Manchester Utd

Man Utd 5-1 Fulham
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney teamed up for the first time since the World Cup to help Manchester United thrash hapless Fulham. Louis Saha headed United in front on seven minutes before his cross forced Ian Pearce to divert into his own net. Rooney tapped in before crossing for Ronaldo to make it four in 19 minutes. Fulham pulled one back when Rio Ferdinand deflected Heidar Helguson's effort into his own net but Rooney wrapped up the victory after the break. Sir Alex Ferguson and his players had stressed the need for United to begin the season firing on all cylinders - but they could not have dreamed of a start like this. Ronaldo and Rooney competed in the same United side for the first time since their World Cup quarter-final disagreement, and the pair responded with some delightful interchanges. However, they did have the luxury of playing against a shambolic Fulham defence. United went ahead when a superb cross from Ryan Giggs fell between Pearce and Liam Rosenior, allowing Saha to head home his third goal against his former club. Pearce then got in front of Rooney to try to cut out Saha's low cross from the left but could only steer the ball into his own net on 14 minutes. With Fulham in complete disarray, Rooney sidefooted a third after Antti Niemi had parried Saha's volley before turning provider for Ronaldo to half-volley home a fourth with just 19 minutes gone. It could even have been much worse for Chris Coleman's side by the time they headed for the changing rooms at half-time. Rosenior cleared a dangerous Giggs corner off the line and Paul Scholes saw his venomous strike cannon back off the foot of the post. Fulham's first-half display did not merit a goal, but they found the net when Helguson's shot hit Ferdinand and looped over the stranded Edwin van der Sar six minutes before the break. Michael Brown was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a horrible two-footed lunge on Giggs after the interval. The usually placid Giggs was clearly upset and was booked for a clumsy challenge on the Fulham midfielder before both players were substituted. United extended their lead again with a devastating attack on 63 minutes. Ronaldo picked up the ball from Scholes and fed the overlapping Wes Brown, who pulled it back for Rooney to shoot low into the corner. United took their foot off the pedal as the clock ran down, but Fulham were too shell-shocked to take advantage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville (Silvestre 45), Ferdinand, Brown, Evra, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Scholes, Giggs (Park 60), Rooney, Saha (Solskjaer 61). Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Fletcher. Booked: Giggs. Goals: Saha 7, Pearce 15 og, Rooney 16, Ronaldo 19, Rooney 64. Fulham: Niemi, Rosenior, Christanval, Pearce, Queudrue, Brown (Radzinski 61), Diop, Bullard, Boa Morte, John (McBride 64), Helguson. Subs Not Used: Crossley, Volz, Bocanegra. Booked: Brown. Goals: Ferdinand 40 og. Att: 75,115 Ref: A Marriner (W Midlands).

Ferguson praises Rooney & Ronaldo
Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney after they starred in Manchester United's 5-1 triumph over Fulham. The pair were playing together for the first time since their World Cup clash. \"They linked up together on numerous occasions,\" said the Manchester United boss. \"You could tell he and Wayne are the best of pals. \"People are always looking for a scapegoat but even the Fulham fans stopped booing Cristiano in the end.\" He added: \"I think they acknowledge the boy is a wonderful player.\" The Portuguese winger incurred the wrath of sections of the British media when he appeared to encourage the referee to send Rooney off as England went out of the World Cup in July. Ronaldo even hinted that the reaction could force him to leave United but though he was booed by the away fans at Old Trafford, that was drowned out by the cheers from the home faithful. Rooney provided two goals and Ronaldo one as United crushed Fulham, a result Ferguson described as \"maybe our best start to a season\". However, there was a sour note for Ferguson, who was enraged by Michael Brown's two-footed challenge on Ryan Giggs in the second half, which only resulted in a yellow card. \"It was a bad tackle,\" said Ferguson. Speaking to Sir Stanley, assistant boss Carlos Queiroz added: \"I know something naughty happened but let's forget it and hope those things are not repeated.\" Fulham manager Chris Coleman remained surprisingly upbeat, despite his side's poor defensive display. \"They steamrollered us. We couldn't get the ball and when we did get it we gave it back too easily,\" he stated. \"We had a 10-minute patch when the wheels came off and then the game was finished. \"We have got Bolton on Wednesday and we need to improve on this performance. I'm confident we can do that. I've got to make sure my guys hold their heads up and show a bit of grit. \"We'll have another good season, I'm confident of that.\"

Smith to make return for Man Utd
Alan Smith will play for Manchester United's reserve team on Monday, his first appearance since suffering a serious leg injury in February. The 25-year-old broke his leg and dislocated an ankle during the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool and some expected him to miss the rest of the year. But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: \"Alan has been doing great. \"He played in a closed-doors match for an hour on Wednesday and did very well. He has had quite an amazing recovery.\" He added: \"We all gave him a deadline of September but we could easily have pushed him to play now. \"But we have taken the long view because we don't want any doubts or worry but we do want him back.\" If he comes through Monday night's test against Preston, there is a possibility Smith could be involved at Watford on Saturday as Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes both miss out through suspension.

Hargreaves told to forget Man Utd
Bayern Munich have warned Owen Hargreaves to forget about a move to Manchester United. United are keen to sign the 25-year-old midfielder, who has also expressed a desire to move to Old Trafford. But the German club's general manager Uli Hoeness said: \"Hargreaves is well advised to keep quiet. \"Otherwise I will get very angry and that will not be good for him. I can't understand that after two discussions he is still forcing the issue.\" England international Hargreaves was omitted from Bayern's side for the Bundesliga match with Bochum on Sunday after talks with the club. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to bring the player to England and is thought to be willing to pay £17m. But Hargreaves is under contract until 2010 and Bayern, who lost midfield partner Michael Ballack to Chelsea this summer, are determined he will not be leaving. Hoeness added: \"He won't be released under any circumstances. He needs to accept the decisions of those above him and show some respect.\" Ferguson has already admitted Bayern have so far resisted their attempts to add Hargreaves to the summer capture of Michael Carrick, saying: \"We are trying hard but Bayern are proving very stubborn and resistant, which I can understand.\" A Bayern statement said they had not held negotiations with United and asked for the English side to cease pursuing the player. Hargreaves has been at Bayern since moving to the club from Canada as a 16-year-old in 1997. He helped Bayern to the Champions League crown in 2001 and has also won four Bundesliga titles with the club. He seems determined to seize on his raised profile in England following his combative and tough-tackling displays during the World Cup and an impressive performance against Greece in coach Steve McClaren's first game in charge.

Ball condemns Rooney's FA threat
Former England star Alan Ball has criticised Wayne Rooney for threatening the Football Association after it failed to overturn his three-match ban. Rooney's agent Paul Stretford reportedly sent a letter to the FA warning the striker could withdraw from commercial England duties. Ball said: \"I'm disappointed in his agent and by Rooney for taking on the FA. How much power do players want?\" \"He should accept his punishment, grow up and become a great player.\" Rooney and Manchester United team-mate Paul Scholes were sent off in a pre-season friendly against Porto and handed suspensions. Both lost their appeals to the FA and Rooney was said to be so \"devastated\" that he sanctioned Stretford's letter to FA chief executive Brian Barwick late last week. Rooney is now reportedly waiting for an official response before deciding his next move, but 1966 World Cup-winner Ball believes swallowing his punishment will make him a better player. \"I was sent off nine times and deserved it,\" Ball told www.nobok.co.uk. \"But I finished off a miles better player by taking my punishment. \"He has to accept that you have to grow up to become a top football player - and he will do if he takes his punishment on the chin. \"But he won't if he thinks that he can come out and make statements to the FA.\"

Hargreaves 'to make Bayern plea'
Owen Hargreaves will reportedly hold a news conference on Wednesday to say he wants to leave Bayern Munich. According to reports, the 25-year-old will criticise the German club for standing in the way of his move to Manchester United. Relations between the two clubs soured on Tuesday when Bayern threatened to report United for breaching Fifa rules with their pursuit of Hargreaves. The England international's Bayern contract runs until 2010. And Bayern are particularly keen for him to honour that after losing Michael Ballack to Chelsea over the summer. United are thought to be prepared to offer up to £17m for Hargreaves, whose stock rose with some impressive performances at the World Cup. But Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness said: \"Bayern Munich will never be taken for a ride and become weak at the knees as soon as a certain level of money is mentioned.\"

Charlton v Man Utd
Charlton defender Djimi Traore serves a one-match ban following his red card against West Ham and is likely to be replaced by Gonzalo Sorondo. Costa Rica winger Cristian Bolanos will not feature as he is still awaiting clearance on a work permit. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes both miss Manchester United's trip to London as they start three-match bans. Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville should be fit but Gabriel Heinze, Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick miss out. Charlton manager Iain Dowie: \"The West Ham result was a bit harsh on the lads but we move on. \"Wednesday provides the ultimate test, against probably the best team the Premiership has had in the time it has been been going. \"It is our first home game and we have got to make sure that the fans go away having been entertained.\" Manchester United defender John O'Shea: \"We're still a force. \"Nine points would make a statement. That's the aim for the three games.\" Charlton (from): Carson, Young, Hreidarsson, El Karkouri, Sorondo, Ambrose, Faye, Holland, Hughes, Reid, Hasselbaink, M Bent, Myhre, Rommedahl, D Bent, Lisbie, Euell, Ashton. Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Miller, D Jones, Fletcher, O'Shea, Giggs, Richardson, Park, Saha, Rossi, Solskjaer.

Charlton 0-3 Man Utd
Rampant Manchester United maintained their stunning start to the season against Charlton at The Valley. Darren Fletcher capitalised on an error by Addicks defender Jon Fortune to smash home the opener after half-time. United carved out the best chances - and hit the woodwork three times - but Charlton twice had penalty appeals turned down by referee Chris Foy. Louis Saha made it 2-0 from 20 yards before substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer slotted in the third at the death. United, who have hit eight goals in their two opening games, were never short of options in attack despite being without suspended duo Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes. Saha led the attack on his own, supported from the flanks by the lively Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson drafted in Fletcher, Mikael Silvestre and Park Ji-Sung, while Iain Dowie took charge of his first home game, bringing in Fortune for the suspended Djimi Traore. Ronaldo, who was jeered by the Charlton fans from the start, raised a cheer from the home faithful by firing wildly off target in the seventh minute. Park should have broke the deadlock when he was picked out unmarked inside the box by Rio Ferdinand. He spun quickly but drilled a low shot straight at Carson, who was making his home debut for Charlton after signing on loan from Liverpool. Charlton survived again when Giggs struck the post direct from a 20-yard free-kick but then had appeals for a penalty rejected when the ball appeared to strike Patrice Evra's arm. Giggs forced an excellent save from Carson just before the interval when the Welshman weaved his way into a great position on the left and curled a shot which the keeper did well to parry away. Ronaldo blasted the ball against the crossbar seconds later from 25 yards, leaving Charlton relieved to go in on level terms at the break. United went ahead on 49 minutes after Fortune made a hash of clearing Park's speculative cross from the right, allowing Fletcher to coolly take control before firing an unstoppable shot into the net. Sir Alex's side turned up the pressure as they sought to kill the game off and Ronaldo's trickery on the left ended with Park slamming the ball against the post. Charlton should have been awarded a penalty on the hour when Wes Brown went up for a header in a penalty-box scramble only for the ball to strike his arm. United gave £18m signing Michael Carrick his debut for the final 14 minutes after his recovery from injury and he set up Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was denied by a brilliant Carson save. The ever-popular Solskjaer rounded off a superb night for United when he sidefooted in the third from Saha's cross for his first Premiership goal in three injury-hit years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlton manager Iain Dowie: \"We lost against a very good Manchester United side who kept the ball better than we did. \"We didn't make enough effort in passing the ball, which we had talked about before the game, and we switched off at key defensive moments. \"We did not press them enough, and they've got players that can hurt you.\" Man Utd assistant boss Carlos Queiroz on Solskjaer's goal: \"He came with confidence and he is again the player he used to be. \"That is great news for us and for all the supporters. \"We played well very and showed a great attitude and determination.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charlton: Carson, Young, El Karkouri, Fortune, Hreidarsson, Hughes, Holland, Faye (Rommedahl 82), Ambrose, Hasselbaink (Marcus Bent 65), Darren Bent. Subs Not Used: Myhre, Kishishev, Lisbie. Booked: Hreidarsson. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Evra, Fletcher, Park (Carrick 77), O'Shea, Giggs (Solskjaer 82), Saha, Ronaldo. Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Rossi, Richardson. Booked: Brown. Goals: Fletcher 49, Saha 80, Solskjaer 90. Att: 25,422. Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).

Watford v Man Utd
Keeper Ben Foster is unable to play for Watford under the terms of his loan deal from Manchester United so Richard Lee or Alec Chamberlain will step in. Captain Gavin Mahon has recovered from the illness that forced him off at half-time against West Ham. Gary Neville has been told to rest a long-term calf injury so will not feature for Manchester United. Defender Nemanja Vidic is out with a broken wrist but Michael Carrick is expected to make his first start. Watford (from): Lee, Chamberlain, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Powell, Bouazza, Mahon, Francis, Young, King, Henderson, Stewart, Mackay, Spring, Priskin, Chambers, Mariappa, McNamee, Bangura, Jarrett. Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, O'Shea, Miller, Richardson, Carrick, Park, Giggs, Saha, Solskjaer, Rossi. Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd: \"They are just names and unless someone tells me different, you can only have 11 men on the pitch. \"If you worry about reputations, you might as well call the season off, go back down and not bother with the game. \"We have a way of playing and we play to our strengths. We will do our best and I think our best will be good enough to surprise people.\" Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson on Cristiano Ronaldo's form: \"I am not surprised at all. I'd have staked my life on it. \"He doesn't relish what's happening but he certainly won't be intimidated by it. The boy has fantastic courage. \"The fans get fed up booing, their throats get sore and they all go home.\"

Watford 1-2 Man Utd
Ryan Giggs scored the second-half winner for Manchester United as they saw off a spirited Watford challenge. Giggs, making his 600th United start, pounced on a Matt Spring mistake and rounded keeper Richard Lee before finishing high into the net. United had taken the lead on 12 minutes when Louis Saha set up Mikael Silvestre to drive low into the corner. But Watford did not roll over and Damien Francis levelled before half-time from Ashley Young's cross. It could have been even better for the Hornets had they taken a gilt-edged chance at the start of the second half. Darius Henderson stabbed Marlon King's deflected free-kick across goal but neither Francis nor Danny Shittu could finish and Giggs made them pay shortly afterwards as United kept up their 100% start to the season. It meant victory for the oldest manager in the Premiership over the top-flight's youngest, but Hornets boss Aidy Boothroyd should be encouraged by his side's battling display. United arrived at Vicarage Road in sizzling form, having scored eight goals in their first two games, and it did not take them long to add to that tally. Cristiano Ronaldo, booed once again by the opposition fans, might have breached the Watford defence even earlier but saw his header fizz narrowly wide. Two minutes later, a crisp passing move ended with Saha providing the perfect ball for the overlapping Silvestre to power a low shot into the far corner. Conceding a goal after just 12 minutes did not bode well for the newly-promoted side and they did well to keep the scoreline down as United went for the kill. In an intense spell of pressure, stand-in keeper Lee, playing instead of the ineligible Ben Foster, somehow kept out Saha's flicked header. Watford were under the cosh and Boothroyd sensibly responded by introducing midfielder Spring in place of winger Hameur Bouazza. It had the desired effect and the hosts drew level within four minutes. Vicarage Road erupted as Young tricked his way past Silvestre on the right and crossed for Francis to tap in at the far post - his second goal of the season. The unlikely scoreline made for a jubilant atmosphere among the home fans at half-time but it did not last long as the hosts quickly learned one of the key lessons of Premiership survival: take your chances. Henderson could have scored from King's free-kick but stabbed the ball across goal instead where both Shittu and Francis stood and watched as it rolled to safety. Moments later, United were back in front. Spring wanted too long on the ball and under pressure from Darren Fletcher, he gave it to skipper Giggs, who sidestepped Lee and swept home. Watford fought hard to find an equaliser, but they found clear-cut chances hard to come by. Saha should have wrapped it up at the death when he burst through the middle only to shoot straight at Lee, but unlike Watford's earlier miss, it did not prove costly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd: \"We didn't play anywhere near well enough today. I know all my players can and will give so much more. \"I listen to managers saying 'I can't ask for more' but I do ask for more and I want more and I'll get more because they're fantastic players. \"Being average and losing to Manchester United doesn't interest me.\" Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: \"Watford make it a real battle for you, but when we had chances to counter-attack, we should have kept the ball better. \"It really needed someone to put their foot on the ball and enjoy passing the ball, but I don't think they did that. \"But you saw another side to us today. We had to battle to win the points.\" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watford: Lee, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Powell, Young, Francis, Mahon (Bangura 75), Bouazza (Spring 31), King, Henderson (Stewart 65). Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Mackay. Booked: Mahon. Goals: Francis 34. Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Silvestre, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick (Richardson 75), Giggs, Saha, Solskjaer (Park 59). Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Evra, Rossi. Booked: Richardson. Goals: Silvestre 12, Giggs 52. Att: 19,453. Ref: P Dowd (Staffordshire).

Hargreaves says Man Utd deal off
Owen Hargreaves has admitted defeat in his bid to join Manchester United, according to his agent. The England midfielder was keen to leave Bayern Munich for Old Trafford, but the German club have refused to sanction the transfer. Hargreaves' agent Roman Grill said: \"We have to accept there is no way Bayern will allow this transfer to happen. \"His only hope is that if United reamin interested in him the deal could happen at a later date.\" United have been chasing Hargreaves and were thought to be willing to pay £17m for the player, who was one of England's few success stories at the World Cup. But Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness underlined his club's intention to hold on to Hargreaves, even after the arrival of Mark van Bommel. Hoeness said: \"Owen stays - you can bet your house on that. Manchester United will have to plan without him.\" It had been thought Van Bommel's move from Barcelona could pave the way for Hargreaves to join Manchester United. Van Bommel himself was quoted as saying Hargreaves was \"close to leaving\". But Hoeness again insisted on Monday: \"We want to move forward with Mark and Owen. We would be crazy to sign Van Bommel as a replacement for Hargreaves.\" Van Bommel has signed a three-year deal, believed to be in the region of £8m, with the German giants after undergoing a medical on Monday. He is now being seen as a replacement for Germany captain Michael Ballack, who moved to Chelsea earlier in the summer. But when speaking prior to completing his move to the German club, Van Bommel had been quoted as saying: \"I have left Barcelona because there were not enough guarantees that I would play every week. \"At Bayern the chances of playing are bigger, they told me, with Ballack gone and Owen Hargreaves close to leaving the club.\" But it now appears Hargreaves, who is under contract until 2010 at Bayern, will have to put on hold a move to the Premiership until at least January.

Ronaldo happy to stay at Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is \"very happy\" at Manchester United, despite criticism he received for his part in Wayne Rooney's World Cup red card. Ronaldo's future was in doubt after he pleaded for Rooney to be sent off in the quarter-final defeat to Portugal. The 21-year-old was linked with a move to Real Madrid, but said: \"Manchester United are the ideal club for me. \"It is true that I said one day I would like to play in Spain. But if that doesn't happen, it won't be a problem.\" He added: \"I still feel very happy.\" Ronaldo has been a target for opposing fans, but said: \"I knew I'd be whistled as soon as I put a foot on the pitch at Charlton, but I faced the game in a very calm way. \"I won't give any importance to the whistles or the insults.\" The winger claims his reaction to Rooney's apparent stamp on Portugal team-mate Ricardo Carvalho in their win against England was \"normal\" and believes everyone puts club loyalties to one side when playing for their countries. He said: \"Throughout my career, I have always defended - in any circumstances - my country. \"It could be that my best friends play for other teams, but firstly I will defend my country and my shirt. \"Secondly, what happened was absolutely normal - and I think any player who was in the same situation would have done the same.\" Ronaldo insists the incident is now forgotten at United and has rubbished suggestions he is desperate for a move to Spain. He said: \"It's true I'm moving, but I've moved house every year in Manchester.\"

Newcastle swoop for Rossi on loan
Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi on loan until January. The 19-year-old, who is an Italian Under-21 international, is a highly-rated prospect at Old Trafford, and has a contract extending to 2010. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: \"When he returns, he will be a more experienced player who will be able to offer us much more.\" Rossi will not be allowed to play against Manchester United. But for the rest of his half-season at St James' Park, he will compete with Obafemi Martins and Shola Amoebi for a place at Newcastle. The American-born youngster, who scored four goals in 12 first-team games for Manchester United last season, would then be expected to return to Old Trafford for the second half of the season. A statement on the Newcastle website confirmed: \"Newcastle have reached an agreement with Manchester United to take striker Giuseppe Rossi on loan. \"As a condition of all loan deals between Premiership clubs, however, he will be prevented from playing for the Magpies in any meetings with the Red Devils.\" And Ferguson, who signed Rossi from Italian side Parma, told his club's website: \"It was a big decision for us especially as we don't have the choice of strikers. \"But this is something that Giuseppe wanted as he needs regular first-team football.\"

Man Utd rejected Mascherano offer
Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sign Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano on two occasions during the summer. On Thursday, Mascherano, 22, and striker Carlos Tevez, 22, signed for West Ham from Corinthians of Brazil on permanent deals for undisclosed fees. \"We were never interested in Tevez,\" United chief executive David Gill told Sir Stanley. \"We were also offered Mascherano but we didn't want to go for him.\" Gill added: \"We were offered Mascherano for a significant sum at the start of the summer and also last week on a loan deal. \"We had watched him last season but the manager and his staff didn't want to pursue him. \"While he is clearly a very good player it was decided he wasn't required at the club.\" Meanwhile, Gill remains upbeat over the chances of a new contract for striker Wayne Rooney. England international Rooney, 20, wants to extend the six-season deal he signed when he joined United in August 2004. \"His eagerness to sign a long-term deal is great,\" said Gill. \"I think there will be developments over the next few months. \"We want to tie him down to the club.\"

Ferguson calls for winter break
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes the introduction of a winter break and a later finish to the season would benefit football. \"We had international friendlies at the beginning of June so why can't we play the season until the end of May?\" he told club magazine, Inside United. \"The players need to keep going anyway for these internationals. \"But why not start a three-week ban on 1 January and use the whole of May when the weather is better?\" It is not the first time that there have been calls for a winter break but the change has been vetoed as the number of clubs in the Premiership would be reduced and the FA Cup would also be affected. Several managers, including former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, have lobbied for it in recent times but Ferguson believes he was one of the first. \"It makes me laugh when managers come out and talk about winter breaks,\" he added. \"I championed it when I was manager of Aberdeen in 1980 and I did again when I first came down here in 1986. \"And there's still nothing done, it's ridiculous.\"

View Full Version: Manchester Utd