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Sneijder Staying at Inter

June 11th, 2011

He has been the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the last few weeks, yet it looks as though Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder is in fact going nowhere.

The former Real Madrid man has apparently caught the interest of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United but following the reports, he has now confirmed that he is happy at current club Inter Milan and has no ambitions to move away. Speaking to Inter’s official website, Sneijder said: “Milan is marvellous, picturesque and full of elegance. I love it.

“At the moment I am very happy here and I don’t see why I should leave.”

Interest in Sneijder of course comes as no surprise, with the Dutchman establishing himself as one of the world’s best midfielders through his ten year career. He has played for three of the most prestigious teams in the world in Ajax, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, making himself a fixture in the Netherlands national squad in the process.

Overall his time at Inter Milan can be classed as nothing but successful, with the San Siro outfit winning the title, the Champions League and Coppa Italia during his first season there. However, this year has been less fruitful and while Inter did manage to lift the Copa Italia again, Sneijder’s involvement was minimal. Injury hindered him significantly and in the end he managed just twenty five appearances, notching four goals in the process.

This has resulted in many of England’s biggest teams being linked with a move although following these comments, it now looks unlikely for a transfer to materialize. Sneijder’s contract still has another four years remaining and while Inter have relied on him less this year, it’s thought that they still consider him a key player.

However, with the three sides supposedly tracking him possessing such vast finances, Inter may still opt to cash in on the former Ajax man if the bid proves too tempting.

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Posted in Chelsea FC, Football Transfer Market, Man U, Manchester City

Man Utd to Buy Phil Jones

June 9th, 2011

It was little over a year ago when Phil Jones made his debut for Blackburn, yet since then it would be fair to say that the giant defender has come on leaps and bounds. He has won plaudits across the country and with Manchester United agreeing a £17m package with Blackburn for his services, he has perhaps been handed the biggest compliment yet by his soon to be manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite Rovers enduring something of a poor campaign, Jones himself has been superb and rumors have been rife for some while that he has been set for a big money move. Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked but as it has been revealed today, Jones has turned down the opportunity to join both of these clubs.

Instead, he will link up at Old Trafford although his chances of first team action are likely to be significantly slimmer than that at current club Rovers. While Sir Alex Ferguson is spending a lot of money on the 19-year-old, he still has the likes of Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all pushing for those two centre half positions.

Still, the signing of Jones undoubtedly signals United’s intentions to invest in youth. Their defeat to Barcelona last month showed that while they are big players in the English league, in Europe they are not anywhere near as dominant.

Jones may not go straight into the first team, but within a few years there is little doubt that he will be a key fixture in the United defense. In the 35 appearances he has made for Blackburn he has proved a real handful for attackers and with age this is only going to improve. However, the deal is not yet completely sealed, with Jones having to pass a medical before he can be formally revealed as a Manchester United player.

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Posted in Blackburn Rovers, Football Transfer Market, Man U

Paul Scholes Retires

May 31st, 2011

A bad bank holiday weekend has just got even worse for Manchester United supporters, with the news that Paul Scholes is to retire from all football immediately.

Scholes’ contract was set to expire this summer and it’s thought that without the promise of regular first team football, the 36-year-old was reluctant to extend his deal. With that, just two days after his last substitute appearance in the Champions League defeat to Barcelona, Scholes has opted to call it a day.

Speaking immediately after announcing his decision, the veteran midfielder said: “This was not a decision I’ve taken lightly but I feel now is the right time for me to stop playing”.

Meanwhile his manager, his only manager throughout his career, Sir Alex Ferguson, was quick to lavish praise as well: “Paul has always been inspirational to players of all ages and we know that will continue in his new role”.

Scholes’ new role is that of a coach as he aims to build his reputation off the field following so much success on it. The midfielder has been one of United’s biggest success stories and after coming through the youth ranks to make his debut in 1994, he has gone on to make 676 appearances in the red shirt. While he was not part of the famous Manchester United FA Cup Youth winning squad of 2002, he emerged in the first team around the same time as the likes of David Beckham, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt. Following all of his years at United, he managed to pick up an astonishing ten Premier League titles.

He also enjoyed a sterling international career after making 66 appearances for his country, scoring fourteen goals. However, in 2004 he opted to cut his England career short, stating that he wished to spend more time with his family.

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Posted in Man U

Stevenage and Barcelona Celebrate

May 29th, 2011

It’s not often that you can mention these two sides in the same sentence, yet yesterday there was reason for both Stevenage and Barcelona to celebrate. League Two team Stevenage completed a memorable journey to seal a playoff final victory against Torquay and gain promotion, while Barcelona did what everyone expected and beat Manchester United in 3-1 fashion to lift the Champions League trophy.

For Stevenage, their success over recent times has been remarkable and it seems hard to believe that just two years ago they were plying their trade in the Conference. Manager Graham Westley has now masterminded back-to-back promotions after a John Mousinho effort helped the Boro to a 1-0 win over Torquay yesterday afternoon.

While Stevenage success is superb, we now go to the other end of the spectrum where Barcelona once again showed why they are classed by some as the greatest ever team. The Catalan outfit were classed as clear favourites by the bookmakers, with many even offering money-back offers if the Spanish side won, and with that it came as no surprise as they coasted to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola’s side were in control from the start and while they were pegged back to 1-1 after taking an early lead, a stunning second half display saw Barcelona lift the Champions League trophy for a second time in three years.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claimed his opponents were the greatest side he’s ever face and after that statement, you just have to wonder who is going to stop them. With such a nucleus of young talent, there is surely more to come from this and from the neutral’s perspective that is a fantastic prospect. Luckily for them, manager Guardiola has already confirmed his commitment for the future, which should allow for even more success.

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Posted in Barcelona, Champions League, Man U

Premier League, La Liga and Serie A updates

October 3rd, 2009

Manchester United faced their first draw this season at the hands of Sunderland at Old Trafford. Sunderland opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Bent amazed Foster with his one touch bolt into the bottom left corner of the goal post. Second half saw an attacking United side. In the 51st minute Nani’s cross was curled in by a Berbatov scissor kick. Jones scored in the 58th minute giving back Sunderland their lead.

The match could have easily ended as United’s second loss this season if it was not for Anton Ferdinand’s own goal in the injury time of second half. Portsmouth scored their first points this season with a 0-1 away win over Wolves.

Tottenham Hotspurs came from behind twice in  match against Bolton Wanderers to register a 2-2 away draw. Burnley defeated Birmingham 2-1 in a match where two newly promoted clubs contested. Hull City kept their last week’s 1-6 drubbing  at the hands of Liverpool aside by registering a 2-1 home win over Wigan Athletic.

I don’t remember when was the last time Barelona had a 1-0 win at Camp Nou. Tonight they registered a 1-0 victory over Almeria. Tenerife were defeated 0-1 at home at the hands of Deportivo La Coruna whereas Atletico Madrid registered a 2 – 1 home win against Zaragoza.

Inter Milan were saved from humiliation when Sneijder scored the winner in the last minute of the home match against Udinese and gave the angry fans something to cheer for. The win took Inter to the top of the table with 16 points and a point clear to second placed Sampdoria who play their game tomorrow against Parma at home. Bari drew 0-0 against Catania, much to the home fans frustration as their team was unable to take the maximum points.

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Posted in Barcelona, Birmingham City, Bolton, Burnley, Football Post Match Review, Football Results, Hull City, Inter Milan, Italian Serie A, Man U, Portsmouth, Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Spanish Primera Liga, Sunderland, Tottenham

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Match Day 2 Champions League – Groups A and B

September 30th, 2009

The big match of the day in Group A saw Italian giants Juventus visiting their German counterparts Bayern Munich for a group encounter at Allianz Arena, Munich. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, frustrating the 69,000 fans inside the Arena.

The second match of the group was being played in France between Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa. This match too was heading towards a 0-0 draw when Ciani headed a winner in the 83rd minute from Sertic’s corner. Maccabi midfielder, Baram Kayal was red carded in the 88th minute for a foul on Tremoulinas. The results left Bayern Munich top the group with 4 points followed by Bordeaux with same points.

Manchester United came from a goal behind against German champions Wolfsburg to register their second consecutive win in the competition. United who were playing at Old Trafford went behind in the 56th minute when Evra found himself short to defend a volley in the box which was eventually headed home by 23 year old Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. This was Dzeko’s first goal in the competition.

Probably the goal made Wolfsburg lose concentration as they gave away free kick just outside the box within two minutes of going ahead. Ryan Giggs took charge and saw his deflected free kick ending as an equalizer and giving Giggs his 25th Champions League goal. Carrick’s curl from the edge of the box in the 78th minute gave United the 3 points for the night. The other match in group B saw CSKA Moscow defeating Besiktas 2-1 in Moscow. Manchester United top the group table with 6 points followed by Wolfsburg with 3 points.

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Posted in Champions League, Football Post Match Review, Football Results, General, Man U

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Today in Premier League

September 26th, 2009

Cheslea faced defeat for the first time this season at the JJB stadium playing against Wigan Athletic. Wigan opened score in the 16th minute with a header from Bramble. Chelsea equalized two minutes into the second half with a goal from Drogba but Wigan’s attempt to score in the 52nd minute saw Petr Cech bringing Rodallega down in the box. Cech was shown a straight red card which left reserve keeper Hilario with the job of saving the penalty. Rodallega stepped up and took the penalty which he netted comfortably, making the score 2-1.

Chelsea tried attacking, but with a man down there was always a fear of counter attack. Chelsea did not capitalize on the opportunities that came their way and were punished again in 90+2 minutes when Paul Scharner scored, giving Wigan their first win ever against one of the top 4 English clubs.

Manchester United defeated Stoke City 0-2. First half saw United making sloppy passes but soon Ferguson replaced Nani with Giggs which proved to be a master stroke as Giggs helped United to score both the goals. With assists from Giggs in both united goals, Berbatov and O’Shea scored a goal each in the 62nd and 77th minute.

Liverpool defeated Hull at Anfield with a thumping 6-1 lead. Torres took 3, Babel 2 and a goal from Gerrard saw Anfield live with action. 4 goals from Keane saw Spurs defeating Burnley 5-0 at home. Portsmouth continued their losing run as they faced their seventh consecutive defeat this season, this time at the hands of Everton.

Blackburn won against Aston Villa 2-1 in front of home fans. Birmingham and Fulham were not able to capitalize on their home advantage and lost 1-2 to Bolton, and 0-1 to Arsenal respectively.

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Posted in Arsenal, Articles, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton, Burnley, Chelsea FC, Everton, Football Post Match Review, Football Results, Hull City, Liverpool, Man U, Portsmouth, Premier League, Stoke City, Tottenham

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Big Four through

September 24th, 2009

The renowned big four of the Barclays Premier League are through to the last 16 of the League Cup. Liverpool and Arsenal were already through the previous night, while Manchester United and Chelsea joined them the following tonight.

United were playing newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in front of 51,000 supporters. Sir Alex Ferguson started the match with a 4-3-3 formation. Macheda, Welback and Owen had been allotted strikers positions. Carrick, Nani and Gibson covered the midfield, and the defense was formed by Neville, Brown, Evans and Fabio and Kuszczak adorned the goalies position.

The win didn’t come easy for United as they were left with 10 men in the 30th minute when Fabio was shown a straight red card for a foul on Kightly. Kightly was running straight towards the United goal post when Fabio came from behind and slipped in front of Kightly. Fabio was then seen bringing Kightly down with his hands and was red carded by referee Peter Walton. Ferguson soon replaced his young striker Macheda with young defender Ritchie De Laet to make the defense strong.

United kept attacking and finally the breakthrough came in the 66th minute with a superb one-two between Welbeck and Owen which saw Welbeck scoring his first goal in his first match this season for the club. The match ended at 1-0 for the home team.

In London, Kalou scored the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute which was enough to see Chelsea through to the next round. Neighbors, Tottenham Hotspurs defeated Preston North End 5-1, and Everton won 4-0 against Hull City. Extra time was needed to decide the result between Fulham and the big spenders of Premier League, Manchester City. The match ended 1-2 to City with Toure scoring the winner in the 111th minute. Villa is through to the next round as they defeated Cardiff City 1-0.

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Posted in Arsenal, Articles, Aston Villa, Chelsea FC, Football Post Match Review, Football Results, General, Hull City, Liverpool, Man U, Manchester City, Premier League, Tottenham, Wolverhampton Wanderers

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Bellamy faces Ban

September 22nd, 2009

Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy who was hero of the match against city rivals Manchester United has been put in a tight spot by the FA and Manchester Police. Bellamy has been charged with improper conduct as he was found slapping a fan after his team was defeated by Manchester United.

The match proved to be a battle as both teams were desperate to win. Much was at stake for Manchester United as they were out there to prove that they were still the better side in Manchester. Prior to the match, Ferguson had revealed that it was not possible that he will lose the title of being the better side in Manchester in his time as coach.

Manchester City was there to prove that they were the new champions and were here at Old Trafford to overthrow the champions from their throne. City had the backing of their Dubai owner who has spent a huge amount of money to make City a formidable side.

Craig Bellamy had helped City twice to come from behind and equalize in the Derby. The second goal from Bellamy came in the 90th minute which made the score 3-3 and City seemed be more than happy with the draw. But the 90th minute equalizer was not meant to be the last goal of the match, as in the 6th minute of injury time, Ryan Giggs proved his worth again and sent a pass to substitute Michael Owen who was waiting for the ball in the penalty box and scored the winner which triggered celebrations at Old Trafford.

The goal ended the game at 4-3 and everyone started celebrating. When Bellamy was heading towards the tunnel he saw a United fan running on the pitch heading towards him. Bellamy was already angry as he had already thought he had pulled a point back for City in the 90th minute. Angry Bellamy who was full of emotions at that moment lost his cool and slapped the fan.

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Posted in FA Cup, Man U, Manchester City, Premier League

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Real Madrid Updates

September 22nd, 2009

Without wasting any time or any loss of form after a summer transfer from Manchester United, Ronaldo continues to show his brilliance in scoring goals even at Real Madrid. He scored a first minute goal against Xerez and later added another in the 75th minute, but before he could score more he was substituted in the 80th minute by Coach Manuel Pellegrini.

This is where Ronaldo did the second best thing he does apart from scoring goals, throwing tantrums. He was unhappy with the coach’s decision as he desperately wanted to score more goals. There are speculations that he is aiming for the Pichichi title awarded to the top goal scorer of La Liga. To add fuel to the injury Ruud van Nistelrooy who replaced Ronaldo scored a goal in the 88th minute.

This gives Ronaldo another reason to be angry as the two; Ronaldo and Nistelrooy kind of have a history. When they were together at Manchester United, there were problems between the two players. This forced United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to fire Nistelrooy. At that time keeping Ronaldo happy at United was more important as he was the ever improving young lad, and had the qualities of a great footballer.

Again fate has played its part and the old team mates have become team mates again at Real Madrid. This would prove to be a problem for the Real coach, as they would probably have to keep Ronaldo at the club. Sooner or later Ronaldo would show his prowess and Nistelrooy could be replaced. As of now Nistelrooy is sidelined for 6 weeks due to an injury he picked up during the game against Xerez.

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Posted in Man U, Real Madrid, Spanish La Liga

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