game, highlights an oft-felt view that the Portuguese is not protected by referees."It's very frustrating, the referee was unbelievable," he told MUTV. "He didn't want to give the penalty, he didn't want to give yellow cards - I'm very disappointed. "Refs don't protect skilful players. I think about the Arsenal player (Eduardo) and I'm scared sometimes to do skills because some players do unbelievable fouls and the ref protects the defender, not the skilled player! It's very disappointing and I'm thinking a lot about changing my game. When referees don't give penalties, yellow cards or reds, it's difficult to play."Sir Alex Ferguson was left aghast that referee Martin Atkinson did not award a penalty for Sylvain Distin's clear bodycheck on Ronaldo in the seventh minute. Ronaldo added: "He (Distin) didn't try to take the ball. It's a joke."But it wasn't just refereeing decisions that disappointed the 22-year-old. "We lost today and everyone is disappointed because we were the best team," he said. "We created ten chances while Portsmouth created just one. It's frustrating to lose like that."We controlled the game, but we didn't score. Carrick had one cleared off the line, Patrice hit the post... we had a great chance to win the FA Cup but we need to think now about the Premier League and the Champions League. These are the priorities."
Ref rap Fergie faces FA chargeSir Alex Ferguson faces an FA charge for a verbal attack on referee Martin Atkinson and his chief Keith Hackett. The Manchester United boss was furious with the treatment dished out to Cristiano Ronaldo in the FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth. He blasted: “Keith Hackett’s got a lot to answer for in this country, I don’t think he’s doing his job properly. He’s got his favourites as everyone knows. He needs to be assessed. I’ll be assessed as a manager, the players will be assessed and the referee should be assessed today - properly - by the right people.”Neil Custis, The SunThe Daily Mirror claims Sir Alex continued his FA Cup attack with a furious telephone call to Keith Hackett in the aftermath of United's defeat to Portsmouth. In other news, the United boss may send Ben Foster to Coventry. City manager Chris Coleman wants the fit-again goalkeeper on loan until the end of the season and Fergie will make a decision today, once he assesses the fall-out of the FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth. Coleman had a deal set up for Foster before Saturday's Old Trafford shocker when Edwin van der Sar was injured and Tomasz Kuszczak sent off.
Wayne Rooney has won ManUtd.com's Player and Goal of the Month awards for February.The 22-year-old striker scored three goals and turned in outstanding performances against Arsenal, Newcastle and Lyon, and his displays saw him narrowly pip Brazilian midfielder Anderson to the award.Just two percent of over 64,000 votes separated the pair, while Portuguese winger Nani registered a third place finish after his own fine form during the course of the month.The winger's fine goal against Arsenal barely registered in February's Goal of the Month poll, however, as Rooney made it a personal double.His superb curling effort against Newcastle secured his second award of the month by some distance, finishing comfortably ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's first strike in the same game, and Michael Carrick's late consolation against Manchester City.Keep checking www.manutd.com/polls to have your say on all the latest burning issues.
KenFor Low Cost Prints and Affordable Originals, Click the LogoClick to see Great Art
Hi there Ken i personally want Barnsley at Wembly and also to win FA Cup
cheers tony
Hi Tony
Makes a change for once to see a smaller team win the F.A Cup good luck to any of the last four.
Nick
Nick good to see you again.
Yes not bad for any of the 4 to win.
But Barnsley is the only team from the North.
My Mum comes from midway between Doncaster and Barnsley .
Another reason for Barnsley for the cup.
cheers Tony
Just had a look at the league fixtures Arsenal have a few tough games coming up,Liverpool,Chelsea and your boys...
Yes when United play Liverpool.1.30p.m.
Chelsea play Arsenal 4.00p.m.
Sunday 23rd March
Roma in the qf of the Champions League then,not a bad draw.
Champions League semi-final draw: 1 Arsenal/Liverpool v Fenerbahce/Chelsea 2 Schalke/Barcelona v AS Roma/Man Utd
Well Well another twist to the Premiership.
Derby 0 Manchester United 1
Arsenal 1 Middlesboro 1
TOP OF PREMIERSHIP IS AS SHOWN:- P W D L Goals Difference POINTS
MANCHESTER UNITED 29 21 4 4 44 67
ARSENAL 30 19 10 1 36 67
Is It United's Now For The Taking?
THINK SO
United play Bolton On Wednesday night 8.00p.m.
[:)Cheers Tony .
I bet you cannot believe the way Arsenal have started to crumble.Beat Bolton and Liverpool hope Arsenal draw at Chelsea and your nearly home and dry.
Yes 2 brilliant goals.
Man. United 2 v Bolton 0
Spurs 4 v Chelsea 4
All played 30 games now.
only 8 premiership games left.
SO United lead Arsenal by 3 points.
SO United lead Chelsea by 5 points.
I bet you cannot believe the results over the past few weeks?As long as you dont lose to Chelsea or Arsenal you should be home and dry.