Sunderland manager Roy Keane is certain United will not loosen their grip on top spot in the Premier League and fully expects the Reds to retain the title this season.United's 3-0 win over Liverpool took Sir Alex Ferguson's men five points clear of second-placed Chelsea and six ahead of now third-placed Arsenal.Keane reckons United are "like an animal that has sniffed blood" going into the critical final stages of the title race."Get your money on United," he said. "They will win the title without a shadow of a doubt. They have had one or two slips, especially at City, but they have been given another chance."The basis for Keane's comments, which came before the weekend's developments, is his knowledge of the United dressing room attitude.Keane came to embody the Reds' spirit and determination during 12-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, and he insists they are attributes that still exist in the current side."They won't let it go," he added. "The desire is in the fabric of the club. A lot of it comes from the manager, and they have got the hungry players."Sometimes it is harsh to say that another team doesn't have the bottle. From my experience of being in that position and the other teams not getting the results, it can be such a fine line."I don't think there is a fear of losing [at United]. They are driven on by the expectation of the club. When you sign for Manchester United, you are going there to win, not to come second."
Keano a right old trafford stalwart.
cheers tony
Every team as 7 games to go whether for glory or relegation.
Patrice Evra wants to maintain a big match mentality as United approach the final seven fixtures of the league season.The French left-back helped the Reds to produce a powerhouse performance against archrivals Liverpool and insists all remaining games should be treated in the same way by the champions."Psychologically it was very good for us to win against Liverpool," says Evra."It was a massive game, an important one for the fans and for the club. But we have seven games left to play and we need to win them too. They are like seven finals. We have the destiny of the title in our hands, that's why I hope we continue to win."Wes Brown's rare goal against Liverpool means Evra is the only member of this season's regular back four not to have scored in this campaign. But Patrice was nonetheless delighted for his fellow defender."I think Wes has had an unbelievable season. He works hard every day, in every training session and he's played for United for a long time so it's great for him to score the first goal against Liverpool. I'm very happy for him."Patrice Evra was talking to MUTV.
Chelsea came from a goal down at Stamford Bridge to beat Arsenal and move into second spot behind United.Arsenal haven't won in the league since 11 February but were in front with 17 minutes to go thanks to a Bacary Sagna header. Two Didier Drogba strikes turned the game on its head, however, and handed the Blues a vital three points.
The win took Avram Grant's side to within five points of United, who beat Liverpool 3-0 at Old Trafford in Sunday's other match. Chelsea and United are scheduled to meet each other at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 26 April.Elsewhere this weekend, United's next opponents, Aston Villa, suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Sunderland. Neighbours Manchester City drew with Bolton, while Kevin Keegan notched his first win in charge of Newcastle United.
After being left out of Fabio Capello’s latest England squad, Michael Carrick was forced to watch Gareth Barry partner Owen Hargreaves in the centre of midfield on Wednesday night.This weekend, Carrick says he’ll have his eye on Barry once more, as Aston Villa come to Old Trafford in search of three points.“Gaz is a very good player,” Carrick told ManUtd.com. “He’s got a great left foot and it’s pretty reliable, so we have to be careful when he’s on the ball and not give away too many free kicks in the final third.“He’s played in a few different positions during his career. I think he started at centre half and then played at left back before moving onto the left wing.“Now he’s settled into the central midfield role and developed a good partnership with Nigel Reo-Coker. Those two work really well together.”In last season’s corresponding fixture, United won 3-1 and Carrick scored his first goal in a United shirt. “It was an important goal although I’ve probably scored better ones since,” he said. “Hopefully there’s one or two more from me before the end of the season.”
Martin O'Neill brings his out-of-form Villa side to Manchester on Saturday evening looking to end Villa's 25-year wait for a win at Old Trafford.Form guide: Villa have taken just two points from their last four games and have lost in each of their last 13 matches against United. The Reds, still on a high after beating Liverpool 3-0 last weekend, have dropped just five points in 11 games in 2008.Ins and outs: Curtis Davies (calf) is out for the rest of the season, while Craig Gardner (thigh) returned injured from England U21 duty. But Olof Mellberg returns from suspension and Scott Carson is fit after a knee problem. For United, only Louis Saha (hamstring) has a question mark over his fitness. Otherwise, it's the usual selection headache for Sir Alex.Star men: Ashley Young provides much of Villa's crosses from out wide or at set-pieces, but Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic will need to be wary of the aerial threat posed by John Carew and Martin Laursen. For United, can anyone stop Cristiano Ronaldo? Expect Villa to try and shackle to free-scoring Reds winger.What are the odds? 7/2 Rooney to score first (www.manutd.com/bet).Rivals watch: Bolton v Arsenal (Sat 15:00 GMT), Chelsea v Middlesbrough, (Sun 13:30 GMT).
Rio Gets Skipper RewardI was as critical of Rio Ferdinand as anybody when he missed a drugs test. I’ve been critical of him since then, too. But I’m glad he’s been given his turn at the England captaincy. I think he deserves his chance. The missed drugs test was five years ago. He served his punishment for that and has move on. He’s also in the form of his life for Manchester United. His display against Fernando Torres on Sunday was breathtakingly good. John Terry would still be my choice as permanent skipper, but giving Rio a shot at the captaincy is a fair reward for his recent consistent excellence.Oliver Holt, The MirrorToday’s papers are full of comments on Rio’s new (temporary) role. In The Times, Oliver Kay reminds readers: “Ferdinand cannot claim always to have been the perfect ambassador for the game, having been banned by the FA for eight months in 2004 for failing to attend a drugs test. The 29-year-old has also been banned from driving on four separate occasions, most infamously for a drink-driving offence in 1997.”The Telegraph point out that since that drugs ban, “his maturity has been self-evident on the pitch and in the passion with which he has taken to campaigning for sporting opportunities and against knife crime in the estates where he grew up”.Elsewhere, the Daily Express say Cristiano Ronaldo still wants to do the treble. He wants to win the Euro 2008 tournament with Portugal, as well as the Barclays Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
In an exclusive in The Sun, Wayne Rooney has revealed he’s already started winding up United team-mate Patrice Evra ahead of tonight’s England v France battle. “I’ve been telling Patrice that I’ve been asking to play wide right so I can play against him!”
Foster Bid BlockedBen Foster's bid to go out on loan to the Championship has been blocked by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The once-capped England keeper asked if he could drop down a level and sign on loan for the rest of the season, but Fergie has refused despite Edwin van der Sar and Tomasz Kuzszack being fit. Foster had been given the go-ahead to leave before making a shock debut at Derby County but now Fergie has told him to wait for his chance.Staff reporter, Daily Mirror
In other loan news, The Times claims Sir Alex Ferguson has told Hull City to forget about trying to sign 13-goal striker Fraizer Campbell permanently, insisting that he has a future at United.
Meanwhile, widespread coverage is handed to Gary Neville's interview with Manchester United Radio, in which the club captain admits he faces a battle to break back into the Reds' senior team at such an important stage of the season.
Evans may make permanent moveJonny Evans has opened the door to a permanent transfer to Sunderland in the summer. The Northern Ireland defender is on loan from Manchester United and he said: “If I was ever going to leave United, Sunderland would definitely be an option for me – if they want me. When Roy Keane says he wants you, it is a massive compliment.”Staff reporter, Daily Mirror
Elsewhere, there’s still a lot of comment on England’s performance in France on Wednesday night. The Guardian claims “Owen Hargreaves was the one bright spot for Fabio Capello in an uninspiring England performance”.
Meanwhile, the Daily Star claim Rio Ferdinand wants to keep hold of the England captaincy. The paper says Rio has “no problems bossing former captains David Beckham and John Terry about”.
In The Times, Steven Gerrard is quoted offering Wayne Rooney some advice when it comes to playing for England. “I think Wayne slightly has to adapt his game because for me to get space in there and for it to work, he has to play a lot higher and stretch the defence. I think that’s why myself and Torres are having a lot of joy, because he is so direct and plays high up.”
Brazilian starlet Anderson can already lay claim to an unforgettable debut season. As he told United Review, there's still time to make it even better...How would you sum up your first season at Old Trafford?I feel I’ve improved my performances both in matches and in training. At first, it took me time to get used to the way things work at United, but from then on I’ve just tried to improve step-by-step and give my best for the team. I’m very happy with everything about my life at Old Trafford.Which do you feel has been your best performance so far?If I had to pick one I’d say the 4-0 win over Wigan [in October]. It was only my fifth appearance for the club and I came on after [Nemanja] Vidic got injured. It was a great win for the team and I felt I was the best player on the pitch that day [laughs]!You’re a big favourite with the fans already, does that mean a lot to you?I love it – we all sing each other’s songs in the dressing room when we’re joking around. I find it difficult to describe how it feels to hear the fans sing my name – it’s amazing. It gives me extra strength on the pitch and makes me want to do my best to repay the fans for the fantastic support they have shown me since I joined. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.The words of the song describe you as a midfield magician and we’ve seen you play in a number of midfield positions – where do you feel your best position is?I don’t have a preference, to be honest. I just want to play in as many games as possible. Even if I have to play in goal, I’ll do it! I’ve enjoyed every match I’ve been involved in this season and the different positions I’ve taken up. In the long term, I’m sure the manager
will play me wherever he feels I will be most effective.Are you pleased to have avoided Liverpool in the Champions League draw and how much are you looking forward to facing Roma again?To be honest I didn’t really have a preference as to who we were drawn with in the quarter-finals because at this stage of the competition every game is a tough one, no matter who you play. It’ll be a little strange to play Roma again so soon after the group matches, but I’m really looking forward to the tie. We all want to win the trophy and we know we’ll have to fight very hard to do that. But we have a great chance.Aside from helping the team win trophies, presumably you’re looking to add goals to your game sometime soon…I’m literally praying for goals [laughs]! I’m hopeful that when I start scoring I will score some important goals in important games. I’ve certainly got some good celebrations planned!The fixture schedule is going to be very busy between now and the end of the season – are you looking forward to the challenge?It’s a beautiful thing to be involved in a finale to a season such as this one. We’re in a good position in the Premier League and the Champions League and we are focused on winning both trophies. Do I get nervous? [Puts on his sunglasses and reclines in his chair, grinning] No, never. I’m always happy! And I hope I will be even happier come the end of the season.
MANCHESTER UNITED 4 ASTON VILLA 0
United open up a 6 point lead to Arsenal. (6 LEAGUE GAMES LEFT .)
First Ronaldo,Then Tevas,Then Up Points Rooney With 2 More Goals.
United To Retain Premiership I Think?
Cheers Tony
On a day when Arsenal showed a flicker of hope remains in their title bid, United delivered an emphatic message to the Gunners and fellow championship hopefuls Chelsea. With goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and, most pleasingly, two for Wayne Rooney, United beat Aston Villa comprehensively and conclusively. It ended 4-0, but that figure could have been significantly higher. This was, quite simply, one of the Reds’s best performances of the season. With six games to go, this display was a resounding statement of intent.There was nothing lacking. Goals, skill, determination, sumptuous football. Villa couldn’t live with United. The visitors arrived at Old Trafford without a win in 25 years (they won 2-1 in November 1983) in the red half of Manchester, and seeking to end a run of 13 straight defeats at the hands of Sir Alex’s men.Villa boss Martin O’Neill signalled his intentions to end a run of results that has seen his side pick up just two points from their last four games; he paired power with more power in the form of John Carew and Marlon Harewood up front, and rapid runners Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor on either flank. With Arsenal earlier in the day coming back from 2-0 down to beat Bolton 3-2, the Reds will have been well aware of the significance of maintaining that record.There could be no time to bask in the afterglow of last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Liverpool – not least because it was extinguished by the heavy rain before kick-off. The weather brought a zip to the surface, and a speed to both team’s play.
It's that man again!
You certainly like Ronaldo
Hi Tony
Nearly home and dry,think your beat Roma in the week too.
Nick