แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ before game report แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
แสดงบทความที่มีป้ายกำกับ before game report แสดงบทความทั้งหมด
วันเสาร์ที่ 24 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550
วันอาทิตย์ที่ 11 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550
Before Game Report : Man United vs Blackburn Rovers
Fergie unruffled by Rovers' style
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no problem with Blackburn's style of play ahead of Sunday's tussle
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Rovers' approach this season, but Ferguson believes it is "the right type of aggression".
"They are very aggressive at times but I don't have any great issue with it," said the United manager. "Maybe about three years ago they had one bad season, but you can't paint them black all the time.
"The disciplinary record this season and last season is good and that's the tell-tale sign. There's nothing wrong with being aggressive so long as it's the right kind of aggression."
Ferguson will be forced into a comprehensive change of plan after Wayne Rooney's ankle injury in training yesterday ruled the striker out of contention for four weeks.
Rooney had been in breathtaking form for United, his eight goals in the last seven games netting him the Barclays Player of the Month trophy for October.
His partnership with Carlos Tevez had helped United to 22 goals in six games, and had allowed Ferguson to treat Louis Saha with kid gloves, keeping him in a substitute's role to protect his delicate knee.
Just before Rooney sustained the injury Ferguson had praised his form and expressed his belief that Saha was currently at his most effective on the bench.
Ferguson said: "Wayne had an injury to begin with and that knocked him back a bit as he missed four or five games.
"We expect players of his ability, young players like him and (Cristiano) Ronaldo, to develop and improve themselves.
"They got 23 goals each last year and I think they are capable of getting more than that this year."
In terms of Saha, he added: "We are trying to manage the situation he finds himself in terms of his knee condition so we don't play him in every game and the dilemma is do we start him or do we bring him on.
"If you look at the composition of our side now, he is different to everyone else so he makes a bigger impact as a substitute.
"At the moment my inclination is to use him as a sub and he is fine with that."
Rooney should be back for United's trip to Liverpool on December 16.
Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2872670,00.html
Others News
Hughes: Pressure greater at Man Utd when I was there
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes says expectations were greater at Manchester United when he was a player than nowadays.
Rovers can break big four
To quantify the threat posed by Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes’ men could be the team to break the four-strong monopoly at the top of the Premier League.
Blackburn can cause Man Utd problems - Hughes
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes his side are capable of 'causing Manchester United problems' at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Fergie backs 'Rottweiler' Hughes to break into top four
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes's Blackburn can be the team to break the big four's dominance of the Premier League this season.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no problem with Blackburn's style of play ahead of Sunday's tussle
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Rovers' approach this season, but Ferguson believes it is "the right type of aggression".
"They are very aggressive at times but I don't have any great issue with it," said the United manager. "Maybe about three years ago they had one bad season, but you can't paint them black all the time.
"The disciplinary record this season and last season is good and that's the tell-tale sign. There's nothing wrong with being aggressive so long as it's the right kind of aggression."
Ferguson will be forced into a comprehensive change of plan after Wayne Rooney's ankle injury in training yesterday ruled the striker out of contention for four weeks.
Rooney had been in breathtaking form for United, his eight goals in the last seven games netting him the Barclays Player of the Month trophy for October.
His partnership with Carlos Tevez had helped United to 22 goals in six games, and had allowed Ferguson to treat Louis Saha with kid gloves, keeping him in a substitute's role to protect his delicate knee.
Just before Rooney sustained the injury Ferguson had praised his form and expressed his belief that Saha was currently at his most effective on the bench.
Ferguson said: "Wayne had an injury to begin with and that knocked him back a bit as he missed four or five games.
"We expect players of his ability, young players like him and (Cristiano) Ronaldo, to develop and improve themselves.
"They got 23 goals each last year and I think they are capable of getting more than that this year."
In terms of Saha, he added: "We are trying to manage the situation he finds himself in terms of his knee condition so we don't play him in every game and the dilemma is do we start him or do we bring him on.
"If you look at the composition of our side now, he is different to everyone else so he makes a bigger impact as a substitute.
"At the moment my inclination is to use him as a sub and he is fine with that."
Rooney should be back for United's trip to Liverpool on December 16.
Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2872670,00.html
Others News
Hughes: Pressure greater at Man Utd when I was there
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes says expectations were greater at Manchester United when he was a player than nowadays.
Rovers can break big four
To quantify the threat posed by Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes’ men could be the team to break the four-strong monopoly at the top of the Premier League.
Blackburn can cause Man Utd problems - Hughes
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes his side are capable of 'causing Manchester United problems' at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Fergie backs 'Rottweiler' Hughes to break into top four
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Mark Hughes's Blackburn can be the team to break the big four's dominance of the Premier League this season.
วันเสาร์ที่ 3 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550
Fergie and Wenger: The best of enemies
"As far as Ferguson is concerned, one thing is very simple now. I will never answer questions any more about this man. I am not going to answer any provocation from him any more.
"He does what he wants in England anyway. He can go abroad one day and see how it is there.
"What I don't understand is that he does what he wants and you are all at his feet."
Arsene Wenger, January 14, 2005
Time heals, doesn't it? Less than three years after Arsene Wenger's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson reached its lowest point, Arsenal and Manchester United convene in London this afternoon with English football's most enduring and intriguing personal rivalry back at the top of the Premiership agenda.
Today's meeting at the Emirates Stadium may be billed as the purists' football match — the day when the Premiership shows the world that a diet of crash-bang-wallop football is not all that we have to offer.
At its core, however, remains something primitive, a battle of wills between men who have done so much to shape English domestic football over the last decade.
As such, at Arsenal's training ground at London Colney yesterday lunchtime, Wenger was doing what he once swore he would never do again: taking questions about Ferguson.
"He has most of the qualities you need to be a great manager," said Wenger.
"He is passionate, makes the right decisions, has the personality and has consistency in his motivation.
"You must sacrifice your life to be such a long time in a job like his.
"This job never leaves your head wherever you are. You need to be consistently determined in your attitude and we are the same as far as the sacrifice is concerned."
After two years in the Premiership wilderness, the resurgence of an enterprising Arsenal team — coupled with Chelsea's moderate start to the season — has brought Wenger and Ferguson nose to nose once more.
With the departed Jose Mourinho hogging so many headlines over the last three years, the rivalry between Wenger and Ferguson, no matter how ingrained, has been subconsciously relegated to sub-plot.
And let's face it, English football — an industry that is nothing without its personalities — has missed it.
Ferguson's rivalry with Mourinho was underpinned by friendship and was, therefore, all about witty asides, pleasantries and boring questions about bottles of red wine.
Only occasionally did it threaten to boil over. With Wenger, it has always been different.
Ferguson's years in combat with the Frenchman have been characterised by mutual suspicion, mistrust and genuine contempt at times.
Ferguson once texted Mourinho to congratulate him on a notable European result.
It is hard to imagine him texting Wenger — presuming he has his number — even if the Frenchman was to be made Prime Minister.
"We don't contact each other, but that's not to say there's no relationship," said Ferguson yesterday.
"It's odd occasions as managers when you meet up, normally when you play each other. That's when you speak to each other.
"But a lot of these things are over-hyped." Ferguson is right, but only to a point.
In January, 2005, there appeared to be a thaw on the way as Ferguson admitted that he and Wenger had shared bottles of wine at UEFA coaching seminars.
But then United ended the 49-game unbeaten run of Arsenal's so-called "Invincibles" at Old Trafford, Wenger's players threw pizza at Ferguson outside the dressing rooms and anarchy again reigned.
Ferguson seemed reluctant to discuss his relationship with his rival yesterday, apart from admitting that it had been a "see-saw".
For his part, Wenger admitted that his own team's relatively fallow recent seasons had enabled a little objectivity to return.
"First of all, it is down to the fact that we didn't compete directly with them, so games were not really the deciders," conceded Wenger.
"That calms it down. Enemies is a big word. I don't know Ferguson well enough to say that I am friends with him.
"I respect him for what he has done, and for what he is doing in the job. That's it. Sometimes, it was hotter. Sometimes the climate was a bit warmer!
"What is important is that this is a good football game and that we win. All the rest is less important."
What lies at the heart of 10 years of problems between these men is hard to pinpoint, apart from the unavoidable friction involving sporting rivals.
It should be noted that Wenger has few genuine friends in English football and is actively disliked by managers such as Mark Hughes at Blackburn and Newcastle's Sam Allardyce.
For all his eloquence and erudite charm, the Frenchman is known throughout the game as a particularly sour loser.
Ferguson, meanwhile, resents Wenger for the way he feels he courts the media — he doesn't, he is merely polite to them — and for the manner in which he feels his teams' technical skills have always belied a barelyhidden nastiness.
His reservations are shared by others at Old Trafford.
Only this week, one United executive told Sportsmail: "Why is everyone banging on about beautiful Arsenal again this season? They haven't won anything yet."
Ferguson made the same point in his own press conference yesterday and once more the stage is set.
So, will things boil over again in Highbury & Islington this afternoon?
As Wenger said impishly: "I cannot give you any guarantees."
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=491441&in_page_id=1779&ct=5
"He does what he wants in England anyway. He can go abroad one day and see how it is there.
"What I don't understand is that he does what he wants and you are all at his feet."
Arsene Wenger, January 14, 2005
Time heals, doesn't it? Less than three years after Arsene Wenger's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson reached its lowest point, Arsenal and Manchester United convene in London this afternoon with English football's most enduring and intriguing personal rivalry back at the top of the Premiership agenda.
Today's meeting at the Emirates Stadium may be billed as the purists' football match — the day when the Premiership shows the world that a diet of crash-bang-wallop football is not all that we have to offer.
At its core, however, remains something primitive, a battle of wills between men who have done so much to shape English domestic football over the last decade.
As such, at Arsenal's training ground at London Colney yesterday lunchtime, Wenger was doing what he once swore he would never do again: taking questions about Ferguson.
"He has most of the qualities you need to be a great manager," said Wenger.
"He is passionate, makes the right decisions, has the personality and has consistency in his motivation.
"You must sacrifice your life to be such a long time in a job like his.
"This job never leaves your head wherever you are. You need to be consistently determined in your attitude and we are the same as far as the sacrifice is concerned."
After two years in the Premiership wilderness, the resurgence of an enterprising Arsenal team — coupled with Chelsea's moderate start to the season — has brought Wenger and Ferguson nose to nose once more.
With the departed Jose Mourinho hogging so many headlines over the last three years, the rivalry between Wenger and Ferguson, no matter how ingrained, has been subconsciously relegated to sub-plot.
And let's face it, English football — an industry that is nothing without its personalities — has missed it.
Ferguson's rivalry with Mourinho was underpinned by friendship and was, therefore, all about witty asides, pleasantries and boring questions about bottles of red wine.
Only occasionally did it threaten to boil over. With Wenger, it has always been different.
Ferguson's years in combat with the Frenchman have been characterised by mutual suspicion, mistrust and genuine contempt at times.
Ferguson once texted Mourinho to congratulate him on a notable European result.
It is hard to imagine him texting Wenger — presuming he has his number — even if the Frenchman was to be made Prime Minister.
"We don't contact each other, but that's not to say there's no relationship," said Ferguson yesterday.
"It's odd occasions as managers when you meet up, normally when you play each other. That's when you speak to each other.
"But a lot of these things are over-hyped." Ferguson is right, but only to a point.
In January, 2005, there appeared to be a thaw on the way as Ferguson admitted that he and Wenger had shared bottles of wine at UEFA coaching seminars.
But then United ended the 49-game unbeaten run of Arsenal's so-called "Invincibles" at Old Trafford, Wenger's players threw pizza at Ferguson outside the dressing rooms and anarchy again reigned.
Ferguson seemed reluctant to discuss his relationship with his rival yesterday, apart from admitting that it had been a "see-saw".
For his part, Wenger admitted that his own team's relatively fallow recent seasons had enabled a little objectivity to return.
"First of all, it is down to the fact that we didn't compete directly with them, so games were not really the deciders," conceded Wenger.
"That calms it down. Enemies is a big word. I don't know Ferguson well enough to say that I am friends with him.
"I respect him for what he has done, and for what he is doing in the job. That's it. Sometimes, it was hotter. Sometimes the climate was a bit warmer!
"What is important is that this is a good football game and that we win. All the rest is less important."
What lies at the heart of 10 years of problems between these men is hard to pinpoint, apart from the unavoidable friction involving sporting rivals.
It should be noted that Wenger has few genuine friends in English football and is actively disliked by managers such as Mark Hughes at Blackburn and Newcastle's Sam Allardyce.
For all his eloquence and erudite charm, the Frenchman is known throughout the game as a particularly sour loser.
Ferguson, meanwhile, resents Wenger for the way he feels he courts the media — he doesn't, he is merely polite to them — and for the manner in which he feels his teams' technical skills have always belied a barelyhidden nastiness.
His reservations are shared by others at Old Trafford.
Only this week, one United executive told Sportsmail: "Why is everyone banging on about beautiful Arsenal again this season? They haven't won anything yet."
Ferguson made the same point in his own press conference yesterday and once more the stage is set.
So, will things boil over again in Highbury & Islington this afternoon?
As Wenger said impishly: "I cannot give you any guarantees."
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/sport/football.html?in_article_id=491441&in_page_id=1779&ct=5
Before Game Report : Arsenal vs Man United
Fergie: It's us or Arsenal for titleSir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United and Arsenal have shown early signs they can make it a two-horse race for the Premier League title.
The two sides are currently level on points ahead of Saturday's clash at the Emirates Stadium, although the Gunners do have a game in hand over Ferguson's men.
Chelsea and Liverpool have suffered slightly more inconsistent starts to the season but Ferguson still believes they may launch title challenges of their own after the New Year.
He said: "At the moment I think it's looking between Arsenal and ourselves at the top but you know football changes.
"When you come to January and it really does start, then you expect to see Liverpool and Chelsea."
United won their first Premier League title for four seasons last year and Ferguson is confident he has built a squad capable of retaining the trophy.
"We have had some incredible injury situations, but over the last few years we've been like that at early season with a lot of injuries," he added on the League Managers Association' website
"I hope and pray that by the time we come to December - because the second half of the season is where it really begins - we have got a good strong squad together.
"I feel that once we get that strong squad together we are capable of going and winning the league again."
Meanwhile Ferguson admits the start of the season can put teams like Tottenham in a "false position" because of the disruption caused by international call-ups.
"Once the internationals get out of the road, then I think you'll find that the Premier League will settle down, we'll get a true perspective of who is going to be really challenging and you will get some consistent results," he said.
"At the moment there have been some surprise results."
Ferguson also paid tribute to Carlos Tevez, who despite struggling to learn English is letting "the football language talk".
Tevez is being given private tuition at home to improve his English and Ferguson said he is working hard.
But the United boss could not hide his delight at securing the services of the man who he believes single-handedly kept West Ham in the Premier League last season.
"What I have noticed about the boy here, since he has come to us, is that when he loses the ball he wants it back which is a great attribute to have as a striker really, not every striker thinks that way. So he's got a lot of great things about him and most importantly that great enthusiasm to play."
Source : http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_2840774,00.html
United and Gunners come of age
FOR those who like their football red in tooth and claw, Saturday's top two showdown may turn out to be something of a let-down.
Fergie challenges young guns
SIR Alex Ferguson has declared it will be medals and trophies that decide whether Arsenal's youngsters are better than Manchester United's.
Arsenal's kids must be judged on trophies: Fergie
Sir Alex Ferguson has declared it will be medals and trophies that decide whether Arsenal's youngsters are better than Manchester United's.
Man Utd legend Robson: Arsenal lack bottle for tight title race
Manchester United legend Bryan Robson says Arsenal's young team don't have the bottle to challenge for the title this season.
Wenger: We're contenders again
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal's brunch crunch with Manchester United on Saturday is once again a pivotal Premier League fixture in the title race.
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2550
Man Utd boss Ferguson excited by Arsenal showdown
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is excited about their looming clash at Arsenal.
"It's still an open race but Arsenal have had a great start and they're the ones we are chasing at the moment," Ferguson told the Daily Star.
"I know challenging for a title is a new experience for a lot of their players, but some of them have been there before and the manager has, and that is a big help.
"People said the same about us last year, but we led the league for three-quarters of the season, so I don't think it's a handicap."
He added: "Everything is coming together, as I thought it would, and in good time to take on Arsenal in what could be a key match in our title defence.
"The main thing is I know we will chase them with great fervour and determination."
Other News
Manchester United striker Louis Saha will be fit for Saturday's crunch match at Arsenal.
Manuel Almunia is urging his Arsenal teammates to treat Saturday's clash with Manchester United as just another game.
วันเสาร์ที่ 27 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2550
Before Game Report : Man Utd v Middlesbrough
United v Boro: Key battles
MANCHESTER United have found their goalscoring form by netting 12 goals in their last three games - and Middlesbrough are next in the firing line.
However, the Riverside outfit will be looking to continue their impresive form at Old Trafford having lost just one league match in the last six seasons.
Here is a look at the key battles that could decide the game:
Wayne Rooney v Jonathan Woodgate
The Red Devils forward will cause problems for the Boro defence with his powerful approach and eye for goal, netting 64 goals in 155 appearances so far in his United career. After a slow start to this season’s campaign, the 22-year-old has hit form with seven goals in his last six games for club and country.
Boro’s former Galactico will have to show his solidity with Rooney and Carlos Tevez lurking – but he has the organisational skills and tackling ability to pose them problems. He’s made seven appearances this season and when Woodgate is fully fit, there aren’t many better defenders.
Anderson v Fabio Rochemback
The Brazilian wonderkid should get another start with key players missing and will have the chance to dazzle Middlesbrough with his skilful dribbling and attacking flair. Anderson won many honours with former club Porto, as well as featuring in Brazil’s Copa America winning team in 2007.
Fabio Rochemback has the task of dealing with his countryman’s trickery but provides Boro with a chance with his long-range shooting and vision. The former Barcelona midfielder has been capped seven times by Brazil and has two runners-up medals in the UEFA Cup, but Boro fans are sometimes left frustrated with his work-rate.
Wes Brown v Stewart Downing
Wes Brown’s tough-tackling, aerial strength and pace will be put to the test against Downing. Brown’s career has been restricted by injury with two cases of damaged knee ligaments and a broken ankle, but now he is benefitting from Gary Neville’s absence. Along with Nemanja Vidic, Brown adds steel to the Reds backline and never shirks a challenge.
Downing has become one of Boro’s most valuable players and will be giving Brown a significant challenge with a sweet left foot capable of unlocking any defence and pinpoint crossing. The Middlesbrough Academy graduate has 16 England caps under his name.
Credit : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1021701_united_v_boro_key_battles?rss=yes
Others NEWS : Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
MANCHESTER UNITED v Middlesbrough:
Hargreaves back in the mix
Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Owen Hargreaves
fit and ready to start against Middlesbrough at
Old Trafford tomorrow.
Neville back in the frame
Gary Neville may find himself back in United's
first-team squad when the Reds welcome
Middlesbrough to Old Trafford.
Boro boss plots a shock
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists
his side are far from lambs to the slaughter when
they visit United this weekend.
Rooney confident over Anderson
Wayne Rooney has offered Anderson his backing as
the Brazilian gets set to take the responsibility of
patrolling Manchester United's midfield.
Giggs: Keep it going
Watch out Middlesbrough, United are flying. That's
the message from Reds winger Ryan Giggs in the
lead-up to Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash
at Old Trafford.
MANCHESTER United have found their goalscoring form by netting 12 goals in their last three games - and Middlesbrough are next in the firing line.
However, the Riverside outfit will be looking to continue their impresive form at Old Trafford having lost just one league match in the last six seasons.
Here is a look at the key battles that could decide the game:
Wayne Rooney v Jonathan Woodgate
The Red Devils forward will cause problems for the Boro defence with his powerful approach and eye for goal, netting 64 goals in 155 appearances so far in his United career. After a slow start to this season’s campaign, the 22-year-old has hit form with seven goals in his last six games for club and country.
Boro’s former Galactico will have to show his solidity with Rooney and Carlos Tevez lurking – but he has the organisational skills and tackling ability to pose them problems. He’s made seven appearances this season and when Woodgate is fully fit, there aren’t many better defenders.
Anderson v Fabio Rochemback
The Brazilian wonderkid should get another start with key players missing and will have the chance to dazzle Middlesbrough with his skilful dribbling and attacking flair. Anderson won many honours with former club Porto, as well as featuring in Brazil’s Copa America winning team in 2007.
Fabio Rochemback has the task of dealing with his countryman’s trickery but provides Boro with a chance with his long-range shooting and vision. The former Barcelona midfielder has been capped seven times by Brazil and has two runners-up medals in the UEFA Cup, but Boro fans are sometimes left frustrated with his work-rate.
Wes Brown v Stewart Downing
Wes Brown’s tough-tackling, aerial strength and pace will be put to the test against Downing. Brown’s career has been restricted by injury with two cases of damaged knee ligaments and a broken ankle, but now he is benefitting from Gary Neville’s absence. Along with Nemanja Vidic, Brown adds steel to the Reds backline and never shirks a challenge.
Downing has become one of Boro’s most valuable players and will be giving Brown a significant challenge with a sweet left foot capable of unlocking any defence and pinpoint crossing. The Middlesbrough Academy graduate has 16 England caps under his name.
Credit : http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1021701_united_v_boro_key_battles?rss=yes
Others NEWS : Manchester United vs Middlesbrough
MANCHESTER UNITED v Middlesbrough: Hargreaves back in the mix
Sir Alex Ferguson has declared Owen Hargreaves
fit and ready to start against Middlesbrough at
Old Trafford tomorrow.
Neville back in the frameGary Neville may find himself back in United's
first-team squad when the Reds welcome
Middlesbrough to Old Trafford.
Boro boss plots a shockMiddlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists
his side are far from lambs to the slaughter when
they visit United this weekend.
Rooney confident over AndersonWayne Rooney has offered Anderson his backing as
the Brazilian gets set to take the responsibility of
patrolling Manchester United's midfield.
Giggs: Keep it goingWatch out Middlesbrough, United are flying. That's
the message from Reds winger Ryan Giggs in the
lead-up to Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash
at Old Trafford.
วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 18 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2550
Next Game Reports : Villa vs United
Reds face fight at Villa
United will have a fight on their hands if they are to take three points from Aston Villa this weekend, according to Villans midfielder Craig Gardner.
Martin O'Neill's side have won four of their first five home matches this season - including a 2-0 triumph over Chelsea - and United face a hard task in extending their fine record at Villa Park.
"Villa Park isn't an easy place for teams to come," Gardner told the Birmingham Mail. "I'm sure Chelsea came here thinking they were going to get all three points and we won 2-0.
"Nobody will come here and stroll to the points. We'll give teams a game and we'll put up a fight. We've got that 'never say die' attitude now under Martin O'Neill.
"Even if we go 1-0 down, we have the character to bounce back and that's a good thing to have."
Gardner has been carrying a slight groin injury of late, but the England U21 international is desperate to be fit for United's visit.
Gardner has been carrying a slight groin injury of late, but the England U21 international is desperate to be fit for United's visit.
"It's a game I really don't want to miss," he said. "Man U at home is one of the biggest, if not the biggest game of the season, so I'm determined to be fit and it would be nice to be a part of the team that plays against United.
"These are the games no player wants to miss. You want to go out there and perform in front of over 40,000 and you want to play against the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs - what more can you ask for?"
Olof's injury doubt
Aston Villa may go into Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter with United missing inspirational defender Olof Mellberg after the Swedish international injured his back on international duty.
Mellberg looks unlikely to feature in Sweden's side for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Northern Ireland and now faces an uphill battle to regain fitness in time for the champions' visit to Villa Park.
Thirty-year-old Mellberg, who usually operates in the centre of defence, has spent the majority of this season at right back after Mark Delaney's retirement and Aaron Hughes' move to Fulham. If Mellberg fails to make Saturday's squad, Martin O'Neill is likely to turn to midfielder Craig Gardner for cover.
Meanwhile, Saturday's match also looks to be too soon for Villa striker John Carew, who limped out of action in Villa's 2-0 win over Everton last month.
"Carew is improving," Martin O'Neill said, "but I would, at this minute, say he was unlikely to be available for Saturday. Saturday would be the fourth week and we were always anticipating between four and six weeks."
Credit : http://www.manutd.com/
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