Moyes appointed United manager

Big shoes to fill ... David Moyes will succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Source: Martin Rickett / AAP

David Moyes faces the daunting task of following in the footsteps of Alex Ferguson after being officially confirmed as the manager of Manchester United on a six-year contract on Thursday.

Ferguson's shock retirement announcement the day before left United looking for a new manager for the first time since the legendary Scot succeeded Ron Atkinson in November 1986, but the Premier League champions moved quickly to appoint Moyes.

The 50-year-old, who has been at Everton since 2002, will take over from Ferguson on July 1.

Ferguson, who has won 38 trophies during a record-breaking 26-year spell at Old Trafford, revealed that he had personally recommended his fellow Glaswegian.

"When we discussed the candidates that we felt had the right attributes, we unanimously agreed on David Moyes,'' said Ferguson in a statement.

"David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I've admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of assistant manager here.

"He was a young man then at the start of his career and has since gone on to do a magnificent job at Everton.

There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club.''

Moyes has only presided over two matches in the Champions League and has failed to win a trophy in his 11-year tenure at Goodison Park, but he is widely admired for having led Everton to six consecutive top-eight finishes in the Premier League despite operating on a shoestring budget.

"It's a great honour to be asked to be the next manager of Manchester United,'' he said in a statement released by his new employers.

"I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done for the football club.

"I know how hard it will be to follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn't something that comes around very often and I'm really looking forward to taking up the post next season.''

Earlier, Everton confirmed that Moyes would leave the club at the end of the season, after he quickly emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Ferguson.

"The manager met chairman Bill Kenwright early yesterday evening (Wednesday) and confirmed his desire to join Manchester United,'' read an Everton statement.

"The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002. He has been an outstanding manager.''

Kenwright has confirmed that Moyes will take charge of Everton's two remaining matches of the Premier League season, at home to West Ham United on Sunday and away to Chelsea on May 19.

Moyes will lead United for the first time on their pre-season tour of Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong in July, with his first official game set to be the Community Shield against the FA Cup winners at Wembley Stadium on August 11.

Ferguson, 71, took training with the United squad as usual on Thursday morning, ahead of his final home game against Swansea City on Sunday.

Both he and Moyes have cancelled their scheduled pre-match press conferences on Friday, with Ferguson expected to address United's supporters directly after Sunday's game.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez was installed as the early favourite to succeed Moyes at Everton, but the Spaniard said he had received no contact from the club and was only thinking about his side's FA Cup final encounter with Manchester City on Saturday.

View the original article here

United players welcome Moyes

Welcome ... the football world reacts to news of Moyes's appointment. Source: Glyn Kirk / AFP

Manchester United duo Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick have welcomed the appointment of David Moyes at Old Trafford and paid tribute to his success at Everton.

After Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed his retirement following 26 years in charge, the Premier League club announced that Moyes would be his successor on Thursday.

And the early reaction from within the dressing room suggests that the players view the Everton boss, who will take up his new post on July 1, as the ideal man for the job.

Ferdinand, who has played under Ferguson for over a decade at Old Trafford, said: "It was important the club made a decision quickly and got it all sorted before people could start making rumours.

"The club have acted impeccably in that respect.

"It's great to see the new manager coming in, we've never had a problem with him here at United, he's a very honest man from the players you speak to and he's done a fantastic job at his previous club Everton.

"I'm sure he'll be very, very open and sympathetic to the traditions of the club and try and continue that and not come in and try and make crazy changes in terms of the whole characteristics of the club."

United and England midfielder Carrick has also been impressed by Moyes' work at Everton and is eagerly awaiting the start of a new era.

"He's done a terrific job at Everton," he said.

"He's been there a long time and has had great success with the resources he's had. It's obviously a big change because this club's been run for so long by one person.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting him and getting good training in pre-season and looking forward to a good future.

"He's honest and fair to his players as far as I'm aware. He sets high standards just as he expects high standards of ourselves."

Former Manchester United striker Sir Bobby Charlton has given his backing to new manager David Moyes as well. 

"I have always said that we wanted the next manager to be a genuine Manchester United man," said Charlton.

"In David Moyes, we have someone who understands the things that make this such a special club.

"We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success.

"David has tremendous strength of character and recognises the importance of bringing young players through and developing them alongside world class talent.

"At United, I think David will be able to express himself.

"I am delighted he has accepted and I'm looking forward to working with him.".

---

Other reaction: 

Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio: "After 12 years at Everton, he has proved the quality and the style he has got because we all know you have to have a specific style.

"Manchester United is not only about a winning mentality, the style is important, and I think Moyes has proved he deserves to go one step forward and work at the top level.

"In my opinion, he's the right man - only time will tell if he is right, but in my opinion, David has done an amazing job in the last 12 years at Everton."

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez: "He's a good manager. I think that he will have a very good team, so I'm sure he will compete at the top and he can win trophies with a big club," said Benitez.

Aston Villa's Paul Lambert:  "Absolutely fabulous manager. I think if anybody can do it, and keep the continuity, David can do it. I think he will be able to handle it, no problem."

QPR chief Harry Redknapp:  "It is a fantastic opportunity for David. He has worked hard for the last ten years at Everton. It is difficult to follow Sir Alex but it is good to see a lad like David, who has done his time in the lower leagues as well, get such an opportunity."

Steve McClaren:  "I think it's a fantastic appointment. He has a near identical work ethic, character, competitiveness to that of Sir Alex but he's got that longevity at Everton - to build a club and sustain that success year in, year out, at their level.

"The key thing is he will have Sir Alex at the side of him and if they get on, as I know they do, it's the master and the apprentice. He has to be open to that help. The experience Sir Alex has got will be invaluable.

"United had a plan. It's not about short-term success, it's not about sustaining it for the next one or two years, it's the next 26 years. He could be the next manager to do that. That's how they're thinking."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/8702059/David-Moyes-backed-to-carry-on-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-s-good-work-at-Manchester-United

View the original article here

Late Chelsea winner sinks United

One is enough ... Juan Mata celebrates his winner at Old Trafford. Source: Darren Walsh / AP

Juan Mata struck an 87th-minute winner as Chelsea won 1-0 at champions Manchester United on Sunday to reclaim third place in the English Premier League and tighten their grip on a Champions League spot.

A lacklustre game at Old Trafford was drifting towards a goalless draw when Mata collected a pass from Oscar and dispatched a low shot that took a deflection off Phil Jones on its way into the bottom-right corner.

Mata's goal means Chelsea go into Wednesday's crunch clash against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge with a three-point lead over their London rivals, who are bidding to crash into the top four.

Arsenal are sandwiched between the pair in fourth, a point behind Chelsea, having played a game more.

United had right-back Rafael da Silva sent off late on and although their lead over second-place Manchester City remains 13 points, they have failed to win in two games since clinching their 20th league title.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	36	27	4	5	42	85
2	Man City	35	21	9	5	30	72
3	Chelsea	35	20	8	7	34	68
4	Arsenal	36	19	10	7	31	67
5	Tottenham	35	19	8	8	18	65
6	Everton	36	15	15	6	14	60
7	Liverpool	36	14	13	9	25	55
8	West Brom	35	14	6	15	1	48
9	Swansea	35	10	13	12	-1	43
10	West Ham	36	11	10	15	-8	43
11	Stoke	35	9	13	13	-10	40
12	Fulham	36	10	10	16	-11	40
13	Aston Villa	36	10	10	16	-21	40
14	Southampton	36	9	12	15	-11	39
15	Norwich	36	8	14	14	-22	38
16	Newcastle	36	10	8	18	-23	38
17	Sunderland	35	9	10	16	-12	37
18	Wigan	35	9	8	18	-22	35
19	Reading	36	6	10	20	-26	28
20	QPR	36	4	13	19	-28	25

United manager Alex Ferguson conceded his side weren't good enough, but he felt Rafael had been reacting to an elbow from David Luiz when he was sent off by referee Howard Webb.

"He was elbowed. He retaliated, and the player who retaliates always gets the bigger penalty," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"David Luiz elbowed him twice, but Rafael was rash and shouldn't have retaliated. I don't think the referee saw it at all."

United made five changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Arsenal last weekend, with Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and goalkeeper David de Gea among the players dropping to the bench.

Chelsea were missing Eden Hazard due to a calf strain and made four changes from their Europa League semi-final second leg success against FC Basel on Thursday.

Interim Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez was reluctant to discuss Rafael's red card.

"I didn't see the incident and I didn't see any replay," he said.

"You try to enjoy it if you win. If you lose, you can complain, but it will change nothing."

View the original article here

United extend lead to 15 points

On track ... Manchester United maintain their league advantage. Source: Jon Super / AP

Manchester United took a step closer to the Barclays Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Stoke City on Sunday to re-establish a 15-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table.

Michael Carrick gave United an early lead and Robin van Persie completed victory by claiming his first club goal in 11 games.

Victory allowed United to return to winning ways after Monday's loss in the Manchester derby, although City have a game in hand.

Stoke find themselves in real danger of slipping into the relegation zone, having won just once in 13 league games.

Tony Pulis' side sit three points above the relegation zone, but have played two games more than third-last Wigan Athletic.

United, with Wayne Rooney in midfield, scored in the fourth minute at a windswept Britannia Stadium.

Phil Jones met a right-wing corner from van Persie and, with the ball bobbling around the area, Carrick stuck out his foot to toe it into the bottom-left corner.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	32	26	2	4	40	80
2	Man City	31	19	8	4	30	65
3	Arsenal	32	17	8	7	29	59
4	Chelsea	31	17	7	7	28	58
5	Tottenham	32	17	7	8	15	58
6	Everton	32	14	13	5	14	55
7	Liverpool	33	13	11	9	19	50
8	West Brom	32	13	5	14	-1	44
9	Swansea	32	10	11	11	1	41
10	Fulham	32	10	10	12	-4	40
11	Southampton	33	9	11	13	-7	38
12	West Ham	32	10	8	14	-9	38
13	Newcastle	33	10	6	17	-17	36
14	Norwich	33	7	14	12	-21	35
15	Sunderland	33	8	10	15	-8	34
16	Stoke	33	7	13	13	-13	34
17	Aston Villa	33	8	10	15	-24	34
18	Wigan	31	8	7	16	-20	31
19	QPR	33	4	12	17	-25	24
20	Reading	33	5	9	19	-27	24

Van Persie scored in the 66th minute, steering a penalty past Asmir Begovic after being felled by Andy Wilkinson.

After the game, the striker admitted he was relieved after ending his goal drought.

"It was an important point in the game. I had to score that one and thankfully it went in, so after that the relief of a couple of weeks came out," he said.

"I wanted to celebrate it with everyone, with the players, with the staff, all the players involved even on the bench because they have been great with me from day one."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was delighted to see his major summer signing back on the scoresheet.

"You go through spells when you don't score where you never think you're ever going to get a goal, and then when you are scoring you think you're never going to miss," he said.

"Today was an important goal. He did really good work from Wayne's pass to get brought down for the penalty."

Meanwhile, Stoke boss Tony Pulis felt his side 'shot themselves in the foot' again as his side look to avoid relegation.

"You build up to a big game and you want to play high tempo and everything else and you know you give away a bad goal from a set-play, and that settled United and took the steam out of us.

"Our last two home games against (Aston) Villa and now United, we've given away silly goals."

View the original article here

Mancini: rivals scared of United

Fear ... Roberto Mancini says Barclays Premier League sides fear Sir Alex's Red Devils. Source: Tim Hales / AFP

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says his side are the equal of local rivals Manchester United, despite the fact they are well off the pace in the fight for the title.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	30	25	2	3	39	77
2	Man City	30	18	8	4	29	62
3	Chelsea	31	17	7	7	28	58
4	Tottenham	32	17	7	8	15	58
5	Arsenal	31	16	8	7	27	56
6	Everton	31	13	13	5	12	52
7	Liverpool	32	13	10	9	19	49
8	West Brom	32	13	5	14	-1	44
9	Swansea	32	10	11	11	1	41
10	Fulham	31	10	9	12	-4	39
11	Southampton	32	9	10	13	-7	37
12	West Ham	31	10	7	14	-9	37
13	Newcastle	32	10	6	16	-14	36
14	Norwich	32	7	14	11	-19	35
15	Stoke	32	7	13	12	-11	34
16	Aston Villa	32	8	9	15	-24	33
17	Sunderland	32	7	10	15	-11	31
18	Wigan	31	8	7	16	-20	31
19	QPR	32	4	12	16	-23	24
20	Reading	32	5	8	19	-27	23

Second-placed City trail Barclays Premier League leaders United by 15 points ahead of Monday's derby showdown at Old Trafford but Mancini refuses to accept their inferiority.

"We know we can beat them because they are not better than us," he said. "This is sure, 100 per cent.

"We deserved to win the game at the Etihad (in December, which United won 3-2 with a stoppage-time winner). Like them, we are a strong team. There is no difference

"We are young as a team and we don't have the same importance like United yet.

"The history is very important. We can't do this in two years but maybe in 10 years."

And Mancini thinks the gap between the Manchester teams would be smaller if other teams put up more of a fight against Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"No one plays well against United, because they only play with fear," said the Italian.

"Every team that plays against them plays very soft, because they think this game is difficult, and they can't beat them. Their mentality is poor.

"They think they can do nothing, but it is not true. If you play strong against United, you can beat them, like they can beat us."

However, Mancini wants to take a leaf out of United's book to ensure his side bounce back from this season's disappointing title defence.

The Italian said: "Last year United didn't win anything - Community Shield yes - but they continue to improve their team.

---

Watch all the action live and in stunning HD from 4.45am (EST) on Tuesday on Fox Sports 1 HD.

---

"This can happen, you can't win every year. This is impossible in England. For this, I think we need to do better next year."

Mancini failed to land all his prime transfer targets last summer, but with new administration at the club he is confident of doing better this time around.

City did strike one important blow last week when Yaya Toure, after speculation he could leave, signed a new four-year contract and spoke of his confidence in the club's future.

Mancini said: "This is important for the club, it is important that they sign new contracts.

"We know that we should buy important players for next year if we want to improve.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has warned that United are 'not going away' next season, but expects a 'big challenge' from Chelsea if Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge.

Ferguson is confident his squad will continue to develop and expects his team to be firmly in title contention again next term.

"We've got a lot of youth in the team, there's no doubt about that," said the Scot. "The record over the last 20 years tells you we're not going away. So I'd expect us without doubt to have a real good challenge next year.

"Plus we'll have players who are maturing nicely. Rafa [da Silva] has proved how much he's developed this season; the goalkeeper David de Gea's progress right through the season is absolutely superb and he'll get better next year. [Shinji] Kagawa will be a far better player next year, I'm certain about that.

The United boss anticipates the usual suspects will be in the mix for the title next season and is predicting a return to top form for Chelsea, if Mourinho returns to the club to replace current interim manager Rafa Benitez.

Ferguson added: "You'd expect - if Jose goes back to Chelsea - a big challenge there.

"[Manchester] City won't go away, with the money they've got. And I think Arsenal will improve - there's some indication that Arsenal are building a better squad than people think and Tottenham have been progressing for a couple of years now.

"So it's a hard league to win, there's no doubt about that. But at this moment in time we just need to concentrate on winning the league this year."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8625299/Roberto-Mancini-thinks-Manchester-City-are-as-strong-as-league-leaders

View the original article here

Bring on Liverpool, Man United!

Star power ... Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard will grace our shores. Source:AFP

How far has the A-League come in the eight short years it's been around? I could throw facts and figures on crowd numbers and television ratings at you all day, but how about this instead?

In three months Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez will be on our shores, playing in our stadiums against the A-League’s best players, as they prepare for the 2013-2014 Barclays Premier League season.

Think about that for a second ...

Australia’s two most supported English teams playing in this country in the space of a week.

Barclays Premier League giant Liverpool have followed Manchester United’s lead in announcing a tour of Australia, where they will play Melbourne Victory at the MCG on July 24.

Just four days earlier the Red Devils will line up against a fan-voted A-League All-Stars team, expected to feature the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey, in Sydney. Not even the A-League’s staunchest supporter could have envisaged this a few years ago.

The strength of the A-League is now a beacon for Australian football. No longer do the Socceroos carry the burden alone for Australian football. In fact, FFA chief executive David Gallop says even the code can continue to flourish on the back of the A-League - if, in a worst case scenario, the Socceroos aren't in Brazil. 

"It wouldn't be catastrophic (if Australia didn't qualify). Season eight of the A-League has demonstrated that the true backbone of the game now is the A-League."

Fans and journalists alike have waxed lyrical about the growth of the A-League all season – and for good reason - but in July we get to see tangible evidence of that growth.

Excitement is building and we’ve picked out five things we can’t wait to experience when Manchester United and Liverpool touch down on our shores.

---

1-    The big names

Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes, Pepe Reina, Ryan Giggs ...

These are some of world football’s best players. The absolute cream of the crop, squads stacked with UEFA Champions League and Premier League winners.  Don’t expect Sir Alex Ferguson or Brendan Rodgers to field second-string sides either as both have promised to take the tour very seriously.

2-    The coaching duels

The duel between Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers is particularly intriguing as both coaches are noted for using a high-tempo, short passing and high-pressing style of football. Regarded as one of Australia’s best tacticians, and a future contender for the Socceroos post, this is Ange’s chance to show what he's got against world class opposition in Rodgers and Sir Alex.

3-    Heskey faces old friends and foes

The big Jets striker might feel he has a point to prove after a tepid end to his career in England. He was a shining light in a disappointing season for the Jets, banging in nine goals, but Manchester United is a very different animal. Fitness issues permitting, he could be marked by former Three Lions teammate Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, arguably the most physical defender in the world. No doubt the English press will be delighted to see him again, too! 

4-    The ADP factor

What A-League All-Stars list would be complete without a mention of Alessandro Del Piero? The Italian was involved in some great battles with Man United in his Juventus days, particularly during the Red Devils' run to the treble in 1999. Del Piero toyed with defenders in his first season in the A-League and the July 24 clash will provide the stage for the Italian maestro to once again put his skills on display against the game’s elite.

5- Ange's brigade on the world stage

Earlier this season, Liverpool sent scouts to watch ‘Kiwi Messi’ Marco Rojas in action. Now the little man has a chance to impress Rodgers and co in the flesh. Who knows, he might even play his way into a Reds contract. Mark Milligan and the classy Marcos Flores will be relishing their roles on the field, while off it, the Northern Terrace - Melbourne Victory’s passionate supporter group - will compete against the Liverpool faithful singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' for this first time ever in this country.

---

What are you most looking forward to? Have your say by leaving a comment below.

View the original article here

Rooney sends United 15 points clear

Wayne Rooney ... scored the only goal of the game against Reading.

Manchester United moved 15 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a 1-0 win which kept managerless Reading in deep relegation trouble.

A Wayne Rooney goal secured the victory as Sir Alex Ferguson's side capitalised on Manchester City's loss at Everton earlier in the day and now sit just 13 points from winning the title.

Defeat meant there was no quick-fix for Reading following the controversial sacking of Brian McDermott earlier in the week and they are now seven points from safety.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	29	24	2	3	38	74
2	Man City	29	17	8	4	25	59
3	Tottenham	29	16	6	7	15	54
4	Chelsea	28	15	7	6	26	52
5	Arsenal	29	14	8	7	23	50
6	Everton	29	12	12	5	11	48
7	Liverpool	30	12	9	9	18	45
8	West Brom	30	13	5	12	2	44
9	Swansea	30	10	10	10	2	40
10	Stoke	30	7	13	10	-8	34
11	Fulham	28	8	9	11	-5	33
12	West Ham	28	9	6	13	-9	33
13	Newcastle	29	9	6	14	-10	33
14	Norwich	29	7	12	10	-18	33
15	Southampton	30	7	10	13	-10	31
16	Sunderland	29	7	9	13	-9	30
17	Aston Villa	30	7	9	14	-25	30
18	Wigan	28	6	6	16	-22	24
19	Reading	30	5	8	17	-22	23
20	QPR	30	4	11	15	-22	23

Rio Ferdinand, whose return to the England squad has been a talking point, rolled back the years to turn in another marvellous performance, which included claiming the assist for Rooney's winner in the 21st minute.

Nipping in to intercept Garath McCleary's poor pass, Ferdinand advanced into the open space and nipped round a static Mikele Leigertwood before feeding Rooney just to his left.

The striker took aim and once his shot flicked off Alex Pearce, former Manchester City goalkeeper Stuart Taylor had no chance of keeping it out.

After being thrust into the spotlight following McDermott's shock dismissal earlier in the week, Eamonn Dolan became the 15th manager, including caretakers, to face United in their first Premier League game in charge.

Most have lost. And whilst Dolan was not quite accepting of his fate, he seemed to have settled on a policy of damage limitation despite Reading's position becoming even more perilous due to earlier triumphs for Southampton and Aston Villa.

But Reading should have had a chance to equalise immediately after half-time when Nemanja Vidic shoved Adrian Mariappa over inside the box. Reading appealed for what TV replays showed to be a clear foul but referee Lee Mason was unmoved.

United failed to profit from their good fortune, with Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young going close either side of a wild effort from the out-of-form Robin van Persie that flew out for a throw-in.

Rooney fired over before the final whistle but there was no Reading equaliser to worry about and, as certain as it appears United will end the season as champions, Reading look destined to finish it heading to the Championship.

View the original article here

Is Rooney finished at United?

Interesting times ... is Wayne Rooney going to stay at Manchester United? Source: Andrew Yates / AFP

In the short-term, Nani's red card has dominated the headlines.

But as Manchester United look to close out the season with a Barclays Premier League triumph, the long-term implication of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League loss to Real Madrid will be the future of Wayne Rooney. 

Will Wayne Rooney remain at Manchester United next season?

On a night when Cristiano Ronaldo returned to a stage he once shared with Rooney (and was arguably second fiddle to him at an early stage), what can we read into Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to leave Rooney on the bench for the biggest game of the season? 

David Beckham was left out of against Real Madrid in 2003 and sold at the end of the season.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy was left out of the Carling Cup Final in 2006 and was sold at the end of that season.

The links are too tempting not to re-visit. 

Former United skipper Roy Keane mused: "Wayne might be quite selfish about it and look at it and say the writing's on the wall for him."

Rooney, who won a new contract at Old Trafford after a game of contract cat and mouse with Ferguson when at the peak of his powers in 2010, has two-and-a-half years left on that deal. 

Is this history repeating, with Fergie looking for another great piece of business? Indeed, Paris Saint Germain were linked last week with a lucrative, money-spinning move. And ESPN reports that Ferguson would accept a fee of £35 million for him in the European summer. 

Or was it simply a pragmatic tactical selection?

For now, Fergie can suggest it was the latter.  

Danny Welbeck – at times maligned for a lack of control or incisiveness – was an inspirational first-half performer, tracking Xabi Alonso while also providing a direct outlet for the home side on the break. And had Nani not been sent-off, Ferguson’s tactics would likely have got the job done.  

Fergie has intimated that Rooney’s match fitness isn’t up to scratch after a series of injuries this season. Media reports in England suggest the manager has had concerns since Rooney reportedly reported for the season out of shape.

But he did play a full game and scored a sublime goal on the weekend.   

This could simply be a kick up the backside, but in fact, Rooney’s season statistics are not that bad at all. Considering he has been clearly usurped by Robin van Persie as the club’s No.1 marksman and has had to adapt with being shuffled amongst the supporting pack, Rooney has netted 11 goals and had nine assists in 20 games.

Should Nani have been sent-off v Real Madrid?

It’s ironic that while Rooney once questioned the club’s direction and vision, Ferguson deemed him surplus for requirements in the biggest game in years. 

Being left out of a big match has happened before, against Internazionale in the equivalent round in 2009.

But while Ronaldo has exploded into another ether since, Rooney’s expendability this week hints that a man destined to become a great England talisman is in no-man’s land at the moment. 

So, even if there is nothing sinister and it’s just a tactical decision, the football world will be watching to see if the man himself is content with being second fiddle to RVP (he may have even fancied his chances of finishing some of the chances the Dutchman enjoyed over both legs), a playmaker not fancied for the big matches (or chosen as a worker, like in Madrid) or a squad man to be selected on a horses for courses basis.

A utility with a high profile … 

And if perception is reality and it’s the end of an era, when did Ferguson lose faith and Rooney cease to be a goal scoring asset in big games?

Coleen Rooney tweeted: "Can't believe Wayne Rooney isn't starting tonight!" Will they be discussing a new home over the next few weeks?

View the original article here

Ronaldo to United talk heats up

Talk ... will Cristiano Ronaldo's Old Trafford return be permanent? Source: Andres Kudacki / AAP

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford this week when his Real Madrid side take on Manchester United in their Champions' League last-16 second leg amid speculation he might come back on a more permanent basis.

One British Sunday newspaper reported he would be willing take a massive pay cut to rejoin United, the club he left for a world record £80 million ($A120 million).

But, according to another, manager Alex Ferguson has rubbished reports the former idol would be back with the club next summer.

All the same, United captain Patrice Evra is hopeful his old teammate is overwhelmed by the reception awaiting him.

Evra says that having spoken to him after the 1-1 draw in Madrid, he feels Ronaldo might find it difficult knowing so much good feeling for him remains among the Red Devils faithful.

"It is difficult when you play with love,'' Evra told MUTV. "Cristiano will get a great reception on Tuesday because of what he achieved for Manchester United. The fans will never forget what he did.

"Also, he still loves the club. I remember after the game in Madrid, we had a chat. He said it was going to be more difficult to come here.

"This is his house, so there will be a lot of emotion. I hope he doesn't play well because of that.

"But Ronaldo is a winner. He is a big competitor. If he can win against Manchester United, he will do it.''

View the original article here

United aren't only Euro blowout

Runaways ... Barcelona are on fire in La Liga. Source: Manu Fernandez / AP

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini doesn't think the Barclays Premier League title race is over yet.

The defending champions trail their city rivals Manchester United by 12 points after 27 games. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have sauntered to their lead and Mancini – who famously ruled City out of the race last year – will be hoping for another dramatic twist in the script for the rest of the season. 

"We can't think it's finished with 11 games to go," manager Mancini said after the 2-0 win over Chelsea. "It's not my mentality or the mentality of the players."

As unlikely as a United collapse is, Mancini is not alone in Europe staring down a league-lead deficit; there’s a remarkably similar pattern across three of Europe’s big leagues: big clubs are running away with the title. 

The dominance of these clubs across Europe is a salute to their supremacy in their domestic leagues – and provides a fantastic discussion point when these giants are drawn in European competition. 

It’s interesting to note these blow-outs across Europe at the same time: 

•Premier League: Manchester United are 12 points ahead of City, 27 games played. 

•La Liga: Barcelona are 12 points ahead of Atletico Madrid with 25 games played.

•Bundesliga: Bayern Munich are 17 points ahead of Borussia Dortmund after 23 matches.

It would be wrong to clump Scotland’s Premier League in that calibre of league, but as another point of interest, Tom Rogic’s Celtic are 21 points ahead of Inverness CT at the top of the table. 

Elsewhere, Olympiakos lead the Greek Super League by 16 points ahead of Asteras Tripolis, while in Portugal, Porto and Benfica lead on 52 points – with the next best on 35. 

To a lesser extent, Juventus sit seven points clear in Serie A, while the race is alive in France and Holland. David Beckham’s big-spending Paris Saint-Germain are three points ahead of Lyon, while the Eredevise appears the tightest three-horse race. Perennial giants PSV Eindhoven, Ajax and Feyenoord are split by three points. Russia looks a tight run-in as well, with five points splitting Zenit St Petersburg, FC Anzhi Makhachkala and league leaders CSKA Moscow.

It's an interesting coincidence - a tidbit of information coming at a time when A-League supporters question the relevance, worth and suitability of a ‘first past the post’ system.

For you, does a flat-lining title race make the run home any less exciting? 

View the original article here

Manchester United chief to step down

End of the road ... David Gill will step down from his role as Man United's chief executive. Source: Glyn Kirk / AP

David Gill is to step down as chief executive of Manchester United on June 30, the English football giants have announced.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Man United	26	21	2	3	31	65
2	Man City	26	15	8	3	24	53
3	Chelsea	26	14	7	5	27	49
4	Tottenham	26	14	6	6	14	48
5	Arsenal	26	12	8	6	21	44
6	Everton	26	10	12	4	8	42
7	Liverpool	27	10	9	8	15	39
8	Swansea	27	9	10	8	4	37
9	West Brom	26	11	4	11	1	37
10	Stoke	26	7	12	7	-5	33
11	West Ham	26	8	6	12	-9	30
12	Fulham	26	7	8	11	-6	29
13	Sunderland	26	7	8	11	-6	29
14	Norwich	26	6	11	9	-15	29
15	Southampton	26	6	9	11	-9	27
16	Newcastle	26	7	6	13	-12	27
17	Aston Villa	26	5	9	12	-25	24
18	Reading	26	5	8	13	-15	23
19	Wigan	26	5	6	15	-21	21
20	QPR	26	2	11	13	-22	17

In a statement on the club's website, the 55-year-old Gill said his post-season exit would allow the Barclays Premier League leaders to "refresh themselves with new management and ideas".

United added that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward would replace Gill.

Gill is a vice-chairman of England's governing Football Association and one of the country's most highly regarded soccer administrators.

United co-chairman Joel Glazer said Gill, who would remain on the board at Old Trafford, was stepping down in part to advance his bid for election to the executive committee of European football's governing body, UEFA.

Gill himself made no comment about his post-United future in the statement, saying only it had been a hard decision to end 16 years of day-to-day involvement at Old Trafford, having joined the club as financial director in 1997 before becoming chief executive in September 2003.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Gill.

"I have been at United for over 26 years and for 23 of those years, my boss has been one of only two men: Martin Edwards, who brought me to the club, and David Gill," he said.

"I have enjoyed working with both.

"Him stepping down is a big loss to me but the fact that he is staying on the board encourages me that the reason for his departure is heartfelt, that he believes it is time for the club to move on."

Glazer gave his backing to Gill's attempt to be elected to UEFA's executive committee.

"I hope that the decision he has made will be to the benefit of the game in Europe as a whole, as he seeks election to UEFA's executive committee," he said.

View the original article here