The GreenBerry

Pray for a miracle: Moyes knows United's Champions League hopes are slim as imperious Bayern roll into town for crunch clash

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 08:37:00 +0000

Running: United were put through their paces on the eve of their biggest game of the season

Wayne Rooney preparing for Bayern

Talisman: There is a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Wayne Rooney going into the game

German rival: The Bayern Munich coach is quite conspicuous in Manchester

The make-do-and-mend approach to selection for the Olympiacos game in the last round – that featured a recall for Giggs – was enough to get them through on an exciting night. It was still seats of the pants stuff, though, and United must find something at least 50 per cent more convincing than that if they aren’t going to head to Germany with the second leg all but academic a week on Tuesday.
Certainly, Moyes knows the size of the task. Yet again he suggested he needs time in his job to build a new United. The job in front of him , though, is perhaps greater than anything he has faced in 15 years of management.
'I came into this competition as a really inexperienced manager in the Champions League but we have done well and now we have the ultimate test in Bayern Munich,' he said.
'I am really looking forward to coming up against Pep, it is the first time I have done but I have no doubt I will be doing it many times in the future.
'He had a year to get ready for the Bayern job and has done incredibly well with them.
'I think that the pressure is equally balanced. We want to win the game as much as Bayern Munich.
“We go into the game knowing that on our day we are as good a side as any. We don’t show it often enough but I have great belief in the players.'
For Moyes to suggest his team are a match for any other is peculiar. It runs contrary to what he suggested in a press conference last Friday – when he said his predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson would have struggled with these players – and also flies in the face of plain evidence.
Apart from the Olympiacos result, United’s most impressive achievement this season was beating Arsenal 1-0 at home back in November, something that looks less notable with each passing week. On Tuesday Moyes must dip his hand in to a box marked ‘miracle’ and hope.

Veteran: Ryan Giggs was instrumental in their Champions League victory over Olympiacos in the last round

Issue: It was the Robin van Persie show but he's now on the injury list and won't feature against Bayern

Pointing the way: Arjen Robben arriving at Manchester Airport ahead of the match on Tuesday

In terms of his approach, it would have been easy to borrow some of his predecessor’s gung-ho vernacular. As it was, Moyes hinted at some caution, suggesting that perhaps too much emphasis on front-foot football tonight could rebound in the goals against column.
'It is a two-legged game and we have to make sure the two legs are important, both games,' he said.
'We have to be mindful that we want to go out to Germany with an opportunity to go through.
'Bayern are probably the side most people have looked to recently.
'But we have go into the game knowing we have to get a good result to take it to Germany and we will try to do that.'
Moyes has been criticised by some United supporters for his rather cautious rhetoric this season. Ultimately, that doesn’t really matter.
The United manager meets Europe’s best coach and its best team tonight. Here, he was right to be reserved.

Imperious: Bayern are the reigning champions and look to be favourites to take another trophy

Heart-breakers: They have already put out Arsenal in the last round of the Champions League

Adobe Photoshop on request

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 17:54:00 +0000

http://hotfile.com/dl/59144815/38f34df/photoshop7.part1.rar.html
http://hotfile.com/dl/59144848/162d92f/photoshop7.part2.rar.html

FIFA 2008!

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:09:00 +0000

On request we are elated to ammounce the posting of FIFA 2008!

Download

Click the link above to download full version of FIFA 2008 for PC.

-GreenColoredBerry

FIFA 2007 Patch

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:59:00 +0000

Greencoloredberry announces to complete your request of whatever it may be!

The latest request was a FIFA 07 patch which has been putup.

Download

Please post whatever you want, and you will find it.

One Passion. One Place. GreenColoredbBerry.

Last Gasp Goals save Chelsea and Manchester United

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:28:00 +0000

Frank Lampard eased the pressure on Luiz Felipe Scolari after his late winner completed a dramatic comeback at Stamford Bridge.

An inspired display from Thomas Sorensen had kept Chelsea at bay, before Rory Delap grabbed an unlikely lead for Stoke.

But Juliano Belletti came off the bench to head a dramatic late leveller, before Lampard fired a deflected winner on 90 minutes.

WHILE,

Dimitar Berbatov fired Manchester United to the top of the Premier League.

The Bulgarian striker left it late before heading home in the final minute.

United now lead Liverpool by a point, with Rafa Benitez's side not playing until the Merseyside derby on Monday night.

AND,

Super Sub scores again as Arsenal coast to victory.

Nicklas Bendtner and Samir Nasri struck late on as Arsenal got their top four mission back on track.

The Gunners were facing the prospect of a five-point gap between themselves and Aston Villa when Hull striker Daniel Cousin cancelled out Emanuel Adebayor's opener.

But French star Nasri slid the ball home on 81 minutes, before super sub Bendtner finished off a flowing move shortly after.

RVP was awarded the man of the match for a superb performance for all three assists !

Five Star Barcelona Crush Deportivo La Coruña and Record.

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:10:00 +0000

Barcelona finished the first half of their league programme in superlative style on Saturday, thrashing hapless Deportivo Coruna 5-0 at home, with two goals apiece from Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o.

Their seventh successive win means that Barca reach the halfway mark on 50 points, a new record in La Liga.

They have also created a new record for goals scored at this stage, having put away 59. Josep Guardiola's team are keen to break Real Madrid's record of 107 goals in the 1989/90 season.

'We are really enjoying ourselves this season,' said Barca playmaker Xavi, 'and tonight's was another pleasant match.'

As usual, Guardiola's slick side had killed off the match by half-time, though they refused to ease up in the second half.

In the 21st minute Lionel Messi broke the deadlock with another of his memorable solo goals. The Argentine idol took the ball out on the left and sped past four defenders before scoring with a deft shot which went in off the post.

Six minutes later Thierry Henry made it 2-0 with a powerful header, on a clever centre from Daniel Alves.

Three minutes before half-time, with Deportivo desperate to get back in the dressing-room, keeper Daniel Aranzubia failed to hold a Seydou Keita header - and Samuel Eto'o tapped in his 17th goal.

Messi then proved that he was human by putting two clear headers wide.

Henry made it 4-0 in the 82nd minute after being set up by Xavi. Five minutes later Aranzubia was sent off for bringing down Carles Puyol - and Eto'o calmly put away the resultant penalty.

Kaka to Citeh = Mad Money !

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Kaka's move to Citeh, means 'Crazy' money involved.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the billionaire member of Abu Dhabi's royal family who now owns Manchester City, a club of middling distinction and less achievement in the English Premier League, is reportedly ready to spend 100 million euros ($132 million) to buy Brazilian superstar Kaka away from AC Milan.

AC Milan have given Kaka, under contract until 2013, formal permission to speak to Manchester City's representatives now visiting Milan. Manchester City assistant manager Mark Bowen told the BBC that the midfield playmaker is "very close" to making the move.

Well, maybe, but should the move come off, it would not just break the sport's trade record, it would shatter it. The biggest deal to date is the 47 million pounds ($68 million) that Real Madrid paid to poach Zinedine Zidane--infamous for his World Cup final head-butt--away from Juventus. It would also break the record for an English club--the 32.5 million pounds that Manchester City paid Real Madrid for another Brazilian star, Robinho, which was a deal struck the day the sheikh bought the club.

Robinho gets a salary of 160,000 pounds a week. On top of Kaka's transfer fee, City is reported to be offering a salary of 500,000 pounds a week--26 million pounds a year. That will make the 26-year-old the highest paid player in the Premiership by a factor of two.

This is nuts. Kaka's transfer fee would be greater than the 95 million pounds we valued Manchester City at last year before the sheikh bought it.

Soccer is in no shape to withstand the sort of hyperinflation in player salaries and transfer fees that Kaka's proposed move represents. Spending in the January transfer window by English teams has soared in recent years from 33 million pounds in 2003 to 175 million pounds last year. But aside from the Kaka move, it looks set to fall this year against the background of the global economic slowdown and sterling's fall against the euro, which makes players coming from clubs in the EU 20% more expensive.

Best 32 of the World : Ronaldo = Number 1.

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:18:00 +0000

CRISTIANO RONALDO tonight became the first Premier League star to win FIFA's world player of the year award.

The Portugal winger scooped his SIXTH and best individual honour of 2008-9 - after helping Manchester United to league, European Cup and Club World Cup glory.

Barcelona's Argentinian playmaker Lionel Messi was runner-up, with Liverpool ace Fernando Torres third.

Ronaldo, 23, hit a staggering 42 goals for United last season, including 31 in the league, as he easily won the European Golden Shoe.

He said: "It's a dream come true for me to get this award. I would like to dedicate this to my family."

David Beckham and Thierry Henry have each finished second twice in the FIFA awards, while Frank Lampard was runner-up two years ago.

So taking first place underlines how much Ronaldo has dominated the 2007-8 Premier League season.

He was earlier named European player of the year and FIFPro's top player.

AC Milan stylist Kaka and Barcelona's Euro 2008 hero Xavi completed FIFA'S five-man list of finalists tonight.

The complete list :

1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

2 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

3 Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

4 Kaka (AC Milan)

5 Xavi (Barcelona)

6 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

7 Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)

8 Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

9 Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

10 David Villa (Valencia)

11 Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg)

12 Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

13 Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

14 Michael Ballack (Chelsea)

15 Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

16 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Inter Milan)

17 Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal)

18 Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

19 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid)

20 Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)

21 John Terry (Chelsea)

22 Gigi Buffon (Juventus)

23 Deco (Chelsea)

Theres nothing here, Go to Inter : Maradona

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:13:00 +0000

DIEGO MARADONA has urged Carlos Tevez to leave Manchester United.

The Argentina boss was at Old Trafford on Sunday to watch United's 3-0 romp over Chelsea.

He had hoped to see Tevez in action but the striker was left on the bench.

Tevez's loan deal at United finishes at the end of the season and Maradona believes Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan would be an ideal destination.

The Argie legend said: "I saw Manchester United win without Tevez. This isn't good for him.

"Certain episodes are certainly bringing closer his exit. Italy and Inter in particular would be excellent solutions.

"What's more, his contract is running out, which makes it easier to change team.

"What advice would I give him? To come running to Inter.

"I can already imagine the extraordinary partnership he'd form with Zlatan Ibrahimovic."

We'll see in the coming weeks how the Tevez story develops

From Sixth to Second

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:10:00 +0000

Real Madrid have taken another firm step in their comeback. They played brilliantly in Mallorca and again conceded no goals. Robben, Raúl and Sergio Ramos scored the team's three goals.

It only took Robben two minutes to prove that he is the fittest player in Spain. It happened in a counterattack kick-started by Casillas right after grabbing a header. Higuaín controlled the ball in midfield and, seeing that Robben was unmarked, served him a brilliant assist from which the Dutchman scored by defeating Aouate in a one-on-one.

This early goal seemed to somewhat thwart coach Gregorio Manzano's plans given that Mallorca were playing with five defenders. Every single one of Mallorca's ventures in attack was met by an amazing Lass and a very solid defensive line. The Whites kept possession in midfield and came close to scoring a second strike in an elaborate play that consisted on ten different passes.

500 Appearances !
The second goal was scored in no time. Higuaín dribbled past Mallorca defenders by passing the ball to himself and then passed it to Raúl, who scored his seventh strike in the league this season (16'). Real Madrid wanted more and Higuaín came close to scoring a third from a pass on the goal-line by Arjen Robben, but Aouate's providential hands saved the day (25'). The Whites continued to dominate until half-time.

Jurado took the reins of Mallorca at the start of the second half and Arango failed to finish off a missed header by Webó right on the goal-line (54'). This made the Madridistas react and, soon after Van der Vaart came on for Higuaín, Robben hit the post after defeating Aouate in another one-on-one. The ball later landed at Gago's feet and he passed the ball to Sergio Ramos, who was running towards the goal on his own. The defender scored by volleying the ball into the back of the net between the keeper's legs.

Palanca and Huntelaar came on for Robben and Raúl, respectively. Real Madrid's dominace in attack continued to be overwhelming and Sneijder came close to scoring from a free-kick on the 77-minute mark. No more goals were scored, but the Whites snatched their third consecutive victory and took another firm step in their comeback.

Man of the match:
Raúl: The captain played his 500th league match and scored the second goal with his heel.

Lassana Diarra = Instant Hit !

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Lassana Diarra has only notched 172 minutes of playing time as a Madridista, but in his two appearances since joining the club, the midfielder has put up some impressive numbers.

In 172 minutes on the pitch, Lass has recovered 18 balls (nine in each match) for an average of one every 9.53 minutes. In that same amount of time, he has 31 clearances, one every 5.53 minutes, and has proven to be a bastion in defense.

On the offensive side, Lass has successfully completed 77 of 87 passes and has opened the game up along the flanks 15 times in his 16 attempts.

Certainly a Hero signed for 15M from Portsmouth.

Champions 3 - 0 Ex-Champions

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:53:00 +0000

Vidic, Rooney, Berbatov.

The road ahead would appear to be much as Luiz Felipe Scolari feared it might be. More success, seemingly, for this marvellous Manchester United side and trouble for Chelsea.

'Big damage,' was the phrase Scolari used to describe the implications of the result and even Chelsea's manager must realise that damage could go way beyond this season's title race.

Scolari must wonder if it actually represents the beginning of the end, and not just for him but for a team that would seem to be in serious need of an overhaul.

A team that has run out of ideas having failed to force Edwin van der Sar into making a single save.

Their ineptitude appeared to stun Inter boss Mourinho. Long after the final whistle he remained in his seat in the directors' box, staring incredulously at players he once watched receive a guard of honour here at Old Trafford.

They were nothing like the side he guided to two successive championships. Nothing like as determined or well drilled, leaving those who were seated just in front of him to question how prudent it was to part company with the Special One last season.

Scolari has now taken just one point from four top-four contests - something that never happened when Mourinho was in charge. In fact, it was something that never happened when Avram Grant was in charge, either.

The manner of this defeat would suggest so much ground has been lost to the champions of England, Europe and the world, who not only established a new Barclays Premier League record with an eighth consecutive clean sheet but also looked a class apart.

When the team sheets appeared before kick-off, Sir Alex Ferguson's sanity was being questioned. He had left Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick on the bench, opting instead to unleash Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher against Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and John Mikel Obi.

But it proved a masterstroke, 34-year-old Giggs emerging as the man of the match with Fletcher not far behind him. Giggs remained calm amid the chaos of this fiercely contested match, passing with fluency and dictating the tempo of United's vastly superior football.

When Chelsea dominated briefly in the opening 20 minutes, it was the experience of players like Giggs that allowed United to absorb the initial pressure and slowly regain control.

Even when Cristiano Ronaldo had what United considered a perfectly good goal disallowed in the 45th minute - the assistant referee insisting Wayne Rooney's quick corner was illegal because he failed to first place the ball - Giggs kept his head.

He planted the ball back at the corner flag, delivered another corner and then celebrated for a second time when Dimitar Berbatov flicked the ball on, enabling Nemanja Vidic to score with a diving header at the far post.

Prior to that, only United had threatened, with Chelsea's forwards unable to find a way past the formidable pairing of Vidic and the inexperienced Jonny Evans.

Berbatov had squandered one opportunity with a weakly-struck left-foot shot that Petr Cech gathered easily, before John Terry denied Ji-sung Park with a timely block.

United opened the scoring seconds before the interval and Scolari did at least respond by making a tactical change.

Off came the ineffective Deco and on went Nicolas Anelka. It made no difference. If anything, Chelsea's second-half display was inferior to the first, two more United goals underlining the gulf in quality and condemning the visitors to their heaviest Premier League defeat in three years. T

he first came in the 63rd minute and was beautifully executed. A back-heel from Ronaldo, a wonderful cross from Patrice Evra and what initially looked like an own goal for Ashley Cole but was, in fact, a fifth Premier League goal of the campaign for Rooney. It also amounted to another example of Chelsea's defensive frailties.

Frailties that were again exposed in the 87th minute when Juliano Belletti fouled Ronaldo and the Portuguese winger then delivered a free-kick that Berbatov was only too happy to drive into the back of the net.

It helped that Vidic blocked the path of Franco Di Santo - Berbatov's designated marker - but it was a super finish all the same. Not until the 93rd minute did Chelsea even look like scoring, but an easy header was sent embarrassingly wide by a hapless, clearly unhappy Didier Drogba.

Ronaldo had a second goal disallowed - when the assistant referee made a mistake in thinking he was offside - only added to Chelsea's misery.

Had luck been on the side of the player who should today be crowned the world's best in Zurich, it could have been worse still for Chelsea.

For the final 30 minutes, Scolari cut a forlorn figure. He made two more changes but watched helplessly, hands in coat pockets, as his side fell to pieces.

Ferguson and his players had responded brilliantly to the accusations that had come from Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

To that first United goal, Chelsea did not respond at all. Had United already won those two games in hand - against Wigan this week and Fulham next month - they would now be one point ahead of Liverpool with the Merseysiders and Arsenal yet to visit Old Trafford.

Now it would only appear to be Liverpool who stand between them and a third successive title, even if the table suggests Chelsea remain very much in the running.

But the table sometimes lies. It lies about the state of this Chelsea side and it lies about their chances of returning to the summit of the English game.

While Mourinho's attention diverted from his former players to Ferguson and was followed by another embrace, raised voices could be heard in the away dressing room.

Manchester United 3 - Chelsea.

The Kop 0 - 0 Stoke City

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:32:00 +0000

click on the images to get a better view

lets call it

Gerrard 0 - 3 Cross bar

Liverpool missed the chance to go six points clear at the top of the table after being held to a goalless draw by Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Chances were few and far between with both defences very much on top in a disappointing encounter as Stoke secured a second goalless draw with Rafa Benitez's men this season.

Stoke had the better of the limited opportunities with Rory Delap seeing a shot crash off the crossbar early on and Glenn Whelan clipping the post with a free-kick from the edge of the box in the second half.

Steven Gerrard came closest to scoring for the below-par visitors when he saw his free-kick wide on the left come back off the crossbar and his late effort clip the post and a long range piledriver hitting the bar, just before half time.

Dirk Kuyt should have done better in the eighth minute when he sent a free header wide of the post following a cross from Albert Riera.

It was a good chance for Kuyt to add to his seven-goal tally but he was left frustrated.

Stoke hit back and should have taken the lead in the 13th minute when Liverpool failed to clear a high, hopeful ball from Amdy Faye.

Rory Delap found himself clear on goal inside the six-yard area but only succeeded in blasting a shot against the underside of the crossbar and Richard Cresswell failed to take advantage of the rebound.

Liverpool responded in the 22nd minute and Kuyt's effort was beaten away at the post by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

Tomorrow's Action :

Wigan vs Tottenham

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Mallorca vs Real Madrid

Saturday, 11January EPL Round-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Aston Villa 2 - West Brom

Scott Carson's fumble gifts Villa the three points.

West Brom's keeper let Gabriel Agbonlahor's shot squirm under his body just before the break, after Curtis Davies had headed Villa in front.

The Baggies did threaten a second half comeback with a reply from James Morrison.

But Tony Mowbray's men could not find the equaliser and remain rock bottom of the Premier League.

Late.. But Great !

Arsenal 1 - 0 Bolton

Super Sup Bendtner saves Arsenal's scares !

The Gunners looked set for yet another setback in their season of frustration.

But Bolton were finally broken when Bendtner popped up in the dying stages to grab the winner.

The winner arrived in the 84th minute when, Van Persie's drilled cross was turned home by Bendtner, send the home fans into raptures.

Newcastle 2 - 2 West Ham

Andy Carroll rescued a precious point for Newcastle with his first goal for the club.

The 20-year-old striker headed home 12 minutes from time to deny West Ham a fourth straight win.

Gianfranco Zola's men led 2-1 after goals from Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole had wiped out Michael Owen's opener.

Everton 2 Hull City 0

Everton showed a lack of fit strikers to shoot down Hull at Goodison Park.

Tim Cahill continued his role as temporary frontman, but was two midfield team-mates that sealed the win.

Maroune Fellaini gave David Moyes' side the lead on 18 minutes with a header, before Mikel Arteta stroked home a trademark free-kick moments before half time.

And Hull, who failed to threaten a response, continue a run of just one point from the last five Premier League games.

Middlesbrough 1 -1 SunderlandKENWYNE JONES fired a late leveller as Sunderland snatched a point in this North East derby.

The Trinidad striker was on hand to stab the ball home with 10 minutes to go after great work from sub David Healy.

Boro had looked like easing their drop fears after Afonso Alves had blasted the opener on the strokle of half time thanks to good work from wantaway Stewart Downing.

But the home side could not find the crucial second, with Jones making them pay and Djibril Cisse missing an absolute to snatch all three points!

More? For Arshavin ? Here you go.

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Arsenal are poised to increase their bid for Andrei Arshavin to £12million after Zenit St Petersburg rejected their initial £10m offer.

Russian Arshavin was in London last week to prepare for the move and, with boss Arsene Wenger identifying him as a key target and Zenit keen to sell, a deal could be completed this week.

Wenger wants to add Arshavin to his squad to show that he can compete with the top 4 ; Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

But he has been told by Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood that the club must divert funds into the redevelopment of Highbury, which has been hit by the property slump. With the collapse of sterling in recent months, Arsenal's transfer funds have been squeezed tighter than they anticipated.

Arsenal have offered £10m plus an additional £5m based on appearances for Arshavin, but Zenit do not want to settle for less than £18m and want a higher percentage paid up front.

Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov said: 'I can confirm that Zenit did get an official offer from Arsenal about Andrei Arshavin. It was rejected as insufficient. 'They offered about £10m. No new offers have arrived from them since. At the moment, Arsenal are the only club to have approached us about the player.'

Wenger will have to persuade director Danny Fiszman and Hill-Wood to release more funds for the player and potentially break the club's transfer record - £13m paid for Sylvain Wiltord more than eight years ago.

Tevez: I’d love to play for Real Madrid.

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:50:00 +0000

And this statement didnt leave him anywhere...

MANCHESTER UNITED are set to kick out Carlos Tevez after the hitman admitted: I’d love to play for Real Madrid.

United boss Alex Ferguson is running out of patience with the 24-year-old Argentinian striker, who made it clear yesterday that clubs are lining up to sign him.

Tevez’s owner and advisor, Kia Joorabchian, said: “I don’t know if ‘Carlitos’ will go. It’s difficult to say. Anything can happen.

“Madrid want him and have showed concrete interest. They’re not the only club. There are many.”

Tevez, still on loan at Old Trafford, is unhappy that United have not opened talks about a new contract, or the possibility of buying him off Joorabchian for £32million.

Tevez insisted in yesterday’s Sun that he wants to stay.

But admitting he would relish a move to Madrid is a red rag to United boss Ferguson, who cannot forgive the Spaniards for trying to lure away Cristiano Ronaldo last year.

Tevez has just returned from a break and was expected to start in tonight’s Carling Cup semi-final clash at Derby.

But Ferguson is now considering playing Danny Welbeck as the lone striker, ahead of a five-man midfield.

Fergie has said the club are trying to sort a deal for Tevez — but blamed his agent for the delay.

No Kenwyne. No Taiwo. No Downing. No Smith.

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:31:00 +0000

No, Kenwyne Jones.
No, Teemu Taiwo.
No, Stewart Downing.
No, Alan Smith.
-

SPURS have failed with a shock £6million move for Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.

Boss Harry Redknapp felt 6ft 2in Trinidadian Jones would be a valuable addition to his squad.

However, Sunderland told Spurs they were not interested in any deal, especially not with a team they consider to be relegation rivals.

Jones, 24, is vital to the Black Cats’ chances of survival and boss Ricky Sbragia believes it would be sending out the wrong message were they to sell him.

Redknapp has made no secret of the fact Spurs do not have enough strength in depth or experience.

-

MANCHESTER CITY have failed with a £14million bid for Marseille star Taye Taiwo.

Now boss Mark Hughes is ready to offer £19m flop Jo in part exchange for the versatile Nigerian ace.

Hughes’ move for Taiwo, 23, could also mean the end for Brazilian winger Elano. Free-kick specialist Taiwo is equally at home at left-back or on the left of midfield.

With new £12m signing Wayne Bridge filling the defensive slot, it is Elano’s midfield position which is under threat.

Hughes will not be held to ransom but believes he can salvage the deal by offloading some of his deadwood.

-

GARETH SOUTHGATE admits Middlesbrough might have sold Stewart Downing if they were not fighting relegation.

Boro are fourth from bottom and have received a £14.5m bid from Spurs.

Downing wants to leave and Boro boss Southgate admits he might have sold the England winger if they were five points better off.

Southgate said: “The situation could quite possibly have been different.

“Tottenham are a fantastic club. I have had plenty of conversations with them but Stewart is not for sale.

“Having money at this time of the year isn’t suitable. You lose players and don’t have time to get replacements.

“The players understand the situation and have got on with it. Stewart has a similar mentality to Gareth Barry. Even with the difficulties of the situation, he is strong enough to deal with it.”

-

ALAN SMITH has been told his swap deal with Middlesbrough striker Mido is off.

Newcastle did a U-turn after angry Smith held clear-the-air talks with manager Joe Kinnear.

The swap was negotiated by executive director Dennis Wise without 28-year-old Smith’s knowledge.

Smith, a £6m buy from Manchester United, is on the way back to fitness after three months out with an ankle injury and is determined to prove his worth at St James’ Park.

However, Wise wanted him off the books and threatened he would not play for the club again if he did not accept the move.

Kinnear, though was in conciliatory mood when he met Smith and has told him he is happy for the striker to stay at Newcastle.

No Kenwyne.

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 03:31:00 +0000

Oh, the 'Romance' of the cup

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:01:00 +0000

On a night when Nigel Clough watched his new side from the stands Derby County put in a performance his father would have been proud of, as Manchester United came away from Pride Park with theirs deflated as Kris Commons' goal settled an entertaining Carling Cup semi-final first leg.

Clough's appointment has raised beleaguered spirits off the field and on it his Derby players responded magnificently to their first major semi-final since 1976.

Commons' first half scorcher from 25-yards was richly deserved and, somewhat perversely, given the chances created over the 90 minutes it will perhaps be Derby that are most disappointed with the result.

While Roy Carroll was rarely tested on a bitterly cold Midlands night, his opposite number Tomasz Kuszczak was far busier than he would have anticipated - with Rob Hulse in particular guilty of squandering a gilt-edged chance after the break.

With the opportunities came the confidence Clough needs to instil in his players on a more consistent basis as Derby began to string passes together and United continued to struggle.

There was a brief interlude, during which Paul Scholes screwed a couple of long-range efforts wide before John O'Shea, racing onto Nani's return pass, flicked an intelligent shot which would have had former team-mate Carroll in trouble if Paul Green had not been on hand to turn it away.

But largely it was Derby dictating the game, Derby who looked more assured. United making all the unforced errors.

So it was no surprise and certainly well deserved when Commons struck. United did not heed the earlier warning about giving opponents too much room and failed to close the Scotland international down as he collected Sterjovski's short pass.

With the visitors having invited the shot, Commons obliged by drilling a low effort into the right corner that gave Kuszczak no chance.

Little was seen of Carlos Tevez, whose Old Trafford future has been a major subject of interest over the past few days.

A speedy charge out of his area by Carroll prevented Nani getting to a loose ball at the start of the second half. But entrusted with set-piece duties, Nani wasted the lot.

Such was his fitful contribution that it was a surprise the men to give way were Paul Scholes and Danny Welbeck when Ferguson cashed in his hefty insurance policy after 63 minutes and brought on Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Theres all to play for, a cracker of a match in two weeks time at Old Trafford. Dont miss it !

Buffon + Trezeguet = € 97Million

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:50:00 +0000

Manchester City are ready to launch a mega €97 million bid for Juventus duo Gianluigi Buffon and David Trezeguet.

The mega rich club are ready to spend heavily in order to move in the right directions in terms of becoming a major player on every level, not just on the transfer scene but on the honours stage too.

Tuttosport claims City's owner Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is ready to offer the Turin giants €75m for Buffon and a further €22m for Trezeguet.

It is believed the Arab owners have a transfer kitty of €600m and so Juve's players will seem like small change to the Premier League side. If the deal takes off, Buffon will earn €15m over a five year period.

The goalkeeper has always been linked with city and it was Goal.com who exclusively revealed that the goalkeeper would not be joining the English club last month.

Voices coming from Turin have also ruled out a move for Trezeguet. His agent has confirmed the striker will not be leaving during the transfer window.

However, Juventus are building a new €100m stadium and the sale of both players would pay for the new state of the art facility.

Manchester City are ready to launch a mega €97 million bid for Juventus duo Gianluigi Buffon and David Trezeguet.

The mega rich club are ready to spend heavily in order to move in the right directions in terms of becoming a major player on every level, not just on the transfer scene but on the honours stage too.

Tuttosport claims City's owner Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is ready to offer the Turin giants €75m for Buffon and a further €22m for Trezeguet.

It is believed the Arab owners have a transfer kitty of €600m and so Juve's players will seem like small change to the Premier League side. If the deal takes off, Buffon will earn €15m over a five year period.

The goalkeeper has always been linked with city and it was Goal.com who exclusively revealed that the goalkeeper would not be joining the English club last month.

Voices coming from Turin have also ruled out a move for Trezeguet. His agent has confirmed the striker will not be leaving during the transfer window.

However, Juventus are building a new €100m stadium and the sale of both players would pay for the new state of the art facility.

Citeh fans are on top of the moon, with the hype atleast, we will have to wait and see what happens.

'Crash'-tiano Ronaldo

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Reports have surfaced today indicating that Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo was involved in a car crash at around 10:00 GMT this morning.

Police in Manchester have stated that his Ferrari smashed into a roadside barrier near Manchester Airport. Constables spoke to Ronaldo at the scene, and investigations are ongoing.

The 23-year old is said to have escaped unscathed, and Sky Sports have reported that the player has even returned to training today.

There were no other vehicles involved in the accident.

There have been many incidents this season involving footballers behind the wheel. In December, rival for the individual accolades Kaka was involved in a car crash at a traffic light.

He was reportedly making a sightseeing video for a website in Brazil when a lapse in concentration led to him rear-ending the driver in front who just happened to be a Rossoneri fan:

"You’re Kaka! You are great. Thank you so much," the driver was reported to have said.

Ballack, Owen, Rosicky = Free ?

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Eighteen Premier League clubs could be in line to lose some of their stars this summer should they not tie them down to new contracts over the next few weeks. Michael Owen, Michael Ballack, Tomas Rosicky and Ryan Giggs are amongst the more notable players whose contracts expire in six months' time...

Portsmouth stand to be amongst the biggest losers of 2009. After already selling key players such as Lassana Diarra and Jermain Defoe during the winter window, they could possibly lose TEN players on free transfers in the summer, including rock-solid centre half Sol Campbell.

Manchester City could lose six players, the most notable of whom is highly-rated young striker Daniel Sturridge, who will no doubt have an endless list of admirers.

Elsewhere, Chelsea's midfield could be considerably depleted with the potential departures of John Obi Mikel, Michael Ballack (who could be set to sign a performance-based pay-as-you-play deal), Carlo Cudicini and Mineiro.

Arsenal are dangerously close to losing perma-crocked Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky, and boo-boy Emmanuel Eboue.

Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur are the only two clubs who stand to lose zero prominent first-teamers or squad players.

Below is a list of players whose contracts expire this summer. Which players does your club stand to lose should they not tie them down to new contracts over the coming weeks?

ARSENAL: Tomas Rosicky, Emmanuel Eboue

ASTON VILLA: Stuart Taylor.

BLACKBURN: Tugay, Andre Ooijer.

BOLTON: None.

CHELSEA: Michael Ballack, John Obi Mikel, Carlo Cudicini, Mineiro.

EVERTON: Andy van der Meyde, Nuno Valente.

FULHAM: Danny Murphy.

HULL: Ian Ashbee, Nick Barmby, Dean Windass, Sam Ricketts.

LIVERPOOL: Sami Hyypia.

MAN CITY: Michael Ball, Glauber Berti, Dietmar Hamann, Danny Mills, Daniel Sturridge, Darius Vassell.

MAN UTD: Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville.

MIDDLESBROUGH: Ross Turnbull, Brad Jones.

NEWCASTLE: Michael Owen, Steve Harper, Nicky Butt,
Mark Viduka.

PORTSMOUTH: Sol Campbell, Sean Davis, Kanu, Lauren, Noe Pamarot, Herman Hreidarsson, Richard Hughes, Djimi Traore, Richard Duffy, Linvoy Primus.

STOKE: Amdy Faye, Vincent Pericard, Salif Diao.

SUNDERLAND: Dwight Yorke.

TOTTENHAM: None.

WEST BROM: Dean Kiely.

WEST HAM: Lucas Neill.

WIGAN: Emile Heskey, Kevin Kilbane, Ryan Taylor, Henri Camara.

Carling Cup Action

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur remain on course for another Carling Cup final appearance after a devastating second-half display secured a 4-1 win over Burnley at White Hart Lane.

The Championship club were looking to claim the scalp of a fourth Premier League club this season after already knocking out Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal en route to the semi-finals.

But the half-time introduction of Jamie O'Hara swung the first-leg tie back in Spurs' favour after the club had paraded new signing Jermain Defoe before kick-off.

Burnley had taken a 15th minute lead when Chris Eagles cut between two Spurs players before rolling the ball across the face of goal for Martin Paterson to tap in at the far post.

Such was the impressive nature of Burnley's performance that Spurs were booed off at half-time, only for a substitution to spark the holders into life.

Within 90 seconds of replacing David Bentley, O'Hara fired in a corner from the right which was headed home at the far post by Michael Dawson. And just five minutes later O'Hara had put Spurs in front when his crisp left-footed volley squirmed underneath Burnley keeper Brian Jensen.

The Clarets were slowly capitulating and Roman Pavlyuchenko continued his record of scoring in every round on 65 minutes with a fine finish after skipping past Clarke Carlisle.

Burnley's misery was compounded two minutes later when O'Hara's free-kick from the right was headed past his own keeper by Michael Duff.

Amazing strike by Robben

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:18:00 +0000

Robben in the 3rd minute.
Robben 1 - 0 Villarreal

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Whos heading where ?

noreply@blogger.com (Rahib) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:42:00 +0000

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson insists he will work hard to persuade Stewart Downing his future is best served on Teesside. The winger handed in a transfer request on Monday as Tottenham lodged a second bid for him.
Stewart Downing has refused to play for Middlesbrough again, and has asked the club to place him on the transfer list. The England U21 international has already attracted interest from clubs such as Tottenham, Bolton and Manchester City.

Portsmouth have accepted a bid from Tottenham for Jermain Defoe. The striker will now have a medical at White Hart Lane before clinching a return to the London club. "Thank Harry we got him back! I have always rated him better than keane. If only keane could have left earlier we could have kept him. I cant wait to see him play with either Pav or Bent. It should be Defoe plus one other, and finally ..." Lee Valentine (Spokesman, Tottenham

Andrei Arshavin could be viewed in the English Premier League in Arsenal colors, as Arsenal have revealed to be in talks with Zenit St Petersburg's hitman. Every Arsenal fan is emulating the dream of watching him play, like he has in Russia, his performance in the Euro 2008 was a particular highlight of his ambitions to play at top European levels.
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Meanwhile, Nolberto Solano is to return to Peru in order to play out the remainder of his career.

The well-liked 34-year-old enjoyed spells in England with Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham before moving to Greece to link up with Larissa.

Peruvian Solano has signed a two-year deal at Universitario that he expects will see him to the end of his playing days.

"My signing happens thanks to the friendship I have with Juan Reynoso and the seriousness of Universitario officials," Solano told El Bocon newspaper.

"I like ambitious, serious projects and Universitario are heading that way. I am also excited about playing in the Copa Libertadores this year and because I know Juan (Reynoso) very well and I know he will be good for the club.

"My idea is to play two years for Universitario, win the local league and do a good job in the Copa Libertadores.

"Then, I will probably retire by playing at the Estadio Monumental (Universitario's home stadium).

"Then I will study to be a coach, probably in Argentina

More transfer updates on 1100 CET.